Traveler Booking Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of Mae Alice Suzuki's (”The Organizer”) group trip services (”Trip” and "Trip Services"). By booking and/or participating in a trip organized by Mae Alice Suzuki, you ("Traveler") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1. Liability and Responsibility:- 1.1: The Traveler acknowledges that participation in the Trip involves inherent risks, including but not limited to the risk of injury, illness, or death. The Traveler assumes full responsibility for any risks associated with their participation in the Trip, and agrees to waive any and all claims against the Organizer, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents arising from such risks. This includes, but is not limited to, situations that arise during organized events, excursions, or any activities associated with the Trip. Travelers participate in all activities at their own risk and are encouraged to exercise caution and good judgment at all times.- 1.2: The Organizer will not be held accountable for any activities or events that take place outside of the official itinerary provided to the Travelers. It is understood that the Organizer is only responsible for the events and excursions that are explicitly outlined in the trip itinerary. Any additional activities undertaken by the Traveler, including those not coordinated by the Organizer, are done so at the Traveler's own discretion and risk.- 1.3: Each Traveler acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for their own flights, visas, meals that are not included in the official itinerary, and the acquisition of appropriate travel insurance coverage. The Organizer strongly encourages all Travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other unforeseen circumstances. While the Organizer is not responsible for any costs associated with these matters, travel insurance can provide financial protection in the event of unexpected events.2. Pricing and Payment:- 2.1: Unless otherwise specified, the price of your Booking includes: - All accommodation as listed on the Website - All transportation as listed on the Website - Activities listed on the Website - Meals as listed on the Website Otherwise, the price of your booking does not include any other services or products, and excludes without limitation, the following: - International or internal flights or transportation not specified - Taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified - Meals and Beverages other than those specified - Visa and passport fees - Travel Insurance - Optional activities and all personal expenses - Tour guide tips- 2.2: Full payment for the trip is due in accordance with the schedule specified during the Booking process. Travelers must ensure that payments are made by the designated deadlines to secure their reservations. While we currently accept payments through PayPal Friends & Family or Venmo, please be aware that these services may not offer the same buyer protection as standard business transactions. Upon completing the payment, the Traveler is required to send a screenshot or transaction record of the payment to **trip@maealicesuzuki.com**. Additionally, Travelers must provide the name and email address used for the payment. The Traveler will receive a confirmation email once payment is received. Please note that the payment confirmation email is not confirmation of the Trip itself, which will be confirmed separately.- 2.3: Pricing for the trip may vary based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the timing of the booking, seasonal demand, and availability. Some Travelers may incur higher or lower costs compared to others depending on when they make their reservations. By proceeding with the booking, the Traveler acknowledges and accepts the potential for price differences that may arise due to these variable factors at the time of booking. Prices are displayed in USD.- 2.4: Once enough spots are booked, a Trip Confirmation email will be sent to participants. Once the trip is confirmed in writing, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances. This policy is in place to protect the integrity and financial viability of the trip, which includes the costs incurred for Trip Services and local operators. However, in the event that the Trip is canceled due to insufficient participation, the Traveler will receive a full refund of their initial deposit. In the occurrence of force majeure, travelers will be refunded their deposits, minus operating expenses already paid to local operators. It is understood that these are the only two situations in which a refund may be granted, and all other payments made are non-refundable. In case of any cancellation for any reason, The Operator is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your Booking, including but not limited to, visas, vaccinations, unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.3. Traveler Obligations: - 3.1: All Travelers must be at least 18 years old to participate in this Trip. By Booking a trip using the Trip Services, you confirm you are at least 18 years of age. Travelers must be in good physical and mental health to participate in this Trip. Any Traveler with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities should consult with their doctor prior to booking to determine their suitability for the Trip. The Traveler is responsible for ensuring they have any necessary vaccinations or medical clearances required for travel to the destination. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you are suitably fit to allow full participation in the trip and to obtain proper and detailed medical advice for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination. The Operator reserves the right to deny any paid service to a Traveler, including but not limited to excursions or tours, due to concerns over the health and safety of the individual or the group as a whole. Any health or safety-related removal or denial is at the discretion of The Organizer. - 3.2: The Traveler must carry a valid passport and obtain all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your Trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the booking. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your Trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation. - 3.3: The Traveler is required to provide any requested travel-related details and documentation as specified by the Organizer. This information must be submitted in a timely manner, up to 60 days prior to the scheduled departure date of the trip. Necessary details vary by Booking, and may include without limitation, full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. - 3.4: The Traveler agrees to maintain prompt and open communication with the Organizer throughout the planning and execution of the trip. This includes responding to inquiries, providing updates regarding any changes to travel plans, and addressing any concerns that may arise in a timely manner. Effective communication is needed to ensure that all logistical aspects of the trip are handled smoothly and efficiently. - 3.5: The Traveler acknowledges that failure to provide details or maintain prompt communication may result in complications or potential delays in travel arrangements, including the violation of this agreement, which results in the non-refundable cancellation of your Booking. - 3.6: If the Traveler fails to show up for the Trip or leaves the Trip early, the Traveler shall not be entitled to any refund of any payments made. The Organizer is not responsible for any expenses incurred by the Traveler as a result of such no-show or early departure. This includes official removal from the Trip due to behavior, violation of community guidelines and/or health and safety concerns. - 3.7: The Traveler agrees to adhere to all community guidelines established by the Organizer, which are designed to promote a respectful, safe, and enjoyable environment for all participants. The Traveler acknowledges that these guidelines are subject to change and commits to staying informed about any updates or modifications made by the Organizer. Any updates to the Community Guidelines shall be posted on the Website. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in appropriate actions, including but not limited to, being asked to leave the trip without any refund, to ensure the safety and well-being of all group members. - 3.8: If you fail to comply with a decision made by an Operator or any Trip Leader identified by The Operator, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, The Operator or trip manager, if identified in the Booking, may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. You must at all times comply with the local laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with The Operator’s responsible travel guidelines. - 3.9: The Company may cancel a Booking at any time prior to the Departure date or during the Trip, due to any Traveler actions, inactions, communications, or any other behavior that The Operator deems to be a security concern, or that may impact the dynamic and safety of the Trip, as determined by The Operator in its sole discretion. In the event of such cancellation, you may not be entitled to any refund or compensation. The Operator may also elect to not provide you Services in the future.4. Rights Reserved:- 4.1: The Organizer reserves the right to modify or amend this Agreement at any time. The Organizer may take any reasonable efforts to post any such Updates to this Agreement, including without limitation posting such Updates to this Agreement on The Organizer’s main Website.- 4.2: The itinerary provided is a general outline of the Trip and may be subject to change. The Organizer reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary, including but not limited to accommodation, transportation, tours, and activities. Such changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, political instability, or other factors beyond the Organizer's reasonable control. If significant changes are made to the itinerary, the Organizer will make reasonable efforts to notify the Traveler as soon as practicable.- 4.3: The Traveler grants the Organizer a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, distribute, and display the Traveler's likeness, name, and any content created by or related to the Traveler's participation in the Trip Services for promotional, marketing, and advertising purposes. This includes but is not limited to, photographs, videos, social media posts, and written testimonials.5. Indemnification and Termination:- 5.1 The Traveler assumes full responsibility for any risks associated with their participation in the Trip, and agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Organizer, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to: - The Traveler's violation of any provision of this Agreement or the applicable community guidelines; - The Traveler's negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of contract; - Any third-party claims arising from the Traveler's actions or omissions during the Trip.- 5.2: If the Traveler, in the Organizer's sole discretion, violates any material provision of this Agreement or the applicable community guidelines, the Organizer may terminate this Agreement immediately. In the event of such termination, the Traveler shall not be entitled to any refund of any payments made. If the Organizer determines, in its sole discretion, that the Traveler's conduct is disruptive, harmful, or poses a safety risk to others, the Organizer may require the Traveler to leave the Trip early. In such cases, no refunds will be provided. The Organizer's decision to terminate this Agreement shall be made in good faith and based on reasonable grounds. The Organizer shall have no liability to the Traveler for any damages or losses arising from the termination of this Agreement, unless such termination is found to be unlawful or in breach of contract.
6: Legal Disclaimers and Limitation of Liabilities:
- 6.1: For the purposes of this Agreement, "force majeure" shall mean any act of God, natural disaster, war, hostilities, civil commotion, riot, insurrection, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, governmental action or regulation (other than tax laws), labor disputes, strikes, lockouts, or other industrial disturbances, or any other event beyond the reasonable control of the parties.- 6.2: In no event shall the Organizer, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including but not limited to any loss, including but not limited to profits, data, or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Trip.- 6.3: By participating in this Trip, the Traveler hereby releases, discharges, and covenants not to sue The Organizer, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, known or unknown, arising directly from the Traveler's participation in the Trip and related to: Any actions, statements, or incidents that may occur before, during, or after the Trip; Any alleged defamation, libel, slander, or other tort (including negligence) committed by the Organizer or its representatives.- 6.4: In addition to the foregoing, the Organizer's maximum liability for any claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, the Trip, or the Trip Services, regardless of the form of the claim (including breach of contract, tort, strict liability, or negligence), shall not exceed 30% of the trip fee per Traveler.- 6.5: The Traveler agrees not to make any false, defamatory, or disparaging statements about the Organizer, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, the Trip, or the Trip Services. Any such statements shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement and may result in termination of the Traveler's participation in the Trip and the forfeiture of any payments made.- 6.6: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written. Continued use of Trip Services shall automatically constitute such Traveler’s immediate acceptance of and consent to all of the updates to this agreement and you will thereafter be bound by such Updates to this Agreement.- 6.7: If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected.- 6.8: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States. The Traveler agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New York City, New York, for any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.- 6.9: Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith mediation. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute through mediation within 120 days, either party may initiate legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in New York City, New York.- 6.10: In the event of any legal action, lawsuit, or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and all other related expenses incurred in such action or proceeding. This provision for attorney fees shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall apply to any and all appeals or post-judgment proceedings.- 6.11: The Organizer makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the Website, any trips, any Trip Services, any intellectual property assets, or any content provided therein. The Website, Company programs, bookings, Trip Services, intellectual property assets, and any content provided therein are all provided to Travelers and other users on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without any warranties of any kind.
If you have questions or comments about this Agreement or the Trip Services, please email us at trip@maealicesuzuki.com.