TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) govern the relationship between Technicool LLC dba Explore the World Travel (“ETWT” and/or “us/our”) and you, the purchaser and/or traveler (“Client” and “passenger” and “you/your”).

By planning travel with ETWT, you agree to be bound by these terms and acknowledge that ETWT acts solely as a booking agent for disclosed principal supplier tour operators, cruise lines, hotels, airlines, air charters, bus companies, ground transportation, boat purveyors or owners, and other independent contractors providing accommodations, transportation, and other services (“Supplier(s)”) and is not the source or provider of the travel services.  These terms include warranties and disclaimers and exclusions of liability and may restrict your rights and remedies and provide protection to ETWT.

1. USE OF ETWT SERVICES, ACCESS AND INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL BOOKINGS

You warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into this Agreement and to make travel bookings with ETWT. You agree to be financially responsible for all of your travel bookings and warrant that all information supplied by you on behalf of yourself, members of your household, or others for whom you are authorized to transact business with us is true and accurate. You agree that you will only make legitimate reservations or purchases with ETWT and its Suppliers, and acknowledge that, without limitation, any speculative, false, or fraudulent reservation is prohibited.

All bookings are accepted by ETWT as agent for the travel Suppliers on your itinerary. Separate Supplier terms and conditions will apply to your reservation and purchase of travel-related goods and services that you select, and you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of purchase imposed by any Supplier that you have selected as a service provider for your travel.

ETWT is an Independent Contractor of Outside Agents, California Seller of Travel 2090937-50 (Registered Affiliate), Florida ST15578 – Washington 603189022. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

2. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

You shall be completely responsible for all charges, fees, duties, taxes, and assessments arising out of your travel bookings through ETWT. By submitting a credit card authorization form to ETWT, you agree to allow ETWT to use your payment method to purchase travel products from our Suppliers on your behalf.

EXCEPT IN CASES OF FRAUD, YOU AGREE NOT TO FILE ANY DISPUTE WITH YOUR BANK OR CREDIT CARD COMPANY TO AVOID OR VIOLATE ANY BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ETWT OR ITS SUPPLIERS, INCLUDING CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES OF ITINERARY OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR REASONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF ETWT OR ITS SUPPLIERS. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO CHARGEBACK, REVERSE OR RECOLLECT A PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED TRIP PAYMENT, ETWT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO COLLECT ALL ADDITIONAL COSTS, FEES AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH CHARGEBACK, REVERSAL OR RECOLLECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ATTORNEY FEES.

ETWT, an Independent Travel Agent of A.S.A.P. CRUISES, INCORPORATED, d/b/a OUTSIDE AGENTS, does not accept personal checks or cash as payment, nor will your payment filter through any accounts of ETWT. All payments are made directly to the Supplier, other than administrative or change fees payable directly to this agency, ETWT. After full payment, the conditions of the contract with your Supplier may permit them to increase the cost of your arrangements. If we are acting as your Booking Agent, we will pass on any such increase to you as we become aware of such increase. Subsequently, you are guaranteed that if at any time prior to your travel the price decreases, you will be issued the appropriate refund. If we have arranged a package, changes in transportation costs including the cost of fuel, taxes, fees, and exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have paid in full.

 All payments for travel are due prior to departure according to each Supplier’s terms and conditions of booking. You understand that failure to make final payment or any violation of a Supplier’s conditions of purchase may result in cancellation of your reservations, in your being denied access to any flights, tours, hotels, cruises, or other travel services, or in your forfeiting any monies paid for your reservations. In some cases, there is NO REFUND once a booking is made and paid in full. You may not be entitled to a refund if you change or cancel your travel plans after confirmation of a booking.

All cancellation requests must be sent to ETWT in writing. As a result of cancellation, ETWT’s and third-party Supplier’s cancellation penalties will apply. ETWT cancellation fees will be charged to the credit card or other payment method you authorized to pay for travel services Cancellation fees for the supplier are separate and can be found in the supplier terms and conditions which are included with the initial proposal.

