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Blyth Academy & G/Hardy Terms and Conditions
Cancellation
Requests to cancel must be submitted in writing by email to Georgia Hardy Tours Inc. (hereby referred to as GHT) are non-refundable. Charges for cancellation as follows:
→ Deposit + Insurance Premium (if applicable): non-refundable
→ First Instalment date + 1 day: 50% of tour price non-refundable
→ Second Instalment date + 1 day: 100% of total tour price non-refundable
→ *Travel Consultation fees are always non-refundable
Responsibility and Jurisdiction
GHT and their agents act solely as agents for passengers regarding all services provided by others, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, restaurants, guides, and attractions. Therefore, GHT will exercise reasonable care in making arrangements and conducting the tour. Passengers must understand that living standards and practices at the destination may differ from those in Canada, affecting the provision of utilities, services, meals, and accommodations. GHT does not assume responsibility or liability for any claims, damages, expenses, or other financial losses, whether to persons or property, resulting from injuries, accidents, deaths, cancellations, delays, alterations, inconveniences, acts or omissions of hotels, carriers, restaurants, cruise lines, or other service providers on the tour. This also includes situations such as weather, pandemics, illnesses, strikes, quarantines, wars, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, force majeure, or any other cause beyond the control of GHT.
Individual travelers must recognize that there are inherent risks associated with certain activities, including but not limited to sports, biking, adventure activities (e.g., ziplines, off-road vehicles, horseback riding, rappelling, hiking), water-based activities (e.g., boating, swimming, canoeing), and motorized vehicles (e.g., scooters, e-bikes, ATVs, jet-skis, helicopters). It is the individual choice of each participant to engage in these activities, and GHT bears no responsibility or liability for injuries or losses sustained.
In exchange for GHT permitting travelers to participate in the tour programme, travelers agree to:
a. Waive any and all liability of GHT including vicarious liability, except in circumstances of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
b. Not commence or participate in any type of claim, lawsuit, or class action against GHT, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
c. Release, indemnify, hold harmless, and forever discharge GHT for any losses or injuries related to the participant's participation in the travel programme, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
In the event of a Canadian Government Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory, GHT does not assume responsibility or liability for any losses arising from cancelled travel plans for airlines or bundled land services including, but not limited to accommodations and transportation.
All tickets, coupons, and orders are subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the suppliers of the services. In case of an accident or crime during the land portion of the tour, the passenger must submit any claims to the competent judicial authorities in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred, exclusively in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction. Airlines and other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyance. The passage contract issued by these companies constitutes the sole contract between the companies and the purchasers of these tours and/or passengers.
GHT reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary when necessary for the convenience and safety of tour participants. This includes changes to transportation, hotels, restaurants, sites, and excursions. Any additional costs incurred in such cases are the responsibility of the tour participants. Portions or the entirety of the deposits and payments made by participants to GHT will be distributed to the various suppliers of services. There are no refunds for any unused portions of the tour.
GHT, as the organizer of the group and its agents, reserves the right to decline, accept, or retain any participant or tour member at any time. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all of the tour or portions thereof at any point if the behavior of the traveler is deemed harmful to themselves and/or other group participants. Travelers agree to abide by the laws of the countries they visit, especially with respect to the use of alcohol and drugs. It's important to note that while cannabis may be legal in Canada, its legality may differ in other countries. Participants also agree to abide by the rules of hotels, resorts, and villas where they stay. All additional costs associated with early departure from the tour will be assumed by the participant, and there will be no refund for the unused portion of the trip.
Any changes in health or medical status should be reported as soon as possible and may result in GHT withdrawing services and cancelling the participant’s trip. GHT tours are generally active and require a degree of physical fitness allowing approximately 6 kilometers of walking per day over uneven terrain. Trips are not specifically designed to accommodate physical disabilities or limited mobility, unless clearly specified during the tour planning process and prior to the client accepting the proposal. GHT reserves the right to cancel a participant if their change in health from the time of the deposit to the commencement of the tour results in a significant loss of mobility or otherwise compromises the ability of the group to complete the daily itinerary. Losses or costs incurred are the sole responsibility of the traveler. If the traveler has a trip interruption/trip cancellation insurance, changes in health could be covered by insurance. It is the individual responsibility of each participant to ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover changes in health, including COVID-19, prior to departure.
Dietary restrictions and allergies must be disclosed at the time of registration. GHT and individual restaurants do their best to accommodate and respect restrictions and allergies, but not all meal requests can be fulfilled, and substitutions will be made where possible. Travelers should understand that meals in foreign countries reflect local customs and may differ widely from Canadian standards. Kosher and/or Halal meals cannot be guaranteed, and in these cases, travelers should select vegetarian meals. GHT bears no responsibility if a meal does not conform to a dietary restriction and bears no responsibility for an allergic reaction. Accommodation is assigned as "best in class." However, GHT cannot guarantee specific views, room amenities, bed configurations, or floor/location at individual properties.
