Booking Terms & Conditions

Updated: October 1, 2026

Please read carefully. This is a legally binding agreement.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in a Democracy International, Inc. trip (referred to herein as “trip” or “program”), I hereby acknowledge, and agree to the following terms and conditions.

All bookings are made with Democracy International, Inc. (“Democracy International,” “Democracy Journeys,” “we,” or “us”), a Delaware corporation and the owner of all of its advertised itineraries. By booking a trip with us, paying a deposit, or signing these Booking Terms & Conditions, you accept all of the terms in these Booking Terms & Conditions on your own behalf and on behalf of all persons listed on the booking (individually, “Traveler,” and collectively, “Travelers”) and direct us to perform services for each and every Traveler. The terms and conditions set forth in these Booking Terms & Conditions constitute the entire understanding and agreement between you the Traveler (“you” or “your”) and Democracy International with respect to any and all bookings, reservations, trips, or transactions made with Democracy International.

All Travelers must be 18 years of age or older to travel with Democracy Journeys.

I. Insurance Requirements

You agree to be responsible for all costs of medical care and transportation related to medical care that are provided to you, or any Traveler traveling with you, by any provider during or after the trip. It is mandatory that all Travelers on a Democracy Journey provide proof of current travel insurance before the trip begins. Travel insurance must cover (1) personal injury, (2) medical treatment, (3) repatriation, and (4) evacuation expenses, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance internationally. It is recommended that travel insurance also address personal property and trip cancellation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for flights and other nonrefundable expenses if a Democracy Journeys trip is canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled, for any reason, whether voluntarily by you, as a result of Democracy International’s actions, or because of a decision based on circumstances. You are responsible for (a) understanding the specifics of your travel insurance policy, (b) ensuring that your policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary, and (c) ensuring that there are no exclusion clauses (e.g., air delays due to mechanical issues) that would limit the coverage that you might reasonably need. If you have current health insurance coverage, check your insurance policy to see if it provides the coverage described above while traveling outside your country. It is your responsibility to verify your insurance policy details with your insurance provider to ensure Democracy International’s requirements are satisfied.

*Please note that companies offering travel insurance may require the policy to be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment to any service provider in order to cover preexisting conditions or to provide for “cancel for any reason” coverage.

II. Deposits, Payments, Excluded Costs, Refunds and Cancellations

Bookings may be made through our website. You are required to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $500 (the “Trip Deposit”) for your booking to be accepted, with a nonrefundable final payment of the entire balance due no later than 90 days before the trip departure date, unless otherwise stated in the “Essential Trip Information” for the applicable Journey on the Democracy Journeys website or on the itinerary page on our website for a specific trip. If you make a booking 89 days or less before the trip departure date, then the entire trip cost (1) must be paid at the time of booking and (2) is nonrefundable. Review the applicable deposit and payment schedules carefully. Note that there is no contract between us until we confirm your trip in writing.

Democracy International will confirm specific journeys no later than 90 days before the trip start date, unless otherwise stated in the “Essential Trip Information” for the applicable Journey on the Democracy Journeys website or on the itinerary page on our website for a specific trip. If Democracy International cancels a trip, we will refund your Trip Deposit and other monies paid.

Costs not covered by your payment to Democracy International. The following are specifically excluded from the trip rates and are the sole responsibility of each Traveler:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Visas
Items of purely personal nature
Medical expenses (whether mandatory or voluntary) such as immunizations, testing, quarantine, etc.
Communications (calls, emails, faxes, etc.)
International airport entry/departure fees
Excursions or deviations from any trip itinerary
Laundry
Excess baggage charges

We will not be responsible or liable for deposits, payments, policies, or penalties for other services not included in a trip, such as airline tickets, separate hotel reservations, or other items handled by you and not included in our itinerary.

It is possible that different travelers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a lower price, then full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in our cancellation policy.

Credit/Debit Card Charge Authorization for Final Deposit. If we have not received payment by the due date, including final payments, we reserve the right to charge the credit card we have on file for you for the owed amount. If payment fails, then we may treat the failed payment as a breach of contract, cancel your reservation, and impose the cancellation fees specified in these Booking Terms & Conditions. We also retain the right to assign your spot to the next eligible traveler on the waitlist without any refund to you.

