Terms of Service for Follow the Goose Travel

Please read these Terms of Service, Retreat/Trip Agreement, and Waiver carefully. By booking a retreat with Follow the Goose Travel ("The Host," "we," "us," or "our"), you ("the Participant," "you," or "your") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions outlined below. It is your responsibility to fully understand these terms. Should you have any questions, please contact us for clarification before booking.

1. Retreat / Trip Pricing and Inclusions

All prices are per person and are set well in advance of the retreat start date. Prices include only the costs specifically detailed in your retreat package description on our website. They do not include travel costs to and from the retreat location, travel insurance, visa fees, passport fees, vaccinations, or any personal expenses.

2. Payment Terms

2.1. Deposit & Payment: Payment can be made by credit card or ACH transfer via our booking website. A non-refundable deposit, as specified during booking, is required to secure your reservation.

2.2. Remaining Balance: The remaining balance of your retreat payment is due no later than 30 days prior to the retreat start date. Payment plan options may be available at the time of booking. You will receive a reminder email one week before the balance due date.

2.3. Failure to Pay: If full payment is not received by the specified deadline, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation without a refund and fill your spot. We will make every effort to contact you before and on the balance due date to avoid this situation.

3. Cancellation Policy

3.1. Participant Cancellation: All cancellations by the Participant must be submitted via email to caitlin.sumner@fora.travel.

• Deposits are non-refundable.

• No refunds will be issued for payments made after the balance due date (30 days prior to the retreat start date) or for any reason once the retreat has begun.

• Exceptions to our strict cancellation policy cannot be made for ANY reason, including, but not limited to, weather, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, health changes, personal emergencies, or otherwise.

• There are no refunds for arriving late or leaving a trip early.

• This trip is "rain or shine," and in the event of inclement weather, outdoor activities will be moved indoors whenever possible.

3.2. Travel Insurance Highly Recommended: Due to our strict cancellation policy, we strongly recommend that all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. This insurance should cover unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and other potential losses. By agreeing to these terms, you acknowledge this recommendation and accept responsibility for any losses incurred if you choose not to purchase travel insurance.

4. Transfer Policy

4.1. Retreat / Trip Transfers: Reservations are non-transferable from one retreat to another retreat, or one trip to another trip.

4.2. Deposit Transfer to Another Participant: While deposits are non-refundable, a one-time complimentary transfer of your deposit ONLY to another eligible participant is permitted up to 45 days before the start of the retreat. The new participant must agree to these Terms of Service. No transfers of any kind (including deposits or full reservations) are allowed after this 45-day cutoff date.

5. Retreat / Trip Cancellations or Changes by The Host

5.1. Right to Make Changes: The Host reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary to the retreat itinerary, including, but not limited to, advertised excursions, arranged transportation, advertised meals, accommodations, or instructors. These changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances or to enhance the retreat experience.

5.2. Host Cancellation: In the rare event that The Host must cancel a retreat or trip prior to departure (e.g., due to too few participants booked, unforeseen circumstances making the retreat impossible, or other reasons), you will be given the option to: a. Transfer your payment to another available retreat (if possible); OR b. Receive a full refund of all payments made to The Host.

5.3. Limitation of Liability for Host Cancellation: The Host is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred as a result of a retreat cancellation by The Host, including but not limited to preparation costs, airline tickets, other travel documents, visa fees, passport fees, vaccination charges, gear purchases, or any other expenses or losses. You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses, or damages (either direct or consequential) or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation. We reiterate our strong recommendation for comprehensive travel insurance to cover such potential losses.

6. Travel Documents

For retreats / trips held outside the U.S., all American passport holders are required to have at least 6 months validity on their passport at the time of travel. Information regarding necessary documentation (e.g., visas, specific health requirements) will be provided as necessary on our website. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you have all required travel documents.

7. Roommate Assignments (Shared Rooms)

Retreat rates are per person. Double or otherwise advertised shared rooms require shared occupancy for the specified room rate. If you book a shared room without specifying a roommate(s), we will do our very best to match you with your desired room type and price point. In the event we cannot find you a suitable roommate for your first choice, we will present you with alternative rooming options.