Media Usage and Consent
GHT reserves the right to take and use photographs and video during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a reservation with GHT, travelers (including minors) consent to the use of their name, photographs, and videos in promotional materials related to the program. Program members who prefer that their images not be used in promotional materials are asked to identify themselves to their tour supervisor at the beginning of their program. GHT will make reasonable efforts to respect these preferences.
Covid-19 and Pandemics
Travelers should be aware of the risks associated with travelling during the COVID-19 era including, but not limited to trip cancellations and the possibility of quarantine at their intended destination. GHT bears no responsibility for interrupted or cancelled travel plans to destinations impacted by COVID-19. Any additional costs incurred for rebooking are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Travelers must comply with public health guidelines at their intended destinations (e.g., testing, vaccination requirements, mask mandates, social distancing, self-isolation protocols, and other requirements) and accept that guidelines can change rapidly. Failure to comply with local laws and regulations could impact the vacation, including termination of travel services at the expense of the traveler. GHT bears no responsibility for individual or group exposure to COVID-19 or any resulting health changes, as well as any interruptions or cancellations of travel plans. GHT will advise travelers on entry requirements to their destination(s) and the return to Canada. The information and disclosures provided are not exhaustive and are provided as guidance to make an informed decision. Travelers must understand that their trip may be extended for an indeterminate amount of time in the event of a positive COVID-19 test, with additional expenses incurred. GHT bears no responsibility for any costs related to a traveler testing positive, which may include self-isolation, quarantine, COVID tests, meals, beverages, airline rebooking fees, medical fees, and other incidentals.
Rates and Schedules
All rates are based on current tariffs and exchange rates and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein, at the time of final payment. Schedules, departure dates, times, and itineraries quoted by GHT are subject to change without notice. Any costs associated with changes must be borne by the individual. No price increases are permitted after the customer has paid in full. If the price increase is more than 7% (except increases resulting from an increase in GST/PST/HST or other taxes), the customer has the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund.
GHT tours and trips are non-refundable as per the payment schedule. GHT consulting fees are 100% non-refundable in the case of cancellation for any reason. In some very unique instances, GHT might offer a voucher/credit for future travel, and this voucher/credit will have specific conditions attached that will be disclosed at the time of issue. GHT is under no obligation to offer or issue a voucher/credit, and it is at the discretion of the travel advisor and the particular situation’s unique circumstances. GHT reserves the right to charge a re-booking fee to use the voucher or future credit. GHT reserves the right to charge an hourly rate to resolve disputes pertaining to refunds and travel credits.
Travel Documentation (subject to change)
GHT is not responsible for inadequate travel documents. It is the personal responsibility of travelers to ensure that they possess all required travel documents, including valid passports, visas, eTA, Permanent Residency Card, proof of Covid-19 vaccination (if required), etc. No refund will be offered in the case of incomplete travel documents, and any resulting extra costs incurred, including but not limited to denied entry, quarantine, health tests, etc., will be solely borne by the traveler. Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
It is the responsibility of travelers to provide their correct legal name as it appears in their passport at the time of registration. GHT is not responsible for errors on travel documents based on the information provided by travelers. Airlines will deny boarding if the traveler's name is not exactly as it appears on the passport. Any costs associated with a name change, including but not limited to airline surcharges and penalties, are the responsibility of the traveler. In the case of a group tour where the school administrator provides the names of travelers to GHT, it is the school’s responsibility to provide correct names, date of birth, and information as it appears in the student and chaperone’s passport. Any costs associated with re-booking a ticket for any reason, including missing a leg of a multi-destination trip, will be the sole responsibility of the travelers.
Canadians:
You require a valid passport to travel, and failure to comply will result in denied boarding of the aircraft. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return. It is possible that you may require a visa for travel to one or all countries on your tour. GHT will advise if a visa is necessary. Please contact the appropriate Consulate or Embassy immediately, as it is your responsibility to acquire all necessary travel documents before departure. If you do not have a valid visa for the destination(s), you will be denied entry, and all costs associated with denied entry will be solely borne by you. You may be subject to further Covid-19 restrictions (e.g., Covid test, quarantine, self-isolation).
