Full Newsletter

In the plethora of social media, travel sites and travel stories one stands tall- The Explorateur. Their posts review exciting and new destinations, hotels, restaurants, travel gadgets and gizmos – often focusing on the practical and unusual adding a layer of excitement and intrigue for those consumed by wanderlust

Hello Yebo! Traveling on 2 wheels…

Full Newsletter

Over the last few months, you have probably heard hints being dropped regarding the Journey of Discovery campaign featuring our new cycling and culinary program. Well, dear adventure travelers – it’s finally here!

Immersion Journeys is pleased to announce the official launch of Hello Yebo!- the collaborative marketing portal for our cycling and culinary experiences in South Africa!.

Full Newsletter

For anyone who has been following our Facebook page and newsletters, you have heard a lot about our recent travels in southern Tanzania. So instead of reading about it, why don’t we allow you to experience it! The melding of history of the Swahili people, Arab traders and the explorers, combined with untouched wilderness makes this part of the world different from anywhere else you may have been. As you sit on the banks of the mighty rivers observing the African sunset dip over the horizon – you will feel the tranquility that very few have experienced.

Full Newsletter

As we enter into the holiday season and get ready for a festive season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, one cannot help but take a pause and think about those who we have met during our travels in far-flung corners of the globe. What would they be doing over the festivities (we cannot think of any other culture that roasts a turkey big enough to feed an entire village in Africa!)? How do they celebrate? Is it a choice between a new toy for Christmas or a new school uniform?

Full Newsletter

As hundred and thousands of us made our slow journey back home after a busy summer of frolic and fun, it brought a sense of closure to one season and a start of another. In the U.S., the sign that summer is over is the last barbeque on Labor Day weekend and the final dip in the back yard pool before the weather turns colder. Children return to school, and workers to their offices- eagerly anticipating Thanksgiving in November. As we take advantage of the last rays of long days hiking in the hills, we begin to scan the trees to see if the colors on the leaves have begun to change.

Full Newsletter

I was recently musing over the fact that society has become so immersed in electronic media. Having recently bought a new MacBook Pro- I am constantly told how I can “synch” it to my iPad, iPod and my Blackberry. Not to mention, my iPad to our TV set and if necessary to the iPhone which is not part of our electronic collection (yet!)…

Full Newsletter

After 4 weeks, 4 countries, 16 hotels (i.e 16 different beds, bathrooms and receptions) and countless miles logged every trip must come to an end. It was a spectacular and enlightening experience for not only our clients but for me as well. Our journey through Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia was a spectacular success…

Introduction.

These are the terms and conditions applicable to the tour packages provided by Immersion Journeys (collectively “Immersion Journeys”, “we”, “us” and “our”).  The terms “client” “you” and “your” refer to each person who purchases and/or uses a tour package provided by Immersion Journeys.

Benefits of Tour Packages.

Our tour packages offer services of a professional tour guide, accommodations, meals as outlined in the itinerary, transportation as specified in the itinerary and excursions and tours as outlined in the itinerary.

Immersion Journeys may, from time to time, offer you optional services or benefits.  By using those services and/or benefits when they become available, you agree to be bound by Immersion Journeys terms, and its subsequent amendments.  Final documents and tickets will be mailed by overnight or registered mail approximately two (2) weeks prior to the start of the tour.

Rates and Exclusions.

The rates and charges for tour participation are those established at the time the tour is booked with Immersion Journeys.  Published rates and charges are typically “per person,” based upon double occupancy with en suite bath (unless otherwise stated).  Single rooms are subject to a single room supplemental charge which are stated in the proposal.  Expenses and terms not specifically identified in the applicable Immersion Journeys produced quotation are not covered.  These include any paperwork or charges associated with: passports, visas, immunization, meals other than those specified, optional excursions, trip protection coverage, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and liquor), all beverages excluding those provided in Immersion Journeys vehicles, telephone calls, room service, laundry, personal items, baggage handling, International airfare unless otherwise stated, gratuities and transportation to or from any departure gateway and any other costs that might be incurred not stated in tour package.

