Land Tour
13 days
$AUD 490 per day
Departure: China
Arrival: Vietnam
Adventure
Private / Tailor made
Leaving behind the bustling but nostalgic city of Hanoi, venture north as you spend time with the hill tribe minority groups of Northern Vietnam and Southern China.
Travel overland between Vietnam and China - a route almost completely untrodden. Witness spectacular vistas of terraced rice paddies, traditional homes, hidden cultures and flourishing traditions.]]>
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.]]>
Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The capital of Vietnam is a charming city with a population of over six million. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks, and thriving Old Quarter, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s French provincial town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other Southeast Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets on its still surface.
Enjoy dinner at Cau Go Restaurant this evening, a restaurant hidden on the 5th floor of a small building overlooking Hanoi’s famed Hoan Kiem Lake. The restaurant is more than just a great view, however. The décor, like Hanoi itself, is a mix of Old meets New in its chic lines and modern furnishings juxtaposed against antique fans, distressed French shutters and vintage staff uniforms. The chef takes a contemporary approach to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, beautifully presented in every dish of the country’s specialities. Here you will meet your tour leader and the rest of your group, and there will be a briefing introduction to the adventure that lies ahead!
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
2 nights at the Hanoi Pearl Hotel or similar
Services
Airport transfer
Sightseeing: Beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks.
historic charm, modern office buildings, ancient Buddhist temples, and old streets.
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Pearl Hotel: 30 km | 40-60 minutes
]]>
Heart of Hanoi
Today you will explore the city of Hanoi, with its ochre-coloured colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Stop at the old coffee shop in the Old Quarter to learn about the daily life of Hanoian. Then visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Tour the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar, considered by many to be one of Vietnam’s most iconic pagodas. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s House nearby, a simple wooden house in a tranquil setting where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Some of his belongings are on display and visitors can walk up the steps to see his bedroom. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
Water Puppetry
Water puppetry is a unique art that originated in Vietnam’s wet rice civilisation. Drive 30 minutes from your hotel to a local house situated in a small alley of Hanoi to meet with a water puppet artisan. Born into a family with a tradition of performing water puppetry in Nam Dinh province, Mr. Liem Phan acquired a passion for this folk art in his childhood. He inherited the talent and tradition from his father and he has a profound passion for playing with puppets, making puppets by creating a mini stage for water puppetry and bringing his solo performances to several countries outside Vietnam. Sit down for a cup of tea and learn his stories about how the water puppet originated, and his memorable experience travelling to different corners of the world to bring Vietnamese culture and folklore to international friends. Witness a 30-minute show seeing lion dances, buffalo fighting, rice farming, boat racing, etc. at his private mini water puppet stage on the top floor of his house. After the show, get yourself into the artisan’s role to handle puppets in the water or join with Mr. Liem Phan to make and paint the puppets.
Relax and Unwind at Omamori Spa
Following the water puppet show, you will be transferred to the Omamori Spa for a relaxing massage. Omamori Spa is a social enterprise, that provides a safe and dignified work environment for blind people. The specially trained Masseuses here are vision impaired and provide quite an experience with a level of gentleness and body awareness that differs from traditional practitioners.
Hanoi’s Street Food
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Depart from your hotel at 18:00 for a leisurely walk with your tour guide to the Old Quarter. Chit-chat with your guide to get an insight into street food in Hanoi & the typical culinary habits. Make a first stop at a local coffee shop to try the local brew. Then walk a little further to taste some typical Hanoi snacks such as Pillow cake, and fried sweet cakes. Next, stroll through the streets lined with many food vendors and make your way to a steaming bowl of Pho Ga (Vietnamese noodle soup with chicken). This is practically Vietnam’s national dish and is a dish enjoyed morning noon and night. Next move on to try Vietnam’s 2nd most popular food – the Banh Mi Pate or baguette sandwich with pate
at Banh My Lan Ong, one of the most famous shops in Hanoi. Later head to Dong Xuan night market which is well known for all types of goods including souvenirs. Try your hand at bargaining for a good deal before heading off to Beer Corner in the old corner to try a cold glass of Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) like a local.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
The Hanoi Pearl Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Total Distance: 14.3 km
]]>
This morning after breakfast you will leave the hectic pace of Hanoi and journey to the fresh mountain air of the Mai Chau valley (approx. 3hrs). There are great photo opportunities along the way and you will have time to stop at a lookout for a great view of Mai Chau. If time permits, you may also have the opportunity to help local farmers plant rice seeds in their fields.