Credit/Debit Card Chargeback Policy. We work hard to make our customers happy. You agree that if you are not pleased with our services for any reason, you will not file a chargeback with your credit or debit card company either directly or through someone else, including a travel agent, before you have given us an opportunity to address the matter. By signing these Booking Terms & Conditions, you agree to work with us and any travel agent acting on your behalf in good faith to resolve your dispute and you acknowledge that chargebacks are not an appropriate way to avoid our cancellation and refund policies. We will vigorously dispute any chargeback request, provide these Booking Terms & Conditions as proof that you agreed to our cancellation and refund terms, and reserve the right to report fraudulent chargebacks to authorities. Should we successfully dispute any chargeback that you initiate, you agree to reimburse us for our attorney’s fees, time, costs and expenses in rebutting the chargeback and pay any damages we suffer as a result of your chargeback.

Cancellations by You and Unused Services

Any cancellations by you will result in the loss of your deposit and other monies paid to us for your trip, which are all nonrefundable. We cannot make any exceptions to this refund policy. For this reason, we strongly recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance for every traveler within your group that includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage to help protect your financial investment in the trip. More information about our cancellation policy appears below, which we urge you to read carefully.

Special cancellation and refund terms may apply to your trip due to reasons of Force Majeure, as defined below (e.g., during a pandemic such as coronavirus) or as necessitated by your trip (e.g., suppliers who have particular deposit and cancellation requirements).

If you decide to cancel your trip, then the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation, unless otherwise stated in Essential Trip Information for the applicable Journey on the Democracy Journeys website:

90+ days before departure: The trip deposit is nonrefundable.
0 to 89 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost is nonrefundable.
If you have booked 90+ days prior to the trip departure date, and you do not pay the balance of your trip at least 90 days before the departure date, then your booking will be treated as canceled by you, resulting in the loss of your entire deposit and all money collected from you.
If you have booked 89 or fewer days prior to the trip departure date, and you thereafter cancel, then 100% of the trip cost is nonrefundable.

Form of Payment: All payments must be made by credit card, debit card, paper check or bank transfers. Prices are in U.S. dollars, and all payments must be made in U.S. dollars.

How to Cancel

To cancel your booking, you must send written notice to us by email at info@democracyjourneys.com (copy gina@democracyinternational.com). Cancellation fees will be applied per person according to the schedule set forth in this section, based on the date we receive your written notification, not when you send the email. Any e-mail received by us after 6:30 PM Eastern Time shall be deemed to have been received on the next business day.

Unused Portion of Trip (no refunds): There will be no refund for unused services, early departures, late arrivals, or missed days of your itinerary for any reason. There will be no refund once the program has commenced. Your decision not to participate in the program due to governmental warnings or advisories, fear of travel, or the like will be deemed a cancellation. For the avoidance of doubt, Governmental warnings and advisories do not constitute a Force Majeure event. Note that if a disruption caused by a pandemic (e.g., COVID-19) prevents you from being able to take your trip, then we will offer as much flexibility as is commercially reasonable to enable you to reschedule your trip to a later date, although our cancellation policy will still apply should you cancel your trip. Our level of flexibility will be affected by our suppliers’ policies and practices, which we do not control.

No refunds will be provided to you for any unused portion of your program, including but not limited to, if you are quarantined, a government refuses exit/reentry, or a supplier refuses services if you exhibit symptoms of or test positive for infectious disease. Further, we will not have any liability to you, owe you a refund, or owe you any compensation for loss, damage or injury or anything else if you are infected with an illness, disease or sickness during your program, or if a third party refuses services (e.g., lodging or transport) if you show symptoms of or test positive for infectious disease. For example, we will not be liable to you if you are refused service at a hotel that we book for you or you are unable to board a plane to your destination or return home from your destination because (a) you are infected with a disease, such as coronavirus; (b) you show symptoms of a communicable illness such as a cough or fever; or (c) you are required to self-quarantine, or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, an infectious disease does not constitute a Force Majeure event.

