Terms & Conditions
We ask that you read the Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) below carefully. By booking, registering for, making a payment towards, or participating in a tour with Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd. (“SST,” “we,” or “us”), you agree to the Terms that apply to that tour in effect at the time of your booking. These Terms represent a legally binding contract.
Bookings & Prices
We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our website, but errors may occur. Please confirm pricing and details with us prior to making a booking.
By making a booking on our website, you warrant that 1) you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal authority to create a binding legal obligation; 2) you accept and agree to all the Terms presented herein; and 3) all information supplied by you for the purposes of that booking is true, accurate, current, and complete to the best of your knowledge.
BOOKING REGISTRATION: After you complete your booking with us, we’ll send you an email confirming your booking and place on the tour you have booked. Registration is not complete until a deposit is received.
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION: After we receive your booking and deposit, we will reconfirm availability and send you a confirmation email within 1–2 business days. If any option or component you selected is not available, we will alert you and give you the option to modify your booking or to cancel and receive a refund of your deposit.
SPECIAL MEAL REQUESTS OR DIETS: Please inform us of any special meal or dietary restrictions when you complete your booking registration. While we will attempt to ensure your needs are meet, we cannot guarantee they will be honoured, and some requests or restrictions may be difficult to accommodate in some destinations.
PRICES: The tour price is based predominantly on monastery and /or double occupancy and the least expensive travel dates, departure city, hotels, and other options available, and do not include optional items.
Prices and availability are subject to change until you make a booking, and that booking is confirmed. After that, your tour price will not change, with some exceptions listed under REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION.
All prices and costs are in Australian Dollars, unless noted otherwise.
Payments, Refunds & Credits
Payments
DEPOSITS: A deposit of 30% of the tour price is required to secure your booking. The exact amount will be provided in the “Investment” details of the tour. It will be applied toward the cost of your tour. Further part payments can be made anytime before 60 days prior to commencement of the tour, when final payment is due.
Deposits made in Australia can be directly deposited into the account below and should be referenced with your name and start date of the tour.
Please contact info@sacredspirittours.com.au if you are making payments outside of Australia, and transfer arrangements can be organised.
Receipts will be emailed for each deposit within 1-5 days of the deposit appearing in the bank account below.
Deposits are generally nonrefundable after we confirm your booking, unless we cancel the tour.
Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd.
Bendigo Bank
BSB:633000
Account: 173504028
FINAL PAYMENT: If any balance is due after making your booking, you must pay this balance 60 days prior to commencement of the tour. The due date for the final payment will be provided in the “Investment” details of the tour.
If you have not paid in full by your due date, your booking will be subject to a $50 late fee. If you have not paid in full 15 days after your due date, your booking will be cancelled, and your deposit will be forfeited.
Refunds
Refunds will be processed and paid as promptly as possible. If we need to recover funds already paid to our partners for your services, your refund will be issued after those funds have been recovered. Most refunds are processed within six weeks of being requested.
Changes
CHANGING YOUR PACKAGE OR DEPARTURE: Requests to modify an existing booking to change your tour or to change your departure (to another scheduled departure date for the same tour) are subject to availability of the new tour or departure.
Such changes are subject to fees, which will be added to your balance due.
When such requests are received on or before your final payment due date, the change fee is $100. When such requests are received after your final payment due date, they are considered cancellations, and you may forfeit your deposits at the discretion of Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd.
Cancellations
Cancellations by You
If you elect to cancel your booking for any reason, you must notify us in writing. Cancellations may be subject to fees which vary by your date of booking, your date of cancellation and whether third-party payments have already been made on your behalf for the tour.
When you cancel, we will refund all monies paid less any cancellation fee.
Cancellations by Us
Most of our advertised tours require a minimum number of travellers to proceed. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any departure due to insufficient demand, unsafe conditions, events beyond our control, or any other reason.
If we cancel a departure, we will notify you prior to the final payment due date (unless the cancellation is due to an unforeseen situation that arises after that) and offer alternate dates of travel or a full refund.
We also reserve the right to cancel a specific booking or remove a specific traveller prior to departure, at our own discretion, and refund all monies paid to Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd.
We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that you incur as a result of a cancelled booking, including but not limited to loss of earnings, loss of enjoyment, or the cost of any connecting flights, accommodations, airport transportation, visas, document fees, vaccinations, or other services you may purchase that are dependent upon the operation of your trip. Where possible, we recommend that you wait until after your final payment due date to purchase any such services.
