Terms & Conditions of Travel
The terms and conditions defined below establish the commercial agreement between Users and/or Customers and Taiwan Cycling Tour (TCT). Please note that all terms and definitions contained in the Terms of Use also apply to these Booking Terms and Conditions; in case any definition or terms and conditions are contradictory to the Terms and Conditions of use, the Terms and conditions of reservation will prevail. Please read the following paragraphs carefully; You are deemed to understand and accept the terms and conditions detailed below (you are also referred to in this document as "participant", "customer", "user", "guest" and / or "customer"). For the purposes of these Booking Terms and Conditions, the term participant mentioned frequently will refer to all customers who participate or receive any service offered on the Websites, or through other means, or who voluntarily want to participate in the packages, travel, and all outdoor activities with TCT; All participants and candidates who participate understand that the term refers to them.
You must read and understand the following terms and conditions before making your reservation.
These policies are effective as of July 16, 2019. Adjustments and/or modifications may be made at any time after publication to rectify errors or omissions, or to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
As soon as TCT ("TCT.com") receives a reservation along with the payment of a deposit, it is understood that you have read and understood the following General Booking Terms and Conditions.# Terms & Conditions of Travel
- Terms & Conditions:
- What is included in our Tour Package Price
- What is not included in our Tour Package Price
- Package Prices
- Reservation Recommendation
- Payment
- Single room occupancy
- Special requests for hotel
- Airfare, plane tickets and air travel terms
- Cancellation Policy and Fees
- Late Arrival
- Unused Services
- Untimely Termination of the Package by the Participant
- Cancellation or termination by TaiwanCyclingTour
- Price and package changes, surcharges during the course of the trip package
- Package modification
- Modifications to Reservations
- Itineraries
- Helmets
- Insurance
- Responsibility of the Participant:
- Liability
Terms & Conditions of Travel
Tour Package Price includes:
This is a general list of what is included in our packages. As most packages are adapted to satisfy our participants, the final list of what is included in your package will be enumerated on your invoice. Make sure you review the invoice we send you before paying. This invoice will act as the agreement and proof between the participant and TCT. Any services that are not enumerated on the invoice will be offered only if possible, and with no obligation of any nature to TCT. Extra costs may apply.
- Round-trip shuttle from Taipei International Airport to/from the starting and ending point of the tour.
- Accommodations at selected hotels
- Tickets and tolls needed to enter parks and attractions included in the package (visits to locations outside of itinerary are extra and must be paid by the participant)
- Meals (except two on the first day and two on the last)
- Biking Tour Guide for the number of days indicated
- Drinking Water for the duration of the tour
- Rental of Bike and safety Equipment
- TCT assistance
Tour package Price does not include:
- Round-trip airline flights to/from Taiwan
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- Domestic flights
- Airport Taxes (Departure and Return)
- Visa fees
- Tips for hotel staff, guides, and drivers
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
- Tea and coffee that are not part of your included meals
- Souvenirs and purchases
- Coverage (insurance) for illness, accident, cancellation, etc.
Package Prices
The rates presented on our website or other publications are in Canadian dollars and are valid as per the availability at the time of reservation. Should there be a rise in taxes, fees or other charges, these prices may change. TCT reserves the right to increase these prices in the eventuality of a variation in exchange rates, fuel costs, taxes, and other fees in effect. If the price increase at 40 days or more prior to the delivery of services has increased by 10% and above since the date the invoice was sent, the participant can cancel the hired or contracted services (with full refund excluding bank transfer fees and handling fees) or opt for a substitute package offering similar services. If the cost of a package offering similar services exceeds those booked initially, the participant agrees to pay the price difference. No price increase can occur within 30 days of the date that services must be provided. Reduction in prices from a promotion or a decision made by TCT applies to new bookings only. For the latest and up-to-date prices, contact TCT. No price adjustments (reduction) will be made to previously booked reservations.
Reservation Recommendation
We recommend that you book your stay at least 45 days before your planned arrival date to the tour location.
Payment
As there are lots of bank transfer fees and handling fees, we encourage our participant(s) to pay in full in one payment. We offer up to CAD $100 in discount per group if all members pay in full in one payment (per participant or group). This $100 discount is offered only if the total payment is made more than 30 days before the start of your TCT Package. Deposit, payment and cancellation policies will apply the same way if you pay in two or more payments. Conditions may apply.
