Booking Policies

1. Booking & Payment Schedule

• Step 1: The Deposit: A non-refundable deposit equal to 20% of your total trip cost is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. Please note: For tours requiring immediate purchase of domestic flights, train tickets, or special event tickets, the exact cost of these items will be added to your initial deposit and is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.

• Stage 2: Final Balance: The remaining balance of your trip is due 60 days prior to your scheduled departure date.

2. Cancellation by the Traveler

If you need to cancel your trip, you must notify Apricot Adventures in writing. Because our operations require upfront financial commitments to secure peak-season accommodations and internal transport, our cancellation fees are determined by the date we receive your written notice:

• 60 days or more prior to departure: We will retain your 20% deposit as a "Future Travel Credit," which can be applied toward any future Apricot Adventures trip. (Note: Any additional deposit amounts collected specifically for non-refundable domestic flights, trains, or event tickets cannot be converted into a travel credit and will be forfeited). 100% of any additional balance payments made will be refunded.

• 30 to 59 days prior to departure: We will retain your 20% deposit as a Future Travel Credit. You will receive a refund of 50% of the remaining balance paid. The other 50% is retained as a cancellation fee to cover unrecoverable costs paid to our local partners.

• Less than 30 days prior to departure: We will retain 100% of all monies paid. No refunds or travel credits will be issued.

3. Unrecoverable Hard Costs

Apricot Adventures will always act in good faith to recover costs where possible. However, items such as domestic flight tickets, train passes, and specific event tickets are often issued in the traveller’s name immediately upon booking and are 100% non-refundable by the issuing authorities. Apricot Adventures cannot absorb these costs or issue credits for these specific items in the event of a cancellation.

4. Force Majeure & Trip Alterations

Apricot Adventures will not be deemed in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure.

"Force Majeure" includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, extreme weather events, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, war, government-imposed travel bans, border closures, strikes, or any other events that are beyond the reasonable control of Apricot Adventures and make it impossible or illegal to safely operate the tour.

5. Cancellation by Apricot Adventures (Due to Force Majeure)

If Apricot Adventures is forced to cancel or significantly suspend a tour prior to departure due to a Force Majeure event, we will issue you a Future Travel Credit equal to 100% of the funds paid to us, valid for travel on any future Apricot Adventures departure.

Please note: Apricot Adventures cannot issue cash refunds for trip cancellations caused by Force Majeure events. Furthermore, any upfront, unrecoverable costs (such as named domestic flights, train tickets, or special event permits) that have already been paid to local suppliers cannot be included in this Future Travel Credit.

6. Itinerary Alterations & Flexibility

Adventure travel requires a degree of flexibility. The itineraries provided for each tour are representative of the activities planned, but the actual route, transport, amenities, and accommodations may be subject to change without prior notice due to local circumstances or events (e.g., unexpected weather blocking a route, sudden political unrest, or mechanical breakdowns).

If a significant alteration must be made after the tour has commenced, Apricot Adventures will make every reasonable effort to provide suitable alternative arrangements of a comparable standard. No refunds will be issued for minor itinerary changes or missed activities due to circumstances outside of our control.

7. The Role of Travel Insurance

Because Apricot Adventures cannot cover losses incurred due to Force Majeure events or personal travel disruptions, we strongly require all travellers to carry comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and unforeseen travel delays to protect your investment against unrecoverable costs.