Refund Policy

Understanding our cancellation and refund procedures

Last Updated: May 15, 2024

1. Introduction

At Megaeth Travel Tour, we understand that plans can change. This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions regarding refunds for cancellations of tours and services booked through our website or directly with our team. By making a booking with us, you agree to the terms of this Refund Policy.

Please note that this Refund Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions, which provide additional information on bookings, cancellations, and your rights and responsibilities.

2. Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

Our standard refund policy for tour cancellations is as follows:

Cancellation Period Refund Amount
90+ days before departure date Full refund minus deposit (20% of tour fee)
60-89 days before departure date 50% refund of total tour fee
30-59 days before departure date 25% refund of total tour fee
Less than 30 days before departure date No refund

Important notes:

  • The deposit (20% of the total tour fee) is non-refundable in all cases.
  • The cancellation date is determined based on the date we receive your written cancellation request.
  • Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method within 30 business days of cancellation approval.
  • Booking fees (3% of the transaction) are non-refundable.

3. Tour-Specific Cancellation Policies

Some tours may have different cancellation and refund policies due to their unique nature or third-party provider requirements. These tour-specific policies will be clearly communicated during the booking process and in your booking confirmation.

In cases where tour-specific policies exist, these will take precedence over our standard policy. Examples include:

3.1. Peak Season Departures

Tours scheduled during high-demand periods (such as Christmas, New Year, or specific festivals) may have stricter cancellation policies with higher non-refundable percentages or earlier final payment deadlines.

3.2. Special Expedition Tours

Tours involving chartered vessels, small-group wildlife expeditions, or limited-availability accommodations (such as our Serengeti Wildlife Safari or Peruvian Andes & Amazon Expedition) may have more restrictive cancellation terms.

3.3. Third-Party Operated Tours

For tours operated by our partners, the cancellation and refund policies of the operating partner will apply, which may differ from our standard policy.

4. Cancellation by Megaeth Travel Tour

4.1. Tour Cancellation Due to Insufficient Participants

If we need to cancel a tour because the minimum number of participants has not been reached, we will notify you at least 30 days before the scheduled departure date. In such cases, you will be offered:

  • A full refund of all amounts paid; or
  • The option to transfer to an alternative tour (with a refund of any price difference if the alternative is of lower value, or payment of the difference if the alternative is of higher value); or
  • A credit voucher valid for 24 months for future bookings.

4.2. Tour Cancellation Due to Unforeseen Circumstances

If we need to cancel a tour due to unforeseen circumstances within our control, we will offer you:

  • A full refund of all amounts paid; or
  • The option to transfer to an alternative tour; or
  • A credit voucher valid for 24 months with a 10% bonus value added.

4.3. Tour Cancellation Due to Force Majeure

In the event of cancellation due to Force Majeure (circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemic-related restrictions, political instability, or other extraordinary events), we will offer:

  • The option to postpone your travel to a later date;
  • A credit voucher valid for 24 months for future bookings; or
  • A refund of all recoverable and non-committed costs (this may not be a full refund if we have already made non-recoverable payments to suppliers).

5. Changes to Bookings

5.1. Changes Made by You

If you wish to make changes to your booking, the following conditions apply:

  • Date Changes: Requests to change your tour date will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and a new booking. Standard cancellation fees will apply to the original booking, unless the change is made more than 90 days before departure, in which case an administration fee of $150 will be charged instead.
  • Tour Changes: Requests to change to a different tour will be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, with standard cancellation fees applying to the original booking.
  • Name Changes: Name changes are permitted up to 30 days before departure and are subject to an administration fee of $75 per person. Name changes less than 30 days before departure may not be possible due to supplier restrictions and may be treated as a cancellation.

5.2. Changes Made by Us

If we need to make significant changes to your tour after booking, you will be notified as soon as possible and offered:

  • Acceptance of the changes with any price difference refunded if the alternative is of lower value;
  • The option to transfer to an alternative tour of comparable standard and price (if available); or
  • Cancellation with a full refund of all amounts paid.

