Exotic Vacations Terms and Conditions

Please read the following booking conditions carefully, as they set out the terms and conditions of the contract between you and EXOTIC VACATIONS, Reg. No. 2010/020819/23, hereinafter referred to as "EXOTIC VACATIONS". 
We act as booking agents for the suppliers of the component parts of the holiday we organise, and as such, bookings for their services will form a direct contract between you and the relevant supplier, and will be subject to that supplier's standard terms and conditions.

Bookings

1. Bookings, save for late bookings as referred to hereunder, are confirmed on the condition that a non-refundable deposit, of a minimum of 40% - 60% of the total package price, is paid to EXOTIC VACATIONS within the stipulated time frame given to you by your consultant.
2. The percentage deposit required varies depending on your destination, airfare, season you are travelling as well as specials running.. You will be advised at the time of booking what payment is required for your particular arrangements. The balance of the cost of your travel arrangements must be paid no less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
3. If your booking is made within 8 weeks of departure, the total cost of your travel arrangements must be paid at the time of booking.
4. Please note: FAILURE TO PAY ON TIME WILL RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC CANCELLATION OF YOUR BOOKING.

Late Booking Fee & Communication Expenses

1. In the event of a booking (except South Africa bookings) being made less than 7 days prior to the date of departure, EXOTIC VACATIONS reserves the right to charge for any extra communication expenses. Full payment is due immediately on confirmation and is non-refundable on all late bookings. Some bookings require full payment at the time of booking i.e. prior to confirmation. If we are unable to secure confirmation you will be refunded in full.

Price Changes

1. The costs associated with travel arrangements are not always stable, and currency movements canfluctuate sharply and availability for flights and hotels can change at any time and without notice. When you book a package through us, we reserve the right to pass on any surcharges to you. Surcharges may be imposed to cover increases in transportation costs, including the costs of fuel and security charges, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates applied to the particular package.
2. EXOTIC VACATIONS guarantees the price of land arrangements, only once full payment is received.
3. Airfares are subject to the prices and conditions quoted by the particular airlines and cannot be guaranteed by EXOTIC VACATIONS. The onus is on the agent & the passenger to check that there have been no changes in these prices before making final payment thereof.
4. Should the client make a group reservation & subsequently the group numbers deviate from the minimum number required for the booking, EXOTIC VACATIONS reserves the right to re-cost the price and raise a surcharge. Should any client refuse to accept and pay such surcharge, it may result in cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of all payments made.

Methods of Payment

1. Electronic transfers are the preferred method of payment as all our quotations already include a 3 % discount for EFT payments.
2. Cash deposits will incur a cash deposit fee which will be added to your invoice.  
3. Credit card payments - a secure online credit card payment link will be created and sent to your email for payment.  Do note that the EFT discount will in this case no longer apply and will be added to your invoice.

COVID-19

1. EXOTIC VACATIONS cannot be held responsible for ANY loss suffered due to COVID-19, including cancellations, delays or medical injury. Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance. The client acknowledges that their contract is with the end-supplier which includes the airline, hotel, resort, transport company and any other supplier for their travels. EXOTIC VACATIONS is not the supplier, but the consulting party. 
2. Covid-19 has had far reaching impacts on the travel industry. It has also changed the way that hotels/resorts and airlines operate. In particular it is important to note that if you cancel your accommodation or flights, then the airline or hotel will dictate how that cancellation is handled.
3. In some cases the cancellation fee is 100% and in other cases the supplier provides vouchers for later use.
4. These conditions of cancellation or change are dictated by the suppliers and not by EXOTIC VACATIONS. It is therefore very important that you understand the terms and conditions of the hotel/resort/airline/cruise company as you are contracting with them directly.
5. EXOTIC VACATIONS cannot be held liable for any loss suffered due to the terms and conditions imposed by these suppliers.

Insurance

1. EXOTIC VACATIONS is not registered with FICA and we are not financial services providers. We cannot advise clients on travel insurance. Any insurance you decide to purchase you do at your own risk.
2. It is strongly advised that all clients take out adequate insurance cover such as cancellation due to illness, accident or injury, personal accident and personal liability, loss of or damage to baggage and sports equipment and airline default or insolvency.
3. EXOTIC VACATIONS will not be responsible or liable if the client fails to take adequate insurance cover or at all. Should the insurers dispute their liability for any reason, the client will have recourse against the insurers only. Once the insurance has been confirmed and paid for, the client will be issued with a policy document by the insurer. It is a complex document, which must be READ BEFORE you initiate your travel so that you can address any queries you may have to the insurer PRIOR to your departure.
4. Please note that various credit card companies offer limited levels of travel insurance, which EXOTIC VACATIONS does not consider sufficient cover for international travel. Kindly check with the respective credit card companies in order to obtain specific details of the cover.
5. EXOTIC VACATIONS does not provide advice or recommendations relating to travel insurance, if a client has any questions relating to insurance, you can contact the insurance company and speak to one of their fully trained and qualified insurance consultants.  Once you have decided on the policy that best suits your requirements, you will be sent an invoice by your consultant.  The payment for insurance will be taken byEXOTIC VACATIONS and your policy will be issued and sent to your email.
6. It is the responsibility of the client to purchase the correct travel insurance that will meet his or her needs.
7. EXOTIC VACATIONS will not be held liable if the travel insurance purchased by the client is not adequate.
8. These are the travel insurance companies operating in South Africa currently. We do not recommend any specific company and cannot be held liable for any choice you make. 