Mai Chau is home to a variety of minority groups with their own unique culture and languages. Enjoy a traditional lunch with examples of local cuisine in the village of Pom Coong, where your local guide will introduce you to your hosts and provide information on the region’s people, lifestyles, customs and culture. This is a great opportunity to experience the local area, chat with your hosts and gain a real insight into life in this fascinating and picturesque region.
After lunch, there will be some time to relax before saddling up for a cycle trip to explore nearby villages. This picturesque ride takes you on small footpaths and through rice paddies surrounded by the spectacular mountains of the valley, you will also have many opportunities to interact with the locals as you cycle your way through the villages.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Mai Chau Ecolodge Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
(140km) 3.5hrs
]]>
Moc Chau
Today starts with an early morning departure for Moc Chau. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit a village of local H’mong people and witness the unique peach gardens and spectacular roads that twist around the mountains. Enjoy lunch in Moc Chau town, before continuing to Son La City.
Son La City
Upon arrival in Son La, visit the French colonial Son La Prison. Its inhabitants once included revolutionary soldiers and political prisoners, yet this notorious jail known as ‘hell on earth’ became somewhat of an institution of stamina and solidarity for the Vietnamese prisoners.
Mong Village
From Son La, you will visit Mong village, where you will immediately notice the spectacular scenery of mountains and rivers. The village is also surrounded by ancient forests and colourful orchid flowers. Each spring, apricot flowers, plum flowers and ban flowers show off their splendour, and during winter Vong Gai flowers bloom, filling the forest with a burst of bright red colour.
Hot Springs Experience
Whilst in the area, feel the breeze in the air while immersing yourself in the local hot springs whilst overlooking the red stilt houses and Vong Gai flowers, a most relaxing way to ‘soak in’ the wonderful surroundings!
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Muong Thanh Luxury Son La Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Moc Chau to Son La City: 120 km | 2 hours
]]>
Following breakfast, you will depart for Dien Bien Phu. The drive itself showcases the stunning scenery of northwest Vietnam, passing the lush, expansive terraced fields of corn, beans and bananas, as well as the many colourful roadside ‘shops’ as the locals sell their wares. You will have opportunities along the way to stop for photos, stretch your legs, and visit local villages, where you can learn more about their unique cultures. You will then continue the drive through the impressive Pha Din Pass at the height of 1,500m, it offers a fantastic panorama of the charming valley encompassed by the year-round cloud, as well as passing roads of colourful wildflowers.
You will arrive at Dien Bien in the late afternoon where you will have free time to relax or you may wish to do some exploring around the city.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Muong Thanh Holiday Dien Bien Phu Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
153km | 3.5-4hrs
]]>
Today after breakfast you will continue your scenic journey north to Lai Chau. Arriving in the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the back roads providing a great way to explore the real Vietnam, where you will likely see mostly rural dwellers, who are just as interested in finding out about you, as you are of them, and very few other travellers.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Bien Phu Hotel to Lai Chau: 200 km | 6 hours
]]>
Scenic Drive via Tram Ton Pass
Leaving the wild of Lai Chau, you will make your way toward Sapa, driving through picturesque scenery and villages, and traversing Tram Ton Pass. At 1,900m, it is the highest pass in Vietnam and is often referred to as ‘Heaven’s Gate’, with its picturesque landscapes and sheer magnificence resembling a gate to the Heavens. You will have the opportunity to take a break here to admire the incredible views.
Tac Tinh Waterfall
Opt to stop en route to visit Tac Tinh Waterfall starting at the height of 130 meters from the Hoang Lien Son Range and ends with a 100-square-meter lake. Climb up for about 15 minutes to have the best view of the waterfall.