Foreign Nationals (non-Canadians):
You require a valid passport to travel, and failure to comply will result in denied boarding of the aircraft. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return. It is possible that you may require a visa for travel to one or all countries on your tour. GHT will advise if a Visa is necessary. Please contact the appropriate Consulate or Embassy immediately, as it is your responsibility to acquire all necessary travel documents before departure. If you do not have a valid visa for the destination(s), you will be denied entry, and all costs associated with denied entry will be solely borne by you. Re-entry to Canada: As of November 10, 2016, foreign nationals travelling to or via Canada require a visa OR an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Visa-exempt foreign nationals of approximately 50 countries (including Britain, Australia, France) are required to apply for an eTA to return to Canada. An eTA can be obtained online. Failure to obtain an eTA will result in denied boarding of the aircraft for your return flight. All costs associated with obtaining an eTA and/or denied re-entry to Canada will be solely borne by you. Further information and the link to apply for an eTA can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp. *Americans are exempt. You may be required to present a negative COVID-19 test before arriving in Canada.
Dual Canadian Citizens:
If you are a dual Canadian citizen used to travelling to or transiting through Canada using a non-Canadian passport, as of November 10, 2016, you are no longer able to do so. You will need a valid Canadian passport to fly back to Canada. Make sure you carry your Canadian Passport. Failure to do so will result in denied boarding of the aircraft. Any costs associated with denied re-entry will be solely borne by you. Further information can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/dual-canadian-citizens.asp.
Canadian Permanent Resident:
If you are a foreign national with Canadian permanent resident status, you must travel with your valid passport AND any applicable visas for the intended destination (see above) AND your valid Permanent Resident (PR) Card in order to return to Canada. You are not eligible to apply for an eTA, as your PR card is a necessary travel document. Failure to travel with your PR card will result in denied boarding of the aircraft for the return flight to Canada. Any costs associated with denied entry or re-entry to Canada will be solely borne by you. Further information can be found here: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents.
Covid-19 (subject to rapid change):
Travelers need to understand that rules for entry to other countries and Canada are subject to rapid change. All travelers must comply with the entry rules at their intended destination, including presenting a negative Covid test if required. All travelers should be aware they may have to quarantine either abroad or in Canada. Any costs related to COVID-19 tests and mandatory quarantine must be borne by individual travelers. Even with all the required documents, travelers can still be denied entry to their destination.
International travel and country-specific information can be found here:
Specific travel information related to Covid-19 for Canadians, both domestically and internationally, can be found here:
Sherpa (this is a very useful guide for current up-to-date travel documentation and understanding entry requirements and restrictions worldwide):
https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions?affiliateId=vrbo&language=en-US
Travel Insurance
All travelers should have comprehensive Medical AND Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance. At this time, COVID-19 is deemed a foreseeable event. GHT bears no responsibility or liability for canceled or rescheduled travel plans due to Covid-19, any other pandemic, or Canadian Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory for any reason. GHT has no influence on insurance companies’ claim departments or the outcome of a policy claim. We strongly recommend all travelers have a travel insurance policy that meets their individual needs. Carefully research the insurance policy and call the insurance provider to ensure your policy meets your needs. Proof of insurance may be required to travel. GHT offers a wide range of travel insurance options through Manulife Financial and Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada to suit any traveler’s needs.
If you choose to extend your trip beyond the duration covered by the insurance policy you’ve purchased, such as deviating from a group tour and staying abroad longer, it is your sole responsibility to contact your insurance provider and arrange for a policy extension. In the case of insurance included in a GHT group tour, (e.g., school trips), please be aware that the insurance policy's coverage is exclusively valid for the group tour dates as outlined in the brochure. You will assume full responsibility for liaising with your insurance provider and covering any additional costs required to extend the existing group insurance policy or to acquire a new policy that aligns with your individual travel dates. GHT bears no responsibility if you fail to ensure you possess comprehensive insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay abroad, including any extensions beyond the group tour dates.
If you decide to upgrade aspects of your trip, such as opting for business class airfare or a suite upgrade, after the initial purchase of your insurance policy, it is your responsibility to inform your insurance provider of the additional costs associated with these upgrades. GHT bears no responsibility if your insurance policy does not include coverage for the extra costs associated with upgrades due to your failure to inform your insurance provider.
IMPORTANT: Please be aware that Emergency Medical Insurance does NOT include Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage. The cost of insurance premiums are NOT automatically included in the tour price, unless explicitly stated in the trip brochure.
If you choose to travel without Medical Insurance, you will be solely responsible for any additional costs related to medical issues that may arise while you are outside of your province. These costs may include, but are not limited to, expenses related to COVID-19, hospital and medical services, accommodations, medications, translation services, transportation (including return to Canada), meals, quarantine, or any other incidental expenses. If you choose to travel without Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance, you will be entirely responsible for covering expenses associated with cancelling your trip before departure for any reason, including medical issues, pandemics, and any unforeseen events that may occur during the tour. Liability insurance is the responsibility of the individual.
Revised October 2023
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Blyth Academy | Travel
Blyth Academy Travel is brought to you Blyth Academy, a leader in co-ed private education in Canada, offering in-person and remote learning to Grade 4-12 students across Southern Ontario and globally.
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