Refund Policy

Introduction

At CreekShadow, we understand that plans can change. This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions regarding refunds for our travel services. By booking any service with CreekShadow, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Refund Policy.

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. It is your responsibility to review this Refund Policy periodically to stay informed of any updates.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Policy

Our standard cancellation and refund policy applies to most tour packages and travel services unless otherwise specified during the booking process. The refund amount is determined by the number of days before departure that we receive your written cancellation request:

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected] or by registered mail to our office address. The date we receive your request will be the official cancellation date used to determine the refund amount.

Special Packages and Promotions

Certain tour packages, special promotions, or discounted offers may have different cancellation and refund policies. These specific terms will be clearly communicated during the booking process and will take precedence over our standard policy. Examples include:

Last-Minute Deals

Tours booked under our "Last-Minute Deals" promotion (typically departures within 30 days) are non-refundable regardless of when the cancellation is made.

Early Bird Specials

Tours booked under "Early Bird" promotions may have stricter cancellation policies with reduced refund percentages or shorter refund windows.

Group Bookings

For group bookings (8 or more travelers), the following refund policy applies:

• More than 90 days before departure: Full refund minus a $500 group administrative fee
• 60-90 days before departure: 75% refund of the total tour cost
• 30-59 days before departure: 25% refund of the total tour cost
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund

Third-Party Services and Suppliers

Some elements of your travel package may be provided by third-party suppliers (such as airlines, hotels, local tour operators, etc.) that have their own cancellation and refund policies. These policies may be more restrictive than our standard policy and will be applied accordingly. Examples include:

Airfare

Airline tickets are subject to the cancellation policy of the specific airline. Many airfares are non-refundable or have significant change/cancellation fees. We will assist you in requesting any eligible refunds from airlines, but cannot guarantee refundability.

Special Activities or Events

Special activities, performances, sporting events, or festival tickets included in your package may have strict no-refund policies regardless of when you cancel.

Peak Season or High-Demand Destinations

Services in high-demand destinations or during peak season may have specific non-refundable components that will be identified during the booking process.

We will clearly communicate any supplier-specific cancellation terms that differ from our standard policy during the booking process.

Cancellation by CreekShadow

In rare circumstances, CreekShadow may need to cancel a tour or travel service due to circumstances beyond our control. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

• Insufficient number of participants for a group tour
• Natural disasters or adverse weather conditions
• Political instability or security concerns
• Health emergencies or pandemic-related restrictions
• Operational issues that cannot be resolved

If we cancel a tour for any reason, you will be offered the following options:

1. A full refund of all payments made to CreekShadow for the cancelled service
2. Credit toward a future tour of equal or greater value, valid for 24 months from the original departure date
3. An alternative tour of comparable quality, if available (you will receive a refund for any price difference if the alternative tour is less expensive, or be required to pay the difference if it is more expensive)

CreekShadow is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that you may have incurred as a result of the cancelled booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate such risks.

Changes to Bookings

Changes by You

If you wish to make changes to your confirmed booking, such as changing dates, destinations, or services, the following policies apply:

• Changes requested more than 60 days before departure: A $100 per person administrative fee plus any difference in price for the modified arrangements
• Changes requested 30-60 days before departure: A $200 per person administrative fee plus any difference in price for the modified arrangements
• Changes requested less than 30 days before departure: Treated as a cancellation (subject to standard cancellation policy) and new booking

All change requests are subject to availability and may not always be possible.

Changes by CreekShadow

If we need to make minor changes to your tour itinerary or services after your booking is confirmed, we will inform you as soon as possible. Minor changes (such as change in accommodation of the same or higher standard, alteration of transportation type of similar quality, or modification of activities) do not entitle you to a refund.

If we need to make significant changes to essential elements of your tour, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and offer you the following options:

1. Accept the proposed changes
2. Accept an alternative tour of comparable quality, if available
3. Cancel your booking and receive a full refund

Refund Processing

All eligible refunds will be processed according to the following guidelines:

• Refunds will be issued using the same payment method used for the original booking
• Credit card refunds typically take 7-14 business days to appear on your statement, depending on your card issuer
• Bank transfer refunds may take 5-10 business days to process
• Administrative fees are non-refundable
• Refunds will only be issued to the person who made the original payment

Travel Insurance and Trip Protection

We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical coverage, and baggage protection. Travel insurance can provide coverage for many circumstances that our standard refund policy does not cover, such as:

• Cancellation due to illness or injury of the traveler or immediate family member
• Trip interruption due to emergency circumstances
• Travel delays
• Medical emergencies during your trip
• Lost, damaged, or delayed baggage

CreekShadow can provide information on travel insurance options, or you may purchase coverage from a provider of your choice. We recommend purchasing travel insurance within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit to ensure maximum coverage, including for pre-existing conditions.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Force Majeure

In cases of force majeure – extraordinary circumstances outside our control, including but not limited to acts of nature, war, civil unrest, terrorism, strikes, epidemics, government actions, or other unforeseeable events – our regular cancellation policy may be modified. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the safety of our clients while balancing our commitments to suppliers.

Medical Emergencies

In case of serious medical emergencies or death of the traveler or immediate family member that prevent travel, we may, at our discretion and with appropriate documentation (such as a doctor's letter), offer more flexible refund terms or credit for future travel. Such exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Transfer to Another Traveler

If you are unable to participate in a booked tour, you may transfer your booking to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the package, subject to the following conditions:

• You must notify us of the transfer at least 30 days before departure
• A transfer fee of $150 per person will apply
• The new traveler must meet all requirements for the tour (visas, health requirements, etc.)
• Both the original and new traveler are jointly liable for any outstanding payments

Disputes and Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our refund process or have a dispute regarding the application of this policy, please contact our customer service team at [email protected].

We aim to resolve all complaints within 30 days of receipt. If we cannot resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you may be entitled to pursue alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available in your jurisdiction.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Refund Policy, please contact us at: