Go Epic Tours Inc. – Terms and Conditions
1. Company and Service Overview
Go Epic Tours Inc. (“Go Epic Tours”, “we”, or “us”) is a Canadian incorporated travel company specializing in group travel packages to Mediterranean destinations, specifically Turkey and Greece. Our tours are designed for small groups and require a minimum of 6 participants to operate. We organize a range of travel services for our clients, including accommodations, ground transportation, guided tours, and other itinerary components as described in your tour package. Flights are not included by default in our base packages; however, we can assist in arranging flights upon request as an add-on service (see Section 6 regarding third-party flight bookings). All our prices are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) for consistency and transparency.
Go Epic Tours currently sells and coordinates all tours directly with clients via official channels such as phone and email. In the future, we may work with authorized travel agents or representatives to offer our tours. Regardless of whether you book directly with us or through an authorized agent, these Terms and Conditions apply to every booking. By booking a tour with Go Epic Tours, you agree to the following terms and conditions which outline the rights and obligations of both the client (“you”) and the company (“we” or “us”). We aim to use clear, customer-friendly language while ensuring these terms are legally enforceable and protect both parties.
2. Booking and Payment Terms
Booking Confirmation and Deposit: To secure a place on one of our tours, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The deposit amount will be specified by Go Epic Tours (typically around 20% of the total tour price, or a set amount per person). This deposit is collected upfront and is non-refundable unless otherwise stated. Your booking is not confirmed until we receive the deposit and issue a written booking confirmation or invoice. Payment of the deposit signifies your commitment to the tour and agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
Pricing in CAD: All tour prices, fees, and charges are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Prices include those services and items explicitly stated in your itinerary or booking invoice (e.g., accommodations, ground transport, guided activities, certain meals). Items not included (for example, international airfare, travel insurance, certain meals, or optional excursions) will be clearly communicated to you before booking. We reserve the right to correct any obvious errors in pricing prior to confirming your booking. Once your booking is confirmed, we will honor the quoted price in CAD, and you will not be affected by exchange rate fluctuations.
Final Payment: The final balance payment for your tour is due 60 days before the departure date (unless a different timeline is specified in your specific itinerary or invoice). If you book within 60 days of the departure date, the full tour price is payable at the time of booking. We will send you a reminder or invoice for the final payment, which will detail the amount due and the due date. If final payment is not received by the due date, Go Epic Tours reserves the right to treat your booking as canceled (see Cancellation terms below regarding forfeiture of deposits and fees for late payment).
Methods of Payment: We accept payment by major credit cards, bank transfers, or other methods as specified at the time of booking. All payments will be processed in Canadian Dollars. Any additional bank charges, credit card fees, or exchange fees (if you are paying from a non-Canadian account) are your responsibility. By providing your payment information, you represent that you are authorized to use the payment method and authorize Go Epic Tours to charge the applicable amounts. You will receive an invoice or receipt confirming each payment.
Minimum Group Size: Our tours are organized on the basis of a minimum group size of six (6) paying participants. We actively monitor bookings for each departure. If the minimum group size is not met by a reasonable cutoff date prior to departure, we may have to cancel or reschedule the tour departure (see Section 4: Tour Modifications and Cancellations by Operator). We will notify you as early as possible if a tour’s participant count is below the minimum. In cases where we must cancel due to low enrollment, you will be given the option of a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to another tour/date.
Booking Through Agents: If in the future we engage travel agents or sales representatives to book tours on our behalf, any bookings made through such agents will be subject to these same Terms and Conditions. The agent will collect the required deposit and payments from you and will remit them to us. Go Epic Tours is not responsible for any verbal or written promises made to you by any travel agent that conflict with these Terms or the written information we have provided. Always ensure you receive a copy of our Terms and any official tour description from the agent. If you have any doubts, you can contact us directly to verify details.
Changes by You (Transfers & Substitutions): If you wish to make changes to your booking (such as transferring to a different tour or date, or substituting a participant), please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate changes, but we cannot guarantee that every change can be made. Changes may be subject to an administrative fee and any difference in tour cost or supplier-imposed fees. Minor adjustments (like correcting a name on a reservation) are usually free of charge or subject to a minor fee, whereas date or tour changes could be treated as a cancellation and new booking (incurring fees as described in Section 3) if close to the departure date.
Late Booking: For bookings made very close to the departure date (for example, less than 30 days prior), please be aware that full payment will be required immediately, and certain arrangements may be subject to availability. We will inform you of any logistical constraints or additional costs (for expedited booking procedures, last-minute availability, etc.) before finalizing such a booking.
3. Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation by the Client: If you need to cancel your tour booking, you must notify Go Epic Tours in writing (e.g., via email). The date we receive your written cancellation notice is the effective date of cancellation for the purposes of the fees outlined below. Cancellation charges are necessary because we begin to incur costs from the time you book (such as administrative expenses and commitments to hotels or other suppliers). Our Refund Policy (available on our website or on request) provides full details of cancellation terms. In summary, our standard cancellation fees are as follows:
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More than 60 days before departure: Your deposit is non-refundable, but any additional payments you have made will be refunded. (For example, if you paid a deposit and part of the balance, we refund the balance portion.)
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31 to 60 days before departure: You forfeit 50% of the total tour price. In other words, we will refund 50% of the tour price you paid (if you have only paid the deposit so far, note that the deposit is typically about 20%, so this may effectively mean an additional fee to reach 50%).
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30 days or less before departure: No refund will be issued. 100% of the tour cost is forfeited as a cancellation fee. This includes cancellations made one day before departure, or failing to show up for the tour (“no-shows”).
(The above timeline is a general policy. Your specific tour or invoice may state different deadlines or percentages, especially for certain promotional bookings or peak-season trips. In all cases, the written cancellation terms provided for your particular booking will govern.)
Partial Cancellations: If you booked multiple people and not all of them are canceling, or if your cancellation would result in a change of room occupancy (for example, if one person in a twin share cancels, leaving a single occupant), the price and/or refund will be adjusted accordingly. Any single supplement fees resulting from a roommate’s cancellation will be deducted from refunds or charged to the remaining traveler.
Refund Processing: Eligible refunds (if any) will be processed by Go Epic Tours as soon as possible after receiving your cancellation notice. Refunds will be made via the original payment method when feasible (e.g., refunded to the same credit card or bank account used). Please note that once we process a refund, your bank or credit card company may take additional time to post it to your account (typically a few business days). Any third-party fees that are non-recoverable (for example, credit card transaction fees, bank transfer fees, or previously incurred planning fees) may be deducted from the refund, but we will provide an itemized explanation if this is the case.
Non-Recoverable Costs and Exceptions: Certain components of your trip may be non-refundable regardless of when you cancel. For example, if we have arranged special discounted flights, cruise berths, or hotel rates through third-party providers, those arrangements may be 100% non-refundable once booked (we will have informed you of such conditions at the time of booking). In such cases, the cost of those components cannot be returned to you even if you cancel early. Additionally, if you cancel a tour after it has commenced or leave a tour in progress for any reason, no refunds will be given for unused portions. (Travel insurance may cover some of these situations; see Section 5 on Travel Insurance.)
Cancellation by Go Epic Tours: In the unlikely event that we must cancel your tour (for reasons other than Force Majeure, which is covered in Section 7), Section 4 of these terms will apply regarding your rights to refunds or rebooking. We generally do not cancel confirmed tours except for unusual situations such as failure to meet minimum group size, safety concerns, or other operational issues. If we cancel the tour, you will typically receive a full refund of all payments you’ve made to us for that tour (or you may accept a travel credit or alternate tour arrangement, if offered).
Refund Policy Document: We maintain a detailed Refund and Cancellation Policy document that further elaborates on the above points, including any grace periods, how to submit a cancellation notice, and how we handle situations like name changes or trip postponements. This document is incorporated by reference into these Terms and Conditions. If you did not receive a copy, please request one or visit our website. In case of any inconsistency between the summary above and the detailed Refund Policy, the terms of the Refund Policy will prevail.
Travel Insurance & Cancellations: We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance that covers trip cancellation (see Section 5). If your reason for canceling is covered by your insurance (for example, a medical emergency), you may be able to recover your losses through an insurance claim. We will provide any documentation needed (such as invoices or statements verifying your payments and cancellation charges) to support your insurance claim. However, Go Epic Tours is not responsible if your insurer denies your claim or if you failed to purchase insurance. Ultimately, the risk of needing to cancel your trip at the last minute (and the associated financial loss) belongs to you, and travel insurance is the best way to mitigate that risk.
