Terms and Conditions

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the services provided by Cultural Keepsake Travels ("we," "us," "our"). By booking or using our services, you agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully.

Bookings & Pricing

Accuracy of Our Information: We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but errors may occur.

Eligibility & Accuracy: By booking, you confirm:

• You are at least 18 years old and have the legal authority to enter into binding agreements.

• All information provided for the booking is accurate, current, complete, and true to the best of your knowledge.

• If booking on behalf of others, you are the designated contact and confirm that you have the legal authorization to act on their behalf. You agree to inform them of these Terms, ensure their acceptance, and take responsibility for all payments, changes, cancellations, and keeping all travelers informed about trip details.

Registration: After completing your booking, you will receive an email containing a link to the Traveler Registration Form. If you did not provide all necessary information at the time of booking, you must complete this form within 5 days. If you are unable to do so within the specified timeframe, please notify us; otherwise, your booking may be subject to cancellation, less any applicable credit card or PayPal processing fees.

Airline & Vendor Fees: Changes or customizations to your booking may incur additional fees from Cultural Keepsake Travels and our vendors, including airlines. Once flight tickets are issued, they are generally non-refundable and non-transferable. Any changes to flights (such as names, airports, or dates) after ticket issuance may be subject to airline-imposed fees or require the purchase of new tickets, which will be added to your balance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, constitutes the sole contract between the airline and passengers.

Traveler Age Requirements: To book most of our tours, the primary traveler must be at least 18 years old. Any additional travelers must be 8 years or older at the time of travel, unless otherwise specified in the package details. For specific age requirements, please check the details of the package or contact us directly.

Minors (travelers under 18) must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years of age. One adult may accompany up to two minors. The adult accompanying the minor(s) is fully responsible for their behavior, supervision, and well-being throughout the tour.

If any legal consents, permits, or approvals are required for minors to travel, the accompanying adult is responsible for securing these documents. We are not liable for any consequences, including fees or losses, resulting from failure to obtain the necessary permissions.

Payments: We do not accept personal checks as a form of payment. Payments may be made via credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. If you wish to pay by cashier’s check or money order, please contact us via email in advance. All payments must be made in U.S. currency. Refunds for payments made in foreign currencies will reflect the exchange rate at the time of the refund, which may differ from the original transaction.

Installment Payments: Late or missed payments may result in booking cancellation, with applicable penalties as outlined in our refund policy.

Cancellations & Changes

Refunds: Refunds are processed according to our cancellation policy and are subject to deductions for non-recoverable costs.

Cancellations by Us: We may cancel trips due to unforeseen circumstances, insufficient participation, or force majeure events. In the case of insufficient participation, a full refund will be provided otherwise, refunds for non-recoverable costs (e.g., vendor deposits) cannot be guaranteed.

Incidental Expenses and Consequential Losses: You are responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses resulting from a canceled booking, by either party, including but not limited to loss of earnings, costs related to connecting flights, accommodations, airport transportation, document fees, visas, vaccinations, loss of enjoyment, or other services dependent on the operation of your trip.

Changes to Bookings: Changes, such as modifications to travel dates, are subject to availability and may incur additional fees.

Changes to registration data: changes such as name are subject to $50 and any airline fees if flight tickets have been issued.

Booking Modifications for Multiple Travelers: If you book for multiple travelers, one or more may cancel while allowing the remaining traveler(s) to proceed. Cancellation fees will apply only to the canceling traveler(s). If a change requires converting a double occupancy room or cabin to single occupancy, the remaining traveler(s) will be responsible for any applicable single occupancy fees, which will be added to their balance. In some cases, a new traveler may replace a canceling one, subject to a name change fee and any additional airline or vendor charges, including fees for issued flight tickets.

Services Included & Excluded

Included Services: Services included in your package will be detailed in your itinerary and booking confirmation.

Excluded Services: Items such as personal expenses, optional excursions, travel insurance, visas, and gratuities are not included unless explicitly stated.

