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How to make your
reservation
To make your reservation contact your travel agent, call us
or book using this e.mail address
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Deposit and final payment
We accept checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus,
and American Express. Your payment is not deemed made until
it is received by us.
A non-refundable deposit of $200 per vacation per person is
required for us to reserve space for you. For group
reservations, you should refer to the Group dep. which may
be requested by mail, fax or email. Final payment is due 45
days prior to commencement of services. If we do not receive
final payment by this date, we reserve the right to cancel
the reservation. In the case of billing errors, we reserve
the right to reinvoice with correct pricing. Payment in full
is required at time of booking for reservations made less
than 45 days before departure. In order to secure booked
space, your Travel Agent should advise us of your credit
card number when phoning in your reservation.
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Cancellations and
cancellation fees
If cancellation is received by us more than 45 days prior to
commencement of services, your deposit will be retained. For
individual reservations, the following per person
cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include
discounts, promotions or special incentives. (For group
reservations, refer to our group dep.)
· 45-22 days prior
to commencement of services: 50% of total price
21-0- departure day or later 100% of total price
Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services,
including accommodations, independently supplied services
and optional excursions, reserved prior to, during and after
the tour.
If flight changes, including flight cancellations, are
requested, revision fees or airline cancellation fees will
apply. If an air-inclusive vacation is canceled after air
tickets have been issued, refunds will be processed after
air tickets are returned to us.
We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any vacation
departure. If cancellation is made prior to departure, our
responsibility will be to refund to the passenger the amount
we have received for the reservation. We will try to re-book
the same vacation with a different departure date, or a
similar vacation. Where we have confirmed flights, we will
try to confirm air seats for the selected new dates, subject
to availability. We cannot assume responsibility for any
additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or
cancellation of air tickets or other travel arrangements not
made through us.
Xmass and New Year departures (Dec. 15th - Dec. 30th) of
each year: All deposits and full payments are
non-refundable.
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Revision fees
A fee of $30 per transaction will be charged for any
alteration or revision made to a reservation. Airline
penalties may also apply. A change of traveler name,
vacation date or itinerary within 45 days of commencement of
services will be treated as a cancellation and new
reservation; standard cancellation fees apply.
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Participation
For the benefit of everyone on your vacation, we reserve the
right to accept or reject any vacation participant, and to
remove any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible
with the interests of the other participants.
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Travelers who need special
assistance
You must report any disability requiring special attention
to us at the time the reservation is made. We will make
reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of
disabled travelers, but is not responsible in the event it
is unable to do so, nor is it responsible for any denial of
services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other
independent suppliers. Be aware that outside the U.S. the
Americans with Disabilities Act is not applicable and
facilities for disabled individuals are limited. Most
transportation services, including the touring motorcoach,
are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we
cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation
participant for walking, dining, getting on and off
motorcoaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A
qualified and physically able companion must accompany
travelers who need such assistance.
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Young travelers
Travelers who are less than 18 years old on the departure
date must be accompanied by an adult; they receive a 5%
discount on the land price. We do not accept children who
are less than six years old. On our Independent Vacations
there is no age restriction: land arrangements for infants
under two are free of charge, providing parents pay directly
to the hotels for food, crib, etc. For any special
requirements regarding airline tickets for children, contact
your airlines directly.
Due to heightened security, many countries have adopted
practices to prevent international abductions of children.
If a child will be traveling with adults other than the
parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a
notarized letter be written by the parents or non-traveling
parent granting authorization to travel, including the dates
of travel. We suggest that you also contact the appropriate
consulate and airlines because they may have additional
requirements.
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Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on transportation that is exclusively
provided by us.
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Price Guarantee
All vacation prices are based on rates (including foreign
exchange
rates) known at the time of printing and expected to be in
effect at
the time of departure. Prices are subject to increase
without notice
if such rates change prior to departure. The current price
will be
confirmed at the time of reservation. However, once we have
received
your deposit for any vacation featured in this brochure,
that land and
air price is guaranteed at all times and during high season
Easter (April 01st-30th) , Xmss and New Year (December
22nd-31st), and any subsequent land cost increases are at
our expense, not including surcharges and any government tax
increases. Airfares included as part of air-inclusive
vacation prices are guaranteed when we receive confirmation
of air itinerary and full payment. Vacation prices are per
person, based on double occupancy. Single room supplements
and triple room reductions are listed where applicable.
