Pioneer Expeditions accepts bookings subject to the following conditions. Please read them carefully and retain for your records.  Please ensure you understand what is involved in participating in your chosen trip and that your level of fitness, health and skills (such as swimming, bike riding) are appropriate.

INTRODUCTION

Pioneer Expeditions Worldwide Ltd accepts bookings subject to the following conditions. Please read them carefully as they form the basis of your contract with us.

BOOKING & CONTRACT

The contract is between Pioneer Expeditions Worldwide Ltd and the client. A contract exists once we issue written confirmation after your deposit and booking forms have been recieved. The person signing the booking form confirms they have authority for all named travellers.

PAYMENT

A deposit of from £500 pp up to 25% (depending on trip and country booked) is required.  Full balance is due 56 days before departure.  If booking within 56 days, full payment is required immediately.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Accommodation, guiding, transport, activities and meals as specified in your itinerary.ccommo

EXCLUDED FROM THE PRICE

International flights (unless stated); Travel insurance. Passport ; visas ; personal expenses ; optional activities.

EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES (INCLUDING WAR)

If unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur (including war, terrorism or government travel restrictions), you may cancel land arrangements without penalty.

Flights remain subject to airline rules and refunds cannot be guaranteed..

PASSPORTS & VISAS

We can offer assistance and advice in obtaining visas, but we cannot be responsible if you or members of your party are not granted a visa or are refused entry into the country. You must have a full passport valid for at least six months after the date of your return with at least two blank pages.  You are responsible for checking Visa requirements for the countries you are visiting or transiting en-route.   We will not accept responsibility or refund money in cases where you are unable to travel because of an invalid or mislaid visa or passport.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on an expedition organised by the company and must include cancellation cover.  Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. We strongly advise insurance is purchased by the client at time of booking a trip.  Clients together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private travel insurance with protection for the whole duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, emergency repatriation, cancellation or curtailment, legal expenses with adequate cover. Clients should ensure there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the types of activities included in the tour.  Please contact us if you require more information on appropriate insurance companies.

YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Pioneer Expeditions Worldwide Ltd is a member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA Licence No. Q4798).

All client monies paid to us for your travel arrangements are held within a designated Trust Account, independently administered to ensure they are protected in the unlikely event of our financial failure. You will be issued with a TTA Guarantee Certificate at the time of booking, which confirms the details of this protection and how to make a claim if required.

The Trust Account is overseen by an independent trustee and ensures that funds remain safeguarded until services are delivered. In addition, the TTA provides a financial guarantee of up to £11,000 per passenger. Further information can be found at www.traveltrust.co.uk/guarantee

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In the unlikely event of insolvency, monies held within the Trust Account will be used to refund payments made, or where possible, to allow your travel arrangements to continue.

FLIGHTS AND ATOL PROTECTION

Pioneer Expeditions Worldwide Ltd holds an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL No. T7610).

Where we assist in arranging flights, this is done as an agent for the relevant airline or flight provider. The contract for such flights is between you and the airline, and the airline’s terms and conditions will apply.  Once issued, flights are usually non-refundable. Any refunds depend entirely on airline rules.

Where applicable, you will receive an ATOL Certificate confirming the protection that applies to your flight booking. This will outline what is financially protected and who to contact in the event of insolvency.

As flights are arranged separately from your land arrangements, Pioneer Expeditions cannot accept responsibility for airline performance, or for any changes, cancellations or refunds relating to flights, which will be governed by the airline’s conditions.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

You should familiarise yourself before departure with the precautions recommended by the authorities. Full information about health and safety precautions is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) call 0845 850 2829 or visit www.fco.gov.uk.

LIABILITY

Pioneer Expeditions Worldwide promises to ensure that all parts of the holiday agreed within the contract are provided at a high standard and in accordance with the contract.