No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of a trip once the trip begins, including but not limited to, if you leave a trip for any reason, miss the trip’s departure date or an activity, or have to be removed from a trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation and refund policy, including for reasons related to weather, civil strife, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. The Force Majeure terms and provisions in these Booking Terms & Conditions do not apply to cancellations by you. For this reason, we highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

III. Changes by You

General

Change requests to any itinerary, trip, or program must be submitted in writing and may result in significant fee increases. To request a change, you must send written notice to us by email at info@democracyjourneys.com. For any change that we are able to accept, change fees will be applied per person according to the terms set forth in these Booking Terms & Conditions, based on the date we receive your written notification, not when you send the email. Any e-mail received by us after 6:30 PM Eastern Time shall be deemed to have been received on the next business day.

You hereby acknowledge and agree that it is within Democracy International’s sole discretion whether to accept a change request.

You acknowledge and agree that any changes to your booking or cancellation of services at any time, before or during the trip, by you may result in the loss of all monies collected from you and as otherwise described in these Booking Terms & Conditions. For this reason, we strongly recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage to help protect your financial investment in the trip. See Section I above regarding mandatory insurance requirements.

Changes by You Prior to Trip Departure

If you request to change your trip dates or alter your itinerary after we confirm your booking but before your trip’s departure date, then we will consider whether we can reasonably accommodate your request without any disruption to the trip or trip economics. If we are able to make such changes, then a change fee may be applied. (There is no change fee for transfers to replacement trips described in Section IV. Cancellations or Changes by Us and Flexibility.) The type and scope of change dictates the amount of the change fee. Depending on the circumstances, such fees can be substantial. Our outside suppliers, including hotels, often impose additional fees or penalties for changes and cancellations. Substantial change requests by you, such as, for example, a change of program dates, will result in recalculation of your original program price.

Changes by You After Trip Departure

If you submit a change request after the trip departure date, then upon receipt of your change request, Democracy International will forward any alteration that you request to our independent suppliers. You will be liable for any cancellation charges and/or change fees that may be imposed for the booking of revised arrangements and for all costs associated with such arrangements. Also, as noted above, you may result in the loss of all monies collected from you and as otherwise described in these Booking Terms & Conditions.

IV. Cancellations or Changes by Us and Flexibility

We reserve the right to cancel, alter, or modify any trip without prior notice for any reason, including but not limited to for the safety and/or comfort of clients and for circumstances of Force Majeure, which is defined in these Booking Terms & Conditions below. This includes the right to replace or substitute guides and accommodations, even ones that are described in the trip materials; modify the order in which places are to be visited; reschedule, postpone or delay your trip; and make other changes to the itinerary. You acknowledge that the amenities, accommodations, transportation, route, schedule, and itinerary may change without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, political disputes, weather, border crossing problems, and other unforeseeable factors. If, prior to departure, we make a significant change because of a problem with a supplier (e.g., bankruptcy), then we will, as soon as reasonably possible, notify you of available alternatives.

Democracy International shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you by reason of delay in performance, or by nonperformance, of any of its obligations hereunder as a result of any actions that it takes or does not take under this section and under these Booking Terms & Conditions.

If Democracy International is forced to reschedule, substantially alter, postpone, or cancel your trip for any reason that is completely within its control, whether before or during your trip, we will let you know as soon as possible. In these circumstances, we may offer one or more of the following options within our discretion:

a) Accept an offer of a comparable replacement trip (offered at Democracy International’s sole discretion and subject to availability); or b) Receive a refund of payments made to Democracy International less any unrecoverable costs, including but not limited to deposits that we have made to our suppliers and any other out-of-pocket costs that we have incurred in organizing your trip; or c) Any other option that we in our sole discretion believe is a reasonable option.

A refund under this section will constitute full settlement of claims you may have arising out of our cancellation.

Any changes may require a supplemental payment from you or result in a partial refund. A supplemental payment is a rare situation; however, such a payment may arise due to unexpected events (e.g., increase in government fees).

When accepting an offer for a replacement trip:

a) If the cost is lower than the price of your original trip, you will receive a refund for the difference in cost. b) If the cost of the replacement trip is equivalent or higher than your original trip, you will be responsible for the price difference between your original trip and the replacement trip.

We strongly recommend you obtain travel insurance as explained elsewhere in these Booking Terms & Conditions. Note that if we alter or modify your program or offer you a travel credit, then such action does not constitute a “cancellation” of your program by us.

