Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions apply to bookings, transactions, and purchases related to John The Traveler, CuriosiTrip(s), or GeODDgraphy LLC, individually or collectively referred to as “Provider.” Any individual who purchases or is designated to utilize any product or service of the Provider will be known as a “Client” or “you.”
The Terms, Conditions, Waivers, and any associated documents or clauses are collectively referred to as the “Contract.” Any single iteration of a John The Traveler CuriosiTrip group trip or tour will hereafter be referred to as a “Trip.” Please read the following booking conditions carefully as they apply to bookings made through our website johnthetraveler.com.
Please be aware that these Terms and Conditions include liability and class action waivers as well as venue selection and notice clauses. By confirming your booking, you agree to accept all Terms and Conditions as indicated below and acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the Terms of this Contract.
You agree that any violation of any such terms and conditions may result in (a) the cancellation of your reservation or purchase, (b) your forfeiture of any monies paid for your reservation or purchase, and (c) your being denied access to the applicable travel-related product or service.
If you are making a booking for someone else or for more than one person, you agree to take responsibility for sharing these Terms and Conditions with all person(s) intended to receive the travel service(s) or product(s). You also agree to be financially responsible for the booking. We are not liable for a failure to share these Terms and Conditions with all Client(s) who intend to receive the product or service.
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to change these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes apply prospectively, not retroactively to already-booked trips. The current terms will apply to your booking. You must therefore be familiar with the terms in effect at the time you book. Your continued use of our services including continuing to use or maintain any bookings after notice of any changes to the Terms and Conditions constitutes your consent to the changes.
TRIP-SPECIFIC TERMS
Certain Trips may be subject to additional terms, conditions, or requirements (“Trip-Specific Terms”). In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and the Trip-Specific Terms, the Trip-Specific Terms shall govern.
1. Booking
You acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
You confirm that you are at least 21 years old, or you will be once you go on your Trip.
You confirm the information supplied by you is true and correct.
A contract is formed upon booking confirmation and acceptance of these Terms.
We only share necessary information with suppliers to fulfill your booking.
2. Trip Logistics
PRICING
All prices on this website are shown in US dollars (USD). Provider reserves the right to adjust Trip prices in response to changing market conditions, timing, or availability.
ITINERARY CHANGES
The nature of this Trip is flexible. As such, it is implied that any itinerary or schedule is likely to change.
We reserve the right to amend or vary the itinerary or other services should we determine circumstances warrant such changes, such as but not limited to weather, transportation changes, political unrest, or natural disaster, if it would be in the best interest of the participants, or for any other valid operational reason.
Due to weather and factors beyond control, times and schedules may need to be altered in some way. Such changes shall not be considered material and you shall not be entitled to any refund based on these changes.
CHANGES OR CANCELLATION BY A SUPPLIER
We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if a supplier needs to make a significant change to your confirmed booking or to cancel. We will also liaise between you and the supplier in relation to any alternative arrangements offered by the supplier, but we will have no further liability to you.
If, between planning time and/or during actual travel, circumstances require changes, our suppliers reserve the right to cancel or vary any itinerary and substitute components of any Trip.
During local or national holidays or special events, peak seasons, on certain days of the week, and during religious occasions, certain facilities such as museums, churches, restaurants, sightseeing tours, hotels, and shopping may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered whenever possible.
Provider cannot be held responsible for any closures, necessary itinerary changes, or detours for any reason. These changes will not be considered material changes and will not be considered cause for cancellation by the Client.
3. Payments
Payments are to be made in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable.
Provider reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the Trip at its own reasonable discretion.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT TERMS
Provider may, at its sole discretion, offer Clients the option to pay a deposit toward a Trip, with the remaining balance due by a specified date.
Any applicable deposit amounts, payment schedules, and final payment deadlines will be outlined in the Trip-Specific Terms.
Unless otherwise stated, all payments, including deposits, are non-refundable.
PRICING ADJUSTMENTS
All prices are shown in US dollars. Client must attempt payment and payment must be fully processed to be considered paid in full. Should the payment method be rejected or payment is otherwise not received in full, pricing may change from the time of attempted purchase and final purchase. If you have not received payment confirmation, please contact curious@johnthetraveler.com.
