1.  DEPOSIT(S):  A minimum deposit is required to secure a reservation.  Additional deposits may be required for certain tours.  You will be advised of any additional deposits required at the time of your reservation.  Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of your preferred cruise/tour for more details.

2.  FINAL PAYMENT:  Final payment must be received by MelitaTrips LLC no later than the appropriate due date stated on the Terms and Conditions of your preferred cruise/tour.  A reminder of final payment will be sent around one month prior to your due date.

Failure to make final payment when due will result in late fees, trip cost increase and/or reservation could be automatically cancelled.  You will be responsible for all cancellation fees.

Payment(s) made to MelitaTrips LLC constitutes your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions on the passenger ticket contract, set out herein, including, but not limited to, the Cancellation Terms.

3.  METHOD OF PAYMENT:  MelitaTrips LLC accepts the following forms of payment: personal check, money order, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa.  The authorization to use a credit card indicates compliance with our Terms and Conditions.

Please be aware some credit card issuing banks impose a “Foreign Transaction Fee” on credit card transactions processed outside the credit card issuing bank.  This “Foreign Transaction Fee” is an arbitrary fee imposed by the credit card issuing bank, which accrues solely to their benefit.  MelitaTrips LLC derives absolutely no benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the assessment of their fees.

4.  PRICES:  Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars.  MelitaTrips LLC reserves the right to change the prices, itineraries and routing without notice.  All prices have been calculated based on current tariffs and rates of exchange.  U.S./
Foreign Taxes, including September 11 Security Fee, are additional.  Airlines and hotels frequently change their prices as a result of fare increases and/or fuel surcharges.  Prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until your full payment
 has been received for the final invoice price.

5.  CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS:  All cancellations must be in writing to MelitaTrips LLC and mailed to: 9105 Kern Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020 or emailed to: reservations@MelitaTrips.com.  If you cancel your reservation, it is your responsibility to pay any cancellation fees imposed.  Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of your preferred cruise/tour for more details.  Refunds may be issued 4 to 6 weeks after your written cancellation request is received.

6.  DOCUMENTS:  Documents will be mailed four to three weeks prior to departure, but only after your booking is complete, full payment and all necessary information has been received.

7.  AIR SCHEDULE:  Air schedules are confirmed four to three weeks after final payment is processed and all necessary information has been received.

Air schedules may be changed by your airline without prior notice.

Advance air seat selection is subject to the policy of the selected airline and may not be available.

8.  LATE REGISTRATIONS:  Due to the nature of tour operators and supplier payment schedules, any registration received after the final payment due date or within 90 days of departure is considered a “late registration” and must be subject to special confirmation by our Reservations Coordinator.  For reservations made after our final payment due date, full and final payment is due at the time of making your reservation.

9.  WAITLIST:  If the program(s) of your choice are sold out when we receive your application, you will automatically be placed on a waitlist, and you will be notified via e-mail.  If you choose to withdraw from the waitlist, please notify MelitaTrips LLC in writing and your deposit will be returned as quickly as possible.

Please note MelitaTrips LLC will not keep you apprised of your status on the waitlist.  We will call you only if a space becomes available, but you are welcome to call us at your convenience to inquire about your waitlist status.

10.  AIR SERVICE:  Most international tours include roundtrip air transportation by regularly scheduled air service.  Space is reserved, in advance for our group, based on the stated itinerary.

Please note the “package tour cost with roundtrip air” requires all international air arrangements be made through MelitaTrips LLC on the airline selected for that trip.  International airfares are based upon Advanced Purchase Excursion fares and are subject to change by the airlines without notice prior to purchase.

11.  NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:  Passport’s front page, Liability, and Passenger Information Forms (PIF) are all required at final payment.  Liability form, PIF and any other necessary documentation will be mailed with final payment reminder.  Failure to provide these forms may result in financial penalties imposed by foreign immigration authorities.  All costs related to your inaccurate data are the responsibility of each guest.  Final documents will not be issued prior to receipt of your completed forms and a copy of your Passport’s front page.

12.  PASSPORT/VISAS:  Your passport must be valid six (6) months after the scheduled return date of your travel.  It is our guest’s responsibility to have a valid passport, necessary visas and public health documents for all applicable countries visited and comply with all their customs requirements.  Without your required documents, passengers may be denied entry and accommodations by MelitaTrips LLC.  If guests are refused entry during travel, MelitaTrips LLC will not make a refund or be held liable for any such denial of entry.