Trek to Hill Tribe Villages
In the afternoon, you will head off on a guided moderate trek (approx. 2-3hrs) to the hill tribe villages of Ta Van & Giang Ta Chai. Sapa’s terraced rice fields are often considered as some of the most magnificent in the world. Depart Sapa for the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in the area. If your visit is between May and October, it will coincide with the local planting and harvest time, a chance to see the local farmers in action. Hike to the Ta Van Village to visit the Zay, an ethnic group known for their brightly coloured clothing. Observe their way of life and the local traditions before continuing your trek featuring magnificent views of the terraced fields and impressive Mount Fansipan. Visit the Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai and notice the square piece of fabric on the back of the shirts worn by both men and women symbolising that they are children of God. The Dzao women also wear red turbans adorned with silver coins and red tassels. Return to Sapa by car.
In the late afternoon, you will return to Sapa where you can relax in your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel and Spa or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Lai Chau to Sapa: 40 km | 1.5 hours
Tram Ton Pass to Tac Tinh Waterfall: 10 km | 15 15 minutes
Return to Sapa: 20 km | 1 hour
Tour duration: 4 hours
Total trekking distance: 4km (2 miles)
]]>
Today you will travel to the Bac Ha market (Sunday only) which is the largest minority peoples market in Northwest Vietnam. Alive with the bright colours and extravagant costumes of the local people, here you will meet different tribal groups such as Flower Hmong, Black Dzao, Tay and Phu La, as well as other minority groups who come from far and wide to buy and sell a wide variety of goods and livestock. You will have time to wander around the market, enjoy the atmosphere and have fun trying out your trading skills with the friendly local people.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a 2-hour walk to visit Ban Pho – A Flower Hmong village where the villagers live a simple life but are renowned for their kindness and hospitality. Situated on a mountain cliff side, the rooftops of nearly 500 village homes appear as nests along the escarpment. It’s here where the beauty of the highlands is most captivating, and paired with the serene village backdrop makes a lasting impression.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Ngan Nga Hotel in Bac Ha or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Bac Ha Market to Ban Pho Village: 15 km | 2 Hours
]]>
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the border town Ha Khau in the Hekou County of Honghe
which is situated in the southeast of Yunnan and borders Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province.
Hekou derives its name from its location, it is the converging point of the Red River and Nanxi River and is a vital gateway for trade and travel between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
After seeing your Vietnamese leader, you will cross the border independently into China, where you will be greeted by your Chinese leader. On arrival in China, you will have a local lunch and then drive to Zheke village (approx. 4hrs) which is one of most traditional Hani villages in this region it is located in the middle of the mountain, we can experience the local life and visit the rice terrace there
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
2 nights in Wanshan Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Ha Khau to Zheke Village: 290 km | 5 Hours
Walking Time: Approx 1.5hrs
]]>
This morning you will rise early to make the most of the spectacular sunrise over the beautiful Yuanyang rice terraces in Duoyishu. The colours, shadows and the reflections on the water are constantly changing, creating an amazing way to start the day.
After breakfast, you will explore the local morning markets before spending the day trekking along the terraced fields and visiting some of the local minority groups on the way.
The Yuanyang rice terraces are on the southern slopes of Ailao Mountain and are a masterpiece of
the ingenuity of the Hani people with slopes varying from 15 degrees to 75 degrees, they extend to many towns along the south bank of the Red River. Known as ‘land sculpture’, these magical terraced fields have been officially acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Wanshan Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Driving duration: 44 km | 2 hours
Visiting and walking time: 4 hours
]]>
After breakfast, you will drive to Jianshui (approx. 4hrs), an ancient town in the Honghe Prefecture of Yunnan Province. With a history of around 1,200 years, the town enjoys a great reputation as a ‘Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses’.
Here you will visit Tuanshan Village, which is built on a small plateau on a hill and surrounded by a rounded-top mountain. The cobblestone streets of the village are lined with ancient family mansions and gardens, lineage temples and historical courtyards.
