Hyperlocal Sabbatical - Terms and conditions


HYPERLOCAL SABBATICAL Lda. TERMS & CONDITIONS


Please read these terms and conditions carefully before booking a trip with Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda. These terms and conditions constitute a legally binding contract between you (referred to as "participant," "traveler," "you," or "I") and Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda. ("Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda.", "Hyperlocal Sabbatical", "Sabbatical", "we," "our," or "us"). By purchasing any product or booking any trip with Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda., you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms and conditions.


1. BOOKING AGREEMENT

All bookings are made with Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda., a limited liability company registered in Portugal, operating under the name "Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda." By making a booking, you accept these terms and conditions and any other applicable policies of Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda. If you make a booking for more than one traveler, you are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions on behalf of all travelers named in the booking.


2. RESPONSIBILITY

Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda. acts as an independent contractor for all suppliers providing transportation, accommodations, activities, and other services related to your trip. We do not own or operate these services. Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda., its owners, employees, shareholders, officers, directors, representatives, volunteers, successors, agents, and assignees are not liable for any negligence, willful acts, financial insolvency, or defaults of suppliers or third parties. The terms and conditions and liability waivers of suppliers and local laws and regulations apply to their services.


3. VALIDITY & PRICING

Prices for our trips are based on factors such as tariffs, government fees, exchange rates, and supplier rates at the time of trip itinerary publication. In rare instances, we may impose surcharges due to factors like inflation, increased service costs, or foreign exchange rate changes. We reserve the right to make changes to quoted prices and correct errors at any time before your trip is confirmed.


4. TRAVELER INFORMATION

To confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide required details before your trip starts. These details include your full name as per your passport, date of birth, nationality, and any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies that may affect your travel. We may request to see a copy of your passport before or during the trip. Failure to provide requested information within 30 days of the trip start date may result in trip cancellation without a refund.


5. FITNESS FOR TRIP, MEDICAL CONDITIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

By booking a trip with us, you represent that you do not have any medical conditions or illnesses that could endanger you or other travelers or impact the trip's enjoyment. We cannot guarantee the availability of medical facilities in some regions we visit, and it is your responsibility to consult with your physician regarding any medical conditions. Participants should check consulates for health requirements and bring necessary medications.

If you have special needs or dietary restrictions, please inform us at the time of booking. While we will make reasonable efforts to communicate dietary restrictions to local hosts, trip guides and service providers, we cannot guarantee full compliance due to the nature of our trips and the independence of our suppliers. You are responsible for making informed decisions about your dietary needs while traveling.

In case of a health emergency, you grant permission for emergency first aid. The cost of medical assistance, including routine care, is your responsibility. We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive medical and health insurance.


6. BOOKING CONFIRMATION

Your booking is finalized upon receiving a confirmation email from us. A contract is established on the date we issue the confirmation invoice or when you book within 7 days of departure and we accept your deposit. Please refer to your booking confirmation for final payment details. For international trips, the balance of the trip price is due 30 days before the departure date. We reserve the right to treat reservations not fully paid according to terms as cancellations.


7. WAITLIST

If a trip is sold out, you may join the Waitlist during the booking process. We will notify you by email if a spot becomes available, and you have 24 hours to accept and pay the deposit; otherwise, the spot may be offered to the next person on the Waitlist.


8. PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND REQUIREMENTS

Before your booking request is reviewed and confirmed by Hyperlocal Sabbatical, you are required to pay a deposit ("Deposit"). The specific Deposit amount for each trip is indicated on the trip booking page. In the event that Hyperlocal Sabbatical decides not to approve your booking for any reason within its sole discretion, your Deposit will be refunded in full. Regardless of the Deposit amount, you agree to adhere to one of the following payment schedules when booking a trip:

Hyperlocal Sabbatical Lda. is not responsible for any charges levied by third parties or financial institutions resulting from credit card or other payment transactions related to the purchase of Hyperlocal Sabbatical trips or products. These fees are your responsibility, and we will not refund or return them.

If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to charge the credit card on file for the owed amount. Failure to make payments may be treated as a breach of contract, resulting in reservation cancellation and the imposition of cancellation fees as specified in this agreement. Additionally, we retain the right to assign your spot to the next eligible traveler on the Waitlist without providing a refund.


9. CREDIT/DEBIT CARD CHARGEBACK POLICY

By agreeing to these terms or booking a trip with us, you acknowledge that chargebacks are not an appropriate way to circumvent our cancellation and refund policy. We will vigorously dispute any chargeback requests, provide this agreement as evidence of your acceptance of our cancellation and refund terms, and reserve the right to report fraudulent chargebacks to authorities. If we prevail in any chargeback initiated by you, you agree to reimburse us for attorney's fees, time, costs, and expenses incurred in countering the chargeback and pay any damages we incur due to your chargeback dispute.


