Epik Escapes

Terms & Conditions

The following terms and conditions apply to all Epik Escapes trips. They are a binding agreement between the travel advisor, traveller and Epik Escapes.

The purchase/payment of any travel services offered by Epik Escapes constitutes a contractual agreement between the Travel Agent/Traveller and Epik Escapes represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Epik Escapes

Terms & Conditions are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to booking. You are advised to check on the website or to request the latest version of the Terms & Conditions from your travel agent prior to booking your vacation.

To Make A Reservation

Please see your travel advisor, visit EpikEscapes.com or call Epik Escapes at 1-844-744-3745.

Land Deposits And Land Final Payment

Payments will be in CAD or USD and will be specified at the time of inquiry.

A $250 non-refundable, non-transferable per person per trip is required to reserve a space for you. Epik Escapes accepts only certified cheques, money orders and email transfers. Should one decide to pay by Visa, MasterCard or Amex, there will be a 3.5% to 4% bank fee charged on the gross amount.

Final payment for your vacation is due 60 days prior to departure with some limited exceptions where payment is required upon confirming the booking. All payments, once made, are totally non-refundable. Payment of the deposit indicates that you have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is processed by Epik Escapes and you receive a confirmation invoice.

When paying with a credit card, a credit authorization form will be provided and must be completed by the client and returned to us along with a copy of the individual’s driver’s licence and a copy of the front and back of the credit card being used. For retail travel agencies purchasing, only a cash deposit, email transfer or certified cheque will be accepted.

Invoicing

You are responsible for verifying everything on your invoice is accurate and complete, including dates of travel, options selected, and that each name matches the relevant passport. Epik Escapes cannot accept responsibility if we are not notified of inaccuracies within 10 days of sending out the invoice. Changes are subject to the fees and penalties noted below. In the case of billing errors, Epik Escapes reserves the right to re-invoice you with correct pricing.

Vacation Acceptance

This is subject to Epik Escapes providing a detailed program along with an invoice.

Air Options

All our package quotes do not include air. We will however offer you the option and cost along with the airline policy detailing cancellation and change fees.

Cancellations

Cancellation fees will be categorized under the following:

  • FIT
  • Group Travel
  • Air Products
  • Pre & Post Accommodation

FIT Tours: This is for the individual traveller or up to 7 passengers doing the same program. Deposits are non-refundable and once final payment has been made, it is non-refundable.

Epik Escapes will not be held responsible if for any reason the airline cancels its flight at short notice and you are unable to arrive at destination for the confirmed program.

Epik Escapes will be responsible to make changes from thereon. However, any additional cost will be the responsibility of the passenger. Epik Escapes strongly suggest that you purchase the All Inclusive Insurance we have in place to cover these incidents or any similar situations during the tour.

Group Travel: This is for groups of 8 plus passengers. Deposits are non-refundable. Once final payment is made, if within the 60 day window, is totally non-refundable. Terms and conditions will be clearly specified at the time of booking. Full payment requirements could vary on the destination being visited or type of tour.

Epik Escapes has the right to cancel the group if the required number is not met and clients will be fully refunded.

Epik Escapes strongly requests that the group arrives at destination one day earlier. This way, Epik Escapes ensures that the tour departs as booked even if there are interruptions that may occur with air travel such as cancellations, misconnections and delayed flights. Epik Escapes will not be responsible for individuals who insist on arriving on the same day as departure of the tour.

Air Products: It all depends on the airline Epik Escapes works with for the FIT or Groups. This will all be specified in detail in the final communication on the proposed program and cost.

Epik Escapes will not be responsible for cancellation of flights or misconnections. Epik Escapes is there to assist you but if additional costs are involved, the traveller will be responsible for the same.

Passengers booking their own air are totally responsible for getting to their point of arrival at end destination.

Epik Escapes strongly recommends that you book your air through Epik Escapes to ensure proper co-ordination.

Pre & Post Accommodation: Cancellation policies will be provided at the time of booking.

Passports And Visas

You must have a valid passport to travel to any international destination. Requirements vary from one country to the next. Epik Escapes suggest that you have a minimum of five blank pages at any time when booking. Epik Escapes also insists that your passport must have a minimum of six months of validity from the date of your return. In some instances, multiple entry visas are required and it is totally up to each individual to ensure that proper visas are required. Epik Escapes does not get involved with assisting any individual with obtaining of visas or with passport renewals.

Airline Claims

Denied boarding, misconnections, lost baggage, damaged baggage is not Epik Escapes’s responsibility. One has to contact the airline for the same.

Tips

With all FIT programs/group travel, it is expected to offer the driver and guide combo $10 per day. If the driver is also the guide, it is $10 per day. If it is a driver and a separate guide, it is still only $10 per day.

With regards to groups, this amount will be collected by the group tour leader on arrival at the destination and he/she will take care of all tips wherever required. This can also be done before departure to make the process easier.