4. Tour Modifications and Cancellations by Operator
While we strive to run every tour exactly as advertised, Go Epic Tours reserves the right to modify or cancel a tour in certain circumstances. Our priority is to deliver a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality experience. This section explains our policies if we must make changes or cancellations:
Minor Changes to Itinerary: “Minor” changes are changes that do not materially affect the overall tour experience. This could include adjusting the order of activities, changing the timing of events, swapping out one included activity for a similar one, or using an alternative hotel of comparable standard due to availability issues. We endeavor to keep such changes to a minimum. No refund or compensation is due for minor itinerary changes, and the published tour price remains in effect. We will communicate any known minor changes in your final travel documents or as soon as feasible during the tour. For example, if a museum is closed on a scheduled day, we might visit a similar attraction or rearrange the schedule; if a hotel in the itinerary is unavailable, we will book another hotel of equivalent quality.
Significant Changes: A “significant” change is one that materially alters an essential aspect of the tour. Examples could include a change of the tour’s primary destination, a change in departure or return city, or a rescheduling of the tour to different dates. If we must make a significant change, we will inform you as soon as possible. You will then have options: (a) accept the change; (b) transfer your booking to an alternative tour or date (and we will credit any payments you've made toward the new tour, applying any difference in price); or (c) cancel and receive a full refund of all money paid for the tour. When informing you of a significant change, we will specify a timeframe for you to decide. If you do not respond within the given timeframe, we may assume you have chosen to cancel for a refund. We will also try to assist with any reasonable related costs you’ve incurred (for example, change fees for flights) if the change is due to our error or decision, though such assistance is at our discretion.
Cancellation due to Insufficient Group Size: One scenario in which we might have to cancel a tour departure is if the minimum group size (6 participants) is not met. We typically make a go/no-go decision on a departure a few weeks before the start date (often around 30 days prior, depending on the tour). If we must cancel because we don’t have enough participants, we will notify you promptly. You will receive a 100% refund of all payments you made to Go Epic Tours for the canceled tour. Alternatively, if you agree, we might offer to:
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Reschedule or Merge Groups: If possible, we may combine your group with another or move you to the same tour on a different date. We would discuss the options with you.
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Smaller Group Operation: Occasionally, we might still run the tour with fewer than 6 people, but with some modifications (for example, using smaller vehicles or adjusting certain inclusions). If we propose this, we will inform you of any changes to the itinerary or price and you can decide whether to accept or opt for a refund.
You are under no obligation to accept an alternative arrangement in the case of low group size; a full refund remains an option.
Cancellation for Other Reasons: Go Epic Tours may also cancel a tour for reasons unrelated to group size. For instance, if there are security, safety, or health concerns in the destination (e.g., an unexpected outbreak of conflict or a severe travel advisory), or if key facilities are suddenly unavailable (such as a critical hotel suffering fire damage and no suitable alternative), we might have to cancel. Such cancellations may fall under Force Majeure if caused by events beyond our control (see Section 7). If we cancel for reasons within our control (e.g., an operational decision not tied to external force majeure events), you will receive a full refund of tour payments. If the cancellation is due to a Force Majeure event, Section 7 details the remedies (which may be a partial refund or credit, depending on circumstances).
Responsibility for Additional Costs: If we cancel a tour, our liability is limited to refunding the money you paid us for the tour (or offering credit/alternatives as described above). We cannot be responsible for any additional expenses you may incur in relation to that tour. This includes costs like your purchased airfare (if not arranged by us), visa or vaccination fees, gear or clothing you bought for the trip, time off work, etc. For this reason, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance and booking refundable or flexible airfare when possible, or waiting to purchase flights until we have confirmed the tour is a “go”. We understand this can be inconvenient, and we only cancel tours when absolutely necessary.
Alterations During the Tour: After a tour has begun, unforeseen circumstances (such as weather, local strikes, route closures, or a group member’s illness) might require changes to the itinerary on the fly. The tour leader or guide has the authority to make such adjustments in the best interest of safety and overall trip quality. For example, if a road is washed out leading to a site, we might skip that site or substitute a different activity. These decisions will be made judiciously and, when possible, in consultation with the group. No refunds or credits will be issued for changes made during the tour for reasons beyond our control or for the safety and well-being of participants. Rest assured, any changes are intended to minimize disruption and we always aim to provide an equivalent experience if a substitution is required.
Cancellation of a Participant by Operator: Go Epic Tours also reserves the right to remove a participant from a tour in progress if the participant is behaving in a manner that is seriously disruptive, dangerous, or in violation of local laws (see Section 5 on Client Responsibilities). This is a rare situation, but we must ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group as a whole. If a participant is removed from the tour due to misconduct or health issues that were not disclosed, they will not be entitled to any refund for unused services, and any costs incurred due to their removal (e.g. transport for them to return home) will be the responsibility of that individual.
In all cases, we will do our utmost to minimize cancellations and changes. We understand that your travel plans are very important, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding when adjustments are necessary.
