Effective August 1, 2025 (Revised February 18, 2026)

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This policy is incorporated into the  Terms & Conditions of Global Citizens, LLC, dbs Small World Explorers . All deadlines are calculated based on Pacific Time (PT), United States.

 

0. Definitions & Timing Rules

• Trip Start Date: The calendar date the itinerary begins at the destination.

• Administrative Sourcing Fee: Formally known as the "Holding Fee." This $200 fee covers the immediate costs of itinerary curation, vendor sourcing, and initial administrative setup. This fee is earned at the time of payment.

• First Installment: 30% of total price, due 120 days before Trip Start Date.

• Final Balance: Remaining 70%, due 60 days before Trip Start Date.

• Add-On Services: Optional items (evening activities, transfers, rentals, etc.) subject to specific supplier deadlines.

• Non-Recoverable Costs: Any portion of the Trip Price that Small World Explorers has paid to Third-Party Providers (e.g., Taiwan camps, hotels) which is not refundable to us.

• Written Notice: Email to hello.swexplorers@gmail.com from the booking email address.

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1. Payment Schedule & Consumer Disclosures

Your booking is a commitment to participate. Small World Explorers remits payments to local Taiwan/International vendors (camps, hotels, transport) based on strict, non-refundable schedules.

• Your booking is a commitment to participate. Small World Explorers remits payments to local Taiwan/International vendors (camps, hotels, transport) based on strict, non-refundable schedules.

• Holding Fee ($200): Non-refundable. This is a service fee for planning and sourcing, not a pre-payment of travel.

• 30% First Installment (120-Day Cutoff): Due 120 days before Trip Start Date. Upon the 120th day, this installment becomes 100% non-refundable as it is remitted to overseas vendors to guarantee placement.

• 70% Final Balance (60-Day Cutoff): Due 60 days before Trip Start Date. Once paid, this balance is 100% non-refundable.

• Failure to Pay: If any payment is 48 hours overdue, we reserve the right to treat the booking as a "Traveler Cancellation," retain all previous funds, and release the spot.

 

2. Refund, Cancellation & Transfer Rules 

A) Cancellation More than 120 Days Out (≥ 120 Days)

• Refunds: The 30% First Installment is refundable, minus unrecoverable processing fees (see §2D). The $200 Administrative Sourcing Fee is non-refundable.

• Moving Trips: Treated as a cancel + rebook. Holding fee is forfeited; 30% payment transfers to the new trip.

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B) Cancellation Within 120 Days (< 120 Days)

• Non-Refundability: No refunds of the Administrative Sourcing Fee or the 30% First Installment. 
  (Notice to Taiwan Participants: This policy deviates from the general "tiered refund" templates in the Taiwan Standard Form Contract for Overseas Travel because 100% of these funds are committed to non-refundable overseas vendor contracts at this stage. By booking, you explicitly waive the standard tiered refund in favor of these specific terms.)

• Transfer to Another Trip: Not permitted.

• Transfer to Another Family: Permitted for the same trip only. The replacement family must be approved by us, sign all waivers, and pay a $100 Administrative Transfer Fee.

 

C) No-Show / Partial Participation / Missed Activities 

Failure to arrive (e.g., flight delays), late arrival, or early departure for any reason (including illness or family emergency) is treated as a cancellation. No refunds or "make-up" credits will be issued for unused portions of the trip, including camp days or group meals.

 

D) Refund Method & Processing Fees 

Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method. Pursuant to California and Taiwan consumer guidelines, we will deduct unrecoverable credit card/payment processor fees(typically 3%) from the refund amount.

 

E) Add-On Services

• Cancellations: Add-Ons are refundable until 60 days before the Trip Start Date. Inside 60 days, they are non-refundable.

• Provider Cancellation: If a Partner Provider (e.g., a specific camp) cancels an Add-On, you will receive a 100% refund for that specific item only.

 

3. Mandatory Travel Insurance 

Because our payment schedule is tied to non-refundable overseas vendor contracts, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.

• Required: Emergency medical and evacuation.

• Highly Recommended: "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage. If you choose not to purchase CFAR insurance, you personally assume the financial risk of cancellation.

 

4. Force Majeure & Cancellations by Us

• Cancellations by Us: If we cancel a trip for enrollment reasons before the 30% payment stage, you receive a 100% refund.

• Force Majeure: If a trip is disrupted by events beyond our control (natural disasters, government travel bans, etc.), we will refund all recoverable funds returned to us by vendors. We are not liable for non-recoverable deposits held by Third-Party Providers.

 

5. Additional Costs & Chargebacks

• Additional Costs: Small World Explorers is not responsible for your airfare, visa fees, or other incidental expenses.

• Chargebacks & Dispute Rights: You acknowledge that the payment schedule herein is reasonable and necessary. While Small World Explorers is a reseller of international services, you agree that this contract is governed by California law. You waive the right to file a chargeback for non-refundable fees as defined in §1.

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