Language

All our tours provide you with English speaking Tour Directors, local hosts and local guides and all commentaries will be in English. Depending on the destinations, special requests can be made for other language speaking guides but is not guaranteed and you will be informed before collection of deposits. Additional costs could be involved.

Travellers Who Require Special Assistance On Tours

Epik Escapes must be advised when the initial request is sent in order for Epik Escapes to advise you whether those arrangements can be met. Our tours are not geared for any individual with major disabilities like totally wheelchair bound, etc.

All Epik Escapes tours are unable to accommodate wheelchair assistance and any other disabilities individuals may have. Our tours involve extensive standing, walking and other major activities. Most of our transportation also does not have provision for these disabilities including hotels that may not have elevators and rooms that may not have facilities to accommodate wheelchairs and other disability issues.

Epik Escapes does not accept motorized scooters and wheelchairs on any of their tours.

Refusal Of Transportation

It is the sole discretion of Epik Escapes to refuse transport to any passenger or may even require passengers to leave the tour if it is reasonably believed that the passenger is:

  • Dangerous to others, to himself/herself.
  • Is engaged in or is threatening to engage in behaviour that may adversely affect the safety, security, comfort, enjoyment or wellbeing of other passengers.
  • Being verbally abusive, harassing and discriminatory or using obscene language. This will result in Epik Escapes having to cancel the rest of your tour and returning you to the point of origin at your own expense. Epik Escapes will not pay for any return arrangements and it will be left up to the individual to come up with the required cost. The individual will be left back at the last city when the decision has been made and it will be up to the sole individual to pay for all expenses to get himself/herself back home.

Reporting late daily for the tours will also result in transportation leaving without the individual.

If as a Group, meals are at fixed times and if one decides not to join the group, it will be their responsibility to pay for any additional cost that may incur for dining individually.

Medication

All individuals are responsible to carry along their required medication and prescriptions. If any situation with the individual not following their doctor’s requirements may arise, Epik Escapes will not be held responsible for any emergency that may arise. All costs will be the individual’s responsibility.

Medical Requirements

Certain countries have medical requirements. You will be briefed on it by the Epik Escapes Specialist. It will be your responsibility to make sure that all vaccinations, medications and medical documents issued by authorities are taken on the trip as proof.

Smoking Or Vaping

Smoking or vaping, including the use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes and cigars is not allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Epik Escapes At hotels, it is left up to the individual client to check with the hotel what the smoking policy is.

Motor Coaches / Alcoholic Beverages

Epik Escapes has a mandatory rule for the enjoyment of passengers and this includes daily rotation of seats. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in any of their vehicles while in motion. One can consume alcohol during breaks but must comply with Epik Escapes’ requirements once back on our vehicle. Alcoholic consumption on any of our vehicles is strictly prohibited. It is our policy that all our passengers get the comfort of what they have paid for.

Epik Escapes and their local operator(s) could, on a daily basis, change the mode of transport from day to day.

Price Policy

Epik Escapes has no control over the fluctuation of currencies and local Government taxes. Clients will be advised if there are changes and it will be up to the client to decide if they wish to proceed with the tour. This mainly occurs with local taxes.

Travel Documents

All travel documents pertaining to the tour you have booked will be released to you 30 to 21 days prior to departure.

Holidays

During local or national holidays or special events, peak season, Sundays and religious occasions can result in certain facilities such as museums, churches, restaurants, sightseeing tours, hotels and shopping being not available. Alternate arrangements will be offered by Epik Escapes

Safety

Be aware that during your participation on a Epik Escapes trip, certain risks and dangers are beyond our control. We ask that you follow our requirements to avoid such issues. Venturing on your own outside of our program is at your own risk. Epik Escapes is also not responsible for any change or disruption caused by forces of nature, political unrest, acts of lawlessness, terrorism and accidents or illnesses in remote areas without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Again, we suggest you cover yourself with the proper Insurance policy which will be discussed with one of our specialists.

Photographs And Pictures

Please respect the requirements for photography in each country. While we do realize that this is an opportunity to capture the best photos of a lifetime, unfortunately in some countries you can face a problem so be aware of local restrictions. Please discuss this with your local drive/guide.

Optional Excursions

Optional excursions available for booking are provided by local operators or other third parties that are entirely independent of Epik Escapes and do not form any part of the product or services sold to you by Epik Escapes or of these Terms & Conditions, even where Epik Escapes suggests particular operators/other third parties and/or assists you in booking such optional shore excursions. Your contract for such Services will be with the organizer or operator of that Service, and will be subject to its Terms & Conditions, which may contain exclusions or limitations of liability. Epik Escapes has no liability for any such optional excursion or for any act(s) or omission(s) of the organizer or operator or for any of its employees or agents or any other person(s) connected with the optional excursion.

