Please read the following booking conditions carefully as they set out the terms and conditions of the contract between you and Fusion Escapes Limited (‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’). Your contract will be governed by English law and any disputes will be dealt with in the courts of England and Wales. Fusion Escapes reserve the right to refuse or retain any booking at any time.
The financial bonding requirements of the Travel Trust Association (TTA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have been observed by us in relation to the provision of all our Packages. Our T- ATOL number is TBC and our TTA membership number is TTA – U7666.
These arrangements ensure that payments made by you for your Package would be refunded and/or you would be repatriated in the unlikely event of our insolvency. Our registered office for service is The Triangle, Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR and our company registration number is 6922907 United Kingdom.
For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. The price of your holiday includes the amount of £2.73 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA.
Please note that if you book your flight independently with an airline, you will not be protected under this scheme.
Fusion Escapes Limited makes the following Price Policy on all our holidays: We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown on our website. You will be advised of the current price of the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed. The price of your travel arrangements was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the ‘Financial Times Guide to World Currencies’.
PRICE GUARANTEED IF YOU PAY DEPOSIT COST QUOTED OR PAY IN FULL WHEN YOU BOOK. When deposit cost quoted or full payment of the price is received by Fusion Escapes Limited within the time period outlined on our Quote, we will guarantee your holiday price will not change.
We will absorb, and you will not be charged for, any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your Package, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your Package, you will have the option of accepting a change to another Package or approximately equivalent price if we are able to offer one (if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. If you decide to cancel, you must exercise the right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the latest invoice.
Please note that Packages are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your Package due to contractual and other protection in place.
All prices and offers shown throughout this website are for guidance only and subject to availability at the time of booking. Our holiday prices are based on specially negotiated hotel and transfer rates, which can increase, decrease or be restricted. Should our special rates not be available, we shall advise you immediately and offer you the option to reserve your holiday at the higher published rates. We reserve the right to change prices. We advise that you contact us for the most up-to-date holiday price. A tailor-made quotation will be provided at the time of your enquiry.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices shown throughout this website include the following:
From time to time we may have to change details of the package you have booked. If any change will have a significant effect on your package, we will tell you about it before you travel. Changes we will tell you about include:
If you do not want to accept a significant change which we tell you about before you depart, we will, if we are able to do so, offer you an alternative Package of equivalent or closely similar standard and price at no extra cost, or a less expensive Package, in which case we will refund the difference in price. If you do not wish to take the alternative we offer you, you can choose a different Package offered for sale by us and pay, or receive a refund of, any price difference. Or, if you prefer, you can cancel your Package and receive a full refund of any money you have paid to us, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.
Any change which we do not consider significant is a minor change. We will endeavour to tell you about a minor change before you travel but we are not obliged to do so and we will not pay compensation. It may not be possible at the time of booking to specify the airline or type of aircraft. Please note that two airlines may share the same services, therefore a flight may not be operated by the airline whose designated code is shown on your itinerary and ticket. We are required to inform you of the identity of the airline operating your flight. Any changes to the operating airline will be notified to you in all cases at check in or at the boarding gate. We reserve the right to change airlines or aircraft types at any time and changes of this type will not constitute a significant change.
On rare occasions we may need to cancel your Package if there is insufficient demand for your particular Package. If we have to cancel a Package for any particular reason, we will tell you as soon as reasonably possible. In these circumstances we will, if we are able to do so, offer you an alternative Package of equivalent or closely similar standard and price at no extra cost, or a less expensive Package, in which case we will refund the difference in price. If you do not wish to take the alternative we offer you, you can choose another offered for sale by us and pay, or receive a full refund of, any price difference. Or, if you prefer, you can receive a full refund of any money you have paid to us, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. However, we will not cancel your Package within 4 weeks of departure except if we are forced to do so because of unusual circumstances we could not have foreseen, where we could not avoid the results of those circumstances even after taking all reasonable care (see ‘Circumstances Beyond Our Control’ below). No compensation will be payable in these circumstances, whenever they happen, and we will only have to offer you the above choices. We can also cancel if you fail to make payment for your booking on time.
Except where we say differently elsewhere in these conditions, we will not pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, or cover losses for any amount or otherwise accept responsibility if we have to change your Package after departure, or we, or our suppliers, cannot supply your Package, as we, or they, had agreed, or you suffer any loss or damage of any description as a result of circumstances beyond our control. When we refer to circumstances beyond our control we mean any event that we, or the supplier in question, could not foresee or avoid, even after taking all reasonable care. Such circumstances will usually include, but are not limited to, war, terrorist activity, civil unrest, industrial dispute, bad weather (actual or threatened) and significant building work ongoing outside of your accommodation, which is not known to us in advance of your departure date and building work from a third party (such as resort development).
If, after your departure, a significant part of your pre-booked Package arrangements cannot be provided you will be offered a suitable alternative if possible. If it is not possible to offer you a suitable alternative or, for good reasons, you do not accept the alternative arrangements, you will have the right to cancel your booking. In this event you will have the right to be returned by the same means of transport to your original departure point at no extra cost provided that transport is available. This does not impose an obligation on us to make specific transport arrangements for you if none are available.
(i) Our obligations, and those of our suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any of your Package, are to take reasonable skill and care to arrange for the provision of such services and facilities and, where we or our supplier is actually providing the service or facility, to provide them with reasonable skill and care. Compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements (such as, for example, those of the Civil Aviation Authority) will be proper performance of our, and our suppliers’, obligations. You must show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make any claim.
