Booking Terms and Conditions
Linda Humes (Journeys by Linda, LLC dba My Vacation Lady) Booking Terms and Conditions
These terms are required to protect both your and your agent and ensure that you have clear expectations for the trip planning process. Once you sign the Credit Card Authorization form, the terms are valid through the length of your planning. Please reach out if you have any questions.
By booking your vacation with Linda Humes of My Vacation Lady, you hereby agree to the terms and conditions listed for you and any party listed on your reservation:
Travel Documents and Identification:
Please check your documents when you receive them whether by mail or email. You agree to review your itinerary and other travel documents for accuracy and to inform us promptly of any issues. The names on your documents must match your government-issued ID. There may be fees associated with correcting errors, so be sure you provide the correct information before the deposit is made. Call me if you have any questions.
You must have a passport to travel to another country. International destinations may have additional requirements such as a visa that you must obtain prior to departure or a special tax that you have to pay. If you are a non-US citizen, different immigration requirements apply. You are responsible for contacting consulate(s) required. Without proper identification, or passport and necessary visas, you will not be permitted to depart. Please click here to find the latest information on required documents.
You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination and your connecting points, and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination. Many countries require your passport to be valid for six months or more after your date of entry. Some airlines may require your passport to be valid for six months or more after your date of entry even when the country does not.
For international entry requirements, traveler warnings and advisories, it is recommended that the traveler(s) call the Travel Advisory Section of the US State Department at 202-647-5225 or on line at www.state.gov/travelinformation/travelwarnings
It is the travelers’ responsibility to have proper travel documents for all trips including but not limited to vouchers, tickets, passports, visas, licenses (marriage, driver’s, etc), or birth certificates, etc.
Customs Information: please check the Customs Department website at www.customs.gov.
Some countries will not admit persons convicted of a crime (For example Americans with a DWI record may not be allowed entrance to Canada). Travel agent feels it is an invasion of privacy to make such an inquiry and these requirements remain the traveler’s responsibility. For further information, please visit the U.S. State Department web site: travel.state.gov.
Minors traveling with one parent, and/or without both parents, may be stopped and not admitted, unless authenticated and verified consent forms are provided to the authorities; please click here for forms.
You warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into this agreement and to make travel bookings with My Vacation Lady by any means in accordance with all terms and conditions herein. You agree to be financially responsible for all of your travel bookings. You also warrant that all information supplied by you or members of your household is true and accurate. Without limitation, any speculative, false, or fraudulent reservation or any reservation in anticipation of demand is prohibited. You agree that the travel services provided by My Vacation Lady shall be used only to make legitimate reservations or purchases for you or for another person for whom you are legally authorized to act.
Agent for Vendors/Suppliers:
All components of your vacation are booked as a sales agent through vendors/suppliers (such as The Walt Disney Company, Universal Orlando Resorts, Royal Caribbean, Sandals, etc.) Each of these suppliers is an independent entity with its own management. The Travel Agent/Advisor and agency have no control over their cancellations, processing times, and refunds. We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Vendors/Suppliers or their failure to adhere to their own schedules, provide services or refunds, financial default, or failure to honor future trip credits. You acknowledge that your travel plans may be interrupted or canceled by the Vendor/Supplier, a government entity, or other third party over which we have no control. You further acknowledge that the Vendor/Supplier's own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable law that is now or may later be in effect, will govern your rights and remedies, including your right to receive a refund. We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Vendor/Suppliers and no liability for recommending a trip credit in lieu of a refund.
The Travel Agent is not held liable for the decisions of these vendors and has no influence over the turnaround time on refunds, payment processing, etc. This includes during times of a global pandemic or travel advisory warnings. In the event that Travel Insurance is not purchased, the client is responsible for any and all cancellation and change fees incurred that may or may not have been covered by travel insurance.
Should the client or anyone in the client’s party require any specific accommodations due to health, disability, or other reasons, they must ensure that the travel agent is aware in advance of booking as some accommodations may not be possible depending on destination and type of travel. If there are travel penalties or cancellations related to undisclosed accommodations, these are not the fault of the travel agent. Travel agent will not specifically ask about special needs unless the client wishes to disclose them or request them.
All plans made are based on availability. While our strategies may increase your chances of getting highly sought after reservations, etc., there are no guarantees nor indication of such. The Travel Agent is not responsible for attraction downtimes, closures, weather delays, or cancellations, etc. The Travel Agent is not responsible for port changes a cruise line may make or any other changes made at the Vendor/Supplier level.
Any changes made by the guests can have dramatic impacts on the overall plan for the trip. In the event that the guest makes changes without first consulting the Travel Agent, they understand that the changes will not reflect the time and research that went into their planning and do not represent the Travel Agent's work. While some changes can be made upon request, they are subject to availability and may incur a charge reflecting the travel agent’s time.
