Refund Policy

Introduction

At Shared Insight, we understand that plans can change. This Refund Policy outlines our procedures for cancellations, refunds, and amendments to bookings. This policy was last updated on June 1, 2024.

We encourage all clients to carefully review this policy before making a booking. By completing a booking with Shared Insight, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Refund Policy.

We also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage to protect your investment in case unexpected circumstances prevent you from traveling.

Refund Eligibility

Standard Tour Cancellations

Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel your booking relative to your departure date:

• 90+ days before departure: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit and any processing fees
• 60-89 days before departure: 75% refund of the total tour cost minus the non-refundable deposit
• 30-59 days before departure: 50% refund of the total tour cost minus the non-refundable deposit
• 15-29 days before departure: 25% refund of the total tour cost minus the non-refundable deposit
• 0-14 days before departure: No refund

Custom and Private Tours

Due to the personalized nature of custom and private tours, different cancellation policies may apply:

• 120+ days before departure: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit and any third-party costs already incurred
• 90-119 days before departure: 75% refund minus the non-refundable deposit and any third-party costs
• 60-89 days before departure: 50% refund minus the non-refundable deposit and any third-party costs
• 0-59 days before departure: No refund

Deposits

Deposits are generally non-refundable as they secure your place on a tour and cover initial administrative costs. The amount of the deposit varies by tour and will be clearly communicated during the booking process.

Optional Extras and Add-ons

Cancellation policies for optional extras, such as additional activities, special experiences, or room upgrades, may differ from the standard tour cancellation policy and will be specified at the time of booking.

Refund Processing

Processing Timeframes

Upon approval of your refund request, we will process refunds according to the following timeframes:

• Credit card payments: 10-14 business days for the refund to appear on your statement
• Bank transfers: 7-10 business days to process
• Other payment methods: Up to 30 days, depending on the method

Please note that while we process refunds promptly, the actual time for funds to appear in your account depends on your payment provider or bank.

Currency and Method

Refunds will be issued using the same payment method used for the original payment and in the same currency. Any currency exchange rate differences or bank charges for international transfers are the responsibility of the customer.

Processing Fees

A processing fee of up to 3% may be deducted from refunds to cover administrative costs and payment processor charges. This fee will be clearly communicated when processing your refund.

Cancellation Procedure

To cancel a booking and request a refund, please follow these steps:

1. Contact our Customer Service team as soon as possible by email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 047 167 2220.
2. Provide your booking reference number, full name, and the reason for cancellation.
3. Our team will confirm receipt of your cancellation request within 2 business days.
4. You will receive written confirmation of the cancellation and any applicable refund amount.
5. If a refund is due, it will be processed according to the timeframes outlined above.

Please note that verbal cancellations or cancellations via social media channels are not accepted. Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email or through our online cancellation form.

Tour Amendments

Date Changes

If you need to change the date of your tour:

• 60+ days before departure: A one-time date change may be permitted, subject to a change fee of £50 per person and any difference in tour price.
• Less than 60 days before departure: Date changes are treated as a cancellation and rebooking, subject to our standard cancellation policy.

Traveler Substitutions

If you are unable to travel but have someone else who can take your place:

• 30+ days before departure: Traveler substitutions are permitted with an administration fee of £30 per person.
• Less than 30 days before departure: Substitutions are at our discretion and may incur higher fees.

The substitute traveler must meet all requirements for the tour (e.g., visa eligibility, fitness level) and accept the terms and conditions of the booking.

Tour Modifications

Changes to tour inclusions, accommodations, or other components:

• Minor changes may be accommodated with applicable fees and price adjustments.
• Significant changes may be treated as a cancellation and new booking.
• All changes are subject to availability and at our discretion.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Tour Cancellations by Shared Insight

If we cancel a tour for any reason:

• You will receive a full refund of all monies paid, including the deposit.
• Alternatively, you may choose to transfer to another tour or receive a credit for future travel.

We are not responsible for any incidental expenses you may have incurred as a result of your booking, such as visas, vaccinations, or non-refundable flights. This underscores the importance of comprehensive travel insurance.

Force Majeure

In cases of force majeure (circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, war, civil unrest, or terrorist activities):

• We may offer a credit for future travel in lieu of a refund.
• Any refunds will be at our discretion and may be reduced by costs already incurred.
• We will work with affected travelers to find the most reasonable solution.

Medical Emergencies

In case of serious illness or injury preventing travel (with supporting medical documentation):

• We may offer more flexible refund terms or tour date changes.
• Each case will be evaluated individually based on the circumstances.
• This is not a substitute for travel insurance, which should be your primary protection.

Early Departure from a Tour

If you leave a tour early, voluntarily or involuntarily:

• No refunds will be provided for unused portions of the tour.
• If you are removed from a tour due to disruptive behavior or violation of our terms, no refund will be issued.

Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage. A good policy can protect your investment if you need to cancel due to:

• Illness or injury to you or a family member
• Unexpected work commitments
• Natural disasters affecting your home or destination
• Other unforeseen circumstances

Travel insurance should be purchased immediately after booking your tour to ensure maximum coverage. We can provide recommendations for reputable travel insurance providers upon request.

Contact Information

For all refund requests, cancellations, or questions about this policy, please contact:

Policy Updates

This Refund Policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will not apply retroactively to bookings already confirmed. The policy that applies to your booking is the one in effect at the time your booking was confirmed.

We recommend reviewing the current policy before making a booking. The date at the top of this page indicates when this policy was last updated.