Minor changes (such as change of accommodation to one of similar standard, or minor itinerary adjustments that do not significantly affect the overall tour experience) do not entitle you to a refund or compensation.

6. Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. Appropriate travel insurance can help protect you against financial loss in many circumstances where you would otherwise lose your non-refundable deposits or incur cancellation fees.

A suitable travel insurance policy should cover:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Emergency medical expenses and evacuation
  • Travel delays
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Personal liability

We can recommend travel insurance providers or you can choose your own. Please review the policy details carefully to ensure it meets your specific needs and covers the activities included in your tour.

7. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, please follow these steps:

  1. Send a written cancellation request by email to [email protected] or through the contact form on our website.
  2. Include your booking reference number, full name, tour name, departure date, and reason for cancellation.
  3. Our team will review your request and respond within 5 business days to confirm the applicable refund amount based on our policy.
  4. Once approved, refunds will be processed back to the original payment method within 30 business days.

For urgent assistance with cancellations, please call us at +44 874 781 4339 during our business hours (Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM GMT).

8. Partial Tour Participation

No refunds will be provided for any unused portions of a tour once it has commenced, regardless of the reason. This includes:

  • If you choose to leave a tour early of your own accord;
  • If you miss activities or accommodations due to illness or personal choice;
  • If you are unable to participate in certain activities due to fitness levels, health conditions, or failure to bring required equipment.

In cases where you cannot continue with a tour due to illness or injury, our tour leaders will assist you with necessary arrangements, but additional costs incurred will be your responsibility, and no refunds will be provided for the unused portion of the tour.

9. Refunds for Optional Add-ons and Services

Optional services or add-ons purchased through us (such as airport transfers, pre/post-tour accommodations, or special activities) follow these refund guidelines:

  • More than 30 days before service date: Full refund minus 10% administration fee
  • 15-29 days before service date: 50% refund
  • Less than 15 days before service date: No refund

Some third-party provided services may have different cancellation policies, which will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.

10. Special Circumstances

10.1. Medical Cancellations

In cases of serious illness or injury preventing travel (supported by a medical certificate), we may offer more flexible cancellation terms at our discretion, such as:

  • Postponement of the booking to a future date with no change fees
  • A credit voucher valid for 24 months
  • A partial refund even within the non-refundable period

Medical documentation must clearly state that travel is not recommended for the specific period of your tour.

10.2. Death or Serious Illness of Traveler or Immediate Family

In the unfortunate event of death or serious illness of the traveler or an immediate family member, we will work with you to find the most appropriate solution, which may include special refund consideration, tour postponement, or credit vouchers. Supporting documentation will be required.

10.3. Travel Advisories and Safety Concerns

If an official government travel advisory recommending against all travel (or all non-essential travel) to your tour destination is issued after booking but before your departure, we will offer:

  • Postponement of your tour to a future date;
  • A credit voucher valid for 24 months; or
  • A refund of all recoverable costs (which may not be a full refund if we have already made non-recoverable payments to suppliers).

11. Promotional Discounts and Special Offers

Tours booked with promotional discounts, special offers, or through reward redemptions may have different or more restrictive refund policies. These specific terms will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.

Generally, promotional discounts are non-refundable and will be deducted from any eligible refund amount.

12. Currency and Payment Method

All refunds will be processed in the original currency of payment. If currency exchange rates have fluctuated, we cannot be responsible for any differences in the amount received due to these fluctuations.

Refunds will be made to the original payment method used for the booking:

  • Credit card refunds typically take 5-10 business days to appear on your statement after we process them.
  • Bank transfer refunds may take 10-15 business days to reflect in your account.

If the original payment method is no longer available, we will work with you to arrange an alternative refund method.

13. Amendments to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. The policy in effect at the time of your booking will apply to your reservation, unless otherwise required by law.

We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed of any updates or changes.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Refund Policy or need assistance with a refund request, please contact us at:

Megaeth Travel Tour
2 Ethan Parks
Ellisburgh PE28 5US
United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 874 781 4339