(ii) For claims which do not involve death or personal injury, we accept liability, subject to paragraph (i) above and (iv) below, should any part of your Package not be as described in this Guide or elsewhere by us before you leave the UK.
(iii) Where a flight ticket is downgraded or a flight cancelled, delayed, or boarding is denied by any carrier in circumstances which would entitle you to compensation under the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, then you are obliged to claim the appropriate sums pursuant to those Regulations from the carrier. Any sums received by you in this respect constitute the full amount of your entitlement to compensation for all matters flowing from the carrier's actions and which fall within the scope of the Denied Boarding Regulations.
(iv) For claims which involve death or personal injury as a result of an activity forming part of your Package (excluding Resort Booked Excursions – see section entitled ‘Excursions’), we have liability subject to paragraph (i) above and (v) below.
(v) We accept liability in accordance with paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iv) above and subject to paragraphs (vi), (vii), (viii) ,(ix),( x), and (xi) below except where the cause of the failure in your Package or any death or personal injury you may suffer is not due to any fault on our part or that of our servants, agents or suppliers, and is either attributable to you, or attributable to someone unconnected with the Package and is unforeseeable or unavoidable, or due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which neither we, nor our servants, agents or suppliers could have foreseen or forestalled.
(vi) If any International Convention applies to or governs any of the services or facilities included in your Package arranged or provided by us, or provided by any of our suppliers, and you make a claim against us of any nature arising out of death, injury, loss or damage suffered during or as a result of the provision of those services or facilities, our liability to pay you compensation and/or the amount (if any) of compensation payable to you by us will be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to that provided for by the International Convention concerned (in each case including in respect of the conditions of liability, the time for bringing any claim and the type and amount of any damages that can be awarded). For further details of the International Conventions which may apply, see paragraphs (vii), (viii) and (ix) below. You can get copies of the relevant Conventions if you ask us. For the avoidance of doubt, this means that we are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitations of compensation contained in any of these Conventions or any other International Conventions applicable to your Package. Any applicable Protocols or amendments shall apply to all such International Conventions.
(vii) International Conventions in respect of international air travel include the Warsaw Convention 1929 (including as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955 and by any additional Montreal Protocols of 1975 and 1999 or otherwise) or the Montreal Convention 1999 (for international travel by air and/ or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, which the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/ 2002 for national and international travel by air has given effect to). Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any flight arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the aircraft concerned) provided by any air carrier where we have arranged the flight as part of our contract, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is limited to the most the carrier concerned would have to pay under the International Convention or Regulation which applies to the flight in question. Please note: for all such claims (including those involving death or personal injury) where the carrier is not obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation (including where any claim is not notified or issued in accordance with the time limits stipulated in the applicable Convention or Regulation), we are similarly not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the airline for the complaint or claim in question. Please also note that strict time limits apply for notifying loss, damage or delay of luggage to the airline. Any proceedings in respect of any claim (including one for personal injury or death) must be brought within 2 years of the date stipulated in the applicable Convention or Regulation.
(viii) The provisions of the Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea 1974 (as amended) (“the Athens Convention”) apply to the Cruise element of your Package as well as the process of getting on or off the ship concerned. Please refer to Section B under the heading ‘Cruise Packages’ for a detailed explanation of the Athens Convention.
(ix) Other International Conventions which may apply include in respect of rail travel, the COTIF Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail 1980 (as amended); in respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention 1973; and, in respect of hotels, the Paris Convention 1962.
(x) You are obliged to assist us in recovering from any third party any sum which may compensate us for any sums we pay you. In particular, you are obliged to assign to us any rights that you may have against any other person whose acts or omissions have caused or contributed to our legal liability to pay you compensation. You must also provide us with all assistance we may reasonably require. Finally, you must follow the procedures for the notification of complaints set out in the clause below entitled ‘If you have a complaint’.
(xi) Should you become ill while on your Package you must, in addition to reporting your illness to your Host, consult a local doctor and also consult your GP upon your return to the UK. Should you then wish to make a claim against us as a result of that illness, you must provide us with details of both the local doctor whom you saw and your GP, together with written authority for us to obtain a medical report from both those doctors.
(xii) If you suffer illness or injury through misadventure, as a result of any activity which does not form part of your contracted Package arrangements, we will provide you with all reasonable assistance.
(xiii) Other than as set out above, and as is detailed elsewhere in these booking conditions, we shall have no legal liability whatsoever to you for any loss, damage, personal injury or death which you suffer arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of your Package.
The amount of compensation we will pay for any loss or damage to luggage is limited in accordance with the Conventions listed in the above Section A9. For claims for missing or damaged baggage you must follow the rules contained within the carrier’s conditions of carriage. Please note time limits apply within which to notify us or the carrier and make a claim. We will not accept liability for high-value items which you should insure for the appropriate amount.
The terms set out below, together with the terms set out in section C, apply when you book individual travel components such as only a ‘Flight’ or only a ‘Hotel’. They apply whether you book one component or more than one component. Booking more than one component does not create a Package.
B1.Transfer to another person will involve cancelling the original flight booking, thereby incurring any relevant cancellation charges and then making a new booking, which will be subject to availability and any additional price increase. Transfer of any other type of booking is subject to the supplier’s own terms and conditions and the applicable amendment or cancellation charges.