V. Health and Medical

You represent that neither you nor any Traveler traveling with you have any condition — physical, psychological, or emotional — that would create a hazard for you or other Travelers or affect other people’s enjoyment of the trip. If you or a Traveler traveling with you have a physical condition, dietary restrictions, or other conditions (such as a pre-existing medical condition) that will require special attention during the trip, then you must inform us in writing when the booking is made. We may require a medical certificate stating that you and/or any Traveler traveling with you are medically cleared for the destination(s) and/or that you are able to participate in all aspects of your trip itinerary.

Obligation to Report Infectious Disease

You must inform Democracy International at info@democracyjourneys.com if you or a Traveler traveling with you:

Have contracted an infectious disease (e.g., COVID)
Test positive for an infectious disease; or
Have been in close proximity to someone who tested positive for an infectious disease within 14 days before a trip departure date.

If we have been provided enough notice (based on the circumstances), then we will make commercially reasonable efforts to enable you to reschedule your trip to a later date; however, if you are unable to reschedule your trip under such circumstances, the cancellation policy set forth herein will still apply.

Democracy International strongly recommends that you check with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or similar entity in your country, for up-to-date, destination-specific information related to food and water safety, infectious diseases, and other concerns. At your own cost and expense, you should meet with your doctor and/or a travel clinic at least eight weeks prior to your trip departure and obtain any and all vaccinations, inoculations, or prescribed medications as directed by your doctor and/or travel clinic for the areas visited.

Our suppliers reserve the right to conduct health screenings (e.g., temperature checks, questionnaires, and checks for observable signs and symptoms) and refuse travel or accommodation to participants deemed symptomatic or likely symptomatic. If necessary, suppliers and/or government or health authorities also reserve the right to quarantine travelers with symptoms of infectious diseases in designated locations or aboard confined modes of transport such as ships, trains, etc.

If any medical care or health screenings are administered to you during the trip, Democracy International assumes no responsibility for any such medical care or health screenings provided to you. You are solely responsible for any and all costs of medical care and related transportation, if any, that are provided to you during the trip.

Democracy International does not tolerate illegal drug use of any kind during our trips and strongly encourages responsible alcohol consumption. This policy is in place for your safety and those traveling with you. Democracy International reserves the right, at your sole expense, to deny participation in an activity or in the remainder of any trip itinerary if you illegally use drugs, alcohol, or other banned substances during a trip. We want you to have fun and encourage you to enjoy the local culture, but we emphasize safety as a top priority.

VI. Denial of Participation

Democracy International reserves the right to deny participation in the trip to any Traveler that Democracy International, in its sole discretion, judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of the trip activities, violates these terms, or whose actions or deportment it judges unsuitable for group travel. During the trip, Democracy International has the right in its sole discretion to remove anyone whom it determines to detract from others’ enjoyment of the trip. The decision of the guide, host, or local supplier is final on all matters that may threaten the safety or interfere with the well-being of others. Any costs resulting from being removed from a trip or being declined participation in a trip are at your expense.

VII. Receipt, Storage, and Security of Personal Data

Democracy International will collect personal data from and about you and any Traveler traveling with you in order to provide the travel services. Personal data may include, among other things: name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, nationality, birth date, passport information, credit card information, family member names and contact information, and health and medical information. Data we collect from you and any Traveler traveling with you will be stored on Democracy International’s secure servers located in the United States.

We will store and process your personal data only for as long as it is reasonably necessary for us to perform the services/activities we are undertaking on your behalf or that fall within our legitimate interest, as well as to comply with our legal obligations. You may at any time request that we cease processing your data or remove it from our systems by sending us an e-mail at info@democracyjourneys.com.

As the transmission of information via the Internet may not be completely secure, we cannot guarantee the security of your personal data in the course of being transferred to us; any transmission is at your own risk. Once we have received your personal data, we will use strict procedures and security features to try to prevent unauthorized access. Should such a breach occur, we will notify the proper authorities and all affected individuals upon our discovering the breach.

Legal basis for holding and processing your personal data

Democracy International will rely on the following legal bases for holding and processing your personal data:

1. Necessary for the fulfilment of a contract, e.g., booking a program or visit. We have a legitimate interest to store and process your data in order to ensure the smooth organization of your program. We are unable to make the necessary arrangements for any program without processing the data outlined in this policy.

2. Necessary for compliance with a legal obligation. We will hold information on you when we are required to do so to comply with Democracy International’s legal obligations. For example, we hold details of passengers on programs and visits we organize against potential future legal actions resulting from these.

3. Legitimate Interest. We will hold and process your information for purposes relating to our legitimate interests. This includes the marketing of our services to you.

4. Consent. We will store and process your personal data when we have your explicit consent to do so. This includes your signing up to Democracy International’s mailing lists online or in person, etc.

With whom we share your data

No personal data will be shared with any third party prior to your confirming a booking with Democracy International by means of signing our booking form, other than sharing your name and email address with a mailing company for marketing communications.

When you confirm a booking with Democracy International it will become necessary for us to share information with certain third parties so that we may fulfil the terms of the contract we have entered into with you. These third parties may include

Airlines
Coach (bus) companies
Railroads
Ferry operators
Eurotunnel
Hotels
Visits and attractions
Insurance companies
Ground handling agents

Some of these parties may be based outside of the United States and outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the list of countries considered by the European Union to provide an adequate level of data protection in accordance with Article 45 of the GDPR (details of this list can be found on the European Union website here: https://commission.europa.eu/law/lawtopic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection/adequacy-decisions_en). Organizations that are based outside of the U.S. or the EEA may not be subject to the same level of controls in regard to data protection as exist within the U.S. and the EEA.

In order for you to travel overseas, we may be required to disclose some of your personal data to government bodies or other authorities in the U.S. and in other countries, such as those responsible for immigration, border control, security and anti-terrorism. Even if it is not mandatory for us to provide information to such authorities, we may exercise our discretion to assist them where appropriate

VIII. Force Majeure

Force Majeure. Only Democracy International has the right to assert Force Majeure. Democracy International will not be deemed in breach of these Booking Terms & Conditions or otherwise liable to you, by reason of delay in performance or nonperformance of any of its obligations under these Booking Terms & Conditions to the extent that any such delay or nonperformance is due to any Force Majeure. “Force Majeure” means any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God; terrorist activities; insurrection; explosion; flood; wind; typhoon; fire or accident; war or threat of war declared or undeclared; sabotage; civil disturbance; labor strikes; requisition; sickness; quarantine; pandemic; epidemic; diseases and viruses that are known, unknown, or novel, such as coronavirus/Covid-19 (including any spread thereof); foodborne, airborne, and communicable illnesses and disease; government intervention of any kind that affect domestic and/or international travel; government restrictions or warnings; diplomatic or health organization (e.g., World Health Organization) warnings; border closings; weather conditions; and other unforeseen circumstances.

In the uncommon situation where Force Majeure prevents, significantly hinders, or makes it impossible for us or our suppliers to provide the services including but not limited to your program, then we and/or our suppliers shall be entitled to, in our sole and absolute discretion, take one or more of the following steps: cancel, alter, modify, postpone, or reschedule any program itinerary or arrangement, including program dates and the entire program itself. You understand and agree that we will not be able to pay you any compensation, costs, or expenses you incur as a result of Force Majeure. We regret that no refunds will be provided if we take any of the preceding actions due to Force Majeure, unless and to the extent we are able to obtain any refunds from our suppliers. Any refund under this section will be less (1) any and all nonrefundable deposits and cancellation fees that we have paid to suppliers and other third parties to provide components of your program and (2) any other out-of-pocket costs that we have incurred in organizing your trip. This policy is based on the fact that suppliers, who are typically located outside the United States, are not obligated to return nonrefundable deposits or waive their cancellation fees in the case of Force Majeure. For reasons of this nature, as stated above, we strongly recommend you obtain travel insurance. If we invoke Force Majeure and you choose to cancel your program, our standard cancellation penalties (see above section titled “Cancellation By You and Unused Services”) will apply unless we expressly state otherwise.

If Democracy International is affected by Force Majeure, it will, if practicable, notify you of the nature and extent thereof.