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Visas & Passports
For vacations requiring visas for U.S. citizens, detailed
visa information will be mailed or faxed. You are
responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents, and
for meeting all health and other requirements and any
documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or
requirements of the countries to be visited. Multiple-entry
visas are required for some vacations. Non-U.S. citizens
must consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any
visas are needed. All passengers traveling internationally
are required to have a passport. Most countries require that
the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the
conclusion of your trip.
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Accommodations
The accommodations listed in this brochure are intended to
be used on all departures; however, if a change becomes
necessary for any reason, the accommodations substituted
will be equivalent in standard to those shown. Every effort
is made to reserve only twin-bedded rooms. It may
occasionally happen that an accommodation provides some
double-bedded rooms instead. These rooms will be allocated
to couples.
Please note that accommodation check-in times vary
worldwide.
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Baggage allowance
Porterage for one suitcase is included in the vacation
price. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should
have dimensions not exceeding 30"x18"x11" and weight not
exceeding 50 lbs (22kg). A charge of US$3 per traveling day
will be collected by the tour director if a second piece of
baggage is carried, or if the suitcase exceeds the
established dimensions and/or weight. Air carriers are
becoming more strict about the size and weight of baggage
and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier or
travel agent for specific information prior to departure as
the size and weight limitations vary from airline to airline
and even according to destination, and may also be different
from our limitations. We are not responsible for additional
fees imposed by air carriers. Regulations within most
airports require that travelers handle their own luggage
through customs.
For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable
as hand luggage on motorcoaches and mini-buses.
No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to
baggage or any of the traveler's belongings. Baggage
insurance is recommended.
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Travel documents
Travel documents, including any paper air tickets or
e-ticket itineraries, are sent by regular ground delivery
approximately four weeks prior to departure, provided full
payment has been received. A $15 charge per reservation is
added for documents requested in advance or for two-day
delivery in the continental USA. Please indicate at the time
of reservation whether you prefer regular ground delivery or
two-day delivery. (Two-day delivery with related charges is
required for reservations made within 45 days of
commencement of services.)
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Not included in the
vacation price
Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and
Immigration; International Air Transportation Tax;
agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport
taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to
your tour director, tour host, tour driver, local city
guides; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships;
laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol, beverages and food
not on the regular table d'hôte menu (these extra items will
be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant);
optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel
protection; excess baggage fees; all other items of a
personal nature.
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Refunds
Please note that any request for refunds is subject to the
terms and
conditions of the brochure; no refund can be made for unused
services
of less than 48 consecutive hours, for unused transportation
where
group activity tickets are involved, or for voluntary
modifications
made by the traveler.
For all European summer vacations between July and September
and
during Easter all deposits and full payments are
non-refundable
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Holidays
During local or national holidays, certain facilities such
as museums and restaurants, sightseeing tours and shopping
may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be
offered whenever possible.
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Itinerary changes-River
Cruises
In the rare event of water level problems on stretches of
any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the
itinerary by motorcoach.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary whenever
conditions, in the opinion of the Master of the Ship or
local waterways, regulations, render it advisable or
necessary. We will not be responsible for any loss or
expense caused by reason of such changes.
We reserve the right to cancel, advance or postpone any
scheduled tour and/or sailing date and may, but is not
obligated to, substitute another vessel and shall not be
liable for any loss whatsoever to tour/cruise participants
by reason of any such cancellation, advancement or
postponement. In the event of cancellation by us only,
tour/cruise participants' sole right of recourse shall be to
a refund of monies paid to us in connection with such
tour/cruise. In the event of charters of the vessels,
strikes, lockouts, riots or stoppage of labor for whatever
cause or for any other reason whatsoever, we may at any time
cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled sailing and may,
but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel and shall
not be liable for any loss whatsoever to tour/cruise
participants by reason of any such cancellation, advancement
or postponement.
