Terms of Service on Our Tours
Culture Discovery Vacations
Terms & Conditions
The terms and conditions below are for guests participating in our vacations. This is different than the "Terms of Use" for using our website. When you reserve a vacations with us, you will be asked to digitally sign this.
The purchase of any travel services offered by Culture Discovery Vacations constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Culture Discovery, Inc, a Wyoming close corporation doing business as Culture Discovery Vacations ("CDV" or the "Company"), and represents your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions (the "Terms"). Please read carefully and understand these Terms prior to booking.
By booking or participating in a trip and any related products or services (a "Trip") with CDV, you ("you" or "guest") agree to be bound by these Terms. If you make a booking on behalf of other participants, you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept these Terms on behalf of all participants in your party.
1. The Booking Contract
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when CDV issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit. Review your confirmation carefully and contact CDV immediately - and in no event later than ten (10) days after receipt - if any information appears incorrect or incomplete. Ensure that all names match the relevant passport(s) exactly. CDV cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies not reported within this window.
You must be at least 18 years of age to make a booking and agree to provide complete and accurate information to CDV.
Your reservation will be automatically cancelled if your deposit is not received by CDV within five (5) days of booking.
2. Booking on Behalf of Others
By booking on behalf of other participants, you are the designated contact person for every participant on that booking. You are responsible for all payments, for notifying CDV of any changes or cancellations, and for keeping all participants informed.
By booking on behalf of another person, you represent that you have obtained all required consents and that all information you provide is complete and accurate. CDV will not be liable for any errors or omissions in information provided on behalf of another participant.
3. Required Medical Information
You must provide any medical information reasonably requested by CDV. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate in a Trip or that may affect the experience of other guests, a Medical Information Form signed by a licensed physician must be submitted prior to or at the time of final payment. The form is available at https://www.culturediscovery.com.
You agree to complete the Medical Form honestly and disclose all relevant information fully. CDV will maintain this information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.
Pregnancy is a medical condition and must be disclosed to CDV at the time of booking. CDV may decline to carry guests who are more than 24 weeks pregnant, or guests with certain medical conditions where reasonable accommodation cannot be arranged.
CDV reserves the right to deny participation in any aspect of a Trip where CDV determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or poses a risk to yourself or others. All costs in such circumstances are your responsibility.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Trip is suitable for you. Consult your physician to confirm fitness for travel and participation in all planned activities, and seek advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. CDV does not provide medical advice. Travel with CDV may involve destinations where medical care is limited or where facilities do not meet the standards of your home country.
4. Special Requirements
Any special requirements, including disabilities requiring special attention, must be disclosed to CDV at the time of booking. CDV will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special needs but cannot guarantee accommodation in all cases, given the nature of the destinations visited. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed at the time of booking; CDV cannot guarantee that all dietary needs can be accommodated at every location.
Special requests do not form part of these Terms or the contract between you and CDV, and CDV is not liable for any failure to accommodate them. Most transportation services on CDV trips are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. CDV cannot provide individual walking assistance, dining assistance, or personal care. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany guests who require such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.
5. Age Requirements
Anyone under the age of 18 on the date of first travel is a minor. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. One adult may accompany up to two minors. Unless otherwise indicated in the Trip description, the minimum age for participation in any CDV trip is 12 years old. Guests under 12 years of age may participate only on private group trips where no other guests outside of their party are present.
All bookings that include a minor are subject to review and approval by CDV. If consent of a parent or guardian is required by applicable law for a minor to travel, the accompanying adult is responsible for securing all consents, documentation, and legal requirements for travel, entry, and departure. CDV will not be responsible for any fees, damages, or losses incurred as a result of failure to secure necessary consents or permits.
Each adult on a booking with a minor accepts these Terms on behalf of the minor, including all assumptions of risk and limitations of liability. CDV does not provide chaperone or childcare services for minors.
6. Travel Insurance
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you carry travel insurance with a minimum medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage of US $200,000 covering all dates of travel with CDV.