IX. Optional Activities

During any Democracy Journeys trip, there may be opportunities to participate in activities or local events that are not included in Democracy International’s packaged trip. Democracy International makes no representations about the safety or quality of these activities and events or the standard of the independent operator running it. Activities may include, but are not limited to, vehicle/boat/aircraft trips, walking or guided trips, surfing, fishing, hiking, swimming, zip lining, and parasailing. Events may include, but are not limited to, local festivals, concerts, and other organized events. You understand and agree that any assistance given by Democracy International’s trip leader or staff to help arrange these optional activities is done in good faith and without any representations or warranties of any kind. Democracy International does not sponsor or endorse these activities or events, nor can Democracy International be held liable for any injury or illness resulting from your participation. If you decide to participate in these events, then you do so voluntarily and should take precautions to ensure your own safety and you will arrange for payment directly with the supplier or independent operators of such activity, event, or service.

X. Discounts and Promotions

All discounts and reduced pricing are offered and/or applied at Democracy International’s sole discretion. From time-to-time, Democracy International may offer reduced pricing on selected trips. The reduced pricing applies strictly to new bookings only. Bookings for which the Traveler has already paid a deposit are locked into their original price and are not entitled to the reduced pricing.

XI. Pre-Departure Documentation

It is important that you carefully read all trip-related documents that you receive from us as soon as you receive them. It is your responsibility to contact us if any information is incorrect. We are not responsible for any errors in documentation if you fail to notify us of any inaccuracies within 45 days of your receipt of those documents. This agreement, our “Acknowledgement of Travel Risk and Release of Liability,” and, if required, a medical statement or certification must be signed and submitted by you in order to travel with us. If we do not receive these signed documents from you prior to departure, then we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled by you and impose the cancellation fees described in these Booking Terms & Conditions.

XII. Passports and Visas

You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents are valid and effective and in your possession for the entire trip. Valid passports are required for travel to most destinations. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy for the latest entry requirements. You assume complete and full responsibility for, and hereby release Democracy International from any duty of checking and verifying, any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. Any information that we provide to you is merely provided as a courtesy, and it is your sole responsibility to ensure you have met all travel requirements for each destination in your itinerary.

Democracy International is not responsible for delays, changes, or cancellation costs due to incorrect, incomplete, or expired travel documents. If you must cancel, delay, or reschedule your trip due to expired or missing travel documentation, then you are responsible for all associated costs to rectify the situation. If you are unable to join your trip, then you will not be reimbursed or refunded any amounts as per the cancellation terms listed in this document.

We recommend that U.S. citizens register for the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service, at https://step.state.gov/step/.

XIII. Baggage

You are allowed to bring one piece of baggage weighing up to 50 lbs. (23 kg) and one additional medium/small-sized “day pack” on the trip. If you need to bring additional baggage, then you are responsible for requesting approval from Democracy International before your trip begins. Unless you receive such written approval, your request to bring additional baggage is deemed denied. Democracy International is not responsible for and you are solely responsible for securing or protecting your baggage or belongings at any time during any trip.

XIV. Photography and Images Release

You acknowledge that Democracy International will own the rights to the images, photos, and videos and any other copyrightable content that a Democracy International representative takes or creates during your trip (“Images”). You acknowledge that because Democracy International will own the rights to the Images, you cannot sell, transfer, assign, or otherwise reproduce any of the Images or use them commercially. You hereby agree to use any such Images for personal use only.

You also acknowledge and agree that Democracy International, your trip host, or other parties, including but not limited to third party suppliers and other Travelers, may take or create images, photos, sound recordings, and videos in any format that may feature you or that may contain your name, likeness, identity, photographic image, videographic image, or oral or recorded statements (collectively, “Trip Images of You”).

You hereby grant Democracy International and others Democracy International may authorize (including but not limited to Democracy International’s licensees, partners, or third party suppliers), a worldwide, royalty-free and free of charge, perpetual license to use, re-use, distribute, display, create derivate works of, and reproduce the Images and the Trip Images of You as well as any images, photos, or videos that you provide to us (whether directly or through a photo sharing service) (collectively, “Your Images”) in any medium or format now in existence or hereafter developed (including but not limited to print, digital, and electronic media), for any purpose at any time, including to promote and publicize Democracy International’s travel products and services worldwide.

Notwithstanding the above, Democracy International agrees to not sell or give permission to third parties to sell or license the Images or the Trip Images of You for commercial or merchandising purposes, other than as set forth in these Booking Terms & Conditions, without your prior written consent.

