BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Introduction:
We, FocusedOnWildlife, located at 240 Fir Tree Road, Epsom, KT17 3NL, United Kingdom, are a registered company in the UK. As such, we proudly uphold our unique taxpayer reference number assigned by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This reference number unequivocally confirms our legitimacy and strict compliance with the UK's tax regulations. It underscores our unwavering commitment to operating within the legal framework and contributing responsibly to the nation's economic growth.
Arranging and organising photographic trips in the UK, Europe, and globally is a service that delivers unmatched value for dedicated photographers. Our expertise, combined with extensive knowledge and experience as professional photographers, guarantees that you can concentrate entirely on capturing stunning images or honing your photography skills without worrying about logistics. You will be in the company of seasoned professionals who understand your needs.
Terminology and References:
‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ refers to FocusedOnWildlife, and/or any “trading as” product identified under this banner.
‘you’ and ‘your’ refers to the person(s) making the booking, other persons travelling with that person, and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made. It also applies to any other person to whom a booking is transferred.
'package' and ‘lack of conformity' will have the same meaning as in the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
'arrangements' are all the components as detailed in the tour on offer as detailed in your confirmation
1. Our agreement
You will receive essential information about your package arrangements and their main characteristics before a binding agreement is established between us. This information, along with these conditions, our Privacy Policy, and any other written details we provided before confirming your booking, form the basis of our contract. Read them carefully as they outline our respective rights and obligations. By making a booking, you agree to be bound by all terms. The key terms of our agreement are as follows:
Key terms
You will enter into a binding contract with us upon receipt of our confirmation email. Should you cancel your arrangements thereafter, you will be obligated to pay cancellation charges. Initially, this will be the deposit paid to secure your arrangements; however, once the balance is paid, these charges may escalate up to 100% of the total cost.
Any changes to the booking, whether made by you or by us, are strictly governed by the terms outlined in Clause 7 and Clause 8.
We are committed to ensuring that your confirmed arrangements are executed with the utmost care. However, please be aware that there are specific limitations and exceptions to this responsibility as outlined in these terms.
Minimum number of participants
Where a minimum number of participants is specified in any advertisement for any package, such minimum is a condition of the package being undertaken. Part of a package will not be redeemable under any circumstance and the entire package will be subject to the cancellation rules as set out in clause 8 and clause 11. If a minimum number of participants is not mentioned, then that package can be considered as a definite departure package and is be subject to all other terms and conditions herein.
Accuracy of information and booking errors
We are committed to ensuring the accuracy of all information and prices in our advertising material. However, changes and errors can occur, and we reserve the right to correct them when they do. It is your responsibility to verify the current price and all relevant information before confirming your booking. We will not be held liable for booking errors attributable to you or caused by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances as outlined in clause 9.
Our agreement is binding once we issue a confirmation, whether directly to you or through an authorized agent. Immediately check all details on the confirmation or any other issued document upon receipt. Changes to your arrangements may not be possible later, so notify us of any inaccuracies within ten days of receiving the documentation. Failure to do so may jeopardize your rights.
The suppliers providing services for your arrangements operate under their own terms and conditions, which will also be part of your agreement with us. Be aware that some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier's liability to you, typically in line with applicable International Conventions.
2. Pricing
Please be aware that we reserve the right to adjust the prices of unsold holiday arrangements at any time and/or correct any errors in the prices of confirmed arrangements. It is important to stay informed about potential changes that may affect your plans.
Be aware that the price of your confirmed arrangements may fluctuate due to changes in the following factors:
1 The price of passenger carriage will be adjusted based on the cost of fuel or other power sources.
2 Additionally, any taxes or fees imposed by third parties not directly involved in the package, such as tourist taxes, landing taxes, or embarkation/disembarkation fees at ports and airports, will affect the final cost.
3 Lastly, fluctuations in exchange rates relevant to the package will also impact pricing.
Please be aware that price variations will be determined based on the cost differences we encounter due to the aforementioned factors. Prices may increase or decrease, and we will inform you in writing of any changes. When feasible, we will also provide a detailed calculation explaining the variation at least 20 days before your scheduled departure. It is important to stay informed and prepared for these potential adjustments.
If your arrangements are part of a package and result in a price increase exceeding 10% (excluding insurance premiums, amendment charges, and/or additional services), we will provide you with the options specified in clause 8.
If prices decrease due to the aforementioned factors, we will issue a refund accordingly. However, we will deduct our administrative expenses from the amount owed to you, which may result in no remaining refund value.
Please be aware that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency, and some apparent changes may not affect the price due to existing contractual protections. It is important to consider these factors carefully to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected costs.
3. Payment
You are required to make payment for your arrangements according to the instructions we provide. Failure to pay in full and on time will result in us treating your booking as cancelled by you, invoking the cancellation charges outlined in clause 7. Payments made to an authorized agent are held on our behalf until transferred to us or refunded to you. For international payments, ensure we receive the full advertised amount in the specified currency. You are responsible for all bank charges, withholding taxes, and exchange rate fluctuations related to your payment methods.
4. Insurance
It is crucial to understand that our agreement requires you to have adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. At a minimum, this insurance must cover losses due to cancellation, medical issues, and repatriation in case of an accident or illness. Should you decide to travel without sufficient insurance coverage, please be aware that we will not be responsible for any losses you incur that would have otherwise been covered by such insurance.
5. Disabilities and medical problems
Please be aware that wildlife photography can be physically demanding and often takes place in challenging environments. While we will provide general information on the suitability of your chosen arrangements for individuals with reduced mobility, it is crucial that you inform us of any specific medical conditions or disabilities before we issue our confirmation. This allows us to assess whether we can meet your needs adequately.
If you request detailed information on the suitability of the trip considering your specific requirements, we will provide it. However, if we determine that we cannot safely and appropriately accommodate your needs, acting reasonably, we will not confirm your booking. This decision is made purely out of concern for your safety and well-being; therefore, no discrimination claims will be entertained as a result.
You will receive written communication regarding our decision to proceed with or cancel your booking, which will also be kept in our records. Should you fail to disclose full details at the time of booking and it later becomes apparent that we cannot accommodate these needs properly, the booking will be treated as cancelled by you under Clause 7's cancellation rules.
6. Special requests
All special requests regarding your arrangements must be communicated to us in writing at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to accommodate your requests, we cannot guarantee their fulfilment. If we are able to confirm a special request or requirement, it will be explicitly stated in our confirmation. However, if such requests or requirements are not confirmed in writing on our confirmation, any failure to meet them will not constitute a breach of contract on our part.