Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions are a Binding Agreement

Reading the following document in its entirety, along with the additional terms and conditions listed in the brochure for your trip, is a significant undertaking, which is why Select International Tours and Cruises (SITC) requires that you acknowledge you have read it before enrolling in any of our trips. We appreciate that it will take time to digest. Still, we are confident that by doing so, you will fully appreciate the binding agreement you are entering into with SITC by enrolling in a trip and understand all the expectations, terms, and conditions you are expressly agreeing to before enrolling.

This agreement, encompassing these terms and conditions, our privacy policy, the trip-specific terms and conditions, and any other documents provided by SITC, constitutes the entire understanding between SITC and the Traveler. Both parties agree to be bound by its terms. All transactions are in US dollars. SITC reserves the right to modify its travel policies without prior notice. Please retain a copy of this policy for your records.

Questions Regarding Travel Policies or Terms and Conditions

For any questions concerning SITC Travel Policies or Terms and Conditions, please contact us by phone at 1-800-842-4842, via US Mail at 85 Park Ave., Flemington, NJ 08822, or by email at guestservices@select-intl.com.

Registration, Deposits, and Payments

Deposits

A deposit is required to confirm your reservation on any SITC trip. Please see the trip brochure or registration webpage for the exact cost of the deposit. The deposit covers the administrative expenses associated with trip arrangements and is non-refundable according to the cancellation policy herein. 

Registration Documents

In addition to the deposit, a completed online registration form, a copy of your passport, and any other documentation requested for your specific trip (including visas, electronic travel authorizations, immunization records, etc.) must be received by the listed Account Manager for your trip within 14 days of the deposit, unless other arrangements have been made in writing, or your trip will be cancelled in accordance with our cancellation policy.

Payment Methods

The following payment methods are acceptable: check, wire transfer, Zelle, American Express, Discover, Visa, or Mastercard. Please note that all published prices are based on cash/check payments. Credit card payments will incur a non-refundable 4% credit card convenience fee charged by our payment processor. 

The Traveler agrees to all charges made and will not initiate claims, attempt chargebacks, or refuse payment to the credit card under any circumstances. Any claims must be settled directly with SITC.

In case of billing errors or omissions, SITC reserves the right to correct and re-invoice the traveler for the correct amount.

Returned Payments

Checks returned for any reason will incur a $50 processing fee. Additionally, returned checks cannot be redeposited, so the Traveler will have to send a new check. Replacement checks received after the payment deadline will also incur a Late Payment Fee of $100 per person.

Payments in Foreign Currency

All payments to SITC must be made in USD. Foreign currencies will be converted at the exchange rate listed by the USA Federal Reserve (https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/hist/) on the day the payment posts to your account.

Final Payment

Full payment for all trips is required at least 60 days prior to departure*. Travelers have the option to make payments in installments or a single lump sum via their online account. Please note that travel documents and airline tickets will only be issued once the full payment has been received by the specified deadline.

*Please note that cruises and some special events may require a different final payment schedule. Please see the trip-specific Terms and Conditions in the brochure for additional details.

Last-Minute Registration Payments

Last-minute registrations (within 14-30 days of departure) require immediate payment, in full, via certified check or wire only, and include a $100 Late Registration fee. Last-minute registrations may not be eligible for all inclusions (e.g., site visits that require advanced registration or tickets) listed in the trip brochure. Please speak with the Account Manager regarding potential exclusions before booking.

Late Payments

A $100 fee will be applied to all payments and registrations received after the final payment date indicated on the trip page and brochure.

Past-Due Final Payments

Any Traveler who has not paid their final payment within 45 days of departure will be canceled from the trip and be subject to the trip cancellation policy in force at such time.

Price Adjustments and Currency Fluctuations

Advertised prices are guaranteed until 90 days before departure for most trips; see the trip brochure for additional terms and conditions. Price adjustments may occur due to currency exchange rate fluctuations, lower-than-anticipated participation, or other significant external factors affecting operational costs beyond our control. However, SITC guarantees the price against exchange rate fluctuations for all travelers who pay in full at the time of registration.