B2. Cancellation / Amendment of Bookings
Bookings may be amended or cancelled in accordance with the relevant supplier’s terms and conditions and subject to the supplier’s amendment and cancellation charges. In many cases our flight suppliers may impose charges of up to 100% of the cost of the travel arrangements and these will be passed onto you.
B3. Our Liability To You
Our responsibility is to make arrangements for the provision by the relevant suppliers (including air carrier of air transport, accommodation owner/supplier, car hire provider) of the components you book, but we do not have any responsibility for the operation of the component itself.
We have no liability to you for any dissatisfaction, loss of enjoyment, loss, injury or damage which results from your use of the single component unless we have negligently failed to select a normally competent provider of the relevant component. Further, we have no liability to you in any event for any consequential loss which you may suffer in relation to any arrangements which you book to coincide with the single component you have booked with us.
B4. International Conventions
If any International Convention applies to or governs any of the services or facilities arranged or provided by us, or provided by any of our suppliers, and you make a claim against us of any nature arising out of death, injury, loss or damage suffered during or as a result of the provision of those services or facilities, our liability to pay you compensation and/or the amount (if any) of compensation payable to you by us will be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to that provided for by the International Convention concerned (in each case including in respect of the conditions of liability, the time for bringing any claim and the type and amount of any damages that can be awarded). International Conventions which may apply include: in respect of international air travel, the Warsaw Convention 1929 (including as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955 and by any additional Montreal Protocols of 1975 and 1999 or otherwise) or the Montreal Convention 1999 (for international travel by air and/ or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, which the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/ 2002 for national and international travel by air has given effect to); in respect of rail travel, the COTIF Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail 1980 (as amended); in respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention 1974 (as amended); in respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention 1973; and, in respect of hotels, the Paris Convention 1962. Any applicable Protocols or amendments shall apply to all such International Conventions. You can get copies of the relevant Conventions if you ask us. For the avoidance of doubt, this means that we are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitations of compensation contained in any of these Conventions or any other International Conventions applicable to your travel arrangements.
Before you book please discuss your choice of destination, accommodation and transport with our Travel Consultants to make sure it will be suitable for you. Some travel and accommodation arrangements are only available on a request basis – where this is the case you will be advised at the time you make your enquiry and details of the arrangements on request will be shown on any documentation we issue. Any arrangements that we advise you are on request, are not confirmed or guaranteed and are subject to change until we receive confirmation from our supplier.
C1. Your Holiday Booking
For all bookings as described in sections A, and B above a contract will exist between you and us when we issue a confirmation invoice/receipt/e-mail.
The person who completes the booking online is the ‘lead name’. He or she must be 18 years of age or over and is responsible for payment of the total booking price, including any insurance premiums and subsequent cancellation or amendment charges that may be payable. When booking on the internet the lead name on the booking must be a minimum age of 18.
C2. Payment Terms
If your booking is made more than 8 weeks before the intended departure date, you must pay:
(i) the full cost of your flight as quoted
(ii) a deposit as required by us and/or the supplier of the services for the arrangements in question, the amount of which will be advised at the time of booking.
You will be advised at the time of booking what payment is required for your particular arrangements. The balance of the cost of your travel arrangements must be paid within 8 weeks before the departure date.
If your booking is made within 8 weeks of your intended departure date, the total cost of your travel arrangements must be paid at the time of booking.
PLEASE NOTE: FAILURE TO PAY ON TIME WILL RESULT IN CANCELLATION.
C3.Method of Payment
Debit / Credit Cards: we accept all major debit / credit card. Clients choosing to use a credit card as their method of payment will be subject to a credit card handling fee which will be advised at the time of booking.
C4. Insurance
It is imperative that you are adequately insured for overseas holidays ensuring that your policy provides, in particular, cover for medical expenses, emergency treatment, emergency/helicopter rescue and repatriation where necessary. If you suffer from a disability or medical condition you must disclose this to insurers and to us. We offer an insurance scheme arranged through Holiday Extras, details of which are on the website available only to permanent residents of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland. If you wish to arrange your own insurance, please advise us of this and a copy of the policy should be given to your Host on arrival.
C5. Ticketing
Your tickets and any other documents relating to your booking will be sent to the address which you give us at the time of booking, or may be delivered by e-mail in the form of an e-ticket if you supplied an e-mail address at the time of booking. Provided you have paid the total cost of the travel arrangements, we will endeavour to dispatch your tickets to you at least 3 weeks prior to departure. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CHECK ALL DETAILS OF YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. IF THERE ARE ANY INACCURACIES OR YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUERY PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY.
C6. Changes You Make Before Travel
If you want to change the arrangements you have booked in any way, we will try to help you, although we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to do this as changes are subject to availability at the time and to the transport providers terms and conditions. Please note that typically changes to scheduled flight and other travel tickets are very restrictive. Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangement. For example, some of the transport providers we use do not permit name changes for any reason. Such changes are likely to result in your being charged the full cost of the service and may be subject to space being available for a new reservation. In addition, you will have to pay any extra costs the carrier may pass on to us. See the Exception in the section ‘Cancellation By You’ below. Where we can make a change we will charge for any additional services, facilities, or other items changed, at the price which applies on the day the change is made. In addition, we will also apply administration charges of £25 for each person on the booking and for each item you want to change. Any booking discount you may have received at the time the original booking was made, may be altered or reduced whenever changes are made.
C7. Cancellation By You
The lead name on the booking must give notice to cancel in writing and the charges shown below apply from the date we receive the notice at our offices.
In order to cover our expected losses from the cancellation of the booking there is a set scale of charges which must be paid by you if you cancel.
Cancellation charge before departure:
If you do cancel, you must still pay any insurance premiums and amendment charges which arose before the cancellation and any deposits paid for any pre-booked items or services.
‘Exception’ - Cancellation of certain transport arrangements, typically Scheduled airline and Eurostar tickets, can result in up to 100% cancellation charges regardless of the notice period given to us. We reserve the right to pass on these charges which will apply to the transport element of your booking and the cancellation charges in the scale above will apply to the other elements of your booking (e.g. accommodation, optional extras). Similarly, name changes (including initial changes), destination and date changes can be treated by such suppliers as a cancellation and re-booking, regardless of the period of notice given to us. If the supplier treats the change as a cancellation and re-booking we will pass on to you the cost imposed by the supplier, which could be up to 100% of the transport element of your booking and you must also pay the charge listed in the section ‘Changes You Make Before Travel’ above. Also note that the transport provider may refuse to issue replacement tickets for lost or stolen tickets and new tickets may have to be purchased by you. The cost of the new ticket may be greater than the cost of the original ticket.
The above cancellation charges may vary to reflect the terms and conditions of our suppliers and deposits may be non-refundable for cancellations of all holidays occurring over the following periods – Christmas, New Year, Easter and other school holidays. Please note that the price of your holiday includes the amount of £2.73 per person which we are required to pay to the CAA as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (“the APC Sum”). In the event that you choose to cancel your flight the APC Sum is not refundable in any circumstances.
C8. Suppliers’ Conditions
Our third party suppliers have their own booking conditions and conditions of carriage and you will be bound by these, so far as the relevant supplier is concerned. Our suppliers’ conditions will also apply to your contract with us, and in the event of any conflict between the suppliers’ conditions and our conditions, the suppliers’ conditions will prevail, save to the extent that any term in the suppliers’ conditions is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, in which event our conditions will prevail. Some of our suppliers’ conditions may limit or exclude liability on the part of the relevant supplier, and, by virtue of their application to your contract with us, may also limit or exclude our liability to you, and they are often subject to international conventions. Where relevant, copies of such conditions may be available for inspection at the office of the relevant supplier.
C9. Airline Collapse
In the unlikely event that the airline with which you are travelling ceases to trade whilst you are abroad, you must contact us at the earliest opportunity to allow us to seek to find you an alternative return flight. If you have provided us with your contact details for when you are abroad, this may further assist us in contacting you. We shall not be liable for any costs you incur in making your own return flight arrangements if you have not given us the opportunity to arrange an alternative flight home for you.
In making alternative return flight arrangements for you we will take the approach of ‘like for like’. What this means is that if your flight is an economy seat we will arrange an economy return alternative and if this is not available immediately, you will be responsible for the cost of remaining abroad until it is or if you wish to upgrade to an immediately available business or first class seat, you will have to pay the difference between the economy seat and the upgraded seat. If your flight seat is business or first class, we will endeavour to find an immediately available business or first class alternative. Our priority, however, will be to book your return flight as soon as possible and, therefore, if the earliest return flight is in a lower class than that which you booked, that return flight is what we will arrange for you and that will be the extent of our obligation to you.
Delays
Regrettably we cannot guarantee that your flight will not be subject to delay. Whatever the nature of a delay, these are the responsibility of the carrier, and subject to their Conditions of Carriage. The provision of subsistence, and/or accommodation, during the period of a delay, is also the responsibility of the carrier. In the event that a delay results in lost holiday time, Fusion Escapes cannot make any refund of unused accommodation or meal arrangement, as they are not re-sold, and full cancellation charges will be applied by the hotel. No adjustment can be made to the holiday arrangements to take account of a delay. Please pay particular attention to the above when booking your own independent domestic flights, train or taxi connections, and allow sufficient time. Fusion Escapes cannot accept any liability for missed connections, cancellation charges, or other consequential loss resulting from a delay, unless the arrangements in question are booked by us as a part of the inclusive package. If you choose not to take advantage of flights provided by Fusion Escapes as part of the package and opt to book your own flight or make your own travel arrangements, we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred through schedule changes to any connecting flights booked through Fusion Escapes and/ or cancellation of the tour on which you have booked.
If you fail to check in on time, the airline is entitled to refuse to allow you to board the flight. We cannot accept responsibility if such a situation arises and, whilst we endeavour to assist in making alternative travel arrangements to your resort, any cost or loss incurred as a result will be your responsibility.
If you fail to check in at all for your flight from the UK, we retain the right to cancel any other arrangements you have booked with us and you will be unable to use your return flight to the UK. No refund can be made for any unused arrangements.
Important notice: you must check-in at least 2 hours prior to departure, failure to do so could result in you being denied travel. Remember no calls will be made for your flight so please make sure that you are at the departure gate no later than 45 minutes before your departure time. Passengers that are refused travel will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation at their own expense.
C11. Denied Boarding
Where a flight ticket is downgraded or a flight cancelled, delayed, or boarding is denied by any carrier in circumstances which would entitle you to compensation under the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, then you are obliged to claim the appropriate sums pursuant to those Regulations from the carrier. Any sums received by you in this respect constitute the full amount of your entitlement to compensation for all matters flowing from the carrier’s actions and which fall within the scope of the Denied Boarding Regulations.