Please note that

• Some trips take place in countries where we have little control over the quality of internal travel and accommodation arrangements, which may vary in quality and the degree of comfort provided and may also differ from their description given by us in good faith in our brochures, leaflets and website.
• In most countries we operate in Local Airlines do not meet European air safety standards and therefore there is a higher level of risk when compared to international flights. If you would like to know which local airlines we use then please contact us for further information.
• It may be necessary for reasons beyond our control to amend advertised arrangements both before leaving the UK and once the trip has begun. Some expeditions operate in developing countries that are making great efforts to improve their facilities for its people and visitors.  But despite this, even with detailed planning, a degree of patience and flexibility is required in order to deal with the unexpected. The itineraries given for each trip must therefore be seen as an indication of intent and not as a contractual obligation on our part. No refunds will be given if changes for such reasons occur.  These booking conditions are also subject to change.
• It is understood that if you decide voluntarily to leave an expedition, Pioneer has no responsibility for your safety or well being or for any consequential expenses.
• Please understand that there are certain hazards involved when travelling, which you must accept at your own risk. Snorkelling/Swimming, Diving, Trekking, Climbing, Kayaking, Rafting, Horse-riding and Mountaineering are inherently dangerous activities.   It is possible to be killed, injured, incapacitated and experience pain, illness and suffering.  There is no way of predicting all of the hazards you will face.  Whilst Pioneer and our local partners will take reasonable precautions to minimise the risks, there is no way Pioneer or our partners can guarantee your safety on an expedition 100%. For all our river or sea trips, clients have to be able to swim.  These activities are at your own risks.
• Often areas of our expeditions are remote with little or no medical support. Therefore, delays to get medical assistance are to be expected and can go up to more than 24 hours. In some remote areas self-rescue is the only option.  Your guide may need to begin first aid appropriate to the remoteness of the area and the nature of your ailments.
• Whilst we and our partners will take all reasonable precautions to maintain your safety, you are also responsible for yourself and must act in a responsible and safe manner that will not endanger yourself or others in your party.
• We operate in areas where there are dangers to life from wild animals such as crocodiles, tigers, lions, snakes and elephants. You agree to act responsibly and if in any doubt take the guidance of your guide or group leader.

• By completing your booking form you certify that you have read and understand these risks and that they are acceptable to you. Pioneer or our partners will not accept your participation on an expedition if you do not have suitable or sufficient travel insurance to cover such events as illness, remote area evacuation etc.
• We are not responsible for any medical, hospital, doctor, rescue, evacuation or associated transportation costs. We will where possible assist you with any emergency logistics in the event of problems.     The company will not be liable for any illness, injury or death sustained whilst travelling with Pioneer Expeditions, except due to our negligence, nor will it be liable for any uninsured losses of your property.

RIDING

There are inherent risks involved with riding horses, camels, etc. We may require you to sign a separate form accepting personal liability for riding activities.

FITNESS, ILLNESS OR DISABILITY

If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking giving full details. If you are concerned about your fitness or medical condition and ability  to undertake the trip, it is your responsibility to seek medical advice as to whether you should participate.  If we feel unable to properly accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline/cancel your booking.

FITNESS, ILLNESS OR DISABILITY

If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking giving full details. If you are concerned about your fitness or medical condition and ability  to undertake the trip, it is your responsibility to seek medical advice as to whether you should participate.  If we feel unable to properly accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline/cancel your booking.

ALLERGIES & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

If you or any member of your party has a food allergy or specific dietary requirement, you must inform us in writing at the time of booking, providing full details.

We will make reasonable efforts to communicate these requirements to our local partners and accommodation providers. However, due to the nature of travel in remote or developing regions, we cannot guarantee that all dietary requirements or allergies can be fully accommodated at all times.

You acknowledge that responsibility for managing any allergy or dietary requirement ultimately rests with you, and we strongly recommend that you take appropriate precautions at all times, including carrying any necessary medication.

Pioneer Expeditions cannot accept responsibility for any adverse effects arising from allergies or dietary requirements during your trip.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Regarding hotel rooms, you should contact your guide if you have any concerns about electrical points in the room. All travellers need to be familiar with evacuation routes of the hotel.

