Terms and Conditions

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The purchase/payment of any travel services offered by Paulson Travel Service Inc. dba PTS Tours, hereinafter (“PTS Tours”), constitutes a contractual arrangement between the Traveler (“you”) and PTS Tours, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions, Cancellation Policy, and Privacy Policy. Terms & Conditions are accurate at time of printing and are subject to change prior to booking. You are advised to check on the website or request the latest version of the Terms & Conditions from PTS Tours prior to booking your vacation.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

To make your reservation, or for more information, visit our website at ptstours.com or call PTS Tours reservations at 877.828.4332 (toll-free) or 218.828.4332.

VACATION AGREEMENT

Payment on any vacation indicates you and all members of your traveling party have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until your payment is processed by PTS Tours and you receive an invoice.

RESERVATION DEPOSIT

A $200 per-person, per-trip deposit is required to reserve space for you, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Air arrangements may require an additional deposit as noted in the air-inclusive vacations sections below.

VACATION FINAL PAYMENT

Final payment for your reservation is due at least 60 days prior to commencement of services. For reservations made after the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the final payment due date; cancellation penalties apply, as noted below. You are responsible for verifying everything on your Reservation Confirmation is accurate and complete, including dates of travel and options selected.

FORM OF PAYMENT

PTS Tours accepts checks, money orders, and cash.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passenger Travel Documents, including e-ticket itineraries, are available approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full invoice payment has been received.

RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS & CANCELLATION FEES

These cancellation fess are applicable to all PTS Tours trips.
• Final Payment – 91 days prior to departure:
30% of tour price will be retained
• 45 – 16 days prior to departure:
50% of tour price will be retained
• 30 – 0 days prior to departure:
100% of tour price will be retained.
All cancellations must be received in writing at our Nisswa MN office.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE & LIABILITY

Porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person is included in the tour price. Your single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30”x21”x11” and weight not exceeding 40 lbs. (22 kg). Any luggage exceeding these limits on any PTS Tours trip will be assessed a handling fee per bag. Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x 6”. For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not permitted as a carry-on on motor-coaches and mini-buses. Carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Air carrier restrictions may vary from the limitations listed above. Size and weight limitations for carry-on and checked baggage vary from airline to airline and even according to destination. While making an air-inclusive booking, you will be provided with baggage fee information. After booking an air-inclusive reservation, up-to-date information on carrier-specific baggage allowance can be found on the carrier’s website. PTS Tours is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers for baggage, and these fees are not included in the air-inclusive vacation price. You will be required to pay these fees directly to the airline at check-in. No responsibility is accepted by PTS Tours for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the traveler’s belongings throughout the duration of the vacation. Baggage insurance is recommended. Travel Protection information will be provided with your Reservation Confirmation.

INCLUDED MEALS

Meals included in your tour package can be found on the trips day-by-day itinerary. Because food reflects culture, we often feature regional specialties. We regret that we are unable to provide special meals for those with dietary restrictions.

MOTORCOACHES

Travel on all PTS Tours trips is by luxury scenic motor coach. All coaches are air-conditioned and are equipped with a restroom. For your convenience, travel days include rest stops and meal stops Many local laws require the use of seatbelts while traveling. When seatbelts are provided, you are responsible for wearing your seatbelt. PTS Tours is not liable, nor are our service providers, for any injury, loss, damages, claims, or death resulting from any accident or incident if you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident or incident when the motor coach is equipped with them.

PUNCTUALITY ON TOUR

PTS Tours is not responsible for any losses, including missed sightseeing or having to make alternate travel arrangements, if you fail to meet the representatives of PTS Tours at assigned timings and places/pick-up points while on tour. PTS Tours will not refund nor cover any cost or expenses incurred or compensation, if any, claimed due to inability to maintain punctuality.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are included for services during the land stay of your trip. This includes wait staff at included meals, hospitality staff at hotels, and porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person. Gratuities for your Tour Manager, Local Guides, and Motorcoach Driver(s) are not included in the trip price and are discretionary. If you feel your Tour Manager(s) or driver helped you to enjoy your PTS Tours experience, you may extend gratuity personally and individually at the conclusion of the tour.

FREQUENT FLYER & HOTEL REWARD PROGRAMS

Frequent Flyer mileage accrual is at the discretion of the airline(s) and is not always granted for airfare purchased through PTS Tours. You will need to contact the airline(s) directly for information on Frequent Flyer programs and any applicable reward mile accrual. PTS Tours cannot assist with this process. Cancellation penalties, as noted above, will apply to all airfare, regardless of accrual grants.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE ITINERARIES

All PTS Tours vacation departures are subject to itinerary modifications without prior notice.

TOUR CANCELLATIONS

PTS Tours reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any vacation departure for any reason, including insufficient demand or force majeure (see Force Majeure clause below).