Deposit
A $300 deposit per participant is required at the time of booking. If the deposit is not paid with the booking, it has to be made within 10 days of receipt of invoice. No reservations are confirmed until the deposit is received. If TCT is booking plane tickets for you, 100% of the cost must be paid on receipt of the invoice. No flight reservations are confirmed until the funds are received. 50% of your package total needs to be paid 90 days prior to your package's start date.
Final Payment
The balance or pending payment must be received at least 60 days prior to your package's start date; else TCT reserves the right to cancel the booking without notice and apply the cancellation fee, without recourse by the participant. For bookings made 60 days or less prior to the departure date, payment in full is due at time of reservation.
Late Payment
If payments are not made within the stated due date, TCT is entitled to decline the provision of services and to charge the cancellation fees applicable(see below). Interests could be charged following the: “The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.”
Payment by bank transfer, credit Card or PayPal
TCT is a small company; we are working on getting an online payment processing system in place. For now, we offer only 2 payment options:
Our preferred method of payment is with a credit card via Stripe/Paypal.com.
Bank transfer
TCT offers different options for bank transfer. Our preferred option is bank transfer to our bank account in Taiwan. It is also possible to transfer to our bank account in Gulmarg or our bank account in Quebec.
IMPORTANT! For bank transfer, the participant must pay all bank fees, transfer fees, etc. Please make sure you inform your bank to opt for «All charges are borne by the remitter» when sending or transferring your payment (money). This includes the charges and fees of the receiving bank. The whole invoice amount must be received in full by TCT. Any sum not received must be paid immediately on arrival.
PayPal & Credit Card
By providing his/her credit card number verbally or in writing to TCT, the participant consents to comply with all applicable Terms and authorizes respectively, the security deposit and/or the purchase transaction of services. TCT might ask the participant to provide written approval to the effect that the credit card could be used without his/her signature.
Single Room Occupancy Surcharge
Most accommodations we work with offer only double rooms or larger and charge us for single occupancy accordingly. Hence, groups traveling in uneven numbers and solo participants will be charged extra as stated in our packages.
Special Requests for Hotel
All specific requests such as the location of rooms, bedding, etc. have to be made at the time of booking. TCT will forward your preferences to the hotel but will not guarantee that they will be accepted or complied with by the hotel. TCT is not responsible if certain requests are not met.
Airfare, plane tickets, and air travel terms
All Airfare and Plane Tickets need to be paid in full upon receipt of the invoice. No Airline reservations will be confirmed until receipt of the full payment of the airfare. If there is an increase in airfare between the time that the invoice was sent and the receipt of the full payment of the airfare, the difference will be due to TCT. If the difference is not paid by the participant, TCT reserves its exclusive right to cancel your package and apply cancellation fees.
Changes
Flights are reserved as per the carrier's tariff. In accordance with the airline's tariff, whenever and without notice, flights could be subject to consolidation and may be subject to changes in schedule, airplane type, days of operation, re-routing or change in airline partners. As TCT has no control over this possibility of change and is therefore not responsible or liable to the participant of any such actions, TCT strongly recommends that participants be aware of this possibility and plan ahead to avoid inconveniences.
Checking and connecting flights
Flight times, even if printed on a ticket, are for reference only. These can be revised for various reasons, often beyond the control of the airline or TCT. It is the obligation of all participants who bought a package or a flight with TCT to confirm the flight departure time at least 24 hours prior to their departure as well as the return flight with all the airline(s) concerned. All bookings including connecting flights are done at the customer’s own risk and the customer has to allow his/herself plenty of time to make any connections. TCT shall not be held liable in case of a change of schedule or a missed connection, which includes any direct or indirect damage or expenses arising (including, and without limitation, a loss of revenue or earnings, lost vacation days or additional costs incurred).
Airport check-in
TCT advises all travelers to arrive at the airport registration desk at least 3 hours before departure. A delayed arrival may lead to the loss of the passenger’s reservation and their seat could be allocated to another customer without possibility of recourse.
Baggage
Every airline has precise standards for the number, weight, and size of baggage. All Participants should check with their chosen airline to verify the policies.