Customization: We do not offer customizations or alterations to our standard packages. Any requests to modify the itinerary—such as changing departure cities, altering travel dates, upgrading flights, extending hotel stays, adding or changing destinations, or combining packages—are considered customizations and are not routinely offered. Should such customizations be available, they may incur significant additional costs.

Flights: Our tours include flights within the itinerary, such as regional flights within a country or between countries (e.g., in Trio Tours). Flights to and from the destination are not included unless specified in the tour package.

Flights before or after the tour, as well as airport transfers, are only included if specified in a Trio Tour package. Many hotels offer airport transportation, and we recommend arranging this directly with the hotel in advance. Packages that include flights within the tour do not have specific schedules posted or sent. However, approximate flight times may be provided in your package itinerary.

Losses due to airline changes: Airlines may change flight schedules at any time without prior notice, even after flights have been confirmed and ticketed. We are not responsible or liable for any costs arising from changes in airline schedules or missed connections on flights we provide. This includes, but is not limited to, fees or penalties for airfare not purchased through us, additional accommodations before, during, or after the package, or any airport transportation not arranged by us.

Seating: Advance seat reservations or preferred seating are not available for flights booked by us.

Mileage Programs: If you provide it, we will enter your "frequent flyer" or mileage award program account number into your flight record at the time of ticketing. When you check in for your flight, confirm that your account number has been added. However, the flights offered on our packages may not be eligible for these programs due to our specially negotiated rates. Please contact the airline or the administrator of the mileage program if you have questions about eligibility or the crediting of points or miles to your account.

Travel Requirements

Passports, Visas & Entry Requirements: While we may provide passport, visa, and entry requirement information for U.S. passport holders as a courtesy, it is the traveler’s sole responsibility to obtain all necessary travel documentation, including passports, visas, and health certifications, as well as to pay any applicable entry or exit fees. Please note that requirements are subject to change without notice, and we strongly recommend verifying them with the relevant embassy or consulate before travel. Failure to meet these requirements may result in delays, cancellations, or additional costs, including non-refundable fees, all of which will be the traveler’s sole responsibility. We are not liable for any consequences resulting from non-compliance.

Passports (for U.S. Passport Holders): A valid U.S. passport is required for all travelers, with a minimum validity of six months beyond the return date (some destinations may require longer). Some countries may also require a specific number of blank visa pages. Names must match exactly as they appear on the passport, including titles and full names. Any discrepancies may result in denied boarding or entry and could incur additional fees or airfare costs.

For certain packages, color copies of each traveler’s passport photo/signature page must be submitted within 5 days of booking or with final payment, whichever is sooner. Failure to submit these documents may result in booking cancellation, and any non-refundable fees incurred will be at the traveler’s expense.

Visas & Other Documents: Travel visas may be required for some destinations. Some countries may also require proof of immunization or additional documentation for minors (under 18) traveling with one parent, without parents, or with a parent of a different surname. Travelers are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and documentation to meet entry requirements.

Health Requirements: Certain destinations may have specific vaccination or health requirements. Verify these in advance. We strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider to assess your readiness for travel, particularly for high-risk destinations.

Travel Insurance: It is required for all our bookings and is not included in our packages. It is designed to cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost belongings. Coverage is based on the plan you select, and we are not liable for any costs not covered by your travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance coverage of at least $100,000 for medical emergencies and $250,000 for evacuation.

Special Requests

Dietary Needs: Dietary Needs and Allergies: We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions based on the information provided, including with airlines. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dietary needs (including allergies, intolerances, and preferences) are communicated to and confirmed by all relevant parties (airlines, hotels, restaurants) throughout the trip.

We do not guarantee that all requests will be accommodated. Please confirm dietary requirements directly with these third parties and 72 hours prior to flight departures.

Cultural Keepsake Travels, its affiliates, and service providers are not liable for any adverse reactions or health issues arising from food allergies or intolerances.

Accessibility

Travelers with Special Needs: By booking with us, you consent to the sharing of relevant information regarding your condition with our staff, including any need for special assistance, medical professionals, family members, or emergency contacts, as necessary. This information must be provided no later than 30 days before the start of the tour or within 5 days of becoming aware of the special need, whichever period is longer.

