Terms & Conditions

To help safeguard your health and well-being as well as that of your fellow guests and Direct Travel staff, we are asking all guests to accurately attest to their fitness to travel, and agree to comply with all health protocols on your Direct Travel journey. Please review the acknowledgments below, and then sign and return either by signing electronically or by providing a scanned copy of this form to us within the next 14 days.

 

Please note that health protocols are subject to change and may be updated at any time before or even during your journey. You will be advised of any changes upon arrival and/or during travel, as appropriate.

 

The itinerary on the Program webpage and any other materials are hereby included in this agreement. However, Tour Operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary as explained further in this Agreement. For more information, please call 309‐834‐3739 or email eclipse@dt.com.

Prices are based on two (2) persons sharing accommodations. There is an additional cost for a

single accommodation (single supplement) or an extra person in the room if either of these features is available. Prices may be subject to increase as described in this Agreement and due under terms and conditions relating to third‐party service providers, including but not limited to airlines, hotels and other lodging providers, local hosts, sightseeing tour operators, bus lines, car rental companies, driving services, restaurants, and providers of entertainment (the “third‐party suppliers”).

If Participant signs up before the dates posted on the Program webpage, a deposit in the amount stated on the webpage is due along with the signed reservation form in order to secure the reservation, which is subject to availability at the time Tour Operator receives the form and deposit. Dates and deposit amounts vary depending on the specific Program. Failure to meet those deposit dates will result in cancellation of the reservation and loss of deposit as defined under the cancellation penalties portion of the webpage.

 

If the Program is sold out at the time Tour Operator receives the reservation form and deposit, Tour Operator will contact the Participant and ask if the Participant wishes to be added to a waiting list. Tour Operator reserves the right to accept or decline any prospective Participant for any nondiscriminatory reason in its sole discretion.

 

All reservations must be paid in full by the date specified on the Program webpage. Spaces not paid in full by that date are subject to cancellation without refund and will be charged a $250 late payment fee.

 

Participant agrees it will not initiate a credit card dispute, such as a chargeback, except in the instance of actual fraud. In the event Tour Operator must respond and settle a credit card dispute, absent an incident of actual fraud, Tour Operator reserves the right to charge for any related expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and interest charges at the highest rate allowed by law, which Participant will be responsible for. Participant agrees to work with Tour Operator to find a resolution to the best of its ability, prior to initiating any chargebacks.

Due to the substantial costs of operation associated with the travel management of the Program and loss of anticipated revenue, in the event the Participant cancels, Tour Operator will retain the total of payments, which the Participant agrees represents properly due to liquidated damages and not a penalty.

However, if the Participant finds a replacement traveler or any other members of the traveling party, Tour Operator will instead, charge a change fee of $250.00 as specified on the Program webpage. Tour Operator must receive the written (email is sufficient) notice of the change and a signed/scanned reservation form from the new participant at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of departure in order to be eligible for a partial refund in accordance with the rules specified on each specific tour page.

 

If Tour Operator receives notice of the changeless than ninety (90) days prior to the departure date, Tour Operator will not provide a refund. There is no refund for unused portions of the Program once the Program has commenced. The The participant is solely responsible for costs incurred due to missed, canceled, or delayed transportation. Participant’s decision not to participate in the Program due to State Department/other US or foreign government warnings, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or other delay for any reason prevents the Participants from joining the Program on the departure date and time, the Participant will be considered a no‐show, and Tour Operator will not provide a full or partial refund or credit toward a future Program, but the Participant may join the

Program late at his or her expense. There are no exceptions to the cancellation policies.

There will be a change fee of $75.00 per Participant charged for any change in travel arrangements made after ticketing and at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of departure in addition to charges incurred by third‐party suppliers. No changes will be allowed within thirty (30) days of the departure date.