The valleys surrounding Jianshui are littered with old stone bridges, the crown jewel of which is undoubtedly the Double Dragon Bridge (or Seventeen Span Bridge). Built from local stone in the eighteenth century, it is nearly 150m long, paved in marble and the largest bridge of its kind in the Province. There are also three elegant lofts on the bridge with the middle one known as the ‘Grand View Pavilion of South Yunnan’, as it offers beautiful views of the surrounding green fields, majestic blue mountains and sparkling clear waters.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Jianshui Lin An Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
Ha Khau to Jianshui: 137 km | 2.5 Hours
Visiting and walking time: 4 hours
]]>
Today, you will journey towards Kunming City, making stops at Xiushan Hill in Tonghai Town, Xingmeng (Mongolian Village), and the Stone Forest (World Natural Heritage) along the way.
Xiushan Hill
Xiushan Park, with origins dating back to the Han Dynasty, features a rich array of traditional temples and pavilions in styles reflecting Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The park, covering Xiushan Hill, offers a lush setting and historical depth with various religious and cultural structures.
Xingmeng (Mongolian Village)
Established in 1253, Xingmeng is the sole ‘Mongolian Village’ in Yunnan Province. Here, you will encounter a statue commemorating the arrival of the Mongolian cavalry and observe the Xingmeng Mongolians in traditional attire, practising their unique customs and daily routines.
Stone Forest (Shilin)
The Stone Forest, renowned as the ‘First Wonder of the World,’ is a vast karst formation over 200 million years old. Spanning 400 square kilometres, this site features towering stalagmite-like pillars and an intricate network of labyrinths, presenting a breathtaking natural spectacle. As you walk through this landscape, you’ll be amazed by the striking stone formations and their grandeur.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Cachet Boutique Kunming Artim or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
194km | 3.5 hours
Train 2.5 hours
Visiting and walking time: 4 hours
]]>
The day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Should you wish to continue your journey further and mingle with the remote Dulong tribe, please join our extension tour, Tribes of Yunnan.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport transfer
Approximate Travel Time and Distance
27km | 40 minutes
]]>
These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions are designed to protect your rights under Australian Consumer law by ensuring that you are fully aware of all Travel Providers' terms and conditions, including payment schedules, before you commit to purchasing travel. These Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions (below) are owned by our "Travel Affiliate" Darebin Travel. If there is any doubt as to your rights or obligations, our Travel Affiliate will answer your questions.
When you accept these terms and conditions, you agree that DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115) and its associates and suppliers (except our Travel Affiliate, as prescribed in the Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions, below) shall not be liable for any loss and/or damage (including without limitation incidental or consequential damages and/or lost profits) resulting from your access to and/or inability to use the travel services provided by our Travel Affiliate Darebin Travel.
Summary
1. References to "us", "we" and/or "our" in these Booking & Advisory Services Terms and Conditions means Darebin Travel Pty Ltd (ABN: 70 005 763 208) trading as Darebin Travel.
2. We are a travel agent. We arrange travel services and sell a Travel Product on behalf of Third Party Travel Providers (Providers) including airlines, tour and cruise operators, car hirers and accommodation providers. We may charge a service fee for providing this service (outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees).
3. Once we have booked a Travel Product on your behalf, your contract is then with the Provider of those services.
4. Your rights to amend or cancel your Travel Booking and the cost of doing so will be governed by the Provider's terms and conditions. The Provider’s terms and conditions may be non-refundable or may have amendment and cancellation fees. It is important that you understand this when entering into a contract with us. These fees are in addition to amendment and cancellation fees charged by us, outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
Agency
5. We provide you with Booking & Advisory Services that allow you to acquire Travel Products from a Provider. We act as an agent for the Provider.
6. By acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us, you agree that you have read and understood our terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of the Providers.
Fees and Commissions
7. We charge a fee for providing the Booking & Advisory Services to you. The fee is non-refundable, even if the Travel Product is not used.
8. All fees are outlined in the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
9. We may receive a commission, fee, rebate, gift or financial incentives from Providers, in respect of your booking. Any commission, gift, fee, rebate and/or financial incentive received by us from Providers in relation to your booking is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Liability of Agency and Limitations of Liability
10. We are liable to you for providing Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions.
11. Our travel Booking & Advisory Services come with guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law which cannot be excluded. These guarantees include that the services:
a. will be provided with due care and skill;
b. will be reasonably fit for the specified purpose;
c. can reasonably be expected to achieve the desired result; and
d. will be provided within a reasonable time.
