Travelshoppe Terms & Conditions
Introduction
This agreement is between Travelshoppe Company Ltd. (hereinafter TSC) and the client (individual or agent) and is subject to the following terms and conditions (as amended from time to time in TSC brochures or on TSC websites). By making a booking with TSC, the Client is deemed to have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions. This agreement and any disputes arising from it shall be governed by the laws of Kenya.
Booking Terms and Information
- Personal Details: Always provide your name exactly as it appears on your passport when making a booking. Name changes are generally not allowed once a booking has been confirmed.
- Airfare Rates: All airfare rates are subject to change without prior notice until a ticket is actually issued.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: If a ticket is canceled within 24 hours of issuance, standard cancellation charges will still apply – there is no automatic 24-hour free cancellation window for bookings made through TSC. Airlines may offer risk-free 24-hour cancellations for direct bookings in certain jurisdictions, but those rules do not automatically apply to travel agency bookings.
- Changes and Refunds: Once a ticket has been issued, any changes or cancellations will be subject to airline fare rules and TSC’s service fees.
- Reconfirmation & Check-in: Reconfirm your flight reservations at least 72 hours before each departure. Complete your check-in online where possible. Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights.
- No-Show Avoidance: Cancel all bookings that you will not be able to travel well in advance to avoid no-show charges. Airlines typically treat last-minute cancellations (4–5 hours or less before departure) as no-shows, which means the ticket has no refund value and heavy penalties apply.
- Cancellation Fees: Cancellation fees and penalties vary case by case. They depend on the airline’s policy, the fare type, and how close to departure the cancellation is made.
- Travel Documents: Make sure you have a valid passport, the necessary visa(s), and any required health/vaccination certificates for the country/countries you are visiting or transiting through. Many destinations require passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
- Currency and Payments: All invoices and quotes from TSC are in a specified currency. Should you wish to pay in a different currency than the one on the invoice, please request the applicable rate of exchange from us in advance.
Client’s Insurance and Responsibilities
- Travel Insurance: The Client must ensure they have adequate travel insurance protection for the entire trip. This includes coverage for personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and loss or damage to property. We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance, either through TSC’s offered plans or from a reputable third-party provider. If you choose to purchase insurance through an external provider, please let us know your coverage details.
- Travel Documents: The Client is responsible for ensuring that all travel documents are in order and valid, including passports, visas, transit visas, and health/vaccination certificates. Keep copies of these documents separate from the originals.
- Flight Reconfirmations: The Client shall ensure that all airline flight bookings are reconfirmed at each stopover/destination at least 72 hours before the next flight’s departure.
- Special Requirements: It is the Client’s responsibility to inform TSC of any special requirements or conditions that might affect their travel experience at the time of booking. TSC will forward such requests to airlines, hotels, or tour operators and will endeavor to accommodate them but cannot guarantee fulfillment.
Other Information & Travel Tips
- Visa Assistance: TSC provides visa processing assistance for selected countries, particularly where the traveler’s personal appearance is not required.
- Flight Preferences: Let us know your meal preferences and seat preferences at the time of booking. While airlines do their best to honor such requests, availability is not guaranteed.
- Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date and must have at least one clean visa page for stamps.
- Digital Document Copies: Always carry backups of your important travel documents. Keep digital copies stored in a secure cloud service or email them to yourself and also keep them accessible on your phone.
- Health & Vaccinations: Familiarize yourself with the health advisories and vaccination requirements for your destinations. Certain countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from an endemic area.
- Travel Insurance Reminder: We reiterate that obtaining travel insurance is strongly advised, even for destinations that don’t mandate it.
- Contact Information: Carry a hard copy of your key travel contacts and confirmations, including destination contacts and proof of accommodation or onward travel.
- Weather and Packing: Research the weather conditions of your destination for the time of your visit and pack appropriately.
- Medication: If you are on any regular medication, ensure you bring enough to cover your entire trip and carry a copy of your prescriptions.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact information of your TSC travel agent or TSC’s emergency line with you, as well as a close family member or friend.
- Luggage Restrictions (Safari/Domestic Flights): Many domestic carriers in East Africa, especially small aircraft flying safari circuits, have strict luggage limits. Typically, 15 kg total per passenger is the maximum baggage allowance on safari flights, including hand luggage. Bags must often be soft-sided.
- Additional Services: Travelshoppe Company Ltd. offers inbound and outbound tour packages, safari and leisure travel arrangements, hotel accommodations, car hire bookings, and coordination of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel services.
By adhering to the above terms and guidelines, you help ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience for yourself and enable Travelshoppe (TSC) to serve you effectively. Thank you for choosing Travelshoppe Company Ltd.