If MelitaTrips LLC, as a courtesy, provides some information or advice for your travel documents, guests are still responsible to verify all the information with all the appropriate government authorities.  MelitaTrips LLC does not guarantee the accuracy of our suggestions.  Some countries require passports to be valid six months beyond your intended stay.  Please check with each appropriate consulate for their specific requirements.

13.  TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:  All travel documents (air, land and cruise tickets, passport, medical card, inoculation verification) are always the guest’s responsibility.  Security measures imposed by governments may change from time to time, but each guest will be required to comply with them.  As a courtesy, MelitaTrips LLC will try to provide each guest with notice of measures that may affect them, but complying with any such requirements is the sole responsibility of each guest.

14.  BAGGAGE:  MelitaTrips LLC limits baggage allowance to one bag per guest, unless otherwise specified.  If guests travel with more than one bag, additional fees may apply.

Airlines Baggage limitations and fees vary from airline to airline.  Please refer to the specific airlines’ website for their specific guidelines.

MelitaTrips LLC does not assume any liability for any loss, delay or misdirected baggage.

15.  NOT INCLUDED:  Due to fluctuation, air taxes & fees, foreign exchange, and security surcharges will be added at final billing.  Visa and Passport fees, vaccinations, meals not specified, porterage and gratuities (unless specified in trip inclusions) are not included.  We also never include alcoholic, drinks, laundry, telephone and personal amenities.

16.  OPTIONAL TRIP INSURANCE:  MelitaTrips LLC always recommends all guests purchase a travel protection plan to protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.  For your convenience, we offer a travel protection plan, 360° Group Protection Plans provided by Travelex Insurance Services, that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation/Interruption, trip delay, baggage loss, theft or damage, medical expense,  emergency evacuation coverage, and more.

Please Note: The plan cannot be purchased after final payment.

A brochure detailing your trip insurance coverage will be sent with your initial invoice confirmation.

Travel Insurance is offered on behalf of and under the direction of Travelex Insurance Services, Inc.  California Agency License #0D10209, which is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276.  7D4

17.  DEVIATIONS:  Any requests for deviations must be in writing and received by MelitaTrips LLC and are always subject to air availability.  A non-refundable $200 per person deviation fee must be paid prior to any arrangements, plus additional expenses maybe incurred for airfare and itinerary.

18.  TRANSFERS:  Transfers are only provided if specified in our trip inclusions.  If you make your own air arrangements, transfers will not be provided unless pre purchased.

19.  ALTERATIONS TO TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:  a) If improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute hotels.  MelitaTrips LLC reserves the right to alter or cancel travel arrangements at any time.  Every effort will be made to provide arrangements as planned, but alterations could still occur after final itineraries are sent.  MelitaTrips LLC will then provide, wherever possible, similar travel arrangements.  Where travel arrangements of a lower standard are only available, MelitaTrips LLC will refund the difference between the price of arrangements booked and the actual arrangements provided.  If the arrangements provided are of higher standard, there will be an extra charge to you.

b) In the case of a supplier failing to provide travel arrangements as reserved, either shortly before or on arrival, MelitaTrips LLC will make every effort to provide alternative arrangements on the above basis, but shall not otherwise be liable to compensate you where such failure on the part of the supplier to provide travel arrangements is beyond our control.

20.  ACCOMMODATIONS:  MelitaTrips LLC chooses hotels based on a combination of their location, service, atmosphere and price.  On adventure tours and programs in out-of-the way places, best-available hotels are used.  In most cases, hotels have elevators.  Program prices are based on two people sharing a room with a bath.

Twin Share/Double Occupancy accommodations are based on two single beds, or one double bed as provided by the hotel.  Hotels provide triple accommodations generally with a twin or double-bedded room and one rollaway bed at an additional charge.  Single room accommodations must be booked by guest wishing to travel alone.  Special requests such as non-smoking floors or king-size beds cannot be guaranteed.

21.  VALUABLES:  Accommodations may be equipped with a personal safe, however MelitaTrips LLC will never be responsible for any lost/stolen articles such as money, jewelry, cameras, binoculars, documents or any other items, which you retain personally.  Please do not travel with expensive jewelry.

22.  MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS:  Some tours require medical certifications from your doctor. This requirement, if needed, is noted on each individual itinerary.  On these tours, a medical form will be sent to you.  You are responsible for advising MelitaTrips LLC in writing about any medical conditions that may in any way affect your ability your ability to undertake the travel arrangements you have purchased.  In addition, you must provide a letter from your doctor stating the nature of the medical condition, which certifies you are physically fit to undertake the travel arrangements as purchased.  If you have any questions about whether your health or physical abilities are suitable for our tour activities, please contact MelitaTrips LLC.