12. If we do not meet any of the expectations set out in paragraph 11, you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
13. Subject to the Australian Consumer Law, we are not liable for any technical errors, corruption of any data, unauthorised access to your personal data, inaccuracies in information supplied by you or third parties, or failure to complete bookings when that failure is due to circumstances beyond our control.
14. Subject to the application of consumer guarantees which may be implied into the supply of Booking & Advisory Services to you, we are not otherwise liable to you or anyone else for any loss or damage which is suffered directly or indirectly in connection with the:
a. the delivery or non-delivery of the Travel Product; or
b. any act or omission of Providers or other third parties.
15. Apart from the rights you have under the Trade Practices Act that cannot be lawfully excluded, we shall not be liable for any inconvenience, delay, loss, death, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party suppliers, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control.
16. Nothing in these terms and conditions is intended to exclude or restrict the application of consumer guarantees under consumer protection law.
Liability of the Provider
17. Once you have acquired Booking & Advisory Services from us, the Provider will provide you with the Travel Product on the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. You should obtain and read the Provider's terms and conditions before acquiring Booking & Advisory Services from us.
18. The Provider is liable to you for a breach of obligations in providing you with the Travel Product.
19. As an agent of the Provider, we have no control over or liability for, the services provided by Providers. We cannot guarantee the performance of the Provider and we have no liability in respect of the supply of any Travel Products including any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any provider of travel services or products by Providers. All bookings with us are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by the Provider.
Booking Terms
20. The Travel Products offered are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice by the Provider. Travel Products may also change at any time in accordance with any Provider's terms and conditions.
21. When making a booking, you must provide details of each traveller correctly. We have no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the incorrect entry of a traveller's details.
22. Travel Products obtained through the Booking & Advisory Services are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed.
23. It is your responsibility to contact the Provider prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time.
24. Most airlines offer only electronic confirmation of your reservation, or 'e-ticketing'. We cannot be held responsible if your e-ticket does not arrive due to an incorrect email address or your junk email settings. You must notify us immediately if you change your email address or contact telephone number after making a booking. It is your responsibility to advise us if you have not received your e-ticket confirmation.
25. When making a booking you must advise your consultant of any medical, dietary or mobility conditions you may have.
26. When making a booking you must advise us if you are pregnant.
Payment Terms
27. All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specified.
28. All pricing is inclusive of goods and services tax (GST), or other such value added taxes where applicable.
29. Payments processed in foreign currency (currency other than the original card holders country of issue), may incur a currency conversion fee. Please refer to your financial institution for applicable fees.
30. We sell Travel Products in two different ways:
a. as merchant, where we take payment directly from you at the time of booking confirmation; or
b. as retail, where your Travel Product will either be paid to the Provider directly at the time of booking or payable to the Provider on the date of travel.
31. Travel Products purchased in accordance with the 'retail' method, will not be bound by these terms and conditions and you are responsible for pursuing any claims of cancellation, re-scheduling, refunds or chargebacks directly with the merchant.
32. As the merchant we are governed by the terms and conditions of the Provider of the merchant facility.
33. A credit card or debit card fee may also be charged by certain Providers and low cost carriers. You will be notified of such charges prior to your purchase.
34. All charges, including the credit card fees, may be in another currency (e.g. EUR), which we will provide an estimate for in Australian dollars.
Refunds and Credits
35. If you cancel your Travel Product, your right to a refund or credit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Provider.
36. If the Provider is required to provide you with a refund or credit for the Travel Product, we will liaise with the Provider to arrange that refund. Where you are entitled to a refund, we are unable to provide you with this refund until we receive it from the Provider. Please note that most Providers take 60 – 90 days to process any refund.
37. Any refund or credit will be subject to these terms and conditions and will not include the Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received. You may also be charged a cancellation fee by the Provider.