 If you cancel your arrangements and you are entitled to a partial refund, refunds are never issued from ETWT. Refunds will only be processed and paid through the Supplier and are subject to the terms and conditions of the Supplier. We are not responsible for a Supplier’s failure or delay to pay a refund. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your travel insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim your cancellation charges through your insurer. It is further understood that travel insurance generally only covers unforeseen events. Please note that most policies have a specific clause stating they do not cover epidemics and pandemics, or force majeure events especially when travel warnings are in place.

 Your contract with your Suppliers may allow them to cancel or amend bookings. If we are your Booking Agent, we will ensure that you are promptly notified of any significant changes once we become aware of such change if there is time before your departure, but we accept no liability for any changes or costs incurred that may result. Subject to the Supplier’s terms and conditions, you will then have the choice of accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements if one is made available by the Supplier, or canceling your booked arrangements and receiving any applicable refunds. We do not guarantee that any refunds will apply.

 If you have booked a flight and we are alerted to a significant schedule change by your airline before you leave the United States, we will contact you by email to advise you of this. Please ensure that you have given your contact email address to us and that you regularly check for messages before you leave. We have no control over airline schedule changes and accept no liability for costs which may arise as a result of such changes.

 After you have left the US, it is your responsibility to check with the airline that any onward flights you have confirmed are operating as booked. We strongly recommend that you contact your airline at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure of each flight to do this. Please note that for some airlines it is mandatory to confirm with them your intention to fly. Unless otherwise stated in writing by ETWT, it is your responsibility to complete your online check-in with airlines, hotels, car rentals, or any other travel providers.

3. CHANGES TO BOOKING

Where a change requested by you to your travel arrangements is permitted and possible, our standard service fees will apply in addition to any additional Supplier charges. Please contact us in writing to inquire about changes. Please note that all reservation changes are subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the product purchased.

 Changes to name details are not allowed by many airlines and other suppliers. While we will make every possible attempt to make such a change if necessary, please bear in mind that most airlines and suppliers treat a name change as a cancellation, to which standard conditions and charges would apply.

 You agree that if you provide incorrect information, including misspelled or incorrect names and dates of birth, that you will be responsible for all charges implemented by the supplier as well as a $75.00 administrative fee to ETWT

4. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, PASSPORTS, VISAS, AND IDENTIFICATION

When you receive any and all travel documents, it is your responsibility to review and verify all information for accuracy. Contact ETWT immediately if changes or corrections are required.

It is the responsibility of each Client to obtain and carry a valid passport, visa(s), and all other documents required by applicable government regulations.  We do not accept any responsibility in the case of you being unable to travel due to not complying with any such requirements.

ETWT strongly recommends that you take into account that certain countries will not admit a passenger if their passport expires within six (6) months of the date of entry. Non-United States citizens may require additional documentation. Client is responsible to make ETWT aware when traveling on a passport from a country other than the United States of America. ETWT neither controls nor warrants the issuance of visas or approval of visa waivers related to your travel. Should a visa not be issued, ETWT is not responsible for lost payments made toward the contemplated trip. Please note that rules of each country regarding entry and exit change on a daily basis.

Children and infants also require travel documents. Minors traveling with one parent, and/or without both parents, may be stopped and not admitted, unless authenticated and verified consent forms are provided to the authorities; please see https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-3643 for additional information. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency requires that for groups of children under age 19 arriving to the United States by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. Parental or legal guardian consent must be provided to the supervising adult/Group Leader in writing.

When traveling domestically or internationally, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advise that everyone carry acceptable identification in order to board a flight. Acceptable identification can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids; examples are DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license, Passport, a foreign government passport. The name, date of birth and gender that appears on the identification card must exactly match the same such data that is listed on airline ticket(s) and booking records. 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 on cruises and tours.