23.  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  MelitaTrips LLC will make a reasonable effort to accommodate special requests, such as smoking, adjacent or connection rooms, bed size and dietary needs; however, we cannot guarantee any requests will be accommodated.

You must request all special requirements in writing to MelitaTrips LLC; applicable fees may apply for some services.  Without written notice, MelitaTrips LLC will not accept any responsibility for special requirements not provided.

24.  SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS:  Participants may join the group en route and/or stay on after the end of the program, however in such cases, no refund will be made for any unused portions of your tour.

25.  CHILDREN:  MelitaTrips LLC travel programs are designed for those interested in the cultural and scientific aspects of our program and are suitable for children 8 years or older with the same curiosity and interest.  Children, regardless of age, must pay the tour’s full price.  Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  If the adult accompanying the minor is not their parent, a parental consent guardianship form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by MelitaTrips LLC prior to travel.

26.  RESPONSIBILITIES OF TOUR MEMBERS:  Tour members have certain responsibilities to MelitaTrips LLC, vendors, and other members of our tours.  There are set times for different events and tours.  Tour members must be considerate of other members and be on time for departures.  It will always be the tour member’s responsibility to get to each event or meal location.  Tour members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in your tour and their ability and appropriate behavior for our tour.  It is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before departure.  The tour leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if he or she feels the tour member is emotionally, mentally or physically incapable or if the tour member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual involved or your group.  Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

27.  RESPONSIBILITY:  The sponsoring organization and MelitaTrips LLC act only as agents for the various carriers for which tickets are provided, and assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any vessel, carriage, aircraft, or in part in the performance of its duty to the passenger neither injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or for any hotel proprietor, or hotel service, or for any person engaged in carrying the purpose for which tickets and coupons are issued.  In the event it becomes advisable for the comfort and well being of passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators.  The right is reserved to withdraw any and all tours should conditions warrant; also to decline, to accept or retain any passenger as members of your tour.  In such instances, full or equitable amounts will be refunded.  Refunds for unused carrier tickets may be made only in accordance with the regulations of the carrier.  All fares are based on our tariffs as of this printing and are subject to adjustment without prior notice in event of changes.

28.  GENERAL EXCLUSIONS:  MelitaTrips LLC will not pay you for claims arising out of loss or damage directly or indirectly occasioned by circumstances where performance and/or prompt performance of the Passenger Ticket Contract is prevented by reason of war, or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute whether by MelitaTrips LLC employees or others, terrorist activity or the threat of terrorist activity, failure of supplies of power, health risks or epidemics, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions or adverse sea states, your suicide or attempted suicide or your deliberate exposure to unnecessary danger, or the consequences of participating in an unusual and dangerous activity and all similar circumstances outside MelitaTrips LLC control.

29.  MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS:  Maps shown are for general information only and may not necessarily reflect actual routings and services provided.  Hotel photographs may not necessarily reflect the standard of any room purchased.

30.  PHOTOGRAPHY:  By participating in an astronomical adventure with MelitaTrips LLC, you consent to having your name, face, likeness, voice and/or appearance captured in any photograph and videos (or portions thereof) in any format, including, but not limited to, print, digital or film media now existing or hereafter developed, and you further acknowledge and agree that such photographs and videos (or portions thereof) may be shared with other participants in the adventure.  You also agree that any such photographs and videos taken outside the United States may be transferred to the United States.

Photo credits will be given to personal photographs and videos.

31.  TRAVEL CONSUMER RESTITUTION CORPORATION (TCRC):  For Persons Located in California: MelitaTrips LLC is a participant in the TCRC.  If you were located in California at the time of sale, you may request reimbursement from TCRC if you are owed a refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services, which was not refunded in a timely manner by MelitaTrips LLC.  The maximum amount paid by or on behalf of the Guest to us, not to exceed $15,000.  A claim must be submitted to the TCRC within six (6) months after the scheduled completion date of travel.  A claim must include sufficient information and documentation to prove your claim, plus a processing fee.  You must agree to waive your right to other civil remedies against us for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a claim with TCRC, if you were located in California at the time of the sale.  You may request a claim form online at: http://www.TCRCinfo.org or by writing to: Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, 468 Manzanita Ave., Ste 1, Chico, CA 95926; or by faxing a request to (530) 809-1806.  Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the state of California.

For persons not located in California: If you were not located in California at the time of sale, your transaction will not be covered by the California TCRC.

MelitaTrips LLC is a registered Seller of Travel in the State of California (CST).

CST: #2146649-40