Many of our itineraries include physically demanding activities (e.g., hiking, walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, or traveling in small boats). It is your responsibility to assess your ability to participate and consult a medical professional if needed.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers. Please note that some activities, such as hiking or traveling to certain regions, may not be fully accessible for all special needs, and our transportation arrangements generally do not accommodate wheelchairs. We cannot provide personal assistance with walking, dining, or transport, so travelers requiring such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion, who must also be a paid traveler.

If our representatives determine that your condition may affect your safety or the well-being of others, you may be asked to refrain from certain activities or leave the tour. No refunds will be given for unused services.

Accommodations: Our packages include carefully selected hotels and/or cruise ships, based on standard double-occupancy rooms or cabins. You may request a specific bed configuration (one or two beds), but we cannot guarantee it. Single or triple-occupancy rooms, as well as special requests (e.g., bedding or smoking preferences), are subject to availability. At least 14 days before departure, we will provide accommodation details, including addresses and contact information.

If a change in accommodations is necessary, we aim to have substitutes match or exceed the original quality and location. Please note that some hotels in remote areas may not offer air-conditioning, but alternative climate control options are typically available.

Participation Guidelines

Conduct: You are responsible for arriving at the tour’s starting point, typically the first hotel listed in the itinerary. For packages with flights and/or transfers, you must make the necessary arrangements and allow sufficient time to board. You are also responsible for meeting at designated locations as outlined in the itinerary or as directed by the tour manager or Cultural Keepsake Travels representative. If there are any delays, please notify us as soon as possible. We will provide instructions on where and how to meet your tour group, manager, or guide. While we will make reasonable efforts to help you rejoin the tour, any additional costs will be your responsibility, and no refunds will be issued for services not used.

Traveling with a group of strangers can sometimes present challenges, especially in a foreign country. To ensure a positive experience for all participants, we reserve the right to refuse or remove any traveler whose behavior disrupts the group dynamic or compromises the well-being and comfort of others.

If you fail to comply with the tour manager’s decisions, behave in a way that causes or threatens to cause harm, distress, inconvenience, or annoyance, or interfere with the group’s cohesion or mobility, we may ask you to leave the tour. The decision regarding behavior incompatibility or disruption is at the sole discretion of Cultural Keepsake Travels or a third-party subcontractor.

In such cases, no refunds will be issued for any unused portion of your trip, and you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to your removal. We may also refuse service for any future tours.

Acknowledgment of Risks: By booking with us, you acknowledge that travel—especially to foreign and remote locations—can involve risks to your health, safety, and well-being. The nature and extent of these risks depend on the specific services or activities you have booked, as well as the destinations where these services are provided. Certain activities (e.g., ziplining, snorkeling, hot air ballooning, water travel, high-altitude trekking, dune bashing, or visiting remote regions) carry inherent risks, as do travel conditions in areas with limited infrastructure or health and safety standards that may be lower than what you are accustomed to.

Disclaimer of Risk: Participation in certain activities, including but not limited to ziplining, snorkeling, hot air ballooning, water travel, high-altitude trekking, dune bashing, or visiting remote regions, involves inherent risks that may result in serious harm, including injury, illness, or other unforeseen consequences. Additionally, travel to areas with limited infrastructure or health and safety standards that differ from those you are accustomed to may pose increased risks. By engaging in such activities or traveling to such areas, you acknowledge and accept these risks and agree that Cultural Keepsake Travels shall not be held liable for any resulting harm, loss, or damage.

There may be additional risks in destinations where hygiene, accommodations, transportation, food, and healthcare systems do not meet the standards you would expect at home, and these factors could pose risks such as foodborne illness, disease, or injury.

You understand and accept that it is your responsibility to evaluate these risks and assess your personal health and abilities. By booking, you take full responsibility for any risks associated with your travel. You agree to act prudently to safeguard your health and safety, including the proper use of safety equipment (e.g., seat belts, harnesses, flotation devices, helmets) and adherence to any safety instructions, warnings, or precautions given by our staff or third-party operators.