5. INDIVIDUAL ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

Each country holds different views of past criminal offenses, whether within or outside of their boundaries. If you have a current or prior criminal offense, contact that country directly for entry and exit requirements. You can visit the US State Department Website for further information about these requirements. See, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html. We do not inquire about an individual’s criminal record in the interest of respecting our Clients’ privacy. For example, if traveling to or through Canada, individuals with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) record should review current entry requirements. See:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/inadmissibility/index.asp.

6. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Federal law prohibits passengers from bringing hazardous materials on the aircraft.
(1) Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in the passenger’s luggage or on the passenger’s person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radio- active materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radiopharmaceuticals.
(2) There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in the passenger’s luggage and certain smoking materials carried on the passenger’s person. For further information, each passenger should contact the relevant airline representative(s) on their itinerary. Restrictions on hazardous materials are listed http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items.

7. INSECTICIDE NOTICE

We recommend that you refer to the DOT list of airports in countries that require airlines to treat the passenger cabin with insecticides prior to the flight or while on the aircraft. This list is on the DOT’s website and is updated from time to time: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/spray

8. HEALTH/IMMUNIZATIONS

U.S. Citizens should refer to the travel advice posted by the U.S. Department of State for all the countries you intend to visit. Vaccinations may be required for some or all of the places you are intending to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged all necessary vaccinations or health requirements, if any, for your itinerary. ETWT shall not assume responsibility for the accuracy of health, vaccination, or documentation prior to departure or upon landing at the final destination. In some cases, required inoculations must be recorded by Client’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the Client must carry for proof of inoculation. If you are concerned about taking any medications or receiving certain inoculations, check with your health practitioner BEFORE booking. Check the State Department Web site http://travel.state.gov, for relevant information relating to travel to specific destinations, and the Center for Disease Control http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ relating to health issues related to travel.

Client understands that it is his/her responsibility to have travel insurance to ensure they have coverage for all medical needs and trip cancellation but understands that concerns or fear of travel is not a covered reason for cancellation relating to the Coronavirus/ Covid-19 and will be denied. Client holds ETWT harmless for client’s election to not purchase travel insurance or any denial of claim by travel insurer as it relates to Covid-19 or any other claim under the policy.

 Client is aware the travel warnings, travel restrictions, and rules and understands the risks, is accepting of these, and knows that ETWT, holds agency harmless for any travel restrictions, death, illness, cancellations by suppliers, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour agencies or any other travel provider, financial loss, quarantining rules or measures put in place at airports or destinations you are traveling through. Client further agrees to hold ETWT, harmless for any financial penalties or fees imposed by the by suppliers, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour agencies or any other travel provider due to cancellations or postponements due to Covid-19 and agrees not to institute a credit card dispute or “charge back” that leads to ETWT, being charged for said penalties or fees.

 Client is aware that additional screening procedures and restrictions may take place at airports and in public areas. Client is aware that these restrictions may include mandatory face coverings and/or temperature checks in airports, hotels, cruise ships, trains, or other means of transport. Client is aware that Immigration restrictions may be put in place before or during your travels that may impede your ability to enter or exit your destination as planned. Client is aware that it is his/her personal decision to travel and is doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the Coronavirus COVID-19 and takes full responsibility for his/her actions with regards to this.

 Client understands and confirms that ETWT, after reasonable inquiry, has provided client with the best available information regarding pandemic protection policies provided by travel suppliers, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, cruises lines, tour agencies, transfer agencies or any other provider involved in clients booking, but that said suppliers may not enforce or apply said policies. Additionally, client understands and is aware that even if said travel suppliers make a good faith effort to enforce said pandemic policies and procedures, some travelers may refuse to cooperate with said policies. Client further holds ETWT, harmless for any injury or harm that may arise.

9. AIR TRAVEL, SCHEDULE RECONFIRMATION, CHECK-IN

ETWT shall not assume any responsibility for any air schedule changes. In rare instances, upon departure from a country, certain departure taxes must be paid in cash only, and may vary in price. Failure to use a reservation may result in automatic cancellation of all continuing and return flights, as well as forfeiture of airfares.