Provider reserves the right to adjust Trip prices at any time prior to the beginning of the Trip. If Client has paid in full, no additional payments will be required.
4. Cancellations, Refunds, and Postponements
CANCELLATION BY CLIENT
All cancellations by Client must be submitted in writing via email to curious@johnthetraveler.com and are effective only upon written acknowledgment by Provider.
All payments made to Provider are non-refundable, except as expressly stated in this Section.
Client acknowledges that once a booking is confirmed, Provider incurs costs and obligations with third-party suppliers and commits resources to the operation of the Trip. Accordingly, no refunds will be issued for any reason including, but not limited to:
- voluntary cancellation by Client
- failure to join the Trip
- late arrival or early departure
- personal circumstances, including illness, family emergencies, or scheduling conflicts
Client is strongly advised to obtain travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
CANCELLATION BY PROVIDER
Provider reserves the right to cancel a Trip for any reason, including but not limited to:
- insufficient participation
- safety concerns
- operational constraints
- unforeseen circumstances
If Provider cancels a Trip for reasons within its control, Client will receive a full refund of all amounts paid to Provider.
If Provider cancels a Trip due to circumstances outside of its control (including but not limited to force majeure events as defined below), Client will receive a credit toward a future Trip, and no cash refunds will be issued.
Provider is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by Client in preparation for the Trip, including but not limited to airfare, visas, accommodations, vaccinations, or other non-refundable costs.
POSTPONEMENT BY PROVIDER
Provider reserves the right to postpone a Trip.
If a Trip is postponed for reasons within Provider’s control, Client may choose either:
- (a) a full refund of all amounts paid to Provider; or
- (b) a credit toward a future Trip
If a Trip is postponed due to circumstances outside of Provider’s control, including but not limited to force majeure events, Client will be offered a credit toward a future Trip only, and no cash refunds will be issued.
Clients must notify Provider of their election within ten (10) days of receiving notice of postponement. If no response is received within this timeframe, Client’s payment will automatically be converted into a credit.
UNUSED SERVICES
No refunds, credits, or discounts will be provided for any unused portion of a Trip, including but not limited to:
- missed activities
- unused transportation
- unused meals or experiences
This applies regardless of the reason, whether voluntary or involuntary.
FORCE MAJEURE
Provider shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, weather events, pandemics, government actions, travel restrictions, war, civil unrest, labor disputes, transportation disruptions, or supplier failures.
In the event that a Trip is canceled or postponed due to a force majeure event, Provider will offer a credit toward a future Trip, and no cash refunds will be issued.
CHARGEBACKS AND PAYMENT DISPUTES
By booking a Trip, Client agrees not to initiate any chargeback or payment dispute that is inconsistent with these Terms and Conditions.
In the event of a dispute, Client agrees to contact Provider directly to seek resolution.
Provider reserves the right to dispute any chargeback and recover any costs associated with such dispute, including administrative fees and legal expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Client agrees to reimburse Provider for any costs incurred in responding to or disputing a chargeback or payment dispute initiated in violation of these Terms, including administrative costs, collection costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees to the fullest extent permitted by law.
REFUNDS (WHERE APPLICABLE)
In any circumstance where a refund is expressly permitted under these Terms and Conditions, such refund will be issued to the original form of payment and may take up to thirty (30) business days to process.
Except as explicitly stated in this Section, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
5. Payment Authorization
By providing a payment method, Client represents and warrants that they are authorized to use such payment method and authorize Provider to charge the full amount of the booking.
Client acknowledges that acceptance of payment constitutes agreement to these Terms and Conditions, including all cancellation and refund policies.
Provider reserves the right to cancel any booking if payment is declined, reversed, or suspected to be fraudulent.
6. Participant Responsibilities
TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Travel insurance is required for participation in certain Trips, particularly those involving international travel, as specified in the Trip-specific terms.
Where required, Client must obtain travel insurance that includes, at a minimum, coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellation or interruption.
Provider reserves the right to request proof of insurance coverage at any time prior to or during the Trip. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of insurance when required may result in removal from the Trip without refund.
Client acknowledges that travel insurance is the sole means of financial recovery for Trip cancellations, interruptions, or emergencies not expressly covered by Provider.