This insurance should cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses. CDV further recommends extending coverage to include trip cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that may arise from loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience while traveling.
Insurance is not included in the cost of any CDV trip and must be obtained separately at your expense. You are responsible for ensuring that your coverage is sufficient and that you have disclosed to your insurer the type of travel, destination(s), and activities included in your booking - including any optional activities such as horseback riding, small boat excursions, or off-road driving.
7. Accepted Payment Methods
CDV accepts checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Your payment is not deemed received until it is actually received by CDV. CDV is not responsible for any charges levied by third parties or financial institutions in connection with your payment and will not refund any such fees.
8. Prices, Surcharges, and Taxes
Trip prices are inclusive of applicable taxes and are based on rates known at the time of publication. All prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Single room supplements and triple room reductions are listed where applicable.
Once CDV has received your full deposit for any land-only trip scheduled to depart within 18 months of the deposit date, the base land trip price is guaranteed against any base price increase due to currency fluctuation or surcharge. Trips departing more than 18 months after the deposit date are subject to price modification. Energy cost increases and government tax increases are excluded from this guarantee. Guests have the right to cancel without penalty within 14 days of notification of any price increase.
From time to time CDV may offer reduced pricing. Reduced pricing applies only to new bookings. Bookings already secured with a deposit are not eligible for reduced pricing.
9. Deposits and Booking Confirmation
A deposit of 20% of the total land trip price is required to reserve your space. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is received and CDV issues a written confirmation to the email address you provide.
Deposit refundability is as follows:
- If your trip departs more than 180 days from the date of booking: your deposit is fully refundable within 50 days of booking. After 50 days, the deposit is non-refundable.
- If your trip departs 180 days or fewer from the date of booking: your deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking.
All further scheduled payments beyond the deposit are non-refundable once made.
If your booking is made 90 days or fewer before departure, full non-refundable payment is due at the time of booking.
10. Final Payment
The balance of your trip price is due 90 days before the departure date of the first product or service in your booking. If full payment is not received by the due date, CDV reserves the right to cancel your reservation and retain the full deposit as a cancellation fee. If a booking is made fewer than 90 days before departure, full payment is due at the time of booking.
11. Cancellation by the Guest
You may cancel your booking at any time by notifying CDV in writing. The following terms apply based on when CDV receives your written notice.
Deposit Refunds
Deposit refundability is governed by Section 9 above. After the applicable refund window has passed, deposits are non-refundable.
Transferring Your Space
If your deposit is no longer refundable and you find another guest to take your space, your deposit may be applied toward that person's reservation. Any transfer is subject to CDV's approval and must be requested in writing.
Payments Beyond the Deposit
All scheduled payments beyond the deposit are non-refundable once made, regardless of when cancellation occurs.
Sellout Credit
If the trip you cancelled subsequently sells out to full capacity - including reserve spaces not publicly listed on CDV's website - CDV will apply the full amount you have paid toward any other CDV trip of your choosing, to be used within 12 months of the original departure date. This credit has no cash value.
No refund will be made for unused services of less than 48 consecutive hours, or for voluntary modifications made by you after departure.
12. Departures & Cancellation by CDV
A trip departure becomes a guaranteed departure once at least one booking secured by a valid deposit has been made on that date, subject to the Force Majeure provisions of these Terms.
CDV reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or combine any departure for any reason, including insufficient demand. If a trip is cancelled by CDV, CDV's sole responsibility is to refund the amounts paid by you for the cancelled trip. CDV will make reasonable efforts to re-book you on the same trip at a different departure date or on a similar trip, but cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to airfare or other travel arrangements not made through CDV.
In the event of Force Majeure, CDV is not obligated to provide a refund and will work with guests in good faith to explore alternative arrangements.