In the event that the vendor changes their offerings, certain services provided by the agent may be unavailable for your travel dates. The agent is not responsible for these services becoming unavailable and no partial refunds will be offered in that event unless directly from the vendor.
Travel arrangements involving airline and cruise components are subject to Suppliers’ supplemental price increases that may be imposed by the supplier and/or government, even after you have completed your purchase. You hereby consent to any such price increases and authorize your credit or debit card to be used for them. Suppliers have their own contracts covering cancellation penalties and other terms and conditions, and you are bound by those contracts regardless of whether you receive notice of their terms or not.
If a Supplier drops the price of a trip after booking, we will try to assist you with rebooking if the Supplier allows it. We do not guarantee any refunds or successful rebooking.
Tour, cruise and package prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations, tariff changes or increase in operational costs. In addition, group tours/packages are based on a minimum number of passengers traveling; if the number of passengers falls below the minimum required, a surcharge may be imposed on all passengers.
The guest will not attempt to chargeback or dispute the charge(s) for travel made on their behalf by Linda Humes and/or My Vacation Lady, or to My Vacation Lady. for payments towards items including, but not limited to, vacation packages, tickets, transportation, special experiences, etc.
Client acknowledges that there are cancellation policies, change fees, and penalties that apply to travel plans and services set by travel suppliers. If for any reason credit card charges are later declined or reversed, or the travel agent is unable to receive payment for travel plans and services, I acknowledge that this is a binding contract and travel advisor will be entitled to recovery, including reasonable attorney’s fees in connection with collection.
Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically stated in writing on your ticket, invoice or itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling or handling of personal effects.
Financial Terms:
There may be government imposed taxes, fees, or surcharges or vendor-imposed fees that cannot be pre-collected by the travel advisor. This may include things like baggage fees, visit taxes or tourist taxes, VAT taxes, etc. The travel agent is not responsible for those additional expenses. Port fees may change without notice as well.
Some countries charge an import fee for bringing items into the country. For example, Mexico limits the number of electronic devices or other equipment you can bring into the country without paying a fee. It is the Client's responsibility to research each country's regulations and to pay the fees should client bring items in excess of the allowance.
Clients are responsible for ascertaining any foreign transaction fees on their debit or credit cards. The travel agent is not responsible for any foreign transaction fees that occur when making payments overseas.
Quotes given in Euros or other foreign currency will have an estimate of the US equivalent which will be accurate on the day of the quote. The travel agent is not responsible for any fluctuations in the exchange rate between quoting and charging the transaction.
It is the traveler’s responsibility to note the final payment dates and plan accordingly. The travel agent will make effort to contact the traveler with reminders; however, the travel agent is not responsible for missed payments due to traveler not being responsive or having the funds available. Suppliers may have cutoff deadlines like 5PM, 9PM, or midnight. It is the traveler’s responsibility to take this into account and not assume that their payment meets the deadline. Any cancellations that result from travelers’ missing final payment are the travelers’ responsibility and reinstatement may not be available or may come with additional costs. Agent strongly recommends planning to make final payment at least several days in advance to avoid any issues.
Group Bookings:
When travelers do not live at the same address, the travel agent will correspond with the initial group leader (the person who made the first contact) throughout the quote process.
The group leader will be responsible for communicating the details of the quote and/or any agent questions to the rest of the group.
The travel agent is not responsible for any dissatisfaction with the itinerary by group members: the group leader accepts responsibility for checking the itinerary. By agreeing to move forward with the deposits, the group leader acknowledges that all parties have been informed of necessary details.
All quotes assume that travelers will arrive at destinations together. If travelers arrive separately on different flights, they will be responsible for the additional cost of airport transfers.
Risks of Travel:
Airline flights may be overbooked. A person denied boarding on a flight may be entitled to a compensatory payment. The rules for denied boarding compensation are available at all ticket counters.
It is strongly recommended that you check in a minimum of 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. It is the traveler’s responsibility to reconfirm flight times prior to scheduled flights. Reconfirm at least 24 hours prior. Most internationa flights REQUIRE you to reconfirm. Travel agent does not assume responsibility for any air or schedule changes. Recommended times are subject to change without notification. It is the traveler’s responsibility to remain abreast of changes in condition or airport rules that might require earlier arrival times.
Failure to use any part of your flight reservations may result in the automatic cancellation of your continuing and return flight reservations. It may also result in a ban from flying.
Security and flight issues can be accessed at www.faa.gov or through individual airline websites.
Travel agent is not responsible nor liable for any error, omission, injury, property loss, accident, act of terrorism, disappointment, or any other unforeseeable event. Travel agent is not responsible for missed connections, schedule changes, aircraft changes, or trip interruption.