Except where caused by our negligence, Friendly Planet and its representatives shall not be held liable for any claims, injuries, damages, losses, or death arising from failure to follow safety instructions, warnings, or from the inherent risks involved in travel or activities undertaken as part of your itinerary or otherwise associated with your trip.

Privacy

Personal Information: Your information is used solely for trip arrangements. We comply with relevant data protection laws, including GDPR, to safeguard your personal data. We will not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

Media Release: During participation in our packages, images, photos, or videos may be taken by us, our representatives, contractors, or other participants, which may include your likeness. By participating, you consent to the use of such media. If you do not wish to be included in media, notify us in writing prior to travel.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Pinellas County, Florida, United States and any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the courts of this jurisdiction.

Liability

Third-Party Services: We work with third-party providers to deliver some services. While we carefully select partners, we are not liable for their acts or omissions.

Force Majeure: Force majeure events include but are not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, labor strikes, terrorist attacks, and other events beyond our reasonable control. If a trip is canceled due to such events, we will offer rescheduling options or partial refunds to the extent possible. Refunds for non-recoverable costs (e.g., vendor deposits) cannot be guaranteed.

Required Information: To complete your booking, you must provide personal details, including full legal name, gender, birthdate, and passport information for each traveler, as required by law and necessary for the provision of travel services. We also require the contact information (address, phone number, and email) of the person making the booking, as well as phone numbers and emails for other travelers, unless they are minors or family members living at the same address. Additionally, we need the name and contact details of a non-traveling emergency contact for each traveler.

You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all information provided for yourself and others. We are not liable for any errors, omissions, or resulting fees or damages.

Emergency Medical Treatment: In the event of a medical emergency that prevents you from providing consent for necessary treatment, we or our representatives will make reasonable efforts to contact your travel companions or designated emergency contact to obtain authorization for treatment. If, in the sole judgment of our representatives, circumstances or time constraints make such communication impractical, you grant us and our representatives the authority to consent on your behalf to any medical care deemed necessary. This includes, but is not limited to, medical examinations, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and care provided by licensed physicians or medical facilities.

Compliance with Local Laws
You are required to comply with all laws, regulations, and customs of the destinations you visit. We will provide general guidance, but it is your responsibility to be aware of and follow local laws and regulations. Any illegal acts, including violations of local laws or customs, may result in removal from the tour at your own expense. You are solely responsible for any fines, penalties, or legal consequences resulting from such actions, and we disclaim any liability for fines, imprisonment, or other punishments imposed by local authorities. We are not responsible for any failure on your part to familiarize yourself with or adhere to local laws.

Baggage & Personal Items: Each traveler is generally allowed one checked bag (up to 44 pounds), one personal item (e.g., purse or camera bag), and one carry-on that fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Some packages may have different baggage limits set by airlines, vehicles, or ships, and we will provide the specific allowances at least 14 days before departure. If in doubt, please check with the airline’s baggage allowances, as additional charges may apply for excess baggage.

Travelers are responsible for the security of their personal belongings, including luggage, cameras, electronics, jewelry, and items purchased during the tour. We are not liable for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, and strongly recommend you secure appropriate insurance for high-value items. If baggage is damaged by an airline or other transport provider, the airline or provider is responsible. You must follow all procedures for baggage claims as required by the airline or transport provider and file a claim at the airport before leaving the baggage claim area.

We are not liable for any delays or issues arising from baggage handling, nor are we responsible for any claims against the airline or other service provider.

Local Shopping and Acquisitions: We make every effort to provide opportunities for browsing local markets, shops, and stores, time permitting. Some itineraries may include stops at specialty stores or factories where you can view local crafts or purchase merchandise. Any items you choose to purchase during the tour are solely your responsibility. We are not liable for the quality, authenticity, condition, or value of any items purchased. We strongly advise inspecting all merchandise thoroughly before finalizing your purchase, as most stores do not accept returns or exchanges.

Please note that prices may not include shipping, handling, or customs fees, and we are not responsible for delays or additional costs associated with the shipping or receipt of items. Any issues with customs, damaged goods, or non-delivery fall under the responsibility of the buyer and the relevant third-party vendors, not us. We are not liable for any items purchased during the tour, including any lost, damaged, or undelivered goods.