C12. Complaints
Fusion Escapes is a premium product and we aim to deliver only the very best service and experience. However, if you are not satisfied whilst on holiday please advise your Fusion Host immediately and they will do everything reasonably possible to sort the problem out. In the unlikely event that matters cannot be resolved to your satisfaction please notify the Client Services Department in writing within 28 days of your return. If you have special needs that prevent you from writing to us then, where possible, we will accept details of your complaint over the telephone. For complaints arising from scheduled airlines, we will act as a liaison between you and the airline to try to assist in resolving the problem. If we cannot help and you wish to take matters further, you must contact the airline directly.
The address to send your letter to is: Client Services Department, Fusion Escapes Ltd, The Triangle, Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR.
We would point out that failure to follow the above procedures during your holiday, and/or failure to complain within 28 days of your return, may reduce or extinguish any rights you have to claim compensation from us, or from any relevant supplier. Any such rights will be reduced or extinguished if, had you followed the above procedures during your holiday, you or we could have taken steps to reduce any loss or damage suffered or entirely preventing it from being suffered. It is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to properly investigate a complaint if we are not told about it reasonably quickly once the holiday is over. Your right to claim compensation may also be reduced or extinguished should any delay in your complaint being notified during or after your holiday, preventing us from carrying out a proper investigation.
C13. Special Requests
If you have a special request for anything that is not automatically part of the travel arrangements you book through us, please advise us when you book and we will pass this information on to the companies we work with. Our note of your request on your invoice/receipt confirms we have received it and does not guarantee that we, or the relevant supplier, can meet your request. Where possible they will try to help you, but we cannot guarantee any request unless it is noted on your invoice/receipt and we also confirm the request separately in writing. We must emphasise that verbal confirmations of special requests cannot be taken as a guarantee that they will be met e.g. special meal types on flights or hotel room requests. We will not pay compensation for failing to meet a special request that we have not confirmed separately in writing.
C14. Disabled Travellers and Passengers with Reduced Mobility
We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means we will not compensate you. If you have a medical / mobility problem / condition or disability which may affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your booking. We and our suppliers may require a doctor’s certificate or other documentation, information or waiver relating to such disability, medical / mobility problem or condition or fitness to travel as we or our suppliers consider necessary. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking.
The majority of overseas accommodation, overseas transport (including transfers) and other holiday services provided overseas are not equipped to cater for the needs of many disabled holidaymakers. Furthermore the natural terrain and the layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users. It is important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of particular overseas accommodation, resorts, overseas transport and services, and that you are fully satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday. Please note: if special arrangements need to be made for you an extra charge may have to be levied, this may be the case either before you go or when you arrive in resort. We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means we will not compensate you.
Tour Leaders will not be in a position to provide extra assistance to any individual which could reduce their effectiveness for the rest of the group. Please note that we may not be able to provide the holiday of your choice.
C15. Excursions
Excursions include, but are not restricted to, any sightseeing trips, events or other tours either attended in resort or land based ‘shore’ excursions for which additional payment is required. Excursions can be booked and/or paid for in resort ("Overseas Booked Excursions"). All excursions are supplied by third party suppliers and are subject to the section entitled "Suppliers' Conditions" above. We accept, subject to the Sections entitled "Suppliers' Conditions" and "Our Liability to You" above, responsibility for Pre-booked Excursions. However, Overseas Booked Excursions do not form part of your Package and are not governed by the Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations 1992. We do not have any responsibility or liability whatsoever for anything which may go wrong on an Overseas Booked Excursion. We, our servants, employees or agents are acting, depending upon the actual Overseas Booked Excursion, either as agents for the relevant Overseas Booked Excursion supplier or as agent for you. In any event the contract for any Overseas Booked Excursion is between you and the Overseas Booked Excursion provider. It is your responsibility to note carefully any conditions of contract contained in any Overseas Booked Excursion, literature, ticket or receipt you are given. For Overseas Booked Excursions you may be subject to the laws of the country in which you take your excursion and may be required to bring any disputes or claims before the Courts of that country also.
C16. Information Accuracy
We publish website information many weeks in advance and, as far as we know, all information is correct at the time of publication. However, things may still change after publication and we check regularly to see if we need to update or correct any information or prices. If there are any significant information changes or we find any mistakes, we will put details on our computer reservation system and website so you will receive the latest information when you make your booking.
Sometimes the facilities described will be withdrawn for reasons such as maintenance, bad weather or lack of demand from guests. Where our suppliers advise us about significant changes to descriptions or about the withdrawal of any significant facility, we will tell you as soon as possible. Some activities or facilities, watersports for example, may not be available all year round. There may be a charge for some facilities. In some places during high season (and even at other times) there is a possibility you will be disturbed by noise from less considerate groups, so please bear this in mind when choosing your destination and accommodation. Any transfer times we quote for travel between airport and resort are approximate and, depending on circumstances, the journey time to your property may be longer.
C17. Personal Information
In order to process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, and meet your requirements, Fusion Escapes need to use the information you provide, such as your name and address, any special needs/dietary requirements etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass this on to relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements, such as airlines, hotels, transport companies and so on. The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as the police or customs/immigration, if it is required by them, or as required by law. Additionally, where your holiday is outside the European Economic Area (EEA), controls on data protection in the destination may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We shall not, however, pass any information on to any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give us such as details of disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. If, however, we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we cannot make your booking and will not be able to provide your holiday. In making a booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.
