Thank you for giving us the opportunity to quote on your upcoming trip.
We understand you have a choice when it comes to booking your Travel Arrangements.
Please take some time to read the important information below.
It is important that you and all members of the travelling party are aware of the following conditions as they may relate all or in part to the quote/bookings held by our office on your behalf. All reservations will be booked under the terms & conditions laid down by the airlines and tour operators. Please also see our Terms & Conditions here
QUOTING & ITINERARY PLANNING
A non-refundable fee of $150.00 will apply to all quotes. This covers our time and expertise when planning your trip or giving advice and will be charged at the initial consultation.
Over many years we have gathered a multitude of information from worldwide destinations and are only too happy to impart our knowledge and tips to our clients to create your perfect holiday. As we are sure you can appreciate though, this intellectual property is valuable to our business.
PRICES QUOTED
Prices quoted are always strictly subject to availability and are not guaranteed until full payment has been made. Prior to full payment, costs may vary depending on currency fluctuations, fuel and security charges and other reasons such as changes in airport and departure taxes.
Quoted prices will include any pre-paid taxes and our booking management fees.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Prices quoted are based on payment by cash, cheque or direct deposit. Credit card payments are accepted and surcharges may apply depending on fees imposed by airlines, tour operators and banks. In some cases to minimise credit card charges we may advise your credit card details directly to the Service Provider to process the charge.
BOOKING MANAGEMENT /SERVICE FEES
Booking and service fees will apply for particular itineraries and products. Fees have been compiled with regard to consultants’ time, expertise, knowledge and experience. Any fees will be including in your quote and can be viewed within our Terms & Conditions
TAXES & LEVIES IMPOSED
Governments, airlines and airports impose a variety of security, airport and departure taxes. Where possible these taxes and charges have been included in the cost of the airline ticket. There may be some variations in final costs depending on exchange rate fluctuation and new taxes imposed at time of ticketing. Any additional costs or taxes that occur after departure are the responsibility of the traveller.
SOME NOTES ON WORKING WITH A TRAVEL AGENT
We hope you love the experience and if it’s your first time using an agent or if you are a long-term believer here is some information about what to expect when dealing with us.
Our number ONE priority is service.
We are here for you, we will always try our hardest for you.
At your initial enquiry, your consultant will ask a lot of questions to ensure we are both on the same page in recommending particular hotels, airlines, tours or cruises. Please remember to let us know any special interests, needs or occasions for your travels. Once your destination has been decided your consultant will send you some ideas on itinerary and costs along with any other ideas we have found along the way.
Once you decide on your itinerary your consultant will prepare your final itinerary and statement of account. It is important that you receive and read our terms, conditions, checklist and payment details at this time. Once everything is confirmed and agreed, we will ask you sign the terms and conditions.
We will usually require payments at this time, whether it be in full or deposit only. Your account will clearly state when any future payments need to be made. Once final payment is made and we receive your final documents, they can most likely be emailed, posted or you may prefer to come into the office to collect them and discuss any other details.
Something we are asked frequently is “Why should I use a Travel Agent instead of booking online”?
Here are many reasons why using a Travel Agent is the way to go:
• Travel Agents are fun people, get to know one!
• There are a lot of things that we Travel Agents can do that a computer can’t. Consulting, airline waitlisting , complex fares, knowledge, support & emergency assistance.
• You cannot call the internet when something goes wrong – you call us, not a call centre.
• Travel agents can often save you money
• The internet does not support your local community or your local economy
• We have exclusive agent access to Expedia & Booking.com
• We only use trusted wholesalers, you know who you are giving your money to.
• We are a one stop shop for all your travel needs; no need to keep track of multiple companies and websites.
• The internet is full of scams, we are real people with real experiences and a real business.
• The internet does not ask you questions about your travel needs.
• We are available to book via phone, email or instore. (instore appointments required)
• Our staff have over 80 years combined experience
• We give you non-biased knowledge and information.
• We want your experience with us to be a pleasure; we are here to work with you not against you
• We want to build relationships with our clients making repeat bookings even more seamless.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please ask your consultant for a quote specific to your needs. If you decline the offer to purchase travel insurance you will be required to sign an indemnity form. Insurance should be taken out at the same time any initial money has been paid.
PASSPORTS & VISA REQUIREMENTS
Passports are required for all international travel and must be valid for a minimum of at least six months beyond your scheduled return date to Australia. Travel documents and airline tickets must exactly match the name and spelling that appears in your passport
Please ensure that you advise your consultant of the correct details at the time of initial booking. We prefer to sight your passport before any bookings are made and we will not be liable for any incorrect information given to us nor for any re-issue fees imposed by us, the airline or tour operator should re-issue of documentation be required.
If you are not travelling on an Australian passport please inform us immediately as visas requirements may be different. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary re-entry visa into Australia. Please also advise if you have a previous criminal record as you could be denied entry into your country of destination at the airport. It is the responsibility of each traveller to ensure that they have full and correct documentation to undertake their journey.
Although we are happy to assist in obtaining visas, issuance and compliance is not the responsibility of your travel agent. We cannot be held responsible should you be unable to obtain the correct visa to undertake your journey. Deportation for non-issuance or incorrect visa is at the traveller’s expense. Entry to any country is always at the discretion of local officials.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE WARNINGS
Political unrest, acts of war or terrorism or natural disasters occur in certain parts of the world therefore the Australian Government, in conjunction with various other worldwide bodies, issue an advisory to Australian passport holders relating to travel in various countries. In these instances whilst travel to some countries is not advisable and some clauses of the travel insurance coverage may not be affective, we appreciate that some clients may still need to travel to those areas. Whilst we are prepared to make these bookings on our clients’ behalf we do so without responsibility or liability. Please always visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au prior to planning your trip.
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS
Whilst your consultant is happy to advise which airlines participate in various frequent flyer programs and forward your frequent flyer numbers to airlines when making bookings, other matters related to Frequent Flyer Reward Programs is not our responsibility. Rules change on a regular basis and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any frequent flyer entitlements. Please note Frequent Flyer points are not always available on special fares with some airlines.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
If you have any special requests such as aisle or window seats, special dietary requirements, airport assistance or hotel room type, every attempt will be made by us to accommodate your request. As we are not ultimately the service provider we are not in a position to be able to guarantee the requests.
TRAVELLERS HEALTH ADVICE
Some areas of the world have special vaccination and health requirements. We recommend that you contact your doctor or Travel Clinic for advice. If you are unable to undertake travel because you do not meet the health requirements, we will not be liable for any extra costs that may be incurred.
PRIVACY ACT
East Ivanhoe Travel & Cruise complies with the National Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988. For further information a copy of our privacy policy is available on our website. In order for us to process your travel arrangements we may disclose personal information to our travel providers.