SMOKING & ILLEGAL DRUGS

Smoking is not allowed on transportation that is provided by PTS Tours. Smoking includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, e-cigars, or any other smoking device. Many hotels, restaurants, and other venues are smoke-free or have non-smoking regulations in public spaces. Smoking may be restricted to certain areas or not allowed. You are responsible to abide by all third-party smoking policies. Any carriage or possession of illegal drugs will result in immediate termination of the PTS Tours vacation.

TRAVELERS WHO NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE ON TOUR

You must notify PTS Tours of any disability requiring special attention while on tour at the time the reservation is made. PTS Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so nor responsible for any denial of services by air carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers. PTS Tours does not provide personal services (such as pushing a wheelchair, assisting with walking, etc.) and PTS Tours does not provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off coaches, cruise ships, and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance. If we are not notified at time of reservation of any disability requiring special attention, PTS Tours reserves the right to cancel your booking or terminate your vacation if your special needs or disabilities are not suitable for the vacation, pose a threat to the health and safety of other participants or PTS Tours staff, are incompatible with other travelers, or if you are not traveling with a companion who provides all the assistance you require. Not all sightseeing stops/sites accommodate wheelchairs, and some locations and sightseeing activities require extensive standing, sitting, or walking—sometimes on unpaved or cobblestone streets. PTS Tours will not refund or cover any cost or expense incurred for any missed activities due to a participant’s inability to fully participate with the group. The Americans with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States, and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Motorized scooters and motorized wheelchairs are not suitable for travel and are not permitted on PTS Tours vacations.

MEDICAL & HEALTH

All tour participants should be in good health and comfortable with a moderate amount of walking. PTS Tours cannot provide special individual assistance to tour participants with special needs for walking or other routine activities. Tour participants who require physical assistance should be accompanied by a helper, who will be responsible for providing assistance. PTS Tours is subject to the policies of suppliers of facilities, accommodations, and transportation carriers, none of which are owned, leased or operated by PTS Tours. PTS Tours reserves the right to remove or quarantine any passenger who shows signs of illness, or who poses a threat to the safety and health of other passengers. Removal or quarantine of passengers for any health, safety, or behavior related assessment is at the sole discretion of PTS Tours. Any costs incurred for medical assessments, diagnosis and/or any other medically related charges are your responsibility to pay and are due at time of services. Passengers will be allowed to rejoin PTS Tours with confirmed medical certification from a licensed health practitioner indicating fit to travel without causing harm or posing a safety threat to other passengers.

SAFETY

Be aware that during your participation on vacations operated by PTS Tours , certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including, but not limited to: the hazards of in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, or other means of transportation; forces of nature; political unrest; acts of lawlessness or terrorism; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. PTS Tours will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. While PTS Tours will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken, by agreeing to participate in a vacation and/or optional excursions you agree that you will hold PTS Tours harmless regarding any provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care rendered. PTS Tours is not responsible for such risks and dangers that may arise beyond our control. Payment of your deposit indicates you accept these risks and dangers and agree to hold PTS Tours harmless for such. No weapons of any type are permitted on PTS Tours trips at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, knives, mace, brass knuckles, and other weapons of any type.

STATED PRICES

All tour prices are in US Dollars. Unless otherwise stated, all prices are per person, based on double occupancy, for specific room categories and subject to availability at time of booking on selected departure dates. Airfare, transfers, port charges and government fees may not included. Rates are valid at time of publication. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. PTS Tours is not responsible for errors of omission or information.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE

The following charges are not included in the vacation price, unless otherwise noted: airline baggage fees, including checked and/or excess baggage fees; passport or government-issued ID used for travel; visas; vaccinations; tips to your Tour Manager, driver, Local Guides; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the included meals; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

AIR-INCLUSIVE TRIPS

Seat preference or choice can be noted by PTS Tours, however seat assignment(s) are issued by the carrier at time of ticketing or in some cases at time of check-in and cannot be guaranteed. For tour with included airfare, if you miss your departure flight or connection, it is your responsibility to work with the airline on which you are ticketed to reach your destination. No refunds will be provided by PTS Tours for portions of trips missed due to canceled, rescheduled, or delayed flights after airport check-in, nor is PTS Tours responsible for any additional expenses you may incur prior to joining your trip if you miss your departure flight or flight connection.

VISAS, PASSPORTS & GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID

It is your responsibility to verify all visa, passport, vaccinations, and government-issued ID requirements necessary for your vacation. You are responsible for obtaining independently and paying for all visas and entry documents for meeting all health and other requirements, and for any documents required by the laws, regulations, orders, and/or requirements of the countries you will visit. PTS Tours cannot accept liability for any passenger refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure of the passenger to carry correct documentation or adhere to specific entry and exit requirements. You must have a passport or government-issued ID to travel internationally. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Multiple-entry visas are required for some tours.