We may also occasionally contact you by post or telephone to update you about great offers, products and services. Should you not wish to receive such information, please advise us.
C18.Your Responsibility
Any person considered to be behaving in an antisocial manner and/or under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused boarding or removed from any flight. If in our reasonable opinion or in the opinion of our Host, a Hotel Manager or other person in authority, your behaviour is causing danger, damage or affecting the enjoyment of others, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday. Such individuals may also be liable for prosecution. Fusion Escapes can take no responsibility for any additional expenses incurred or loss of holiday by individuals in any such circumstances. The company cannot accept any responsibility for the actions of other people outside its control.
Weather & Natural Disasters: Some of the destinations featured in our portfolio may be affected by weather patterns such as tropical storms, monsoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, typhoons, flooding and also seismic activity causing earthquakes and tidal waves. It is not possible for us to publish detailed information on weather patterns for each destination and weather advice can frequently change. When a storm or natural disaster occurs, travel and accommodation arrangements may be significantly disrupted. It is extremely difficult to predict with accuracy the actual path, duration or effect severe weather patterns and seismic activity may have and the effects of actual or threatened bad weather and natural disasters are beyond our control (please refer to our booking conditions, section “Circumstances Beyond Our Control" for details of our responsibility to you in these circumstances). If a storm or natural disaster is forecast to affect one of our destinations, we work with local and international authorities, our Health and Safety / resort teams and local agents to try to minimise disruption and keep you well informed. It may be that an evacuation of your resort, or a delay or cancellation of your flight to or from the resort may be necessary. In the event of changes to your holiday due to actual or threatened bad weather, we are not able to offer any compensation.
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Please note you are strongly advised against scuba diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. Whilst many Western European and North American destinations currently have no compulsory inoculation requirements, advice about destinations can change. Biting insects (including mosquitoes) are common in many countries, and they can spread disease. Insect repellents, especially those containing DEET, can be useful in helping to prevent bites. You can also reduce the risk of bites by wearing clothes that cover your skin, including your arms and legs, especially during the evening and at night.
We would also like to draw your attention to DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis - a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. Prolonged immobility is generally thought to be the common underlying risk factor, and thus any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in developing a DVT. A wide range of advice is available on DVT - you are strongly recommended to obtain advice that will include information on those people most at risk of DVT and how to reduce risks when flying. Most passengers can reduce risks through keeping circulation active by practicing in-seat exercises, especially leg exercises, and walking around the aircraft whenever possible. Most airlines provide details of suitable exercises you can do and other measures you can take to reduce risks within their in-flight magazines or during in-flight videos. More comprehensive advice can be found on the UK Department of Health's website (www.dh.gov.uk) but if you believe you are at a higher risk or have any concerns about the risks or doubts about flying, you must consult your GP before you travel.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit issues and frequently updates advice for those travelling outside the UK. The advice includes general warnings and specific information for the benefit of travellers. Ask your travel agent for details of any current advice for the country or countries which you plan to visit when you book your holiday. You are also advised to check this information before you go by accessing the latest Travel Advice on www.fco.gov.uk, alternatively e-mail - traveladvicepublicenquiries@fco.gov.uk or telephone the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit on 0845 850 2829.
A carer must travel with any passenger who does not meet the DFT (Department for Transport) code of practice definition of self reliance. In establishing whether someone is “self-reliant” the DFT stipulate that the passenger should be independent in the following areas:
Feeding – the passenger should be capable of feeding themselves. Cabin crew could still expect to assist with opening food containers and describing catering arrangements to blind people.
Lifting – the passenger should be capable of moving from a passenger seat to an on-board wheelchair.
Toileting – the passenger should be capable of using the toilet facilities unaided.
Communicating – the passenger should be able to communicate with cabin crew and understand their advice/instructions.
Medicating – the passenger should be capable of administering their own medicines and medical procedures.
Breathing – the passenger should not be reliant on supplementary oxygen, if supplementary oxygen is required please let us know and we will pass on details of your requirements to the airline.
If you are not self-reliant (capable of taking care of all your physical needs independently in-flight) a carer is required for travel to take care of these needs. The carer must also book a place at the same time. Due to CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations, any persons with reduced mobility or any physical disability or intellectual impairment cannot be allocated seats adjacent to the emergency exits.
The following information applies to British Citizen’s holding a UK passport issued in the UK. Non-British Citizen passport holders or British Citizens holding a UK Passport issued abroad should contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for clarification. Please note, both passport and visa regulations can change and you should therefore check with your travel agent or the relevant embassy well in advance of travel. It can often take some time to obtain a visa, so you are advised to apply in plenty of time.
Your responsibility: It is the responsibility of passengers to ensure they have valid, acceptable passports and any required visa or any other documentation for the travel they are to undertake - you must be able to meet the entry requirements for both your final destinations and any stop-off points en-route (please note, some countries require between 2/3 blank pages at the end of your passport). Passengers without the correct documentation may be refused carriage by the airline or entry into any country. Where entry is refused, fines or other financial penalty will be imposed on or by the airline and the passenger(s) concerned will be required to immediately return to their country of departure. Any passenger who travels without the required passport/visa/other documentation is solely responsible for and must immediately pay all fines, surcharges, other financial penalty, costs (including the cost of their immediate return flight) and any other sums of any description which are incurred or imposed by the airline or incurred by ourselves. This will be the case regardless of whether the lack of correct documentation is spotted at the departure airport. We can accept no liability in this situation and no compensation, expenses, refund or other sum will be paid.