13. Booking Details Required
As a condition of booking, you must provide all information requested by CDV along with final payment. If you fail to supply information required for tickets, permits, or other inclusions, you will be liable for any resulting costs or losses. CDV reserves the right to treat your booking - or the relevant component - as cancelled if required information is not provided. No changes are permitted to any booking within 30 days of the departure date of the first product or service on the booking.
14. Airfare
Trip prices do not include airfare unless expressly stated in the Trip description. CDV is not responsible if an airline cancels, reschedules, or delays a flight for any reason. If you miss your departure flight, it is your responsibility to work with your airline to reach your destination. CDV is not responsible for any expenses incurred prior to joining your trip or for any portions of a trip missed due to flight disruptions. We recommend that you do not purchase airline tickets with high penalty charges for changes.
When CDV includes airfare in a trip price, CDV acts only as a sales agent for the applicable air carrier. The air carrier's own terms and conditions of carriage apply.
15. Travel Documents
It is your responsibility to obtain and carry all documentation required for entry, departure, and travel to each country or region on your itinerary. This includes a valid passport and all visas, permits, and certificates required by relevant governmental authorities. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the last date of travel on your CDV itinerary. Most countries also require a minimum of three blank passport pages.
You accept full responsibility for obtaining all required documents prior to the start of your trip and are solely responsible for all costs incurred as a result of missing or defective documentation. CDV does not provide advice on travel documents and is not responsible for any guest refused entry onto transport or into any country due to documentation failure.
Non-U.S. citizens must consult with the appropriate consulates to determine visa requirements and are responsible for obtaining all required documents independently.
16. Baggage
Porterage for one suitcase is included in the trip price. Airport and train station porterage is not included unless otherwise specified.
Due to limited transportation capacity, your single checked bag should not exceed 30" x 21" x 11" in dimension or 50 lbs (22 kg) in weight. If you plan to bring additional luggage, notify CDV of the number of bags and their dimensions no later than 14 days before departure. CDV will make every effort to accommodate you but cannot guarantee space for additional luggage.
Carry-on bags should not exceed 12" x 11" x 6". For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motorcoaches or minibuses.
CDV accepts no responsibility for loss of or damage to baggage or personal belongings during your trip. Baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Your air carrier may impose stricter baggage limitations; check directly with your airline. Airline baggage fees are not included in your trip price.
17. Flexibility & Itinerary Changes
The nature of travel requires flexibility and you agree to permit reasonable alterations to products, services, or itineraries by CDV. Routes, schedules, accommodations, activities, and modes of transportation are subject to change without notice due to circumstances outside CDV's control, including but not limited to Force Majeure, illness, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, political events, weather, and border difficulties. No reimbursements or refunds will be issued for services missed or unused after departure due to no fault of CDV.
Changes by CDV
CDV may modify your itinerary where reasonably required. If CDV makes a change affecting at least one in three full days of the itinerary, or which materially affects the character of a product or service (a "Material Change"), CDV will notify you as soon as reasonably possible before departure. If a Material Change is made more than 14 days before departure, you may:
- Accept the Material Change and proceed with the amended itinerary;
- Book another trip of equal or greater value, if available (you will be responsible for any price difference); or
- Cancel and receive a full refund of the land-only portion of the affected product or service.
You must notify CDV of your choice within 7 days of receiving notice of a Material Change, or you will be deemed to have accepted the amended itinerary.
Changes by You
Any changes to your booking are subject to CDV's approval and availability. Extra costs incurred as a result of changes will be charged to you, along with an administrative fee. Name changes are subject to CDV's approval. Cancellation of any product or service is not a "change" and is governed by the cancellation provisions of these Terms.
18. Medications
Guests are personally responsible for bringing any prescription or over-the-counter medications they are taking or may need during their trip. This includes, but is not limited to, allergy medications (including epinephrine auto-injectors), motion sickness medication, and general medications for common ailments. Roads through the hills can be winding and boat excursions may encounter choppy conditions - please come prepared.
While pharmacies are generally available in the destinations CDV visits, CDV cannot guarantee that any specific medication will be available when and where needed. CDV hosts, staff, and outside personnel are not permitted to advise on or administer any medication.
