Terms & Conditions

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.

-        For any packages including an air portion with charter flights, if you cancel for any reason within 60 days of departure, you will be subject to 100% cancellation penalty. Cancellations reported 60+ days prior to departure will be subject to loss of deposit ($250 CAD per person).

-        Please carefully check the applicable cancellation/change policies before completing your booking, as penalties may apply if you decide to cancel for any reason from the time of booking.

-        For land only and scheduled air packages the cancellation penalty is a $150 CAD per person (loss of deposit) for cancellations reported 60+ days prior to the start day of vacations, plus any applicable hotel and/or airline penalties. Cancellation penalties reported inside 60 days will be depending the date the cancellation is reported (see below for specific cancellation penalties)

By booking with THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION, client agrees to the terms and conditions of this contract. Any payment constitutes acceptance of the terms in this contract. For groups, refer to your group contract. Check our recommendations for insurance.

1. BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS, AND PRICE GUARANTEE

To reserve any vacation, please provide the required booking information and pay the applicable deposit per person. Full payment is required at time of booking for all vacations booked directly on the web.

Deposit requirements: For vacation packages using contracted scheduled or charter air products, the minimum deposit is $250 per person. For land only bookings, the required deposit is $150 per person, or booking full amount, depending on which amount comes lower. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION reserves the right to issue scheduled airline tickets once the applicable deposit has been paid. For vacation packages utilizing published airline tickets, full payment of the air portion of the package is required at the time of booking, which will be forfeited if the booking is canceled. In all cases, the balance due must be paid at least 60 days before departure. For bookings within 60 days of departure, full payment is due at time of booking. We reserve the right to treat the booking as canceled by you if the balance due is not paid when due.

As required under the Disclosure & Invoicing Guidelines by TICO – The Travel Industry Council of Ontario, THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION confirms and guarantees that no price increases will apply inside 60 days from departure date, or after bookings are paid in full. The price guarantee after full payment does not include increases on the total (final price) resulting from an increase in retail sales tax, or federal goods and services tax, or destination taxes, as well as other fees charged by the airline – like for seat selection, checked baggage fees or other ancillaries paid directly to the airline at check-in. Questions about these charges should be addressed to the airline, hotel, or other service provider. Government entry and exit fees may also apply, depending on your destination. All air travel is subject to the terms and conditions of the operating airline.

2. HOW TO CANCEL OR REQUEST CHANGES

The travel agent must notify us immediately to cancel or make changes to any vacation packages. All communications prior to departure, including questions about changes, cancellation, payments and refunds, must be via the travel agent; THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION will not deal - under any circumstances – directly with the passengers. Cancellation and change fees will apply. All changes are subject to availability and limitations and restrictions of the airline, hotel, and ground transportation or any other service provider.

3. CANCELLATIONS, CHANGE FEES & REFUNDS

Passenger’s right to any refunds is limited. Cancellations and changes to any booking are subject to both THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION' fees and fees imposed by airlines, hotels and other suppliers. Most airfares and hotel reservations are nonrefundable and nontransferable, and you may be charged 100% cancellation/change penalties. Passengers who do not travel are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.

Cancellations or changes in departure date, flight, duration, class of service, name, departure city, or destination, will be subject to the charges shown below and become payable by the travel agent. Significant additional penalties (i.e. nonrefundable airline tickets and fees, nonrefundable or nontransferable hotel promotions) may also apply.

If the number of individuals occupying a room changes due to a cancellation or booking change, the remaining traveler(s) will be responsible for any additional costs incurred because of a change in the per person occupancy rate. If all travelers change, it is considered a new booking and cancellation fees will apply.

1. A.     VACATION PACKAGES (all products including air)

                       i.        Notice received within the 24 hours from the time a booking is completed: 100% refund.

                      ii.        Notice received 60 days or more prior to departure date: Lost of deposit - $250 per person.

                     iii.        Notice received 59 to 0 days prior to departure date: 100% cancellation penalty.