Other conditions and limitations of airline liability
The conditions of air transportation and claims regarding loss and/or damage to baggage is regulated by the Montreal Convention or the Warsaw Convention, whichever the situation, the applicable tariff by the airline, the contract terms declared on the ticket, boarding pass or baggage receipt and any authorities that establish the limitations of the carrier’s liability. When submitted and approved by governmental authorities, any amendments or changes to these general conditions of carriage can be applied immediately without notice. Airline tickets that are unused, in whole or in part, on the indicated dates will not be honored on other flights or refunded to the customer.
Seat assignment
Unless you have pre-selected or purchased a specific seat, the agent at the airline counter allocates the seats in the aircraft at the airport. Some extra fees can be charged directly by the airlines for seat preference and are not included in package prices.
Cancellation Policy and Fees
All cancellations have to be communicated to TCT by email and with a registered letter. Received travel documentation must be sent back to TCT at the time of such cancellation.
Cancellation fees will be charged by TCT in every case of cancellation made at the traveler’s request - whatever the cause, which includes, but is not limited to: fear of political unrest, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, acts of God, or any personal reason.
The following cancellation fees apply:
- 45 days or more prior to departure: the deposit is non-refundable. If you have paid more than the deposit, TCT will transfer the difference to your bank account. All bank transfer fees, handling fees or other fees will be paid by the participant. Deposits paid by one participant are not transferable to another participant of the same group or a new group.
- Less than 45 days prior to departure: the total package price is due and is non-refundable. Participants who don't appear, arrive too late or without the necessary travel documents at the airport agree to pay TCT the full 100% value of the package price.
Late Arrival
In the instance that a passenger cannot travel on the actual booked departure date or time or arrives late at Taipei Airport and is unable to inform TCT, a fee will be charged for the shuttle service from Taipei Airport if the shuttle has to go to the airport a second time.
In the event that you arrive 1 or more days after the scheduled arrival date (for reasons beyond the control of TCT), there will be no refund for any of the paid services and no guarantee to be able to join the main group on tour.
Unused Services
No refunds will be granted for unused or cancelled packages or services after your booked departure date or resulting from circumstances beyond TCT control.
Untimely Termination of the Package by the Participant
Regardless of the reason you may have to terminate your trip early (illness, personal reasons, etc.), the unfinished portion of the trip is non-refundable.
Cancellation or termination by taiwancyclingtours.com
TCT reserves the right to cancel your trip either before the departure date or during the course of the trip for reasons including (but not limited to):
Minimum Number of Participants
Unless otherwise specified, there is no minimum amount of participants required. If only a few people (less than 3) participate, TCT reserves the right to cancel the program 15 days before departure or ask for a surcharge. In the case that the program is canceled by TCT, all money paid will be refunded minus the bank transfer fees, handling fees or other fees. Additional services by TCT are excluded.
Other
In the event that there should be any other reason to cancel the package, such as political unrest, Acts of God, catastrophes, strikes, etc. or other elements which may endanger the safety of the trip, cancellation could be decided on short notice. In this case, payments will be refunded minus the bank transfer fees, handling fees or other fees. TCT is entitled to the right to subtract all previously incurred expenses for the package. Further claims for compensation are excluded.
TCT could cancel a participant or group’s package in the case of a change in a participant’s medical condition or fitness. The failure of an individual to divulge details of their medical condition or fitness before departure could result in the cancellation of their own or their group’s package. Cancellation fees will apply. Further claims for compensation are excluded.
TCT reserves the right to terminate or cancel a package or a group package should a participant choose to not abide by the directions of TCT or of all applicable Terms or if TCT concludes that the participant should no longer participate.
In the case of termination during the biking tour, the whole price paid by the participant will be forfeited.
Price and package changes, surcharges during the course of the trip package
TCT reserves all rights to adjust the price of, alter or add extra costs to your package either before departure or during the trip for reasons including (but not limited to):
Price change
TCT offers packages that need to be organized far in advance and demand a substantial planning effort. Consequently, price changes could occur due to the following reasons (but will not be limited to):
- Future price increases by transportation companies (fuel, taxes, etc.)
- Recently added or increased state duties and charges (e.g. VAT, airport tax etc.)
- Exchange rate fluctuations
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Increase in third-party cost (hotels, taxis, guides, equipment, passes)
TCT will communicate any price increase 40 days before departure at the very latest. In the event the price raise is higher than 10% of the original communicated price, the participant is entitled to terminate the contract within 5 days after reception of the details about the price increase.
