Scope of application: The purchase of any product or service offered by The Placid Traveller is subject to, and conditioned upon, the terms and conditions set out herein (the “General Terms and Conditions”). These conditions apply to every customer who books product(s) and service(s) with The Placid Traveller. In addition to our “Terms and Conditions”, payment, cancellation and refund policies will also apply. It is important to read and understand the following information carefully. By confirming your booking, you, the customer, indicate your acceptance of these General Terms and Conditions.
Facilitator Role: When you confirm bookings with The Placid Traveller, you acknowledge that The Placid Traveller acts only as a facilitator between you and the suppliers who provide the requested services. The Placid Traveller does not own any transport or travel services, accommodation, visa services, insurance services, or payment services. Our role is to facilitate and provide you with the best travel arrangements that suit your requirements by coordinating with reliable service providers in India and/or abroad, including airlines, hotels, transportation providers, excursions, insurance agencies, and visa facilitators etc.
Supplier Liability: The Placid Traveller shall not be liable for any failure of travel service suppliers, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, cruise lines, railroads, car rental agencies, visa facilitators, insurance agencies, tour operators, and consolidators, to perform the services offered by such suppliers. The Placid Traveller does not guarantee or insure the services provided by any supplier, nor the financial position of such suppliers or the reimbursement to you for any loss experienced as a result of the financial condition of such suppliers. In the event that a supplier defaults prior to providing the service for which payment has been made, the sole recourse for a refund shall be with the defaulting supplier, insurance covering such defaults if available, or other responsible third party unless such default was caused by The Placid Traveller.
Recourse against Suppliers: In situations in which a supplier defaults prior to providing services, you may pursue any recourse against the supplier for a refund, which may be permitted by law or statute. The Placid Traveller warrants that it provides the highest standards of service in the trade and will use appropriate care in selecting suppliers to protect you from such default.
Limitation of Liability: Except as expressly stated herein, The Placid Traveller assumes no responsibility for actions relating to travel services beyond the control of The Placid Traveller or its employees. The Placid Traveller is not responsible or liable for any act, error, omission, injury, loss, accident, damage, delay, non-performance, irregularity, or any consequence thereof, which may be occasioned through neglect or default or any other act or inaction of any supplier of Travel products. The Placid Traveller shall not be liable for any fluctuation in price or change in schedule or equipment or accommodations for any travel service, which occurs subsequent to payment for such service.
Service Bureau Status: The Placid Traveller acts as a service bureau that provides value-added service to retail travel agents and consumers. The Placid Traveller has no control over and assumes no liability for the actions of the suppliers from whom it obtains Travel products.
Reservation Details: To ensure efficient handling of your reservations, please provide us with complete details regarding the individuals or groups traveling to your desired destination. This includes departure and return dates, selected flights, chosen cruise, number of passengers, children under 12 years of age, room requirements, cruise preferences, meal preferences, sightseeing preferences, visa assistance, and travel insurance. For international travel, passport details of passengers are mandatory, and for domestic travel, Aadhar Card details of traveling passengers are mandatory. Additionally, PAN card details of the passenger paying for the reservations are required. Providing a Pan Card copy authorizes The Placid Traveller to make remittance overseas under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for your travel purposes.
You are responsible for any bookings made by individuals under your direction or control. You warrant that all information provided by you or on your behalf to facilitate a booking or service is true and accurate. You will be solely responsible for any information provided by You to US, in case of any error or mistake in provision of information. We will not be liable for the same. Furthermore, you confirm that the traveler is not an unaccompanied minor. It is strictly prohibited to make exploratory, false, or fraudulent reservations or reservations made in anticipation of demand. At The Placid Traveller, we value your trust and employ reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative measures to protect your personal information within our organization.
Please note that the terms of your booking, such as price, availability, and travel dates, are not guaranteed until a contract is formed between you and the Travel Supplier, and a ticket or reservation is issued and confirmed by the Travel Supplier. Once you have completed the booking process, changes or cancellations to your booking details, such as names or destinations, can only be made at our sole discretion and in accordance with the Terms & Conditions outlined here.
These booking processes apply to the individual Service Element’s Terms & Conditions listed below and supplement any areas not covered by the booking process:
Airline ticket Terms & Conditions
Cruise operators Terms & Conditions
Hotel Terms & Conditions
Car rental Terms & Conditions
Attractions and services Terms & Conditions
Visa facilitators Terms & Conditions
Travel insurance facilitators Terms & Conditions
Confirmations:
Direct / Online Reservations: You can book directly and make an online payment for select services. Reservations must be confirmed when the requested service requires confirmation. Confirmation is subject to the reservation date and the availability of service providers.
Booking Request / Email: If the service requires confirmation (ON REQUEST), you must request confirmation via email. The response will be based on the reservation date and the availability of service providers.
Booking requests made using WhatsApp as a channel of communication may be accepted in exceptional cases only, at the discretion of The Placid Traveller
Booking Confirmation and Payment: Upon receiving a booking confirmation, it means that the service you requested has been successfully booked. You can expect to receive a reply email within 24 hours, providing the necessary instructions for making payment if the service has been confirmed.
