ACCOMMODATIONS

What is the difference between a twin room and a double room?

In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

What size is a triple room?

A triple room is the same size as a twin bedded room and beds will accommodate three people; but we cannot guarantee that there will be three separate beds. If there are only two beds, a rollaway may be requested but cannot be guaranteed due to size of room and fire codes.

Can my children travel on tour?

Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette vacation accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full paying adults.

AIR

Can Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures book our airline reservations?

Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures is happy to assist you in accommodating your flight needs. Due to tour scheduling and limited availability you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of our air packages. We are not responsible for air arrangements you have made on your own. On occasion, it is necessary to change tour dates. In this case, we can only protect air reservations booked through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures. For all air reservations, it is strongly recommended to reconfirm flights before departure, in the event that the airline has an unexpected schedule change. We cannot assume responsibility for schedule changes, routings or flight cancellations involving the airlines.

DOCUMENTATION

Do I need a Passport?

Government issued identification is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the U.S.A. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client.

International Borders

Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister’s Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements for other international destinations.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY

How can I extend my trip?

Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures offers varied options for you to extend your stay:

• Pre- and post-tour hotel stays. Special rates, available upon request, are given to Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures travelers. Because we view these pre- and post-days as great opportunities for you to explore independently, the services of a tour manager are not included.
• Ancient Treasures of Southeast Asia; Journey Through Ancient Egypt; and Wine Regions of Chile and Argentina tours offer an extension so you can explore additional attractions and areas. See the tour pages for details.

EXTRAS

What is not included in the tour price?

The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end of trip gratuities for your tour manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship wait staff, and any incidental charges.

LATE BOOKINGS

Do you accept late bookings?

Tour sales normally close 7 days prior to departure. All late bookings are on request and must be guaranteed with a credit card if within 60 days of departure date.

MEMBERSHIP

Do I need to be a member of Smithsonian to take a Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour?

Yes, all Smithsonian members are invited to join our tours. If you are not currently a member you will be mailed the Smithsonian membership form with your pre-departure information packet. The membership fee is $29.00 USD per family. In addition to unique travel opportunities, Associates also receive the following benefits:

• 12 issues of Smithsonian magazine
• Discount of 10% at Museum shops and on catalog purchases
• Personalized membership card
• Advance notice for seminars and events in your area
• Free admission to The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in NY

ON TOUR EXPERIENCE

Where do I meet my tour manager?

Your tour will begin at your first hotel. The tour manager will make contact with you at the hotel and will provide details relating to your tour. The hotel’s address and phone number will be included in your documents.

Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?

Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures makes it convenient to reserve pre-sold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to pre-purchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your pre-selected options are guaranteed at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. We will provide a refund if you cancel a pre-sold option prior to tour departure. Any pre-sold options cancelled while on tour are non-refundable.

REVISIONS/CHANGES

Would my tour date ever be changed?

Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures does reserve the right to cancel a tour prior to departure. Should this happen, we will make every effort to protect you on another departure date. If an alternate cannot be found, a full refund will be made. Air booked through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures will be protected. We cannot be held responsible for penalties incurred if you have secured your own air.

Can I make changes to my reservation?

Should you decide to change your reservation after initial booking, a handling fee of $25 per transaction will be charged. A change of tour date, tour itinerary or passenger name, within the guidelines of the cancellation policy, will be treated as a cancellation and regular cancellation fees may apply. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the airline. See our Cancellation Policy for more details.

TOUR PACING

How can I be best prepared for the pacing and physical requirements on a Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour?

Tour pacing varies by itinerary, and each destination’s sightseeing and activities are unique. Pacing is subject to personal interpretation; however, we do include the best a destination has to offer, enhancing your overall tour experience. For overnight pacing of a tour, please refer to the “At A Glance” section on each tour page and on the tour map. These describe the number of nights you will stay in each hotel during your tour. The day by day descriptions will provide additional detail about the number of activities included in each day. The tour activity level description is defined in the IMPORTANT INFORMATION section of each tour. If you have additional questions regarding a specific tour, please inquire at time of reservation. For your comfort, we recommend packing comfortable walking shoes so you fully enjoy every aspect of your vacation.

TRANSFERS

Are airport and hotel transfers available?

Roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers are provided FREE for all passengers who purchase airfare through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures. These free transfers do not apply to pre and post night stays. Passengers who do not purchase airfare through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures can purchase transfers (for the first and last day of the tour) at an additional cost of $100 per person, round trip. Some restrictions may apply.

Are airport transfers available for pre/post hotel stays?

All passengers who purchase pre and post hotel nights through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures may also purchase transfers to/from the airport and the pre or post hotel. Please inquire at time of booking.

What is Complimentary Roundtrip Home to Airport Sedan Service?

It’s your ticket to and from the airport. This service is available for all air-inclusive Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour bookings. This personalized round trip sedan service is included in many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius from more than 90 airport gateways. Not valid on group travel. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply;

LAND RATES

Land rates are per person, double occupancy. Availability of departures at the prices noted in the brochure is limited. For current prices, please see our website. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Air rates (including fuel surcharges) will be protected against rates changes when you have paid in full and you are within 11 months of departure.