Expectations and Instructions Regarding Registration Process

To ensure you receive timely communications from SITC, please add tripinfo@select-intl.com and your account manager’s email address (found on your trip brochure and online registration portal) to your contacts. SITC is not responsible for missed communications due to emails landing in SPAM, being accidentally deleted, or being ignored.

Once you are registered, you will have “Tasks” listed in your online registration portal. These tasks must be completed in a timely manner to ensure a complete registration. Please see the tasks in your online profile for specific deadlines. Failure to complete the required tasks may result in the cancellation of your trip, and all cancellation terms and conditions will apply.

If your address changes or you anticipate any issues receiving mail at the registered address, please notify SITC in writing at least one month before your departure. Failure to do so may result in the non-receipt of important trip items or documents, and you will be invoiced for additional postage if the documents must be resent.

Approximately three weeks prior to your departure, a physical mailing will be sent to the address provided on your registration form. This mailing will contain additional trip information, name tags, and luggage tags. 

Approximately two weeks before your departure, you will receive an email with your final trip itinerary. This email will also have the names and contact details for all of your hotels. If you booked your airfare through SITC, the email will additionally include a document with your flight’s Record Locator or Confirmation number, which you’ll need for online or airport check-in.

Required Travel Documents

The Traveler is responsible for obtaining and presenting all required travel documents. These may include, but are not limited to: a passport, travel visa (where necessary), immunization record (if required by the destination(s) visited), Electronic Travel Authorizations, etc. Failure to provide required documentation may result in denial of entry to the destination, denial of service on airlines, the cancellation of your trip, and all cancellation terms and conditions herein apply.

Passports

Travelers are required to carry a machine-readable passport, valid for at least six months beyond the trip’s return date. This, along with any necessary visas and electronic travel authorizations, must be on their person when flying or when instructed by tour leadership during their travels. IMPORTANT: Passport Cards are NOT acceptable for overseas travel.

Upon registration, travelers must accurately and completely enter their passport information and upload a copy of the picture page into our online system. Once the deposit is received, registrations become non-transferable and non-assignable.

Travelers are solely responsible for notifying SITC of any passport changes and for updating their online registration profile accordingly. Travelers with incorrect passport information or who have failed to upload a picture of their passport, which results in ticket errors, will incur a $350.00 change fee per person. Travelers are also responsible for any other fees, fines, denied entry, or missed connections resulting from inaccurate passport information. SITC assumes no responsibility for traveler errors or omissions.

A current and valid passport is required for entry into many sites (e.g., Auschwitz, the Vatican Museum, etc.). While SITC may use provided information to secure tickets and transportation even if a passport is expired, a valid document will be necessary for travel. Travelers are responsible for any errors or omissions in the information they provide, particularly if these affect travel documents. SITC will not be liable for any associated costs, fees, or losses resulting from such inaccuracies.

Visas, Electronic Travel Authorizations, and Immunizations

Travelers are solely responsible for researching and securing any necessary visas, electronic travel authorizations, or special immunizations for their itinerary. This includes all associated costs such as reciprocity fees, affidavits, and immunizations required for entry into any country. Additionally, some countries may levy entry (reciprocity) fees, departure taxes, or exit fees, which are collected by local government authorities at airports or border crossings upon arrival or departure.

SITC is not responsible for advising on or obtaining travel documentation (e.g., Electronic Travel Authorization) for travelers, nor for any related delays, damages, or losses, including missed trip portions due to insufficient entry documentation. Entry into any country can be refused, even with complete and correct travel documents and information. SITC accepts no responsibility for delays, damages, or losses due to denied entry.

Travelers are solely responsible for any cancellation penalties incurred if they are unable to obtain the necessary travel documents, regardless of when this discovery is made.