19. Trip Activities and Acceptance of Risk
CDV's trips are primarily built around cultural experiences, cooking classes, and guided tours. These activities are generally low-impact and accessible to most guests in good health.
Some trips - a small number of CDV's overall offerings - also include activities that carry a higher degree of physical risk. These may include:
- Travel in off-road or all-terrain vehicles on unpaved or uneven terrain;
- Excursions on smaller watercraft, including boats on open water or rivers; and
- Horseback riding.
(Together, "Higher-Risk Activities.")
Whether a specific Trip includes Higher-Risk Activities will be stated in the trip description. Where such activities are optional, you are never required to participate.
By traveling with CDV, you acknowledge that you have read your trip itinerary, understand which activities are included, and have assessed your own physical fitness and capability for each. You assume responsibility for all risks associated with all trip activities - including Higher-Risk Activities - and release CDV from all claims and causes of action arising from any losses, damages, injuries, or death resulting from participation.
For Higher-Risk Activities, CDV or its Third Party Suppliers may require you to sign a separate activity-specific waiver at the time of participation. Your participation in any Higher-Risk Activity is conditioned on completing any required waiver. If you decline to sign, you may be excluded from that activity without refund.
CDV is not responsible for providing guidance on local conditions, weather, terrain, or safety concerns specific to any activity or location. Standards of infrastructure and emergency response vary by destination and may differ significantly from those in your home country.
You must at all times comply with all applicable laws and regulations of every country and region visited. If, in CDV's reasonable opinion, your behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress, or material annoyance to others, CDV may terminate your travel arrangements immediately at your expense and without liability. No refund will be issued for unused or missed services as a result.
You agree to use all safety devices provided (seatbelts, harnesses, flotation devices, helmets, and similar equipment) and to comply with all posted and communicated safety instructions. CDV and its Third Party Suppliers are not liable for losses caused by your failure to comply with safety instructions.
You are responsible for any costs - including repair, replacement, and cleaning fees - incurred by CDV or its suppliers for property damage, destruction, or theft caused by you while on a trip. Please report any pre-existing damage to a CDV representative or facility staff as soon as possible upon discovery.
Any complaint or concern must be reported to CDV as soon as possible during the trip. Written complaints must be received by CDV within 30 days of the last day of travel.
20. Third Party Suppliers
CDV makes arrangements with accommodation providers, activity providers, airlines, rail operators, motorcoach companies, transfer operators, local guides, and other independent parties ("Third Party Suppliers") to provide some or all components of your trip. CDV takes reasonable care in selecting Third Party Suppliers but cannot control or supervise them and is not responsible for their acts or omissions.
Services provided by Third Party Suppliers are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers, and their liability may be limited by applicable tariffs, tickets, and international conventions. CDV is not liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, or expenses arising from inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, or disappointment resulting from the act or omission of any party other than CDV and its direct employees.
21. Time on Your Own
"Time on your own" means any time you undertake activities not included in the trip itinerary or price. Any assistance CDV representatives may provide in arranging such activities is provided purely at your request. CDV makes no warranties and expressly disclaims all liability arising from activities undertaken on your own time. You release CDV from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages, injuries, or losses related to time on your own.
22. Liability
CDV and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, representatives, successors, and assigns shall not be liable for: (a) any damage to or loss of property, or injury to or death of any person, caused directly or indirectly by the act or omission of any other provider, including any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated by such provider; or (b) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption caused by laws, government regulations, acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause beyond their control.
For claims not involving personal injury, death, or illness, CDV's maximum liability for negligent acts or omissions of its suppliers is limited to the price paid for the applicable trip, excluding insurance premiums and administration charges. CDV's liability for loss of or damage to luggage and personal possessions shall not exceed US $1,000. CDV will not be liable for loss of or damage to valuables, or for any indirect or consequential loss including loss of anticipated profit, enjoyment, revenue, or use.