Travel Protection Plan coverage is required for all participants. Such protection must include sufficient coverage (as defined by Tour Operator) for medical expenses, potential medical emergency evacuation if required to receive medical care due to location; and is highly recommended to include trip cancellation coverage. Tour Operator will provide insurance information in the event Participant checks the appropriate box on the reservation form. However, any questions whatsoever regarding Travel Protection Plan coverage should be addressed directly to the issuing Travel Protection Plan Company.

 

Tour Operator offers Allianz Global Assistance Travel Protection Plan coverage to the United States and Canadian residents and will provide costs associated with insuring the trip if Participant elects to purchase Allianz Global Assistance, both at the time of deposit and final payment. If Participant is a resident of a country other than the United States or Canada, Participant will be obligated to purchase insurance in his or her home country. Participants will be required to purchase this insurance or produce a compatible coverage policy approved by Tour Operator.

In the event that the cost of any aspect of the Program, including but not limited to currency fluctuations and the cost of third‐party supplier services, should incur an unexpected cost increase, Tour Operator is obligated to pass on these increases to the Participant. While rare, they can occur and are beyond the control of Tour Operator. If an increase occurs, Tour Operator will provide the amount and reason for such an increase to Participant and Participant is required to provide payment by the date due per communication from Tour Operator or cancel Program in accordance with Section 4 of this Agreement.

Programs are generally based on land only, and do not include airfare. Airline arrangements are usually optional and not included in the Program price unless specifically stated. In the event airline arrangements are included, specific terms and conditions applicable to the ticketing carrier (airline) will apply. Terms and conditions are subject to the specific airlines’ terms and policies in place which are governed solely by the airlines. Airlines and airfares included in the Program are subject to change without notice.

The tour Operator has no control over any astronomical events. While the Tour Operator will use the best reasonable efforts to arrange for the viewing, there is no guarantee that there will not be cloud cover, or that there will not be another reason beyond Tour Operator’s control or influence over other factors that affect the Participant’s ability to view an astronomical event. Therefore, Tour Operator will not be liable or

responsible for any loss, damage, cost, or expense of any kind in the event that such viewing is not possible for any the reason including but not limited to any act of God, war, fire, collision, directions of underwriters, arrest, order or restraint by any government agency or official acting under color of authority, acts of terrorism, labor disturbances or disputes, civil commotion, weather conditions, and considerations of the safety of the ground transportation being used, (for which the Ground Operator shall be the sole judge), breakdowns of or damage to the transport vehicle, requisition of the vehicle by a governmental authority, illness, death of a family member, or other cause or circumstance beyond the

control of Tour Operator.

The Ground Operator in its sole discretion may cancel, advance, or postpone any part of the Program, change the itinerary, and may (but is not obligated to) substitute another transport vehicle, and Tour Operator will not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, or substitution. If the Program is fully or partially canceled by the Ground Operator, the Tour Operator will provide a proportional refund in the event the Tour Operator receives a refund from the Ground Operator. Under such circumstances, Tour Operator shall have no further liability for damages or compensation of any kind, and the Participant understands that any refund is contingent on Tour Operator receiving a refund from Ground Operator. Participant agrees that the availability of any refund from the travel protection plan and/or other travel products (airfare, lodging, transfers), even if purchased in conjunction with the Program will be determined in accordance with the applicable third‐party supplier cancellation policies for such other products or services.

Tour Operator reserves the right to cancel the Program for inadequate participation, in which case the Tour Operator will provide a full refund minus any non‐refundable portion or a full travel credit of the

Program price, at the Tour Operator’s sole discretion, and shall have no further liability for damages or compensation of any kind. Notification regarding cancellation due to minimum participation will be provided as soon as reasonably possible, but typically at least one hundred (120) days prior to the departure date. Sightseeing is subject to change due to weather conditions, accessibility, border crossing limitations, and hours of operation.

The Ground Operator’s Passage Contract shall govern the terms and conditions of such services. You may request a copy of the Ground Operator’s Passage Contract, which constitutes the agreement between the Ground Operator and Participant. The Passage Contract provides that the Ground Operator may exercise its rights in a variety of matters. The Tour Operator shall have no liability for a full or partial refund of the

tour fare, or for any lodging or transportation expenses, as a result of the Ground Operator’s exercise of its contractual rights.