Validity: A valid passport is essential when you travel abroad. Although your passport has been issued for 10 years you should note that some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country (typically 6 months). If your passport is in its final year of validity, you are advised to check the requirements of the destination before you make your final travel plans.
Names: At the time of booking please ensure you supply your first name and surname, (as they appear on your passport), as both of these must be stated on your flight ticket. This will reduce confusion and delays at check-in. It is anticipated that customers could face more queries and delays as more countries introduce Advance Passenger Information systems. You may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid if the name on your passport and travel documents do not match. If, after booking a holiday but before travelling there are any changes to your passport, we must be notified immediately so that we can make the necessary changes to your holiday documentation.
It is your responsibility to have valid travel documents. If we or your carrier are fined as a result of you holding incorrect documents, you will have to pay us the full amount. For up to date UK Government health & travel advice (including passport and visa requirements) please contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit. The FCO may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on the FCO website: visit www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively call 0845 8502829.
The UK Government requires Advanced Passenger Information from all passengers travelling internationally into and out of the UK. Advance Passenger Information means your passport/identity card details and in some instances, your contact information are provided to the authorities before you travel. The Airlines will only provide each country’s Customs and Immigration Authorities with the required relevant information. Some governments also require airlines to provide them with direct access to airline passenger bookings, which may contain other passenger data. It is important that the information provided is accurate so you pass through Immigration on arrival without delay. For more information, please go to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/travellingtotheuk/beforetravel/advanceinfopas...
General passport enquiries should be directed to the Identity and Passport Service. Please visit their website: www.ips.gov.uk or telephone: 0870 521 0410.
Apply early: If you need to apply for a passport or renew an expired passport, you should do so well in advance of travel and at least four weeks before. (If you are 16 or over and have never had a passport in your own name, you should apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday. The UK passport service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to protect your identity). Visit www.ips.gov.uk
Although handling arrangements at UK departure points are excellent, there are occasions when your baggage may be delayed. A charge will be made if your hold baggage exceeds the allowance stated on your ticket. Baggage allowances vary according to the airline so always check before you travel.
Remember to pack any medication, valuable items and photographic film in your hand luggage and not in your suitcase. Items such as knives, scissors, tweezers and laser pointers must not be carried in your hand luggage, so remember to pack them in your suitcase. Any such items or sharp objects will be confiscated if packed in your hand luggage.
For full details of items permitted on board, please check with the airline you are flying with.
You may need permission from your doctor to fly if you suffer from certain medical conditions, which may mean you also require assistance from the airline. Should you have any concerns about your fitness to fly, please ask your travel consultant.
Regulations vary from airline to airline, but some will refuse to carry women who will be 28 weeks pregnant or more on the date of return travel. If you are in doubt, please check with the airline concerned. We recommend that you also consult your own doctor.
If you are carrying medical/mobility equipment, you must ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover the items for possible loss or damage.
Please remember to pack any valuables including money, credit cards, jewellery, keys and camera equipment in your hand luggage and not in your suitcase.
Safety: the safety and welfare of passengers is of paramount importance. You will be denied boarding or have imposed additional conditions of carriage if any passenger:
Passengers that are refused travel will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation at their own expense.
We realise that some passengers, may find that aircraft seat width is insufficient for their needs. For your own safety and comfort and that of other passengers, you must advise us or your travel agent at the time of booking if you know or are unsure as to whether the seat size on the aircraft will be sufficient for your needs. If you do require additional space, then subject to availability, you can purchase more than one seat located side by side or if you prefer, a wider seat in an upgraded class (where applicable). We regret however, that due to additional costs incurred by us, you will have to pay the full cost of all seats required by you, plus any upgrade supplement per seat.
Most airlines can accept most types of sports equipment - charges apply. All such items will travel on a weight and space-permitting basis only. You should also have insurance for these items.
Some airlines will agree to carry half a set of golf clubs within your baggage allowance. Charges will however be made by some airlines for carriage of golf clubs, payable either at the time of booking, or at the airport prior to departure. If you are planning to take golf clubs, please contact the relevant airline at the time of booking, and they will be able to provide details of prices. It is in your interest to have your golf clubs insured. We advise that all courses require official proof of handicap. We strongly advise golfers to pre-book car hire. Although public transport/taxis will probably be available from all of our recommended accommodation, arrangement may be costly and/or time consuming.
At some accommodation certain amenities may carry a local charge. Unless we have stated that a service or facility is ‘free’ in our accommodation descriptions, you may be asked to pay a charge. Here are a few examples of what you might expect to pay for locally, but always check first as there may be others.
Special Offers: Any offers we make available are dependent on certain conditions being fulfilled. These are carefully detailed against the offer but please ask if you are unsure. Some offers must be booked at the time you make your reservation. Others are subject to availability on your arrival at the hotel but must be requested when you book the holiday. To gain the best from the offers featured please read the conditions carefully. Please note that some of the offers cannot be combined.
Some of the larger hotels play host to groups and conventions and we shall do our utmost to let you know at enquiry stage if any of these groups coincide with your chosen holiday. However, sometimes we are not informed and unfortunately we have not control over the situation whatsoever.
Where possible we try to organise access to your accommodation if your flight arrival time is earlier than the official hotel check in time. Similarly if you have a late flight, we will request that you are able to utilise your room as late as possible. Please note that these arrangements are made on an ad hoc basis and dependent on availability at each individual hotel. Charges may apply.