Flight and Other Travel Timings

1. Flight timings are provided by airlines and are subject to Air Traffic Control restrictions. All means of transportation are subject to weather conditions, the need for constant maintenance, and the ability of passengers to check-in on time. There is no guarantee that flights, ferries, ships, trains or coaches will depart at the times stated on any itinerary or tickets which you receive.
2. All timings are estimates only, and we do not accept any liability for any delay, however arising, or for any schedule alterations.
3. Airlines sometimes overbook their aircraft and from time to time passengers are not allowed to board an aircraft even though their booking has been fully confirmed. In this eventuality it is the airlines responsibility to make alternative arrangements for the client including arrangements for connecting flights and accommodation where required.
4. EXOTIC VACATIONS cannot be held liable for any airline default, schedule changes or overbooking.

Flight Reconfirmation

1. It is your responsibility to ensure that you reconfirm the departure date and times of all your flights at least 72 hours prior to departure. This is particularly important in respect of subsequent journeys once leaving South Africa and EXOTIC VACATIONS hereby specifically excludes any liability for any delay and/or loss as a result of your failure to reconfirm any flight and/or connecting flight.

Suppliers

1. EXOTIC VACATIONS hereby disclaims all liability for any losses or damages incurred as a result of the insolvency, bankruptcy, business rescue proceedings, or any failure to perform obligations by any supplier, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, resorts, transportation companies, or other service providers (collectively, "Suppliers") included in the client's itinerary. EXOTIC VACATIONS acts solely as an intermediary between the client and Suppliers. Upon EXOTIC VACATIONS's payment to any Supplier, all responsibilities for the fulfillment of services are transferred to and lie solely with the Supplier.

2. In the unfortunate event that a Supplier fails to honor its commitments, EXOTIC VACATIONS commits to making reasonable efforts to assist the client in the recovery of any potential losses. However, EXOTIC VACATIONS shall not be held accountable for any losses or damages suffered by the client as a result of such failures. Any claims or legal actions arising from a Supplier's default or failure to perform must be directed exclusively towards the Supplier in question.

3. By engaging EXOTIC VACATIONS's services and making a booking, the client explicitly acknowledges and consents to these terms and conditions, thereby waiving any right to hold EXOTIC VACATIONS liable for any failures or breaches of contract on the part of any Supplier.

Documents

1. Travel documents can only be requested from our suppliers once full and final payment has been done.  Documents will be sent electronically as soon as possible of receiving final payment. Please note that in many cases travel documents are provided by onward suppliers and we are dependent on them to provide these documents timeously.
2. Should you require your documents and air tickets to be forwarded to either yourself or the departure airport this may be arranged by your agent with us. However, the courier costs in respect thereof will be for your own account.
3. It is important that you check all details of your travel documents (including your itinerary) before leaving South Africa. If there are any inaccuracies on any of your travel documents, or should you have any further queries, you should contact your travel agent immediately. EXOTIC VACATIONS will not be liable for any delay and/or loss occasioned as a result of any inaccuracies on any travel documents once you are in receipt thereof and you have left South Africa.

Unscheduled Extensions

1. In the unlikely event of there being an unscheduled extension to the holiday caused by flight delays, bad weather, strikes, or any other cause which is beyond the control of EXOTIC VACATIONS, it is understood that the expenses relating to these unscheduled extensions, (hotel accommodation etc.), will be for the account of the passenger. EXOTIC VACATIONS accepts no liability for changes, omissions or delays before or during the course of any holiday occasioned by technical difficulties, weather conditions, strikes or communication breakdowns or the like.

Changes by You

1. If you wish to make a change to your booking we will endeavour to assist you to make the change wherever this is possible. You will have to pay all charges, whatever kind, imposed by the suppliers providing that component part of your travel arrangements when amending a booking any time prior to departure. Fares will be re-quoted at the time of amendment.
2. An administration fee will be charged for each amendment and / or cancellation.
3. After departure it is understood that extra expenses incurred as a result of any change will be for the passenger's account, and any unused service will not be refunded.
4. Amendments and cancellations en route must be made with our operators directly.
5. In rare cases, changes are not allowed depending on the restrictions of airfares as well as terms and conditions of specific suppliers/hotels in specific seasons.

