Terms and Conditions (China Tours)

DEPOSIT

A deposit, in the currency of Chinese Yuan or US Dollars, is required to secure your booking (10% of total amount or subject to each booking). This deposit can be refund or transferred to any other departure date or trip, providing your request to cancel or transfer is received in writing prior to 90 days from your booked trip departure. 

TRIP BALANCE

You agree to pay the outstanding balance shown on your invoice (including any additional items) no later than 30 days prior to the departure date of your booked trip. For bookings within 30 days prior to the departure date of your booked trip, the full balance (including any additional items) is required within 48 hours of booking confirmation. Failure to pay the outstanding balance by the specified due date may result in your booking being canceled and your deposit, and any other funds paid, being forfeited in full. Further details refer to Cancelation clause. 

PAYMENT

We accept direct bank transfer, and most credit cards for deposit and trip balance payments. We do not accept American Express. When using a credit card for your trip balance payments, a 2% fee applies.

PAY DEPOSIT, LOCK IN YOUR RATE 

We often customize the tour and quote our prices a few months to one year in advance. Between that time and the time of your trip’s departure, we are occasionally faced with cost increases (e.g. foreign currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, increases in cost of services). In the event of a significant change in costs, we reserve the right to apply a surcharge. If you paid the deposit at the time of booking, you are exempt from any such surcharges.

CANCELATION

The following conditions apply, depending on whether a cancelation is made “by you”, “by us”, or “by force majeure”:

BY YOU 

Cancelation 91 days before trip departure: Your deposit and full trip payment will be refunded.

Cancelation 90-31 days before trip departure: deposit is nonrefundable and trip balance is refundable.

Cancelation 30-0 days before trip departure: both deposit and trip balance are non-refundable.

A cancelation by you will take effect from the date we receive notice in writing. No refunds will be provided in the event of voluntary or involuntary early departure from a trip. No refunds will be given for missed or unused services including, but not limited to, accommodation, activities and meals. We strongly recommend travel insurance which covers cancelation.

BY US

We are occasionally required to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure for reasons beyond our control, including when the minimum number of guests required to operate a trip is not reached.  If your trip is canceled, you are welcome to transfer to an alternate departure for no additional fee, or transfer to an alternative trip (subject to any difference in price) or opt for a full refund.

BY FORCE MAJEURE

In circumstances where a cancelation is necessary due to any conditions or event beyond our control including, but not limited to, natural events, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism or political instability, we will endeavor to transfer your booking to an alternative departure or trip, or we will offer a trip credit to use towards the balance of any new booking.

All credits and refunds resulting from cancelation for any reason will be less any non-refundable expenses incurred by us. If your booking is changed or transferred for any reason, the booking Terms and Conditions in effect on the date your new booking is made will apply. We are not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as a result of your booking being canceled or changed including, but not limited to, visas, vaccinations, medical expenses, clothing, equipment, testing, quarantine, travel insurance excess or flights.

CHANGE OF TRIP OR DEPARTURE DATE

You are welcome to change your trip and/or departure date, subject to availability, at any time prior to 90 days before the departure date of your booked trip.  The following conditions apply:

First change (trip and/or departure): No charge

New trip pricing (where applicable) will apply for all changes

A change of trip and/or departure will take effect from the date we receive notice in writing. We strongly recommend travel insurance which covers cancelation and change penalties.

All credits and refunds resulting from a change of trip and/or departure for any reason will be less any non-refundable expenses incurred by us.  If your booking is changed or transferred for any reason, the booking Terms and Conditions in effect on the date your new booking is made will apply.  We are not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as a result of any changes to your booking including, but not limited to, visas, vaccinations, medical expenses, clothing, equipment, testing, quarantine, credit card fees, travel insurance or flights.

OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS

Based on our published discount policy, one offer or discount can be applied per person, per trip departure, at time of booking only and cannot be retrospectively applied.  Discounts and offers cannot be combined unless otherwise stated or agreed to, including, but not limited to, loyalty dollars, Travel Vouchers, repeat customer discounts, and ongoing and limited time offers.

ITINERARIES

Itineraries are subject to alteration without notice & are intended as a guide only. YAT Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without any notice. Any additional expenses incurred by the passenger is not YAT Travel responsibility. YAT Travel can give no guarantees as to the exact arrival & departure times for carriers and operators used by YAT Travel & will not be liable for the failure of any services or attractions beyond its control. During busy times, we may operate simultaneous departures whereby some trips travel in the opposite direction to the stated itinerary.  All reverse trips are run as per the itinerary, following the itinerary backwards.

