RESERVATIONS: Please visit onebigplanet1.com, chat button on the website, or contact by email located on the “Contact us” form on the website.
Passports and Visas: Any information provided by our agency is sourced from official websites, however, we cannot guarantee anything. Passengers are fully responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel. Some countries require a full blank page in the passport for stamping purposes.
Travel Protection: Traveling involves risks and that is why we recommend that you protect yourself and your investment by purchasing travel insurance. We can recommend to use the travel insurance marketplace at insubuy.com
Documents: Provided full payment is received no later than your final payment due date, documents will be sent via email 7 days prior to departure day where the final payment was made at least 14 days; or 3 days where the final payment was received at least 10 days prior to departure. If paper documents are requested when e-documents are available, documents will be delivered via USPS Priority mail or in case there is not enough time via Express mail. A fee of $20 plus shipping charges will apply. A complete street address is required (no PO boxes for Express mail).
Children: All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Discounts for children sharing a room may apply to children depending on circumstances. Most hotels do not permit children under 18 to occupy a room without an adult. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safety of their children including providing any necessary safety equipment (such as infant/child seats) where appropriate. Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be traveling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter written by the parents, or non-traveling parent, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.
PRICES: Prices are per person based upon your initial group size and different for all destinations. Prices may change if there will be changes to your group size and services chosen. Prices do not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, wines, water, beverages, food other than in the itinerary, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes unless specifically indicated in the package inclusions. Prices are correct at the time of publication; however, as fares continually fluctuate, tour package prices and availability will change accordingly. In case of human or computer error, One Big Planet reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service. A full refund will be made to passengers who choose not to pay an increase, provided One Big Planet receives a written cancellation within five days of the price increase notification.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION:
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of reservation. The deposit amount is 20% of the full package price, but may be changed depending on the service provider’s terms and conditions.
Final payment: FFinal payment to be made 30 days before the trip start date. Final payment due date may change depending on the providers’ terms and conditions.
Late Payment: If there is any outstanding balance by the final payment due date listed on your invoice, all travel services will be subject to automatic cancellation, and a cancellation fee will apply. A service reinstatement fee of $50 will be added to your invoice and must be paid in advance in order to apply for reconfirmation of services. Reconfirmation of services is not guaranteed and depends on the provider’s availability, terms, and conditions.
Last Minute: All reservations must be made no later than 14 days prior to departure and are not guaranteed. If services are confirmed, final payment is due within 24 hours.
Form of Payment: All payments due are in US Dollars. We accept payment in form of major credit cards or debit cards, PayPal payments. Payments made within 30 days of departure cannon be made by checks. Third-party credit cards are not accepted. There is a $35 fee for returned checks including payments made electronically.
Refunds: Refunds are processed to the original payment method or, alternately, it can be made by money orders and will be mailed at the provided address.
Cancellation: Once deposit or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Submit your cancellation with "Cancel Reservation" in the subject line on the Contact Us page. The cancellation fee will be a minimum of 250$ US and up to an amount equal to the amount paid.
Cancellation of Airline Tickets: We are not responsible for an airline ticket cancellation. However, we may assist with rebooking and finding another suitable ticket. More information about passenger rights can be found on the Department of Transportation web page at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
Special Events & Products: Deposit, final payment, and cancellation penalties may differ for special events, some customized groups including group tour airfares, tours with internal flights, as well as select packages and hotels, and will be advised at the time of booking on your invoice. In addition, when special circumstances change, the price may change accordingly.
Flexible Change Policy: All new reservations are eligible for one (1) free change prior to the final payment due date. This includes a change of travel date and you may change your itinerary details within the same destination. However, if a new package is priced higher than the original booking, passengers will be responsible for the difference in cost.
Reservation Changes: Travelers may utilize the Flexible Change Policy for their first reservation change. All future changes to an existing reservation up to the final payment date, whatever the cause, will incur a $50 per person change fee, and potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and attraction reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the final payment date, the $50 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellation terms apply. This includes name changes* and removal of any services such as optional tours and transfers. *Please note that name changes to airline reservations are subject to full cancellation and rebooking. See Airline Name Changes section for specific information. Replacing a traveling passenger with another traveling passenger constitutes a cancellation and is subject to cancellation penalties. Changes or additions after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. There are no refunds for unused services.