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Safety
Please be aware that during your participation in vacations
operated by us , certain risks and dangers may arise beyond
our control including, but not limited to, the hazards of
traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train,
automobile, aircraft or other means of transportation; the
forces of nature, political unrest, acts of terrorism, and
accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid
evacuation or medical facilities. We will not have liability
regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any
care that may be rendered. It is understood that we will use
its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken.
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Responsibility
The carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers providing
services are independent contractors and are not agents,
employees, or servants of, or joint venturers with, the
Company or its affiliates. All certificates and other travel
documents for services issued by the Company are subject to
the terms and conditions specified by the supplier, and to
the laws of the countries in which the services are
supplied.
If, after departure, the services included in the vacation
cannot be supplied, or there are changes in an itinerary for
reasons beyond the control of the Company, the Company will
arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any
resulting additional expense will be payable by travelers
and any resulting saving will be refunded by the Company to
vacation participants.
The Company reserves the right to accept or reject any
person as a vacation participant, to expel any participant
from the vacation, to make changes in the itinerary whenever
the Company deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience,
or safety of the participants, and to cancel a vacation at
any time.
No person, other than an authorized representative of the
Company, by a document in writing, is authorized to vary,
add, or waive any term or condition in this brochure,
including any term or condition set forth in the preceding
provisions.
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Minimum
Purchase
A minimum 5 nights hotel reservation or 2 nights hotel
reservation with round trip flights is required. Any
invoice less than $500 will be subject to a $50 processing
fee.
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Late Payment
Full payment must be received by the Final Pay Due date
listed on your invoice. If there is any outstanding
balance by this date, a late payment fee of $50 per person
will necessarily be added to your invoice. Travel services
will automatically cancel on that date and be subject to
reconfirmation. Payment of last-minute reservations
(within 25 days of departure) and late payments must be
paid by credit card and are subject to additional 3% usage
fee.
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Last-minute Reservation
Bookings received 21 days or less , prior to departure
will include a $50 last-minute booking fee. If requested
services cannot be confirmed, deposit and booking fee will
be refunded. If services are confirmed, final payment is
due within 24 hours and all applicable cancellation
penalties will apply thereafter. Acceptable forms of
payment include credit card or certified check.
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Prices
Prices are per person and based upon shared twin
room occupancy. In case of human or computer error, Global
Gate Vacations 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
Global Gate Vacations receives a written cancellation
within five days of the price increase notification.
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Changes
After Deposit
$50 per revision plus any expenses imposed by suppliers. A
revision is defined as any item in a booking which
requires an amendment. For example, one hotel revision
would equal $50; two hotel revisions on the same booking
would equal $100 plus supplier fees. Airline amendments
are subject to $50 revision fees plus airline re-booking
fees of up to $250 per ticket. A change of destination
constitutes a cancellation, and will be subject to full
cancellation fees.
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Passenger Information
Passengers are responsible to ensure that Global Gate
Vacations has the correctly spelled name, address, email
and fax data for all passengers. Names printed on the
invoice must exactly match the first and last name written
in their passport (middle names or initials are not
needed). Global Gate Vacations will not be responsible for
passengers who do not receive an invoice or documents due
to inaccurate information.
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Amendments After Departure
The cost of any changes or additions will be at the local
rate at the time of the amendment, not per the Global Gate
Vacations website or brochure, and must be borne by the
passenger.
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Airlines
Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Airline schedules
and flights are subject to change without notice. Global
Gate Vacations is not responsible for penalties incurred
for tickets, international or domestic, not issued by
Global Gate Vacations due to schedule and/or flight
changes. Airlines reserve the right to demand immediate
issuance of tickets whenever they determine that specific
flights are heavily booked even when normal ticketing
rules do not require tickets to be issued until a later
date. In this instance, Global Gate Vacations will require
immediate and full payment of the airfare and airport
taxes and fees as itemized on the invoice. This situation
overrides invoice terms and conditions and payment due
dates. If full payment is not received, seats will be
cancelled by the airline and may not be available to be
rebooked on the same flights or at the same airfare. Any
replacement air arrangements and airfare will be the sole
responsibility of the passenger. We suggest you contact
your travel agent or the carrier several weeks prior to
departure for seat assignments. Passengers are responsible
to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for
all flights.