Itineraries: We strive to adhere to the published itinerary, but changes may occur. The most up-to-date version will be emailed to the purchaser at least 14 days prior to departure.

The itinerary is subject to change without notice due to local conditions or safety concerns. We will aim to provide an equivalent or better experience and are not liable for any resulting damages.

In rare cases, significant changes or cancellations may occur due to unforeseen circumstances (see Force Majeure). We will notify you promptly and make efforts to secure refunds for unused services, though we cannot guarantee refunds, especially for ticketed flights. See our Refund Policy for details.

Optional Excursions: Optional Excursions refer to activities, meals, transportation, products, or services not included in the itinerary or package price. These excursions are typically offered by third-party suppliers. Some may be purchased at the time of booking, while others must be arranged and paid for locally, often in local currency.

We cannot guarantee the availability or pricing of Optional Excursions, particularly those paid for at the destination. If an Optional Excursion paid in advance is unavailable, we will issue a refund for that excursion.

We disclaim all liability for any claims, including loss of enjoyment, arising from participation in or the unavailability of Optional Excursions. This also includes any information provided by us or our representatives regarding these excursions.

Liability for Third Party Suppliers: Cultural Keepsake Travels works with various independent suppliers, including airlines, cruise lines, hotels, transport companies, tour operators, and other service providers ("Third Party Suppliers") to arrange components of your booking. While we take care in selecting these suppliers, we do not control or supervise their operations and cannot be held responsible for their actions or omissions.

Except in cases of our direct negligence, we are not liable for any cancellations, delays, diversions, loss or damage to baggage, injury, illness, or death, or any other costs or claims resulting from the actions or omissions of Third Party Suppliers. This includes any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, mental or physical distress, or frustration caused by these events.

Airlines, rail, coach, and cruise companies are only responsible for incidents occurring while passengers are on board their transport. We are also not liable for any criminal actions committed by third parties.

Travel arrangements involving international carriers (air, sea, rail, or road) and hotel stays are subject to international conventions and treaties (such as the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions for air travel). In these cases, our maximum liability for any claims, including those related to personal injury or death, is limited to the maximum compensation the carrier or hotel is required to pay under the applicable convention or treaty.

Tour Managers: On escorted group tours, a professional tour manager will accompany the group and oversee the trip. The tour manager’s decisions are final regarding matters affecting the safety and well-being of all participants.

Entire Agreement & Limitation of Liability

These Terms represent the complete and exclusive agreement between travelers and Cultural Keepsake Travels, superseding all prior discussions or agreements. No additional liability exists beyond what is expressly outlined in these Terms. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, it will be interpreted to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, without affecting the enforceability of the remaining provisions.

Responsibility to Review Entire Document: The information and terms provided under each heading in this document are applicable to the entire agreement, regardless of the section in which they are listed. It is the sole responsibility of the client to thoroughly review the entire document to ensure they are fully informed of all terms, conditions, and requirements. Failure to read or understand any section of this document does not excuse the client from compliance with the terms herein. The client acknowledges that they have been given the opportunity to review all provisions and agrees to be bound by the entirety of the terms presented.

Binding Effect & Indemnification: These Terms shall be binding upon the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, executors, and successors. In the event that a third party seeks compensation for claims released by these Terms, you (or your estate) agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cultural Keepsake Travels, including covering any reasonable costs, attorney fees, and expenses incurred in defending against such claims.

Governing Law & Jurisdiction: These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Pinellas County, Florida, and the United States. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Pinellas County, Florida.

Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, you agree to first attempt resolution through mediation. If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved via binding arbitration in Pinellas County, Florida.

Modification of Terms: Cultural Keepsake Travels reserves the right to modify or update these Terms at any time. Any changes will be posted, www.culturalkeepsake.com/Terms and will become effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our services after such amendments constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Right to Deny Access: Cultural Keepsake Travels reserves the right to deny access to our website (https://www.culturalkeepsake.com) and services, at our sole discretion, for any reason, and at any time, without prior notice or liability.