Airline e-tickets expire a year from issue date unless carrier fare rules in passenger’s itinerary fare provide otherwise.

Due to enhanced security, it is strongly recommended that you check in a minimum of 2 hours prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to scheduled departure time for international flights. Reconfirm flight times at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and 72 hours prior for international flights.

10. RIGHT TO CORRECT ERRORS/OFFERS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

We reserve the right to correct errors. In the event of any pricing error or omission, we reserve the right to adjust such pricing or make any other corrections. All offers, incentives and Supplier promotions are subject to availability and may change without notice. Prospective Clients are advised to reserve early to avoid disappointment and additional late booking fees.

11. MINIMUM PASSENGER REQUIREMENTS AND ROOMMATES

Cruise Pricing and Occupancy: Cruise prices are calculated based on double occupancy, which includes accommodation for two individuals in a stateroom or cabin. If your travel party consists of more than two travelers, a customized quote will be provided to accommodate the additional occupants. The revised quote will be determined based on the number of passengers, the type of accommodations required, and any applicable charges. Please note that prices for additional occupants may vary from the standard double occupancy rate, and the final pricing will be communicated to you prior to booking.

Roommate Responsibilities: In the event that you, the client, chooses to share accommodation with other individuals while paying for your portion separately, client acknowledge their full responsibility for the entire accommodation cost should any of the clients cohabitants become unable to meet their financial obligations, regardless of the reason. It is incumbent upon client to either secure a replacement individual to assume the financial commitment or personally cover the entire booking cost. Client absolve ETWT of any liability for losses or penalties arising from a roommate’s failure to meet their financial obligations related to the booking.

12. LIMITATIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLOSURE

ETWT acts solely as a booking agent for disclosed principal Suppliers and is not the source or provider of any travel service. Each Supplier is an independent entity with its own management and is not subject to the control of ETWT. The Suppliers whose names appear in travel documentation are those actually responsible for providing the travel services purchased, and you consent to the use of those Suppliers.

BECAUSE ETWT ACTS AS AGENT FOR DISCLOSED PRINCIPAL SUPPLIERS AND DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTROL THE OPERATIONS OF SUCH INDEPENDENT OPERATORS AND SUPPLIERS, YOU AGREE THAT ETWT IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF THESE SERVICES. ETWT HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, IN CONNECTION WITH THE GOODS OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY ANY PRINCIPAL SUPPLIER BOOKING THROUGH ETWT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY ACT, ERROR, OMISSION, INJURY, LOSS, ACCIDENT, DELAY OR IRREGULARITY WHICH MAY BE INCURRED THROUGH THE FAULT, NEGLIGENCE, WILFULL ACTS, OMISSIONS OR OTHERWISE OF SUCH SUPPLIER, OR OF ANY SUPPLIER OR THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SERVANTS, OR REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR FAILURE TO DELIVER OR THEIR PARTIAL OR INADEQUATE DELIVERY OF SERVICES, THEIR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES, FUEL INCREASES, BANKRUPTCY OR CESSATION OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS OUTSIDE OF ETWT’S CONTROL, AND YOU HEREBY EXONERATE ETWT FROM ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE SAME.

ETWT HAS SOLELY RECEIVED COMMISSION AND FEES FOR TRAVEL TRANSACTIONS AND CLIENT AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT ANY RECOVERY FROM ETWT WILL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF COMMISSION AND FEES ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY ETWT.

13. RISKS/SAFETY

Travel to certain destinations may involve greater risk than others. ETWT urges Clients to remain informed on a daily basis as to current news events, as well as to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories issued by the United States Government prior to booking travel to international destinations. Information on health and safety conditions in various countries and the level of risk associated with travel to particular international destinations can be found http://www.state.gov , http://www.tsa.gov, http://www.dot.gov, http://www.faa.gov, http://www.cdc.gov, and http://www.cbp.gov. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Registration is recommended and provided by going to https://step.state.gov/step/.