Fees and Charges. We accept the following forms of payment: major credit cards, bank transfer or checks drawn on a U.S. Bank.            Credit cards will incur a service fee of 3-5% paid by the client.

You must promptly pay the following fees and charges for participation in an Immersion Journeys tour.

Airfare: Full payment per person is due in order to purchase airline tickets. Airline cancellation policy shall apply. Discounted airfare quote (if available) is subject to purchase of ground package.

Ground Package:A deposit of $500 per person per tour is required immediately to secure the tour and services

Balance: The balance of the tour price is due 60 days before departure.

Revisions:A fee of $125 per booking for each change made sixty (60) days or more prior to the start of the tour. The cancellation fees set forth below apply to changes made less than sixty (60) days prior to the start of the tour.

Cancellation: To cancel a tour you must provide a written notice to Immersion Journeys, and simultaneously pay the following cancellation charge based upon the amount of notice provided.  Airline cancellation policies shall apply for cancelled tours:

There is no refund for unused portions of a tour once it has commenced. Cancellation penalties on airfare are additional and vary depending upon the applicable airfare.  Immersion Journeys recommends that you purchase trip insurance to cover penalties and cancellation charges.  Please contact Immersion Journeys for more details

Airlines and airfares included in any brochure are subject to change without notice.  Please check with Immersion Journeys or your travel agent for conditions applicable to your airline ticket.  The payment of a deposit, or other partial or full payment for a tour, constitutes your agreement and consent to all of Immersion Journeys  Terms and Conditions  and any general information contained in the applicable tour brochure.

Tour Participation.

In an effort to ensure successful and comfortable tours and services, we reserve the right to refuse the application of anyone and/or to expel any tour participant who, in the exclusive judgment of Immersion Journeys, is not compatible with the interest and well being of other tour participants. Immersion Journeys, its affiliates and related persons all act as agents for the hotels, lodges, travel providers, airlines, bus companies, railroads and the others who provide accommodations, transportation, meals, tours, sightseeing and other pertinent services included in a tour (collectively, “Vendors”). The Vendors concerned are not responsible for any act, omission or event that occurs during the time tour participants are not using their services. The then-current contract in use by each applicable Vendor when issued shall constitute the sole contract for the service being provided and shall be solely between the tour participant and the Vendor. Immersion Journeys is not a party to Vendor contracts, and shall have no liability for the acts or omissions of its Vendors. All vouchers, contracts and tickets issued by a Vendor are issued subject to then current tariffs, terms and conditions. Immersion Journeys is not responsible for costs incurred by a tour participant due to missed, canceled or delayed transportation. Anyone not utilizing pre-arranged transportation is responsible for the cost of any substitute transportation. No change in itineraries is expected, but we reserve the right to make changes if reasonable or necessary. Because of unforeseen circumstances, transportation may occasionally be delayed, extended or curtailed. Immersion Journeys reserves the right to accept or retain any tour participant or to cancel all or any portion of a tour.  After refunding a pro-rata portion of any applicable payments, Immersion Africa will have no other obligation to tour participants.

IMMERSION JOURNEYS’ TOURS AND THEIR COMPONENT PARTS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS,” AND ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER STATUTORY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE (EVEN IF CREATED BY THE INTERNATIONAL SALE OF GOODS CONVENTION) ARE DISCLAIMED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

Flights

a) All travelers must present a valid passport. Please visit your local consulate for travel requirements (VISA or other written verification).  The airline cannot board any passenger who fails to carry proper documents.  Immersion Journeys will not make any refunds due to your failure to provide the proper documentation.

b) In the unlikely event of flight delays Immersion Journeys shall not to be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their aircraft or conveyance.

c) Flight delays are not considered as alterations to the program and as a consequence any compensation applied for from the Immersion Journeys is not applicable.  In the event of a scheduled flight delay, cancellation or over booking, the Immersion Journeys cannot be held liable for any costs incurred. Any denied boarding compensation if applicable should be sought from the airline concerned and not Immersion Journeys.

d) Immersion Journeys cannot guarantee that flight times detailed on the itinerary will not change at short notice. If in any event they do, Immersion Journeys will make every available effort to assist in obtaining a suitable alternative flight.  Clients shall be responsible for paying any additional charges incurred.

Security and Safety.

We are strongly committed to protecting your security and well-being. However, travel, safaris and sightseeing endeavors are inherently dangerous activities.  Immersion Journeys  strongly recommends that you exercise extreme caution when participating in tour events.  Parts of your tour may involve high altitudes, hiking and/or driving over rough and dusty terrain.

All tour participants booking with Immersion Journeys certify that they are in good health, fit to travel and have no specific medical problems.  It is the responsibility of each tour participant to obtain health and medical certificates, inoculations and vaccinations.

Any physical disability that may require special attention or treatment must be reported in writing at the time your reservation is made. Passage may be refused to any person whose state of health or physical conditions render them, in the opinion of the tour company or its suppliers, unfit. Children under sixteen (16) years of age must be supervised by parent(s) or guardian(s) who will bear ultimate responsibility of their actions.  Immersion Journeys recommends that you purchase insurance to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, and loss of baggage. Please contact Immersion Journeys for further details.

Information.

Information that Immersion Journeys publishes in its brochures, collateral material and on its web site is believed to be accurate and reliable. Immersion Journeys makes no representations or warranties regarding such information or any information provided by a third party. Unless expressly stated in writing, Immersion Journeys does not endorse the products or services offered by any company or person identified in its brochures, collateral material or web site, nor is Immersion Journeys responsible for any content published by a third party.

Force Majeure.

Any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Immersion Journeys (including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, tempest, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, insurrection, civil disturbance, requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions or other untoward occurrences).

If Immersion Journeys is affected by Force Majeure it shall immediately notify travelers of the nature and extent thereof. Immersion Journeys shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to the traveler, 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.

If Immersion Journeys, and/or any of its’ travel suppliers, are affected by Force Majeure, they shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund by Immersion Journeys to the traveler as a result of the non performance of any of Immersion Journeys’ obligations hereunder shall remain in its sole and absolute discretion although Immersion Journeys shall use its reasonable endeavors to reimburse the traveler where possible. However, Immersion Journeys shall be entitled to deduct from any refund recoverable the reasonable actual and potential costs to Immersion Journeys of the Force Majeure.

Regarding civil unrest, once Immersion Journeys has investigated the prevailing situation, as it deems fit, it shall remain in Immersion Journeys’ sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with the trip. You may in such circumstances cancel the trip. However, if, after having made all reasonable and proper inquiries, Immersion Journeys is of the opinion that the trip may proceed, no refund will be payable to the traveler and the provisions stated under Cancellations shall apply.

Indemnification.

You shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Immersion Journeys and its officers, employees, directors, suppliers and agents, in their individual capacities or otherwise, from and against any Losses arising out of: (i) your negligence; (ii) your failure to comply with applicable law; or (iii) your failure to comply with these terms conditions.

Additional Remedies.

Due to the likelihood of irreparable injury, Immersion Journeys shall be entitled to an injunction prohibiting any breach of these terms and conditions.

Termination and Changes in Terms.

Immersion Journeys reserves the right to terminate these terms and conditions or to change its terms (including any charges, fees or other items described) at any time.

Miscellaneous.

1. Immersion Journeys may assign its rights and/or delegate all or a portion of its duties under these Terms and Conditions to any third party at any time without the consent or permission of any parties to these Terms and Conditions.
2. If there is a conflict between these Terms and Conditions and one or more terms contained in another agreement between you and Immersion Journeys, these Terms and Conditions will control.
3. No alteration, cancellation, variation of, or addition to these terms and conditions shall be of any force or effect unless reduced to writing and signed by Immersion Journeys and the Client .
4. If there is a conflict between any part of these terms and conditions and any present or future law, the part that is affected shall be curtailed only to the extent necessary to bring it within the requirements of that law.
5. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the limits on Immersion Journeys responsibility clause, to the brochure, to the flier, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in the State of New York, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

]]> http://www.immersionjourneys.com/terms-conditions/feed/ 0 http://www.immersionjourneys.com/privacy/ http://www.immersionjourneys.com/privacy/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:41:32 +0000 admin http://www.immersionjourneys.com/?p=1070 Immersion Journeys has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to our visitors’ and customers’ privacy. The following discloses the type of personally-identifying data collected, as well as the general purpose and/or use of the information gathered, via www.immersionjourneys.com (the “Immersion Journeys Website”). We continually look to improve our features and services. As a result, this statement is updated from time to time. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information on privacy practices at Immersion Journeys.

At Immersion Journeys, your privacy is important to us and we want to make sure you like hearing from us. We, or an agent partner, may contact you to follow-up on requests for information we receive through the Immersion Journeys Web Site but we do not release personally-identifying guest information to other companies for their own marketing purposes.

During the course of your use of the Immersion Journeys Web Site, we may collect some or all of the following information from you:

• Name
• Address
• Email Address
• Telephone Number(s)

Immersion Journeys will never collect this information from You without Your knowledge and consent. You always have the right to decline to disclose any or all of the requested information. However, if you decline to disclose certain pieces of information to Immersion Journeys, You may be unable to fully access all of the features of the Immersion Journeys Web Site.

Children Under Age 18

Immersion Journeys does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 18 or knowingly allow such persons to register on the Immersion Journeys Web Site. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register for the Immersion Journeys Web Site or send any information about yourself to us, including your name, address, telephone number, or email address. No one under age 18 may provide any personal information to or on the Immersion Journeys Web Site or the Immersion Journeys message board. In the event that we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 18 without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information. If you believe that we have any information from or about a child under 18, please contact us using the contact information listed herein.

Sharing of Personal Information

Personal information will never be shared with any third party by Immersion Journeys other than for the purposes described in this document. We may disclose your information if:

• we believe we are required to do so by law;
• we need to do so to protect someone’s safety or our rights and property; or
• in order to comply with this policy or other policies that may be applicable.

In addition, Immersion Journeys occasionally shares personal information, such as name and address, with sub-contracted third parties with whom we have partnered to provide specific services to our company or our customers, or with travel companies with whom our customers have contracted for the purpose of facilitating travel reservations.

If you create an account on the Immersion Journeys Web Site, you will be given the opportunity to share certain information about You and/or Your trip, including Your travel destinations and photographs, Your email or web site address, and the guest list from your trips (collectively referred to as the “Shared Information”) on the Immersion Journeys Web Site. Such Shared Information will be accessible to all individuals who view the Web Site. Even if you do not create an account on the Immersion Journeys Web Site, but you are included by another person as a trip participant, Your name, photograph and/or other information may be shared on the Immersion Journeys Web Site by such person or by another individual with whom You traveled.

In addition, Your name, travel itinerary and reservation details (such information referred to as “Group Travel Information”) may be shared among the other individuals with whom you are traveling if any one of Your traveling companions chooses to share Your group’s travel reservation amongst You and Your travel companions. If your Group Travel Information is shared, it will only be accessible to the members of Your travel group and will not be accessible by members of the public, absent the actions of You or one of Your travel companions.

In the event your information has been shared without Your permission, please contact Immersion Journeys to have Your information removed from the Immersion Journeys Web Site.

On occasion, mergers, acquisitions, and sales of business assets occur in the travel industry. In the event that Immersion Journeys is ever involved in such a transaction, then personal information may be disclosed to the entity that acquires, is acquired by, or merges with Immersion Journeys or purchases any of its assets.

You may update or remove any or all of your personal information, contact options and preferences on the Immersion Journeys Web Site by updating your Immersion Journeys Profile and any information by postal mail, email or telephone.

These updates may include but are not limited to:

• Update name and address information
• Eliminate duplicate addresses
• Remove your name from our
  • Postal mailing list
  • Email list

  By email:
  info@Immersion Journeys.com
  By phone:

  +1-917-686-2620

  You acknowledge and agree that this policy does not apply to non-personally-identifying information collected through the Immersion Journeys Web Site or for any information collected other than through the Immersion Journeys Web Site.

Acceptance of this Policy

By using the Immersion Journeys Web Site, you agree to this policy. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions from this policy at any time. Your continued use of the Immersion Journeys Web Site following the posting of changes to these terms on this site means you accept these changes.

Message Board

Please be aware that any messages, information or materials posted on our message board are not subject to the terms of this policy. Please do not submit any information to our message boards that you would like to be kept private or secure. Immersion Journeys does not control or regularly review the messages, information or materials posted in the message boards. It is a condition of Your use of the message boards and the Immersion Journeys Web Site that You do not upload to, post, distribute or transmit to or through the Immersion Journeys Web Site any messages, information or materials which violate or infringe in any way the rights of others, or which are libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, threatening, abusive, unlawful or would otherwise violate any law, or encourage such conduct, or which, without Immersion Journeys express written consent, contains advertising or any commercial solicitation; post or transmit any material that contains a virus or other harmful component; restrict or inhibit anyone from using and enjoying the message boards.

Other Sites

The Immersion Journeys Web Site may contain links to other sites. Other sites may also reference or link to the Immersion Journeys Web Site. Immersion Journeys is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such other sites. Any information you may disclose at these other sites is not governed by this privacy policy. We encourage you to review these policies at any site you visit.

Assurances

If you feel you have a dispute with Immersion Journeys regarding our privacy policy procedures and practices, or you feel your privacy has been violated, please contact Immersion Journeys by email or by phone.

Security

It is our intent to protect against the unauthorized use of personally-identifying information that we have collected from you. We use a variety of technologies and processes for protection of our customer data. We work to limit the personally-identifying information we provide to outside companies with whom we contract to only what they need to carry out their responsibilities.

When you request a brochure or create an account on our web site, your personal information is transmitted in an encrypted format.

We always want to provide you with the best possible service. To do this, we collect information that allows us to, among other things: enhance your experience on the Immersion Journeys Web Site, send you brochures or offers we believe may be of interest to you, identify your product and service preferences, customize our communications to you, process your travel reservation, contact you about the status of your reservation or, if requested, send you the Immersion Journeys email Newsletter.

]]> http://www.immersionjourneys.com/privacy/feed/ 0 http://www.immersionjourneys.com/award-2010-tanzania-tourism/ http://www.immersionjourneys.com/award-2010-tanzania-tourism/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 05:38:08 +0000 admin http://www.immersionjourneys.com/?p=1021 ImmersionJourneys – Recipient of 2010 Tanzania Tourism Board Award

We are pleased to announce that we were recently recognized by the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and awarded the 2010 Tour Operator Product Development Award.  This annual award presented by the Ministry of Natural Resources Tourism was acknowledgement of our innovative design of tours to Tanzania and specifically the African Chronicle Series where safari meets culture.

We wish to thank Hon. Shamsa Mwangunga, Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism, Amant Macha (TTB Marketing Director) and Karen Hoffman (TTB Representative, New York) for this recognition and most importantly believing in us.

In the African Chronicle Series, guests are hosted by cultural leaders, government officials and local residents who provide very interesting insights of life in Tanzania that neither media outlets nor tour operator can provide. It is a recital of experiences and stories of history, politics and culture chronicling the region that is crafted carefully to give the audience an authentic and genuine opportunity to meet and interact with their hosts.

For more information please contact Immersion Journeys.

]]> http://www.immersionjourneys.com/award-2010-tanzania-tourism/feed/ 0