Can I make payments by credit card?
Our tour operator, Arrangements Abroad, accepts reservation deposits by credit card. Final payments are preferred to be settled by check or wire transfer.
Will you make air arrangements for me?
We would be delighted to assist you with air travel arrangements for your trip, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights, or your requests. The cost of this service is $40 per person. All airfares are guaranteed once the ticket has been issued.
This includes personalized access to a broad range of airfare options, many of which are exclusive to your group. In addition to the pre-flight fare analysis and consultation, once ticketed your reservation will be monitored for any changes that might affect your travel plans. If your airline travel plans are affected, which might include potential weather delays, your adviser will assist you with alternate arrangements to minimize the disruptions.
Complete details are provided in the program confirmation mailing.
Will you assist with airport transfers?
Typically, transfers and porterage are provided for those flying on the suggested flight itinerary listed in your confirmation mailing. As a courtesy, we will make every effort to include other individuals arriving independently at the same time or earlier on group transfers. If you plan to arrive at a time that does not align with the group recommendation, we are happy to assist with arranging a private transfer for you, at an additional cost.
Can I travel with you as a single?
We welcome individuals who are traveling as singles. If you wish to reserve a room or cabin for single occupancy, generally we must pass along the cost of a single supplement.
Can you book extra nights for me?
We are pleased to offer group rates for additional nights at the group hotels before and after trips. Regrettably, we cannot assist with individual arrangements at hotels not included in the program itinerary. For more information, please contact our office at 1-855-533-0033 or 1-212-324-1893.
Can you book restaurant reservations, opera tickets, or private tours for me?
As a group tour operator, typically we cannot assist with individual arrangements such as private touring and dinner reservations. We recommend seeking the services of a travel agent or hotel concierge to help you with these arrangements.
Can I participate only on a portion of the program?
In order to maintain the integrity of the program, travelers are unable to skip portions of the tour. Please contact our office with questions or concerns.
Can you hold a place for me while I decide?
Pending availability, we will hold a place for you for seven days to allow you to make a decision. After seven days have passed, a signed reservation application along with a deposit to guarantee your place are required. The deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your travel program. Deposit amounts (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees per person) vary depending on the tour. You may pay your deposit with a debit or credit card, wire transfer or personal check.
Can I go with the group transfer if I am not on the suggested flight?
Airport transfers are not included for those who are not on the suggested flight. However, if your flight is arriving prior to the suggested flight, you are welcome to meet the group for the group transfer. We suggest that you arrive at least one hour prior to the group flight in case your flight is delayed. If you are on a flight to exotic destinations where you may not wish to take public transportation or a taxi, we recommend arranging a private car. Please contact us at 1-855-533-0033 or 1-212-324-1893 if you would like to make any of the special arrangements above.
Can you make my flight arrangements if I do not originate in the departure city noted in the brochure?
Travelers are welcome to make arrangements to meet the suggested flight in the departure city, and we are happy to assist you. Please contact us at 1-855-533-0033 or 1-212-324-1893.
Is airfare included in the program rate?
In order to provide travelers with flexibility in their travel arrangements, we do not include round trip airfares in program rates. However, flights within and between foreign countries that are part of the travel itinerary are generally included in program rates.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
By registering and paying the deposit for The Program (as described in the tour brochure or final itinerary), you agree to the following Terms and Conditions of participation in The Program.
RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS
To reserve your space on The Program, a $1,000 deposit is required per participant, of which $500 is non-refundable to cover administrative fees. Final payment by check, credit card, or wire transfer is due no later than 120 days prior to the date of departure.
If full payment is not received by Museum Travel Alliance (MTA) 120 days prior to the departure date, participant reservations may be canceled without notice.
AIRFARE
The tour operator, Arrangements Abroad (AA), has retained the services of an air concierge who is pleased to assist with air travel arrangements, including suggested group flights or individual requests, for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing.
HEALTH
All participants must be in good physical and mental health. Program excursions involve walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs without handrails, and touring sites that are not handicapped accessible.. On some Programs, hiking, biking, or extensive walking is an integral part of the excursions. In order to provide the best service we can, MTA and AA require that any condition that may need assistance, special diets, or special medical attention or treatment be reported on the Ppersonal Iinformation Fform sent to you in your confirmation packet. MTA and AA encourage participants to consult their personal physician for specific advice regarding the activities and destinations of The Program. For health information visit www.cdc.gov/travel
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs or, in some cases, video recordings of trip participants may be used for educational and promotional purposes by the sponsoring institution. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the Tour Directors at the beginning of your trip.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
MTA and AA strongly recommend that every participant purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect against unforeseen events that may impact their participation in The Program. In addition, we recommend purchasing a policy that also covers emergency medical evacuation, loss of luggage, accident, and sickness. MTA and AA's cancellation policy is strictly enforced. An insurance application will be sent upon receipt of deposit, but of course, participants may select an alternative insurer of their choice. For up-to-date information regarding U.S. Department of State foreign travel information, please visit: www.state.gov/travel
TRAVEL TO CUBA
Travel to Cuba is permitted by the US Department of the Treasury only if the travel falls into one of the 12 categories of licensed activities. The participants on this program will be licensed under a General license for Ppeople-Tto-Ppeople Educational activities. To comply with the requirements of the Ppeople-Tto-Ppeople license, participants will be asked to certify in writing, that they agree to participate in a full-time schedule of Program activities. In addition, to enter Cuba, a Cuban visa and Cuban health insurance are required. For more information about the requirements for travel to Cuba, please see: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/licensing.aspx#c_trav
CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS
All reasonable efforts are made to provide the itinerary as presented in the brochure, however, the itinerary, in whole or in part, as well as the lecturer(s) are subject to modifications and changes at any time, without notice at the discretion of MTA and AA. Prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the participant.
RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE
The participation of MTA and its member institutions is limited to educational sponsorship of The Program. AA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services relating to The Program. AA, MTA, and its member institutions and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AA, MTA, or its member institutions and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages, expenses, delays, cancellations, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders or interpositions of any government or agent thereof, or to persons or property, due to illness, epidemic, weather, fire, flood, strikes, local laws, hostilities, insurrections, wars, acts of terrorism, acts of nature, or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AA and MTA are not responsible for transportation or other Program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort, safety or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AA, MTA, or its member institutions. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AA, MTA, and its member institutions reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AA, MTA, or its member institutions to be in the best interest of the participant's health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants.
CANCELLATION POLICY
AA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/ promotional expenses, and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of MTA or AA and are subject to a $500 non-refundable administrative fee.
All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by MTA and AA and are the sole responsibility of AA; MTA member institutions shall have no liability for refunds.
At the time MTA or AA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply:
| 120 to 91 days prior to departure: | 20% of The Program cost is non-refundable |
| 90 to 61 days before departure: | 50% of The Program cost is non-refundable
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| 60 days or less before departure: | 100% of The Program cost is non-refundable
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No refunds are given for cancellation within 90 days of departure or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason.
Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AA, MTA, nor its member institutions shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, MTA or AA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, MTA and AA reserve the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by MTA or AA shall constitute full settlement with the participant.
ARBITRATION
Binding Arbitration
In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between the participant and AA, the following will apply: the participant agrees that any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) New York law and will take place in New York, New York. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. By agreeing to these terms and conditions, you (and we) are waiving our right to a trial by jury. Upon payment of the deposit to AA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above Terms and Conditions.
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