If you have any particular dietary requirements, such as vegetarian meals, we would ask you to let us know in advance. Most menus tend to be planned around local produce, and the staff are best placed to know which shops and markets are suitable for such purposes.
Our Fusion Host can be contacted throughout your holiday to help, assist and provide you with information. Hiring a car will enhance any holiday and this can be easily arranged via the links provided on our website or when you arrive at your destination. Please ensure you take a driving licence with you. Car costs vary considerably depending on the country and it is important to note that during the high season you should reserve your car at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.
Some of the destinations on this website are still being developed and even in more established resorts there is often a possibility of building work taking place. If in our opinion this is likely to affect your booked accommodation, we will tell you at the time of booking or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before departure if there is time. Please refer to the Booking Conditions, section ‘Circumstances beyond our control’ for more information.
Local events, religious festivities and public holidays are likely to influence the provision of services and facilities within the hotels and around holiday resorts at certain times.
In Muslim countries, dates of religious feasts and festivals are fixed by local sightings of the moon so we cannot work out when they will be beforehand.
Ramadan, which is observed for one month each year, is a period of fasting when the pace of life is slower, public areas are busier and there are certain restrictions, for example, consuming food in public, drinking alcohol and use of restaurants. Also the Muslim New Year is different to the Christian one and during this period many shops and restaurants may be closed. Check out the FCO travel advice on www.fco.gov.uk for more information on specific countries and the possible impact of holidays and events. You will also find information on website of the relevant British Embassy.
If you are concerned about the possible impact of holidays and events or would like to know more, please contact the appropriate tourist board.
As with the vast majority of countries around the world, drugs are illegal in Dubai. Dubai has a very clear policy regarding drug trafficking, smuggling and possession and some medicines including various over the counter medicines such as codeine will require an accompanying doctor’s note or prescription to authenticate its use. For a full list of restricted and controlled medicines in Dubai visit www.moh.gov.ae
Laws, licensing requirements and age limits vary throughout the world. We recommend you check with your travel agent, or the relevant embassy or consulate.
We refer to a number of watersports and other sporting activities within the website. None of these are owned nor operated by Fusion Escapes and we cannot guarantee that they are maintained or operated with the customer's safety in mind.
We would ask that you take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself whilst on holiday and would recommend that you only use companies who demonstrate good safety practices. You should ensure watersports and other similar sporting activities you wish to take part in are covered by your own holiday insurance. Some activities/watersports may be considered to be hazardous pursuits by some insurance companies.
Smoking
Restrictive legislation against smoking is increasingly common in destinations worldwide. You may find that your hotel or areas within your hotel and holiday resort operate enforced smoking restrictions. Fines may be imposed for breaching regulations. To find out more visit the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk
Safety & Hygiene
Your health and safety is of paramount concern to us. In addition to monitoring the hygiene and safety standards in all the hotel and apartments that we use, it is appropriate that we bring to your attention the need for you to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas and we need your help and cooperation with this. We would ask you to pay close attention to the following information, together with any other information we, our agents or suppliers, provide to you before you go, during your flight and when you arrive in your destination and at your hotel. It is most important that you familiarise yourself with this information and any other information you are given or on display, because not only do we want you to have a great holiday but we want you to have a safe holiday.
Swimming pools and water features
Every pool is different and most hotels / apartments do not employ lifeguards, so you are strongly recommended to familiarise yourself with the pool layout, identifying the deep and shallow ends before using. Do not use the pool after dark or when the pool is closed, even if the pool has underwater lights. You should never swim when you have been drinking alcohol.
Overseas Safety Standards
Although our featured accommodation does operate to its own country’s standards, regrettably the safety standards and regulations overseas may not be of the same level that we enjoy in our own country. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the Authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. We are working to improve standards wherever possible. You should familiarise yourself with fire procedures, including emergency exits in your accommodation, the swimming pool(s) area. If in doubt, ask your representative or an appropriate member of staff.
Security, Health & Safety Overseas
Health & safety is a prime subject for everyone who travels the world today and we would ask that you observe good housekeeping habits and a common sense approach. Your personal welfare is our priority and we ask that you are fully aware of security, health & safety whilst overseas. Petty crime, robberies and muggings can occur anywhere in the world, although the chances of anything unpleasant happening will be considerably reduced if you take a few simple precautions. Whilst out and about, try not to carry a lot of cash with you and always leave your passport, unnecessary travellers cheques and any expensive jewellery in a secure place.
Stomach Upsets
It is still a relatively common occurrence to suffer gastric illness when travelling abroad and being exposed to a different environment. There are many ways you can reduce the possibility of being affected, such as, not eating undercooked food, avoiding ice in drinks, ensuring you drink plenty of bottled water and avoid over exposure to the sun.
Out and About
Due to rough terrain and uneven surfaces, we recommend that you are extra careful and vigilant when visiting sites of interest. Crimes against people and property are a fact of life throughout the world and you have the same responsibility for your own safety as you do at home. In some places the local police may not be very cooperative or interested when you report a theft or need insurance confirmation so always take care of your property. It is recommended not to approach cats and dogs and other animals as these may carry the rabies disease which can be passed on through bites and scratches. Please exercise caution before entering the sea, as the seabed is not even and changes in depth. The sea is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. When sea bathing, do be aware of sea urchins – their spikes can be very painful.