Extra costs during the trip
Additional costs that may occur due to unexpected events and which simply cannot be managed or foreseen by TCT have to be borne by the traveler him/herself.
Package modification
TCT reserves the right to modify your package including (but not limited to) scheduled dates and routes, early timely termination or finalization of your package with respect to any trip that you have been accepted as a participant.
The biking package or its components thereof could be modified before or during the course of the trip (accommodation, means of transport, airlines and schedules) if required as a result of unmanageable circumstances. If a substantial part of the package was not offered and used, TCT will do everything they can to refund the difference between total package price and the price for the services not effected, assuming that TCT was not billed and/or taxed for these unused services by third party partners and/or companies. Further claims for compensation are excluded.
Modifications to Reservations
For all changes (room type, hotel, bike model, etc.), these charges will apply: 30 days or more before departure: CAD 30.00 per person plus the difference in price; 29 days or less before departure: 100% of the total package price. Changes will be provided based on availability. Any modification to a name or a date will be considered as a cancellation (see paragraph “Cancellation Policy and Fees").
Itineraries
TCT reserves the right to change advertised itineraries before or during a tour in the interests of safety resulting from war, disease, natural disasters, safety, or changed local conditions. The tour leader or guide during a tour has the right to make any necessary changes to the itinerary for discretional reasons (including but not limited to weather, health, safety, etc). Any client not adhering to changes made for these reasons will be deemed to have left the tour and is no longer under the care of TCT
Helmets
It is required that a bicycle helmet be worn by all cyclists when riding a bicycle throughout a Tawan Cycling Tour package. Failure to wear a helmet will result in the customer not being allowed to cycle as a part of the tour program.
Travel Insurance
At the time of booking, TCT highly advises that participants acquire travel protection including cancellation and/or interruption insurance, damage or loss of baggage, medical and hospitalization coverage. If the participant has insurance provided by his/her credit card, employer, or any other personal insurance, it is his/her responsibility to know all conditions of the contract. TCT is in no way liable. Participants should consult their or any travel specialist for more information.
Furthermore, we recommend that you insure yourself against all risks where TCT cannot be held responsible: accidents, illness, damage, loss of baggage, flight cancellation, etc. Contact TCT to learn about insurance coverage that covers Taiwan, Biking and Road accidents, Evacuation and acts of terror.
Responsibility of the Participant
Travel Documents
A valid passport is the sole proof of citizenship and is required at all times and everywhere when traveling outside your country. Some countries demand that your passport be valid for a period greater than six months from the date of return.
All participants are responsible to obtain, at their expense, all documents required by the governmental authorities, and submit to the various laws of each. Taiwan also requires an Entry Visa from nationals of certain countries, which the participant can obtain at the respective embassy (at the customer's expense).
Single parents traveling with children under 18 years could have to get an affidavit signed by the other parent authorizing the child or children to travel.
The participant should ask their travel specialist about the proper travel documents required and must ensure they have these documents when traveling.
The air carrier and the relevant authorities could refuse boarding to a passenger who does not have the required documents with them, without recourse or refund.
TCT cannot be held liable or responsible for information or help from any of its employees on how to obtain travel documents or comply with laws; whether the assistance or information was transmitted verbally, written or by any other means. Any participant could be refused entry to a country even if the required documents are in hand. TCT also waives all responsibilities for the consequences suffered by any customer that does not possess the required travel documents and who also fails to comply with applicable laws.
Travel documents: It is extremely important to verify all travel documents acquired to ensure they reflect the bookings made. In the event you notice an error, please contact your or any travel specialist.
Waivers & Release and Indemnity Form
TCT will send you a waiver (Release and Indemnity Form) to sign. This waiver will be sent in the form of an electronic document that needs to be signed before departing for your trip. TCT reserves the right to cancel or refuse to provide services if this waiver is not signed by the participant or all participants of a group.
Take note that the terms of the Release and Indemnity Form that you have signed separately are to be incorporated within all Terms available on the Websites.
Customer Responsibility
It is the participant’s responsibility to notify TCT of any conditions (physical, health, pregnancy, etc.) that could limit, delay or prevent his/her travels.