For personal safety in general, your guide will help inform you about what is safe. When you are not with guide (e.g. on the beach), Pioneer Expeditions recommand not to go out at night and to ask the hotel for specific safety considerations.

BAGGAGE

We cannot be responsible for loss of or damage to baggage, personal effects, money or documents, except in so far as such liability may arise under our duty as carriers.

FORCE MAJEURE

We regret we cannot accept any liability, or pay any compensation, where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented, or affected, by “force majeure”.

In these booking conditions “force majeure” means any event which we or our agents overseas could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such circumstances may include war, threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute, flight cancellations, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, sickness, quarantine, adverse weather conditions and all similar events outside our control.

RESTRICTIONS ON PARTICIPATION

We reserve the right to remove from the tour any person unable or unwilling to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the satisfactory operation of the holiday. In this event we will make no refund, nor be liable to pay any compensation, and any additional travel costs involved in returning home are your own responsibility.

PRICE

Please note that the prices of our tours are open to change up until the date of departure (for example internal airfare increases and taxes, or significant fluctuations in exchange rates which are completely out of our control and must be passed on to you the client).   Pioneer will use its best endeavours to mitigate short-term  currency  risks through hedging, and protect you from the first 5% of any adverse movement. Beyond that level we reserve the right to pass on the difference in cost. If you wish to mitigate the risk completely then contact Pioneer Expeditions regarding a solution.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

At the time of booking, please let us know if you would prefer single accommodation or if you have any dietary or health requirements. We will let you know if there is a surcharge. We endeavour to meet all individuals’ specific needs but we can only accept bookings on the understanding that there will be occasions when single accommodation is unavailable.

Smoking is not permitted in the vehicles or in shared accommodation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

We give advice and information on matters such as health, vaccinations, visas, currency, local conditions, climate, equipment, clothing and other matters in good faith and cannot be held responsible for such advice and information. You accept responsibility for all these matters and particularly for obtaining the necessary visas and advice from your own doctor on all health matters.

CANCELLATION

If we cancel your holiday: Occasionally, we may have to cancel a booking. We shall cancel a trip no less than 28 days before the start date. If we cancel, we will offer an alternative holiday or refund all monies paid by you, but we shall be under no further obligation. Please note that each trip requires a minimum number of participants to run, however you will be informed of this upon booking.

If you cancel your holiday: If you cancel after we send you the written confirmation and invoice, or if you fail to pay the full cost of the holiday within the specified time, you will be liable to pay cancellation charges .These are calculated according to the date when we receive written notification of cancellation or the date upon which your cancellation is treated as occurring because of non-payment. The charges are based upon a proportion of the total cost of the holiday, as on our invoice, as follows:

N.B. – as part of Pioneers terms and conditions you are required to have insurance which should cover any cancellation costs for medical reasons.

IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY

Pioneer Expeditions reserves the right at any time to make changes to your holiday arrangements (including accommodation, transport or services.) Such changes are often minor, but if not, we will advise you as soon as possible.

CLIENT DELAYS

If clients are delayed at the outward point of departure they should inform Pioneer as soon as possible. Our responsibility does not commence until the joining point in the country as stated in the joining instructions that said we will endeavour to assist clients as much as possible. If prior arrangements have been made Pioneer will organise airport transfers to the stated joining.

COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK

It is of the utmost importance to us that you have an enjoyable experience. We are very keen to receive feedback from our clients both during and after the journeys. If you have a complaint about any part of your arrangements, please let us know at the first opportunity, so that immediate  amendments can be put into place. All complaints should be received in writing within 14 days of the trip and will be taken very seriously. Written notifications of complaints to:

Pioneer Expeditions Worldwide Ltd, Stable Cottage, Chydyok Road, East Chaldon, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DN, UK.

T: +44 01202 798922

E: info@pioneerexpeditions.com