BY OFFERING FOR SALE TRAVEL TO PARTICULAR DESTINATIONS, ETWT DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT TRAVEL TO SUCH POINTS IS ADVISABLE OR WITHOUT RISK, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR COSTS, DAMAGES, OR LOSSES THAT MAY RESULT FROM TRAVEL TO SUCH DESTINATIONS. CLIENT’S PARTICIPATION CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH EVENTS AT CLIENT’S OWN RISK.

14. FORCE MAJEURE

ETWT will not be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, for any failure or delay in performing an obligation under this Agreement that is due to any of the following causes, to the extent beyond its reasonable control: acts of God, accident, riots, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, including web host and inter ETWT service provider, breakdown or malfunction of equipment, destruction of or serious damage to facilities, natural catastrophes including, but not limited to extreme weather events, floods and volcanic eruptions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion, generalized lack of availability of raw materials or energy, and any other unforeseen circumstance which is beyond the control of ETWT. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON ALL TRIPS.

In addition, each of ETWT’s Suppliers have terms and conditions which include Force Majeure provisions. In the event that a Force Majeure event occurs, those Suppliers may be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, postpone or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund to you as a result of the non-performance of any obligations hereunder shall remain in the sole and absolute discretion of the Supplier, pursuant to their policies, although ETWT shall use its reasonable efforts to secure reimbursement for you where possible.

15. CLIENT CONDUCT

When you book with ETWT, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be paid directly at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other Supplier.

You agree to indemnify us and our affiliates, and any of our Suppliers and any such parties’ officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any claims, causes of action, demands, losses, damages, or other costs, (including reasonable legal and accounting fees) brought by you or third parties as a result of (a) your breach of this Agreement, (b) your violation of any law or rights of any third party, or (c) your use of our website.

We are not responsible for any costs incurred concerning a guest removed from a trip, or any portion of a trip. You agree not to hold ETWT or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

16. TRAVEL INSURANCE

ETWT offers access to travel insurance to protect passengers and their investment in travel. Unless specifically noted, travel insurance is not included in the cost of client’s itinerary to protect against third party supplier default/bankruptcy protection, delay, interruption, missed connection for cruises, cancellation, medical emergency transportation/evacuation & repatriation, baggage & personal effects/lost luggage & baggage delay, illness, job loss protection and change of plans, accidental death and disability, travel accident/sickness medical expenses, and more. Proper insurance may protect you from financial loss in almost all circumstances.

Without appropriate travel insurance, Client understands and agrees that if Client cancels or interrupts Client’s travel for any reason, portions of the trip/tour may not be refunded and ETWT’s and travel Suppliers’ cancellation penalties will apply resulting in the loss of monies up to the full cost of Client’s travel booking and related costs.

The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service offered by ETWT, however if you decline to purchase insurance, ETWT will require that you execute an insurance waiver.

ETWT is not a licensed insurance broker, and its advisors are not qualified or authorized to answer technical questions about benefits, exclusions, and conditions of any of the insurance offered, nor evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. An additional charge applies for any travel insurance selected.

ETWT CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY INSURANCE PROVIDER WILL APPROVE COVERAGE FOR A CLAIM MADE UNDER THE INSURER’S POLICY AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE FOR ANY POLICY IT MAY OFFER OR QUOTE.

17. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to change these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated versions of the Terms will be provided to Clients, will be posted on our website and are effective immediately on posting.

18. GENERAL

The laws of the State of Texas govern these Terms and Conditions. You hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Harris County, Texas in all disputes arising out of or relating to travel bookings with ETWT.

If any part of these Terms and Conditions is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and agreement shall continue in effect.

These Terms and Conditions (and any other terms and conditions referenced herein) constitute the entire agreement between the Client and ETWT with respect to travel bookings made with ETWT by any means, and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written, between Client and ETWT with respect to communications with ETWT. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to these Terms and Conditions to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.

Last Updated: October 13, 2023