Health Entry Requirements

It is the Traveler’s sole responsibility to:

• Ensure all health entry requirements are met.
• Obtain all necessary inoculations, immunizations, tests, and documentation for entry into the destination.
• Cover any costs associated with required testing, as these are not included in the trip cost.
• Stay informed of changing entry regulations, including CDC guidelines and specific destination requirements via official government websites. While SITC will make reasonable attempts to inform Travelers of changes, SITC is not responsible for notifying Travelers of such changes.

SITC does not guarantee or warrant that travel to any offered destination is advisable or without risk and will not be liable for any damages or losses resulting from travel to these destinations.

Travel Protection (Insurance)

Given that SITC, its partners, and agents are not liable for non-refundable payments, trip or flight cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, medical expenses, or trip interruptions, we strongly advise all travelers to consider purchasing travel protection to help safeguard both themselves and their travel investment.

SITC is not an insurer and therefore cannot be held responsible for the actions or inactions of any travel insurer. Although SITC has partnered with Trawick International to offer travelers a convenient and reputable travel protection option, SITC has no control over Trawick International’s claim process, communication, or decisions. Consequently, SITC assumes no responsibility for assisting travelers with claims beyond supplying supporting documents showing payments, fees, refunds, and itineraries. Please contact Trawick International directly at 1-888-681-6272 or contact your travel protection provider.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to SITC in writing via email to the account manager listed in the trip brochure and on the online portal. The effective date of the cancellation, and any applicable penalties, will be determined by the date SITC receives the written cancellation. Travelers are solely responsible for any penalties imposed by airlines or other travel suppliers for services not purchased through SITC.

General SITC Cancellation Policy

Please note that the following cancellation policy may differ on some trips. Please see the brochure for your trip-specific cancellation policy.

91 Days or More Before Departure

A minimum cancellation fee of $350.00* per person applies from the time of deposit until 91 days before departure.

Between 90 Days and 60 Days Before Departure

A minimum cancellation fee of $500.00* per person applies from 90 days before departure until 60 days before departure.

Within 60 Days of Departure

All payments are non-refundable, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Airline Tickets

All airline tickets are non-refundable once issued, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Unused Portions

Unused portions of the trip are non-refundable, regardless of the reason for the unused portion.

Roommate Cancellations

Should a roommate cancel, the solo room charge will be added to your invoice. You may be eligible to claim this loss through a travel protection policy. Please contact the insurance provider for additional information.

*Please note that cruises and special event trips (e.g., Jubilee Year Pilgrimages, Oberammergau, World Youth Day, etc.) may have different cancellation fees. Please see the trip brochure for details.

Tour Cancellations

SITC works hard to ensure trips travel as planned. Cancellations by individuals or due to external factors such as state advisories/warnings, acts of war, terrorism, acts of God, natural disasters, epidemic outbreaks, or inclement weather are beyond SITC’s control. Therefore, no refunds will be issued for such cancellations, regardless of the reason. These will be processed as individual cancellations and will incur standard cancellation fees as detailed above or in the trip brochure.

When a trip is postponed, SITC reserves the right to charge an administrative fee for work completed and to offer Future Travel Credit, subject to specific rules and regulations. SITC cannot guarantee that rescheduled trips will maintain identical pricing or itinerary inclusions.

To safeguard their financial investment, travelers are strongly advised to purchase optional Travel Protection, particularly a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy if available, which offers more comprehensive coverage in the event of cancellations.

Group Consideration and Itinerary Changes

While SITC works hard to adhere to the planned itinerary, unforeseen circumstances, such as delays, weather, traffic, strikes, demonstrations, or other factors beyond SITC’s control, may necessitate changes before or during your trip. SITC reserves the right to modify the itinerary, alter the order of events, or make reasonable substitutions to planned hotels, restaurants, activities, or Mass times and locations as needed and at any time.

Changes in Tour Leadership

While rare, changes in the trip leadership may occur. This includes changes to the Group Leader or Spiritual Director. If such changes are necessary, the traveler agrees that they are outside SITC’s control and that any cancellation resulting from such changes is subject to the cancellation terms and conditions herein.