Carriage of passengers and their luggage by sea is governed by the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea (PAL), as amended, which is incorporated into these Terms.
Neither CDV nor any affiliate shall be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages.
23. Force Majeure
CDV will not be liable for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay, or other loss or detriment to person or property, or for CDV's failure to commence, perform, or complete any duty owed to you, if caused by Act of God, war or war-like operations, mechanical breakdowns, terrorist activities or the threat thereof, civil commotion, labor difficulties, interference by authorities, political disturbance, riot, insurrection, government restraint, fire, extreme weather, pandemic, epidemic, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of CDV, or any event which CDV or its Third Party Suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee (collectively, "Force Majeure").
24. Photographs and Marketing
By participating in any CDV trip, you consent to photographs, images, and video being taken by other participants, CDV, or its representatives that may contain or feature you. You grant CDV a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to reproduce such materials for any purpose, including marketing and promotional use, in any medium now known or hereafter developed, without further obligation or compensation payable to you. You agree that CDV owns the copyright in these photographs and waive any claims based on their use.
If you do not wish your likeness to be used in CDV marketing materials, please notify CDV in writing before your departure date.
CDV facilitates optional photo-sharing exchanges at the end of trips. If you choose to participate, you grant CDV and your fellow trip guests the same rights described above with respect to any photographs you contribute.
25. Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any transportation provided exclusively by CDV, or in any CDV-provided accommodations.
26. Holidays and Local Events
During local or national holidays, special events, Sundays, or religious occasions, certain facilities - including museums, churches, restaurants, sightseeing, and shops - may have limited availability or be closed. Alternatives will be offered wherever possible. CDV cannot be held responsible for any closures or curtailments for any reason.
27. Travel Document Delivery
CDV does not issue hard-copy travel documents. Your booking confirmation is emailed to the address you provide at booking. Additional information is sent over time, and a final pre-departure email is sent approximately two weeks before departure. That email includes all information you need upon arrival, including meeting points and important contact numbers.
28. What Is Not Included in the Trip Price
The following are not included in the trip price unless expressly stated: airfare; costs to reach CDV's scheduled transportation meeting point before departure and from the drop-off point after; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to local hosts, drivers, local guides, and other service providers; laundry; telephone; minibar charges; alcohol, beverages, and food not listed in the CDV itinerary; excursions not listed in the CDV itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; travel insurance premiums; baggage fees; car rental fees; highway tolls; ferry crossing fees; additional insurance; infant seat charges; and all other items of a personal nature.
29. Privacy
CDV collects, uses, and discloses personal information only as reasonably required to provide the trip and related services you have booked. CDV's Privacy Policy is available at https://www.culturediscovery.com and is incorporated into these Terms. By submitting personal information to CDV, you accept CDV's Privacy Policy.
30. Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms and all matters arising from your booking with CDV are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, United States of America. Any dispute between you and CDV relating directly or indirectly to these Terms shall first be submitted to mediation before a mediator mutually agreed upon by the parties. If mediation is not successful within 60 days, the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration under Wyoming law. Arbitration may be conducted remotely by videoconference or at a location mutually agreed upon by the parties.
The prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. Arbitration against CDV must be commenced within one (1) year following the completion of your trip. Neither CDV nor any affiliate shall be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages.
31. Participation
CDV reserves the right to accept or reject any guest and to remove any guest whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of other guests or with the safe operation of any trip. CDV will not refund or cover any cost or expense you incur if CDV terminates your travel arrangements due to your unacceptable behavior.
32. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, that provision shall be interpreted only as broadly as is enforceable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
33. Amendments
CDV reserves the right to update or alter these Terms at any time. Amended Terms will be posted on CDV's website at https://www.culturediscovery.com. Any amendment takes effect 10 days after posting. You are deemed to have accepted any amendment on the date that is 10 days after its posting. CDV recommends that you review the Terms prior to travel.