Included Services
INCLUDED SERVICES: Unless otherwise noted, the following items are included in the advertised tour price:
- A Spiritual Pilgrimage, as listed in the Itinerary for the tour you have booked.
- Accommodation either in single share or multi-shared, depending on availability. We will endeavour to book single rooms however this is not guaranteed. Monastery accommodation is also very simple and minimal and may not offer air-conditioning or other facilities. Bathrooms will most likely be shared.
- Historical lectures of the environment we are travelling through
- Large part of meals. We will do our best to meet special dietary requirements however cannot guarantee it
- All entrance fees to sites being visited, as required
- All toll fees during the tour period
- All transportation for the duration of the tour, except for times outside the itinerary (free exploration times)
- Tips to the driver and tour operators, such as third-party guides, engaged during the tour
- A few gifts along the way
NOT INCLUDED: Unless otherwise noted, the following items are not included in the advertised tour price:
- Flights, airport taxes and entry and exit fees
- Transport costs before and after the tour dates and during free time during the tour
- Optional extensions & excursions
- Personal, baggage & travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities other than those included in the tour list
- Beverages and some meals during the tour, including meals during free time. We will do our best to meet special dietary requirements, however, cannot guarantee it
- Laundry costs incurred during the tour
- Any phone or data access costs incurred during the tour
- Guaranteed Wi-Fi access
- Someone to carry your luggage into accommodation, including when there is no elevator available. We will do our best to assist you, however, it is not guaranteed.
- Any items of a personal nature, including special items or medications
- Items not specifically mentioned in the Itinerary or “included features” list
UNUSED SERVICES: Unused services cannot be refunded once the tour has begun. No refund can be made for the absence by travellers from any part of the itinerary.
Arrival and Departure from Tour
You are responsible for arranging your own flights and transportation to the tour starting point. Please provide us with your flight details so that we can track your flights.
At the end of the tour, you are responsible for your onward travel.
Accommodations
The tour price includes accommodation either in single share or multi-shared, depending on availability. We will endeavour to book single rooms however this is not always possible. Monastery accommodation is also very simple and minimal and may not offer air-conditioning or other facilities. Bathrooms will most likely be shared.
We will do our best to honour any requests made at the time of booking but cannot guarantee it. Special requests (bedding, smoking preference, etc.) are subject to availability and confirmation by the accommodation venues.
Sometimes it is necessary to change booked accommodation. In that event, we will make every effort to ensure that substitutes meet or exceed the quality and location of the original.
While we do our best, some accommodation may not have air-conditioning, especially in rustic or remote locations.
Trip Operation
ITINERARIES: We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and according to the posted itineraries. However, international travel is complex, and we reserve the right to modify our itineraries as we deem necessary to keep everything running comfortably.
The planned itinerary is representative of the types of accommodations, transport and activities planned, but the actual itinerary, including routes, schedules, amenities, modes of transport, and other items, may still be subject to alteration or substitution without prior notice due to circumstances on the ground or upon recommendation of our partners in destination. In these cases, we will make every effort to ensure the changes result in an equivalent or better experience for our travellers. We will not be held liable for any damages related to these alterations.
In rare cases, due to circumstances beyond our control (see Force Majeure below), and for the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of our travellers, it may become necessary to make major changes to our itineraries, including omitting certain destinations or segments of a tour, or even cancelling a departure entirely.
Should this occur, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible. We will also make every effort to obtain refunds from our suppliers for the unused services, which we will refund to you. However, it may not be possible to obtain refunds from all of our suppliers, and we cannot guarantee a refund of your entire package price.
FORCE MAJEURE: Certain unexpected circumstances may arise, such as (but not limited to) weather events, pandemics, quarantines, border closures, acts of governments or authorities, wars, hostilities, political uprisings or civil disturbances, riots, strikes, terrorist activities or the threat of terrorist activities, criminal acts committed by third parties, defects of vehicles or breakdown in equipment, or an Act of God, that are beyond anyone’s control, which force a cancellation or disruption of services. These circumstances are considered a force majeure. We will not be held responsible or liable in any way for such events, including death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay, or other losses caused by such events. While we will always strive to assist our travellers wherever they are in the world when such circumstances occur, any losses or costs resulting from these events will be the responsibility of the traveller.
THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS: Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd. makes arrangements with hotels and other accommodation providers, coach companies, transfer operators, excursion operators, tour and local guides, activity providers, and other independent parties (“Third Party Suppliers”) to provide you with some or all of the components of your booking. Third Party Suppliers may also engage the services of local operators and sub-contractors. We take great care in selecting Third Party Suppliers, but we do not supervise or control these suppliers and cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions.
In the absence of our own negligence, we shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitution of equipment; loss or damage to baggage or property; injury, illness, or death; or any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from the any act, omission, error or negligence whatsoever by air carriers, rail, coach & ship cruise companies, hotels, transportation companies, other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to travellers, or any other person not our direct employee or under our exclusive control. We are not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.
Participation
JOINING A TOUR: If you purchase a tour, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point. This may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and you will be notified immediately of any changes.
We will provide instructions for how and where to meet your tour group, manager, or guide. If for any reason you are unable to make it to the starting point on time, contact us without delay. We will make all reasonable efforts to assist you in making alternate arrangements to join your tour, but you are responsible for any extra costs incurred, and no refunds will be issued for unused services.
TOUR MANAGERS AND GUIDES: You will be accompanied by a professional tour manager and guide who is an authority on the destination and is responsible for the wellbeing of our travellers and for the smooth operation of the tour. The decisions of the tour manager are final on all matters likely to affect the safety or wellbeing of all travellers participating in the tour.
GROUP PARTICIPATION: On our group tours, you’ll usually be traveling with a group of strangers, and this can sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. To avoid any discord within our groups and to provide our travellers with a positive touring experience, we reserve the right to reject or remove any traveller whose behaviour is determined to be incompatible with the group. If you fail to comply with a decision made by our tour manager, behave in a way that is judged to cause or likely to cause danger, distress, or material annoyance to others, interfere with the wellbeing or mobility of the group, are deemed to be fractious to the group, at the sole discretion of Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd. and/or our tour managers and representatives, we may ask you to leave the tour. In this case, we will not refund any portion of the tour cost, and all expenses incurred by the termination of the touring program are your responsibility. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: You must be 18 or older to make a booking, and any other travellers on your booking must be 8 or older at the time of travel. Travellers under 18 years at the time of travel are considered minors. Minors must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. One adult may accompany up to two minors. Each adult accompanying one or more minors is jointly and individually responsible for the behaviour, wellbeing, supervision, and monitoring of such minors. If the consent of a parent, guardian, or any other person is required by applicable law for any minor to travel, the accompanying adult is responsible for securing all consents and documents and ensuring that they and the minor(s) meet all legal requirements to travel, to enter into and depart from applicable countries and regions. We will not be responsible for any fees, damages, or losses that may result from failure to secure necessary consents, permits, and approvals.
TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES OR DIFFICULTIES: Travellers requiring any type of special assistance must notify us of their requirements at the time of booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such special needs. However, we cannot guarantee that all disabilities or difficulties can be accommodated, especially in foreign countries and remote locales. Due to the nature of our itineraries, we cannot accept travellers who require service animals. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers for walking, dining, entering and exiting motor coaches, and other transportation vehicles, or to assist with other personal needs. Travellers who require such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion who is a paid traveller.
Our itineraries often feature sightseeing and other activities which may involve strenuous activities such as hiking moderate distances, walking up steps or over uneven surfaces, and ascending to high elevations. In general, travel conditions in some countries may be more difficult than what you are accustomed to. It is the responsibility of all travellers to consider their abilities, consult with appropriate medical personnel, and determine if they are in sufficient physical condition to comfortably undertake the requirements of each itinerary. If you are uncertain, please contact us to discuss.
If during travel, our representatives become concerned that your physical health or mental condition may make it unsafe for you to continue to participate in the planned itinerary, they may ask you to avoid certain activities. In extreme cases, we or our representatives may ask you to leave the tour. In this case, we will make reasonable attempts to transport you to the appropriate airport or other departure point, but otherwise, you will be responsible for all costs incurred. In either case, there will be no refund of unused services. You grant us and our representatives’ permission to discuss your situation, including your physical health or mental condition, and share any information we deem relevant with any travel companion, family member, medical professional, designated emergency contact, or other person we believe would be necessary or appropriate to deal with such concerns, at our sole discretion. Also see Emergency Medical Treatment. We recommend you carry travel insurance.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK: You acknowledge that travel, especially to foreign and remote destinations, may involve some risk to your health and safety. The degree and nature of personal risk involved depends on the products or services booked and the location(s) in which a product or service operates. There may be a significant degree of personal risk involved in participating in physical and/or high-risk activities or travelling to high altitudes, remote locations, or countries with developing infrastructure. Standards of hygiene, accommodation, and transport in certain destinations we visit are often lower than the standards you may expect in your home country, and there may be a risk of food poisoning, disease, or injury.
