Terms and Conditions
Click on any of the links below for IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION, relevant disclaimers and our Reservations and cancellation policies.
PAYMENTS:
A $250 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation. If you have selected instant purchase, non-refundable air, you are required to pay the full air cost in addition to the $250 deposit at time of booking (all of which is non-refundable). For Antarctica & Oberammergau, a $500 per person deposit is required at time of booking. An additional deposit of $1000 due 180 days prior to departure for Antarctica, and one year prior to departure for Oberammergau. Should you decide to purchase our trip cancellation waiver, you must do so at the time of booking. Payment of a per person waiver fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except for the waiver fee itself, in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. Trip cancellation waiver does not cover instant purchase, non-refundable air. The balance is due 60 days before departure on all tours, except cruises and Oberammergau. The balance is due 120 days before departure for cruises and Oberammergau. Payment may be made by charging to clients’ Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover (card imprint and signature required) or by sending a check or money order. All land rates are guaranteed upon deposit.

Travel Agents Please Contact:
Collette Vacations 1-800-611-3361

PLEASE SEND PAYMENTS TO:
Collette Vacations
162 Middle Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Attn: Accounts Receivable
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REVISION FEES:
A handling fee of $25.00 per transaction will be assessed for any change or revision made to a reservation. A change of departure date within 11 months of departure will be treated as a cancellation and cancellation charges will apply.
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CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates both result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you have not purchased waivers, and you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your land or cruise product. Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. If cancelled prior to being paid in full the following cancellation fees will also apply to air. (*see cancellation and unused services waiver fees and exceptions):
  • More than 60 days prior to departure: a non-refundable deposit will be retained
  • 60 - 16 days prior to departure: 30% of land or cruise price
  • 15 - 1 day prior to departure: 50% of land or cruise price
  • Day of departure and after: 100% of land or cruise price
Exceptions:
Ocean Cruises:
  • More than 90 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained.
  • 90 - 61 days prior to departure: 35% of land or cruise price
  • 60 - 31 days prior to departure: 60% of land or cruise price
  • 30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of land or cruise price
River Cruises: including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China
  • More than 90 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained.
  • 90 - 61 days prior to departure: 50% of land or cruise price
  • 60 - 31 days prior to departure: 85% of land or cruise price
  • 30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of land or cruise price
Galapagos and Antarctica
    More than 120 days prior to departure: non-refundable deposits will be retained
  • 120 - 90 days prior to departure: 60% of land or cruise price (Antarctica & Galapagos)
  • 120 - 90 days prior to departure: 75% of total price (Oberammergau)
  • 89 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of land or cruise price
* Instant purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges are 100% non-refundable at time of reservation.

Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%.
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CANCELLATION WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN
Payment of a Per Person Waiver Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver Fee itself, made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver Fee with Air only covers airline tickets you have purchased from Collette Vacations. Instant purchase, non-refundable air is not covered by waiver. Exception: If you originally purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees, in the event of a cancellation.

Cancellation waiver protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive vacation package up to the day prior to departure. Cancellation waiver does not indemnify you from penalties if you chose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you chose to partially cancel your vacation, you will be responsible for a revision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation. The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement.

Payment of the Waiver Fee (if chosen) must be received by Collette Vacations with your Deposit. The Waiver is non-transferable and valid for each applicant only.

Collette Vacations can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees.

On tour, insurance benefits are provided if you: must interrupt your trip or return home early for a covered reason; incur medical expenses for a covered sickness or injury; need medical assistance or evacuation; suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more for a covered reason. Following is a schedule of the Part B insurance benefits provided.

Following is a schedule of the Part B insurance benefits provided.

