Terms and Conditions for World Photo Adventures Tours and Workshops

DEFINITIONS:

To avoid doubt, throughout the terms and conditions, the following terms will have the corresponding meaning: "We" or "WPA" or "the photographer" or "Us" means World Photo Adventures and its agents, contractors, representatives, and consultants; "You" or "participant(s)" means the party or parties identified on the booking form under the heading 'YOUR DETAILS'; "Workshop" or “Trip” or “Tour” means the event or events you wish to book as identified in the booking form.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION:

Your booking will only be considered valid upon World Photo Adventures (WPA) receiving the completed Booking Form.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS:

I understand that the adventure trip organised by World Photo Adventures involves inherent dangers and risks, in addition to the usual dangers and risks associated with travel and photography. These risks may include physical exertion for which I may not be prepared, weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected changes, remoteness from normal medical services, and difficulties in evacuation if I am disabled. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel derive, in part, from these inherent risks, and I willingly assume these risks as a reason for my participation.

MEDICAL TREATMENT AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION:

In the event that I suffer injury or illness during the adventure trip, I agree that World Photo Adventures can arrange, at my cost, necessary medical treatment and emergency evacuation services deemed essential for my safety.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION:

I confirm that my decision to participate in the adventure trip with World Photo Adventures is made of my own free will and without any reliance on oral, written, or visual representations or statements by World Photo Adventures, its staff, or any other inducement or coercion.

AGE REQUIREMENT:

I confirm that I am over the age of 18 years and that I have read and understood the terms and conditions of this contract and agreement before signing it. I further agree that this agreement will be binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, and successors.

GOVERNING LAW:

I agree that this Agreement shall be governed in all aspects by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the country of Australia.

SICKNESS - HEALTH:

Viruses, bacteria and other health risks have always been possible when travelling. We select accommodation and operators to limit risk to your health. Before departure, we suggest that you consider limiting your exposure to large groups and other high risk location/situations at least 7 days before departure. Please bring face masks, and hand sanitizer. Should you feel unwell during the event, please let your tour leader know ASAP. Some form of isolation maybe required, or professional medical help maybe sort. Your tour leader is happy to help at all times.

Please look at the following site for more helpful details. You can also register at this site for updates.

https://www.smartraveller.gov.au

QUOTED PRICES:

All prices quoted on your invoice are accurate at the time of printing. However, prices are subject to change and can be withdrawn or varied at any time without prior notice. Fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect the prices. We may need to incur a surcharge fee. Deposits only secure the reservations and do not guarantee the prices. Price changes may occur at any time before or after full payment is received.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you decide to cancel your booking, you must notify World Photo Adventures in writing. Cancellations are effective on the date received by World Photo Adventures. The following cancellation fees will apply:

Note that your deposit is refundable up to one year before the event, except for a $500 cancellation fee, or as per special conditions for some events. Within one year, deposits are non refundable.

INSURANCE:

We strongly recommend that you have personal travel and health insurance and purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance, emergency medical expense coverage, and trip cancellation insurance. Depending on the terms of your insurance, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable airfare and trip cancellation fees in the event of personal or family illness. Life insurance, baggage loss, baggage delay reimbursement, and other coverage are also advisable. World Photo Adventures is not responsible for any costs associated with travel, accommodation, insurance, or any other costs other than the event fee. The event fee is not refundable as per these terms and conditions.

PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS:

World Photo Adventures reserves the right to take photographic, film, or video records of any of our trips and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes without the requirement for a signed release from any members captured in film or digital media.

CREDIT CARD FRAUD DISCLAIMER:

World Photo Adventures (WPA) prioritises the security of your personal information, including credit card details provided for payment. However, in today's digital world, the risk of credit card fraud cannot be completely eliminated. While WPA implements robust security measures, we cannot guarantee absolute prevention of fraud or unauthorised access to your data.

Please note, World Photo Adventures (WPA) will not be liable for any damages, losses, or liabilities resulting from credit card fraud or unauthorized use of your credit card information. While we take precautions, ensuring the security and confidentiality of your credit card information remains your responsibility as the cardholder.

MINIMUM NUMBERS:

To ensure the successful execution of our events, a minimum number of participants, typically 5 paying travelers, is required. Please note that the minimum numbers are subject to change. In the event that the minimum requirement is not met, World Photo Adventures reserves the right to make necessary adjustments or potentially cancel the event. We will notify participants in such circumstances and provide suitable alternatives or refunds.