1. B.     LAND ONLY PRODUCTS (excluding car rentals)

                       i.        Notice received 60 days or more prior to departure date: Lost of deposit - $150 per person.

                      ii.        Notice received 59 to 21 days prior to departure date: 50% cancellation penalty

                     iii.        Notice received 20 to 0 days prior to departure date: 100% cancellation penalty.

1. C.     CAR RENTALS

                       i.        Full payment required at the time of booking.

                      ii.        No changes allowed once bookings are confirmed.

                     iii.        Cancellations are subject to 100% penalties

BOOKING CHANGES AND CORRECTIONS (*)

Booking change fees are $25 per person plus applicable hotel and airline penalties. Some air carriers and hotels do not allow name changes. Name change fees/corrections are $25 per person, plus applicable airline and/or hotel penalties.

Changes to bookings including air reported 3 days (72 hours) or more from departure, and less than 7 days from departure, incur a fee of $150 per passenger per segment. For changes being made 7 days (168 hours) or more from departure, changes incur a fee of $100 per passenger per segment. No changes to bookings are permitted less than three days (72 hours) prior to departure. Additional charges specific to the land portion of your package may apply, according to land suppliers’ policies.

Name corrections are permitted, a fee of $25 per person will apply. Full name changes are not allowed, and cancellation penalties may apply instead.

Land only and scheduled air name change fees/corrections and hotel changes are $25 per person fee plus applicable hotel and airline penalties. Note: some airlines & hotels do not allow name changes.

(*) - These fees apply to changes to the departure date, flight, duration, class of service, departure city, destination, full name change, partial name correction. Please notice that air or hotel change fees may be up to 100% of the fare.

4. PRICE GUARANTEE

While prices and features of THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION are subject to change without notice, our intention is to provide you with the vacation which you have selected, at the price in effect at time of booking. If you have not paid for your vacation in full, you will be responsible for any increases in the price of any and all components of the vacation package. After bookings are paid in full, THE SPECIAL TRAVEL GUARANTEES that no further price increases will apply. Fees for changes that you make do not constitute an increase in the price of an already purchased ticket or other travel component.

5. TRAVEL ON AIR CARRIERS INCLUDING PUBLIC CHARTER FLIGHTS

THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION has made arrangements for air transportation to vacation destinations via regularly scheduled certificated air carriers or other air carriers who have duly filed with and are authorized to operate air transportation and public charter transportation in Canada by by Transport Canada. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION reserves the right to substitute alternate air carriers if necessary. All air travel is subject to the terms and conditions of the operating air carrier. When you fly to and from your destination the Conditions of Carriage apply, some of which limit or exclude liability. The Conditions of Carriage are available by requesting them in writing from the carrier or by request at the airport.

6. LUGGAGE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

The baggage allowance and fees vary and are set by each air carrier. Information on carrier baggage policy and fees, liability for lost, misconnected, and damaged baggage or other personal property is also set by each air carrier, which can be obtained by contacting the air carrier directly, or by requesting them at the airport. Additional information related to baggage policies specific to the air carrier providing air segments of your booking can be obtained at the time of booking.

Some airlines do not cover damage to soft sided luggage. Loss or damage must be reported immediately. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION does not accept liability for client luggage or personal property.

7. FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flight information will appear on the booking confirmation issued when you make the deposits, and on flight tickets or other electronic travel documents issued when payment is made in full. All flight times are subject to change. It the travel agent’s responsibility to advise the passengers to reconfirm flight times prior to departing for the airport. If passengers fail to check in for their flights at the required time, they may be denied boarding and may not be eligible for a refund. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION assumes no responsibility for any passengers making independent connections to flights booked through THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION. Pre• assigned seat selection is at the discretion of the air carrier and may require payment of an additional fee.

8. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESTRICTIONS AND INSECTICIDE NOTICE

Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. A violation can result in 5 years imprisonment and penalties of

$250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radiopharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Special restrictions and limitations for transporting Hazardous Materials and specifically Lithium Ion batteries, refer to  https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/transportation-dangerous-goods-aircraft for more information. In the event a carry-on bag cannot be accommodated in the passenger cabin and has to be placed below in a cargo bin for any reason, any electronic device or spare Lithium ion or any other type of battery permitted in carry-on baggage MUST be removed from the carry-on bag and remain in the possession of the passenger in the passenger cabin. For further information contact your airline representative.