The guest agrees to assume all risk in regards to health and safety concerns when it comes to their vacation. My Vacation Lady is not liable for the decisions or results of the guest's travel plans. The guest agrees to obey all policies put in place by their destination as well as by individual states and assumes all responsibility for their actions in the event that they do not.
Prescription Medication: It is recommended that all prescription medication be kept in original containers and only take enough to be consumed while traveling. Check with your doctor to see if any are narcotic based. If so, request that your doctor provide you with a notarized letter on his/her letterhead listing medications and reason for taking. If you need syringes for injection of insulin, etc., please check with the individual carrier for rules and restrictions on bringing syringes on board.
The guest understands that it is their responsibility to check the latest travel information regarding COVID-19 with the CDC. No medical advice will be given at any time by the travel agent.
We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at www.travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information” then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel, then click on “Destinations” and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. Ultimately it is your responsibility to understand and abide by all requirements and restrictions when traveling. This may include the following: health affidavit forms; health screenings prior to departure and/or upon arrival; temperature screenings prior to departure and/or upon arrival; travel reason affidavit forms; online travel authorizations; airline safety & health requirements, such as health forms, screenings, face coverings; in-country requirements, such as periodic temperature checks, quarantine, face coverings; visas. Failure to meet the requirements and/or restrictions puts you at risk for fines, quarantine or deportation at your expense.
Travel Insurance
Your vacation is a significant investment. We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy and have partnered with Travel Insured. More information is available upon request, however in the event that you decline this, you are accepting full responsibility for that decision as outlined in the booking terms and conditions. Declining travel insurance means you assume all risks associated with that decision. If you are interested in travel insurance through a different carrier, please let me know.
If you elect to purchase travel insurance, the terms of the policy will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under the circumstances of a pandemic, pre-existing medical conditions, and other policy exclusions. Consult the insurance carriers directly for details. Trip insurance or waivers provided by the supplier may not offer insolvency coverage. No representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance. You agree to hold us harmless for your election not to purchase travel insurance or for any denial of claim by travel insurer as it relates to Covid-19 or any other claim under the policy.
My Vacation Lady and this Travel Agent/Advisor shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure, any circumstances beyond our reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of God, explosion, flood, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war, acts of terrorism, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, defects in machinery and vehicles, delay, wildlife, or other untoward occurrences.
My Vacation Lady and its Agents/Advisors are not licensed insurance agents and cannot provide any specific advice or information about policies and coverage. Check the policy information provided by the Insurance Provider or direct specific questions regarding coverage to the Insurance Provider.
A waiver of insurance is required if you choose to refuse travel protection. You will be offered travel protection. Should you refuse or neglect to fill out the provided waiver, your acceptance of these terms and conditions will serve as your refusal of travel insurance or protection.
Please note that your trip or booking often will consist of multiple components, each which may carry its own cancellation penalties and fees. The enforcement of these cancellation penalties and fees are beyond the control of My Vacation Lady.
Credit Card Disputes/Chargebacks:
In the event that you have questions, concerns, or dispute a charge to your credit card, please contact Linda Humes directly prior to initiating a refund or “chargeback” with your credit card company.
By purchasing any of our services and/or itineraries, client or customer acknowledges their understanding that all payment disputes should first be brought to the attention of Linda Humes prior to formally disputing a charge with client’s or customer’s credit card company.
Any charges disputed with your credit card company, including in the event of cancelation or postponement of your journey as a result of Force Majeure events, will result in Linda Humes producing a copy of this policy and your authorization for the charges to the credit card company or vendor notifying us of the chargeback of the payment(s) in order to recover our fees.
You are bound by the supplier terms and conditions for cancelation and refund. Traveler agrees that the term “non-refundable” in any quote, booking, or invoice means that the booking cannot be refunded under any circumstance, including pandemic, war, force majeure, or other unforseeable events. The traveler waives the right to sue or institute a credit card dispute or chargeback to travel advisor or its partners for said penalties, fees, or real or alleged damage related to non-refundable deposits/payments or any other transaction.
The travel agent and its partners must be reimbursed by the client for any financial penalties incurred due to credit card chargebacks or disputes.
Limitations for Concierge and Optional Services and Services Booked by Client:
Travel agent is not liable or responsible for any reservations the client has made directly with the resort/hotel/tour company/ship/airline/ etc.
In some circumstances, the travel agent may assist with recommendations or reservations made directly through a supplier with whom the agent does not have a relationship as a courtesy to the client. Any supplier with whom the travel agent does not have a direct relationship will not communicate with the agent in the event of an issue, and the agent will not be able to assist with any service the booking or reservation may need. Travel agent will disclose that they are unable to service the booking.
