Your booking contract is with Monsoon Desert Treasures and Travel (ABN 68 664 537 166), operated by Jessica Bailey (referred to in these conditions as “Monsoon Desert Treasures and Travel”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

By booking a trip with us, you agree to these Booking Conditions and the information provided in the itinerary for your specific trip. Together, these documents form the basis of your booking agreement.

Your booking is accepted when we issue your booking confirmation or otherwise confirm acceptance in writing. The services we agree to provide are those specified in your booking confirmation and the relevant itinerary.

References to “you”, “your” and “traveller” include the person making the booking and all other travellers included in that booking.

Any personal information we collect about you will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

You are responsible for providing accurate personal information and notifying us of any relevant changes to your details.

A non-refundable deposit of AUD $1,000 per person is required at the time of booking to secure your place on a tour.

By paying your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted these Booking Conditions.

The deposit forms part of the total tour price and is included in any applicable cancellation fee; it is not an additional fee on top of that cancellation fee.

If you book within 90 days of departure, the full tour price is payable at the time of booking unless we agree otherwise in writing.

Once we accept your booking, we will provide written confirmation and details of the payment arrangements.

The payment schedule is as follows:

• At booking: AUD $1,000 deposit per person.

• 90 days before departure: The remaining balance of the tour price must be paid in full.

If your final payment is not received by the due date, we may contact you to arrange payment. If payment remains outstanding, we may treat your booking as cancelled, subject to these Booking Conditions and applicable consumer laws.

Please contact us promptly if you anticipate difficulty meeting a payment deadline.

Tour prices are based on the costs, exchange rates, accommodation rates, transport arrangements and other supplier charges known to us when prices are established.

Prices may vary between departures and may change before a booking is confirmed. Once your booking has been confirmed, the agreed tour price will apply, subject to any changes permitted under these Booking Conditions and applicable law.

Discounts or lower prices offered after your booking has been confirmed will not automatically apply retrospectively.

We take reasonable care to ensure that prices and other information published on our website are accurate. If an obvious pricing or publication error occurs, we reserve the right to correct it before accepting your booking.

If circumstances outside our reasonable control result in significant increases to supplier charges, taxes, transport costs or exchange rates, we will notify affected travellers and explain any proposed changes. Any surcharge or cancellation right will be subject to applicable law and the terms of your booking.

We will not impose a surcharge or retain a payment where doing so would breach applicable consumer law.

To arrange your travel, you must provide all requested information accurately and within the timeframes we specify.

This may include:

• Your full name as shown on your passport.

• Your date of birth and nationality.

• Your passport number and issue and expiry dates.

• Relevant emergency contact details.

• Confirmation of travel insurance.

• Information about medical, mobility or dietary requirements that may affect your participation or arrangements.

You are responsible for ensuring that the information you provide is accurate and for notifying us of any changes.

We will handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable law.

If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing. Your cancellation takes effect when we receive your written notification.

The following cancellation fees apply, calculated as a percentage of the total tour price per person:

• More than 90 days before departure: The $1,000 deposit is retained.

• 90–61 days before departure: 25% of the total tour price.

• 60–31 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price.

• 30 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total tour price.

The deposit is included in the applicable cancellation fee and is not charged in addition to it.

These cancellation fees reflect the advance commitments and costs associated with arranging the tour, including accommodation, transport, internal flights, train tickets, local guides and other services. Some suppliers require non-refundable payments well before departure.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover as soon as you book.

If you leave a tour after it has commenced, miss its departure or choose not to participate in particular activities, refunds for unused services will not ordinarily be available, except where required by applicable law or agreed by us in writing.

Nothing in this clause excludes any rights or remedies you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.

Our tours require a minimum of five confirmed travellers and have a maximum group size of eight, unless the relevant itinerary states otherwise.

Where possible, we aim to make a decision about whether the tour will proceed approximately four months before departure.

