Terms of Use - Trips of Distinction
Deposit and Final PaymentLand Packages
A deposit of $175 per person is due within 3 days of reserving your reservation. Trip Protection is due at the time of deposit. Final balance is due 45 days prior to departure. Holiday policies will vary, please consult your reservation specialist for exact policies.
Private Villa Bookings
A deposit equal to 50% of the total villa package is due within 3 days to confirm your reservation. Reservations are not considered firm until the deposit is received. Final payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. Deposit and final payment dates for holiday reservations may vary, your villa specialist will advise you of the policies at the time of your reservation.
Cruise Bookings
For cruise bookings the deposit amount and due date will vary depending upon the cruise line and dates selected. Your cruise reservation specialist will advise you of the deposit amount and final payment policies at the time of your reservation.
Private Yacht Bookings
For private yacht bookings the deposit amount and due date will vary depending upon the yacht selected. Your private yacht reservation specialist will advise you of the deposit amount and final payment policies at the time of your reservation
Trip Protection Coverage and Cancellation
Land Package Trip Protection and Cancellation
Prior to Departure Protection:
CANCEL FOR ANY REASON/WAIVER PROGRAM
- Travelers may cancel a trip prior to departure and get a full refund on the complete Tips of Distinction vacation package up to the covered amount, excluding the cost of the waiver. *
- You may make unlimited changes to the land portion of your itinerary without penalty.
- Travelers may also change their flight plans for any reason as well and their one time change fee of up to $150 per person will be covered.
The waiver does not include:
- Increases in air ticket price resulting from customer changes to routing, dates, times, or class of service.
- Any fees associated with lost, cancelled, stolen or partially used air tickets, fuel increases and airline-imposed fees. These fees can be avoided if air tickets are paid in full.
- Gratuities, meals (except where otherwise noted), telephone calls, airport departure fees, resort fees, local driver’s license, car seats, gas, parking, rental-car overtime fees, some airport departure taxes, and any other items of a personal nature.
- Changes that result in the booking not meeting minimum package requirements, which vary by supplier and destination are also not covered.
- No Shows – No Refunds
- Changes in currency exchange rate may cause cost of booking to increase.
- Trip Interruption Insurance
If you interrupt your vacation for a covered medical reason, the plan provides coverage up to your total vacation cost. (Up to the covered amount.) - Trip Delay
If you should miss the departure of your trip due to carrier-caused delays or other covered reasons, the plan reimburses you up to $1,000 for unused travel arrangements and/or out-of-pocket costs such as accommodations, meals and transportation expenses in order to catch up to the trip or to return home. - Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation
If an injury or illness requires emergency medical transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, the plan will pre-pay up to $50,000 for covered transportation expenses. In addition, in the event of your death, the plan pays up to $50,000 toward the expenses associated with transporting your remains. - Medical Insurance Protection
If you become ill or injured while on your trip, the plan will reimburse you up to $25,000 in medical expenses. Medical coverage while traveling overseas is particularly important, as Medicare and many major medical policies may not cover medical expenses incurred outside the U.S. - Baggage Insurance Protection
If baggage and/or personal effects should become lost, stolen or damaged during or while in transit to or from your vacation, the plan will reimburse you up to $1,000. The program also includes baggage delay insurance protection, covering you up to $500 for the purchase of necessary items in the event your luggage is delayed by a common carrier for more than 24 hours from the time you arrive at the destination stated on your ticket until your baggage is returned to you. - 24-Hour Worldwide Emergency Assistance
24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline provided by Travel Guard to help with travel-related emergencies ranging from cash transfer, legal, dental, or medical referral, lost travel documents assistance as well as medical consultation and monitoring. Please call Travel Guard’s dedicated Trips of Distinction phone line 24/7 866.690.6865.
During Travel Protection covered by Travel Guard:
Waiver Program Rates
Regular season $99.00 per adult and $59 for children 12 and under
Holiday season $149.00 per person including children
Tahiti/Fiji Regular season $129 – Holiday season $179.00
| 2006-08 | |
| JAN. 7, 2007 - MAR.30, 2006 | REGULAR |
| MAR.31, 2007 - APR.15, 2007 | HOLIDAY |
| APR. 16, 2007 - DEC.15, 2007 | REGULAR |
| DEC. 16, 2007 - JAN. 6, 2008 | HOLIDAY |
Trip coverage up to $7,500** per person. Trip coverage for Tahiti up to $10,000.00 per person.
Program must be purchased at the time of deposit and payment is non-refundable.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS:
For changes or cancellations made before departure, a $150 per person fee will be necessary to process each change. For cancellations or changes within 30 days of travel a minimum 3-night package charge plus the per person charge will be necessary. Additional nights (up to the total nights of the original reservation) may be charged if Trips of Distinction is unable to resell the space. You may avoid these fees by purchasing Trips of Distinction Travel Protection Plan, which provides a comprehensive waiver of change and cancellation fees and offers valuable insurance benefits as an option at additional cost. See below for program details.
Christmas Holiday Policies
Special policies apply for Christmas Season travel. For changes or cancellations made before departure, a $250 per person fee will be necessary to process each change. Full package payment is due no later than September 1 and reservations are subject to cancellation without notice if full payment is not received by this deadline. For cancellations or changes made after September 1, the per person charge will be necessary along with additional nights up to the total nights of the original reservation. Special rates also apply for Trips of Distinction Travel Protection Plan during the Christmas season. Trips of Distinction also reserves the right to not sell TPP for certain hotels or resorts during the Christmas season.
Price Protection
Should you need to change your flight arrangements after full payment has been received, the new tickets will reflect applicable airfare increases. Full payment protects the airfare of the original reservation only. Once travel has commenced, changes are allowed for a fee.
Private Villa Trip Protection and Cancellation
VILLA/PRIVATE RESIDENCE INSURANCE PROGRAM
Trips of Distinction is introducing the Villa/Private Residence Insurance Program. This program is designed to provide coverage for everyone staying at the villa for one affordable premium. The cancellation coverage is offered in the event of an unforeseen circumstance (as named in the insurance policy). This program offers a completely new way to provide coverage to guests that are booking a villa stay. Villa Booking cost up to $30,000**
From a grounded flight to needing immediate medical attention, the insurance program through Travel Guard can cover you and your trip from those unexpected – and undesired – events that may cause you to cancel your trip and perhaps lose your vacation investment.
Villa/Private Residence Insurance Program Also Covers for Unforeseen Weather and More!
This program also covers if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered reason such as hurricanes or other natural disasters, sickness, injury, and more.*
| Booking Amount | Premium | Booking Amount | Premium |
| $0 -$500 | $49 | $6,001-$6,500 | $589 |
| $501-$1,000 | $80 | $6,501-$7,000 | $635 |
| $1,001-$1,500 | $115 | $7,001-$8,000 | $703 |
| $1,501-$2,000 | $162 | $8,001-$9,000 | $801 |
| $2,001-$2,500 | $204 | $9,001-$10,000 | $895 |
| $2,501-$3,000 | $251 | $10,001-$11,000 | $995 |
| $3,001-$3,500 | $297 | $11,001-$12,000 | $1,078 |
| $3,501-$4,000 | $334 | $12,001-$13,000 | $1,172 |
| $4,001-$4,500 | $375 | $13,001-$14,000 | $1,266 |
| $4,501-$5,000 | $417 | $14,001-$15,000 | $1,359 |
| $5,001-$5,500 | $500 | $15,001-$30,000 | 9.5% of total trip cost |
| $5,501-$6,000 | $541 |
| Coverage Limit | Coverage Description |
| $1,000 | Travel Delay (up to $300 per day) |
| $2,000 | Baggage and Travel Documents |
| $500 | Baggage Delay |
| $10,000 | Medical Expenses |
| $20,000 | Emergency Medical Transportation |
| $25,000 | Accidental Death & Dismemberment |
| $25,000 | Primary Collision Damage Waiver |
| Included | Travel Guard Assistance |
| *Special Requests Can Be Made For Amounts over $30,000. | |
*Please see insurance brochure included with your travel documents.
Not all coverage may be available in all states.
Cancellation penalties can differ broadly, depending on destination and private villa. In general, for written cancellations received outside the 90 days of arrival – 35% of gross rental price is retained. For cancellations inside the 90 days of arrival the entire deposit is forfeited. Pleas check at point of booking. Trip insurance is strongly recommended. Villa rentals in France, Portugal, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, St. Barts and select villas in St. John are non-refundable at all times. Christmas bookings are also non-refundable. Please check at point of booking for exact cancellation penalties for your booking.
Villa Security and Damage Deposits
Security and Damage deposits vary, depending on destination and property-type. Most villas ask for a $500 refundable deposit, though some larger villas ask for $1,000, particularly those in Europe. Deposits are refunded within 30 - 90 days after travel is completed depending on several factors including, but not limited to local telephone billing cycles.