Private Trips

Occasionally, SITC organizes “Private” trips for specific Group Leaders. Due to the exclusive nature of these bookings, SITC reserves the right to review passenger registrations. Should a passenger be inadvertently or erroneously registered on a Private trip that they are not authorized to join, SITC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to move that passenger to a comparable, publicly available trip or to cancel their registration and issue a full refund. 

Delays and Changes in Schedule

SITC assumes no responsibility or liability for any delay, change in schedule, loss, sickness, injury, or damage of any participant that may result from any act or omission on the part of others; and SITC shall be relieved of any obligations under these terms and conditions in the event of any strike, labor dispute, an act of God, or of government, fire, war, whether declared or not, terrorism, insurrection, riot, theft, pilferage, epidemic, illness, physical injury, quarantine, medical or customs or immigration regulation, delay, or cancellation.

Airline Travel Policy

SITC utilizes group air reservations to ensure the best arrangements for travelers. A minimum of ten passengers departing from the same gateway is required to qualify for a group rate. If the group minimum is not met, then individual tickets will be issued, and these may be at a higher cost, which will be adjusted on your invoice. Please note that airlines, not SITC, control airfare terms and prices, as well as access to group bookings.

SITC utilizes instant purchase airline tickets for all individual and domestic airfares. Airline rates and reservations cannot be guaranteed until payment is received.

Advertised airfare prices are guaranteed until the deposit deadline. Approximately 90 days before departure, SITC releases unused space on group air reservations. While SITC may still be able to accommodate last-minute travelers, prices are subject to change. Please contact SITC for current options and pricing.

Travelers booking airfare through SITC agree that SITC is acting only as an agent with the air carriers, and that ticket(s) or reservations constitute a contract for airfare with the airline, not SITC. Travelers agree that SITC is not responsible for changes in airline schedules, delays, seating arrangements, cancellations, missed connections, lost luggage, or changes in class of service by the airline, and further agree that any losses due to the aforementioned are solely the purview and responsibility of the airlines, not SITC. Any additional travel expenses incurred due to airline changes (e.g., schedule changes, alternate connections, weather delays, cancellations, strikes, etc.) are the sole responsibility of the Traveler or the airline, including missed transfers, lodging, meals, and any other expenses resulting from the changes. SITC strongly advises travelers to purchase travel protection to protect against such occurrences. 

Please note that airline schedules, including connection times, are determined solely by the airlines and not by SITC, and we have no control over the schedule.

Please note that SITC cannot assist with airline reservations, lost luggage, or flight rebooking once you are checked in for flights, as the reservation is under airport control.

Business Class and Premium Economy Tickets

SITC offers assistance to Travelers interested in purchasing a higher class of service. To receive a quote, Travelers must be registered for a trip and submit a written request or indicate on their trip profile that they would like a quote. SITC will provide the available rate at the time the group airfare is confirmed (approximately 120 days prior to departure). Full payment for the tickets must be received before they can be issued. Please note that prices are subject to change until tickets are issued. Tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. SITC cannot request specific seats for tickets booked in any class.

Domestic Add-On Tickets

SITC can assist Travelers with domestic air reservations to connect with group departures. Travelers must be registered on the trip and request a domestic air add-on, in writing or via their trip profile, and must include the city of departure and preferred flight date and time. Once SITC receives the request, the Traveler will be notified of the additional cost. Please note that most domestic add-on air tickets will require travelers to claim their luggage at the international gateway airport and recheck it for the international carrier. Baggage fees for domestic flights are not included in the cost and should be paid directly to the airline.

Instant Purchase Airfare

For individual air reservations, SITC works with instant purchase airfares, which require acceptance along with full payment; otherwise, the rate is subject to change based on availability. SITC cannot quote any domestic air add-on requests or tickets for an upgraded class of service more than once.

Seat Requests and Changes

SITC DOES NOT AND CANNOT AID WITH SEAT SELECTIONS OR SEATING PREFERENCES. 