For available services, payment is mandatory at the time of purchase once you have made a reservation. If your request requires confirmation, payment must be made within 24 hours after receiving a confirmation response email.
Upon receiving confirmation of the reservation, whether through direct/online booking or email request, and upon making full payment for the service, you will receive an email containing details, personalized information, and a reservation voucher.
Please ensure to have a printed copy of the requested service voucher, as it must be presented to the service providers upon arrival.
Payment Methods and Guidelines: The Placid Traveller reserves the right to assist or refuse travel services at our discretion. To complete the payment process, it is essential to ensure that the payment is processed and reflects in our bank account at least 4 weeks before the travel date or as per booking conditions and seasonality. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of booked services and applicable cancellation charges, which the client is liable to pay. In the case of bookings made less than 4 weeks before the travel date, 100% payment must be made immediately to confirm all services.
If making a payment using a credit card, please note that a minimum surcharge of 3% or as applicable will be added to cover charges imposed by card service providers. Credit card payments should be made at least 2 weeks or more prior to the travel date. You will receive a secure online payment link for making credit card payments. The Placid Traveller team will never ask you for any password, OTP, or CVV number for making payments. Please refrain from providing any such information.
Reservation Completion and Card Verification: It is important to understand that a reservation is not considered complete until it is confirmed and ticketed. To ensure the security of our customers, we verify the accuracy of the billing address and credit card verification number provided to us with the credit/debit card company. This verification is done to ensure that your debit/charge will be accepted. Until the information is verified, the fare is subject to change. We cannot be held responsible for any transaction that is declined due to a credit/debit card being declined by the issuing company or a travel provider. We are also not responsible for any changes in fare or other charges that may occur during the verification process if the debit/credit card billing address and/or credit card verification number cannot be verified in a timely manner.
Rates: Please note that all offers, prices, and conditions of sale are subject to the following:
- Change without notice.
- Advance purchase requirements, eligibility criteria, seating limitations, or other restrictions.
- Travel days, dates, minimum or maximum stay requirements, holidays, seasons, blackout dates, stopover restrictions, and/or waitlisting limitations.
- Reservation validation limitations. If an extension is permitted, penalties or restrictions may apply. Additional conditions and restrictions may also apply.
- Availability. Lower prices may be available.
- If your itinerary includes a final destination or stop in a country other than the country of departure, the provisions of the “Warsaw Convention” may apply to your entire trip, including any portion within the country of origin or destination. The Warsaw Convention governs and may limit the liability of certain air carriers for passenger death, personal injury, or loss/damage to baggage.
We reserve the right to pass on any rate increases caused by changes in local, state, or central government taxes, airfare, visa fees, or fluctuations in the exchange rate. In the case of group bookings, our package price is based on a minimum group size as quoted. Any reduction in the group size may result in an increase in the package price, which would need to be paid directly to us. The full package price, including optional tours, must be paid a minimum of 4 weeks or more prior to departure.
Accommodation: All accommodations included in our itineraries are based on twin room sharing with private facilities, unless otherwise specified. Single rooms are available at an additional cost. However, if the requested hotel accommodation is not available, we will make every effort to arrange alternate accommodation of a similar category. If you require an extension of stay, please inform us at least 45 days in advance. Once the minimum group size is confirmed, no refunds will be given for last-minute cancellations or reductions in group size, as our quotation is based on the minimum number of group members traveling together.
Travel Documents: Please take note of the following requirements for travel documents:
Government-Issued Photo ID: A valid government-issued photo ID is required at all times during your trip. This is necessary for security checks at airports, hotels, car rental locations, and may also be required for attractions and other products as deemed necessary by the relevant Travel Suppliers.
Passport and Proof of Citizenship: For international travel to most countries outside of the India, a passport is required. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you meet the passport, visa, and health requirements of the countries you plan to visit, as well as any countries you may transit through. Please note that many countries require your passport to be valid for a minimum period from the date of arrival. For specific information on passport and visa requirements, including the applicable minimum validity period, and other conditions for travel, please contact the respective local consulate of the countries you will be visiting.
Passport Validity: Your passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months or more from the date of your return travel to your country of origin. It should also have a minimum of four blank pages and be in good condition without any significant wear and tear.
Verification of Travel Documents: It is advised that all customers verify the required travel documents, such as transit visa or entry visa, for the country through which they will be transiting or entering. Reliable information can be obtained from government-authorized border control websites or the consulate/embassy of the countries you are visiting or transiting through. The Placid Traveller will not be held responsible if you are denied entry or transit into a country due to the lack of proper travel documents.
Visa Refusal: In the event of a visa refusal, all cancellation terms as specified will apply.
Boarding Denial or Deportation: Neither The Placid Traveller nor its affiliates accept any responsibility, and no refunds will be provided, if you are denied boarding, experience delays, or are deported due to non-fulfillment of the above travel document requirements.
