Conditions of Travel

Please read the following terms and conditions (“Terms”) carefully as all bookings by fine by nature Pty Ltd (“FBN”, “we”, “us”) are accepted subject to these Terms. By making a booking you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms.

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Bookings

A booking request is accepted when we have confirmed your booking by email and you have paid your deposit(s) (or a full payment in some cases) as stated on the received invoice. It is at this point that a contract between us and you comes into existence subject to these Booking Conditions.

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Prices & Exclusions

Prices are stated in Australian Dollars (AUD) or in Euros (EUR) and are current at the time of publication. Inclusions are as per the published itinerary. 

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International and domestic airfares are not included unless specifically stated.  You will be directly responsible for such additional costs as  visas,  excess baggage, meals not mentioned, vaccinations, beverages, tips, and other costs of a personal nature.

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Price Increases

We reserve the right to increase the cost of your booked travel arrangements prior to commencement for circumstances beyond our control such as  fuel or air fare surcharges, airline schedule changes, minimum passengers requirements or the imposition of new or amended Government charges.

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Deposit

A deposit is required within 7 days (unless otherwise stated) after our acceptance of your booking. The deposit is a fee that covers services associated with the processing and confirmation of your booking and any consultations on your travel arrangements. As these services are provided as soon as we confirm your booking, the deposit is non-refundable other than where we cancel your travel arrangements for reasons other than Force Majeure (see below).

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After payment of your deposit we will go ahead and book your services. Unfortunately sometimes quoted services may be unavailable or prices may increase. In this case you will be responsible for paying the increased price, and we will not be responsible if services become unavailable.

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Sometimes - and outside our control - a higher deposit or earlier payment date may be required. We will make you aware of these changes, as soon as we receive a notification from our suppliers.

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If deposits or final payments are not received within 7 days of requested date, fine by nature has the right to cancel all arrangements without a refund.

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Any booking requests made after final payment date will require full payment upon confirmation.

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Individual payment plans outside our usual payment schedule may be available with an additional once-off $95.00 processing fee. Please get in touch to find out more.

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Airline Schedule Changes

fine by nature is not responsible for any schedule changes imposed by airlines. Whilst we will do our best to reschedule your touring and accommodation, fine by nature is not responsible for any additional costs nor services missed as a result of an airline-imposed schedule change.

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Final Payment

Payment in full must be received by the due date on your invoice or 70 days prior to your departure, whichever date comes first. fine by nature is under no obligation to remind you of  payment due dates. If we don't receive a payment from you by the due (cleared funds on our account), this will be considered a cancellation by you (see below).

 

Note: some trips may require payment (including full payment) earlier or in additional instalments and this will be advised with the booking confirmation.

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For late bookings (bookings within 70 days of departure), full payment is required at the time of  your booking request. Sometimes services cannot be booked this close to departure, in which case we will provide you with a refund.

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Accepted Forms of Payment

We accept direct deposit or credit card payments by Visa/MasterCard.  Credit Card Surcharges apply depending on the type of card. All credit card surcharges are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. 

When paying by direct deposit, please add a reference to your payment using your surname and booking number.

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Cancellations by You

New or changed quarantine requirements

If after we confirm your booking: (a) new or changed quarantine requirements are in imposed by government authorities either in a destination you are due to visit or in your home State or county and these remain in effect 70 days before commencement of travel arrangements booked with us; and (b) these new or changed quarantine requirements make it reasonably impractical for you to travel; then (c) you may give us written notice to cancel your trip not less than 45 days prior to commencement of the first arrangement.

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If you cancel travel arrangements in these circumstances, then we will refund payments made by you less: (a) unrecoverable third party costs and other expenses incurred by us in relation to your travel arrangements; (b) overhead charges incurred by us relative to the price of your travel arrangements; and (c) fair compensation for work undertaken by us in relation to your travel arrangements until the time of cancellation and in connection with the processing of any refund.

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Other Cancellations

If you wish to cancel your trip for other reasons, we require written notice and will make refunds to you less cancellation fees in accordance with the table below - or according to the cancellation terms in your travel confirmation - calculated from the date which we receive a written notice.

 

General Tours

• More than 71 days prior to departure - loss of deposit

• From 70 to 31 days prior to departure – loss of up to 50% of total cost

• 30 days or less prior to departure - loss of up to 100% of total cost

In some cases, some services may require full payment prior to any reservations being made and may thereafter be non-refundable. In such case we will notify you of these conditions in our quotes and documentation to you. Any amendment request for non-refundable services will be treated as a cancellation. 

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NOTE that different cancellation fees may apply to different travel components. For example;

• Airlines often apply a 100% cancellation fee.