11. CANCELLATION BY TRAVELER

A cancellation is considered effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation via email at sabbatical@hyperlocaltravel.com. Cancellations made through other means, including social media comments, will not be considered by us and do not constitute a cancellation. If you cancel a trip, the following cancellation fees will apply based on the date we receive your written confirmation:

You acknowledge that you are purchasing your trip in Euros, and any refunds or credits issued after the time of purchase will be compensated in Euros. Travel credit will expire five years from the date of issue and cannot be exchanged for a cash refund of any type.

No refund is due if a traveler fails to join a trip, joins it after departure, or leaves it prior to its completion for any reason. There will be no refunds for unused services after a trip has commenced.

If the total amount paid to Hyperlocal Sabbatical is less than the non-refundable amount at the time of cancellation, the traveler will be required to pay an additional fee to cover unrecoverable costs. Non-refundable deposits to third-party suppliers and third-party cancellation fees will be subtracted from any refunds, which may result in a refund amount of €0 after these deductions.

This cancellation and refund policy is applicable in all circumstances, including those related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, airline default, strikes, personal emergencies, and circumstances beyond our control. Therefore, we recommend securing travel insurance for trip protection.

We cannot provide refunds for any unused portion of your trip if you are quarantined or a supplier refuses services due to illness, symptoms, or test results for an infectious disease.


12. CANCELLATION AND CHANGES BY HYPERLOCAL SABBATICAL

Hyperlocal Sabbatical reserves the right to cancel, alter, or postpone a trip without prior notice, at any time before departure or during the trip, for the safety, comfort, viability, or circumstances of Force Majeure (as detailed below). In such cases, Hyperlocal Sabbatical will not be responsible or liable for deposits, payments, incidental expenses, policies, or penalties for other services not included in the trip price, such as airline tickets, separate hotel reservations, or other items handled by participants independently of Hyperlocal Sabbatical Travel insurance policies.

In the event that a trip is canceled for reasons within Hyperlocal Sabbatical’s control (not due to Force Majeure), participants are offered the following choices:

In the case of a trip being canceled due to a Force Majeure event, participants are offered the following choices:

Participants acknowledge that they are purchasing their trip in Euros, and any refunds or credits issued after the time of purchase will be compensated in Euros. If a cancellation occurs after a trip has commenced, the same choices are offered on a pro-rata basis.

Participants understand and acknowledge that this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and should allow for alternatives. The provided itinerary is representative of the types of activities but not guaranteed. While Hyperlocal Sabbatical strives to operate all trips as advertised, reasonable changes may be made to the itinerary as deemed necessary by Hyperlocal Sabbatical. Changes may occur due to availability, local circumstances, weather, and unforeseen circumstances beyond Hyperlocal Sabbatical’'s control.

In rare cases, surcharges may be imposed up to 15 days before departure due to significant changes in exchange rates, increased airfares or transportation costs, local operator costs, taxes, or government actions. Hyperlocal Sabbatical covers up to 2% of the trip price, with any balance to be paid by participants. If a surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price, participants may cancel the booking within 7 days of notification and receive a full refund, minus unrecoverable costs. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to credit card purchases.

Hyperlocal Sabbatical will not be considered in breach of this agreement due to delays or non-performance resulting from cancellations, alterations, or modifications under this section.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING FORCE MAJEURE

Hyperlocal Sabbatical will not be deemed in breach of this agreement due to delays or non-performance of its obligations under this agreement to the extent that such delays or non-performance are due to Force Majeure. "Force Majeure" refers to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including acts of nature, terrorism, insurrection, disasters, disease outbreaks, government intervention affecting travel, and other unforeseen circumstances.

If Force Majeure prevents us or our suppliers from providing services, including your trip, we may, at our discretion, vary, delay, postpone, reschedule, alter, or cancel any part of the itinerary or the entire tour. Regarding civil unrest, we will decide in our sole discretion whether to proceed with the tour after investigating the situation.

In case of Force Majeure, we will notify you of the nature and extent of the circumstances if practicable.


13. INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

The transportation, accommodations, activities, meals, and drinks provided by Hyperlocal Sabbatical are specific to each trip, and are listed on the trip booking page. Anything not expressly listed as included on the trip booking is not covered by Hyperlocal Sabbatical and is the financial responsibility of the traveler. In addition, our trips do not include international flights, visa and passport fees, vaccinations, travel insurance, optional activities, or other personal expenses.


14. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES & SUPPLEMENTALS

Hyperlocal Sabbatical may offer optional activities and other supplemental charges (e.g. accommodation upgrade), which are specific to each trip and departure date. Hyperlocal Sabbatical will review all optional and supplemental requests, and will provide final approval once we confirm availability.

Optional activities and supplementals that are not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your local host or representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider. In addition, Hyperlocal Sabbatical reserves the right to cancel or modify optional activities and supplementals based on availability, local constraints, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances. If we cancel an optional activity or supplemental, Hyperlocal Sabbatical will provide the traveler with a full refund. Hyperlocal Sabbatical will not be liable to you for any losses associated with any changes to or cancellations of optional activities or supplementals.


15. TRIP TRANSFERS AND TRAVEL CREDITS

If transferring trips or dates, any deposits/amounts paid by you to date become non-refundable and can only be used for travel credit. The following terms apply to all trip transfers and travel credits:

For trips further out than 60 days, we allow one complementary trip transfer. Additional trip transfers will incur a change fee of €100. Transfers requested within 60 days of departure are subject to our regular cancellation fees.

Once travel credit has been accepted by you under any circumstance, it is not eligible to be redeemed for cash, which includes but is not limited to credit card refunds.

When transferring trips or dates, your booking will be bound to the latest version of Hyperlocal Sabbatical’s Terms & Conditions, a copy of which will be available on the website.


16. YOUR ACCOUNT

You may be required to sign up for an account to participate in our services and select a password and username (“User ID”). You promise to provide us with accurate, complete, and updated registration information about yourself. You may not select as your User ID a name that you don’t have the right to use or another person’s name with the intent to impersonate that person. You may not transfer your account to anyone else without our prior written permission. You will not share your account or password with anyone, and you must protect the security of your account and your password. You are responsible for any activity associated with your account.


17. BACKGROUND CHECK

To the extent permissible under the law, we reserve the right to do background checks and to consider the results of said background checks in determining the eligibility of an applicant for our Sabbatical abroad and other trips. However, we have no obligation to do so.


18. PASSPORTS, VISAS, AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the required visas, permits, certificates, proof of vaccinations, and other travel documentation for all the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you satisfy all entry requirements and that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits, and certificates for your trip and that all of the information on those documents is accurate. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa, or other travel documentation. You are solely responsible for any adverse consequences, including additional costs and fees, resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. While we may provide information or advice on matters such as visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, and special equipment in good faith as a courtesy to you, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided.

For information concerning possible dangers at an international destination, contact the government office in your country that is responsible for issuing travel advisories. 


19. PRE-DEPARTURE DOCUMENTATION

It is important that you carefully read all trip-related documents that you receive from us as soon as you receive them. It is your responsibility to contact us if any information is incorrect. We cannot accept any liability if you do not notify us of any inaccuracies within 10 days of your receipt of those documents. 


20. SABBATICAL ONLY TERMS

The terms in this section apply only to Sabbatical trips.

Taxes and Other Charges. Participants in Sabbatical trips are responsible for paying, withholding, filing, and reporting all taxes, duties, and other governmental assessments, in their home country and associated with their participation in a Sabbatical trip or use of our services. Hyperlocal Sabbatical is not a tax advisor or a professional advisor, and it does not provide tax guidance.


21. AIRLINE DELAYS, MODIFICATIONS, AND CANCELLATIONS

Hyperlocal Sabbatical cannot be liable for mistakes or errors in airfare bookings made by the traveler or any independent third parties. Hyperlocal Sabbatical will provide detailed trip arrival and departure requirements via email once the traveler is confirmed, and the trip’s flights are “green-lighted.” It is up to the traveler to ensure the correct arrival and departure flight information from the trip city. In addition, you are responsible for adhering to baggage allowances and other airline-specific guidelines. Any airline charges are the financial responsibility of the traveler.

Hyperlocal Sabbatical is not responsible for any change to airline schedules or flight numbers or for any additional expenses or loss that may arise from airline strikes and/or airline, airport, or weather delays. Hyperlocal Sabbatical will not reimburse travelers for any additional expenses incurred as a result of such events or delays.


22. TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our travelers and should be purchased at the time of booking from a company of your choice. Your travel insurance should provide coverage against personal accident, death, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation. We also highly recommend that your travel insurance also covers Covid-related trip interruptions. You are responsible for understanding the specifics of your travel insurance policy and ensuring that you have a sufficient amount of coverage. You are responsible for advising your insurer of the type of travel, destination(s), and activities included in your booking so that the insurer may provide appropriate coverage.


