Experience São Tomé & Príncipe – 8 Days

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Continent Tours, Inc. (“Continent Tours,” “we,” “us”) provides travel planning and booking services. By booking with us, you (“Traveler,” “you”) agree to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Scope of Agreement

These Terms & Conditions apply to all tours, safaris, travel programs, and related services arranged by Continent Tours and published on our website, proposals, invoices, and brochures. No modification shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Continent Tours.

2. Booking, Deposit & Final Payment

A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit stated on your invoice. Final payment is due by the deadline stated on your invoice (typically no later than 45 days prior to departure). Bookings made within 45 days of departure require full payment at confirmation. Failure to make timely payments may result in cancellation with applicable penalties.

3. Pricing, Currency & Surcharges

All prices are based on current exchange rates, tariffs, taxes, and supplier costs. Continent Tours reserves the right to adjust prices prior to final payment due to supplier cost increases, government taxes or fees, tariffs, or currency fluctuations.

4. Cancellations & Refunds (Land & Air)

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are effective upon receipt. Because travel services are contracted and prepaid in advance, cancellation penalties apply regardless of reason (including illness, medical issues, family emergencies, visa issues, employment changes, or personal circumstances) and may reach 100% as departure approaches. No refunds are provided for unused or declined services once travel has commenced.

Land & Tour Cancellation Penalties

• 75+ days prior to departure: 10% of tour cost or $400 (whichever is greater)

• 74–61 days: 15% of tour cost or $500

• 60–36 days: 20% of tour cost or $750

• 35 days or fewer: 100% of tour cost (no refund)

Airfare

Airline tickets are subject to the carrier’s rules and are typically non-refundable once issued. Change or cancellation fees are determined by the airline and are the traveler’s responsibility.

5. Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and is the traveler’s sole protection against financial loss arising from trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, baggage loss, or airline disruptions. Travelers who decline to purchase insurance assume full responsibility for all related costs and remain subject to all cancellation penalties described herein.

6. Changes Requested by Traveler

Any change requested after booking confirmation may incur additional fees imposed by suppliers and/or Continent Tours. Changes may be restricted or not permitted within 35 days of departure.

7. Changes by Continent Tours

Continent Tours reserves the right to modify itineraries, accommodations, transportation, or tour components when necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. Reasonable substitutes of comparable value will be provided where possible.

8. Air Transportation

Air transportation is subject to the terms, conditions, and liability limits of the operating carrier. Continent Tours acts solely as a booking agent and is not responsible for airline schedule changes, delays, cancellations, overbooking, or baggage handling. Airline liability for passengers and baggage is governed by international conventions and carrier tariffs. Any claims must be made directly with the airline.

9. Supplier Responsibility & Third-Party Services

Continent Tours acts solely as an agent for the traveler in arranging transportation, accommodations, activities, and other travel services provided by independent third-party suppliers. Continent Tours does not own, operate, or control any supplier and is not liable for their acts or omissions. All services are subject to the supplier’s terms and conditions and applicable liability limitations.

10. Force Majeure

Continent Tours shall not be liable for failure to perform due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, civil unrest, or transportation disruptions. Refunds are limited to amounts recoverable from suppliers.

11. Traveler Responsibilities: Documents & Entry Requirements

Travelers are solely responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, vaccinations, and any other required documentation. Passports should be valid for at least six (6) months beyond return. Continent Tours makes no representations regarding entry requirements and is not responsible for denied entry or travel disruptions due to documentation issues.

12. Health, Fitness & Assumption of Risk

Travel may involve inherent risks, including physical activity, remote locations, wildlife encounters, limited medical access, and environmental hazards. Travelers acknowledge these risks and voluntarily assume full responsibility. Travelers represent that they are fit for travel and do not have any condition that could pose a risk to themselves or others.

13. Luggage & Personal Property

Baggage and personal effects are carried at the traveler’s risk throughout the program. Airline and internal flight baggage restrictions vary and must be verified by the traveler. Continent Tours is not responsible for loss, delay, or damage to personal property.

14. What Is Not Included

Unless expressly stated, tour prices do not include passports, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, excess baggage fees, optional activities, early check-in or late check-out, beverages, personal expenses, or gratuities.

15. Claims, Complaints & No Refund for Unused Services

Any issues must be reported immediately during travel to allow an opportunity for resolution. No refunds are provided for unused services once travel has commenced.

16. Photography & Marketing

Photographs and videos may be taken during tours for promotional purposes. Travelers who do not wish to be included must notify their guide at the start of the trip.

17. Single Room & Solo Traveler Terms

Single occupancy is subject to availability. Solo Traveler programs are priced for one traveler and are not subject to single supplement adjustments. Solo Travelers are subject to the same cancellation and amendment policies as all bookings.

18. Passenger Conduct & Right to Refuse Service

Continent Tours reserves the right to refuse service or remove any traveler whose conduct, condition, or behavior is deemed disruptive, unsafe, or detrimental to the enjoyment of others, at the traveler’s sole expense and without refund.

19. Arbitration; Class Action Waiver; Pennsylvania

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms & Conditions, the travel program, or services provided by Continent Tours shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, administered under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) then in effect. Arbitration shall be conducted on an individual basis only; class actions and consolidated claims are waived. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

20. Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.