Optimundo Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to the booking procedure and the agreement made upon confirmation of a booking by Optimundo provided the person making the booking has the full authorisation of all named individuals to enter into this agreement.

Booking Procedure

Upon receipt of an enquiry from a client, Optimundo prepares a travel itinerary based on the client's request. Optimundo and the client then enter into an iterative process of reviewing and modifying the itinerary with the aim of meeting the client's requirements. This process results in a detailed travel itinerary and a quote for the client. The quote will state the total value of the itinerary, the booking deposit and the value of any flights included in the itinerary. In order to book, the client is required to pay the booking deposit plus the value of the flights. The remaining balance must be paid at least 8 weeks prior to departure.

There are some specific hotels and services that will require a larger deposit to be paid. In such cases the amount will be clearly stated in quotation.

Cancellation By The Client

Any cancellation of a booking after payment has been made, either in full or in part, must be made in writing (letter or email) to Optimundo by the person who made the booking. If notification of cancellation is received more than 8 weeks prior to the departure date only the deposit is forfeited, any other payments made will be refunded in full.

For cancellations received less than 8 weeks prior to departure the following refunds will apply:

Less than 8 weeks: 70% of the total payment received less the deposit

Less than 6 weeks: 60% of the total payment received less the deposit

Less than 4 weeks: 50% of the total payment received less the deposit

Less than 2 weeks: 20% of the total payment received less the deposit

Less than 1 week: no refund will be made

Client Amendments

Should an amendment by a client be requested outside the 8 weeks before departure date, and provided Optimundo can confirm such a change, an amendment fee of £50 per booking may be imposed. Amendments made within the 8 week period will be treated as cancellations and re-bookings. The normal cancellation charges will then apply. All amendments should be in writing (letter or email) to Optimundo by the person who made the booking.

Surcharges

The price of your holiday is based on rates as advertised in the Financial Times and is subject to surcharges on the following items: governmental action, aircraft fuel, overflying charges, airport charges, increases in scheduled airfares and changes in currency exchange rate. We will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the holiday price. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be surcharged. If this means paying more than 10% on the holiday price, you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all money paid. Should you decide to cancel because of this, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the amended invoice. Any surcharge applicable will be advised no later than 35 clear days prior to the departure date.

General

We accept responsibility for ensuring the holiday which you book with us is supplied as described in your itinerary and the services offered reach an acceptable standard. If any part is not provided as promised, we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your holiday. We accept responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of our employees, agents and suppliers save where they lead to death, injury or illness except as provided in the following paragraph. In respect of the services provided by air or sea carriers, our liability in all cases shall be limited in the manner provided by international conventions.

We accept responsibility for death, injury or illness caused by the negligent act and/or omissions of our employees or agents together with our suppliers and sub-contractors, servants and/or agents of the same whilst acting within the scope of, or in the course of their employment (other than air and sea carriers performing any domestic, internal or international carriage of whatsoever kind). We will accordingly pay to our clients such damages as might have been claimed in respect of death, illness or injury caused by negligence, as accepted under English Law, of our employees, agents or suppliers contracted or sub-contracted by us to provide any part of the arrangements for your holiday.

If war, threat of war, civil unrest, closure of airports, industrial action, threatened or actual terrorist activities or any other event (condition are defined by the Commonwealth and Foreign Office in London, and not the State Department in Washington) outside the control of Optimundo, either delays or extends the holiday or compels a change in the holiday arrangements during the holiday, Optimundo cannot accept liability for any resulting loss, damage or expense and no refunds will be made.

If We Have To Cancel Or Alter Your Holiday

Optimundo guarantees that, subsequent to the date when the final balance of the tour, holiday or other travel arrangements becomes due, Optimundo will not effect cancellation, unless this becomes necessary as a result of force majeure or where the client defaults in payment. If prior to, or subsequent to the commencement of the holiday, a material alteration did become necessary through unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, every effort by Optimundo will be made to offer a suitable alternative. If this change occurs prior to departure you will be offered the choice of (a) a suitable alternative (b) another available holiday or (c) the opportunity to cancel with a full refund. Note: Material alterations shall not include delays in departures on tours, holidays or other travel arrangements caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport, strikes, industrial action or other circumstances beyond the control of Optimundo.

Complaints

In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by Optimundo, the matter must be reported immediately to the organisation concerned (i.e. Hotel Manager, Guide etc.) so that immediate action can be taken to remedy the problem. Thereafter the matter must be referred in writing to Optimundo. Cancellation Or Delay Of Aircraft Or Other Transportation We do not accept liability for any additional cost which you may incur as a result of delays or cancellation of international or domestic flights or any other transportation for any reason beyond our control. We regret that it is not possible to recover the cost of unused, pre-booked accommodation or service. Any additional costs involved in such a delay are to be met by the client. If delay is caused by technical problems, the airline will normally provide airport meals and accommodation where necessary. However, if caused by bad weather, strikes, traffic control etc., the airline will seldom offer any compensation as the delay is outside their control.

Whatever your travel plans, contact us for advice on travelling to Chile and Argentina.