Introduction

At Context View, we understand that plans can change. This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations, refunds, and booking modifications for all travel services booked through Context View. By making a booking with us, you agree to the terms of this Refund Policy.

We recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may require you to cancel or modify your travel plans.

1. Refund Policy Overview

Our refund policies vary depending on several factors, including:

  • The type of travel service booked (e.g., custom itinerary, group tour, special interest tour)
  • The specific terms and conditions of the third-party suppliers involved in your booking
  • The timing of your cancellation request relative to your departure date
  • The reason for cancellation

It is important to note that many of our travel services involve third-party suppliers with their own cancellation and refund policies, which we must adhere to when processing refund requests.

2. Cancellation and Refund Terms

2.1 Standard Cancellation Schedule

Unless otherwise specified at the time of booking, the following standard cancellation fees apply to most of our travel services:

Timing of Cancellation Cancellation Fee
More than 90 days before departure Deposit amount (typically 25% of total booking value)
89-60 days before departure 40% of total booking value
59-45 days before departure 60% of total booking value
44-30 days before departure 80% of total booking value
29 days or less before departure 100% of total booking value (no refund)

Please note: Some travel services may have different cancellation terms, which will be clearly communicated at the time of booking. In case of discrepancy, the specific terms provided at booking will prevail.

2.2 Special Interest and Small Group Tours

Due to the specialized nature and limited capacity of our special interest and small group tours, these bookings are subject to stricter cancellation policies:

Timing of Cancellation Cancellation Fee
More than 120 days before departure Deposit amount (typically 30% of total booking value)
119-90 days before departure 50% of total booking value
89-60 days before departure 75% of total booking value
59 days or less before departure 100% of total booking value (no refund)

2.3 Custom Itineraries

For custom itineraries, cancellation fees vary based on the specific components of your booking and the cancellation policies of our suppliers. In addition to supplier-imposed fees, Context View charges a service fee for custom itinerary cancellations according to the following schedule:

Timing of Cancellation Context View Service Fee
After booking confirmation, more than 90 days before departure £250 per booking
89-45 days before departure £350 per booking
44 days or less before departure £500 per booking

This service fee is in addition to any cancellation fees imposed by our suppliers, which can range from 0% to 100% of the component cost depending on the timing of cancellation.

3. Refund Processing

3.1 Refund Request Procedure

To request a cancellation and refund, you must notify Context View in writing by:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Post: Context View, 831 Wilkinson Cape, Lake Harrisonton SW19 1BB, United Kingdom

Your cancellation request must include:

  • Your booking reference number
  • Full name(s) of all travelers in the booking
  • Reason for cancellation
  • Any supporting documentation (if applicable for special circumstances)

3.2 Refund Timeline

Upon receiving your cancellation request, Context View will:

  • Acknowledge receipt of your request within 2 business days
  • Calculate applicable refund amounts based on our policy and supplier terms
  • Process approved refunds within 30 business days of confirmation

Please note that while Context View will process refunds promptly on our end, it may take additional time (typically 5-10 business days) for the refund to appear in your account, depending on your payment method and financial institution.

3.3 Refund Method

Refunds will be issued using the same payment method used for the original booking whenever possible. For example:

  • Credit card payments will be refunded to the same credit card
  • Bank transfer payments will be refunded via bank transfer to the originating account

In some cases where the original payment method cannot be used for refunds, we will work with you to arrange an alternative refund method.

4. Special Circumstances

4.1 Cancellation Due to Force Majeure

If your travel is significantly affected by force majeure events (such as natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, pandemics, or government travel advisories against travel to your destination), Context View will:

  • Work with our suppliers to recover as much of your payment as possible
  • Waive our own service fees where appropriate
  • Offer alternatives such as postponement or travel credits where full refunds are not possible

Please note that force majeure circumstances do not automatically entitle you to a full refund, as many costs may have been irretrievably committed to your booking. This underscores the importance of comprehensive travel insurance.

4.2 Cancellation by Context View

In rare cases, Context View may need to cancel your booking due to circumstances such as insufficient participation for group tours, safety concerns, or other operational issues. In such cases:

  • You will receive a full refund of all monies paid to Context View
  • Or, at your option, you may choose to apply your payment to an alternative booking

4.3 Cancellation Due to Medical Reasons

If you need to cancel due to serious illness, injury, or death of a traveler or immediate family member, we require:

  • Written notification as soon as possible
  • Medical documentation supporting the claim

While we will make every effort to negotiate with our suppliers for maximum refunds in such circumstances, many costs may still be non-refundable. This scenario highlights the importance of travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.

5. Booking Modifications

5.1 Changes to Bookings

If you need to make changes to your booking (such as dates, destinations, or traveler details), rather than cancelling entirely:

  • Requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected]
  • Changes are subject to availability and supplier policies
  • A modification fee of £100-£200 per booking applies, depending on the complexity of changes
  • Additional costs may apply if the new arrangements are more expensive

Please note that substantial changes, especially close to departure, may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, with cancellation fees applying per the schedules above.

5.2 Transferring Bookings

If you are unable to travel, you may be able to transfer your booking to another person, subject to the following conditions:

  • The request must be made at least 60 days before departure
  • A transfer fee of £150 per person applies
  • The new traveler must meet all requirements for the trip (visas, health, etc.)
  • The new traveler must accept the terms of the original booking
  • Transfers are subject to supplier approval and may not be possible for all bookings

6. Exclusions from Refund Policy

The following items are generally non-refundable under any circumstances:

  • Travel insurance premiums
  • Visa application fees
  • Vaccination and medical preparation costs
  • Context View planning fees for custom itineraries
  • Any services already provided or commenced

7. Travel Protection Recommendations

Given the significant financial commitment involved in travel bookings and the strict cancellation policies that apply, Context View strongly recommends that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
  • Medical emergency coverage
  • Emergency evacuation coverage
  • Baggage protection
  • Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (where applicable)

While we can recommend travel insurance providers, the decision to purchase coverage and the selection of specific policies remains the traveler's responsibility.

8. Contact Information

For questions about our Refund Policy or to submit a refund request, please contact us:

For urgent matters related to bookings within 72 hours of departure, please contact our emergency assistance line: +44 7700 123 456

9. Policy Updates

Context View reserves the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated policy on our website. The policy that was in effect at the time of your booking will apply to your reservation.