Booking Terms & Conditions

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Travel Agreement

These terms and conditions exist to protect both you and Ink Voyages, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience for everyone. Our goal is complete transparency about what you can expect from us and what we need from you to deliver the exceptional journey you deserve.

We know legal documents can seem overwhelming, but it is necessary to clearly outline our mutual responsibilities, explain how we handle unexpected situations, and ensure you’re fully informed about all aspects of your travel investment.

These terms and conditions are applicable to all services provided by Ink Voyages. The specific terms governing your reservation will be those in effect at the time of booking, and will be included with your booking confirmation email.

At Ink Voyages, we are committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences at competitive rates. To ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings, we request that you carefully review these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). By confirming a reservation, enrolling in our services, submitting payment, or participating in any travel arrangement offered by Ink Voyages, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms as they apply to your specific booking. This agreement constitutes a binding legal contract between you and Ink Voyages.

General Reservation Provisions

When making a reservation through Ink Voyages, you confirm that: (1) you have reached the age of majority (18 years) and possess the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements; (2) you accept and consent to all Terms outlined herein; and (3) all information provided for your reservation is truthful, accurate, up-to-date, and complete.

Reservations for additional travelers: When booking on behalf of others, you serve as the primary contact for all accompanying travelers. You represent that you have proper authorization to act on their behalf, have secured all necessary consents, and will communicate these Terms to them while ensuring their acceptance. You assume responsibility for all financial obligations related to your reservation, any required modifications or cancellations, and keeping fellow travelers informed of trip-related information.

Reservation Provisions for Private Travels

Given our commitment to personalized travel planning, we will verify all pricing and itinerary details with you before finalizing your reservation.

Booking confirmation: Following our preliminary discussions regarding your desired travel experience, we will send you the corresponding Travel Service Agreement for your signature. Upon receipt of the signed Agreement and the initial payment, we will verify the availability of all travel components and issue a confirmation email within 5 business days. Should any selected service or component be unavailable, we will promptly notify you and offer the option to modify your booking or cancel with a full refund of the deposit.

From confirmation until final payment, pricing modifications will only occur if you request itinerary changes or additional customizations. We will clearly communicate how such modifications affect your package cost.

Once your booking is paid in full, the package price remains fixed unless you request further changes or customizations, in which case we will outline the associated costs.

Pricing structure: Your total investment varies based on travel dates, flights, accommodations, and selected services. Please contact us directly for the most current pricing information.

Travel Planning Fee: Where Ink Voyages undertakes travel planning and itinerary design at the traveller’s request before a private journey is confirmed, a standard Travel Planning Fee of € 150 applies.

The fee covers the initial consultation, development of the proposed itinerary, and the planning and revision work required to shape the journey according to the traveller’s preferences and requirements.

The Travel Planning Fee is payable in advance and is non-refundable if the traveller decides not to proceed with a private journey. However, if the traveller subsequently confirms and pays for a private Ink Voyages journey based on the planned itinerary, the full €150 Travel Planning Fee will be credited against the final price of that journey.

The Travel Planning Fee is separate from the deposit required to confirm a private journey and does not itself constitute a booking confirmation.

Reservation Provisions for Small-Group Journeys

Ink Voyages small-group journeys follow predefined itineraries and scheduled departure dates, as described on the relevant journey page. By making a reservation, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the itinerary, the included and excluded services, and the other relevant information provided for your selected journey.

Booking confirmation: After you select your preferred itinerary and departure date, we will send you the corresponding Travel Services Agreement for your review and signature. Once we have received the signed Agreement and the applicable booking requirements have been completed, we will issue a booking confirmation by email within 3 business days.

Individual bookings are subject to the minimum participant requirement applicable to the selected departure. Ink Voyages will confirm whether the departure will operate and communicate the final group size no later than 40 days before departure.

Pricing structure: The price of each small-group journey depends on the itinerary and departure date selected and is displayed on the corresponding itinerary page. Any conditions affecting the applicable price, including variations based on the final number of participants, is disclosed in the relevant journey information and governed by these Terms & Conditions.

Payment Terms, Cancellations & Refunds

Payment Terms & Schedule

Initial deposit: A deposit equal to 30% of your total package price is required within 5 days of booking confirmation through one of our accepted payment methods. This deposit secures your reservation.

Following booking confirmation, deposits become non-refundable, except in the specific circumstances expressly set out below for small-group journeys.

Exception for small-group journeys: For small-group departures, the final group size and applicable price will be determined in accordance with the conditions stated on the relevant itinerary page and these Terms & Conditions.

If the departure has 6 or 7 participants, travellers will be informed of the applicable price and asked to confirm whether they wish to proceed at that price. They may instead choose to transfer their booking to another available departure or itinerary in the Ink Voyages small-group catalogue, subject to availability and agreement on any price difference, or cancel their booking and receive a full refund of their deposit.

If the minimum of 6 participants is not reached, the departure will not operate. In this case, travellers may choose to transfer their booking to another available small-group departure or itinerary, subject to availability and agreement on any price difference, or cancel their booking and receive a full refund of their deposit.

Any alternative departure or itinerary is subject to availability and requires the traveller’s agreement. The applicable itinerary, price and any other relevant conditions will be confirmed in writing before the change is finalised.

Final payment: The remaining balance (70% of total package price) must be settled via our accepted payment methods no later than 30 days before departure.

Failure to complete payment 30 days prior to departure will result in automatic booking cancellation and deposit forfeiture.

Cancellations

All deposits are non-refundable, except solely in the specific circumstances expressly provided for small-group departures in the relevant section of these Terms & Conditions.

For cancellations, the deposit and any additional fees due depend on how far in advance the cancellation is made, as per the schedule below. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. For voluntary cancellations, the following policy applies:

• More than 60 days before departure: Deposit forfeiture
• 45-60 days before departure: 40% of total package price forfeiture
• 30-44 days before departure: 60% of total package price forfeiture
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund available
• After departure: No refund available

Deposit payment constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

Refund Processing

Refunds, where applicable under these Terms & Conditions, are subject to the successful recovery of the corresponding funds from the relevant service providers. Ink Voyages will initiate and process any refund due to the traveller as promptly as reasonably practicable once the relevant funds have been successfully recovered.

The standard processing period for refunds is up to 8 weeks from the date on which the applicable funds are received by Ink Voyages. However, this timeframe may be extended where the recovery of funds from service providers, payment intermediaries, or other third parties is delayed.

Ink Voyages cannot guarantee the recovery of any amount that is non-refundable or otherwise withheld by service providers in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions.

Any refund will be limited to the amount actually recoverable from the relevant service providers and will be subject to the cancellation, refund, and other applicable provisions set out in these Terms & Conditions.

Trip Operations

Itinerary management: We endeavor to operate all tours according to the agreed itineraries while maintaining flexibility for optimal traveler experience. Travel logistics are complex, and we reserve the right to modify itineraries as necessary for smooth operation and ensure travel safety.

Agreed itineraries represent planned accommodations, transportation, and activities, but actual elements including routes, schedules, amenities, and transport modes may require alteration without advance notice due to local conditions or partner recommendations. We strive to ensure modifications maintain or enhance your travel experience. Ink Voyages disclaims liability for damages related to such alterations.

Additional costs arising from changes or disruptions: The package price covers only the services expressly identified as included. Any additional expenses for services outside the agreed package arising from changes or disruptions beyond Ink Voyages’ liability, including but not limited to additional accommodation, meals, transfers or alternative transport, shall be borne by the traveller unless otherwise agreed in writing.

In exceptional circumstances beyond our control (see Force Majeure), we may need to make substantial itinerary changes, omit destinations, or cancel departures entirely for travelers’ safety and comfort. We will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and work to secure refunds from suppliers for unused services. However, complete refund recovery from all suppliers cannot be guaranteed.

Force Majeure: Unforeseen circumstances including but not limited to weather events, pandemics, quarantines, border closures, governmental actions, travel restrictions, or hostilities may necessitate service cancellation or disruption. Such events constitute force majeure circumstances. Ink Voyages disclaims responsibility and liability for events beyond our control, including death, injury, illness, damage, delays, or other losses. Ink Voyages reserves the right to cancel or postpone any departure, including guaranteed departures, due to circumstances beyond our control. While we will endeavor to assist travelers during such circumstances, resulting losses or costs remain the traveler’s responsibility.