International travel requires a passport valid six (6) months beyond the intended return travel date. In many cases, Participant will also need to have multiple consecutive blank visa pages within his or her

passport, depending on the countries involved in the itinerary. Many countries also require that visas be obtained prior to travel. Please speak with Tour Operator if unsure about the visa requirements for the travel destination, but the participant is solely responsible for complying with all passport and visa requirements. Citizens of other countries must make their nationalities known to Tour Operator at registration and are responsible for obtaining proper documentation to enter the United States and any other countries involved in the Program.

By booking the The program, Participant certifies and represents that: (a) the Participant is in good general health and physically capable of performing all activities in the Program; (b) the Participant is capable of caring for himself/herself during any expedition and will not impede the progress of the trip or enjoyment of other Program participants; (c) Participant understands that any expedition may take him or her far from the nearest viable medical facility and the availability of medical care may be limited, delayed or unavailable; and (d) all expedition members must be self‐sufficient; and (e) Participant has not been recently treated for, or is aware of, any physical, mental or other condition or disability, including but not limited to COVID‐19 that would create a hazard to himself/herself or other Program participants. Transport may be refused for any The participant whose state of health or physical conditions renders the Participant, in the opinion of the Tour or Ground Operator, unfit. Participants must notify Tour Operator in writing at the time of booking of any disability or other medical or physical condition that may require special assistance or treatment during the Program. Participant’s failure to do so will release Tour Operator from any liability for loss, damages, or other compensation arising from or related in any way to such disability or condition. Tour Operator and Ground Operator(s) reserve the right to require that any

The participant who is not self‐sufficient must travel with a companion who takes responsibility for any assistance needed during the Program and in case of emergency. Participant understands that if he or she fraudulently represents himself/herself as fit for the Program, Participant may be removed prior to or during the Program at his or her own expense. Participant agrees to indemnify and reimburse Tour Operator and its Ground Operator(s) in the event that these entities by their sole discretion, advance to Participant the cost of emergency medical care, including medical evacuation and/or medical care provided ashore, as well as transportation and/or lodging in connection therewith. Tour Operator shall have no responsibility to advance any such costs.

Programs are formulated specifically for adults, and any children under the age of 18 must be accepted

on a special approval basis in writing. Any approved children must be accompanied and supervised by parents or guardians, who will bear ultimate responsibility for their actions and are expected to display proper decorum while the group is together, especially at the observation site and on all transport vehicles.

Each Participant may bring no more than (2) pieces of luggage to the Program unless specified otherwise

in the Program documentation. It is recommended that participants do not bring expensive jewelry or possessions. Telescopes and observation equipment should be securely packed; insurance protection for high‐value items (such as cameras, computers, etc.) is highly recommended. Pets, dangerous or illegal items such as weapons, explosives, combustible substances, non‐prescription controlled substances, or illegal drugs may not be brought on the Program. Any such items shall be surrendered to security at embarkation and may be disposed of at the sole discretion of the Ground Operator. Tour Operator assumes no responsibility for checked or carry‐on luggage. IF THE PARTICIPANT CHOOSES TO BRING A TELESCOPE OR ANY UNUSUAL EQUIPMENT, THE PARTICIPANT MUST PROVIDE A LIST OF SUCH ITEMS TO THE TOUR OPERATOR. TOUR OPERATORS WILL PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO CUSTOMS FORMALITIES.

When transfers between hotels and airports are included in the Program price, transportation of

participants and their baggage is provided only when participant(s) travel with the rest of the group (or language in the tour terms indicates that participant(s) can arrive at any time). If the participant(s) schedule is different from this, private transfers are available at extra cost and must be requested in writing. Carry‐on bags must be carried by the Participant. Porterage may be included after passing through the customs area upon arrival if so indicated in the inclusions. Porterage is generally not included unless otherwise stated in the individual itinerary inclusions. In some situations, porterage may not be possible or available.