Occupancy
Villa rates are based on occupancy and there can be no parties, weddings or large gatherings allowed in villas without written permission. Villas may not be occupied by more guests than specified in the rental contract. Rates are based on occupancy and additional fees may apply.
Tax & Service Charges
Villa rentals require the following tax and service charges: Italy: 12%, France: 12%, Portugal 12%, Acapulco: 17%, Cancun: 12%, Puerto Vallarta: 17%, Cabo San Lucas: 12%, St. Martin: 8%-9%, St. Barts: 10%, Anguilla: 18%, Barbados 7.5%, Cayman Islands: 0%-21%, Mustique: 13%, Jamaica: inclusive, St. Thomas: 8%, St. John: 8-18%, Tortola: 7%, Virgin Gorda: 19%, Turks & Caicos: 0%-20%. Other fees may also apply. Please check at point of booking to confirm the exact tax and service charge for your specific booking.
Cruise Trip Protection and Cancellation
Cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates and offers are only valid for new individual bookings and are subject to change without notice. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Promotional cruise offers are valid for specific sailing dates, are capacity controlled by the cruise line, and may not be combinable with other offers.
Cruise cancellation policy:
Cancellation policies vary between cruise lines. Your Trips of Distinction cruise specialist will advise you of the cancellation policy applicable to your cruise at the time of your reservation. Our Customer Service Department is always available to answer any questions regarding these policies. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to be familiar with the penalties assessed for cancellation. In addition to any fees assessed by the cruise line, we will apply a $75.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. However, we will not charge the $75 cancellation fee if you book another cruise at the time of cancellation. To protect yourself from penalties for canceling due to medical reasons, we highly advise that you purchase Travel Protection, as described below.
Cruise Travel Insurance
Travel protection provides coverage if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion or family member. However, it does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. Additionally our travel protection will cover you in the event of a medical emergency during your trip, or if your baggage is lost or damaged, among other things. Trips of Distinction offers policies through Travel Guard, who would be happy to discuss any specific questions that you might have regarding the benefits of the policy. Travel Guard can be reached at (866) 892-2836.
Tax and Services
Taxes and service charges vary per cruise line and itinerary. Government taxes and energy surcharges are additional. Please consult your cruise specialist for applicable taxes.
Private Yacht Trip Protection and Cancellation
Cancellation policies will vary depending on the private yacht you reserve. Your Trips Of Distinction yacht specialist will advise you of the cancellation policies and penalties and coverage available at the time of your reservation.
Trips of Distinction General Terms and Conditions
Request for refund
Unused accommodations or other services are non-refundable from day of departure, unless you have previously purchased our Travel Protection Plan. Refund policies will vary depending on the services purchased and the coverage offered, consult your travel specialist for exact policies. Should you have a complaint, please notify Trips of Distinction as soon as possible. If the matter cannot be settled on the spot, write to our Customer Relations Department within 30 days of your return date. Any documents issued on your behalf must be returned before a refund can be made. Airfare is sold on a round-trip basis. There is no refund for a partially used ticket. Operator reserves the right to refund in the form of check, credit card credits, and/or future travel credits. If you accept a refund, you waive all other rights and remedies under applicable law. There are no refunds for No-Show components.
Hotels
Trips of Distinction has no control over how specific rooms are assigned by hotels or resorts; although we will communicate your request(s) to the hotel’s reservations department. While hotels are asked to take into account special room requests, these requests are outside the contracts of the Supplier. Trips of Distinction cannot guarantee any requests for type of bedding, smoking preference, lower floor, etc. Passengers may be required to pay a hotel’s imposed surcharges (resort fees, parking, and porterage) upon departure from the hotel, if Trips of Distinction has not already precollected it.
Airlines
Flight delays and rescheduling are unfortunate, but are an inherent risk of all air travel and are completely outside the control and responsibility of Trips of Distinction.
Trips of Distinction acts only as an agent for the airlines and other transportation companies in arranging to provide the services and accommodations included in your vacation package. Trips of Distinction and the airline reserve the right to substitute any duly licensed air carrier and/or to change the aircraft type, capacity, and routing, and do not guarantee single plane or non-stop service for these changes. No refunds will be given for such substitutions or changes.
Baggage Policy Changes The following carriers have made changes to their checked baggage policies. Click on the airline below for further details. Policy changes are becoming more frequent, be sure to check with the carrier each time you fly.
Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy effective for tickets purchased on or after May 1, 2008, for travel on or after July 1, 2008. This policy applies to domestic travel. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.View Policy....
American Airlines American Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy effective for tickets purchased on or after June 15. This policy applies for travel within the U.S. the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada. Customers may check one bag for a $15 USD fee ($30 USD round-trip) and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. For complete details regarding the new baggage policy, including exceptions, posted on the carrier's Web site.View Policy...
Delta Airlines Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008. This policy applies to domestic travel. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased. Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change. Please check the carriers web site for detailed information.
United Airlines United has announced a new checked baggage policy for nonrefundable domestic economy tickets that were purchased on or after February 4 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Customers may check one bag for a $15 USD fee and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on United's Web site. Note: Customers with Mileage Plus Premier status or greater, Star Alliance Silver status or greater, government fares, military fares, standard Award Tickets, first and business class award tickets, or first and business class upgrades granted prior to check-in are not impacted by this policy change. View Policy...
US Airways On July 9, 2008, US Airways will begin assessing a $15 fee for passengers' first checked bags. US Airways also charges $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip) for second checked bags. The new checked bag policies apply to all flights to and from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as flights within the U.S. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. Complete details regarding the baggage policy are posted on US Airways' Web site. View Policy...
Note: Baggage policy and fees are subject to change by the airlines at any time. Please see the airline's Web site for the most current information.
Documents: With each booking, Trips of Distinction will issue you a personalized travel wallet. Documents will be released upon receipt of full payment and mailed at least 21 days prior to departure. Documents may be requested earlier if Trips of Distinction has received full payment. Airline tickets are issued with documents in accordance with air carrier policies.
Responsibility and Additional General Terms
TRIPS OF DISTINCTION carefully monitors all of the information presented; however, it is not responsible for any errors or omissions resulting in inventory, content or pricing discrepancies. The details shown, including any pictures are for informational purposes only. Please note that room photographs may not depict the actual room category purchased. Property conditions and features may change at any time and offered inclusions may be withdrawn without notice.
Responsibility Clause: National Leisure Group, Inc. d/b/a Trips of Distinction, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively Trips of Distinction) does not own or operate or control any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, cruise lines, airline, vessel or other transportation companies, lodging facilities, guides or guide services, tour operators, local ground operators, entertainment or sightseeing operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Trips of Distinction is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor of the acts of any third party.
- Without limitation, Trips of Distinction is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of force majeure, weather or seaborne conditions, war, civil unrest, insurrection, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, financial insolvency of a supplier, lost or stolen belongings, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, cruise vessels or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, sanitation problems, food poisoning, illness or disease, lack of or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Trips of Distinction.
- We arrange travel services between you and suppliers. Your travel arrangements are contracts between you and the suppliers. While we will attempt, at your request, to obtain alternative arrangements in the event of a cancellation by any supplier, we are not responsible for the performance of the supplier or for reimbursement of money paid by you (or any incidental or consequential or other damages) in the event that the supplier fails to honor its commitments to you.
- Once you have purchased your cruise, or other travel arrangements, you are subject to the cancellation fees as stated in your confirmation. You will be responsible for all cancellation fees assessed by airlines, hotels, bus lines, train lines, cruise lines, and tour operators. Please note that certain changes to your reservation will be treated like cancellations, and these may have similar cancellation fees. Some fees may be avoided or recovered with the purchase of certain Trip Cancellation/Travel insurance. Trips of Distinction strongly encourages all passengers to consider the purchase of travel insurance, which may offer certain protection if unforeseen events take place during your trip.
- Delays and changes in itinerary and routing – whether airline or cruise line initiated – are made by the Travel Supplier. No refund or compensation will be provided.
- Changes in hotels or itinerary may be made at the discretion of your Travel Supplier as they deem necessary or desirable.
- Due to the nature of travel, fuel, energy and/or security surcharges may be assessed. Trips of Distinction is not responsible for any Travel Supplier or governmental surcharges. These additional charges, even on paid reservations, are your responsibility.
- All vacations are sold in duration of nights spent at the destination.
- All requests for refunds for any reason should be made in writing to Trips of Distinction., 100 Sylvan Road, Suite 600, Woburn, MA 01801 within 60 days of the end of your booked travel arrangements. We will forward these requests to the Travel Supplier involved. If a refund or compensation is granted, it usually will be issued in the original form of payment. Alternatively, you may make claims directly to the supplier in accordance with their procedures, including legal claims of any nature.
- Trips of Distinction reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a client.
- These terms and conditions can be changed only by a writing signed by an officer of Trips of Distinction.
- Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms and Conditions or any other information relating in any way to your travel arrangements, or to your travel arrangements themselves, shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent. In any such arbitration substantive Massachusetts law will apply.
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