• Cruises and expedition voyages often have more stringent cancellation conditions.

• Tours and packages taking place over the Christmas and New Year period.

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We take no responsibility for any cancellation of services you make directly with hotels, local tour leaders or representatives, or other local suppliers regardless whether written proof is received by us.

Any partial cancellation of individual services that form part of the complete booking will at our discretion be subject to cancellation charges as above.

You agree that the deductions and cancellation charges as specified above are reasonable, represent a genuine pre-estimate of our loss and are required to protect our legitimate business interests.

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Regrettably, cancellation charges cannot be waived, and we strongly encourage you take out adequate comprehensive travel insurance which includes coverage in the event of cancellation by you.

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Illness or Vaccination Status Preventing Travel

If due to any illness, suspected illness or failure to satisfy any required tests (such as a PCR or rapid antigen test in relation to Covid-19) or vaccination requirements: 

• an airline or other common carrier refuses your carriage;

• a hotel or vessel refuses to accommodate you; or

• we or our suppliers (acting reasonably) exclude you from the trip and you are consequently prevented from commencing or continuing your trip, then:

• if you have already commenced your trip, we will provide you with reasonable assistance to arrange alternative travel arrangements or to continue the trip. This will be at your cost.

• if you have not commenced your trip then we regret we will not be in a position to provide such assistance.

We will not be liable to refund the cost of your trip (or any part of it) because we would have already paid (or committed to pay) suppliers and we would have already performed significant work preparing for the delivery of your trip and servicing your booking. 

We will not be responsible for any other loss or loss you incur in connection with your booking (for example, airfares and visa expenses) if you are prevented from commencing or continuing your trip in these circumstances.

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Cancellations or Rescheduling by Us

In these Booking Conditions, the term Force Majeure means an event or events beyond our control and which we could not have reasonably prevented, and includes but is not limited to: (a) natural disasters (including not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption), adverse weather conditions (including hurricane or cyclone), high or low water levels; (b) war, armed conflict, industrial dispute, civil strife, terrorist activity or the threat of such acts; epidemic, pandemic; (d) any new or change in law, order, decree, rule or regulation of any government authority (including travel advisories and restrictions).

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Force Majeure – Prior to travel

If in our reasonable opinion we (either directly or through our employees, contractors, suppliers or agents) consider that your travel arrangements cannot safely or lawfully proceed due to a Force Majeure Event then we at our discretion may elect to:

• reschedule your travel arrangements (in whole or in part); and/or

• cancel your travel arrangements (in whole or in part), in which case our contract with you will terminate (in whole or in part).

If we cancel any of your travel arrangements, neither of us will have any claim for damages against the other for the cancelled arrangements. However, we will refund payments attributable to the cancelled travel arrangements less: (a) unrecoverable third party costs and other expenses incurred by us for the cancelled travel arrangements; (b) overhead charges incurred by us relative to the price of the cancelled travel arrangements; and (c) fair compensation for work undertaken by us in relation to the cancelled travel arrangements until the time of cancellation and in connection with the processing of any refund.

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Force Majeure – During travel

If due to Force Majeure we cancel travel arrangements after your trip has commenced, we will provide you with a refund of recoverable third party costs for cancelled travel arrangements only.

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Force Majeure – General

If we provide you with any alternative services or assistance where travel arrangements are cancelled or rescheduled due to Force Majeure, then you agree the amount to be refunded to you will be reduced by the value of these services and assistance.

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You acknowledge that the terms in this section are reasonably necessary to protect our legitimate business interests. We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance that adequately responds to cancellation and rescheduling risks associated with Force Majeure events.

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Other cancellations

If we cancel your travel arrangements for reasons other than Force Majeure, you will be offered (at your choice) a refund of all funds paid, or the offer of a trip of equal quality if appropriate.

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We will not be responsible to you for any other expenses or loss you incur if your travel arrangements are rescheduled or cancelled whether or not due to Force Majeure.

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Amendments by You

Once fine by nature issues you with a booking confirmation and you have paid the required deposit, a $50 amendment fee will be payable on each occasion you request changes made to your tour arrangements. While we will do our best to make amendments, please note that amendments are not always possible.  The amendment fee is charged to cover the additional time spent when preparing documentation and when dealing with relevant suppliers. You will also be required to pay any additional costs charged by suppliers.

 

Amendments by Us

Prior to travel

Occasionally, we may need to make amendments or modifications to the itinerary and inclusions and you acknowledge our right to do this. If we become aware of a significant change to your itinerary or its inclusions prior to the commencement of your trip (where the trip can still proceed), then we will notify you within a reasonable time. 