9.  THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITY

THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION makes arrangements with third party suppliers as independent contractors for the various components that comprise THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION packages, including all air or ground transportation (including airlines, rental car companies, bus, hotel lodgings, private homes, excursion services and other services). We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that proper arrangements have been made for all vacations. However, THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION is not an agent of these independent travel providers and we expressly disclaim any liability for their actions or omissions.

THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION is not responsible under any circumstances for any injury or damages the passenger may suffer, in connection with air or ground transportation, hotel or private accommodations, or other travel or excursion services arranged by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION. Furthermore, THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION does not control and cannot be responsible for bodily injury, property damage or other loss or damage caused by factors beyond its control, including but not limited to: air turbulence, failure related to the public internet, telephone or other communication lines, disease, failure to obtain valid travel documents or to follow travel instructions. Neither THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION nor these third-party suppliers, or their respective subagents, shall be held liable for loss or damage to property or injury of person arising out of events of force majeure, including but not limited to strikes, war, acts of terrorism, extreme weather, flight delays or turbulence, quarantine, sickness, government restrictions or regulations, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of such parties.

By booking with THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION the travel agent and the passenger waive any claim against THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents, for any loss of or damage to property or injury to any person caused by reason of (i) any defect, negligence, or other wrongful act or omission or any failure of performance of any kind by any airline, hotel, ground transportation, or other travel provider, (ii) any claim for inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, mental distress or other similar claim, (iii) any delayed departure, missed connection, substitute accommodation, termination of service or change in fares or rates, and (iv) overbooking, flight cancellation, lost or misconnected baggage, or any claim arising of the air transportation portion of any vacation package. Under no circumstances will THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages arising from the provision of our travel services or vacation packages. Certain exclusions may not apply in some jurisdictions.

10. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the laws of Canada. If you find you have a claim or dispute with any of the travel or excursion providers, we will provide you with as much assistance as reasonably possible to assist you in resolving the dispute. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION does not control and cannot be responsible for such factors as weather, government actions, terrorism, mechanical breakdowns, your physical, medical or mental disabilities, your failure to obtain valid travel documents, your failure to follow travel instructions, or for denied entry at destination or reentry into your country of origin.

Should a dispute or controversy arise concerning these Terms and Conditions or involving a loss, injury or damage during or relating to the trip, the parties' remedies shall be limited to dispute resolution through binding arbitration in the Province of Ontario, and shall be governed by the laws of Canada. Each party shall appoint an arbitrator. The arbitrators shall appoint a neutral arbitrator. The decision of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding on the parties. Each party shall be responsible for their own costs with the costs of the neutral arbitrator to be divided evenly between the parties.

If any term or provision of this contract is held invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the enforceability of the remaining terms or provisions will not be impaired thereby.

11. TRAVEL PROVIDER CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

All prices and features described in THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION' promotional materials and website are subject to change without notice. Some hotel room or private home photographs may not depict the standard room category. Any refunds will be made as soon as possible in the original form of payment. No refunds will be made for any services provided in the vacation package or itinerary that the passenger does not use. Passengers who do not travel are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.

In the unlikely event that a predeparture change of accommodation, departure or return date, departure city or destination becomes necessary, we endeavor to find comparable accommodations and will notify the travel agency as soon as possible. If our alternate arrangements are unacceptable to the passenger, the travel agent may cancel without charge provided that the travel agent notifies us within 7 days of receipt of notice of the change (or prior to departure date if we notify less than seven days prior to departure).

12. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND DENIAL OF ENTRY

Passengers traveling to any international destination must have a valid passport and valid entry documents. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION is not responsible for any passenger who is unable to travel as a result of their failure to have the required travel documents or is denied entry into any country or reentry back into their country of origin.

13. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION will not allow travel to unaccompanied minors under 18 years of age, and some hotels require that the adult companion be at least 21 years of age. Some age restrictions may apply for car rentals and on cruises. Infants under 2 years may be free of charge, provided parents make arrangements directly with the hotels for incidentals such as food, crib, etc. Disabled travelers must be accompanied by an able-bodied traveler who shall be responsible for ensuring the disabled traveler's participation in the excursion. Most travel and excursion services, hotels and visiting sites outside the United States and Canada are not, nor are they required by law, to be handicapped accessible, and may not be equipped with wheelchair ramps or other adaptive devices or equipment. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION and its suppliers cannot be held responsible if ramps or other adaptive devices are not available. Restrictions for handicapped travelers may also apply for cruises.

We reserve the right to accept or reject any person whose conduct impairs the safety or security of the group to whose behavior is deemed incompatible with the interest of the group. Any expenses incurred to remove or return such person to the departure city will be charged to the expelled participant(s).

14. INSURANCE

We recommend that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking as THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION is not responsible for health problems, injury, death, cancellations, weather, missed connections, unforeseen circumstances, delayed, damaged or lost baggage, or any expenses that passengers may incur.

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION WITH SCHEDULED AIR TRANSPORTATION OR LAND ONLY PACKAGES

1.  CHANGES BY AIRLINES

If a scheduled airline initiates a schedule change which results in a fare increase, the passenger is responsible for the price increase regardless of whether it occurs before or after the vacation price has been paid in full. All prices are subject to change if not paid in full due to fuel surcharge increases, government taxes and fees increases or unforeseen circumstances. The travel agency will be notified immediately upon discovery of an increase and will have the option of paying the difference or canceling with full refund. The passenger may incur additional airline baggage and optional fees (food, excess baggage, etc.), charged by the airline at check in.

2.  TICKETS & REFUNDS

Refunds (if applicable) for scheduled air programs will be based on the value of the original ticket less any airline processing fees.

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIC TO PUBLIC CHARTERS

These special terms and conditions apply to those travel packages where THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION arranges for charter air transportation provided by one or more air carriers.

THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION is not responsible, unless negligent, for the personal injury or property damage caused by any direct air carrier, hotel or other supplier of services in connection with the charter.

1.  CANCELLATION OR MAJOR CHANGE BY THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION

If THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION makes a "major change" or cancels the tour or travel package 10 days or more before the departure date, we will notify the travel agent in writing within 7 days of becoming aware of the change or need to cancel. THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION may not cancel a charter less than 10 days before the scheduled departure date, except for circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the charter trip. Under these circumstances, we will notify the travel agent as soon as possible. Our only liability will be to return all monies paid or provide a refund. For International Flights only: Additional restrictions may be imposed on the flights by the foreign governments involved, and if landing rights are denied by a foreign government, the flight will be cancelled, and the passenger will receive a full refund. In accordance with federal regulations, a "major change" constitutes any of the following: a change in the departure or return date which THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION knows of more than 2 days before the scheduled flight date, unless the change results from a flight delay; any charter flight delay of more than 48 hours; a change in the origin or destination city for any flight leg, unless the change only affects the order in which cities in a tour package are visited; a substitution of any hotel; or a price increase occurring 10 or more days prior to departure and resulting in an aggregate price increase of more than 10%.

2.  PASSENGER’S RIGHT TO CANCEL IN THE EVENT OF A MAJOR CHANGE

If THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION makes a "major change" before the departure date, the passenger has the option to cancel and receive a full refund by providing through his travel agency with written notice of cancellation within 7 days of receiving our notice of the "major change". If THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION makes a "major change" after the departure date, the passenger has the option to reject the substituted hotel, changed date, origin, or destination of a flight leg and receive a refund of that portion of the tour package not provided; in this case the passenger will receive a refund within 14 days of the return date for the tour package.

© Copyright, The Special Travel Corporation

Last Update: October 13, 2023

THE INFORMATION IN THIS WEBSITE IS CURRENT AS OF THE DATE OF BOOKING AND MAY BE DIFFERENT ON PASSENGER’S BOOKING OR TRAVEL DATES.