5. Travel Insurance Disclaimer and Client Responsibilities
Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended): Go Epic Tours does not sell travel insurance, and we are not licensed insurance agents. However, we strongly recommend that all clients obtain comprehensive travel insurance on their own. A suitable travel insurance policy should cover at least: trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses and emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, and loss or theft of baggage/personal belongings. For example, if an unforeseen illness, family emergency, or other covered reason forces you to cancel or cut short your trip, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable tour costs. Likewise, if you experience a medical emergency abroad, insurance can cover treatment and evacuation costs that could otherwise be extremely expensive. By declining to purchase travel insurance, you agree that you will not hold Go Epic Tours responsible for any losses you incur, including cancellation fees, medical costs, or other expenses that a travel insurance policy would typically cover. It is your responsibility to read and understand the terms of the insurance policy you purchase and to file any claims directly with the insurance provider. We will provide supporting documents for a claim (e.g., invoices, proof of payment or cancellation) upon request, but the insurance agreement remains between you and the insurer.
Client Responsibilities: When you book and participate in a Go Epic Tours trip, you agree to accept certain responsibilities to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Providing Accurate Information: You must provide true, current, and complete information during the booking process. This includes your legal name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, and any other details we request. Inaccurate information (e.g., a misspelled name on flight tickets) can lead to problems or extra costs, for which we cannot be held responsible if the mistake was on your end.
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Travel Documents and Visas: You are responsible for obtaining and carrying a valid passport and any necessary visas or entry documents for all countries you will visit on the tour. Your passport should be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the end of the tour (many countries have this requirement) and have enough blank pages for visas and entry/exit stamps. We can provide guidance on visa requirements for Canadian citizens or other nationalities upon request, but the final responsibility rests with you to check the requirements well ahead of time and secure the proper visas or travel authorizations. This includes any transit visas that might be required for layovers. Similarly, you are responsible for any required immunizations or health certificates (for example, proof of vaccination if a country requires it for entry). Go Epic Tours is not liable if you are denied boarding or entry to a country due to lack of correct travel documents, visas, or health clearances. Any expenses incurred as a result (e.g., having to catch up with the group later or return home) will be your responsibility. We strongly advise all travelers to double-check entry requirements with official government sources or their travel agent well in advance of the tour.
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Health and Fitness: Our tours often involve moderate physical activity, which can include walking tours, climbing stairs, carrying your own luggage, or spending long days on your feet. You must ensure that you are medically and physically fit for the journey. If you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or dietary requirements that might affect your participation, you must inform us before booking or as soon as possible thereafter. We may ask for additional information or a physician’s letter clearing you for travel, depending on the nature of the trip and the disclosed condition. It is your responsibility to have any recommended vaccinations or prophylactic medications (e.g., malaria pills if applicable) for the areas you are visiting. If you have questions about health recommendations, consult your doctor or a travel clinic; we can provide general information but are not medical professionals.
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Medical Care and Insurance: Ensure that your health insurance (in addition to travel insurance) will cover you while abroad, or that you have made arrangements to cover potential healthcare expenses. You should carry with you any personal medications you require (in original labeled containers) and a copy of any prescriptions, as well as an extra supply if possible in case of travel delays. We also recommend you inform your tour leader (confidentially) of any condition that could require urgent attention (e.g., severe allergies, diabetes, etc.), so they can assist in case of an emergency.
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Conduct and Obedience to Laws: You agree to respect the laws and customs of countries visited. This means, for example, not bringing prohibited items through customs, not engaging in illegal drug use, and respecting dress codes or cultural norms where applicable. Our guides or tour leaders will brief the group on any important local customs or rules (for instance, dress requirements for visiting religious sites). You must also follow the instructions of your tour leader/guide and adhere to scheduled meeting times. This is crucial for group travel to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. If you consistently miss meeting times or ignore instructions, the tour may proceed without you, and you will be responsible for catching up at the next stop (no refunds will be provided for portions missed due to your lateness).
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Respectful Behavior: We expect all clients to behave in a respectful and considerate manner towards fellow travelers, Go Epic Tours staff (including guides and drivers), and locals in host communities. Harassment, violence, or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to remove from the tour anyone whose behavior is disruptive, abusive, or poses a danger to themselves or others. If that occurs, the person removed is responsible for all consequent costs (e.g., transport home) and will not receive any refund for unused tour services.