XV. Complaints and Claims

If you have any issues or questions during your trip, then promptly notify us or your host or guide so that we can try to address them.

After completion of your trip, if you wish to make a claim, submit a complaint, or request reimbursement for any reason, then you must do so by email at info@democracyjourneys.com within 30 days after the trip’s completion. Any and all supporting documentation related to the claim or complaint must accompany the email. Any claim or complaint received by Democracy International after this deadline will not be accepted or reviewed. Any e-mail received by us after 6:30 PM Eastern Time shall be deemed to have been received on the next business day.

XVI. Limits on Responsibility

At no point, and under no circumstances, is Democracy International responsible for payments or costs relating to external services such as flights, accommodations, services, car service, or any other part of travel that was booked and paid for externally to Democracy International. Democracy International is not obligated to alter any trip itinerary or suspend a trip’s commencement for any reason that prevents you from joining a trip as planned.

XVII. Travel Advisories & Warnings

You must conduct your own research and become informed about the destinations in your trip itinerary, including knowledge about any travel advisories and warnings issued by government authorities in your country. In the U.S., you should consult the U.S. State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov or contact them by phone at the number specified on their website. Democracy International will provide some information and guidance before and during your trip, but you are responsible for protecting your own well-being and personal property before, during, and after your Democracy Journeys trip. This includes ensuring any and all vaccinations, inoculations, or prescribed medications are taken as directed by your local doctor and/or travel clinic for the areas visited.

XVIII. Personal Responsibility

You are responsible for purchasing the style of trip that fits your desired comfort level and participating in activities that are suitable for your fitness level and capabilities. By making a booking, you acknowledge that Democracy Journeys trips are adventurous by nature and may involve personal risk.

XIX. Seat Belt Policy

To ensure the safety of our Travelers and local hosts and guides, Democracy International recommends that everyone stay seated and wear their seatbelts at all times while riding in any vehicle that is in motion. This recommendation is not only for your safety but also for the safety of everyone else in the vehicle. It is noted that some vehicles internationally may not be equipped with these restraints as accepted by local laws. Democracy International and our transportation suppliers remain focused on protecting your safety, but they cannot be expected to constantly check to make sure everyone is buckled prior to moving a vehicle. Therefore, assuming seatbelts are available, it is your responsibility to remain seated and wear your seatbelt properly and at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

XX. Cultural Differences

You acknowledge and understand that traveling internationally to foreign destinations will expose travelers to situations and experiences that are different than those you are familiar with in your home country. These differences typically enhance the experience and adventure of your trip and often involve cultural and social aspects of the region such as sanitation, food, drink, attire, and local laws. Democracy International and your guide or host will discuss these differences during your trip, but you also have a responsibility to perform your own research and act responsibly while traveling.

XXI. Applicable Law, Choice of Forum, and Severability

You agree that these Booking Terms & Conditions shall be interpreted according to the laws of Maryland in the United States. Jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of, in connection with, or relating to these Booking Terms & Conditions and/or the transactions and relationships among the parties contemplated by these Booking Terms & Conditions shall be filed exclusively in state court in Montgomery County, Maryland, or in the federal district court for the District of Maryland. You agree to personal jurisdiction in the specified forums. You also agree that these Booking Terms & Conditions is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted under applicable law. You agree that if any portion of these Booking Terms & Conditions is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and will be binding upon the parties.

XXII. Limitation of Remedies; Attorneys’ Fees

You agree that the sole remedy for any default by Democracy International of any term and condition of these Booking Terms & Conditions shall be the return of the paid trip cost, to the extent consistent with applicable law. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, Democracy International and its shareholders, officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable to you for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, however caused, whether as a consequence of the negligence or otherwise. You, on your behalf and on behalf of any Traveler traveling with you, also agree to the terms and conditions of the Democracy International “Acknowledgement of Travel Risk and Release of Liability.” You agree that if you file any lawsuit or commence any legal proceedings against Democracy International, its shareholders, officers, directors, employees, and agents, in connection with these Booking Terms & Conditions, any trip, or the Acknowledgement of Travel Risk and Release of Liability and do not prevail, then you will reimburse each such party for such party’s costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable attorneys) incurred by such party in defending or participating in such lawsuit or proceeding.