SITC is only able to request specific seats for medical reasons, and even then, the airline may not be able to fulfill the request. Travelers with very specific seating requirements should consider the “Land Only” option, which allows them to book their own air travel. Please be aware that airline customer service representatives may not be fully informed about the limitations of group air reservations and might direct customers to SITC for seat assignments. However, due to airline restrictions, SITC is unable to assign seats within a group air reservation.

Required Passport and Visa Information

Airlines mandate that SITC possesses accurate and comprehensive Passport information for every traveler. Refer to the “Required Travel Documents” section of this document for details. SITC will not be liable for extra charges or price increases resulting from re-ticketing due to inaccuracies or omissions in registration documents.

Frequent Flyer, TSA Pre, and Global Entry Numbers

If given at the time of registration, SITC will transmit these numbers to the airlines when requesting tickets; however, we cannot guarantee the airlines will connect them to the Group Reservation. The traveler should confirm these numbers when checking in for their flights. Travelers can also provide these numbers directly to airlines after receiving trip documents from SITC or at the airport before departure. SITC is unable to modify or add these numbers to reservations once tickets are issued; please contact the airline directly once tickets have been issued.

Baggage

SITC is not responsible for airline baggage fees or any loss or damage to luggage during the flight or trip. Passengers should consult their airline for baggage limitations, restrictions, and policies. Baggage handling services are not provided at airports or train stations, and some hotels may not offer baggage assistance.

Each traveler is generally permitted one suitcase, not exceeding 50 lbs, and one small carry-on, not exceeding 18 lbs, which can be stored in the airline’s overhead compartment, and a “personal” item. Medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines, canes, or walkers) are generally not included in these limitations.

Should excess luggage necessitate additional vehicles for transport during the trip, the cost of these vehicles will be divided among the group members.

“Land Only” Travelers

Travelers have the option to arrange their own air transportation, which may be preferred for deviations, seat selection, or using frequent flyer miles. Should “Land Only” travelers require assistance meeting the group, SITC is happy to help. However, airport transfers are not provided for “Land Only” passengers if their arrival or departure times differ from the group flights. If private transfers are needed, the Traveler(s) are responsible for arranging them with their Account Manager, which may incur an additional cost. Private transfers can cost upwards of $300-$700, depending on the locations of the first and last hotels in your itinerary.

A $150.00 service charge will apply to Travelers who switch from group air to “Land Only” within 100 days of departure. Air schedules are controlled by the airlines and are subject to change, which may affect your use of group transfers. Any expenses incurred by individual travelers due to such changes are solely the traveler’s responsibility.

Traveler’s Personal Responsibility

Maintain Communication

The traveler is solely responsible for maintaining communication with SITC throughout registration, preparation, and travel. Travelers must promptly communicate any changes in contact information (address, phone, or email) and are responsible for all additional costs, including, but not limited to, postage, shipping, and change fees, resulting from incorrect, incomplete, or delayed information/responses.

Physical Demands of Pilgrimage Trips

Pilgrimage travel involves considerable physical demands, including walking long distances over uneven terrain and climbing stairs in various weather conditions. Many pilgrimage sites lack accommodations for individuals with physical impairments. By agreeing to these terms, travelers confirm their preparedness for these physical challenges and release SITC from liability for any trip disruption or injury resulting from the physical demands of the trip.

Should a traveler be unable or unwilling to maintain the group’s pace, an SITC Representative will discuss available options. However, SITC will not reimburse any additional transportation expenses, hired services, or missed activities incurred by the traveler in such situations.

For questions regarding physical demands or personal responsibilities, please contact the SITC office at 800-842-4842 (in New Jersey) before enrolling in a tour. SITC retains the right to refuse any participant or potential participant at its sole discretion.