 

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, fine by nature takes no responsibility for any itinerary changes we determine acting reasonably that are required for the overall enjoyment of the tour, for safety reasons or in situations where changes are required due to matters outside of our control. You acknowledge fine by nature's right to make amendments in these circumstances. While we will reasonably endeavour to supply comparable arrangements you agree that you will not be entitled to any cost reduction, refund or other compensation in these situations. 

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During travel

You acknowledge that the itinerary, modes of transport, accommodation and/or the trip’s inclusions may need to change during your trip due to local circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including road conditions, poor weather, changes in transport schedules, and/or vehicle breakdowns. You agree that we have the right to pass on any costs we incur for alternative arrangements we put in place for your benefit in these circumstances.

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General

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible for any omissions or modifications to the itinerary or the inclusions due to Force Majeure or other circumstances beyond our control happening after we have accepted your booking. This includes any loss of enjoyment or distress caused by omissions or modifications.

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If you are entitled to any compensation for any modifications or omissions, then you agree it will be reduced by the value of any alternative services we provide which you accept. We will not be responsible to you for any other expenses or loss you incur resulting from any amendment or change to the itinerary or its inclusions. 

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Unused & Denied Service

No refunds will be made for any travel arrangements not used, whether by choice or because of late arrival or early departure. This includes the failure of transport to operate according to schedule, which we disclaim responsibility for.

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If you are not fully and validly vaccinated against Covid-19 in the destination(s) where services are to be provided, and particular suppliers refuse to provide you with travel arrangements, then you agree you will not be entitled to any refund for those arrangements. We will not be responsible to you for any loss or expenses you incur (including loss of enjoyment or the costs of alternative arrangements) if you are denied services in these circumstances.

 

Client Names - Exactly as per Passports

For security reasons, airlines and our overseas suppliers require names to be given exactly as stated in your passport. If you do not advise the correct information and we have to re-issue airline tickets or other documentation, then you will be responsible for any fees charged (such as airline cancellation charges or re-issue fees) in addition to our own reasonable administration fees.

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Fit to Travel  - Minimum Requirements

Our goal is for all our travellers to enjoy their tour, not struggle through it! Which is why we want to work with you to ensure you are on the best possible trip for your fitness level. We do reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding.  Most tours and travel packages are for independently minded travellers with good levels of mobility. 

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Within seven days of your booking you will need to complete a Booking Form, which also includes a Fit to Travel declaration. Below you find a list of minimum fitness requirements. There are also tour specific requirements which are listed in the tour details.

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When you tick the box for Fit to Travel in the Booking Form you are confirming that you’re able to do the following:

• Walk for a minimum of 2-3 hours daily, on uneven surfaces without the use of any walking aid 

• Regularly walk up multiple flights of stairs and short, steep hills

• Stand for extended periods of time without needing to sit down, including in hot/humid climates

• Carry your own luggage

• Get on and off various modes of transport without assistance, including small boats

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It is also important to note there can be limited medical facilities in remote areas. If you do not feel that you can confidently manage all of the requirements set out above, please get in touch to find an alternative that is better suited to your current level of fitness.

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Fit to Travel - Your Health & Activities

You warrant that the information you provide regarding your health & fitness is accurate and there are no other medical issues (both physical/mental) that may impact your ability to participate in the activities without the need for special assistance. It is your responsibility to discuss other options with us should you have any doubts about your capability to participate in any of the activities included in your travel package.

 

If your circumstances change following your completion of your Booking Form, then you must notify us as soon as reasonably possible, and in any circumstance prior to travel. We reserve the right to cancel your booking if your changed circumstances mean you will require special assistance which we cannot reasonably provide. We suggest that your travel insurance (which you are strongly advised to have in place under these Terms) includes comprehensive cancellation coverage.

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It is your responsibility to consult your doctor prior to booking or participating in the activities included in your tour package to make sure they are suitable and safe for you. 

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Activities like snowmobile and husky safaris can be physically demanding and the participants may be exposed to different kinds of physical strain. If you suffer from any illnesses or disabilities (for instance heart disease, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, back or hip problems) they can affect your ability to take part in the these activities.

 

The speed of the dog team might be a surprise and mushing (driving) the team requires concentration.
Taking part in a husky safari requires good physical condition (person should be able to run short distances with ease). Driving a dog team is not suitable for persons with missing limb, suffering back, hip, knee, or any leg problems. 

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Person suffering any illnesses or disabilities, above mentioned or heart disease, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, recent surgical operation, should be aware that she/he is participating at her/his own risk.   