38. Where refunds for unused services are allowed, a service fee may be charged by the Provider against the value of the refund.
No Show
39. If you have a booking for a Travel Product (including flights and accommodation) but you do not show up to check-in or otherwise do not avail yourself of such Travel Product, you will not be entitled to any refund from us.
Cancellation and Amendments
40. If you amend or cancel your Travel Product, we reserve the right to charge the cancellation and amendment fees as per the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
41. The Provider may charge cancellation and amendment fees in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. These will be in addition to the fees charged by us. We are not liable for any cancellation fees or refusals to refund made by the Provider.
42. Many Providers treat name changes and route and/or itinerary alterations as a full cancellation and these can incur full cancellation charges.
43. We will not charge a cancellation or amendment fee if you cancel or amend your booking due to a breach by us of our obligations to you or due to our fault.
Cancellations and Amendments for Online Low Cost Carrier Bookings Only
44. If your flight booking is with a low cost carrier, you can only cancel or change your booking by contacting the Provider directly.
Cancellations and amendments for hotel bookings only
Cancellations and Amendments for Hotel Bookings Only
45. Please review the cancellation policy for your hotel booking for any penalties that may apply.
Force Majeure
46. We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations in booking the Travel Product that is due to events beyond our control.
47. If a force majeure event occurs that affects your booking, your entitlement to a refund, a credit or re-scheduled travel booking will depend on the Provider's terms and conditions.
48. If your booking is impacted by a force majeure event and you are entitled to a refund or credit from the Provider, we will facilitate this refund or credit.
49. The Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received are non-refundable in the circumstance that a force majeure event occurs.
Low Cost Flights
50. If you book a low cost flight with us, we will make the booking on your behalf and your contract for your low cost flight will also be subject to the airline's booking terms and conditions.
51. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details of the booking are correct before proceeding. For any changes or cancellations, please contact the airline directly, quoting your reference.
Additional Airline Charges
52. Some Providers may also charge additional fees. Please check with the Provider for their full terms and conditions.
Hotel/Accommodation Bookings
53. Some Providers will require an additional charge to be paid locally (e.g. a resort fee) at the time of check in or check out. This amount is in addition to the amount shown during the booking process under the 'total booking cost' amount.
54. There may be taxes levied abroad but not paid at the point of purchase that are payable in relation to your hotel booking (e.g. local taxes, sales tax etc.). Any local taxes will be payable by you directly to the Provider at the time of check in/check out.
Changes in Price and Itineraries
55. We reserve the right to cancel your booking in the event we have reasonable grounds to believe it is fraudulent.
56. If a Provider changes any part of your booking for reasons beyond its control, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you. If any such changes result in your Travel Product costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Travel Product. Any refund would be subject to the Travel Provider terms and conditions.
57. These terms and conditions are subject to variation at any time. Any variation will be displayed here, and you will be deemed to have accepted a variation if you have made a booking after it has been displayed.
Your Obligations and Warranties
58. You warrant to us that:
a. you are at least 18 years old and have the power, capacity and authority to enter into a binding contract with us and with the Providers of the Travel Products that you acquire;
b. you have read and understood these terms and conditions and if booking on behalf of third parties, you have conveyed these terms and conditions to them;
c. the information you provide us about yourself is true, accurate, current and complete (apart from any optional items) as required by any registration process;
d. you have considered acquiring comprehensive travel insurance and we are not responsible for any failure by you to acquire adequate insurance cover; and
e. you will use the Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions and you will not use the Booking & Advisory Services in any way to breach any laws or defame anyone.
Jurisdiction and Law
59. All matters arising out of or in connection with the Booking & Advisory Services and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. By acquiring the Booking & Advisory Services, you consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Definitions
" We" and "us" means Darebin Travel.
" You" or "your" means any user of our Website or any person who acquires the Booking & Advisory Services, including any person who acquires a Travel Product (whether or not the Booking & Advisory Services were acquired by another person).
" Booking & Advisory Services" means services provided by us to you in assisting you to acquire a Travel Product from a Provider and includes advisory and consulting services.