PASSPORT & VISA:

Participants are responsible for verifying the validity of their passport and obtaining the necessary visas or re-entry permits for their travel arrangements. World Photo Adventures cannot be held accountable for any fines, penalties, or expenses incurred due to passport-related issues. It is crucial to ensure that your passport is correct and complies with the requirements of the destination country. Please consult Visalink, a passport/visa advisory service, to check the specific requirements at visalink.com.au.

TAXES & LEVIES IMPOSED:

Various countries, states, towns, and airports worldwide, including those in Australia, impose a range of security, airport, and departure taxes. These taxes are subject to change without prior notice. Any additional costs or taxes, such as departure taxes payable in cash at airports, are the responsibility of the traveler. It is advisable to be aware of and prepared for such expenses during your journey.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:

We strive to accommodate special requests, such as dietary restrictions or specific hotel room types, to the best of our ability. However, as World Photo Adventures acts as an intermediary, we cannot guarantee the fulfillment of these requests. We rely on the services of various providers who may have their own limitations. Rest assured, we will make every effort to meet your preferences, but please understand that guarantees cannot be provided.

FLIGHTS:

Please note that international flights (or any other flights unless specified in the itinerary) are not included in our packages. To ensure that you book your flights correctly, we recommend the following:

Do not purchase air tickets until our guide's flights have been booked, which will occur approximately 8-9 months prior to the tour departure. We will inform you once the guide's flights are confirmed, allowing you to use the itinerary as a guide for your own bookings. This timing also ensures that we have met the minimum passenger numbers and finalized the logistics of the tour.

We suggest arriving at least 24 to 48 hours before the tour departure to account for jet lag and potential airline delays. This buffer time will help ensure a smooth start to your trip.

If you have made flight connections through another agent or independently, it is crucial to provide us with your flight and hotel information. This allows us to communicate any changes to the meeting place or departure time, if necessary.

OBLIGATIONS:

As a participant, it is essential to comply with any obligations set forth by World Photo Adventures, including adhering to instructions provided by our guides or representatives. These obligations ensure the safety, well-being, and smooth operation of the tour for all participants. Failure to meet these obligations may result in exclusion from the tour without refund.

COMMUNICATION AND EXPECTATIONS:

If you have a grievance or disagreement with information supplied, World Photo Adventures is happy to resolve the matter. Email is the preferred form of communication, in the first instance. If unreasonable communications or expectations occur, World Photo Adventures reserves the right to cancel the booking and return all payments made without notice, before the event commences. In this case, the participant waives the right to pursue any legal action against World Photo Adventures and its operators.

DEPT. OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE WARNINGS:

Participants are encouraged to stay informed about travel warnings and advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in their respective countries. It is the responsibility of participants to assess the risks associated with traveling to specific destinations and make informed decisions based on official guidance. Should you wish to check with the Department of Foreign Affairs, their web address is: www.dfat.gov.au

FORCE MAJEURE:

World Photo Adventures cannot be held liable for any damages, losses, or disruptions caused by force majeure events. These include but are not limited to natural disasters, war, civil unrest, strikes, or any other unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, we will make every effort to provide suitable alternatives or reschedule the affected tours.

VACCINATIONS: (TOURS)

Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary vaccinations for their travel destinations. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals or relevant authorities well in advance to ensure you are adequately protected against any potential health risks during your trip.

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

World Photo Adventures acts only as agents for the participant regarding travel, whether by aircraft, motor vehicle, or any other conveyance, and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may be caused either by reason of defect, through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out the arrangements of the workshop.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY:

I understand that participating in an adventure trip or workshop organized by World Photo Adventures (WPA) involves certain risks and hazards. By choosing to participate, I hereby waive any and all claims, both present and future, against WPA, including its officers, employees, subcontractors, guides, agents, representatives, and licensors. I release them from any liability and agree not to initiate legal proceedings for any personal injury, death, disease, property damage, or loss that may occur during my participation, regardless of the cause, including negligence on the part of WPA or its staff.

I acknowledge that adventure travel and workshops entail inherent risks such as physical exertion, unpredictable weather conditions, remote locations, and potential dangers associated with travel and photography. I fully understand that these risks may lead to personal injury, death, disease, property damage, or loss. Regardless of the cause, including negligence on the part of WPA, its staff, or licensors, I release WPA and all aforementioned parties from any liability and agree not to hold them responsible for any harm or loss incurred throughout the duration of the adventure trip or workshop.

I accept full responsibility for my own actions and any consequences that may arise from them during the trip or workshop. I acknowledge that this waiver of liability is binding and enforceable, remaining in effect from the moment of my participation until the completion of the adventure trip or workshop organized by WPA.