TRAVELERS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE:
To fully enjoy your travel tour, we recommend that you select a trip that is suitable for your physical capabilities. Tour participants requiring any form of assistance, including travelers with physical disabilities, sight, hearing, or mobility impairments, are required to notify One Big Planet prior to booking a tour. We will review the tour requirements with you to determine the level of assistance you may need and to ensure that the trip you have selected is suitable for you. Please be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside of US borders. Any participant requiring assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and fully responsible for providing the assistance. One Big Planet, tour managers, guides, drivers, or other tour, hotel, transfers, or ship personnel are not able to provide individual services such as assisting with walking, pushing a wheelchair, or helping with getting off and on motor coaches, cruise ships and other vehicles. In order to participate in escorted tours, passengers must be able to understand and follow instructions given by the Tour Director at all times, both for the successful operation of the tour and as well as for their own personal safety and the safety of other participants. One Big Planet reserves the right to reject participation or remove any individual from a tour in the event that notification was not provided and/or when, in our sole judgment, continued participation would significantly hinder the services to be provided to all guests. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will be the responsibility of the passenger. All unused services are non-refundable. Escorted tours are fast-paced, often requiring lengthy walks over uneven terrain. In the interests of group harmony, clients should be able to maintain the pace of the tour. Clients with special needs may be better served independently. One Big Planet can suggest touring options based on specific requirements.
Wheelchairs & Walkers:
International Tours: Hotels, transportation providers, and sea and river cruises outside of the United States are not required to comply with ADA requirements and therefore may not have ramps, wide entryways, or elevators/lifts to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches, river cruises, or other forms of transportation.
Service Animals: Service animals cannot be accommodated on international escorted tours. For additional information on service animals' accommodation on other international tours please notify us beforehand.
AIRLINE
Airline Booking: One Big Planet is not responsible for the services and policies imposed by the airline selected. Airline schedules and flights are subject to change without notice. Airfare purchased is subject to each airline's terms and conditions. Airfare rules will apply to tickets canceled for any reason. One Big Planet is not responsible for penalties incurred for tickets, international or domestic, due to schedule and/or flight changes. Airline reservations completed online are subject to review and, should One Big Planet deem it necessary, may be asked to match minimum connecting time requirements and/or tour package itineraries, in which case you will be notified immediately. The minimum connection time is 2 hours, for flights without changing the airport and maybe longer depending on circumstances.
Airline Name Changes: Any name change including minor spelling corrections may require airline reservations to be canceled and rebooked. Reservations are subject to current availability and pricing at the time of rebooking. One Big Planet will not be held responsible for the denial of services by a carrier due to any name discrepancy.
Airline Frequent Flier Programs: Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Passengers are responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.
Airline Schedule Changes: One Big Planet is not responsible for schedule changes including, when applicable, changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. One Big Planet is unable to provide compensation for schedule changes, seat assignment modifications, or cancellations implemented by an airline. In the event of any change in flight itinerary made directly between passengers and their airline, it is the passenger's responsibility to advise One Big Planet of amended flight details in writing at the "contact us” section on the website. We cannot be held responsible for land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers.
Airline Baggage: Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device, and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. For specific requirements of your airline and for a complete list of fees, please check your fare condition or contact the airline. Many airlines apply charges for checked bags including flights that begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares that include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. We are not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage, or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Accommodations: Hotels will be chosen by travel service providers, as they have an agreement with certain establishments and the price will be provided accordingly. However, if the customer is not satisfied with the type of accommodation, we will do our best to find another suitable replacement. This in return may change the total tour package price. Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. Please be sure that adequate arrangements for accommodations have been taken into consideration when a late-night flight is being used. We reserve the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal standard. There will be no refunds for any difference in the cost of those accommodations.
Meals: As specified in each itinerary, meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Dietary requests and preferences should be provided at the time of booking and cannot be guaranteed; however, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests. Terminology for dietary requests can vary from country to country. Therefore, we recommend that you make your wishes known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Meals that are not on your itinerary are not included and must be purchased separately as a personal expense.
Transfers: Transfers are provided as indicated for each tour by car, minibus, or motor coach. If you deviate from the arrival and/or departure dates as stated in the itinerary, in most cases you will have the option to add transfer services to your reservation at an additional cost. In case of a delay, whether due to flight delay, immigration and customs, or time spent reporting baggage damage or loss, it will be your responsibility to make other transfer arrangements such as a taxi. However, if it is possible, an effort will be made on our side to prevent you from losing your transfer. Transfer costs are not refundable and any additional expenses will be your responsibility. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg', meaning that the driver must come to the airport, hotel, or pier only to pick you up and necessarily loses a one-way fare. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour.