SCHEDULE OF COVERAGES MAXIMUM BENEFIT AMOUNT
PART A – Benefits Provided By Collette Vacations
Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee & Unused Services Waiver Up to Trip Cost
 
PART B – Benefits Provided by the Insurance Company Listed Below
Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance
        Accidental Death & Dismemberment $25,000
        Accident & Sickness Medical Expense $25,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation $50,000
Post-Departure Trip Interruption Trip Cost
Missed Connection $1,500
Travel Delay (Maximum of $100 per Day) $1,500
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,000
Baggage Delay $200

PART B CONDITIONS & LIMITATIONS

Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are detailed in the Travel Protection Plan. This is a brief description of the plan available for all Travel Protection Plan sales March 1, 2010 and after. For example, coverage does not apply to: any sickness or condition of you, or your Traveling Companion, or your Traveling Companions Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60 days prior to the effective date of the coverages (The Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion is waived if payment for this plan is received by Collette Vacations within 7 days of your initial deposit/payment for your trip. Please Note: This policy may not be purchased after you have made final payment for your Trip.), suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person with whom you have coordinated Travel Arrangements and intend to travel with during the trip. Sickness or injury must require care by a Legally Qualified Physician and must commence while the Travel Protection Plan is in force for you.

Part B of the plan is underwritten by:
United States Fire Insurance Company, Eatontown, NJ

Where to Present Part A Claims
To request a refund under the Cancellation Fee Waiver, please call Collette Vacations and send any unused airline tickets to:

Collette Vacations
ATTN: Customer Service Department
162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

When a client cancels prior to departure, any refunds are processed through the booking agent. Agent commissions are only protected when cancellation penalties of 100% of the tour cost apply. All Inquiries and Claims under Part B should be reported to the Plan Administrator:

Trip Mate, Inc.*
9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel: 800-888-7292

* In CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency

CANCELLATION WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN PRICING (Per Person)

Land Only Clients:
  • $30 for all domestic escorted tours under 6 days
  • $120 for all domestic escorted tours of 6 days or more
  • $120 for all international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, South Africa & Egypt)
  • $170 for all international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours)
  • $210 for all Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours
  • $225 for all cruises & Canadian Rockies Train tours
  • $250 for Oberammergau tours (must accompany 1st deposit)
When purchasing pre and post night accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter your waiver fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of booking.

Air Inclusive Clients (Collette Flex Airfare is purchased through Collette Vacations)
  • $60 for all domestic vacations under 6 days
  • $165 for all domestic vacations of 6 days or more
  • $175 for all international vacations 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours)
  • $200 for all international vacations 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours)
  • $240 for all Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, South Africa & Egypt tours
  • $285 for all cruises & Canadian Rockies Train tours
  • $350 for Oberammergau tours (must accompany 1st deposit)
Air inclusive cancellation waiver can only be purchased by individuals who have purchased Collette Flex Airfare through Collette Vacations. Air inclusive waiver is not applicable for instant purchase, non-refundable air. Instant purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges require full payment at time of reservation and are 100% non-refundable. This air ticket is not covered by Collette Vacations’ travel protection plan or waiver policies. Tickets may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline.
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CONSUMER PROTECTION PLANS
Collette Vacations is a member of the following organizations: The National Tour Association, The United States Tour Operators Association, The Alliance of Canadian Travel Associations, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and the Association of British Travel Agents. Some of these associations operate a consumer protection plan to cover deposits placed with any tour operator member. In the case of USTOA, the consumer protection bond is $1 million. Full details are available from the organizations or Collette Vacations. Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
A Valid Passport is required for all trips outside the U.S.A. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. Passports and Visas are the responsibility of each client. Government issued identification is required for air travel.

Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements.

Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate.
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LAND AND AIR RATES
Land rates are per person, double occupancy. Availability of departures at the prices noted in the brochure is limited. For current prices, please see our website. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Air rates (including fuel surcharges) will be protected against rates changes when you have paid in full and you are within 11 months of departure.

Certain taxes/fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Please refer to the appropriate tour itinerary for details.

Taxes and Fees
Government and Other Authority Taxes and Fees are not included in your air rate and will be added to your vacation package:
  • September 11th Security Fee up to $10.00
  • Passenger Facility Charge (PFCs) of up to $18 per passenger
  • Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.50 USD applies per passenger, per segment
  • US or International Departure and Arrival Fees up to $300 which vary by itinerary.
In order to better serve you, once you complete the booking process your invoice will display your vacation land package, base airfare, fuel surcharge and all taxes and fees as separate line items. Airfares are subject to change. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges:
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies.

INSTANT PURCHASE NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARE

Instant Purchase, Non-refundable Airfare includes round trip airport /hotel transfers (excluding pre or post days and extensions).