HEALTH AND FITNESS TO TRAVEL
Client represents and warrants that they are physically and mentally fit to participate in the Trip and have no medical condition that would endanger themselves or others.
Client agrees to disclose any relevant medical or physical conditions to Provider upon request and acknowledges that Provider is not responsible for any medical care, treatment, or accommodations required during or after the Trip.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND EVACUATION
Client acknowledges that medical facilities, emergency response capabilities, and evacuation standards may vary by destination. Client is solely responsible for all costs associated with medical treatment, transportation, emergency evacuation, repatriation, or other medical services required during or after the Trip. Provider may assist in coordinating emergency services at its discretion but assumes no responsibility for providing or funding such services.
PASSPORT, VISAS, & DOCUMENTATION
It is the responsibility of each Client to obtain and carry a valid passport, visa(s), inoculations, and all other documents required by applicable government regulations.
For up-to-date requirements US citizens should visit www.travel.state.gov. When traveling overseas you must hold a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity from your return date. Foreign passport holders must have a re-entry visa. Traveling to other countries may require a visa or you may be refused entry.
Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your medical care provider for current recommendations before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/.
You acknowledge any failure to strictly comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or an undue delay at an airport security checkpoint causing Client to miss flight(s), and subsequent scheduled travel bookings or Trips.
Provider bears no responsibility for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for you, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry.
STEP REGISTRATION
Provider strongly recommends that each Client from the United States who will participate in a Trip outside of the country to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/.
This service allows the U.S. government to know your location in the event of a major event that requires evacuation or other mass security concern. Enrollment in this service is completely voluntary.
INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL
Booking international travel is the responsibility of the Client. Airline tickets are issued to and accepted by the passenger subject to the terms, regulations and conditions outlined at the time of booking by the airlines’ conditions of carriage.
INTERNAL/DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL
Booking any applicable or desired domestic air travel is the responsibility of the Client.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Names should match Clients’ passports where possible. Provider may need such information for a Supplier or local officials. Client must be aware that any unmatching data or photo on passports or other photo identification may be subject to scrutiny or disbelief by authorities should the need arise. For this reason, it is advisable for Clients to bring any relevant and related documentation to prove their identity, such as marriage certificates, name change documentation, or other verification methods.
Clients voluntarily assume full and sole responsibility for any and all risks and/or costs involved with failure to report any errors and/or omissions to documentation.
CONFIRM YOUR FLIGHT
Provider advises you personally to reconfirm your flight schedule within 24 hours prior to departure directly with the airline in case of any last-minute changes or delays. Most airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours prior to departure. Upon arrival at the destination it is your responsibility to meet the group at the designated time and place.
Provider strongly discourages the use of third party or online travel agencies for booking airfare. Instead, booking directly with the airline is recommended. Client agrees to any potential risks associated with the failure to book directly with the airline on which the Client plans to fly.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation is not provided due to the nature of the Trip and the variety of budgetary needs, preferences, and interests of our Clients.
Provider can suggest geographic areas for Clients to stay. Specific neighborhoods that are near or adjacent to frequent meeting points will be selected. However, Clients are welcome to stay wherever they wish.
Provider bears no responsibility or obligation to assist with the selection of lodging or make guarantees on behalf of an accommodation provider, real or perceived.
Clients should be aware that hotel or accommodation room sizes, standards and facilities can vary regionally and are often different from standards in the United States.
This can include differences in bed sizes and room sizes, proximity of the beds to one another, bathroom amenities, amenities such as air-conditioning and compliance with other standards such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and wheelchair accessibility.
One of the joys of international travel is experiencing different cultures and different ways of life so we hope that you will accept these differences with grace and a sense of adventure.
By allowing Clients to select their own lodging in a local neighborhood, or possibly even someone’s house, allows for the potential of a deeper cultural experience and is one of the purposes of this Trip.
SIGHTSEEING
Due to weather and factors beyond our control, sightseeing schedules may need to be altered. We make every effort to maximize the time we have together. As a courtesy to others on the Trip, it is mandatory that you be on time for all scheduled experiences.
Group excursions and activities will begin on time. Failure to arrive on time may inconvenience the group as a whole. We may need to depart on time in order to make it to a specific event or activity. In such a case where one Client is unable to meet up with the group for whatever reason, we will maintain contact via the group’s designated communication platform to communicate whereabouts and any schedule changes.
