Refund Policy

1. Introduction

At GlobeQuest Tours, we understand that circumstances may change, requiring you to cancel or modify your travel plans. This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions regarding refunds for our travel services, including tours, accommodations, and other related services.

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms & Conditions, which provide additional information on bookings, cancellations, and changes.

2. Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

Refunds for cancellations are based on the number of days before departure when we receive your written cancellation notice. Our standard refund schedule is as follows:

Please note that certain services, special events, or peak season bookings may be subject to different cancellation terms, which will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.

3. Non-Refundable Payments

The following payments are typically non-refundable:

• Deposits: The initial deposit (25% of trip cost) is non-refundable in most cases, as it secures your reservation and covers administrative costs.
• Travel Insurance Premiums: Insurance premiums paid for travel insurance coverage cannot be refunded once purchased.
• Visa Processing Fees: Any fees paid for visa applications or processing are non-refundable.
• Amendment Fees: Fees charged for making changes to your booking are non-refundable.
• Third-Party Charges: Some third-party services may have their own non-refundable terms, which will be communicated during booking.

4. Special Circumstances

4.1 Cancellation by GlobeQuest Tours

If GlobeQuest Tours cancels your tour or travel service for any reason (except force majeure), you will be entitled to:

• A full refund of all payments made to GlobeQuest Tours, or
• The option to transfer your payment to an alternative tour or date without any amendment fee.

4.2 Force Majeure

In cases where travel is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (force majeure), including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of government, epidemics, pandemics, terrorism, or civil unrest, our policy is as follows:

• We will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative tour date or destination.
• If an alternative is not possible or acceptable to you, we will issue a travel credit for the full amount paid, valid for 24 months from the original departure date.
• If you cannot use the travel credit within 24 months, you may request a refund, which will be subject to a 15% administrative fee.

4.3 Significant Changes by GlobeQuest Tours

If we need to make significant changes to your itinerary before departure, we will inform you as soon as possible. You may either:

• Accept the changes and proceed with your tour
• Choose an alternative tour of equivalent or similar standard and price (if available)
• Cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to GlobeQuest Tours

A 'significant change' is defined as a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary, or which materially affects the character of the tour.

5. Travel Insurance and Trip Protection

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. Many circumstances that might force you to cancel your trip (such as illness, injury, or family emergencies) can be covered by a suitable travel insurance policy.

GlobeQuest Tours offers optional Trip Protection Plans that provide additional flexibility:

5.1 Standard Trip Protection

For an additional 7% of your total trip cost, our Standard Trip Protection allows you to:

• Cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a 75% refund of all payments (including deposit)
• Transfer to another departure date up to 30 days before departure with no amendment fee

5.2 Premium Trip Protection

For an additional 12% of your total trip cost, our Premium Trip Protection allows you to:

• Cancel for any reason up to 15 days before departure and receive a 90% refund of all payments (including deposit)
• Transfer to another departure date up to 7 days before departure with no amendment fee
• Make one itinerary change after booking without incurring an amendment fee

Trip Protection must be purchased at the time of booking and cannot be added later. These plans are separate from travel insurance and do not replace the need for comprehensive travel insurance.

6. Unused Services

No refunds will be provided for any unused or partially used travel services, including:

• Accommodations
• Meals
• Transfers
• Sightseeing tours or activities
• Other services included in your tour package

This policy applies regardless of the reason for non-utilization, including but not limited to illness, injury, personal choice, or travel delays.

7. Refund Processing

7.1 Refund Requests

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and should include:

• Your booking reference number
• Full name of the lead traveler
• Reason for cancellation
• Any supporting documentation (if applicable)

7.2 Processing Time

Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receiving your written cancellation notice and all required documentation. However, during peak travel seasons or unusual circumstances, processing may take up to 60 days.

7.3 Refund Method

Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for the booking:

• Credit card payments will be refunded to the same card
• Bank transfer payments will be refunded to the originating account
• Alternative refund methods may be arranged in exceptional circumstances

7.4 Currency and Fees

Refunds will be issued in the currency of the original payment. Any currency conversion costs or bank fees associated with processing the refund are the responsibility of the traveler and will not be covered by GlobeQuest Tours.

8. Transfers to Another Person

If you are unable to travel, you may transfer your booking to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the tour, subject to the following:

• You must notify us in writing at least 30 days before departure
• The transferee must meet all requirements for the tour (visa, health, fitness, etc.)
• Both you and the transferee are jointly and severally liable for payment of any balance due and any additional costs arising from the transfer
• A transfer fee of £150 per person will apply

Please note that some suppliers (airlines, hotels, etc.) may consider a transfer to be a cancellation and rebooking, and may charge up to 100% of the cost for that element. In such cases, these charges would be passed on to you.

9. Group Bookings

For group bookings (10 or more travelers), special refund terms may apply:

• Deposits may be higher than the standard 25%
• Cancellation schedules may be stricter than our standard policy
• Partial group cancellations may affect pricing for the remaining travelers

Specific terms for group bookings will be outlined in your group booking agreement.

10. Promotional Offers and Special Discounts

Tours or services purchased with promotional offers, special discounts, or as part of marketing campaigns may have different refund terms. These special terms will be clearly communicated at the time of booking and will supersede the standard refund policy where applicable.

11. Complaints and Refund Disputes

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your tour or travel experience:

• You must inform your tour leader or our local representative immediately during your tour
• If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, you must submit a formal complaint in writing within 28 days of the end of your tour
• Refund requests based on quality issues must be supported by specific details and, where possible, photographic evidence

We will investigate all complaints thoroughly and respond within 30 days. Refunds for service quality issues are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be offered as partial refunds, travel credits, or other compensation as appropriate.

12. Policy Updates

GlobeQuest Tours reserves the right to update this Refund Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated 'Last Updated' date. The refund policy in effect at the time of your booking will apply to your reservation.

13. Contact Information

For questions about our Refund Policy or to submit a cancellation or refund request, please contact:

GlobeQuest Tours Bookings Department
Flat 01 Allen Burgs
Baileychester BT66 7RR
United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 624 742 2058