"Force Majeure” means, but not limited to: acts of God, accident, riot, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophes, adverse weather conditions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion and generalised lack of availability of raw materials or energy.
“ Travel Provider” or "Provider" or "Providers" means the company or person who provides you with the Travel Product on terms and conditions agreed with you.
" Travel Product" means the service or product provided by a Provider, for example, an airline or a hotel.
" Website" means our website https://deluxelife.com.au/
Schedule of Professional Service Fees
|
Planning Fee |
$125 per itinerary. Creating unique travel itineraries is our specialty. For detailed quotations providing tailored recommendations for custom designed tours, a non-refundable planning fee applies. Should you proceed with booking, this fee is credited towards your trip.
|
|
Service Fees |
$40 Domestic/Trans-Tasman airfare per person or as discounted
|
|
$150.00 International airfare per person or as discounted
|
|
|
$50.00 Domestic/Trans-Tasman business class airfare per person or as discounted
|
|
|
$200.00 International business class airfare per person or as discounted |
|
|
NIL Domestic/Trans-Tasman package, tour, or cruise per booking
|
|
|
NIL International package, tour, or cruise per booking |
|
|
$ Other Services dependent on service explained to you |
|
|
$200 to $500 Itinerary planning per booking (credited towards reservation once booked) |
|
|
Deposit & Balance |
For all bookings, the initial deposit is 20% and the balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. If Travel Provider terms and conditions vary, we may request an additional deposit from you, after the initial deposit is paid, plus the balance payment date may also vary. After you have paid your initial deposit, you will have five days cooling off period to accept these Booking & Advisory Terms and Conditions, during which time your deposit is refundable. After 5 days has passed, or you have accepted the Terms and Conditions, the deposit will automatically become non-refundable. Note, some Travel Products must be paid in full at time of booking. Service Fees must also be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable. After you pay the balance of payment this will become fully non-refundable 60 days before travel, or earlier, if specified by the supplier. |
|
Amendment Fees |
Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
Changes to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
|
Cancellation Fees |
Cancellations to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $75 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
Cancellations to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $150 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
|
|
|
Credit Card Fees |
Visa - an additional 2.0% applies
|
|
Mastercard - an additional 2.0% applies
|
|
|
American Express - an additional 2.0% applies
|
(All fees exclude GST, where applicable).
Privacy Notice
Darebin Travel collects your personal information to enable us to respond to your queries and provide you with the Booking & Advisory Services, including assisting in arrangements with Providers (such as hotels and flights).
We will also use your personal information to personalise the service we provide you, including your experience on our, and other, websites, and to provide you with information about our, and our partners’, business, products and services. Your personal information may be shared between entities within Darebin Travel and with DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115), disclosed to suppliers, Providers, our cloud infrastructure, our contractors and to others where authorised or required by law. Some of these entities may be located overseas.
ANNEXURE – TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS
These tips set out below are NOT legally binding terms and conditions.
Passports, Visas and Health Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required documents, including visas and passports, before travelling to a destination. For more information please log on to www.dfat.gov.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www.visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return.
For International travellers booked on flights to the USA, including Hawaii, it is now mandatory, under the Visa Waiver Program to receive an electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) no less than 72 hours before travel to the USA. This can be obtained from the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ .
For international travellers booked on flights to Canada, you either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. An eTA can be obtained from the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended before your travel departure date.
Travel Advice
We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or visit their website at www.dfat.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit.
Ticketing
For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. All other travel documentation, such as hotel booking confirmations, will be emailed to the email address you provided as an e-document. Should the Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to the address you provided.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline and in many cases the airfare you have paid may not include the cost to cover checked baggage. Please check with your Travel Advisor and/or the airline providing your flights for the allowances.
Frequent Flyers & Special Requests
For more information on whether your airfare is eligible for Frequent Flyer rewards, please contact the airline directly. When booking online, please ensure that you have entered your correct number. For bookings made by telephone via our Customer Service Team, please advise of your Frequent Flyer details and these will be added to your reservation. We do not take any responsibility should an airline not register your trip. You should retain copies of your air ticket and boarding pass.
Special requests will be passed on to the Providers but cannot be guaranteed.