Government Entry/Exit Fees: Depending on your destination, government entry/exit fees may apply. These fees are your sole responsibility and will be in addition to your booking charges.
Travelers on the Same Itinerary: All travelers included in your booking must travel on the same itinerary. Individual passengers cannot be added to or removed from the booking once it is confirmed.
Payments:
Deposit Requirement: A specific deposit, as stated in our booking form or email, is required within 2 days (or specified time) of confirming your tour arrangements in order to hold the reservation. Please note that certain tours may have different payment requirements, and these will be communicated to you at the time of booking. Pre-payment for all services should be made at our offices in Mumbai or through NEFT/RTGS/Online banking.
Credit Card Payments: If you choose to make payment by credit card, please be aware that a minimum 3% surcharge (or as applicable) will be incurred to cover charges imposed by card service providers. It is recommended to complete credit card payments at least 2 weeks or more prior to the travel date. You will receive a secure online payment link for online credit card payments. The Placid Traveller team will never ask you for any password, OTP, CVV number for making payments. Please refrain from providing any such information.
VISA:
Visa Assistance: Please note that as an intermediary, we are assisting and facilitating the visa process. The granting of a visa is at the discretion of the Consulate/Embassy/High Commission. The Placid Traveller shall not be held responsible for any delays or refusal of visa.
Visa Processing Time: Consulates provide information regarding the minimum number of days required to obtain a visa on their website, which is counted from the day of acceptance of all correct documents. However, the consulate may extend the processing time at their discretion or for reasons known to them. Therefore, it is recommended to file all visa documents well in advance of your travels.
Updated Visa Requirements: Visa requirements are subject to frequent updates by the consulate, and at times additional documents or charges may be required. It is important to adhere to these requirements in order to obtain the visa. Visa charges are subject to change until the case is accepted by the Consulate.
Passport Condition: It is the responsibility of the client to provide passports in good condition. The role of The Placid Traveller is to forward the passports to the Consulate. The Placid Traveller will not be held responsible if any passport or document is damaged by any third party, such as the Consulate or any visa facilitation agencies.
Visa Facilitation Fee: The Placid Traveller will facilitate visas for clients booking all travel services through us, with an applicable service fee.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend that you obtain appropriate valid insurance while traveling, whether it’s within India or abroad. It is your responsibility to have valid insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances, medical emergencies, adventure activities, baggage loss, and anything else suitable to your needs. We are more than happy to assist you in choosing a suitable insurance plan. Please be aware that traveling without proper insurance will hold you solely responsible for any unforeseen events, and The Placid Traveller cannot be held liable in any way for such occurrences.
Cancellation Policy: In the event of canceling confirmed arrangements, a cancellation fee will be applicable based on the terms of our services. Additional cancellation clauses specified by our suppliers of services will also apply. The reference date for calculating deductions will be the day we receive the cancellation notice. Therefore, in the case of partial or total cancellation of services, it is essential to provide immediate notification. Alternatively, the following cancellation clause will apply. If you need to cancel a booking, please inform us in writing, and the following charges will be applicable, with registration fees/deposit, if any, being forfeited. For cancellations made 60 days or less prior to the departure date, the following additional charges will apply:
Less than 22 days prior to departure: 100% of Package cost or as applicable
22-30 days or less prior to departure: 50% of Package cost or as applicable
31-60 days prior to departure: 20% of Package cost or as applicable
Airline cancellation before departure: Rs. 3000 per person minimum or as applicable (whichever is higher)
Please note that the above cancellation terms are general, and specific cancellation policies may vary among suppliers. We will inform you of the applicable cancellation policy prior to booking the services.
Refunds: Once a cancellation/refund request is submitted, we will send you an email notification acknowledging the receipt of your request. However, please note that this notification does not automatically qualify you for a refund. The refund request will be processed according to the Terms and Conditions and Policies set by the service provider. Any eligible refund will be credited to the original payment source after deducting any applicable charges. The refund amount will be credited to your account only once The Placid Traveller has received the corresponding amount from the service provider. Please be aware that the convenience fee charged at the time of booking is non-refundable. Additionally, a non-refundable service fee will apply to all cancellation and refund requests.
Responsibility: It is understood that we act solely as an agent for all services covered in this agreement. We shall not be held responsible for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from Acts of God, terrorist activities, dangers, fire, breakdown of machinery, equipment, or vehicles, deaths, government actions, wars, civil disturbances, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, or any delays or changes, including any additional expenses incurred by passengers due to the aforementioned causes. Furthermore, we do not operate, own, or control any means of transportation, sightseeing, or accommodation, and therefore, we cannot assume liability in case of injury, loss, damage, delay, accident, death or irregularity caused by defects in any vehicle or for any other reason attributable to suppliers, companies, or persons involved in carrying out the arrangements. We will not be responsible for any costs incurred by passengers due to their negligence in having proper documents or missing sightseeing tours/connections.