The Program price paid includes all taxes the Tour Operator has knowledge of for included services such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, permits, and any other services delivered as part of the Program. Any newly enacted taxes imposed by local authorities unknown to Tour Operator as well as any applicable airport departure taxes will have to be collected from each participant during the Program.

There are generally two types of applicable gratuities which are defined as 1) Gratuity associated with

Tour Operator provided services such as group meals; porterage; facilities; etc.; and 2) Gratuity which may be payable to Tour Director(s)/local guide(s) and/or driver(s) at the participant’s sole discretion.

 

The Program price paid generally includes type 1 gratuities, while type 2 gratuities are at the participant’s expense. Tour Operator makes every effort to advise participants ahead of time about type 2 gratuities which are customary in many cultures.

There are other associated costs that are not included in the Program price including but not limited to the cost of passports or visas, excess luggage, meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary, phone calls, voluntary changes in flights or other methods of transport, laundry, insurance costs, and items or

services of a personal nature not specified in the cruise itinerary and any additional gratuities.

If Participant is traveling alone, but wishes to share occupancy of a room/cabin, Tour Operator will use reasonable efforts to match same‐gender roommates, along with smoking/non‐smoking preferences.

If Tour Operator cannot find a roommate for any reason, Tour Operator will advise Participant and charge the single supplement fee. Participants may wish to look for a roommate from a local astronomical society, family or friends. Participant’s decision to accept a roommate for the Program is at his or her own risk. Tour Operator is not responsible or liable for any and all claims or cause of action arising out of or in connection with Participant’s acceptance or selection of a roommate for the Program, including, without limitation, any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from such request or selection.

Smoking is prohibited on Program buses, the astronomical event observation site, and in briefing and

lecture rooms as well as in hotel rooms and any other places where the group is congregating.

The information Tour Operator publishes on the Program Website is believed to be accurate and reliable. Tour Operator makes no representations or warranties regarding such information or any information provided by a third party. Unless expressly stated in writing, the Tour Operator does not endorse products or services offered by any company or person identified in brochures, collateral materials, or Websites, nor is the Tour Operator responsible for any content published by a third party.

In no event will Tour Operator be liable for any injury, loss, claim, damage, or any special, punitive, exemplary, direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind, whether based in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise, that arise out of or are in any way connected with the Program even

if advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Tour Operator’s aggregate liability exceed the total Program price set forth in the itinerary for any occurrence including, but not limited to (1) injury, death, or delay of Participant, or loss, damage, or delay of or to Participant’s luggage or other property, which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from participation in the Program including, without limitation, the Participant’s use of or participation in any excursion, on concession or athletic or recreational activity; (2) Participant’s request for or selection of a roommate/cabin mate for the Program; (3) emotional distress, mental suffering or anguish, or psychological injury of any kind under any circumstances (except when such damages were directly caused by Tour Operator’s negligence and

resulted from the same Participant sustaining an actual physical injury, or having been at risk of actual physical injury, or when such damages are held to have been intentionally inflicted by Tour Operator); (4) any change in schedule Program events and/or celebrity appearances; (5) the Ground Operators’ exercise of its contractual rights; or (6) or (if The participant is entering into this Agreement on behalf of itself and its group, party, or traveling companions) any claim arising out of their assertion that Participant was not authorized to agree on their behalf. Participant further agrees that Tour Operator shall not be held vicariously liable for the intentional or negligent acts of any persons not employed or engaged by Tour Operator, nor for any intentional or negligent acts of Tour Operator’s employees committed while off

duty or outside the course and scope of their employment. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction holds any of the foregoing to be unenforceable, then Tour Operator’s liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. In addition to the restrictions and exemptions from liability provided in these terms and conditions, Tour Operator shall have the full benefit of any applicable laws providing for limitation and exoneration from liability, and nothing contained herein is intended to operate to limit or deprive Tour Operator of any such statutory limitation of or exoneration from liability.