It is essential that you keep in mind that tour and activity times are set to accommodate climate, crowd size and best viewing options for our groups. At times, early morning departure times may help create a better experience. Therefore, late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
GROUP COMMUNICATIONS
Provider may utilize WhatsApp or another designated communication platform for Trip updates, schedule changes, meeting points, emergency communication, and other operational matters. Client is responsible for monitoring communications sent through the designated platform during the Trip. Provider’s obligation to communicate operational updates shall be deemed fulfilled upon posting such information to the designated communication platform.
INCLUSIONS
Our Trips may include ground public transportation (via transportation card or credit), selected meals as outlined, plus entry fees to sites, museums, or events as indicated in the Trip itinerary for each Trip.
Specific details of which meals and events will be included will be provided upon arrival. Provider may discuss the proposed itinerary with Clients on pre-Trip calls or meetings. Provider may alter the itinerary based on the attendees’ interests and preferences, both before and during the Trip.
Provider will also suggest sightseeing options for Client’s free time. In the event that during specified free time, Provider offers any Client(s) to join in or attend non-scheduled events, meals, or experiences, those will be considered additional to the Trip. It is possible that shared costs for transportation, meals, or entry fees may be partially or fully covered, but not at the exclusion of any one Client and not due to favoritism or specific inclusion of any one Client.
COSTS NOT INCLUDED
Our Trips do not include airfares, personal transportation to and from the home airport(s), passport or visa fees, taxes, travel and health insurance, telephone expenses, drinks unless specified, excess baggage charges, tips and services not otherwise listed and all items of a personal nature.
Some optional activities are included in the Trip price. The price does not cover costs and expenses, including your return home, if you leave the Trip whether of your own volition, our decision based on behavior that disrupts the Trip, due to illness, action by any government or other reason. This list is illustrative and not a complete list of every item not included.
PHOTO RELEASE
By traveling with us you consent to images taken of you being used for advertising and promotional purposes. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes such as but not limited to using group photos on our website, social media, and email communications.
This clause applies to all adult participants.
INCLUSIVITY AGREEMENT
On our Trips, participants have the opportunity to meet and interact with people of all cultures and backgrounds, both within the countries we travel to and with other group participants.
In order to foster an inclusive and respectful environment, we expect participants to exercise discretion and cultural awareness when it comes to language and remarks that may seem insensitive or derogatory to certain people.
Remarks that may seem harmless to one person may be deemed offensive by someone of a different identity by religion, gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, ability, body shape, or gender expression, etc. We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone to feel welcome.
We encourage participants to approach others and differences within participants and cultures with an open mind, respect, and curiosity, as well as avoiding stereotypes, assumptions, and judgment based on differences. Valuing diverse perspectives is an important aspect of travel and of our Trips specifically.
IF YOU ARE ASKED TO LEAVE
Participating in a group Trip is a team effort. If you are asked to leave a Trip for bad behavior, violence, bullying, or any other disruptive action, you will not be refunded, no credit will be provided, and you will not be allowed on any of our future Trips.
If your alcohol use, substance use, or other behavior makes you a danger to yourself or others, or materially disrupts the Trip experience, you may be asked to leave without refund or reimbursement.
By joining a Trip, you acknowledge that there may be difficulties, dangers, different standards of hygiene, or anything else that may not be ideal or perfectly comfortable. If we are traveling in another country, we should remain judgment-free, curious, and open-minded.
Provider reserves the right to deny service to anyone, at any time, for any reason. If you are known to cause disruption, drama, or negativity that disrupts the experience of our guests, you will not be allowed to return on future Trips.
We are not responsible for any of your travel expenses that may arise from the moment you are asked to leave.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND ILLEGAL CONDUCT
Client agrees to comply with all applicable local laws during the Trip. Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited. Excessive intoxication, reckless behavior, or conduct that endangers the Client, other participants, or the Trip experience may result in removal from the Trip without refund. Provider shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, legal issue, delay, or other consequence arising from Client’s intoxication, substance use, or unlawful conduct.
