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

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Global Citizens, LLC, doing business as Small World Explorers (“Small World Explorers,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), owns and operates http://www.smallworldexplorers.com (the “Website”) and provides curated family travel experiences, trips, and camps (the “Services”). By accessing the Website, making a booking, or participating in our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”).

 

1. Definitions

• “Booking”: Your reservation for a trip, program, or service.

• “Force Majeure”: Events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, war, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, government actions, epidemics/pandemics, and major infrastructure failures.

• “Partner/Third-Party Provider”: Independent suppliers including local camps, instructors, hotels, and transport operators.

 

2. Owner of the Site & Contact

Global Citizens, LLC (dba Small World Explorers)
Email: hello.swexplorers@gmail.com
Website: www.smallworldexplorers.com
Mailing location: San Mateo County, California, USA

 

3. Scope & Co-Branded Programs

These Terms govern all Bookings. For "Co-branded" trips organized for after-school programs or educational institutions, additional program-specific codes of conduct or waivers may apply and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

4. About the Website; Presentation of the Site & Related Services

The Website currently allows you to:

• Explore destinations and indicative dates;

• Submit inquiries and join interest lists;

• Request a booking and receive trip information from us by email.

 

Payments & future features. Depending on the trip and our rollout schedule, you may be able to (a) complete payment via a secure off-site payment link or invoice issued by us or our payment processor, or (b) use an on-site checkout once launched. We may also provide a customer portal for pre-trip information and documents when available; until then, we will deliver pre-trip information by email.

 

We may update, improve, or discontinue parts of the Website at any time. Content is provided for general information; availability and pricing are subject to change until your Booking is confirmed. Features described on the Website may not be available at all times or for all trips.

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5. Eligibility​

You must be 18+ to book. Parents/guardians booking for minors warrant authority to contract on the minor’s behalf.

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6. Account Registration (Future Feature)

Current access (no account required). You can browse the Website and request/book trips without creating an account. Payments and pre-trip documents are handled as described in §10 and §31.

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Future customer portal. We may offer an optional online account/portal for booking management and document access. Portal features may vary by trip and may not be available at all times.

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If/when you register (or we provision an account for you):

• Eligibility & accuracy. You must be 18+ and provide accurate, complete information.

• Credentials & security. Keep your login confidential and secure. You’re responsible for all activity under your account. We may require multi-factor authentication. Promptly notify us of any unauthorized use (hello.swexplorers@gmail.com).

• Communications. We will send account/booking notices to the email on file; update your contact info as needed (see §31 Notices).

• No data-storage guarantee. The portal is a convenience, not a records repository. Keep your own copies of documents. We may archive or remove portal materials per our retention practices.

• Provisioned accounts. We may create an account on your behalf (e.g., to share documents). You can request access or deletion at any time; transactional records required by law will be retained (see Privacy Policy).

• Non-transferable. Accounts are personal to the booking holder and may not be sold, transferred, or shared with others (including minors).

• Third-party sign-in. If enabled, third-party login providers are subject to their own terms; we may receive limited profile data consistent with our Privacy Policy.

• Payments. Card details are processed by our payment processor; we do not store full card numbers (see §10 and §23).

 

Suspension/closure. We may suspend or terminate an account (without liability) if: (i) you violate these Terms or applicable law; (ii) your use risks harm to others, us, or system security; (iii) we investigate suspected misuse or fraud; (iv) required by law or court order; or (v) prolonged inactivity. Suspension or closure of an account does not cancel an underlying Booking; your Booking remains governed by these Terms (including §11 and §12). You may request account deletion at any time; legal/operational records may be retained as permitted by law.

 

7. Prohibited Use (Website & Services)

You agree not to: copy, scrape, or harvest Website content or data; upload malware or attempt to breach security; use bots or automated tools to access or index the Website; infringe intellectual property or privacy rights; defame, harass, or abuse others; use the Website to market, solicit, or compete; reverse engineer or create derivative works from the Website; or use the Website or Services in violation of law. We may block or remove content and suspend access for any breach.

 

8. Intellectual Property & Linking

All Website content (text, images, videos, logos, design) is owned by us or licensed to us and protected by U.S. and international laws. You may link to our home page fairly and lawfully without implying endorsement. You may not frame the site or link in a way that misleads users about your relationship with us. No rights are granted except as expressly stated.

 

8A. DMCA Notice

If you believe content on the Website infringes your copyright, email hello.swexplorers@gmail.com with: (i) identification of the copyrighted work; (ii) the allegedly infringing material and its location; (iii) your contact info; (iv) a good-faith statement; (v) a statement under penalty of perjury that you are the rights holder or authorized agent; and (vi) your physical or electronic signature.

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8B. Affiliate Relationships & Disclosure

Small World Explorers participates in certain affiliate-marketing programs. This means that when you click links to third-party websites or make qualifying purchases through such links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These affiliate links are provided only for convenience and information.

 

We do not control or operate the third-party websites or services linked through affiliate programs and are not responsible for their content, availability, safety, or policies. Participation in any third-party offer is entirely at your own discretion and risk. For details about how affiliate links are tracked and how your data may be shared with affiliate networks, please see our Privacy Policy.

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9. User Content & Image/Media Release

If you submit reviews, photos, videos, or other content (“User Content”), you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, and display such content for marketing and operational purposes.