Tour Operator assumes no responsibility for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss,

accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any matter beyond the Tour Operator control including but not limited to a delay or cancellation that causes Participant(s) to miss all or any portion of the The program, acts of God, acts of government, acts by controlling or regulating bodies, war, terrorist acts, riots, disaster, fires, civil disturbance, disease epidemics, public utility failure, restraints or delays affecting carriers, or inability in obtaining suppliers or adequate materials, hurricanes, earthquakes, weather extremes, strikes/labor disputes/labor unrest, or any other comparable condition beyond the reasonable control of the Tour Operator. Tour Operator has no

special knowledge regarding the financial condition of third‐party suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which Participant(s) may travel. Participant understands that healthcare standards, facilities, and services abroad may be different or even inadequate for treating health conditions. It is the responsibility of each Participant to obtain health and medical certificates, inoculations, and vaccinations that may be required.

Except where prohibited by law, Participant and all members of Participant’s party expressly agree that:

(1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action against Tour Operator arising out of or connected with the Program shall be resolved individually, without resorting to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Arizona, U.S.A. to the exclusion of the courts of any other state, territory, or country; (2) Participant waives any the venue or other objection that Participant may have to any such action or proceeding being brought in any court located in Arizona; (3) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out‐of‐pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with the Program, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (4) the Participant waives the right to claim any other damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, special, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other then the State of Arizona. Participant agrees to present any claims against Tour Operator within 30 days after the Program ends and to file within one year of the incident, and Participant acknowledges that this expressly limits the applicable

statute of limitations to one year. NEITHER PARTY MAY INITIATE OR BE PART OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR LEGAL PROCEEDING AGAINST THE OTHER.

Participant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Tour Operator and its officers, employees,

directors, third‐party suppliers, and agents, in their individual capacities or otherwise, from and against any losses arising out of (i) Participant’s negligence; (ii) Participant’s failure to comply with applicable law; or (iii) Participant’s failure to comply with this Agreement.

Participant acknowledges that he or she has voluntarily applied for the Program. Participant understands that he or she may travel to countries and areas that are inherently risky. Participant agrees to assume all risks associated with the Program including forces of nature, terrorism, civil unrest, war, accidents,

and transportation including land vehicles, boats, and aircraft that are not operated and maintained to the standards found in North America, and Participant hereby assumes such risks. Participant also assumes risks associated with altitude, illness, disease, physical exertion, and alcohol consumption, knowing that access to evacuation and/or suitable medical supplies and support may not be available. Participant further assumes full responsibility for personal injury to himself or herself and further releases and discharges Program and its affiliates, managers, agents, representatives, and assigns, for injury, loss, delay, or damage, to all claims or causes of action related to Participant or Participant’s property arising out of Participant’s use of or presence upon the facilities arranged by or of any activities arranged by Program whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of Participant or other third parties. Participant agrees that in the event he or she shall require medical care or treatment, Participant will be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such care or treatment. Participant acknowledges that all activities associated with the Program, however, conducted, including airline flights and ground transportation, are operated by independent contractors and third parties. Tour Operator neither supervises nor controls their actions, nor makes any representation, either expressed or implied, as to their suitability and safety. These services are provided only as a convenience for Participant, and Participant is choosing to use the services.

Tour Operator may assign its rights and/or delegate all or a portion of its duties under this

Agreement to any third party at any time without the consent or permission of any parties to this Agreement. If there is a conflict between this Agreement and one or more terms contained in another agreement between Participant and Tour Operator, this Agreement will control. No alteration, cancellation, variation of, or addition to this Agreement shall be of any force or effect unless reduced to writing and signed by Tour Operator. If there is a conflict between any part of this Agreement and any present or future law, the part that is affected shall be curtailed only to the extent necessary to

bring it within the requirements of that law. The Parties agree and intend an electronic or facsimile version of this The agreement shall be considered an original if signed by both Parties via an authorized digitally scanned signature or an original signature.