If the minimum group size is not reached and we decide not to operate the tour as originally advertised, we will notify affected travellers. You will be offered either:

• A refund of all payments made to us for the tour; or

• The option to proceed with a smaller group at a revised tour price, which you must agree to in writing.

We will not require you to accept a revised price or an alternative arrangement where you are entitled to a refund under these Booking Conditions or applicable law.

We may also need to cancel a tour for other reasons, including circumstances that make it unsafe or impracticable to operate. In such cases, we will notify affected travellers and explain the available options, including any refund or alternative arrangements required under these Booking Conditions and applicable law.

A tour may be affected by events beyond our reasonable control, including war, civil unrest, terrorism, natural disasters, extreme weather, epidemics, pandemics, government restrictions, border closures, strikes or major transport disruptions.

Where such an event makes it unsafe, unlawful or impracticable to commence or continue a tour, we may need to cancel, postpone or alter the arrangements.

We will assess the circumstances and communicate with affected travellers about available options. Depending on the circumstances, these may include an alternative arrangement, a credit or a refund less costs that we have reasonably incurred and cannot recover, where permitted by law.

If a force majeure event occurs after a tour has commenced, we will work to make reasonable alternative arrangements where practicable. The treatment of unused services and any refunds will depend on the circumstances, supplier recoveries and applicable law.

A “Force Majeure Event” means an event beyond our reasonable control that prevents or materially affects our ability to provide the tour as agreed.

We are not responsible for incidental expenses such as independently booked flights, visas, vaccinations or insurance excesses arising from a disruption, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

Any credit issued will be subject to the written conditions provided at the time of issue and applicable consumer law.

Requests to amend a booking or transfer a place to another traveller must be submitted in writing.

We will consider requests where operationally possible, subject to supplier requirements, availability, any applicable fees and the incoming traveller meeting all relevant tour requirements.

Changes may result in additional costs, which will be explained before the amendment is confirmed.

Changes requested close to departure may not be possible because accommodation, transport and other services may already have been confirmed and paid for.

Any amendment or transfer is effective only when confirmed by us in writing.

The land tour price includes the services specifically listed in the relevant itinerary and booking confirmation. Depending on the tour, these may include:

• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.

• Ground transport within India as specified in the itinerary.

• Sightseeing and entrance fees where expressly included.

• Meals specified in the itinerary.

• The services of the tour host and/or local guides as described.

• Airport transfers where expressly included and within the stated arrival and departure arrangements.

Please read the itinerary carefully, as inclusions vary between tours.

Unless expressly stated as included in your itinerary or booking confirmation, the tour price does not include:

• International flights to or from India.

• Domestic flights or other transport not specified as included.

• Passport, visa or travel documentation fees.

• Travel insurance.

• Meals not listed as included.

• Optional activities and excursions.

·       Personal expenses, including laundry, drinks, shopping and tips for local guides, hotel staff and other service providers, except for driver tips expressly included in the itinerary.

• Excess baggage charges and other incidental expenses.

If you are unsure whether a particular service is included, please ask us before booking.

Minimum age

Unless otherwise stated in the relevant itinerary, travellers must be at least 18 years old at the time of travel.

Health and fitness

You are responsible for assessing whether the tour is suitable for your health, mobility and fitness levels. Please read the itinerary carefully and seek appropriate medical advice before travelling.

You must tell us about any requirements that may materially affect your participation or the arrangements we need to make for you.

Group sizes

Our tours generally require a minimum of five travellers to operate. Typical group sizes are between five and eight travellers, unless otherwise specified in the relevant itinerary.

If the minimum number is not reached, clause 8 will apply.

Room arrangements

Where the tour price is based on twin-share accommodation, we will make reasonable efforts to arrange a suitable room-sharing partner for travellers who book on that basis.

Room-sharing arrangements are subject to availability and the accommodation options available at each destination. We cannot guarantee that every solo traveller will be paired with another traveller.

If a suitable room-sharing arrangement cannot be secured, we will discuss the available options and any additional cost with you before making a decision, subject to the terms of your booking and applicable law.

If you prefer to have your own room, a single supplement may apply. The amount will be communicated before you confirm your booking.

Some activities or services may be provided by independent third-party operators who require participants to sign separate waivers or accept additional terms.

We will advise you of such requirements where they are known to us before the relevant activity.

Any additional waiver or supplier terms will apply only to the extent permitted by law. Nothing in a waiver or additional term overrides any non-excludable consumer rights.

Where signing a lawful and reasonable waiver is a genuine requirement for participation in a particular activity, we will explain this to you. If you decline to sign, participation in that activity may not be possible.

You are responsible for ensuring that you have the passport, visas, permits and other travel documents required for your journey.

You should check the entry and exit requirements applicable to your nationality and itinerary well in advance of departure. Passport validity requirements vary, and you should confirm the current requirements with the relevant authorities.

You are responsible for costs arising from missing, invalid or incomplete travel documents, subject to any rights you may have under applicable law.

We can provide general guidance where possible, but this does not replace checking official requirements.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers on our tours. You should arrange appropriate cover as soon as you book.

Your policy should cover, as appropriate to your circumstances and itinerary:

• Emergency medical expenses and hospital treatment.

• Medical evacuation and repatriation.

• Trip cancellation and curtailment.

• Personal liability.

• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal belongings.

• Travel delays and disruptions.

You must ensure your policy covers the activities and destinations included in your tour and disclose relevant circumstances to your insurer.

You must provide evidence of suitable travel insurance and emergency contact details at least 60 days before departure. If you fail to provide evidence of cover, we will contact you to address the issue. Any decision to cancel your booking or prevent participation will be subject to these Booking Conditions and applicable law.

We strongly recommend carrying your policy details and your insurer's emergency contact number while travelling.

Travel in India can involve changing local conditions, transport schedules, weather, road conditions and supplier availability. Flexibility may therefore be necessary.

We will make reasonable efforts to operate the tour as described in the itinerary. However, changes may occasionally be required for operational, safety or other legitimate reasons.

Before departure

If a significant change is necessary, we will notify you as soon as reasonably practicable and explain the available options. Depending on the circumstances, these may include accepting the revised itinerary, agreeing to an alternative arrangement or receiving a refund where required by law or agreed with us.

After departure

If circumstances require changes once the tour has commenced, we will make reasonable efforts to arrange suitable alternatives and keep travellers informed.

Any additional costs and the treatment of services that can no longer be provided will depend on the circumstances, the terms of the relevant booking and applicable law.

We recommend allowing flexibility in any independent flights or travel arrangements you make before or after the tour.

The tour host is responsible for coordinating the tour and making reasonable decisions concerning group logistics, safety and the practical operation of the itinerary.

Travellers are expected to act respectfully towards the host, local guides, suppliers, other travellers and the communities visited.

You must comply with applicable laws and reasonable safety instructions while on tour.

If a traveller's behaviour creates a serious safety concern, significantly disrupts the group or prevents the tour from operating, we may take reasonable steps to address the situation. In serious cases, this may include requiring the traveller to leave the tour, subject to applicable law and the circumstances.

Where a traveller is required to leave the tour because of their conduct, refunds for unused services will be assessed in accordance with the booking terms and applicable law.

You are also responsible for reading and following any Travel Guidelines provided before departure.

Travel involves risks, and travel in India may involve unfamiliar environments, traffic conditions, cultural differences, changes in weather, uneven surfaces and variations in local infrastructure and services.

You acknowledge that these conditions may be different from those in Australia and that some activities may involve inherent risks.

We will take reasonable care in arranging and operating the tour. You are responsible for following safety instructions, taking reasonable care of yourself and seeking appropriate medical advice where necessary.

We will provide relevant information about known risks where reasonably practicable. Nothing in this clause excludes liability for negligence or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Nothing in these Booking Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

20.1 Liability

To the extent permitted by law, our liability for loss or damage arising from services we provide will be assessed according to the circumstances, the services involved and our obligations under applicable law.

We are not responsible for loss arising solely from events beyond our reasonable control where the law permits that exclusion. However, this does not exclude any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

20.2 Consumer guarantees

Where the Australian Consumer Law or another applicable law provides you with rights or remedies, those rights remain available.

Any limitation of liability or remedy will apply only to the extent permitted by law.

20.3 Indemnity

You are responsible for loss or damage caused by your unlawful conduct, deliberate misconduct or breach of these Booking Conditions, to the extent that you are legally responsible for that loss or damage.

Nothing in this clause requires you to indemnify us for loss caused by our own negligence or other conduct where such an indemnity would be unlawful.

20.4 Third-party suppliers

Some services included in a tour may be provided by independent businesses, such as accommodation providers, transport operators, guides and activity providers.

We take reasonable care when selecting and coordinating suppliers. Each supplier may have its own operating conditions and safety requirements.

Our responsibilities in relation to supplier services will depend on the nature of the arrangements and applicable law. Nothing in these Booking Conditions excludes liability that we cannot lawfully exclude.

20.5 Applicable consumer protections

These Booking Conditions are intended to operate consistently with applicable consumer protection laws.

If any provision conflicts with a mandatory legal right or protection, the relevant law will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

Optional activities that are not included in your tour price are separate from the services specified in your booking.

Where you independently arrange an optional activity with a third-party provider, the contract for that activity will generally be between you and that provider.

We may offer recommendations or assistance with arrangements, but the nature of our responsibility will depend on the circumstances and applicable law.

You should check the cost, inclusions, safety requirements and cancellation conditions of any optional activity before agreeing to participate.

If you have a concern or complaint during your tour, please raise it with your tour host or local representative as soon as reasonably practicable so we have an opportunity to investigate and address the issue.

If the matter is not resolved during the tour, please submit your complaint in writing to Jessica Bailey at jessica@monsoondesert.com.au within 30 days of the end of the tour where possible.

We will review your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

This process does not prevent you from exercising any legal rights or remedies available to you.

If any provision of these Booking Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision will be read down or severed to the extent necessary.

The remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent that they remain valid and enforceable.

These Booking Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, subject to any mandatory consumer protections that apply.

Nothing in these Booking Conditions limits your right to rely on applicable consumer laws or prevents you from exercising rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Where available, Monsoon Desert Treasures and Travel may assist with arranging additional accommodation or travel before or after a scheduled tour.

The availability, inclusions and costs of these arrangements will depend on the destination, supplier availability and the services requested.

Any additional arrangements will be confirmed in writing, including the applicable price, payment requirements and cancellation conditions.

Services arranged separately may be subject to additional supplier terms.

Monsoon Desert Treasures and Travel will notify you of any material change to the business details relevant to your booking.

We will not transfer our obligations under your booking in a way that reduces your rights under these Booking Conditions or applicable law.

Business name: Monsoon Desert Treasures and Travel
ABN: 68 664 537 166
Contact: Jessica Bailey
Address: 19 Harrison Street, Belmont North NSW 2280, Australia
Email: jessica@monsoondesert.com.au
Phone: +61 401 933 085

Bookings are made with Monsoon Desert Treasures and Travel (ABN 68 664 537 166), operated by Jessica Bailey.

Your booking confirmation will identify the tour, the agreed price, the services included and the applicable payment arrangements.

From time to time, we may offer promotional prices, discounts or special offers.

Each promotion may have additional conditions, including eligibility requirements, booking deadlines, travel dates or limits on availability. Any additional conditions will be communicated with the relevant offer.

Promotions are available only for the period specified and may be changed or withdrawn for future bookings, subject to applicable law and any commitments already made to customers.

If promotional conditions conflict with these Booking Conditions, the specific promotional conditions will apply only to the extent that they are lawful and expressly stated to take precedence.