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Activities, especially snowshoe, skiing, snowmobile, husky and reindeer excursions can be physically demanding and participants may be exposed to different kinds of physical strain, vibration or carbon
monoxide (in case of snowmobiling). Therefore, in order to avoid any complications and to guarantee the safety of all participants, we do not recommend husky, reindeer and snowmobile programmes to pregnant women.

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You need to be able to swim if you have chosen any activities on water. If you have chosen any activities including bicycles and e-bikes your 'Fit to Travel' declaration confirms that you are confident and competent with riding a bicycle. Please choose other activities/tours if you don't fill the above requirements.

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Travel Insurance

It is strongly advised that you are adequately insured (at your own cost) for the full duration of your tour arrangements in respect of Covid-19 cancellations, illness, repatriations, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal items, cancellation, resumption of journey and curtailment. fine by nature will not be responsible for inadequate travel insurance in the event of any insurance claims.   It is the traveller's responsibility to read through the insurance company's PDS and be comfortable with the policy's coverage. fine by nature will not be responsible for the non-declaration of any pre-existing illness.

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We strongly suggest you purchase insurance at the time you pay your deposit. This is because cancellation fees and charges are payable from that time.

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Immigration

You are responsible for any additional costs with regards to visa, passport, immigration, quarantine, customs, health and other requirements of the countries visited or transited. If travelling on an Australian passport you will need at least 6 months validity on your passport taken from the date of re-entry into Australia.  If you are travelling under any other passport please advise at the time of booking. fine by nature will not be held responsible for any incorrect re-entry visas for non-Australian passport holders.  Please note that passport and visa requirements are the responsibility of you, the traveller, and fine by nature will take no responsibility for failure to comply with the provided advice.

 

Accommodation

We reserve the right to substitute hotels, vessels and other forms of accommodation with properties or vessels of a comparable or higher standard.

 

Dietary Requirements

Special dietary requests are required to be notified to us at the time of booking. Although we will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee requests will be met by suppliers. It is your responsibility to check that meals and beverages do not contain any allergens. We expressly disclaim any liability for meals or beverages that contain allergens.

 

Passports & Visas

It is a requirement that you hold a valid passport and any required visas for your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the necessary documentation to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries to be visited.

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Medical Advice & Vaccinations

fine by nature takes no responsibility regarding medical advice, medications or vaccinations that you or your doctor feel is necessary for your safe participation.

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Authority on the Tour

When joining a group tour, you undertake to conduct yourself in a manner conducive to good group dynamics. If you act in a manner that threatens or disrupts the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, the tour leader may, acting reasonably, require that you leave the tour. You will not be entitled to any refund for unused services and you will be responsible for any additional costs you incur.

 

Independent Services

We are not responsible for any additional activities or excursions which are not included in the booked itinerary or which we sell as agent for the principal operator. Any advice or recommendation made by a guide or local representative does not make us responsible.

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If you book any independent services yourself and these services cause you to miss or be late for our booked services, you acknowledge that you are not entitled to any refund and are deemed liable for any extra associated costs.

 

Minimum Numbers

All fine by nature Small Group Tours are based on a minimum number of passengers travelling. If a Small Group Tour fails to satisfy minimum numbers, the tour may be cancelled. If the tour is cancelled, we will at your election refund you all payments made or credit payments towards alternative arrangements. We will not be responsible for any other travel arrangements affected by, or any additional costs incurred, as a result of cancellation.

 

Acceptance of Risk

You acknowledge that travel involves personal risks which may be greater than those present in your everyday life. This could be as a result of the adventurous nature of your trip or the visiting of destinations which present geographical, political or cultural risks and dangers.

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You should consult guidance issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) applicable to the destinations within your itinerary. You acknowledge that your choice to travel is made having had the benefit of DFAT guidance, and you accept any additional personal risks associated with your travel. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim any liability for these risks.

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Official travel advice issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is available by contacting 1300 444 135 or visiting their website www.dfat.gov.au. 

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Services Supplied by Independent Suppliers

fine by nature acts as an agent and a reseller for Independent Suppliers of the travel arrangements that are included in the travel packages and tours offered on our website and in all customised itineraries created for our guests. fine by nature does not own or operate Airlines, Cruise Lines, Hotels or any other travel service providers and is not liable or responsible for: Any accident, injury or health problems suffered by travellers; Loss or theft of or damage to any personal possessions or property; Delays, re-routing, cancellations or service deficiencies of any service; Insolvency, business failure or grounding of an airline, cruise ship, hotel, or other service.