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Personal Responsibility for Safety: While your guide will provide guidance and the tour program is designed with safety in mind, you must take responsibility for your own safety during travel. This includes wearing seat belts when available, using life jackets or helmets when provided for certain activities, not venturing off alone in unsafe areas, and promptly informing your guide if you have any safety concerns. Use your judgment and consult the guide when planning any independent time activities during the tour.
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Condition or Disability Disclosure: If you have any condition (physical, mental, or otherwise) that could impact your ability to participate or that others should be aware of for your safety, you must disclose it to us before the tour. We will keep such information confidential and only share with necessary personnel (like your tour leader) for your care. This is to ensure we can accommodate you as much as possible and prepare for any potential issues. If you fail to disclose something significant that results in a safety risk or disruption during the tour, we reserve the right to take appropriate action, which could include requiring you to leave the tour. For example, if someone with a severe mobility limitation joins a very active tour without telling us, we may not be able to safely include them in all activities, and it could affect the group’s progress. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special needs or find workarounds, but we cannot guarantee that all activities will be accessible to all clients. Passengers requiring significant assistance must travel with a companion who can help them; our staff cannot provide constant one-on-one aid beyond reasonable accommodations.
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Liability for Damage: You are responsible for any damage or loss you cause to hotels, vehicles, or other property used during the tour. If you accidentally or intentionally damage something, you should report it to your tour leader. You will be expected to reimburse the cost of repair or replacement. For example, if you break a hotel’s furniture or lose equipment that was lent to you, the cost may be charged to you.
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Keeping Informed: It is also your responsibility to read all pre-departure information we send you. Before travel, we provide important information about your destination(s), including any changes in local conditions, packing suggestions, meeting instructions, and emergency contact numbers. Please review these documents carefully. If you have questions or something is unclear, we encourage you to ask us before departure. Being informed will greatly enhance your travel experience.
By understanding and accepting these client responsibilities, you help ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip for yourself and others. We are here to support you and provide guidance, but we count on your cooperation and preparedness as well.
6. Limitation of Liability
Third-Party Suppliers: Go Epic Tours acts as an intermediary or agent for independent suppliers who provide transportation, accommodations, meals, guided activities, and other components of your tour. These third-party suppliers are not employees, partners, or agents of Go Epic Tours, but independent contractors. Examples include hotels, airlines, bus or transport companies, local tour operators, activity guides, and restaurants. We carefully select reputable suppliers and contractual partners. However, we cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions of third parties that we do not directly control. This means that if a third-party provider is negligent, defaults, fails to perform, or causes any injury, loss, or damage to you or your property, your legal recourse will be against that provider (e.g., the airline, hotel, or transport company), not against Go Epic Tours. For example, if a hotel’s facilities cause an injury, or an airline cancels a flight, we will assist you in dealing with those issues, but we are not liable for any resulting harm or costs. Any refunds or compensation provided in such cases will be subject to the supplier’s policies and applicable laws. (That said, we will do our best to help you resolve any problems that arise with our suppliers as part of our commitment to customer service.)
Flights and Travel Arrangements Not Included in Tour Price: As noted, our tour packages do not include flights by default. If you ask us to assist with flight bookings or other travel arrangements (such as pre- or post-tour hotel nights, or airport transfers), we will typically make those reservations through third-party booking engines or partners (for instance, we may use platforms like RateHawk or other travel consolidators to secure hotel or flight deals). In doing so, Go Epic Tours is acting on your behalf to arrange those services, and those bookings are governed by the terms and conditions of the actual service providers (airlines, hotels, etc.). We will advise you of any key terms at the time of booking (for example, if an airfare is non-refundable or if a hotel booking is non-changeable), but it is ultimately your responsibility to review the airline’s or hotel’s specific contract terms if you want full details. We are not liable for issues arising from flights or extra services we arrange as an accommodation to you, such as missed flights, flight cancellations, lost baggage, or hotel overbookings. We will, however, use reasonable efforts to assist you in resolving such issues. For instance, if an airline cancels a flight we booked for you, we will help you contact the airline or find alternate transportation, but any additional costs might be borne by you (unless the airline compensates you under their policies or applicable laws).
Limitations of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Go Epic Tours’ liability for damages is limited to the price you paid for your tour. This means, in the unlikely event that we are found liable for any claim (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise), the maximum compensation we would be obligated to pay you cannot exceed the amount you have paid to us for the tour. Under no circumstances will Go Epic Tours be liable for indirect or consequential losses or damages. This includes things like lost profits, lost vacation time, mental anguish, or other subjective losses that may arise from incidents on tour or tour cancellation. We do not assume liability for any negligent or willful acts of any third parties, or for any delays or failures of performance beyond our direct control (see Force Majeure, Section 7). Some examples of what we are not responsible for include: injuries, property loss, or accidents during the trip; delay or cancellation of any flights or other transport; loss or damage of luggage or belongings; the quality of meals or services provided by independent suppliers; changes in government regulations (such as visa rules or travel restrictions); or any other irregularity beyond our reasonable control. Travel involves certain risks, and by booking with us you acknowledge and accept those risks.