Certain taxes/fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Please refer to the appropriate tour itinerary for details.

PAYMENTS

A $250 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation. If you have selected instant purchase, non-refundable air, you are required to pay the full air cost in addition to the $250 deposit at time of booking (all of which is non-refundable). Should you decide to purchase our trip cancellation waiver, you must do so at the time of booking. Payment of a per person waiver fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except for the waiver fee itself, in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. Trip cancellation waiver does not cover instant purchase, non-refundable air. The balance is due 60 days before departure on all tours, except cruises. The balance is due 120 days before departure for cruises. Payment may be made by charging to clients’ Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover (card imprint and signature required) or by sending a check or money order. All land rates are guaranteed upon deposit.

TRAVEL AGENTS PLEASE CONTACT:

Collette Vacations

1-800-528-8147

PLEASE SEND PAYMENTS TO:

Collette Vacations, 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Attn: Accounts Receivable

Collette Vacations is the travel partner of Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures.

REVISION FEES

A handling fee of $25.00 per transaction will be assessed for any change or revision made to a reservation. A change of departure date within 11 months of departure will be treated as a cancellation and cancellation charges will apply.

CANCELLATION CHARGES

Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates both result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you have not purchased waivers, and you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your land or cruise product. Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. If cancelled prior to being paid in full the following cancellation fees will also apply to air. (*see cancellation and unused services waiver fees and exceptions):

• More than 60 days prior to departure: a non-refundable deposit will be retained
• 60 - 16 days prior to departure: 30% of land or cruise price
• 15 - 1 day prior to departure: 50% of land or cruise price
• Day of departure and after: 100% of land or cruise price

EXCEPTIONS:

Egypt:

• More than 90 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained.
• 90 - 61 days prior to departure: 50% of land or cruise price
• 60 - 31 days prior to departure: 85% of land or cruise price
• 30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of land or cruise price

* Instant purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges are 100% non-refundable at time of reservation.

Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%.

CANCELLATION WAIVER & TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

Payment of a Per Person Waiver Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver Fee itself, made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver Fee with Air only covers airline tickets you have purchased from Collette Vacations. Instant purchase, non-refundable air is not covered by waiver. Exception: If you originally purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver does not provide a refund for the airline tickets in the event of a cancellation.

Cancellation waiver protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive vacation package up to the day prior to departure. Cancellation waiver does not indemnify you from penalties if you chose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you chose to partially cancel your vacation, you will be responsible for a revision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation.

The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure.

In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement.

Payment of the Waiver Fee (if chosen) must be received by Collette Vacations with your Deposit. The Waiver is non-transferable and valid for each applicant only.

Collette Vacations and Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees. On tour, insurance benefits are provided if you: must interrupt your trip or return home early for a covered reason; incur medical expenses for a covered sickness or injury; need medical assistance or evacuation; suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more for a covered reason.

Following is a schedule of the Part B insurance benefits provided.

SCHEDULE OF COVERAGES	MAXIMUM BENEFIT AMOUNT
PART A – Benefits Provided By Collette Vacations
Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver	Trip Cost
PART B – Benefits Provided by the Insurance Company Listed Below
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	$25,000
Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance Accident & Sickness Medical Expense	$25,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation	$50,000
One Call 24-Hour Assistance Services	Included
Trip Interruption	150% of Trip Cost
Missed Connection	$1,500
Travel Delay (Maximum of $100 per Day)	$1,500
Baggage and Personal Effects	$1,500
Baggage Delay	$200

PART B CONDITIONS & LIMITATIONS

Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are detailed in the Travel Insurance Certificate which will be included with your documents and is also available to you online at www.tripmate.com/wpF430C or by request from our Travel Consultants. For example, coverage does not apply to: any sickness or condition of you, a Traveling Companion, Family Member or Business Partner traveling with you that existed during the 60 days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is waived if your premium is received with your initial deposit/payment for your Trip), suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person with whom you have coordinated travel arrangements and intend to travel with during the trip.

Part B of the plan is underwritten by:
United States Fire Insurance Company, Eatontown, NJ

Where to Present Part A Claims
To request a refund under the Cancellation Fee Waiver, please call Collette Vacations and send any unused airline tickets to:

Collette Vacations

ATTN: Customer Service Department
162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

If cancellation occurs prior to departure, contact the Collette Vacations Reservations Department.

When a client cancels prior to departure, any refunds are processed through the booking agent. Agent commissions are only protected when cancellation penalties of 100% of the tour cost apply.

All Inquiries and Claims under Part B should be reported to the Plan Administrator:

Trip Mate, Inc.*

www.tripmate.com

9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel: 800-888-7292

* In CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency

CANCELLATION WAIVER & TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN PRICING (Per Person)

Land Only Clients:

• $30 for all domestic escorted tours under 6 days
• $120 for all domestic escorted tours of 6 days or more
• $120 for all international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Australia, New Zealand & South America)
• $170 for all international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Australia, New Zealand & South America tours)
• $210 for all Australia, New Zealand & South America tours
• $225 for all cruises

When purchasing pre and post night accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter your waiver fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of booking.

Air Inclusive Clients (Flex Airfare is purchased through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures with Collette Vacations)

• $60 for all domestic vacations under 6 days
• $165 for all domestic vacations of 6 days or more
• $175 for all international vacations 9 days or under (except cruises, Australia, New Zealand & South America tours)
• $200 for all international vacations 10 days or more (except cruises, Australia, New Zealand & South America tours)
• $240 for all Australia, New Zealand & South America tours
• $285 for all cruises

Air inclusive cancellation waiver can only be purchased by individuals who have purchased Flex Airfare through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures with Collette Vacations. Air inclusive waiver is not applicable for instant purchase, non-refundable air. Instant purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges require full payment at time of reservation and are 100% non-refundable. This air ticket is not covered by travel protection plan or waiver policies. Tickets may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline.

CONSUMER PROTECTION PLANS

Collette Vacations is a member of the following organizations: The National Tour Association, The United States Tour Operators Association, The Alliance of Canadian Travel Associations, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and the Association of British Travel Agents. Some of these associations operate a consumer protection plan to cover deposits placed with any tour operator member. In the case of USTOA, the consumer protection bond is $1 million. Full details are available from the organizations or Collette Vacations. Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients.

AIR TAXES, FEES

Government and Other Authority Taxes and Fees are not included in your air rate and will be added to your vacation package: September 11th Security Fee up to $10.00, Passenger Facility Charge (PFCs) of up to $18 per passenger, Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.50 USD applies per passenger, per segment, US or International Departure and Arrival Fees up to $300 which vary by itinerary. In order to better serve you, once you complete the booking process your invoice will display your vacation land package, base airfare, fuel surcharge and all taxes and fees as separate line items. Airfares are subject to change. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date.

TRAVELERS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

You must report any disability requiring special attention at the time the reservation is made. Collette and Smithsonian will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Such participants, however, should be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act is inapplicable outside of the United States and facilities outside the United States for disabled individuals are limited.

It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. Neither Collette nor its personnel, nor its suppliers, may physically lift or assist clients into transportation vehicles. If a traveler thinks he or she might need assistance during a trip, he or she should call Collette to determine what assistance might reasonably be given. Collette cannot provide special individual assistance to tour members with special needs for walking, dining or other routine activities.

BAGGAGE DISCLAIMER

Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Collette and Smithsonian are not responsible for and do not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel and group carrier handling. It is recommended for your own self interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Check with your sales agent for low cost insurance to cover these risks.

Checked Baggage Charges:

Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies.

HOLIDAY AND MUSEUM CLOSURES

Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or many religious, state and local holidays observed throughout the world.

MOTORCOACH WASHROOMS

Most motorcoaches used on our tours are equipped with washrooms. These are typically for emergency use, as we make plenty of comfort stops, allowing you the opportunity to use public restrooms and/or stretch your legs.

MAPS AND PHOTOS

Maps shown on tour pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual tour routing should the tour change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be included in the actual tour itinerary.

EXPLANATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND TOUR CONDITIONS FOR SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS TRAVEL ADVENTURES

Any person reserving or purchasing any Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures with Collette Vacations product published in this brochure accepts the condition that Collette and Smithsonian reserves to itself the exclusive right to change or cancel itineraries, hotels, and other tour components whenever it is deemed necessary. If this occurs, every effort will be made to offer alternate dates and/or programs.

Published times on itineraries are as accurate as possible but subject to change due to traffic, weather, mechanical and any other conditions beyond Collette’s and Smithsonian’s control that prevent Collette Vacations and Smithsonian Journeys from operating as scheduled. Collette Vacations and Smithsonian Journeys expressly disclaims any liability for any damages that may be incurred for any changes, cancellations or delays on any itinerary on any Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures with Collette tour.

All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency and may be changed when necessary without advance notice prior to deposit.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of a request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child land rates are available and are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full paying adults.

Collette Vacations and Smithsonian Journeys do not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s over-booking of a flight. All cancellation charges, fees and refunds for any tour within this brochure are in effect as of the effective date as indicated below and supersede any other previously printed policies relating to these same charges.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

Neither Collette Travel Service, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively “Collette”), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. Collette and Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures (collectively “Smithsonian”) does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers they use and as such Collette and Smithsonian assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party not under the supervision and control of Collette or Smithsonian.

Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette and Smithsonian reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette and Smithsonian deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Collette and Smithsonian reserve the right to withdraw any tour announced. Collette and Smithsonian reserve the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. Neither does Collette and Smithsonian accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.

Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette and/or Smithsonian. Payment of the deposit constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

ARBITRATION

I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association in Rhode Island. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Rhode Island law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

FAMILY TOURS DISCLAIMER

Any minor child (under the age of majority) who shall participate in a Collette Family Tour program or Smithsonian program must be accompanied by an adult and supervised by an adult during the entire length of the tour. Collette and Smithsonian will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of any minor child during the tour. However, Collette and Smithsonian cannot provide special individual assistance to any minor tour participant. The adult travel companion shall be primarily responsible for the conduct and care of the minor tour participant. Collette and Smithsonian will not accept any parental responsibility for the minor tour participant.