By booking with us, you acknowledge that you have considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges, and your own personal capabilities and needs, and you assume responsibility for all such risks. You agree to take all prudent measures in relation to your own safety while travelling, including but not limited to the proper use of safety devices (including seatbelts, harnesses, flotation devices, and helmets) and obeying all posted signs and oral or written warnings regarding health and safety. Absent any negligence on our part, Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd. and our representatives will not be held liable for any claims or causes of action arising from any losses, damages, injuries, or death resulting from failure to comply with safety instructions or warnings or the risks inherent in travel and participating in adventurous activities included in our itineraries or otherwise offered by us or our representatives.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT: Should any medical emergency arise which precludes your ability to consent to emergency treatment when such authorisation is required, we or our representatives will endeavour to communicate with your travel companions or previously designated emergency contact to request permission for any necessary treatment. If our representatives believe, at their sole discretion, that time or circumstances do not permit such communication, you authorise our representatives to consent on your behalf to any medical treatment, including all types of medical examinations, diagnoses, medication, treatment, or physician or hospital care, that is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under, the supervision of any physician or surgeon. You agree not to hold us or our representatives responsible for actions relating to any such medical or emergency treatment. You shall bear all costs relating to said medical treatment.
BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS: In general, our tours & packages allow per person:
- One checked bag of medium size not exceeding a standard 24’’ suitcase which is 65 x 46 x 27.5 cms, the weight of which must not exceed 21kgs anytime during the tour
- One personal item such as a purse or camera bag. A travel handbag or backpack to carry during the day and/or on walks is ideal while on the tour.
- One carry-on bag not to exceed 7kg, which should fit under your seat or in an overhead compartment.
Certain tours may have different or additional restrictions imposed by third parties such as airlines, motor coaches, other vehicles, etc. We will send you specific baggage allowance information at least 14 days prior to departure. If you exceed this allowance, and at the discretion of our representatives, you may need to store some luggage at the starting point at your own cost.
We will have access to weighing scales at any time during the tour, upon request.
Other items you may consider bringing:
- Minimal clothing which can also be washed with ease. We will create opportunities to wash clothing. Footwear should also be minimal, including supported and comfortable footwear for walking, including some sites which require outdoor hiking and/or walking on unsealed and/or uneven surfaces. You may bring a hiking stick if you choose.
- Any products you require to support your journey such as eye and face masks, ear plugs, toiletries and medications. Please note that for all prescription and non-prescription medication (such as pain relief), you are required to carry with you your doctor’s authorization script(s). It is your responsibility to ensure you carry the required medical authority.
- Mobile phone. We recommend that you contact your provider to manage your oversea use of your mobile phone or purchase a SIM to use locally (These can be purchased before departure or purchased upon arriving at your destination). We will be able to access Wi-Fi periodically, however, it is not guaranteed.
- Camera (if separate to your mobile phone) and any other electronic devices and chargers you require. Please note that batteries and chargers are to be held within carry-on luggage while on flights.
- Local currency for small purchases and tips, debit or credit facilities for your purchases, including unforeseen expenses.
- We recommend bringing a journal and pen to record your pilgrimage reflections.
You are responsible for safeguarding your luggage, camera, and other personal effects, including any items purchased while on tour, while in your possession. We are not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
LOCAL PURCHASES: We make every effort to give you an opportunity to browse local markets, shops and stores, time permitting. Some itineraries include scheduled stops at specialty stores or factories where you can view a demonstration of a local craft or purchase merchandise. If you decide to purchase these or any other items while on tour, you are responsible for those purchases. We are not responsible for the quality or authenticity of these items. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop and to thoroughly inspect all merchandise before leaving the store or shop, as most stores will not permit you to return or exchange purchased items. Prices may not include shipping/handling fees or customs charges. We are not responsible for the delivery or receipt of any item you purchase while travelling.
You also need to consider the impact of your purchases on the required baggage allowance.