Travel agent does not have a direct relationship with any airlines and unless airfare is booked as a part of a supplier package, the agent will not be able to assist with any customer service needs related to airline delays, cancellations, changes, or satisfaction issues that may arise.
Cancellations:
Any cancellations of bookings must be done in writing and authorized. Agent will send a cancellation form that must be filled out/signed for cancellation of booking.
If cancellation involves a group, all group members must agree to the cancellation.
Communication:
Travel agent is not responsible for any errors or omissions arising from the travelers’ delay in providing necessary information including but not limited to:
Airline schedule needed to book transfers
Payment deadlines
Customized suggestions for excursions or inquiries if services are needed
Travel agent reserves the right to decline assistance with optional services when information is not received in a timely manner.
Gratuities and Additional Fees:
Wherever possible, the travel agent will attempt to inform the client of any additional costs such as hotel taxes payable upon check in or resort fees. Hotel taxes and fees are not always available to be shown during the initial quote.
Travel agent is not responsible for any omissions of additional fees during the quote process. These types of fees include but are not limited to:
Gratuities to guides, hotel staff, or drivers
Mandatory onboard service charges/gratuities for cruises
City taxes payable directly at the hotel (very common in Europe)
Costs for transport to/from the airport if they are not specifically included in the quote
Breakfasts or other meals at the hotel if not specifically included in the quote
Travel agent is not responsible for any increases imposed by suppliers due to fuel surcharges, government imposed taxes/fees, or supplier-imposed increases.
COVID-19 Terms and Conditions:
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus* (COVID-19, “Coronavirus”) is a known and evolving pandemic that is affecting travel worldwide, with continued impacts expected. Client is fully aware of the global Coronavirus COVID-19 virus outbreak, the current travel restrictions, and inherent risks involved if choosing to travel.
Client understands that it is his/her responsibility to check the latest travel information regarding this virus outbreak with the CDC. It is his/her responsibility to have travel insurance to ensure they have coverage for all medical needs and trip cancellation, but understands that concerns or fear of travel is not a covered reason for cancellation relating to the Coronavirus/ Covid-19 and will be denied. Client holds My Vacation Lady harmless for his election to not purchase travel insurance or any denial of claim by travel insurer as it relates to Covid-19 or any other claim under the policy.
Travel insurance generally only covers unforeseen events. Most insurers classified COVID-19 as a 'known event' late January 2020. Please note that most policies have a specific clause stating they do not cover epidemics and pandemics, especially when travel warnings are in place. Client understands that he/she is bound by the terms of the insurance policy as it relates to Coronavirus/Covid-19. Client is aware the travel warnings, travel restrictions and rules and understands the risks, is accepting of these and holds agency harmless for any travel restrictions, death, illness, cancellations by suppliers, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour agencies or any other travel provider, financial loss, quarantining rules or measures put in place at airports or destinations you are traveling through.
Client further agrees to hold My Vacation Lady. harmless for any financial penalties or fees imposed by the by suppliers, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour agencies or any other travel provider due to cancellations or postponements due to COVID-19 and agrees not to institute a credit card dispute or “chargeback” to or against My Vacation Lady for said penalties or fees. Client is aware that additional screening procedures and restrictions may take place at airports and in public areas. Client is aware that these restrictions may include mandatory face coverings and/or temperature checks in airports, hotels, cruise ships, trains or other means of transport. Client is aware that immigration restrictions may be put in place before or during your travels that may impede your ability to enter or exit your destination as planned. Client is aware that it is his/her personal decision to travel and is doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the Coronavirus COVID-19 and takes full responsibility for his/her actions with regards to this.
Client understands and confirms that My Vacation Lady, after reasonable inquiry, has provided client with the best available information regarding pandemic protection policies provided by travel suppliers, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, cruises lines, tour agencies, transfer agencies or any other provider involved in clients booking, but that said suppliers may not enforce or apply said policies. Additionally, client understands and is aware that even if said travel suppliers make a good faith effort to enforce said pandemic policies and procedures, some travelers may refuse to cooperate with said policies. Client further holds My Vacation Lady harmless for any injury or harm that may arise.
In consideration of the opportunity afforded to me and with full knowledge and acceptance of the risks associated with travel, I hereby release, indemnify, hold harmless and covenant not to sue My Vacation Lady, its officers, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, and any other person involved either directly or indirectly, from all claims, suits, expenses, attorney fees and demands of any nature (including negligence) caused by, deriving from, or associated with this trip . I make these covenants, release and waivers knowingly and voluntarily. It is further understood and agreed that this Coronavirus/COVID-19 Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement is to be binding on my heirs and assigns and I sign it of my own free will. I hereby acknowledge that this Agreement to be binding by my signature for all travelers listed under this booking.
Updated 09/17/2024