 

When a third party over whom we have no direct control (Independent Supplier) is the supplier of travel arrangements that form part of your trip or your entire travel package, you acknowledge that our obligations to you are limited to taking reasonable steps to select a reputable Independent Supplier and arranging for them to provide those travel arrangements for you. Independent Suppliers over whom we have no direct control include but are not limited to airlines, railway and cruise operators, hoteliers,  activity & tour providers, incoming agencies, DMCs, independent transport companies (eg. bus, taxi, private chauffeur services) and common carriers.

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To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible to you for any loss, damage, personal injury or delay attributable to the actions or omissions of an Independent Supplier.  Any claims you have in this regard must be made against the Independent Supplier. You acknowledge that the Independent Supplier’s liability to you may be limited by their own terms and conditions. 

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Your Responsibilities:

You as our customer are responsible for:

• Choosing activities that are appropriate to your physical abilities and interests. Guests are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to participate on their activities and may be required to obtain a medical practitioner’s clearance. Once a tour/package has been confirmed medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. fine by nature takes no responsibility regarding medical advice, medications or vaccinations that you or your doctor feel is necessary for your safe participation. All activities are undertaken at your own risk and we reserve the right to refuse your participation in a particular activity or a complete package if we believe it is for your own safety and the safety of other passengers.

• Acknowledging that during the trip, which you are choosing to participate in, you are subjecting yourself to certain risks including, but not limited to: forces of nature, travel in remote areas and wilderness terrain, and transportation by coach. You recognise that such risks may be present at any time during the tour.

• Providing fine by nature with correct information regarding your personal details. This includes name, address, email, medical conditions and possibly flight details. We will not be responsible for losses incurred due to incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate information.

• Studying the pre-departure information sent to you, and arriving at the tour start with the recommended clothing and gear as specified on the Packing List.

• Respecting the laws and customs of the countries you visit.

• Following the leader’s directions in accordance with environmental guidelines and regulations. This includes abiding by 'Leave No Trace Environmental Ethics' as instructed by the tour leader.

• Appreciating that in the destinations, level of service, local customs, etiquette, food, living standards and accommodation may differ from those in your home country.

• Respecting the rights and privacy of other tour members. Any cause of danger, distress or annoyance to the group will be acted upon. You may be asked to leave a tour if the host feels that your continuing participation may prove detrimental to yourself or to the safety or well-being of other guests. Any expenses incurred from removal from a tour will be your responsibility.

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General Liability Limitation

fine by nature, its employees and agents act only as an agent for the suppliers of the travel arrangements. Subject to these Terms, to the fullest extent permitted by law fine by nature disclaims responsibility and exclude liability for injury, death, damage, loss or claims arising directly or indirectly from acts or omissions by suppliers or from accidents, loss or damage to person or property, delays, changes in schedules, transport failures, strikes, wars, uprisings, acts of God or other causes over which fine by nature, its employees and agents have no control.

 

You acknowledge that travel arrangements or services which comply with local laws and regulations will be deemed to have been properly performed, even if this would not be considered the case in Australia.

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Australian Consumer Law and corresponding legislation in State jurisdictions in certain circumstances imply mandatory conditions and warranties into consumer contracts (“Consumer Warranties”). These Booking Conditions do not exclude or limit the application of the Consumer Warranties. Other than the Consumer Warranties, we disclaim all warranties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our maximum liability to you under these Booking Conditions, in tort (including negligence) or at law is limited to arranging for the travel arrangements to be resupplied or payment of the cost of having them resupplied.

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Image Release

When on tour, we may take photographs or make recordings of you and your activities that identify you. We reserve the right to use any images and/or recordings for promotional and marketing purposes. You consent to this use and acknowledge you will not be entitled to any payment or other compensation. If you do not consent to the use of your image or likeness, please advise us as least 21 days prior to the commencement of your tour.

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Complaints

In the event of a problem with any aspect of your travel arrangements you must tell us or make our representative or our local supplier aware of such problems immediately.

We will only consider and be responsible for claims made against us where we or our suppliers have had the opportunity to put things right on the ground. If you notify us of a problem during travel and we haven’t resolved it to your satisfaction, then you must make any claim in writing within 30 days from the end of your travel arrangements.

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Deemed Acceptance

If you place a booking on behalf of another party, you represent and warrant us that you are duly authorised to provide the agreement and consent of the other party to be bound by these Booking Conditions. You agree that you will be responsible for any loss or damage we incur if this is not the case.

 

General

The contract between fine by nature and you is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria. Any disputes shall be dealt with by a court with the appropriate jurisdiction in Victoria.

 

If any provision of these Booking Conditions is found to be unenforceable, then to the extent possible it will be severed without affecting the remaining provisions.

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Any personal information you provide to us will be collected, stored, used, protected and shared in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles, and our Privacy Policy, which is published here.

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