Traveler(s) Possessions

Travelers are solely responsible for their possessions. SITC and its representatives are not responsible for lost, forgotten, stolen, or confiscated items, nor can they retrieve personal items left on buses, at restaurants, hotels, or airports. SITC also assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Purchases Made While Traveling

During your trip, you may visit various shops or vendors. SITC does not endorse or guarantee the products or services offered by these establishments, even if they are included in the itinerary. Local guides may also introduce you to shops and vendors unknown to SITC.

When purchasing goods and services from any vendor or shop during your travels, you are advised to exercise personal discretion and assume all associated risks. SITC is not responsible for any issues related to the quality, pricing, or potential fraud concerning items or services purchased. Additionally, SITC cannot assist in reclaiming VAT or any other fees or taxes incurred on purchases made while traveling.

Adherence to Local Laws, Statutes, and Controlled Substances

Travelers are responsible for understanding and adhering to local laws concerning behavior, controlled items, and substances. SITC assumes no responsibility for fines, arrest, or legal ramifications due to the Traveler’s chosen behavior and or possession or use of controlled items or substances.

Dietary Restrictions and Concerns

Travelers with specific dietary needs or restrictions must inform SITC in writing. While SITC will make reasonable efforts to notify its Representatives and third-party suppliers, we rely on multiple suppliers and airlines for service. Therefore, SITC cannot guarantee that all food on the trip will meet the Traveler’s needs and restrictions. SITC assumes no responsibility for illness or harm resulting from food consumed by the Traveler. It remains the Traveler’s responsibility to advocate for themselves to ensure food meets their needs and restrictions throughout the trip.

Special Medical Conditions

Travelers requiring special assistance due to a disability must notify SITC in writing at the time of registration. SITC will work to accommodate disabled passengers by arranging wheelchair assistance at airports and securing handicap-accessible rooms where available.

However, SITC cannot guarantee and is not liable for any denial of services by third-party suppliers such as carriers, hotels, or restaurants. Please note that all SITC trips operate outside the U.S., where the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply, and facilities for individuals with disabilities may be limited. Most transportation services, including our touring motor coaches, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts. If you require wheelchair rental during your trip, please submit a written request at least 90 days before departure, and we will gladly obtain pricing for you.

SITC is unable to provide individual assistance to travelers for personal needs such as walking, dining, or assistance in their rooms, or on or off any form of conveyance. Travelers who require special assistance must be accompanied by a qualified and physically able companion(s). It is the Traveler’s responsibility to arrange for such assistance before making reservations.

Due to the nature of our trips, motorized scooters are unsuitable and cannot be accommodated. SITC is not responsible for any medical conditions that occur before, during, or after the tour. Furthermore, SITC cannot guarantee or provide assistance for disabled passengers, including special seating.

All travelers are responsible for all medical, transportation, lodging, and other related expenses incurred due to medical events, physical challenges, or illnesses during the trip, and assume all associated risks.

Pregnant and/or Breastfeeding Travelers

Pregnant or breastfeeding travelers should assess potential risks associated with international travel, including the standard of medical care at their destination and during transit. Some service providers, including but not limited to cruise lines and airlines, may restrict or deny travel to pregnant travelers. SITC is not responsible for missed activities, events, or unused portions of the trip resulting from limitations or service denials by third-party suppliers.

Service Animals

ADA- or ACAA-recognized service dogs may be accommodated in accordance with the destination’s rules and based on appropriate documentation. It is important to note that each destination country has unique laws and regulations regarding service animals, which may impact your ability to bring them. Additionally, each service provider may have specific rules regarding service animals. We encourage you to research the destination’s laws and regulations to fully understand the requirements before deciding to travel. If you require the assistance of a service animal and can meet the destination’s requirements, please contact the Account Manager for the trip PRIOR TO REGISTRATION. Please note that ALL requests to accommodate Service Animals must be received no less than 120 days before travel.

Young Travelers

All travelers under 18 years of age on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult.