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Rail
Rail tickets are valid for the dates and times specified
and once issued are non-refundable. The possibility of
date and/or time changes once issued is strictly subject
to availability and may by accompanied by rate increases.
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Hotel & Cruise Profiles
Global Gate Vacation's hotel and cruise ship profiles are
based upon information provided to Global Gate Vacations
by hotel and cruise ship partners and their
representatives, including images and descriptions of
individual properties. Star-ratings may differ from
country to country. Global Gate Vacations does its best to
maintain current information, however is not responsible
for any inaccuracies, changes in description details or
amenities, or images provided by third parties.
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Air-conditioning
Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, conditions
and use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from
the United States. Many European hotels were built before
central air-conditioning was introduced. Air-conditioning
is often shut down at night.
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Cruises
In general, passengers may board ships not earlier than
three hours and not later than one hour prior to
departure. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure
a timely arrival at the port. Cabins are assigned within a
general cabin category on run-of-ship basis. Global Gate
Vacations cannot guarantee a specific assignment. Cabin
assignments will be made available within 30 days of
departure. Requests for dining room seating will be
accepted by the maître d'hotel on sailing day.
Global Gate Vacations will accept requests for dining time
preference, but cannot guarantee confirmation prior to
embarkation.
Global Gate Vacations takes no responsibility for ship
substitutions or itinerary changes imposed by a cruise
line.
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Meals on Tour
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.
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Transfers
As indicated for each tour, provided by car, minibus, or
motor coach, and only on tour arrival and departure dates,
provided airfare is purchased from Global Gate Vacations .
If you purchase a land-only tour, or if you deviate from
the arrival and/or departure dates as stated in the
itinerary, you will automatically be billed for the
transfer service, which you may advise us to cancel at any
time prior to your final tour payment date. Your arrival
transfer is guaranteed for up to one hour from your
scheduled arrival time in order to compensate for minor
delays. Global Gate Vacations or the transfer company will
not be responsible for delays, for any reason, beyond one
hour from your originally scheduled arrival time. In case
of a delay, it will be your responsibility to contact the
transfer company directly and/or to make other transfer
arrangements such as a taxi. Transfer costs are not
refundable and any additional expenses will be your
responsibility.
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Itinerary and
Hotel Variations
Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, due to
unforeseen circumstances, the local Tour Operator may have
to make last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, in
the sequence of the tour and/or hotels. Therefore, we
reserve the right to substitute any of the hotels with no
cost adjustment.
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Non-operation of
escorted Tour
Escorted tour packages are based upon a minimum number
of participants. Cancellation of any tour for lack of
participation will be advised at least 21 days prior to
the tour's departure, and all money will be refunded.
Global Gate Vacations will not be held responsible for
any costs relating to the issuance and/or cancellation
of airline tickets or visa fees.
All tours -in case of non operating tours or
customized itineraries and private arrangements- are
non commissionable to agents and no discount will be
offered on all private tours arrangements
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Travel
Protection & Insurance
The cost of your trip may increase, due to personal
emergencies that may affect your travel plans.
Comprehensive trip insurance is therefore highly
recommended by Global Gate Vactions.Your premium is
related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry
about being over-insured.
Validity
All prices quoted are based on current exchange rates and
are subject to change without notice. If the U.S. dollar
devalues by 5% from the local currency or more, Global
Gate Vacations reserves the right to increase prices
accordingly.
Global Gate Vacations cannot accept responsibility for
loss or expense due to delay or changes in transportation
schedule or other causes. Global Gate Vacations shall not
be held responsible for potential loss of services due to
inclement weather conditions.
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