It is the responsibility of the participant to inform TCT of their intentions and purpose of travel. All participants must also be certain and warrant to TCT that they are healthy enough to take the entire trip and bring with them all necessary medications as well as proof of medical insurance, including emergency repatriation.
Requirement to Cooperate
It is mandatory to respect all laws of the country, respect properties of other travelers and people the participant interacts with during the package, respect local religion and culture and respect any decisions made by (but not limited to): any TCT representative, tour guides, etc.
Participants of TCT biking tours will spend a considerable amount of time with other participants, guides, etc. Therefore, in the event that there is any serious concerns regarding negative impacts on the group or other participants, if other participants are disruptive or even put in danger by member(s) of the group; we reserve the right to exclude participants prior or during the course of the tour. The same applies if participants disrupt the package execution. Should a participant be excluded from the cycling tour, TCT is entitled to the cancellation fees and service charges. If participants are excluded during the program, no refund can be made by TCT.
Complaints
Participants are required to do all in their power to participate in the correction of possible deficiencies in the program in order to avoid and reduce potential shortcomings. In the event that there would be any reason for complaint during the cycling packages, TCT or its local representative must be made aware without delay of the detected deficiency. This is a requirement for later damage claims. As a rule, most problems can be fixed without delay. Complaints must be submitted in writing by registered letter to TCT, along with the confirmation of the TCT program leader or the local representative within 14 days of your biking tour termination date. If these terms and deadlines are not respected, all damage claims shall expire.
Liability
TCT has a limited liability during the provision of participant’s hired Services, or any other activities which are related to their packages. Therefore, the Participant agrees to this limitation of liability, and waives all rights to any legally natured claims or legal proceedings they may hold or file against TCT, either present or future, perpetually and of any nature. Furthermore they agree and represent to TCT the following:
TCT bears the responsibility to render all services defined on its website, other publications and agreed upon on the invoice. If, whatever the reason these services could not be offered, TCT will ensure they offer the participant services comparable to those already agreed upon. TCT reserves the right to modify or cancel a cycling package at any time. The participant waives any claim against TCT for loss, accidents, theft or damage to property. TCT cannot be held responsible for facility closures, bankruptcy, political crises, strikes, weather, terrorism, quality of services offered by suppliers (third parties) or oversold by them, the omission of the participant to obtain travel documents required to carry when traveling, flight delays or any other cause beyond its control that may disrupt normal travel.
TCT uses many suppliers and intermediaries for its travel operations. It should be understood that, given the type, location and nature of these trips offered by TCT, the standards of various services offered by our suppliers and intermediaries (whether in terms of accommodation, food, transport or other services) are often lower than those usually available in North America and Europe.
TCT cannot be liable for any act or omission on the part of our suppliers of which we have no control of, either directly or indirectly.
TCT disclaims any and all liability in connection with the services received on board ny and in any means of transport, including, but not limited to, train, bus, plane, boat or any other means of transport that could be used during the trip.
TCT disclaims any and all responsibility, just as it cannot be held responsible for any act, omission (error or unforeseen), nor any loss, damage, injury or delay occurred due to the negligence of a carrier or due to defects in any means of transport.
TCT is not liable for any and all damages caused by the loss or damage of all personal property or a delay, change of schedule or itinerary due to a carrier.
TCT is not to be held liable for the negligence of a hotel owner or its staff and/or guests.
TCT cannot be held responsible for route conditions. Weather and mechanical failures can cause delays and even cancellations. TCT does not have control of these situations and cannot be held responsible.
TCT cannot be held responsible for any damage suffered by the participant as a result of illness, death or injury that may be caused by a disease, poisoning or accident.
TCT disclaims any liability for any damage suffered by the participant as a result of government actions, political unrest, acts of terrorism, earthquakes, floods or any other natural disasters.
APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
This Agreement is governed under the laws of Taiwan, and in the event of any resulting legalities of any of the parties involved, the courts, judges, and tribunals of Taiwan are to have jurisdiction of all wha is contained herein.
WHOLE AGREEMENT
This is the whole agreement which rule the relation between the parties, and no further terms and conditions apply to the contained matters. In case part of the agreement is construed to be inapplicable or illegal due to any reason whatsoever, this agreement shall continue to be applicable for the rest of the surviving parts.
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