Requirements for Minors Traveling Abroad

Due to increased security measures to prevent international child trafficking, many countries have specific requirements regarding who may accompany a child. If a child is traveling with adults other than their parents, or with only one parent, SITC requires a notarized letter from the parents or the non-traveling parent. This letter should grant authorization to the supervising adult(s) and include the travel dates and destinations. Parents must also understand and comply with the requirements of the destination country and the airlines.

Age Restrictions for Trips

While SITC trips are generally designed for adults, and due to the strenuous nature of our trips, SITC only accepts passengers aged 8 years and older with appropriate adult supervision. An exception is made for trips explicitly identified as “Family-Friendly,” which may include children of all ages. Occasionally, at the sole discretion of the Group Leader, children under 8 years may be accommodated, and travelers will be notified by the Group Leader of this. Please note that your decision to travel or not, based on the decision of the Group Leader, does not negate the cancellation terms herein.

Acknowledgement of Risks

By offering reservations for travel in particular international destinations, SITC does not represent or warrant that travel to such areas is advisable or without risk. SITC will not be liable for any harm, including illness, damages, or losses to persons or property that may result from travel to such destinations. It is the Traveler’s responsibility to research and determine their level of risk tolerance, including the decision to participate in a tour to a country or continent where the US State Department has issued alerts or warnings. SITC does not cancel tours solely based on US State Department advisories. If the tour is scheduled to operate, standard cancellation policies apply if the Traveler elects to cancel because their risk tolerance has been exceeded. SITC strongly advises travelers to purchase a travel protection policy to protect their travel investment.

Agreement to Avoid Transmission of Illness

Travelers agree to act responsibly if they fall ill during the trip. Should a traveler become unwell, they agree to make all reasonable efforts to prevent the spread of their illness to other group members. Furthermore, the traveler agrees not to hold SITC or the trip’s Group Leaders responsible should they or anyone on the trip contract any illness during or after the trip.

Travelers agree to adhere to and cooperate with the guidelines provided by SITC, your Guide and Group Leader, health authorities, and governments in the countries to which you are traveling. Health standards and safety protocols include, but are not limited to, “Safe Together” measures such as physical distancing, wellness checks, protective wear, and enhanced hygiene. SITC advises all travelers to carry hand sanitizer and masks with them in case of illness.

If required, Travelers agree to daily temperature checks, the wearing of masks, frequent handwashing, full disclosure of any unusual health symptoms, and a willingness to seek medical attention immediately if they are not feeling well. Failure to do so may be considered Traveler Disruption and is subject to the Terms and Conditions regarding such.

SITC reserves the right to ask a traveler to separate from the group if their illness poses a risk to other participants. Travelers are solely responsible for any costs incurred due to accidents or illness. 

Should a Traveler become sick during the trip, requiring medical attention and or hospitalization, or requiring special travel arrangements, including the purchase of return airline tickets, all expenses are the responsibility of the Traveler and must be paid at the time the services are rendered. Purchasing travel insurance is advised to help offset unexpected expenses related to injury or illness while traveling.

Force Majeure

SITC is not responsible for and no damages are due to a Traveler for failure by SITC to perform obligations related to the delivery of tour services if such failure results from Acts of God (including fire, flood, hurricane, storm, or other natural disasters), war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, cyber-attacks, hostilities, terrorism, nationalism, government sanction, blockage or embargo, labor dispute, strike, lockout, interruption, or failure of any mode of conveyance, electricity, internet or telephone services, or illness, accident, or death of the Group Leader, Guide, or SITC Representative. Optional Trip Protection is strongly advised.

Other Risks

Other risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of travel by train, automobile, motor coach, aircraft and other means of conveyance, animal interactions, forces of nature, political/civil/other unrest, health risks or epidemics, food poisoning, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and differing animal regulation, terrorism, acts of national and local governments, or acts of others against governments.

The Traveler attests that she or he is voluntarily participating in the trip and all activities planned with the knowledge that there are potential dangers involved, and hereby agrees to personally accept any and all risks. 