Sightseeing & Itinerary: Tours are operated by motor-vehicle, their size dictated by the number of participants. One Big planet has been designed to accommodate individuals as well as groups. Times listed in itineraries are approximate and meant only as guidelines and you will discuss the exact time with your guides when you will arrive there. Some itineraries may have early morning start times for sightseeing in order to complete the touring during daylight hours or avoid afternoon heat in tropical and desert climates. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights, cruises, and package components. Arriving late may be considered a "no-show", in which case you will not be eligible for a refund for the unused service(s). We cannot guarantee the number of passengers who will be on any given tour in case you have purchased a non-private tour. You may find that you are traveling with a sizeable group or only with your own companions. Services, however, will remain constant no matter the number of tour participants. On dates including, but not limited to religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed. On these occasions, touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, affecting the sequence of the tour, locations visited, and/or hotels. Therefore, we reserve the right to adjust the sequence and/or substitute any hotels with others of a similar category. In such cases, there will be no cost adjustment for substitution, but cost adjustment can be made for the downgrading of service. Such refunds are solely at the provider's discretion. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. Our itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration.
English Language: Escorted tours are conducted in English and Russian and all Tour Managers, local guides, and hosts speak English. All commentary and instructions will be provided in English. For maximum enjoyment and understanding, you must be able to understand, read and speak English.
Rail: Once issued, rail tickets are valid for the dates and times specified. Some exchanges must be done locally at the station due to fare restrictions. Changes may be subject to local charges, fees, and fare increases. Once the booked train has departed, changes are no longer possible nor can amendments be completed onboard the train. One Big Planet does not control seat assignments which are entirely at the discretion of the rail companies.
Car Rentals: One Big Planet is not responsible for the services and policies imposed by car rental companies. It is important to review the details of your rental agreement provided locally. Car rental companies typically require drivers to provide a valid license, and a major credit card and meet a minimum age requirement. Additional fees may apply for changes in rental length, drop-off location, additional drivers, and optional additional insurance coverages. Passengers are responsible to become familiar with local traffic laws and road signs. One Big Planet is not responsible for any expenses, fines, or administrative fees for traffic violations, damage to the vehicle, or theft of items inside the vehicle or of the vehicle itself.
Optional Sightseeing Tours: Tours associated with escorted and guided programs will be available for purchase locally based upon availability. Some optional tours require a minimum number of participants and may not be operated; in such cases, the tour company will attempt to notify you locally, and you will receive a full refund upon your return home. Optional tours may be conducted in more than one language. Optional tours are subject to standard cancellation terms including being fully non-refundable one week prior to departure.
Non-Operation of Escorted Tour: Escorted tour packages are based upon a minimum number of participants. One Big Planet reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any escorted tour or individual booking for any reason including insufficient demand or events beyond our control. Cancellation will be advised at least 45 days prior to the tour's departure, and all money will be refunded. Voluntary cancellations due to political instability, acts of terrorism, government intervention, or US State Department warning will be subject to the above fees, provided the program is deemed (by One Big Planet) able to continue. In these cases, the 45 days windows may be shorter. One Big Planet will not be held responsible for any costs relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or visa fees.
Group Harmony: To provide group’s well-being, One Big planet reserves the right to accept, reject or expel any individual who is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the interests of the group, including, but not limited to, (a) if it is reasonably believed that an individual is dangerous to others or to themselves; (b) has engaged in or threatening to engage in behavior that may adversely affect the safety, security, well-being or enjoyment of other individuals; (c) who are intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will be the responsibility of the passenger. All unused services are non-refundable. In the event of the removal of the individual any expenses that may incur shall be covered by that individual.
Health Requirements: Check with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Required inoculations, if any, must be recorded by the client's health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry for proof of inoculation where required. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. Any person who arrives at the destination ill with apparent fever or becomes ill during the tour will be removed from the group and directed to a local medical facility for diagnosis. Only upon written clearance by an accredited medical facility that the guest is able to participate in the remaining activities of the tour will that individual be allowed to resume group travel. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with documentation and receipts for services provided by legally qualified healthcare facilities, and in accordance with policy terms.
Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.
Please contact us if you need help to determine health entry requirements. However, due to ever-changing regulations and legal language used in some cases ,we cannot guarantee you admission.
Travel Safety Advice: Your safety and security are taken very seriously. One Big Planet closely monitors local situations which enables us to make the operational decisions necessary to keep our tours running safely. It is very important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Please remember that you have the same responsibility for your personal safety and possessions as you do at home. We strongly recommend that you visit the website of the US Department of State at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date travel advice on the countries that you are visiting.