Travel Insurance

Epik Escapes insists that any client booking a tour through us must be covered by an “All Inclusive” insurance package that can be purchased through us. For those that have an insurance plan in place must provide a copy of their coverage. If we find it not suitable to cover the tour, we will not confirm or go ahead with final confirmation till the final insurance policy is in place.

Confidentiality

No individual has access to your program unless otherwise the person is nominated by you. We would need that person’s full name, home address, home or cell phone number, email address and relationship to the client before your departure.

Frequent Flyer Rewards Programs

Epik Escapes has no signed agreement with any Frequent Flyer Rewards Programs and if you wish to use these programs, it will be your responsibility to book the required flights to and from the required destinations. Epik Escapes cannot assist with this process.

Young Travellers

Due to the heightened security, many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a child will be traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter be written by the parents or non-travelling parent granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel. We suggest that you also contact the appropriate consulate and airlines because they may have additional requirements or recommendations. Travellers under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Requirement Of Personal Details

Some Government agencies/countries require personal details in advance of travel. This is not Epik Escapes’ requirement but countries you are visiting, you will be required to provide the same without question and if not agreed upon, Epik Escapes' contract with the individual will be terminated.

Single Supplement

This ensures your own room. However, costs can be more depending on the country one is visiting. There is no guarantee to you being close to any other group member as there is limited single accommodation and this can be in a different area of the hotel.

Special Requests

Any special requests are not guaranteed. Epik Escapes will do its best to accommodate your requests.

Check-In & Check-Out Times For Hotels And Resorts

The international policy for all hotels and resorts is that check-in is available only by 2:00 pm and check-out is at 11:00 am local time. Epik Escapes will always work towards your interests and try and ensure that accommodation is available on arrival.

Baggage Allowance At Hotels

Epik Escapes will cover porterage for one piece per person on check-in and check-out all through the tour. Any additional baggage including carry-on and any other personal baggage will be up to you to take to your room.

Refunds

Deposits are non-refundable. Once final payment has been made 60 days prior to departure, it is totally non-refundable.

After departure, if the services included in the trip cannot be supplied or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of Epik Escapes depending on the circumstances, Epik Escapes will take reasonable action to arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expenses will be the responsibility of trip participants, and any resulting savings will be refunded by Epik Escapes to trip participants.

Severability

If any term or condition or any portion hereof is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions of these Terms & Conditions will remain in full force and effect, and if possible, the portion(s) found enforceable will be construed in a manner consistent with the remaining portions.

Jurisdiction

Your contract with Epik Escapes is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Epik Escapes provides each individual with what is included during your tour and clearly specifies the inclusions. All other extras are the individual’s responsibility.

Not Included:

  • WiFi (not guaranteed)
  • Laundry
  • Phone calls
  • Alcoholic beverages and any meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Extra optional activities

Insecticide

Some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for inbound foreign flights. For more information about aircraft disinfection requirements and a list of countries requiring disinfection of inbound flights, click here.

Force Majeure

Epik Escapes and/or its suppliers cannot assume liability for any loss, damage or entry of any nature in whole or in part resulting from an Act of God or any other force majeure condition including without limitation: fire, volcanic eruption, environmental pollution or contamination, inclement weather, earthquake, low or high water levels, flood, water or power shortages or failures, tropical storms or hurricanes, riots or civil commissions or disturbances and any other acts of similar nature, sabotage, arrests, strikes or labour disruptions, restraint of rulers or peoples, expropriations, acts of terrorism, war, insurrection, quarantine restrictions, government health advisories or warning or alerts of any kind or nature, government seizures, refusal or cancellation or suspension or delay of any government authority or any license, permit or authorization, damages to its facilities or the travel supplier and its facilities, or any other unforeseen circumstances or any other factors unforeseen by Epik Escapes that impacts negatively on, or hampers its ability to fulfill any of its contractual conditions. In the event that any of these conditions apply, Epik Escapes shall be excused, discharged and/or released from its performance to the extent such performance is so limited or prevented, without liability of any kind.

WiFi

While WiFi is available at most destinations at no cost, unfortunately in some countries there is a charge and that will be your responsibility. You will be briefed on the same before your departure.

WiFi connectivity on transportation provided by Epik Escapes (for tours where WiFi is available on the motor-coach) is provided by an independent third party with separate Terms & Conditions of usage and acceptance thereof. These can be found online or will be made available upon request. WiFi connectivity is not guaranteed, and is often disrupted, unavailable, and slower internationally than you are accustomed to.

Comparable Services

After departure, if the services included in the trip cannot be supplied or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of Epik Escapes, depending on the circumstance, Epik Escapes will take reasonable action to arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expenses will be the responsibility of vacation participants, and any resulting savings will be refunded by the company to the trip participants.

Liability

The vacation participant agrees that neither Epik Escapes nor its affiliates shall be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death and property loss), or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier providing services, any insurer or insurance administrator under the Travel Insurance plan, or any other person.

Do You Have An Inquiry? Get In Touch.

1-844-744-EPIK