The Traveler will not hold SITC responsible for the choice of the airline, hotel, bus company, or any other service providers, should an accident, injury, illness, or any other damage or loss occur during the trip.  As lawful consideration for the agreement with SITC to participate in such trips and activities, the Traveler agrees that she or he will not make any claim against SITC, its related companies, third-party suppliers, or its personnel or sue for bodily injury, sickness, emotional trauma, death, property loss or damage or other loss, cost or expense, however caused, as a result of or related to contracting for, traveling to or from, or in any and every other way participating in the trip. The Traveler releases SITC, its principals, related companies, third-party suppliers, and its personnel from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising from contracting for, traveling to or from, and in any and every way participating in a trip.

Where the Traveler occupies a motor coach, neither SITC nor the Operator nor its agents or co-operating organizations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident. This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances

This release of liability and assumption of risk agreement is entered into on behalf of the Traveler and all members of her or his family and party, also including minors. This agreement also binds the Traveler’s heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

Traveler Disruption

SITC reserves the right to remove any Traveler or Group Leader should a SITC Representative(s) determine that the Traveler is adversely affecting the group, has become a danger to herself or himself or others, or is willfully ignoring the instructions of the SITC Representative(s) to the detriment of the safety or well-being of the group. In the event a Traveler or Group Leader is removed from a trip, SITC will not refund any monies. Additional transportation, lodging, penalties, and any other expenses associated with the removal are the sole responsibility of the Traveler or Group Leader.

If a Traveler or Group Leader decides to leave a tour in progress prior to its scheduled conclusion for any reason, SITC will not refund any monies for unused portions of the trip. Additional transportation, lodging, penalties, and all other expenses due to the departure are solely the responsibility of the Traveler or Group Leader.

Use of Third-Party Suppliers

SITC and its employees, agents, and representatives use third-party suppliers to arrange tours, transportation, sightseeing, lodging, and all other services. SITC does not own, manage, operate, supervise, or control any transportation, vehicle, airplane, hotel or restaurant, or any other entity that supplies services.

SITC is not affiliated with any other tour operator. All suppliers are independent contractors and are not agents or employees, or representatives of SITC. All customers agree that neither SITC nor its employees, agents, or representatives is or may be liable for any loss, sickness, injury, or damage to any tour participant or their belongings, or otherwise, in connection with any service supplied or not supplied, resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrence beyond the control of SITC.

Use of Travelers’ Images in Promotional Materials

Photographs and videos taken by SITC, its Representative(s), Group Leaders, and third-party suppliers during the trip are the property of SITC and may be used on SITC websites, promotional materials, and for social media and online posts. Any Traveler who does not wish to have their photograph or video footage used in promotional material MUST advise SITC, in writing, no later than the trip’s final payment due date.

Severability

If any provision of these terms and conditions shall be held unenforceable, such provision shall be struck, and the remainder shall remain enforceable.

Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

By signing the trip Registration Form or checking the box indicating agreement to the Terms and Conditions on the online registration form, the Traveler agrees to comply with the Terms and Conditions outlined here and confirms they have read and understood them.  These Terms and Conditions (also referred to as “travel policies” and/or “your agreement with us”) and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by the laws of the state of New Jersey without regard to conflicts of law principles.  Any legal action taken must be filed in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and is governed by the laws of the state of New Jersey. Any Traveler’s claim must be submitted in writing and received by SITC no later than thirty (30) days after the completion of the SITC trip.  If a Traveler’s claim is not submitted and received within this time, it shall be deemed waived and barred.

Errors and Omissions

SITC takes great care to ensure the accuracy of all information presented on its websites, in written communications, and in verbal communications with its staff; however, errors and omissions may occasionally occur. If such errors are identified, SITC reserves the right to correct them promptly upon discovery. 

SITC also reserves the right to correct billing errors or omissions and to invoice Travelers accordingly if such errors are discovered.

SITC reserves the right to revise, update, or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time and with or without prior notice. For the most up-to-date Terms and Conditions, please visit: https://selectinternationaltours.com/terms-conditions/