LIABILITY

Whilst YAT Travel will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour, it accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment experienced by passengers due to circumstances YAT Travel deems as beyond its control. YAT Travel further accepts no liability for any loss beyond its reasonable control and provides no warranties in addition to those set out under The Chinese Tourism Law, and nothing herein restricts any passenger from exercising their rights and remedies to pursuant to Law.

The optional tour excursions are not operated by, or at the direction of, or on behalf of YAT Travel, its employees or agents or any other persons or companies associated with YAT Travel. All optional activities are an additional cost to the tour price and by taking bookings for these tours, YAT Travel does not act as the agent for each of the optional activity suppliers.

These tours include the services of operators other than YAT Travel e.g Hoteliers, Airlines and optional tour excursions, which are not under the direct control of YAT Travel & whilst all reasonable care is taken in selecting these operators it cannot accept responsibility for the operators conduct or the conduct of the representative employees or agents or for any ramifications of that conduct.

On tours including activities such as trekking, swimming & snorkeling, passengers accept that degrees of risk are involved.

No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of YAT Travel, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. YAT Travel will not be responsible for any expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour.

TOUR DETAILS

Any inclusions whilst on the road that you do choose not to partake in will not be refunded to you.

YAT Travel aims to provide a safe & enjoyable environment for all passengers and personnel on board our tours. Therefore, please make a note of the below conditions:

YAT Travel does not tolerate any form of abuse, verbal or otherwise, of our personnel. Any person abusing or threatening YAT Travel personnel or associated representatives will automatically forfeit their right to onward travel.

There might be times when YAT Travel personnel and/or representatives have to make decisions within the best interest of safety for its passengers. It is a condition of booking that you comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed representative of YAT Travel.

Should you choose not to comply with the said representative or are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well-being of members of the tour, YAT Travel reserves the right to refuse to allow you to continue with the tour.

In such a case that you are removed from the tour YAT Travel will not be liable to provide you with any refund, compensation or any additional costs incurred by you.

YAT Travel cannot accept liability for the behaviour of others on your tour nor if any facilities are curtailed as a result of their actions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is required to participate in our trips. Your insurance plan should include full medical cover, emergency evacuation and emergency repatriation. You should also ensure you’re covered for trip cancelation and have protection for any other issues including, but not limited to, flight cancelations or delays, loss of luggage and personal effects, and theft. Our Travel Insurance page outlines the requirements in more detail along with policy suggestions.

We will not allow you to participate in our trips without adequate travel insurance. You are required to add your travel insurance information to your travel wallet by no later than 30 days prior to departure. If this information is not provided, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and standard cancelation policies will apply.

LOCAL PARTNERS

In many parts of tour, YAT Travel works with highly reputable local specialist operators. These local partners are all passionate about the activities they operate and offer the same high standards as YAT Travel.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel & many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of your return. It is important that you check all country requirements before you arrive.

YAT Travel is not liable for any fines, penalties or expenditure as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities as this is your sole responsibility.

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

I have carefully read the terms and conditions stated in these pages.  In consideration for the right to participate in the Program (YAT Travel itinerary), I agree as follows: 

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

Although YAT Travel has made reasonable efforts to assure my safety while participating in the Program and activities offered as a part of the Program, I understand that there are certain risks, dangers, and hazards that are inherent to participation in the Program. These include, but are not limited to, physical and mental fatigue; slips, falls, and collisions; encounters with wild animals and varied terrain; altitude-related illness; changing weather conditions; acts or omissions of the public or other Program participants; accident or illness in remote areas without the possibility of immediate evacuation or availability of medical supplies or facilities; and accidents occurring during travel associated with the Program. Encountering these risks, dangers, and hazards could result in physical injuries, death or damage to personal property. I understand that it is impossible for YAT Travel to list in this Agreement every inherent risk, danger, or hazard associated with participating in the Program. I understand and appreciate, however, that I may encounter these, and other inherent risks, dangers, and hazards not specifically listed in this Agreement at any time during the Program. I also understand that the Program may include a Free Day, Free Morning, or Free Afternoon. Any activities not included in the Program on such Free days are undertaken solely at my own risk and YAT Travel, its guides or any other representatives are not liable or responsible for my actions.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I accept and assume all of the inherent risks, dangers, and hazards associated with participating in the Program, whether known or unknown, including those specifically identified above. I am voluntarily participating in the Program with knowledge of the dangers involved.  I therefore release and discharge YAT Travel and its owners, employees, subcontracted activity and service providers, and business partners from liability for bodily injury, death, property damage or theft, and any of the consequences thereof, arising from my participation in the trip. I enter into this release of liability on behalf of myself, and those members of my party who are under 18. I certify that I am the parent or guardian of any such minors.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCT

I accept and assume responsibility for my own negligent or reckless conduct while participating in the Program. I understand that YAT Travel accepts and assumes responsibility for its own negligent or reckless conduct. I also understand that YAT Travel has advised me to purchase trip insurance.  I acknowledge that YAT Travel can cancel my trip at any time at my expense if I do not adhere to the guides’ instructions or if I’m behaving in a manner that could affect the health, safety or wellbeing of others on the trip.