LOCAL LAWS: During travel, you must always comply with the laws and regulations of all places visited. Committing any illegal act may result in your removal from a tour and put you at risk of fines or punishment by local authorities, for which we cannot be held responsible.
Passports, Visas & Entry Requirements
While we will provide some information at the time of booking regarding passport, visa and entry requirements, travellers with passports from countries outside of the country or countries being visited are responsible for determining the passport, visa, identification, and entry requirements that apply to them. Requirements are subject to change, often without notice, and we suggest you verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate, if required. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each traveller to understand and comply with all entry requirements, including acquiring and carrying the proper travel documents and paying any Entry & Exit Fees. We will not be held responsible for any trip interruptions, cancellations, or costs incurred by failure to comply with these requirements.
PASSPORTS: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of return, or you may be denied entry. Some countries also require a specific number of blank visa pages in your passport.
The names of all travellers must be provided to us exactly as they appear on their passport, including titles such as Mr. or Sr. and any multiple first, middle, or last names, when you complete the booking. Any errors that are not corrected prior to travel could prevent you from entry to some countries.
We ask that you must send us colour copies of your passport photo/signature page within 5 days of booking or with your final payment, whichever is sooner. If we do not receive this promptly, your booking may be subject to cancellation.
ENTRY & EXIT FEES: Some countries, airports, or ports may require the payment of entry or exit fees, border crossing fees, or other taxes or fees upon arrival or departure, which must be paid directly by the traveller and cannot be included in our tour prices. You are responsible for payment of these fees. We do our best to inform you of such fees when you book and/or prior to travel, but we are not responsible for omissions or errors.
Your Information & Privacy
PRIVACY POLICY: When you make a booking, we require certain personal information (see below). When you use our website (https://www.sacredspirittours.com.au) and interact in any way, we may collect additional or other information, as described in our Privacy Policy. By using our website, booking travel with us, or submitting any personal information to us, you indicate your acceptance of our Privacy Policy.
REQUIRED INFORMATION: To make a booking, we require that you supply certain personal information, including the full legal name, gender, birthdate, and passport information for each traveller, as required by law and/or reasonably required to enable us and our suppliers to provide your purchased travel products and services. We also require contact information, including address, phone number, and email address, from the person making the booking. We request a phone number and email address for all other travellers, except for minors and family members who live together at the same address, so that we may reach you and your travel companions in case of last-minute itinerary changes or emergencies. For each traveller, we also require the name and contact information of a designated emergency contact person who is not travelling. You are responsible for verifying that any information you provide for yourself and on behalf of other travellers on your booking is complete and accurate. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any errors or omissions in the information you have provided to us, or any fees or damages related to such errors or omissions.
IMAGES & MARKETING: While participating in any of our packages, images, photos, or videos may be taken by us, our representatives or contractors, or other participants that may contain or feature you. You consent to any such pictures being taken and grant a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to us, our contractors, sub-contractors and assigns, to reproduce for any purpose whatsoever (including marketing, promotions and the creation of promotional materials by or with sub-licensees), in any medium whatsoever, whether currently known or hereinafter devised, without any further obligation or compensation payable to you.
Miscellanea
These Terms represents the entire agreement between travellers and Sacred spirit Tours Pty. Ltd. There is no additional liability.
If any provision of these Terms is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision will be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable, the unenforceable part must be given effect to the greatest extent possible and the remainder will remain in full force and effect. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof will in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
These Terms will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective heirs, legal and personal representatives, executors, estate trustees, successors, and assigns. In the event that some other person or entity seeks compensation for claims from which you have released us from liability by agreeing to these Terms, you (or your estate) will indemnify and hold harmless Sacred Spirit Tours Pty. Ltd. and its directors for all sums reasonably incurred in response to such claims, including our reasonable attorney costs and fees.
The Terms and the use of the website (https://www.sacredspirittours.com.au ) and any contents thereof, are in all respects governed by and according to the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. By using the website and/or booking a tour, you irrevocably agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia, for the resolution of any dispute of any kind whatsoever, including without limitation any dispute arising out of the interpretation or application of the Terms, or your use of the website or any material contained therein, or accessed thereby.
We reserve the right to update or alter these Terms at any time. We will post amendments to these Terms on our website at https://www.sacredspirittours.com.au , and any amendment will take effect immediately upon posting.
We retain the right at our sole discretion to deny access to anyone to our website (https://www.sacredspirittours.com.au) and the products and services we offer, at any time and for any reason.