BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY

Avitura understands that travel plans can change. The following policy applies to cancellations, transfers, credits and refunds unless different terms are specifically stated for an individual journey. All cancellation or transfer requests must be submitted to Avitura in writing at info@avitura.ca.

INTERNATIONAL LAND TOURS

Deposits and other payments made toward an Avitura international land tour are non-refundable, except where Avitura cancels the trip for reasons other than Force Majeure as described below. Trip Transfers One transfer may be requested per booking provided that: The request is received at least 120 days before the original departure date. The requested transfer is approved by Avitura. The new Avitura international land tour departs within two years of the approved transfer date. If approved, the original Trip Deposit will be transferred to the new journey less a CAD $250 administrative fee. Only the Trip Deposit is eligible for transfer unless otherwise agreed by Avitura in writing. Within 120 days of departure Transfer requests are no longer available. Within 90 days of departure All payments remain non-refundable. No credits will be held for future travel. Name changes are not permitted. No partial refunds will be provided for unused services or portions of the journey.

EXPEDITION CRUISES

Payments for expedition cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of cancellation timing. These conditions reflect requirements imposed by vessel operators and other expedition suppliers. Custom or private cruise departures may be subject to different terms, which will be provided before booking.

ONTARIO DAY TOURS & SHORT TOURS

Ontario-based Avitura experiences follow a more flexible policy. Guests may choose either: One complimentary rescheduling, subject to availability; or A credit equal to the amount paid toward another eligible Ontario Avitura experience within the same calendar year. Payments for Ontario tours are otherwise non-refundable. Unused credits do not carry forward into future calendar years unless authorized by Avitura in writing.

CANCELLATION BY AVITURA

Avitura may occasionally need to cancel a journey because of insufficient enrollment, operational requirements or other circumstances. If Avitura cancels a trip for reasons other than Force Majeure, and the cancellation is not caused by the participant, guests may choose: A substitute Avitura trip of equivalent or greater value; A substitute trip of lesser value, with the difference refunded; or A full refund of amounts paid directly to Avitura for the cancelled trip. Refunding amounts paid directly to Avitura represents Avitura's maximum financial responsibility for the cancelled journey.

FORCE MAJEURE

Force Majeure refers to circumstances outside Avitura's reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, war, civil unrest, epidemics or pandemics, government restrictions or advisories, transportation disruptions and similar extraordinary events. If a trip is cancelled because of Force Majeure, Avitura may offer: A substitute journey of equivalent or greater value; A substitute journey of lesser value, with the difference credited or reimbursed; or A travel credit equal to amounts paid to Avitura for the affected trip. Avitura is not responsible for incidental or consequential expenses arising from a cancellation, including: Non-refundable airfare or rail tickets Visas, vaccinations or passport expenses Additional accommodation Lost income Travel insurance premiums Personal expenses Loss of enjoyment or inconvenience

OPERATIONAL CHANGES

International travel can require changes before or during a journey because of weather, wildlife activity, transportation, accommodation availability, safety considerations or other local conditions. Avitura may therefore adjust dates, accommodations, transportation, guides, routes or activities when reasonably necessary. Such operational changes do not automatically entitle participants to a refund. If an advertised Avitura trip leader becomes unavailable, Avitura will make reasonable efforts to provide a suitably qualified replacement.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants and may be mandatory for certain international journeys. Coverage should include trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation, baggage and travel delays.

QUESTIONS

Avitura is a Canadian birding and wildlife tour operator based in Ontario. For questions regarding this policy or an existing booking, please contact: Avitura
Email: info@avitura.ca