Cancellation by You

1. If you wish to cancel your booking you must advise your agent immediately, who will in turn advise us. You will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:
2. Where your booking includes a special fare, the relevant charges are levied by the airline. In some circumstances this may be 100% of the total fare, regardless of when cancellation is affected.
3. Where your booking is for a package, you will be responsible for all cancellation charges, of whatsoever nature, imposed by the suppliers providing the component parts of such travel arrangements.
4. EXOTIC VACATIONS charges a cancellation fee equal to 10% of the package price on any finalised booking. However, EXOTIC VACATIONS reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the total package, in its sole discretion, in particular circumstances. Any monies, which you have already paid to us, will be taken by us as payment or part payment of any cancellation charges.

Our Right to Change Your Travel Arrangements

1. A significant change to your travel arrangements would include a change in the departure date from South Africa; where the flight times are changed by more than 12 hours or a change to a lower standard of accommodation to that which is booked. In these instances of significant changes to your travel arrangements EXOTIC VACATIONS undertakes to advise you thereof as soon as reasonably possible before your departure date to obtain your further instructions in this regard.
2. All other changes are minor changes. A minor change can be made at any time and, if practicable, we will advise you of any such change prior to departure but we are not obliged to do so. Such minor changes may be made by EXOTIC VACATIONS, in its discretion, who will not be responsible or liable for the payment of compensation to you as a result of such minor changes.
3. Every effort is made by EXOTIC VACATIONS to adhere to confirmed itineraries; however, we reserve the right to make changes to your travel arrangements when it becomes necessary to do so.
4. Should any travel component be confirmed by EXOTIC VACATIONS and this component is cancelled by the supplier for whatsoever reason, then in such instances EXOTIC VACATIONS will accept no liability for the cancellation thereof.

Airline Refund Procedures

1. Refund policies of the various airlines vary greatly.EXOTIC VACATIONS must be notified in writing. Tickets returned to EXOTIC VACATIONS, will be presented to the relevant airline for assessment. Should a refund be authorised, such refund will be made to you, less any cancellation or administration charges.
2. If payment for the ticket was made to EXOTIC VACATIONS by credit card, the refund will be made to your credit card. Cash payments will be refunded by EFT.
3. Partly used tickets will be refunded at less than the pro rata rate on the face value of such ticket.
4. Refunds may take up to 12 weeks to process although this time frame cannot be guaranteed by EXOTIC VACATIONS
5. Airline tickets are usually valid for 12 months from the date of issue however with certain special fares, the ticket validity may be different.

Complaints

1. In the event that you have any reason to complain, or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the supplier of the services in question or the manager on duty.
2. If you are still dissatisfied, you must notify EXOTIC VACATIONS immediatelyvia our emergency number 0824647006, to enable us to resolve the problem. Failure to give us the opportunity to resolve any problem at the time it occurs may result in either a reduction, or complete extinction, of any rights which you may have to claim compensation.
3. If you remain dissatisfied, contact the Customer Services Manager within 28 days of the unsatisfactory service, giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint on email: info@exoticvacations.co.za.
4. Whilst every effort will be made to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, it is specifically recorded that EXOTIC VACATIONS in no way accepts liability for any claim.

Passports, Visas and Health

1. It is entirely the clients duty to ensure that all passports & visas are current, valid, obtained on time and that any vaccinations, inoculations, prophylactics (e.g. for malaria) and the like, where required, have been obtained. Passports must be valid for 6 months after return to South Africa. Please check the requirements with your travel agent before travelling. EXOTIC VACATIONS will endeavour to assist the client but such assistance will be at EXOTIC VACATIONS discretion and the client acknowledges that in doing so, EXOTIC VACATIONS is not assuming any obligation or liability and the client indemnifies EXOTIC VACATIONS against any consequences of non-compliance. It is the clients duty to familiarise him/herself with the inherent dangers of and mental and/or physical condition required for the proposed travel arrangements.
2. The client must ensure that the details supplied to EXOTIC VACATIONS mirror those details shown on their passport for international travel and ID documents for local travel

Travelling with children

1. Please note that when travelling with children under 18 years, they will need to travel with their unabridged birth certificate as well as their valid passport.  If both biological parents of a child is not travelling with,  there will be additional documentation needed.   More details on the link below:

http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-updated-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry  