MEDIA RELEASE

Participants may be photographed, or video recorded for the purpose of promoting and marketing PTS Tours. Payment of the deposit to PTS Tours constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

AUTHORITY TO REMOVE OR REFUSE PASSENGERS

At the sole discretion of PTS Tours, PTS Tours may refuse transport to any passenger or may require any passenger to leave the tour if it is reasonably believed that the passenger (1) is dangerous to others or to himself or herself; (2) has engaged in, is engaged in, or is threatening to engage in, behavior that may adversely affect the safety, security, comfort, enjoyment, or well-being of other passengers or PTS Tours representatives, including, but not limited to, behavior that is disruptive, verbally abusive, physically abusive, obnoxious, harassing, discriminatory, or obscene; or (3) has failed or refused, or is failing or refusing, to follow PTS Tours’ rules and procedures or the instructions of PTS Tours or its representatives. In the event a passenger is removed, such passenger may be left at any city without any liability to PTS Tours or its representatives. PTS Tours shall not be required to refund any portion of the price paid by any passenger who is removed under the terms of this paragraph, nor shall PTS Tours be responsible for expenses for lodging, medical care, meals, transportation, or any other expenses incurred by the passenger. PTS Tours shall be entitled to recover from the passenger any costs or expenses incurred by PTS Tours or its representatives in the removal of the or the exercise or enforcement of this clause.

DATA PROTECTION

Some government agencies in foreign countries and other third parties require PTS Tours to collect and pass on in advance of travel certain personal and other details related to you, including, but not limited to, government-issued identification and passport details. If you fail to supply the details fully and accurately, as requested, your trip may be interrupted or canceled. There are no refunds for failure to provide documentation or failure to provide documentation by the time required.
We will use your personal data secured during your booking to process your booking with our suppliers. These details include your full name, address, date of birth, passport number or government-issued ID used for travel and expiration date, occupation, credit/debit card information and any disability, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions disclosed to PTS Tours for you and all in your traveling party.
It may be necessary to transfer these details to other countries or authorities whose data protection and privacy laws are less stringent than those of the United States of America. This may include requirements to pass details to our suppliers as well as certain governments or government-appointed bodies, or agencies in the interest of security or because we are obliged to by law. By making a reservation with PTS Tours, you agree to PTS Tours storing, using, and passing on this data to other third parties for reasons as stated above and hold PTS Tours not liable for the usage and protection of that data.

FORCE MAJEURE

PTS Tours assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or entry of any nature in whole or in part resulting from an Act of God or any other force majeure condition, including, without limitation: fire, volcanic eruption, environmental pollution or contamination, inclement weather, earthquake, low or high-water levels, flood, water or power shortages or failures, tropical storms or hurricanes, riots or civil commissions or disturbances, and any other acts of a similar nature, sabotage, arrests, strikes or labor disruptions, restraint of rulers or peoples, expropriations, acts of terrorism, war, insurrection, quarantine restrictions, government health advisories, or warnings or alerts of any kind of nature, government seizures, refusal or cancellation or suspension or delay of any government authority or any license, permit or authorization, damages to its facilities or the travel supplier and its facilities, or any other unforeseen circumstances or any other factors unforeseen by PTS Tours that impacts negatively on, or hampers, its ability to fulfill any of its contractual conditions. In the event that any of these conditions apply, PTS Tours shall be excused, discharged, and released from performance to the extent such performance is so limited or prevented, without liability of any kind.