Assumption of Risk: You acknowledge that you have voluntarily chosen to participate in this tour. You understand that travel (particularly international travel and adventure activities) carries inherent risks such as illness, accidents, political instability, natural disasters, pandemics, and other unforeseen events. By embarking on your trip, you agree to assume all such risks personally, and to release Go Epic Tours from liability to the extent permitted by law. You agree that neither Go Epic Tours nor its staff can guarantee your safety or immunity from risks (just as a matter of reality), though we promise to exercise reasonable care in our operations and to make prudent decisions to keep you safe.
No Liability for Emotional Distress: We cannot be held liable for any emotional distress or psychological injuries that may occur in the absence of physical injury to you or as a result of your witnessing an incident during the tour. We understand travel can sometimes be stressful, but issues like homesickness, culture shock, anxiety, or disappointment in certain aspects of the trip are not compensable. That said, we encourage you to communicate any concerns during the tour so we can try to address them and help you have the best experience possible.
Indemnification: You agree that if your actions (including violation of these Terms or any negligent or wrongful act on your part) cause damage, loss, or legal disputes, you will indemnify and hold harmless Go Epic Tours and its employees/agents from any resulting claims, costs, or liabilities. For example, if you do something illegal during the tour and a claim or lawsuit is brought against us because of it, or if you damage property and a third party seeks compensation from us, you agree to cover any costs or losses we incur as a result. This obligation survives the tour and is not limited by the tour cost. It essentially means you won’t make us pay for something that was your fault, and if we do end up paying a third party for something you did, you will reimburse us.
Exclusions and Non-Waiver: Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is meant to exclude or limit any statutory rights you may have as a consumer that by law cannot be excluded or limited. Go Epic Tours does not seek to exclude liability for gross negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, or intentional misconduct on our part. In the event any part of these liability limitations is held unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in effect. Accepting these terms does not mean you are waiving any rights that cannot legally be waived.
By reading this section, we know it’s heavy, but it is important to understand the allocation of risk. We commit to doing our very best to deliver a safe and satisfying tour, and in return we ask that you understand our limitations and not hold us responsible for every contingency, especially those outside our control. This balance allows us to offer adventurous travel experiences without needing to build in prohibitive risk costs.
7. Force Majeure Clause
Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events): Go Epic Tours shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations, or for any delay or alteration to a tour, if such failure or change is caused by events that are beyond our reasonable control. Such events are commonly referred to as “Force Majeure” events. Force Majeure events include, but are not limited to:
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Natural Disasters & Extreme Weather: Acts of God such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, wildfire, volcanic eruptions, or severe weather conditions that make travel dangerous or impossible.
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Civil & Political Events: War (declared or undeclared), riots, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, military or insurgent activities, or political crises that impact travel safety.
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Public Health Emergencies: Epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of infectious disease (e.g., COVID-19), or government-imposed quarantines and health emergencies.
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Government Actions: Unexpected government or regulatory actions such as border closures, travel bans, visa suspensions, airspace closures, embassy closures, significant security alerts or travel advisories from authorities (e.g., a sudden advisory against travel to a destination due to safety concerns).
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Labor Disputes & Infrastructure Failures: Strikes, lockouts or other labor disputes affecting critical services (like airport staff or pilots), airline or transportation shutdowns, power outages, or failures of infrastructure (e.g., closure of airports, ports, or rail lines; major road blockades) that are beyond our control.
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Other Unforeseeable Events: Any other event that we cannot foresee or avoid, such as sudden legal changes, embargoes, or perhaps large-scale incidents like global financial crises that severely impact operational ability.
When a Force Majeure event occurs, it may become impossible or unsafe for us to carry out the tour as planned. In such cases, Go Epic Tours reserves the right to take the following actions (without breaching our contract with you):
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Tour Cancellation or Postponement: We may cancel or delay the tour either in advance of the departure or, if the event occurs mid-trip, cancel the remainder of the tour. This decision would only be made in extreme circumstances and when absolutely necessary for safety or legal compliance. We will notify you of cancellations as soon as possible and keep you informed of the situation.