8. Acknowledgement of Risks and Release of Liability

By participating in a retreat organized by The Host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

8.1. Assumption of Risk (General): I acknowledge that I have voluntarily enrolled to participate in this retreat. I understand that participating in any travel or retreat activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to, accidents, illness, injury, death, loss or damage to personal property, and other unforeseen events. These risks may arise from negligence of myself or others, unforeseen circumstances, natural disasters, or other causes. I willingly accept full responsibility for these risks and any injury, death, or property damage that may result from my participation.

8.2. Release from Liability (General): In consideration of The Host allowing me to participate, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, successors, administrators, and any other person who may have an interest, I hereby waive, release, and discharge from liability The Host, and its principals, teachers, employees, guides, agents, representatives, volunteers, and any affiliated organizations (collectively, "the Released Parties") for any personal injury, death, or property damage or loss of any nature suffered by me as a result of participation in any activity on the retreat. This release specifically includes claims arising out of, or in any way connected to or occasioned by, the negligence of the Released Parties.

9. Physical Training Release of Liability

9.1. Express Assumption of Risk (Physical Activities): I am aware that there are significant risks involved in physical training activities offered during the retreat, including but not limited to, yoga, hiking, and other exercise activities. My participation carries the potential for death, injury, and/or property damage. These risks include, but are not limited to: falls; injury or death due to negligence on the part of myself, my training partner, or other people around me; injury or death due to improper use or failure of equipment; strains and sprains; risks caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, my physical condition, actions of other people (including participants, volunteers, spectators, coaches, and trainers), and lack of hydration. I am aware that any of these risks may result in serious injury or death.

I willingly assume full responsibility for the risks that I am exposing myself to and accept full responsibility for any injury or death that may result from participating in any physical training or yoga program offered. I understand that liability may arise from negligence or carelessness by the Released Parties, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault.

9.2. Physical Condition and Medical Disclaimer: I acknowledge that I have no physical impairments, injuries, or illnesses that will endanger me or others. I am medically, physically, emotionally, and in all respects fit and able to participate in The Host’s retreats and associated activities. I agree I will be fully and financially responsible for my own physical condition and well-being during the retreat and will follow the safety precautions and instructions prescribed by The Host.

I acknowledge that The Host, its instructors, and guides are not licensed medical providers, and any suggestions or advice provided are not a substitute for professional medical advice. I must consult my doctor regarding any medical conditions or concerns before and during the retreat. I take ultimate responsibility for my own choices regarding my health and well-being.

9.3. Release and Indemnification (Physical Activities): In consideration for my being allowed to participate in these activities, I, the undersigned, hereby release The Host and all Released Parties from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or rights of action which are related to, arise out of, or are in any way connected with my participation in any physical activity, including those allegedly attributed to the negligent acts or omissions of the Released Parties.

I accept financial responsibility for any injury that I may cause either to myself or to any other participant due to my negligence. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Host and the Released Parties from liability for the injury or death of any person(s) and damage to property that may result from my negligent or intentional act or omission while participating in activities offered. This includes, but is not limited to, activities in parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, areas adjacent to main buildings, and/or any area selected for training.

10. Media Release

For valuable consideration received, I grant to The Host the absolute and irrevocable right and unrestricted permission concerning any photography, video, written or verbal testimonial, or any other form of capturing my likeness ("Captured Media") that The Host or its representatives have taken or may take of me or in which I may be included with others.

I authorize The Host to use, reuse, publish, and republish such Captured Media in whole or in part, individually or in connection with other material, in any and all publishing platforms now or hereafter known (including the Internet), and for any purpose whatsoever. This specifically includes illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, and trade, without restriction as to alteration. I also grant permission to use my name in connection with any use if The Host so chooses.

I release and discharge The Host and the Released Parties from any and all claims and demands that may arise out of or in connection with the use of the Captured Media, including without limitation any and all claims for libel or violation of any right of publicity or privacy. This authorization and release shall also benefit the heirs, legal representatives, licensees, and assigns of The Host and those involved in capturing the media.

I am a legally competent adult and have the right to contract in my own name. I have read this document and fully understand its contents. This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

11. General Provisions

11.1. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, without regard to its conflict of laws rules.

11.2. Binding Agreement: This Agreement shall be binding upon me, my successors, representatives, heirs, executors, assigns, or transferees.

11.3. Severability: If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, I agree that the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full legal force and effect.

11.4. Entire Agreement: This Agreement, along with any documents expressly incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between The Host and the Participant regarding the subject matter herein, superseding all prior discussions, negotiations, and agreements.

By proceeding with your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service, Retreat Agreement, and Waiver.