Instant Purchase, Non-refundable Airfare requires full payment at the time of booking. This air ticket is not covered by Collette Vacations travel protection or waiver policies. Tickets will be issued immediately and, once issued are non-refundable, may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline. All airline tickets are subject to a variety of foreign and domestic government taxes including passenger facility charges up to $18, segment fees of $3.50 per domestic segment, September 11th Security Fee up to $10 and international departure and arrival fees. These tickets include an administration fee and round trip airport to hotel transfers of which both hold no airline reissue value. Once issued, there can be no fluctuation in price due to an increase in government taxes or in airline fuel surcharges.
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TRAVELERS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
You must report any disability requiring special attention to Collette Vacations at the time the reservation is made. Collette will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Such participants, however, should be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act is inapplicable outside of the United States and facilities outside the United States for disabled individuals are limited. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. Neither Collette nor its personnel, nor its suppliers, may physically lift or assist clients into transportation vehicles. If a traveler thinks he or she might need assistance during a trip, he or she should call Collette to determine what assistance might reasonably be given. Collette cannot provide special individual assistance to tour members with special needs for walking, dining or other routine activities.
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BAGGAGE DISCLAIMER
Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Collette Vacations is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel and group carrier handling. It is recommended for your own self interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Check with your sales agent for low cost insurance to cover these risks.
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HOLIDAY AND MUSEUM CLOSURES
Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or many religious, state and local holidays observed throughout the world.
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MOTORCOACH WASHROOMS
Most motorcoaches used on our tours are equipped with washrooms (except safari vehicles, exotic locations, and some of our Explorations tours). These are typically for emergency use, as we make plenty of comfort stops, allowing you the opportunity to use public restrooms and/or stretch your legs.
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MAPS AND PHOTOS
Maps shown on tour pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual tour routing should the tour change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be included in the actual tour itinerary.
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EXPLANATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND TOUR CONDITIONS FOR COLLETTE VACATIONS
Any person reserving or purchasing any Collette Vacations product published on this website or in our brochures accepts the condition that Collette reserves to itself the exclusive right to change or cancel itineraries, hotels, and other tour components whenever it is deemed necessary. If this occurs, every effort will be made to offer alternate dates and/or programs.

Published times on itineraries are as accurate as possible but subject to change due to traffic, weather, mechanical and any other conditions beyond Collette’s control that prevent Collette Vacations from operating as scheduled. Collette Vacations expressly disclaims any liability for any damages that may be incurred for any changes, cancellations or delays on any itinerary on any Collette tour.

All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency and may be changed when necessary without advance notice prior to deposit.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of a request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child land rates are available and are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full paying adults.

Collette Vacations does not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s over-booking of a flight. All cancellation charges, fees and refunds for any tour within this brochure are in effect as of the effective date as indicated below and supersede any other previously printed policies relating to these same charges.

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GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Neither Collette Travel Services, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively “Collette”), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. Collette does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers it uses and as such Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party not under the supervision and control of Collette.

Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Collette reserves the right to withdraw any tour announced. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. Neither does Collette accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.

Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette. Payment of the deposit to Collette constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

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ARBITRATION
I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association in Rhode Island. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Rhode Island law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.
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SPECIAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTING POLICY
Collette may periodically offer special deals on certain tours and departure dates. These special offers unless otherwise noted, are land only, valid on new retail bookings only and not combinable with any other offer. Please also refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.

Collette Vacations also has a policy on discounting. The Collette policy is to not promise a discount off Collette prices (either explicit or implicit). Percentage-off offers are prohibited, as are statements that say, "We discount Collette tours." This policy is in effect for all types of online advertising, including (but not limited to) Collette promotion on a company web site, search engine or email marketing campaign.

Collette maintains the right to refuse bookings from any partner who does not comply with this policy to our satisfaction.

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FAMILY TOURS DISCLAIMER
Any minor child (under the age of majority) who shall participate in a Collette Family Tour program must be accompanied by an adult and supervised by an adult during the entire length of the tour. Collette will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of any minor child during the tour. However, Collette cannot provide special individual assistance to any minor tour participant. The adult travel companion shall be primarily responsible for the conduct and care of the minor tour participant. Collette will not accept any parental responsibility for the minor tour participant.