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Itinerary Modifications: Often, the first step in a Force Majeure scenario is to adjust the itinerary. We might substitute destinations or activities, reroute the trip, or make other changes to avoid the impacted area. For example, if wildfires close a national park on your itinerary, we may replace it with a different attraction or spend more time elsewhere.
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Refunds/Credits in Case of Force Majeure Cancellation: If we must cancel the tour before it begins due to a Force Majeure event, our policy is to offer you either (a) a travel credit valued at the amount you’ve paid, which you can use toward a rescheduled tour or any other Go Epic Tours offering in the future, or (b) a refund of recoverable funds. We will strive to provide a full refund of your tour payment, but in some Force Majeure cases we may be unable to retrieve all funds from suppliers. Any non-recoverable costs paid to suppliers on your behalf (such as non-refundable hotel deposits, vendor payments, or booking fees that we cannot get back) will be deducted from the refund. We will be transparent about what those costs are (e.g., if a domestic flight in your tour was non-refundable, we’ll show you that). Essentially, we won’t profit from a Force Majeure cancellation, but we also can’t promise to bear costs that we’re unable to recover. If the Force Majeure situation is such that we can reschedule the same tour for a later date, we might give you the option to accept that rescheduled tour (with no additional tour cost, of course) instead of a refund or credit.
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If Force Majeure Occurs During the Tour: In the event a Force Majeure situation arises while you are already on tour with us, we will make every effort to ensure your safety and minimize disruption. However, we may need to cut the trip short or change the program significantly. For instance, if a sudden political crisis or natural disaster strikes one of our destinations while we are there, we might have to evacuate the area early or alter the route. In such cases, we do not guarantee any refunds for the portion of the tour that could not be completed due to reasons beyond our control. Any recoverable unused portion of your tour (e.g., if we pre-paid an activity that gets canceled and the provider issues a refund) will be returned to you or credited, but unrecoverable costs cannot be refunded. If we incur additional costs to ensure your safety (for example, arranging an extra night’s lodging because of a missed connection due to a storm), those costs may be passed on to travelers or claimed through travel insurance if covered. We will work to keep extra expenses to a minimum and will utilize any available credits or travel insurance coverages where possible.
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No Additional Compensation: Beyond the remedies described above (credit/refund of recoverable costs), no further compensation will be given for disappointment or lost time due to Force Majeure. Travel insurance is the proper avenue to seek compensation for delays, missed portions of a tour, or other losses caused by such events. For example, if a hurricane forces a trip to end early, we will do our best to get you home safely and refund what we can, but we won’t be liable for additional compensation for lost vacation days or emotional distress due to the incident.
By accepting these terms, you acknowledge that Force Majeure events are a possibility in travel and agree to these adapted terms of service if such an event occurs. We commit to clear communication and to taking care of our travelers in any crisis to the best of our ability. We also emphasize again the importance of having your own travel insurance that covers unforeseen events, as it can reimburse you for many costs or losses that we legally or practically cannot.
Finally, if an event is ongoing or known about before your tour and we deem it safe enough to proceed (with modifications), we will inform you of the situation and you can decide whether to continue with the tour or cancel under our standard terms. We won’t force you to travel into harm’s way, but sometimes media reports make situations sound worse than the on-the-ground reality, and we will rely on expert/local advice. We value your safety above all and will always make decisions accordingly.
8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms and Conditions, and any contracts or agreements entered into with Go Epic Tours (including bookings and travel services), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Canada and, specifically, the laws in effect in the Province of Alberta, Canada. This governing law applies regardless of the location of the client or the destination of the tour, to the extent permissible.
Jurisdiction: In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions or the services we provide, you agree that such disputes shall be resolved in the courts of the Province of Alberta. You consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of Alberta courts (in the judicial district where Go Epic Tours has its registered office) for the resolution of any legal disputes. If you initiate proceedings in any other jurisdiction, you agree that (unless prohibited by law) those proceedings may be transferred to Alberta, or dismissed in favor of filing in Alberta, as appropriate.
We acknowledge that certain consumer protection laws in your home jurisdiction (for example, if you reside in another Canadian province or country) may give you the right to pursue claims in your local courts or under local law. Nothing in this Governing Law section is intended to override any rights you have under mandatory consumer protection rules; rather, it reflects the law that will generally apply to interpretation of our contract. If a court decides that the laws of your home jurisdiction must apply or that another venue is required due to such regulations, then that portion of this clause would be adjusted to reflect that decision (while the rest of these Terms remain in force).