RESPONSIBILITY

Paulson Travel Service, Inc. dba PTS Tours is an independent company (“the Company”) licensed to market and distribute travel products under the PTS Tours and North American Train Tours name and tag lines, and arrange for the vacation services offered on this website or in the brochure, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations through independent contracts. Air carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (including, but not limited to, trains, cruises, ferries, motorcoaches, hotels, and restaurants) providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint venturers of the Company or its affiliates. From time to time, and for the purpose of identifying those independent third-party suppliers of services as the provider of a component or part of a PTS Tours package or tour, some or all of those entities may utilize the name “PTS Tours” on promotional media, signage, or attire. Although you may see the name “PTS Tours” on vehicles, signs, apparel, or elsewhere during your cruise, tour, or excursion, its use by third-party suppliers is solely for the purpose of identification and does not represent or signify in any way ownership, management, supervision, or control by the Company of services that are provided by independent third party suppliers or of the employees, servants, or agents of the third-party suppliers. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Company are subject to the Terms & Conditions specified by the supplier, which are available upon request, and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. The international carriage of passengers is subject to international conventions and treaties, where applicable. These international agreements limit and, in some events, exclude the carrier’s liability to passengers (vacation participants). Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or involves any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, inland waterways, rail or road carrier, or any stay in a hotel, the Company’s maximum liability is the maximum that would be payable by the carrier or the hotel keeper concerned under the applicable international convention, treaty, or regulation applicable to the travel arrangements or hotel stay (e.g., the Warsaw Convention, the Montréal Convention for international travel by air, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability for air carriers with an operating license granted by an EU country, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea) in that situation. After departure, if the Services included in the vacation cannot be supplied or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of the Company, depending on the circumstance, the Company will take reasonable action to arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expense will be the responsibility of vacation participants, and any resulting savings will be refunded by the Company to vacation participants. The Company reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a vacation participant; to expel any participant from the vacation; to make changes in the itinerary whenever the Company deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants; and to cancel a vacation at any time. The vacation participant agrees that neither the Company nor its affiliates shall be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death, and property loss), or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier providing services, any insurer or insurance administrator under the Travel Protection plan, or any other person. Any dispute between the vacation participant and the Company, directly or indirectly relating to the Terms & Conditions and/or the vacation undertaken, shall be first submitted to mediation in Minnesota, before a mediator mutually agreed to by the parties. If mediation is not successful, then the dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration under Minnesota law. Arbitration against the Company or the vacation participant shall be invoked in writing under the laws of the State of Minnesota within a period of 12 months following the date of completion of the vacation and not later. Neither of the parties nor any affiliate of the Company shall in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and they hereby waive any right to claim punitive damages. The Governing and substantive law for the Arbitration proceedings would be laws of the State of Minnesota, USA. The prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Any action to enforce the arbitrator’s decision shall be brought only and exclusively in the state or federal courts in the State of Minnesota, USA. No person, other than an authorized representative of the Company by a document in writing, is authorized to vary, add, or waive any term or condition on its website or in its brochure, including any term or condition set forth in the preceding provisions.

COVID-19 HEALTHY & SAFETY WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY. This Waiver is entered into between the Participants on the reservation (“I”, “You”) and the Company from which you purchased your vacation tour or cruise (“The Company”). In all cases, the person agreeing to this waiver represents and warrants that all participants selected at time of reservation acknowledgement have consented to, accepted, and agreed to be bound by all clauses below.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

1. You are aware of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government laws, regulations, orders, directives, and guidelines (collectively “directives”) including directives for frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water, social distancing, and use of facemasks in public locations. You are aware that participation in your tour/cruise activities is occurring in public locations, which may be or may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• You are aware that COVID-19 is a highly contagious and dangerous disease that is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact, and that contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 may result in significant personal injury or death.
• You are aware that you could encounter others, including but not limited to others traveling with The Company, who have COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, or who are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses but who exhibit no symptoms of infection or an infectious disease, which could result in your having serious medical conditions requiring medical treatment in a hospital, quarantine in a government-appointed location, and could possibly lead to death.
• You are aware that some diseases may not produce symptoms during the actual trip but may after the trip.
• You are aware The Company requires all participants to
adhere to all local, state, federal, national, and international
directives regarding social distancing, facemasks, and other public health requirements.
• You are aware The Company must abide by the laws and regulations of local, state, federal, and other national and international governments regarding the safety and the spread of communicable diseases, which may include quarantine in a foreign location, at your expense, without physical access to family and friends and could result in trip interruption or cancellation.
• You are aware that, where possible, The Company will continue to implement policies intended to reduce the potential for the spread of COVID-19 and any other infectious disease, but that The Company cannot guarantee that you, or members of your traveling party, will not become infected with COVID-19 or any other infectious disease as a result of participating in the tour/cruise.
• You are aware that you agree to have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 21 days, and you have not had symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have not been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. You are also aware that you will not be allowed on any services offered by The Company if showing symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival or if during the course of the tour, you show symptoms will not be able to participate in any remaining components of the tour.
2. You acknowledge you have been strongly advised to have comprehensive health insurance (including “travel insurance”).
3. You acknowledge that you have received the risk warnings above and that any representation you receive from any other person, whether orally, in writing or otherwise, will not be taken as a contradiction of the risk warnings above.
4. By voluntarily participating in this tour/cruise with knowledge of the inherent risks of COVID-19 you agree to assume all risks, including the risks involved with additional expenses incurred in the event you are removed from the tour and required to isolate or adjust travel plans. To the extent permitted by law you hereby:
• Assume and agree to accept any and all risks related to COVID-19 during the course of your travel with The Company on the tour.
• Release The Company and its employees, officers, directors, and agents, (“the Releasees”) from any and all claims that may accordingly arise during the course of your participation in the tour. This Waiver shall be binding on you, your family, your heirs, and any attorney, agent, executor, trustee, representative, or assignee to the extent permitted by law. You hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Company and the Releasees for any claims against The Company or the Releasees by any member of your family, your heirs or assigns, your estate, your employer, or by any other person for whom or to whom you are or may be responsible, whether at law or otherwise. This waiver is in addition to any other terms and conditions that were provided at the time of your reservation or available online or in our printed catalog.