36
37
DISCLAIMER The Michigan State University Alumni Office (the MSU Alumni Office or MSUAO) is not the tour operator. MSUAO is not responsible for the changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or motor coach transportation and car rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond its control. MSUAO acts only as a sponsor with respect to the travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes to flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in providing services to participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, MSUAO shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of the participant due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, pandemic, epidemic, quarantine, acts of God, governmental intervention or other causes beyond its control. MSUAO shall not be responsible for alteration in the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the tour operator may substitute hotels of similar quality. The tour operator may postpone or cancel any tour prior to departure. MSUAO or the tour operator may decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person’s physical or mental health, actions or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. By embarking upon travel, the
FAQ’S Who can travel on a Spartan Pathways tour? The opportunity to travel on a Spartan Pathways travel program and with MSUAO is open to all Michigan State University alumni, their families and friends. Where can I get more information about a certain tour? Tour brochures or other information may be requested online at alumni.msu.edu/travel. Brochures are mailed approximately six to 11 months prior to the departure date of the tour. You may also contact us at 888-697-2863 or email us at uadv.alumnievents@ msu.edu. Travel brochures are printed throughout the calendar year. If you have not received a requested brochure, it is still in production. You will receive the brochure(s) once printed. How do I make a reservation? To make a reservation contact the tour operator directly. There are multiple ways to make a reservation. If available you can book online, call the operator directly or complete and mail the tour brochure reservation form. To best expedite making a reservation and to ensure booking quickly, we encourage you to book online or call the operator. You can find the tour operator information and telephone number in the trip brochure or on our website alumni.msu.edu/travel under the individual trip web page. Some of our operators have in-house airfare booking operations, while others use flight consolidators. When booking with a tour operator you are not guaranteed direct flights or the
participant voluntarily assumes all risk involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Participant is hereby warned of the above risks as well as possible travel industry force majeure, bankruptcies and medical and climatic disruptions, and the possibility participant may be unable to travel as scheduled because of personal emergency. Participant is advised to consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage against these risks. Applicants for participation on this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above. TOUR OPERATORS AND TOUR ARRANGEMENTS Spartan Pathway’s tours are selected from proposals presented by the finest tour operators specializing in alumni affinity travel. Tour operators chosen have met our strict criteria for fiscal responsibility, established reputation, professional staff and quality operations. MSUAO require tour operators to carry professional liability insurance. Tour arrangements for the Spartan Pathways travel programs are made by the particular tour operator designated for each tour. Though our travel program works with tour operators to offer tours, the MSUAO Spartan Pathways travel program does not conduct tours, nor does it act as an agent for guests interested in traveling with MSUAO. The Spartan Pathways travel program functions as a facilitator with tour operators which whom our travelers make arrangements with for completing travel. Therefore, when signing up for a Spartan Pathways tour, you are signing a contract with the tour operator and not with the MSUAO travel program. Dates, prices, itineraries and program details are
given in good faith and are subject to change and revision. All tour prices listed are per person, excluding airfare (unless otherwise noted), based on double occupancy, current exchange rates and tariffs. Single occupancy is available on a limited basis for each program at a supplemental charge (unless otherwise noted). You have the option to purchase airfare from various cities at an additional cost on the majority of tours or make your own arrangements on preferred airlines. If you choose to schedule your own flights, you will be responsible for arranging your own round-trip ground transportation from the airport to the hotel. Every effort will be made to conduct the tour program as planned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS To enjoy the alumni-travel experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep pace with the group. Extreme variations in altitude, temperature and humidity should be considered when traveling in certain parts of the world. Many excursions require walking on uneven terrain. Any individual able and willing to provide all required aid must accompany anyone who requires extraordinary assistance. MSUAO and its tour operators reserve the right to decline any person as a member of a tour, or to require any traveler to withdraw from a tour, at any time when such action is determined to be in the best interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the tour group or individual tour members. All travelers will be asked to sign a travel release form.
ability to use frequent flyer miles. If you prefer direct flights or would like to use miles, it may be best for you to book your own flights. If you do book your flights, you are responsible for arranging your own round-trip transportation to and from the airport. What happens if I have to cancel and what are the refund policies? Cancellation and refund policies vary according to the policies of the tour operators we work with. Please carefully read the cancellation/ refund clauses contained within each brochure. To be covered for cancellations fees and to protect your monetary investment, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. In some cases, administrative fees may apply, or monies paid may be applied to a future tour. These monies can only be used with the same tour operator and applied to a future tour within the current calendar year or year following cancellation.
traveler’s purchase insurance from USI, you are not obligated to use their services and you are welcome to purchase insurance from another provider. Will my tour have a MSU host? A minimum number of participants is required to send a Michigan State University host. We make every effort to assign a MSU representative or faculty host to as many tours as possible as we know it enhances the travelers’ experience. All of our tour operators do provide tour directors, expedition leaders and knowledgeable guides on every trip. If the minimum number needed to send a host is not met, the tour will take place, but an MSU host will not accompany the group.
How can I purchase travel insurance? We strongly encourage you to
purchase travel insurance to ensure coverage in case of illness, injury, medical evacuation and emergencies. Unforeseen circumstances may occur while traveling and it’s best to protect your investment and have coverage for unexpected expenses. For many years we have partnered with USI Travel Insurance Services to provide travel insurance to our travelers. For more information about travel insurance and to request a quote, visit my.travelinsure.com/spartans or call 800-937-1387. While many of our
SPARTAN PATHWAYS TRAVEL
ALUMNI.MSU.EDU/TRAVEL
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker