Conservation Explorers Booking Conditions

Please read these booking conditions carefully, they form an important part of the contract for your travel arrangements.

All programmes advertised on our website are operated by Conservation Explorers which is a registered company. All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions (“Booking Conditions”):

Insurance:

Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all customers. It is a condition of Conservation Explorers accepting your booking that you agree to have obtained adequate and valid travel insurance for your booking by the date of departure. You must carry proof of insurance and produce it if reasonably requested. You should ensure that you are covered for the complete duration of your travels including any activities you intend to participate in.

Booking:

To make a booking you can contact us via our website. The person making the booking must be 18 years or over or have a parent/legal guardian consent. You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Upon receipt of your deposit we will start to process your application and a contract will exist between us from the date we issue a confirmation invoice/letter.

Confirmation:

By confirming your booking both parties recognize that you are not an employee of Conservation Explorers.

Payment:

We accept credit card payments via our secure website portal and bank transfers. You will be responsible for any bank transfer fees.

Changing Your Booking:

If, after our Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements, we will try to accommodate the change subject to availability but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes must be in writing. You will be charged a fee for any changes made after confirmation, and changes made within 30 days of arrival will also be subject to rate changes.

Cancelling Your Booking:

Cancellations made 60+ days prior will receive a full refund less non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made 30-59 days prior will forfeit 50% of total cost. Cancellations made 15-29 days prior will forfeit 75% of total cost. Cancellations made 14 days or less prior will receive no refund.

If We Change Your Booking:

We reserve the right to make minor changes to your booking and will advise you at the earliest possible date. Major changes will be treated as cancellations and you will have the choice of accepting the changed arrangements or receiving a full refund.

Discounts:

Returning participants receive a 10% discount. Participants signing up for multiple programs receive a 5% discount.

Visas, Health, Travel Documentation:

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa and travel documents. We accept no liability for issues arising from improper documentation.

Behavior:

You must comply with all laws and regulations of countries visited. Conservation Explorers reserves the right to terminate arrangements of any participants displaying disruptive, threatening, abusive or illegal behavior.

Buddy List:

We may provide participant email addresses to others on the same program for communication purposes, unless we receive written instruction not to.

Participation Requirements:

All participants must be fit to complete activities described. Minors require written parental consent. Any medical conditions must be declared at booking.

Flights & Transfers:

Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for flights. Conservation Explorers is not responsible for any issues arising from flights purchased independently.

Accommodations & Food:

Accommodations and food provided will be of a local standard. Participants may be required to share rooms. Special dietary requirements must be advised at booking but cannot be guaranteed.

Program Specifics:

Participants are responsible for advising of accurate arrival details. Failure to do so may result in extra transfer costs being incurred.

Volunteer Code of Conduct:

In General, you Must;

– Listen to, and follow the advice or requests of your In-Country Coordinator;

– Understand that you are a representative of not only the Company but also your country of origin and act accordingly;

– Agree to a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal substances. If you are found in possession of, or are under the influence of such substances, you will have your placement contract terminated immediately;

– Respect, and seek to understand, the culture of the country you are placed in. This involves being tolerant of the customs and behaviours of the local people (your coordinator can explain the cultural norms and advise you.);

– Follow your project rules; respect your family and local community regarding consumption of alcohol;

– Be aware of potentially different attitudes towards sexual relationships in the country which you are volunteering and understand the effect that any such relationship may have on individuals and the local community;

– Treat all people with respect and dignity;

– Dress appropriately at all times with regard to the culture you are living in;

– Not engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities;

At the Project, you must;

– Endeavour to maintain a positive mental attitude throughout your placement;

– Act as a conscientious member of the project team. You are relied on as a dedicated member of the team;

– Abide by all the rules of the project at which you are volunteering and respect other members of staff and your peers;

– Work hard to achieve not only your own personal goals but also those of the project and the people and / or organisation that you are helping;

– Listen to, and follow, the instructions of your supervisor / contact at the project in addition to those of your In-Country Coordinator;

– Inform your supervisor / contact at the project if you are at any time unable to fulfill the duties to which you have committed

– Treat with care all of the materials that you use during your placement;

Accommodation, you must;

– Respect local custom and abide by the rules of the accommodation in which you are staying;

– Check with either the homestay family or owner of accommodation before inviting anybody to your room;

– Be aware that overnight visitors are not allowed;

– Respect the accommodation you are using and pay for any damage you may cause to the property;

– Keep your room clean and tidy;

– Not smoke in your accommodation;

– Stay at the accommodation allocated to you;

– Settle any outstanding bills before leaving the accommodation;

– Pay your food/accommodation as soon as you arrive in country (where applicable);

– Be aware that there will be no refunds for food/accommodation if you decide to go on trips or leave early

Participants agree to abide by Conservation Explorers’ code of conduct regarding behavior, culture, laws, drugs, alcohol, relationships, dress, politics, project rules, and accommodations. Breaches may result in termination without refund.