Gateway2Discovery handles every reservation request in a timely manner and ensures a professional follow-up throughout the booking process. Reservations must be accompanied by a deposit of 25% of the total itinerary cost and must be received at least 60 days prior to departure. Reservations received within 45 days of departure date must be paid in full at the time of booking. No reservation is considered confirmed only after receipt of full payment.
For all bookings of all private journeys during the Christmas and Easter seasons, a deposit of 40% or higher is required to confirm the reservation.
All cancellations must be received in writing either by mail, fax or email and are subject to the following fees:
• 60-45 days prior to departure date will result in a cancellation charge equal to 15% of the total tour cost.
• 44-30 days prior to departure date will be charged a cancellation fee of 40% of the total tour cost.
• 29-15 days prior to departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 80% of the total tour cost.
• 14-7 days or less prior to departure date will result in a cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour cost.
Deposits or full payments will be refunded in full minus a $100 processing fee if cancellation is received 60 days prior to departure. Otherwise, deposits or full payments will be subject to the cancellation fees listed above.
Gateway2Discovery is a registered member with the State of California Seller of Travel Program (CST: 2060833-40). Gateway2Discovery is also a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC, P.O Box 6001, Larkspur, CA 94977-6001). You, the passenger, may request reimbursement from TCRC if you are owed refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services which was not refunded in a timely manner. The amount which may be paid by TCRC shall not exceed $15,000.
Travel Agent
All travel agencies are required to submit their information requests via our link found on the bottom of the site.
Prices
Your itinerary price includes all expenses incurred in connection with services such as planning, handling, and operational costs and are quoted at the current rate of exchange at the time of printing (typically prices listed in our brochures or on our website) or at the time of booking. Itinerary prices are subject to change without notice. Itinerary prices may also change in the event of significant currency fluctuations (as has been the case very recently with the US dollar) or due to other economic reasons beyond our control. Should such events occur, Gateway2Discovery will issue a full refund to passengers not wishing to pay for the increase in price, provided that these passengers' written cancellation is received by our office no later than 5 days after prior notification.
Not Included
Gateway2Discovery shall not be responsible for additional costs incurred in connection with excess baggage charges, deviations from the outlined itinerary and for other expenses of personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, telephone charges, etc.
Travel Insurance
Although not required, we strongly recommend that our travel participants purchase a comprehensive travel insurance program that would protect them against trip cancellation fees, illness, loss and damage to luggage, etc. Our partner, Travelex Insurance Services, offers a comprehensive travel protection program at competitive rates that covers you for unexpected events that could cause you to cancel or interrupt your vacation, unexpected delays, medical assistance, loss of or damage to baggage. For detailed information, please click here to Learn More on TravelLite or Travel Plus. Travelex Insurance Services can be reached at 1.800.228.9792 (please provide our code: 05-0258) to get lowest rates available.
Accommodations
Accommodations are based on double occupancy room in the category of hotels selected. A single room may be available upon request at the time of reservation for an additional cost. Gateway2Discovery reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar category without prior notice as deemed necessary and for the comfort and well being of our travel participants.
Meals
The number of meals is indicated in the itinerary. Typically, most of our journeys are offered on half-board basis (breakfast and dinner) with the option to purchase extra meals at an additional cost.
Air & Land Transportation
Air transportation on economy class is provided through domestic and international carriers. Business and first class seats are subject to availability and must be specified at the time of reservation.
Land transportation is provided in deluxe and air-conditioned motorcoach. Gateway2Discovery reserves the right to substitute its means of transportation by other vehicles of similar comfort whenever deemed necessary and because of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control (equipment failure, strike, etc.).
Taxes, Gratuities, and Other Miscellaneous Fees
Hotels taxes and gratuities are included in our tour price. Likewise, our journeys include luggage handling and tips at hotels. Additional tipping to the driver and the tour guide is left at the sole discretion of our tour members.
Discounts
Discounts and other promotions may be available on certain departure dates and will be posted on our website. Students are entitled to receive a 5% discount on all of ours cheduled packages, provided they submit a valid international student identity card at the time of booking. Discounts are not valid if reservation is received within 45 days of departure. No exception will be made. Discounts are not available on custom/private journeys.
Other discounts are offered for the following categories of travelers:
• Senior Citizens 65 and Over - 5%
• Honeymooners - 4%
• Groups of 5 or more traveling together - 5%
• Children (ages 5-11) sharing room with two adults - 15%
• Third Person in Room - 5%
• Group Leaders - 1 free for every 20 participants
Transfers
Regarding all group transfers from/to the airport and hotel, please note that any alterations to the scheduled arrival and departure date and time will result in an additional fee charged for private taxi services.
Unused Services
No refund will be issued for unused portions of the itinerary. Likewise, it is understood that no refund will be made to those who withdraw from the tour for any reason whatsoever.
Travel Documents
Travel Documents (airline and Voucher including a detailed itinerary) will be mailed approximately two weeks prior to departure by Federal Express 2-day service. You may also be able to download them directly from our sites. Unless otherwise notified, we will mail you the documents to the address you indicate in the reservations form you submit online. You are responsible to provide the correct mailing address. These documents cannot be released until final payment has been made.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing includes entry fees to all monuments and shows as detailed in the itinerary. An English-speaking tour manager will be available to answer questions throughout the duration of our scheduled journeys.
Holidays
During national holidays, access to certain facilities such as restaurants and shops may be limited. In such cases, Gateway2Discovery will make every effort to make adjustments as deemed necessary and for the well being of our tour members.
Baggage Allowance
Two pieces of baggage are allowed per person and shall not exceed 44 pounds and sometime less depending on the air carrier. Insurance to cover you for loss or/and damage to your baggage is strongly recommended and available Travelex Insurance Services.
Passport & Visas
A U.S. Passport valid for six months upon return to the U.S. is required of all travelers. No visa is required for US citizens for a length of stay not to exceed 3 months. Non-US citizens should contact the nearest consulate of their country of destination to inquire about the latest entry requirements. All passport and visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the tour participant.
Responsibility
Gateway2Discovery acts as an intermediary or agent for the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other related services. Gateway2Discovery does not own, manage, or control any transportation or any recreational vehicles, hotel, restaurant, or any supplier of service. Gateway2Discovery assumes no liability either directly or indirectly from any loss, damage, accident, death, illness or acts of God and that may result from the negligence of any company or any person.
Gateway2Discovery reserves the right to make changes, additions or omissions to the itinerary because of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control such as flight delays, flight cancellations, equipment failure, theft, strikes, war etc. Should these changes or alterations become necessary, Gateway2Discovery will make every effort to adhere by the scheduled activities and make these changes only for the comfort and well being of our travel participants and to the best of our ability. On rare occasions, any additional expenses incurred as a result of these changes shall be borne by the travel participant and no refund will be made. The airline companies are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board of their conveyances. The passenger's ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger.
Gateway2Discovery reserves the right to deny and withdraw a travel participant from any journey when such person's mental and physical health become detrimental to the comfort and well being of other travel participants. In such cases, Gateway2Discovery's liability for cancellation and withdrawal shall be limited to the portion of the itinerary not utilized. In the unlikely event that Gateway2Discovery must cancel a journey, all monies will be refunded in full. In the event that a travel participant withdraws from his or her itinerary, no refund or credit will be issued for any reason whatsoever per section entitled "Unused Services" of these terms and conditions.
Certain activities on our journeys, in particular the outdoor adventures packages furnished by independent suppliers carry with them various inherent risks and although every precaution is taken to guard against such risks, it is understood that your safety cannot be guaranteed. Gateway2Discovery assumes no liability for accidents resulting from these activities. Physically challenged travel participants requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a qualified adult who assumes total responsibility for the participants' well being.
You, the traveler, are responsible for reading and reviewing these terms and conditions and all material and details printed in connection with your travel itinerary. All sales are final and are subject to these terms and conditions. We accept no responsibility and no liability whatsoever for your failure to read and review these terms and conditions.