COVID POLICY
This Trip is currently open to all travelers regardless of vaccination status. We encourage you to review your current health care agency’s recommendations for vaccinations against COVID-19 and other diseases and viruses.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your origin, destination, or airline. Travel restrictions change frequently. Please ensure you have researched entry requirements, which may be required by both country and airline.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms, you may be asked not to join the group for our excursions. It is imperative that you monitor your own health, obtain proper health and travel insurance coverage that includes COVID-19, and practice safe and considerate personal hygiene and health practices.
DESTINATIONS
Travel to certain destinations may involve greater risk than others. Provider urges Clients to remain informed daily as to current news, as well as to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements, and advisories issued by the United States and other government agencies prior to booking travel to international destinations.
Information on conditions in various countries and the level of risk associated with travel to destinations can be found at http://www.state.gov, and http://www.cdc.gov.
In addition, you should consult with government websites to ensure that you are following all requirements for admittance into that country, including COVID- 19 requirements, as well as understanding local laws that govern travel within a country, such as medical tests and tracking.
Should you choose to travel to a country that has been issued a travel warning or advisory, Provider will not be liable for damages or losses that result from travel to or from such destinations.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TRAVEL RISKS
Client acknowledges that travel to certain destinations may involve increased risks, including but not limited to crime, political instability, transportation limitations, infrastructure challenges, health risks, and limited access to emergency services or medical care. By participating in the Trip, Client voluntarily assumes such risks and acknowledges that Provider cannot guarantee personal safety or security at any time during the Trip.
7. Legal Provisions
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Client acknowledges that participation in travel, particularly international and group travel, involves inherent risks, including but not limited to illness, injury, accidents, theft, political instability, transportation disruptions, and other unforeseen events.
Client voluntarily assumes all such risks, whether known or unknown, and agrees that Provider shall not be held liable for any such risks to the fullest extent permitted by law.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
By accepting these terms the client acknowledges and agrees that to the full extent permitted by law, GeODDgraphy LLC and its representatives shall assume no responsibility and will not be held liable for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay or inconvenience sustained by the client in the course of or as a result of services provided by Provider as part of the itinerary and that the Client shall hereby release, discharge and/or indemnify Provider and its representatives in respect of any such loss, injury or damage, accident, delay or inconvenience and/or from any liability arising from same.
Without prejudice to the foregoing, Provider and its representatives shall have no liability or obligations to a client arising directly or indirectly out of any circumstances beyond its/their control including, but not limited to, breakdown in equipment, strikes, theft, delay, hijacking, act or threat of war (whether declared or not), riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, discharge dispersal, release or escape of pollutants, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, sickness, bad weather, technical or transportation problems, closure of stations or airports, cancellations or changes of schedules by railways, air or bus lines or any other circumstances amounting to force majeure and/or Act of God.
Client may be required to execute a separate liability waiver prior to participation. Such waiver shall be binding and independent of this agreement.
DISCLAIMER
Provider is not a carrier or hotelier, nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches.
While Provider exercises every care in the selection of reputable operators and other suppliers of the various services which are used in these Trips, Provider does not act as their agent, nor are such suppliers or service providers the agent of Provider.
Client acknowledges that transportation providers, drivers, guides, accommodations, restaurants, activity operators, and other third-party vendors utilized during the Trip are independent third parties and are not owned, operated, or controlled by Provider. Standards for vehicles, transportation, accommodations, safety, hygiene, infrastructure, and operational practices may differ from those in Client’s home country. Client voluntarily assumes all risks associated with the use of such third-party services.
GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
These Terms and Conditions and any disputes arising out of or related to the services provided by Provider shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
The parties agree that any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within Montgomery County, Maryland, and the parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION
Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, the Trip, or any services provided by Provider shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in accordance with its applicable rules.
The arbitration shall take place in Montgomery County, Maryland. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
The parties agree that arbitration shall be the exclusive dispute resolution mechanism, except for actions to enforce an arbitration award or to seek temporary, preliminary, or emergency equitable relief.
CLASS ACTION WAIVERS
The parties agree to waive any right to a jury trial and to participate in any class action or representative proceeding.
SEVERABILITY
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
These Terms and Conditions, together with any Trip-Specific Terms and any other documents expressly incorporated herein, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral.