General Terms & Conditions
(Revised Jan, 2023)
Please read the following information carefully, as the terms and conditions described herein constitute an agreement between you and The Sunshine Travel Club who provide the service. If you decide to travel with the SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB and make payment on a tour, you thereby agree to accept the terms and conditions of this contract. Before making a booking with us you must ensure that you have read and understood these Terms and Conditions (and ask any questions you may have). Please be aware that these terms and conditions contain waivers of liability as well as waiver of class action and venue selection and notice clauses. By asking us to confirm your booking you are accepting all the Terms and Conditions laid out below and acknowledging that you have read the Terms of this Contract and agree with it.
COVID GUIDELINES: (Rev. 01/23)
Safety is always our top priority, and we have been making sure that we are up to date on the latest government and local authority’s recommendations in regards to ensuring our return to travel is as safe as it is fun! These current practices will be adapted as necessary to ensure the highest standards of safety for our customers and staff are being met.
Although no longer mandatory, we strongly recommend the use of self-provided face masks while onboard the coach. Should you have a cough or cold we would ask that you show compassion to your fellow travelers and wear a mask while on the coach. Locations visited on our tours may have their own COVID 19 protocols in place, and passengers agree to comply with their conditions in order to participate.
You will not be permitted to board the coach if you have been identified as a “close contact” of a positive COVID 19 case in the last 14 days, or have been advised that you should be isolating. If boarding is denied due to the above health screening, cancellation penalties as stated in “Terms & Conditions” will apply.
Due to COVID restrictions, seats on the coach are now assigned at time of booking and there will be no seat rotation until otherwise notified. The Sunshine Travel Club reserves the right to make changes to assigned seating in order to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. In the event you are replacing a cancellation, you will be assigned to the vacant seat(s).
To assist in creating a sense of security as well as take into consideration the safety of your fellow passengers, we ask that you try to maintain social distancing while entering and leaving the bus.
Hand sanitizers will be available at the entry door of the coach and in the onboard washroom. Frequent hand washing is highly recommended. The coach will undergo a thorough deep clean/sanitize before every departure, including the use of recommended hospital grade cleaning materials and disinfecting fogging machines. While on the road all hand surfaces will be wiped down when deemed necessary.
While we are taking all precautions to ensure safety, there is an inherent risk to being exposed to COVID 19 whenever we are in settings with the general public. By travelling, you are accepting this risk and understand that the SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB and AJ BUS LINES cannot be responsible for any COVID 19 exposure that you may encounter during your tour, whether onboard the motor coach, or at any of the venues or locations visited. The SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB is not responsible for any additional costs to you if your trip is interrupted due to a Covid related issue. Our Covid Protocols are listed on separate information sheet provided at time of registration. Should there be any new updates which may affect a final decision to purchase, they will be advised at time of final payment. Should requirements change prior to departure, we will ensure you are notified. Customers should review the new documentation to ensure they are up to date and compatible.
RESERVATIONS:
OFFICE:
A booking through our office, requires that a deposit and/or full payment be made at time of booking to secure a place on a tour. Please ensure that the spelling of all names is correct, and correspond to the names listed on your passport/government documentation. It is the responsibility of you/passenger to review the registration and ensure that all names are correct. Ensure that you have all pertinent information including passport numbers etc. if the tour is out of country.
Reservations at the office/phone can only be made following the Sign-Up-Day.
Office hours: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Tues - Thurs. Ph.: 705-759-4796 - Toll Free: 1-800-722-9638
SIGN-UP DAY:
No reservations will be accepted prior to Sign-Up Day. The Sunshine Travel Club reserves the right to limit the number of seats an individual may book for any one tour. You can reserve one seat for yourself and one seat for your travel companion. If there is a couple that wishes to travel with you on a tour, they may be booked at the same time. ***This only applies to registrations received on Sign-Up Day.
Do not hesitate to make a reservation if you are interested in a tour. If the tour is filled, add your name to the wait list in the event of a cancellation. Please ensure that you have all pertinent information including passport numbers etc. filled in on your registration form if the trip is out of country. Also deposit cheque must accompany tour registration. Please make note of the deposit amount as it can vary from tour to tour and is dependant upon the specific demands of our suppliers on each tour.
We do not accept cash at Sign-Up Day!
SPUR of MOMENT TOURS:
Anyone interested in an advertised Spur of the Moment tour is asked to provide us with an email address to enable the tour information to be sent out to you. Please provide the detail on Sign-Up Day or contact the office by sending an email or calling to provide the contact information. If you do not have an electronic device to accept an email please provide us with your phone number and you will be contacted in that manner.
ACTIVITY LEVELS:
The activity level of each tour is now indicated at the top of each tour. Please make reference to these indicators to avoid any problems concerning your physical ability while on the tour.
TOUR PRICES:
Prices shown are in Canadian Funds including HST where applicable, and are based on twin bedded accommodation per person at the time of printing. Prices quoted are based on costs and currency exchange at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
For those who wish to share a room, it is the responsibility of the passenger to find a companion. In the event that a companion cannot be found then the single price will apply.
Payment for the tours is made by cheque payable to SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB. At this time we do not accept credit/debit cards.
PRICE INCREASES:
In the event that the SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB is made aware of any increase in costs due to currency exchange rates, taxes, transportation price fluctuations in airfare/cruises/bus, as well as unforeseen fuel surcharges before departure and final payment, the customer once notified, expressly agree to pay the tour organizer such additional sums if it is their intention to continue with the tour. If the price increase is more than 7% (except increases due to GST/PST/HST) the customer has the right to cancel the booking, exchange for an alternate tour, or receive a full refund. Price increases will not apply to any tour after final payment has been paid.
EXTRA COSTS:
Extra cost may be incurred to the customer due to interruptions or delays due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control such as roads closed or mechanical failures. PLEASE NOTE: extra lodging & food cost are NOT PAID by Sunshine Travel Club.
FINAL PAYMENT:
Final payment date for multi day tours is tour specific and is indicated on the tour description page. It is your responsibility to ensure that final payment reaches our office before the date shown, to secure your place on the tour.
Final payment for Day Tours is paid at time of booking.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION:
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that when travelling out of Canada, all Passport, Visa and any other requirements have been met prior to travel and that proper documentation is provided to the custom officials upon demand. SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB is not responsible for denied border entry because of missing or unacceptable documentation, or for any other reason you may be denied entry by border officials. In the event that this takes place there is NO REFUND on your tour, and any and all associated expenses derived from this entry refusal including transportation back home, are the sole responsibility of the customer.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS:
Seating is assigned in order of sign up and due to Covid restrictions there will be no seat rotation. Sunshine reserves the right to make changes to assigned seating, in order to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If the coach is equipped with seat belts, they should be worn for your safety!
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
The SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB tours do not include travel insurance and we do not sell insurance. We highly recommend the purchase of out of country/province medical travel insurance, as well as coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. There may be additional health care costs that exceed benefits under OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) if you need to seek medical treatment outside of the country/province. Please note our Cancellation Penalties below when considering whether to purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Further details on what is covered/not covered, can be fully detailed by your insurance provider and custom built to your preferences.
CUSTOMER CANCELLATION PENALTIES:
Multi Day Tours:
From time of deposit to date of final payment a $50 per person administration fee will apply.
From time of final payment to time of departure, the tour is non-refundable.
Day Tours:
Cancellation up to 30 days before departure will result in a $50 per person administration fee.
30 days to departure, tour is non-refundable.
Refund of non-refundable tour costs must be claimed through your trip interruption/cancellation insurance provider along with the necessary documentation.
If for some reason you must leave the tour early, we do not refund the cost of the unused portion of the tour. This would have to be claimed through your insurance provider as would any additional costs incurred or any ancillary loss sustained as a result of cancellations due to strikes/lockouts, weather conditions, mechanical problems with a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or government travel advisory. Cancellation fees applied to third party tours may vary and will be stated in the tour information detail provided by designated party.
SUNSHINE CLUB CANCELLATIONS:
In the event that the SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB has to cancel a tour due to unforeseen circumstances or due to minimal number of customers not meeting the financial requirements of the tour, a full refund will be provided to the customer.
BAGGAGE HANDLING:
One large case (not to exceed 50 lbs) is allowed per passenger which will be tagged with our special Sunshine Travel Club tag and placed in the luggage compartment under the coach. One small carry-on not to exceed 19” x 9-12” with No Wheels can be placed in the overhead compartments. You are responsible for the handling of any carry-on luggage. If it does not fit in overhead it will have to be placed in the luggage compartment under the coach. Safety requirements do not allow this piece to be held on your lap or stored under the seat.
Golf Clubs are not allowed on the coach except for trips where there are golf opportunities.
Coolers are not allowed on the coach.
Please note that on certain flight/cruise tours you may be required to go through security checks carrying your bags. This is something we have no control over, and suggest that you use bags with wheels. Passengers are responsible for any charges for checked bags on flight tours. There may be some hotels that do not offer baggage handling. In that case passengers will be responsible for handling their own bags in these cases.
NAME BADGES:
Your tour director will issue you a badge on the morning of departure along with your itinerary and other information for your tour.
SMOKING, VAPING & ALCOHOL:
Our coaches are smoke and alcohol free. This policy will be strictly enforced to ensure that our customers enjoy a safe, clean environment while travelling with us. More hotels are becoming 100% non-smoking, therefore we cannot guarantee that a request for a smoking room can be fulfilled if requested. We always book non-smoking rooms ahead of arrival. Anyone who smokes in a non-smoking hotel room will be responsible to cover any additional fees to clean the room.
MEDICAL:
Please remember to pack your medications in their original containers and place them in your carry-on luggage in the event that you may need them while we are travelling.
A current copy of your travel insurance and OHIP documentation should accompany you at all times.
Any special request (medical, mobility or dietary) must be noted on your registration form at time of booking.
We are unable to provide assistance to a passenger in regards to getting on and off the coach, climbing stairs or walking, providing any medications due to insurance regulations. If you require special assistance then it is your responsibility to ensure that a capable travel companion accompanies you on the tour. Our coaches are not equipped to handle large medical assistance aids and are only accessible by using stairs for exit & entry.
ALLERGIES:
Many of our passengers suffer from allergies. Due to the enclosed environment on the coach, we ask that you refrain from using perfumes, shaving lotions, or any other scented products on the coach.
ACCOMMODATION FOR OUT-OF-TOWN TRAVELLERS:
For multi-day tours, we are pleased to offer reduced rates at the Water Tower Inn. This is specifically for our travellers from outside of Sault Ste. Marie Ont., who wish to drive in the day before departure and begin the tour refreshed and relaxed. Details are available from our tour organizer at 705-759-4796.
JOINING FRIENDS ON TOUR:
If you are travelling with a friend from a distant city or one of our pick up locations, please advise our tour organizer at time of booking to make arrangements to have seating together if so desired. If there is no pick up location in your area, you may have to join tour at first hotel stop.
GRATUITIES:
When meals are included in the tour price, gratuities are also included. When buying meals on tour, keep in mind that gratuities are very important to restaurant staff. Good restaurant stops can be hard to keep if tour groups do not show appreciation for the service and effort put forth by the staff. As for the driver and tour director, it is customary to show your appreciation based on the level of service received and are at your discretion. Our Tour Directors are volunteers, and we feel they do a great job to enhance your tour and make it a worry free vacation.
COACHES:
The motor coaches used on our tours are provided by AJ Bus Lines and are of the latest design with air suspension ride, climate control, reclining seats, washroom facilities, TV’s and Wi-Fi. (Due to cell tower locations there can be signal interruptions as we travel the highways.) Our coaches are not wheelchair accessible.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS:
Accommodation is included on all tours. Room assignments are always done by the hotel in an impartial fashion. Therefore, if you have special needs, such as a room adjacent to a friend, please let us know at time of booking and we will inform the hotels. It cannot always be done, but the hotels will try to accommodate us to the best of their ability. All hotel rooms will be requested as 'non-smoking' unless otherwise requested at time of booking.
TOUR COMMENT SHEETS:
At the end of each tour, the Tour Director will provide you with a tour comment sheet to be filled out. These forms have been invaluable to the club over the years. We would ask that you take a few moments to fill them out, and return them to us along with your name to enable us to follow up. We have made the form more user friendly, providing an opportunity for you to tell us what we did well, and what we need to improve on. We have always taken great pride in providing the customer with good value for the money spent and with your input we can continue to provide that service moving forward. We would also like to hear from you in regards to future tour suggestions to be considered. In the event that you have complaint, concern, or suggestion, you would like to discuss in private, please do not hesitate to contact the office or any member of the Board.
DESIGNATED PICK-UP/DROP OFF POINTS:
Please refer to the website or call the office for the list of these locations. There are no exceptions. In Sault Ste. Marie the only location is the WALMART NORTH parking lot on Great Northern Road.
GIFT CERTIFICATES:
We have certificates in any denomination available at the office. They make great Christmas and Birthday gifts! No expiry date on the certificates.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS & TOUR DIRECTORS:
We are always looking for new candidates for these positions. If you are interested, please drop off a resume at the office or contact a current member of the staff for more information.
PUBLICATION & WEBSITE ERRORS:
Although great care is taken in the production of our website and catalogue, typographical, illustrative, or pricing errors may occur. We reserve the right to correct any errors.
PRIVACY POLICY:
At the SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB, your privacy is important to us. Personal information that we request from you is used by us to organize your travel plans with our tour suppliers. Some examples of how we share this information would be providing your phone number to the cruise and air lines, and your address for casinos to produce your player’s card. We do not sell, nor do we give away your postal or email address to anyone for any other purpose. By travelling on one of our tours, or upon requesting information from us in the mail, you are authorizing us to send periodic information to you on upcoming tours or promotions by mail. If you prefer not to receive periodic information from us on our upcoming tours, please contact us and advise accordingly.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB, Sault Ste. Marie ON, acts solely as organizer of the tours as outlined, and is responsible for making all the reservations and charting the routes as outlined, but it is expressly understood and agreed between the tour organizer and the passengers, that the SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB shall not be held responsible for:
1. Non-performance on the part of any restaurant, theatre, or other service for any act or omission, that cannot be directly attributed to the neglect of the tour organizer.
2. Any delays, misconnections, loss, damage or injury to persons or property, or for any substitution of equipment beyond the control of the tour operator, or for any additional expense occasioned thereby.
3. Any inconvenience, loss of employment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical or mental, however caused, except where caused directly by the tour organizer.
4. Any additional costs incurred, or any ancillary loss sustained, as a result of cancellations or delays of tours caused by inclement weather conditions, acts of God, or any other event, which results in one or more persons being unable to continue. The tour organizer reserves the right to make any changes before, or during the tour for the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers. All tour itineraries are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances. While we make every effort to follow the original itinerary, we may make changes to improve the tour, or for reasons beyond our control. If any component of a tour cannot be honoured by the contracted supplier, Sunshine Travel Club will make every effort to provide a comparable alternative; however, no liability should be inferred from these efforts.
5. Refunding of costs associated with included meals or excursions which are not participated in by customer as they are prepaid.
The SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB shall have no responsibility beyond their refund of all monies paid by the passenger, which is deemed to constitute full settlement. The SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB reserves the right to decline any person, as a member of the tour at any time before or during the tour, should such person's presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort and enjoyment of the other tour members. The SUNSHINE TRAVEL CLUB, and all passengers agree that the conditions set out herein, are part of the terms between the passengers and the tour organizer. Acceptance of the ticket for the tour or any payment given to the tour organizer will represent an acceptance by the aforementioned conditions.
WAIVER
1187835 Ontario lnc. operating as Sunshine Travel Club Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and to the Directors and Officers thereof ("Collectively the Releasees"), and customers (Releasor)
RE: Medical Matters arising while traveling with Sunshine Travel Club
ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL ME MATTERS:
The Releasor is aware and understands that participation in the above event and trip may involve some risks, dangers and hazards to the Participants. The Releasor freely accepts and fully assumes all such risks, dangers and hazards, known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen and the possibility of personal injury or death to the Participant and loss resulting therefrom.
The Releasor confirms, acknowledges and agrees that they have been strongly urged and encouraged by the Releasees to purchase out of province/out of country medical insurance in such amounts and on such terms and conditions to meet their medical needs and potential illnesses, injuries or death. This is entirely the responsibility of the Releasor to obtain and to pay for. The Releasor acknowledges, confirms and agrees that they have been advised to maintain documentation confirming their travel insurance as well as documentation of their Ontario Hospital lnsurance Plan (OHIP) coverage on themselves for the duration of the event or trip at all times. The Releasor confirms, acknowledges and agrees that it is their sole responsibility to advise any eating establishment of any food allergies that they may have and to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves. The Releasor acknowledges, confirms and agrees that they are medically fit and their health is such that they are able to meet all of the physical demands of the trip or event which they have contracted to participate in.
The Releasor acknowledges, confirms and agrees that they are responsible for administering any and all medications that they require during the event or trip and that the Releasees cannot assist them in any way and cannot provide any advice or assistance in this regard.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER:
In consideration of the Releasees accepting the registration of the Participant in the above noted event and activity, the Releasor hereby confirms acknowledges and agrees as follows:
1. To waive any and all claims that the Releasor may have now or in the future against the Releasees and releases the Releasees from any and all liability for any loss, expense, or injury how so ever caused that the Participant may suffer as a result of their participation in the above event and trip. This includes but ís not limited to, any and all medical events or incidences suffered by the Releasor while participating in the event and trip including accidental injury, medical illness and/or death.
2. This waiver and release of liability is binding upon the Releasor and their successors, assigns, personal representatives, powers of attorney, executors and estate trustees.