Compliance with Travel Industry Regulations: Go Epic Tours is a Canadian business and complies with applicable travel industry regulations. For example, if booking in certain provinces, there may be industry compensation funds or licensing (such as TICO in Ontario) that offer you protection; when applicable, we will provide you with the required disclosures and contribute to those consumer protection funds as mandated. These Terms are intended to be consistent with Canadian consumer protection best practices. In case of any conflict between these Terms and any non-excludable legal requirement or protection, the legal requirement will prevail and the conflicting part of these Terms shall be deemed modified to conform to the law.
Legal Fees and Costs: In a dispute, each party will bear its own legal fees, except where an arbitrator or court specifically awards fees to a prevailing party under applicable law or contract. We prefer to resolve any complaints or disputes amicably and encourage you to contact us with any concerns.
By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, both you and Go Epic Tours are acknowledging a clear understanding of the chosen legal framework and venue for any disputes. This clarity benefits everyone in knowing how and where any issues would be resolved, though we earnestly hope such issues never arise.
9. Consent to Terms and Conditions
Acceptance by Booking: By booking a tour with Go Epic Tours Inc., you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. This agreement is effective as soon as we accept your booking and you have paid the required deposit. It applies to bookings made directly with Go Epic Tours (whether online, by phone, or by email) and to bookings made through any authorized travel agent or intermediary. You do not need to sign a physical contract; your payment of a deposit or full tour price, and your participation in the tour, constitutes acceptance of these terms. If you book by phone or email, we assume you have had the opportunity to review these Terms (we provide them on our website and can email a copy on request). If a booking is made on your behalf for a group, the person making the booking is responsible for conveying these Terms to all other travelers in the group, and by paying the deposit that person confirms that all group members agree to the Terms.
Consent via Agents: In cases where a travel agent or third-party representative is used to book a Go Epic Tours trip, that agent is acting on your behalf in accepting these Terms and Conditions. Any payment made to the agent for our tour is considered as payment to Go Epic Tours once received by us. Even if you do not directly communicate with Go Epic Tours during the booking (for example, if an agent handles all correspondence), you are still bound by these Terms. We advise you to review our Terms personally. If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions at any time, you may contact Go Epic Tours directly for clarification.
Entire Agreement: These Terms and Conditions, along with any other written information we provided to you regarding your booking (such as the specific itinerary, invoice, or a supplemental contract), constitute the entire agreement between you and Go Epic Tours with respect to your travel arrangements. No oral or informal written promises or representations made by either party (or by any agent or staff member) that are not contained herein will bind the parties. For instance, if a sales agent verbally promised you something not documented in writing, these Terms (and the written tour details) will take precedence. Any change or waiver to these Terms must be made in writing by an authorized officer of Go Epic Tours. This is to ensure clarity and consistency in our agreements.
Updates to Terms: Go Epic Tours may update or revise these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Factors that could lead to updates include changes in laws, improvements in our practices, or the need to clarify policies. The most current version of our Terms and Conditions will always be available on our website and is available upon request. We reserve the right to apply updated Terms to existing bookings to the extent permissible (especially if the changes are beneficial to the client or required by law). However, generally the Terms in effect at the time of your booking will govern that booking, unless you consent to the new terms. We will notify you if any material changes are made to the Terms that would affect your upcoming trip, and you will have the option to accept the modified terms or cancel your booking if the change is significantly adverse to you (with a full refund of payments made in such case). Otherwise, continued use of our services (or silence upon notification) will be considered acceptance of the updated Terms. We encourage you to review the Terms periodically and certainly before travel, to stay informed of any changes.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable by law, such provision shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with applicable law to reflect as closely as possible the original intent, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Our failure to enforce any right or provision in these Terms does not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless acknowledged by us in writing.
Acknowledgment of Risk and Consent: By agreeing to these Terms, you also acknowledge the assumptions of risk and releases of liability contained herein (see especially Sections 5, 6, and 7). You confirm that you are of sound mind, at least 18 years of age (or if a minor traveler, your parent/guardian has agreed on your behalf), and legally competent to enter this agreement. You also consent to our Privacy Policy regarding the handling of personal information (which is available separately – we handle personal data in accordance with Canadian privacy laws and only use it for the operation of your tour and our records).
Contact Information: If you have any questions or require clarifications about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us before confirming your booking. We are committed to transparency and will gladly explain any part of this document.
Thank you for choosing Go Epic Tours Inc. We look forward to providing you with an epic and memorable travel experience. Your understanding of and cooperation with these Terms and Conditions help us ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.