Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: May 15, 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to SedgeHaven. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website (sedgehaven.sbs), services, and products. By accessing our website, booking tours, or using any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, the following definitions apply:

  • "Company", "we", "us", or "our" refers to SedgeHaven, registered in the United Kingdom, company number 85352857.
  • "Client", "you", or "your" refers to the person or entity that books or participates in our tours or uses our services.
  • "Services" refers to any tours, travel arrangements, or other products or services offered by us.
  • "Website" refers to sedgehaven.sbs and all associated content.
  • "Booking" refers to the reservation of any Services.
  • "Booking Confirmation" refers to our formal acceptance of your booking request.
  • "Contract" refers to the agreement between you and us for the provision of Services, which includes these Terms, your Booking Confirmation, and any other written agreement between us.

3. Booking Process and Payment

3.1 Booking Requests

To make a booking, you must be at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into contracts. Booking requests can be made through our website, by phone, or by email. All booking requests are subject to availability and our acceptance.

3.2 Booking Confirmation

A booking is not confirmed until we issue a Booking Confirmation and receive the required deposit or full payment. We reserve the right to decline any booking request at our discretion.

3.3 Deposit and Payment Schedule

Unless otherwise specified in your Booking Confirmation:

  • A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total tour price is required at the time of booking.
  • The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 60 days before the departure date.
  • For bookings made within 60 days of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • For custom itineraries, different payment terms may apply and will be specified in your Booking Confirmation.

3.4 Payment Methods

We accept payment by credit card, bank transfer, and other methods as specified on our website. You are responsible for any bank charges or fees associated with your payment.

3.5 Price Accuracy and Changes

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of prices shown on our website and in quotations. However, we reserve the right to correct any pricing errors before Booking Confirmation. After Booking Confirmation, we may increase prices only if there are increases in:

  • Transportation costs (including fuel)
  • Taxes, fees, or charges imposed by third parties
  • Exchange rates relevant to your booking

Any such price increase will be communicated to you at least 30 days before your departure date. If the price increase exceeds 10% of the total tour price, you may cancel your booking and receive a full refund.

4. Travel Documentation and Requirements

4.1 Travel Documents

You are responsible for ensuring that you have valid travel documents, including:

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date
  • Necessary visas or permits for all countries in your itinerary
  • Proof of vaccinations or health requirements as mandated by destination countries
  • Travel insurance documentation

We are not liable for any issues arising from incomplete or invalid travel documents.

4.2 Travel Information

While we may provide information about travel requirements, it is your responsibility to verify this information with the relevant authorities. Requirements may change, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information at all times.

4.3 Health and Fitness Requirements

You must ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to participate in your chosen tour. Some tours may have specific health or fitness requirements, which will be communicated to you before booking. You must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or special needs at the time of booking.

5. Changes and Cancellations

5.1 Changes by You

If you wish to change any aspect of your booking after Booking Confirmation, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request, subject to availability and any additional costs. Change requests must be made in writing, and the following fees apply:

  • Changes made more than 60 days before departure: £100 per person plus any additional costs
  • Changes made 30-60 days before departure: £200 per person plus any additional costs
  • Changes made less than 30 days before departure: treated as a cancellation (see Cancellation by You)

Name changes are subject to a fee of £100 per person and are only permitted if allowed by all service providers.

5.2 Cancellation by You

If you cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing. Cancellation fees apply as follows:

  • Cancellation more than 60 days before departure: Loss of deposit
  • Cancellation 30-60 days before departure: 50% of total tour price
  • Cancellation 15-29 days before departure: 75% of total tour price
  • Cancellation less than 15 days before departure or no-show: 100% of total tour price

The date of cancellation is the date we receive your written notice. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover cancellation fees.

5.3 Changes by Us

We reserve the right to make changes to your itinerary when necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. These may include:

  • Substitution of accommodation of similar standard
  • Changes to transportation methods or schedules
  • Modification of activities or excursions
  • Alteration of route or timing

If we make a significant change to your itinerary, we will inform you as soon as possible. A significant change is a change that affects at least one full day of your itinerary. In such cases, you may:

  • Accept the change
  • Choose an alternative tour of comparable standard, if available (paying or receiving a refund for any price difference)
  • Cancel your booking and receive a full refund

5.4 Cancellation by Us

We reserve the right to cancel your tour in the following circumstances:

  • Insufficient participants to operate the tour (you will be notified at least 30 days before departure)
  • Force majeure events (see Section 6)
  • Failure to pay the balance by the due date
  • If we believe that your participation may endanger yourself or others

If we cancel your tour (except due to your failure to pay or potential endangerment issues), you will receive a full refund of all monies paid to us, but we are not responsible for any other expenses you may have incurred.

6. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations under these Terms if such failure is due to events beyond our reasonable control. Force majeure events include, but are not limited to:

  • Natural disasters, floods, earthquakes, or volcanic activity
  • War, terrorism, civil unrest, or political instability
  • Public health emergencies, epidemics, or pandemics
  • Government actions, border closures, or travel restrictions
  • Strikes or industrial action affecting travel services
  • Mechanical breakdowns or unforeseen transportation issues
  • Weather conditions that make it impossible or unsafe to provide services

In such circumstances, we may:

  • Modify your itinerary to mitigate the effects of the force majeure event
  • Offer a credit for future travel in lieu of a refund
  • Cancel your tour and provide a refund less any non-recoverable costs

7. Liability and Insurance

7.1 Our Liability

We will take reasonable care to ensure that all services are provided as described. Our liability is limited as follows:

  • We accept responsibility for death, personal injury, or illness caused by the negligent acts or omissions of our employees, agents, suppliers, or subcontractors while acting within the scope of their employment.
  • For claims not involving personal injury, death, or illness, our maximum liability is limited to the total cost of your booking.
  • We are not liable for any damages that result from events beyond our control or the control of our suppliers.
  • We are not liable for the acts or omissions of third parties not connected with the provision of your tour.
  • We are not liable for any loss or damage to personal property during your tour.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury resulting from our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be limited by law.

7.2 Travel Insurance

It is a condition of your booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers, at minimum:

  • Emergency medical expenses and repatriation
  • Cancellation and curtailment of your tour
  • Personal liability and legal expenses
  • Loss of baggage and personal effects
  • Coverage for all activities included in your itinerary

You may be required to provide proof of insurance before departure. If you travel without adequate insurance, we are not liable for any resulting costs or losses.

8. Your Conduct and Responsibilities

8.1 Conduct During Travel

You agree to:

  • Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and customs of the countries you visit
  • Follow the instructions and guidance of tour leaders, guides, and service providers
  • Respect local cultures, wildlife, and environments
  • Behave in a manner that does not endanger, disturb, or cause offense to others
  • Take responsibility for your own safety and well-being

8.2 Right to Refuse or Remove

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking, or remove a participant from a tour, if:

  • Their conduct endangers, disturbs, or causes offense to others
  • They fail to comply with the reasonable instructions of tour leaders or service providers
  • They break local laws or regulations
  • They fail to meet the health or fitness requirements of the tour
  • They provide inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information at the time of booking

In such cases, no refund will be provided, and you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred as a result.

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

9.1 During Your Tour

If you have a complaint during your tour, you must inform our local representative or tour leader immediately, so that they can attempt to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved locally, you should contact our office using the emergency contact details provided in your travel documents.

9.2 After Your Tour

If you remain dissatisfied after your tour, you must submit a formal written complaint within 28 days of the end of your tour. Your complaint should include your booking reference, relevant documentation, and proposed resolution. We will acknowledge your complaint within 14 days and aim to provide a full response within 28 days.

9.3 Dispute Resolution

If we cannot resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may refer the matter to arbitration under a scheme arranged by ABTA or similar industry body, or through the European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution platform if applicable.

10. Intellectual Property and Content

10.1 Website Content

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is our property or that of our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content without our express written permission.

10.2 User Content

If you submit content to our website (such as reviews, testimonials, or photographs), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content worldwide in any media. You represent that you have the right to grant this license and that your content does not infringe the rights of any third party.

10.3 Photography and Marketing

During your tour, photographs or videos may be taken by our staff or other participants. By participating in our tours, you consent to the use of your likeness in such materials for marketing and promotional purposes without compensation. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform your tour leader.

11. Data Protection and Privacy

We collect and process personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

12. Miscellaneous Provisions

12.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

12.2 Waiver

No failure or delay by us in exercising any right under these Terms shall constitute a waiver of that right.

12.3 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to any affiliate, subsidiary, or successor in interest.

12.4 Third-Party Rights

No person other than you and us shall have any rights to enforce any of these Terms.

12.5 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with your Booking Confirmation and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding your booking and use of our services, superseding any prior agreements.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom, except where mandatory consumer protection regulations in your country of residence would require application of different laws and jurisdiction.

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

SedgeHaven
Studio 47g Richards Brook East Wendymouth BT46 5NR
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +444842969012