Luggage (Airlines): Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Personal items and carry-on sizes vary greatly among different airlines. For more information on baggage allowances please check your ticket’s condition. For information on what can or cannot be packed please visit https://www.tsa.gov/. Regulations may vary from country to country and this is the traveler’s responsibility to check them.
Tipping: Tipping guidelines could be provided with your itinerary and you may also do research on that.
Emergency Contact Details: It is recommended that you provide emergency contact details prior to travel.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: All customer service issues must be submitted in writing by emailing us using the form on the website. Please notify us within 30 days following your return. Claims for refund of undelivered services must be accompanied by payment receipt(s) and local documentation. There will be no refunds for unused package tour services or features, including missed transfers due to airline changes and/or missed flights, unused meals, missed sightseeing tours, unused entrance fees, and accommodations. Airline flight cancellations and delays for any reason are not the responsibility of One Big Planet. Submit your claim directly to the airline. We do not guarantee airline response. Complaints regarding a hotel's standards or amenities should be addressed directly with the hotel's management. Refunds are not normally considered by hotels if they were not given an opportunity to address those complaints locally. Processing of claims will take up to eight weeks from the date we receive relevant documents. Refunds are processed to the credit card(s) originally used for payment, up to the total amount paid. One Big Planet cannot guarantee promises (written or verbal) made by local hotel staff, tour guides, or any other persons other than us.
PASSENGER AGREEMENT: All passengers are required to complete a Passenger Agreement at the time of booking and, by so doing, formally accept One Big Planet's Terms & Conditions, Release from Liability, and Assumption of Risk. The forms will be delivered via email shortly after the time of booking. Customers who are unable to receive and complete their Passenger Agreement via email may request the Agreement be provided via fax or mail. Travel documents will not be released without a completed Passenger Agreement. One Big Planet reserves the right to cancel bookings and return deposits without a completed Passenger Agreement.
RELEASE FROM LIABILITY: One Big Planet does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airlines, vessels, buses, vans, or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. Independent contractors may utilize the One Big Planet logo on signage or uniforms solely for identification purposes which does not signify ownership, management, or control. As a result, One Big Planet is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, One Big Planet is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, diseases and dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, walking, bicycling, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of One Big Planet. In addition, I release One Big Planet from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I am aware that travel such as that I am undertaking involves hazardous activities, with a risk of illness, injury, or death which may be caused by forces of nature, animals, insects, or flora, the negligence of One Big Planet, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of the willful or criminal conduct of third parties. I am aware that weather conditions may be severe, adverse, and/or unpleasant. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating on the trip. In order to partake in the enjoyment and excitement of this trip, I am willing to accept the risks and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of my adventure. I hereby accept and assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury, or death and of the negligence of One Big Planet and agree to hold harmless and release One Big Planet from claims of third party negligence.
I understand the physical requirements of the activity in which I will be participating, and I currently have no known physical, medical, or mental condition which would impair my ability to participate in this tour or my safety in this activity, and I am willing to assume all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. I hereby authorize One Big Planet or my local ground handler or others to arrange for any emergency medical treatment and hospitalization as may be necessary for me because of participation in this activity without my further consent.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate on the trip designated on this application (or a trip which I may change to) and that I have read the description of the trip as it appears in the current One Big Planet agreement and supplements or brochures or website relating to the trip, together with all information contained in this application. I am voluntarily participating in this trip with knowledge of the hazards involved.
KNOWING AND VOLUNTARY EXECUTION: I have carefully read these Terms and Conditions and the booking information sections of this document, fully understand its contents and certify that I am 18 years of age or older. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between myself and One Big Planet and agree with of my own free will. By signing these forms, I agree to these Travel Terms & Conditions and One Big Planet’s Release from Liability and Assumption of Risk for myself, each member of my traveling party, and any minor children accompanying me.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE: One Big Planet may take photographs or videos of its trips and trip participants without permission to do so and for it to use same for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to the participant. However, you may notify us if you are against being photographed.
CUSTOM GROUPS: These Terms & Conditions apply except where modified in the Group Proposal and/or Group Confirmation
USE OF WEB SITE www/onebigplanet1.com
Agreement between Customer and One Big Planet: www.onebigplanet1.com is offered to you, the customer, conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of the website constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices.
Liability Disclaimer: The information, products, and services published on this website may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information which appears here. The content of this site is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, or available and may be changed at any time without notice. In no event shall One Big Planet be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, the use of this website, or for any information, products, and services obtained through this web site, or otherwise arising out of the use of this web site.
Privacy Policy: For One Big Planet’s privacy policy, please go to the bottom of the page on a website and click on “privacy policy”.
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