Risk Acknowledgment & Travel Protection

You acknowledge that travel, particularly to international and remote destinations, involves inherent risks to health and safety.

By booking with Ink Voyages, you confirm that you have evaluated potential risks, dangers, and challenges against your personal capabilities and requirements, and accept full responsibility for such risks.

Ink Voyages and its representatives disclaim liability for any claims arising from loss, damage, injury, or death resulting from participation in itinerary activities or services we provide or arrange.

Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers and must remain valid for the entire duration of the journey.

Travellers are responsible for obtaining appropriate coverage and reviewing the policy’s terms, exclusions and coverage limits. Ink Voyages may provide information about available third-party Travel Protection Plans for reference only. Ink Voyages does not provide insurance advice, and all questions regarding policy coverage, terms and claims must be directed to the relevant insurance provider.

Ink Voyages reserves the right to request proof of valid travel insurance before departure.

Documentation Requirements

Valid passport and appropriate visas are mandatory when traveling with Ink Voyages. Ensure your passport remains valid for six months beyond your trip duration. You are responsible for obtaining correct visa documentation. Ink Voyages cannot accept liability if entry is denied due to inadequate documentation.

We will assist in securing permits for restricted areas in China, such as Tibet and certain border areas. However, the approval of such permits is subject to the relevant government authorities and cannot be guaranteed. If a permit application is rejected or cannot be obtained, Ink Voyages reserves the right to cancel or modify the travel arrangements affected by the refusal, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

Personal Data & Third-Party Service Providers

By confirming a reservation and accepting these Terms & Conditions, you acknowledge and agree that Ink Voyages may collect, use, process, and share your personal information with third-party service providers where reasonably necessary to arrange, administer, and deliver the travel services included in your booking.

This may include sharing relevant information with accommodation providers, transportation companies, local guides, activity providers, insurance providers, payment service providers, government authorities, and other local partners involved in the delivery of your travel arrangements.

Ink Voyages will only share information that is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose and will handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy laws.

Photography Rights

Ink Voyages retains rights to capture and publish photographs during tour operations. By confirming your reservation, you consent to potential inclusion in such photography. Travelers preferring not to be photographed should inform us before the trip commencement.

Ink Voyages Liability

Ink Voyages commits to delivering services to the highest standard within our capacity. We organize, promote, and market travel programs comprising various services including transportation, excursions, and accommodations sourced from independent suppliers. These service providers operate as independent contractors, not as Ink Voyages agents or employees, thereby limiting our liability exposure.

Ink Voyages disclaims responsibility for willful or negligent acts, omissions, or service failures by independent suppliers, their employees, or representatives. By utilizing supplier services, you agree that Ink Voyages and its representatives bear no liability for accidents, injuries, expenses, property damage, or personal loss affecting you or your travel companions in connection with accommodations, transportation, or other travel services, or resulting from circumstances beyond Ink Voyages control.

International flights are not included in the package and are arranged at the traveller’s own expense. Any additional costs arising from the cancellation, delay or rescheduling of independently booked international flights, including replacement tickets, additional accommodation, transfers or meals, shall be the traveller’s responsibility.

Ink Voyages accepts no responsibility for pre-trip preparation expenses (non-refundable airfare, visa fees, equipment, medical costs) or any additional arrangements.

Dispute Resolution

Disputes regarding Ink Voyages services shall be resolved through amicable consultation between parties. The claiming party must notify the other party within 30 days following service completion via dated English-language notice describing the dispute nature. Should consultation fail to achieve resolution within 60 days of dispute notice, the claiming party may refer the matter to CIETAC for final arbitration in the People’s Republic of China by ad hoc arbitration tribunal under CIETAC rules.

Acknowledgment & Agreement

I confirm that I have thoroughly reviewed, understood, and accept these Booking Terms & Conditions. I further confirm that I have reviewed, understood, and accept the itinerary for my selected trip.