General Information

1. Taxes: EXOTIC VACATIONS will advise you of all mandatory taxes, which you must pay before departure. However, many countries charge departure taxes that can only be paid locally. It is therefore recommended that you retain sufficient local currency to meet such charges. Details of departure taxes can be obtained from the relevant airline when you reconfirm your flight details.
2. Special requests: We can pass on any special requests that you may wish to make at the time of booking, but acceptance of such requests is at the discretion of the airline or other supplier and in no circumstances are special requests guaranteed. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier, or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation, is not confirmation that the request will be met as unforeseen circumstances may arise.
3. Pre-seating:  Pre-seating can be done after receiving your flight ticket by going onto the airline's website and selecting the seats you require.  Pre-seating is sometimes chargeable and can be selected and paid for by credit card on the airline's website. The airline has the right to change any seating requests or aircraft type without notice. In some cases Pre-seating is NOT possible.
4. Medical Problems: If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, you need to give us full details in writing at the time of booking. If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we reserve the right to decline their reservation. We reserve the right to cancel the reservation should we become aware of any such medical problem or disability which has not been disclosed.
5. Renovations: Hotels undergo renovations from time to time and take all possible steps to limit disruption to their guests. We will not entertain complaints or requests for refunds if a hotel is carrying out renovations whilst a guest is resident. If we are specifically advised of renovation work, dates may be provided. It is important to remember that these are subject to change and we are not always notified.
6. Charges to your credit card: Any charges made to your credit card whilst away are your responsibility. EXOTIC VACATIONS will not be responsible, nor accept responsibility for having these charges reversed or corrected upon return to South Africa.
7. Drivers Licence: Even if you have obtained an international drivers licence, please take your national driver's licence with you.
8. Confidentiality: Subject to statutory constraints or compliance with an order of court, EXOTIC VACATIONS undertakes to deal with all client information of a personal nature on a strictly confidential basis.

Force Majeure

1. Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss, as a result of "force majeure". In these Booking Conditions, "force majeure" means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity or actual threatened terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.

Responsibility and Limitation of Liability

1. EXOTIC VACATIONS act as agents only for local and international ground operators and airlines and accordingly accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay, or any other irregularity howsoever arising. EXOTIC VACATIONS makes every effort to ensure that all the arrangements and services connected with a passenger's itinerary will be carried out as specified in the most efficient and effective way possible. However, we do not have direct control over the provision of services by suppliers and, whilst they are in all cases selected with the utmost care, we do not accept liability for errors and omissions of such suppliers. The contract in use by such suppliers (which is often constituted by the ticket Issued by the Principal), shall constitute the sole contract between the supplier and the client and any right of recourse the client may have, will be solely against the supplier.

Jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court

1. EXOTIC VACATIONS shall be entitled, at its option to institute any legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with this contract in any Magistrate's Court having jurisdiction in terms of Section 29 of the Magistrate's Court Act No 32/1944 as amended, notwithstanding that the amount in issue may exceed the limits of such jurisdiction.

Legal

1. This document together with EXOTIC VACATIONS' standard booking form and EXOTIC VACATIONS invoice / itinerary constitutes the sole record of the agreement between the parties. No party shall be bound by any representation, warranty, and promise of the like not recorded herein. Client acknowledges that he/she has not relied on any matter or thing stated on behalf of EXOTIC VACATIONS or otherwise that is not included herein. No addition to the EXOTIC VACATIONS standard booking conditions shall be of any force or effect unless in writing and signed by or on behalf of the parties. All costs and disbursements, including legal costs on the attorney and client scale incurred by EXOTIC VACATIONS in recovering any damages and payments payable by the passenger to EXOTIC VACATIONS shall be for the passengers' account. This agreement shall in all respects be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The passenger hereby consents to the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court having jurisdiction over its person in respect of all proceedings in connection with this agreement.

The Client and Authority

1. The person requesting such quotations or estimates or making such booking or to whom any service is rendered, is deemed to have read and accepted the Conditions and to have the authority to do so on behalf of the person in whose name the estimate or quotation or reservation is requested and/or provided and/or the person to whom the services are rendered (collectively referred to as "the Client")

Club Med Bookings

1. Club Med packages include Travel Insurance. The client does not have a choice to accept their travel insurance. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that the travel insurance included in the Club Med package suits his or her needs and purchase additional top-up travel insurance if required.
2. EXOTIC VACATIONS does not sell travel insurance, even though the Club Med packages include insurance. In the event where the client pays EXOTIC VACATIONS for a Club Med package and even if such package includes insurance, EXOTIC VACATIONS will accept no liability of whatsoever nature relating to travel insurance.
3. Please note that the travel insurance offered by Club Med does not include skiing on black slopes or off piste skiing.  If you require cover for this, please speak to your consultant.

How We Handle Payments

1. Once you pay us, we immediately pay the supplier. We do not keep your money.
2. Any requests for refunds where we have already paid the supplier is totally out of our control and you agree that you cannot hold EXOTIC VACATIONS liable for any losses where we do not have your funds and where these funds have been paid to our suppliers.
3. If we don't have your money then we cannot pay it back. We will assist obviously in trying our level best to help you get your refund, but we cannot guarantee that we will succeed.