Updated: June 6, 2025
Cancellation Policy
Be aware that if any portion of your overall reservation is canceled, your deposit is non-refundable and there may be a cancellation fee for all components included in the booking that were also non-refundable: flights, tour fare, air add-ons, ground transfers, pre- and post- hotel and tour packages. In addition to these fees from us, you may incur additional expenses due to airlines or other transportation carriers’ policies as well as charges associated with hotels or other operators involved in the itinerary.
Regrettably, refunds are not given unless specifically stated in this section. Any refunded money will be returned directly to your original payment method. For any reason — including medical or family matters — those who cancel their bookings within the appropriate timeframes must pay a per-person cancellation policy as outlined here.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, you acknowledge that Brighter Things will incur losses should you choose to cancel your booking – the exact amount of which would be difficult or impossible for us to calculate. Therefore, we have established a fair and reasonable cancellation policy as liquidated damages in order for us to recover our losses.
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations cannot be made online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, or as stated on the website, will be refunded in the form of a credit to a future trip with Brighter Things. If cancellation occurs less than 180 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited, unless otherwise stated on the website. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect your investment, Brighter Things insists that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
If it’s prior to 180 days of departure and a payment bounces during a payment plan, you will be alerted to the missed payment and have two weeks to rectify the payment before the booking is canceled. A credit for payments made will be given towards a future trip with Brighter Things.
Liability Statement
Brighter Things serves as an independent agent for tour passengers, arranging transportation, hotels, meals, and sightseeing for the benefit of its customers. Brighter Things is not responsible for any loss or damages of property or for injuries or illness incurred by passengers, nor for delays caused by situations beyond our control, including natural disasters, pandemics including COVID-19, riots, strikes, airline delays, non-participation or other events that could affect the tour. The exact scheduling and scope of events, hotels, meals, etc. during any tour is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control, and additional personal expenses could be incurred, such as added hotel nights, added meals, transportation costs, etc. Persons registering for the tour agree to these terms. Travel insurance might cover some or all of the additional incurred expenses depending on the circumstances. Brighter Things insists on travel insurance.
Itinerary Changes
Tours are usually planned months or even a year or more in advance. Between planning time and operation, we constantly strive to improve each itinerary and add to your convenience and enjoyment. However, should improvements be made and/or unforeseen conditions beyond our control deem change necessary; we reserve the right to do so. This may result in varying itineraries and substitute facilities or attractions of equivalent or better value. In the event of national or local holidays, certain listed features i.e. museums, attractions, etc., may be affected or unavailable. If the cancellation of a scheduled activity is encountered, we will endeavor to provide a suitable substitute if at all possible.
Disabilities and Special Needs
Brighter Things makes every effort to contract with providers of transportation which fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you have special travel or accommodation needs, you must notify us in writing as to the nature of any special accommodations or needs you may require. Brighter Things nor any of the providers of transportation, lodging, or entertainment can ensure special accommodations without advance notice. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be completely responsible for providing all required assistance. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of Brighter Things, is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip.
COVID-19 WAIVER
For this reservation, I/we requested that Brighter Things, an independently owned and operated travel business, book travel arrangements on my behalf. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I acknowledge and fully understand that these travel arrangements may be interrupted or canceled by the associated travel supplier, a government entity, or another third party outside of Brighter Things’ control for reasons that are unforeseeable at this time. I also understand and acknowledge that travel involves the risk of a variety of hazards to health and/or safety, including but not limited to, injury, illness, disease, epidemics, and/or pandemics. I expressly understand and agree that I assume all such risks and financial costs including, but not limited to COVID-19 testing and quarantines associated with travel whether or not specified herein. I further understand and acknowledge that Brighter Things has no control over the associated supplier`s policies which, in addition to applicable law, will solely govern any cancellation, re-booking, and refund related to these travel arrangements.
Travel Insurance
Brighter Things requires the purchasing of travel insurance to protect your financial investment. If you have a pre-existing condition or wish to purchase Cancel for Any Reason insurance you have 14 days from the date of your first payment toward the trip to purchase insurance with no pre-existing condition lookback period.
Tour Activity Levels
Level 1 is more relaxed all the way up to Level 5 which would be considered strenuous
Level 1: On this relaxed tour, physical activity will be kept to a minimum. Expect activities such as ascending stairs, boarding a bus, and walking between the hotel reception area, lodging, and dining areas.
Level 2: This vacation necessitates a moderate level of physical exercise. It is advised that you are fit enough to climb stairs and trek fair distances, which could encompass unpaved surfaces or cobblestone roads. To ensure your well-being, kindly make sure you’re in good health before embarking on this adventure!
Level 3: On this tour, you’ll get a healthy dose of moderate physical activity. Your itinerary will include both longer and shorter days with ample opportunities for leisure activities. Brace yourself for plenty of walking tours, as well as strolling slightly further distances or navigating stairs and uneven terrain!
Level 4: If you want to make the most of your program and destination, then be prepared for some physical activity. This could include extended walking tours on uneven surfaces (such as cobblestones) or terrain, climbing stairs, and being on your feet for long periods of time. Some touring days may extend into the evening with certain activities taking place later in the night.
Level 5: This tour calls for adventurous spirits and those who are in good physical condition. You must be prepared to take on vigorous activities like transfers over rugged landscape, extended hikes, high altitudes along with early morning departures or late night itineraries depending upon the day’s program. We highly recommend this journey to individuals who have a strong level of fitness but please read through each itinerary closely or contact one of our travel counselors before making your decision if this is the right adventure for you!