23. TRAVELER RESPONSIBILITIES DURING TRIP

It is your responsibility to arrive at the Sabbatical chapter city of your booking, at the specified date and time. We are not responsible for any losses due to canceled or missed flights, changed flight itineraries, late arrivals, or early departures. Your additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, strictly complying with all local laws, including virus/sickness/illness mitigation measures, including but not limited to social distancing and testing requirements, respecting customs and culture, adequately assessing your abilities, and, if on a guided trip, following the suggestions and advice of the guide.


24. CLAIMS & COMPLAINTS

If you have a complaint about your trip, you agree to inform your local host or our Support Team immediately so that they can attempt to rectify the matter. Hyperlocal Sabbatical assumes no liability for complaints that are not properly brought to the attention of the assigned program hosts or the Support Team with sufficient notice to resolve or attempt to resolve complaints. Any complaint made after the completion of a trip must be received via email to sabbatical@hyperlocaltravel.com within 15 days from the end of the trip. The traveler acknowledges and agrees that Hyperlocal Sabbatical has no obligation to respond to or address any claims received after this period.


25. AUTHORITY ON TRIPS

Hyperlocal Sabbatical trips are run by an assigned host or trip responsible. The decision of the host is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a host or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the host may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips, even if they are already booked. In addition, you agree to comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange, and drug regulations of all countries visited, as well as in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.


26. LIMITATION OF REMEDIES

You agree that the sole remedy for any default by Hyperlocal Sabbatical arising under this agreement shall be the return of the paid trip cost, to the extent consistent with applicable law. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, Hyperlocal Sabbatical shall not be liable for any special, consequential, indirect, incidental or other damages arising out of or in any way connected to this agreement, including lost profits, whether such damages arise in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, in equity, at law, or otherwise, even if Hyperlocal Sabbatical has been advised of the possibility of such damages. You expressly waive any right you may have to recover such damages.


27. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

This agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Hyperlocal Sabbatical and you and your respective heirs, legal and personal representatives, successors, and assigns.


28. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this agreement shall be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such unenforceability or invalidity shall not render the agreement unenforceable or invalid as a whole. Such unenforceable provision will be replaced with one that is valid and enforceable and which achieves, to the extent possible, the original objectives and intent of the original provision.


29. IMAGES RELEASE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

You agree that Hyperlocal Sabbatical may use, re-use, link to, repost, and reproduce any images, photos, videos, or any written content (e.g., blog posts, articles) that you send to us, that are taken by our hosts, trip leaders, and/or other travelers of you individually or in a group, or that you post online including on social media using our hashtags (e.g., #Hyperlocal Sabbatical, #Sabbatical) in any medium, including but not limited to print, electronic media, or Internet, free of charge and without your right to inspection, for promoting and publicizing our travel products and services worldwide. We will strive to provide attribution. If you do not want to grant this specific right to Sabbatical, you must contact us in writing prior to the start of your trip and specifically state that you are opting out of Images Release.


30. APPLICABLE LAW

All Hyperlocal Sabbatical trips, products, bookings, and reservations (including but not limited to those made online), policies, and terms and conditions are subject to the laws of the Republic of Portugal, and all travelers submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Lisbon - Portugal, for the resolution of any dispute under these terms and conditions or concerning Hyperlocal Sabbatical.


31. AMENDMENTS TO TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hyperlocal Sabbatical reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at any time and shall post the amended terms and conditions on the Hyperlocal Sabbatical website. Any such amendment shall take effect immediately upon being posted to the Hyperlocal Sabbatical website or immediately upon notice to you in writing by email or mail. You are deemed to have accepted any amendments to these terms on the date they are posted to our website or when we provide notice to you in writing by email or mail. Your continued use of the services, participation in one of our trips, or use of the Hyperlocal Sabbatical website constitutes acceptance of any amendments that we make to these Terms. The latest terms and conditions, as amended, may be accessed anytime on the Hyperlocal Sabbatical website, and can be sent upon written request via email to sabbatical@hyperlocaltravel.com. All travelers and Hyperlocal Sabbatical customers shall be deemed to have accepted any amendments to these terms and conditions on the date that is 7 days after their posting on the Hyperlocal Sabbatical website.


32. REFUSAL OF SERVICE

Hyperlocal Sabbatical retains the right to refuse service to any traveler or potential client at any time, for any lawful reason, in its sole discretion.


33. MERGER

This agreement is the final, complete, and exclusive statement of the parties’ agreement on the matters contained in this agreement. It supersedes all previous negotiations and agreements.


KNOWING AND VOLUNTARY EXECUTION: I have carefully read and understand the provisions and legal consequences of this agreement, and I voluntarily agree to all of its terms and conditions. I understand that I am giving up substantial rights by accepting the terms of this agreement.


Revised Oct 2023. Please keep a copy for your records.