FITNESS TO PARTICIPATE

I have reviewed the trip itinerary/description and have sought and obtained any further clarification that may have been required to ascertain the physical and mental requirements for completing the trip and I confirm that I meet those requirements, and that I will notify YAT Travel immediately if I that situation should change either prior to or at any time during the trip.  I also acknowledge that YAT Travel may cancel my trip at any time or exclude me from any activity if it becomes apparent to YAT Travel, any of its guides, or any contractor responsible for providing any aspects of a trip or activity, at any time prior to or during the trip/activity, that I am likely to be unable to complete the trip/activity without undue risk to the health of myself or others, at the complete discretion of YAT Travel.  YAT Travel recommends that I consult with a physician before participating in the Program. It is my own responsibility to determine whether the Program is suitable for me.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

For my own and others’ safety, I agree to adhere to YAT Travel’ rules regarding the consumption of alcohol.  This means consuming no more than a maximum of one (1) alcoholic drink during days where adventure activities are included in the Program and observing a minimum stand down of eight (8) hours in the event more than two (2) alcoholic beverages are consumed (for example, overnight rest following evening alcohol consumption) before participating in adventures activities.  I agree not to consume or engage in any drug-taking while participating in the Program.   

EQUIPMENT

YAT Travel may provide me with equipment for my use during the Program. YAT Travel checks this equipment before each tour; however, I am responsible for checking the equipment upon receipt, as well as alerting tour leaders of any change in the condition of the equipment that may occur during my use. I understand that I am in exclusive control of any such equipment once YAT Travel provides it to me. I acknowledge that I have read the gear list, I agree to adhere to the recommendations, and I will carry or wear what is suggested by the guides throughout the trip and during any activity.

CONSENT TO FIRST AID

I provide consent, should the need arise, for my YAT Travel guide to administer First Aid to me and any minors travelling with me.  I fully release, indemnify and hold harmless YAT Travel from any and all actions, and any and all claims, for damages whatsoever which may hereafter arise as a result of any first aid, treatment in response to a set of signs or symptoms and/or the administration of any medication in response to a medical, implied consent or emergency situation that involves myself or any minors travelling with me.

HEALTH & SAFETY

I agree to adhere to YAT Travel’ health and safety measures. I also agree to disclose any pre-existing medical condition and/or physical or mental condition, disability or injury.  

PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILMING

YAT Travel reserves the right to take photographs/videos of me during the Program. I agree YAT Travel may use any such photographs or videos for business purposes without payment or other consideration.

TEXT

YAT Travel may use any text written in comments books, recorded in customer surveys or input to online forums, in brochures, websites and/or advertising and publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of comments.

PROGRAM CHANGES 

YAT Travel strives to maintain the Program as originally advertised. On occasion, conditions beyond the control of YAT Travel may necessitate changes, modifications, or alterations to the Program’s itinerary; the substitution of accommodations; or the omission or substitution of specific advertised activities. YAT Travel may make such decisions in its sole discretion and is not responsible or liable for any expenses or losses that may result from those decisions. YAT Travel additionally reserves the right to restrict participation in any activity associated with the Program in the event it determines that participation may affect, impede, or endanger the participant’s welfare, or the welfare or enjoyment of another participant or guide.  YAT Travel is not responsible for any losses or costs that may result from exercising this right.

TRIP RESERVATION AND DETAILS  

My payment of the required reservation fee and signature of this participation agreement constitutes consent to all the provisions of the “Trip Reservation and Details” information including the itinerary and to those contained in this Agreement. YAT Travel provides no warranty, representation or terms and conditions regarding the Program other than those specifically stated in this Agreement.  I acknowledge that YAT Travel is the tour operator and I have no contract or agreement with any other person or company.  

GOVERNING LAW 

This Agreement shall be governed, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of China.

PRIVACY 

YAT Travel acknowledges the privacy and data protection obligations it owes to its guests under the China’s Privacy regulation. These updated obligations are expressed in YAT Travel’ Privacy Policy.

YAT Travel, and the YAT Travel logos are trade name of Guangcheng branch of Sichuan China Youth Travel Service co., LTD, and references to “we”, “our” and “us” mean YAT Travel. All rights reserved.