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Trip Photos & Video. We may photograph or film group activities. You will have the opportunity during booking or via the Participation Waiver to indicate whether you grant permission for us to use images or video of you or your minors. If you decline permission, we will make reasonable efforts to exclude you from marketing photos or videos, but incidental appearance in large-group or public settings may still occur.

 

10. Booking Process & Contract Formation​​

• Holding Fee: A $200 non-refundable fee per family/spot is due at booking to reserve space.

• First Installment (30%): Due 120 days before Trip Start Date. This payment becomes strictly non-refundable once the 120-day window begins (see §11 for details).

• Final Balance (70%): Due 60 days before Trip Start Date.

• Failure to Pay: If any installment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel the booking, retain all previous payments, and resell the spot without further notice.

• Payment methods. Unless on-site checkout is available for your trip, payments are completed through a secure off-site payment link or invoice. We do not store full card details. Your Booking is not confirmed until cleared funds are received.

• Pre-trip information. Until a portal is launched, pre-trip documents/updates are delivered by email (see §31).

• Pricing & errors. Pricing is in USD unless stated otherwise.

 

11. Cancellation, Transfers & Refunds (Incorporated Policy)

A) Outside the 120-Day Window (≥ 120 days before Trip Start Date)

• Refundability: The 30% First Installment is refundable only if written notice of cancellation is received more than 120 days before the Trip Start Date. The $200 Holding Fee remains non-refundable in all circumstances as an administrative fee.

• Moving to another Trip: If you move to a different Trip more than 120 days out, we treat it as a cancellation + new booking. Your original Holding Fee is forfeited; any paid installment is refunded; a new holding fee applies to the new Trip.

 

B) Between 120 and 60 Days (< 120 and ≥ 60 days before Trip Start Date)

• Non-Refundability: The 30% First Installment and the Holding Fee are now strictly non-refundable.

• Final Balance: The 70% Final Balance is not yet due, but any early payments toward it remain refundable until the 60-day cutoff.

• Transfers: Bookings are no longer transferable to another Trip; however, transfer to another family for the same Trip may be requested (see Section D).

 

C) Inside 60 Days (< 60 days before Trip Start Date)

• Strict No-Refund Policy: No refunds of any amounts (Holding Fee, 30% Installment, or 70% Final Balance).

• No Transfers: Bookings are not transferable to another Trip.

 

D) Transfer to Another Family
A transfer to another family for the same Trip may be approved at our discretion if:

1. The replacement family is approved by us and accepts all Terms, Participation Waivers, and (if applicable) School Codes of Conduct;

2. All amounts due are paid in full;

3. A $100 administrative transfer fee is paid; and

4. We confirm the transfer in writing. Note: Any financial settlement between the original and replacement families is a private matter and does not involve Small World Explorers.

E) No-Show / Partial Participation
Failure to arrive, late arrival, early departure, or missed activities are treated as a cancellation inside 60 days. No refunds, credits, or transfers will be issued for unused services.

F) Refund Method & Processing Fees
Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method. Pursuant to California and Taiwan consumer guidelines, if our payment processor does not return its processing fees to us, we will deduct those unrecoverable third-party fees from your refund (this deduction does not apply if Small World Explorers cancels the Trip under Section 13).

G) Mandatory Travel Insurance

All participants must obtain and maintain adequate travel and medical insurance for the full Trip dates. Coverage must include emergency medical treatment and evacuation and, where applicable, specific coverage for skiing or winter-sports activities.
 

We strongly recommend that your plan also include trip-cancellation/interruption and lost or delayed baggageprotection.

Proof of coverage may be requested before final payment or participation. Failure to maintain required insurance may result in denial of participation without refund.

For convenience, we may share general information about reputable insurance providers. You are free to purchase insurance from any qualified provider. Any recommendations or affiliate links we provide (for example, World Nomads via Commission Junction) are offered solely for informational purposes, and we are not responsible for coverage decisions, benefits, or claims outcomes. As a disclosed affiliate, we may earn a small commission when you purchase through our link—at no additional cost to you.

 

12. Changes by You; Non-Payment; Chargebacks

• Name Changes / Replacements are treated as transfers and are subject to §11(B) (including fees and timing limits).

• Non-Payment. If you fail to pay the Final Balance by the Final Balance Due Date, we may cancel your booking without refund and resell your spot at our discretion.

• Chargebacks. You agree not to file a chargeback contrary to these Terms. If you do, you remain liable for the original amounts, plus any bank/processor fees, investigation costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees we incur.

 

13. Itinerary & Service Changes or Cancellations by Us

​A) Itinerary & Service Changes
We and our Partner Providers reserve the right to adapt itineraries, lodging, activities, schedules, transportation, or staffing for safety, weather, local regulations, or operational needs. Substitutions will be of equal or higher quality where feasible. These changes do not entitle you to a refund.

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B) Cancellations by Us

We will not cancel a confirmed Trip for minimum-enrollment or supplier-availability reasons after the 30% First Installment stage (120 days before travel). We may still cancel for Force Majeure/safety at any time (see §19). If we cancel an entire Trip before it begins, you will receive a full refund of all amounts paid to us.

14. Add-On Services & Extras

Definition.  “Add-On Services” (or “Add-Ons”) are optional items not included in the base Trip price (e.g., extra nights, airport transfers, equipment rental, lessons, special activities, tickets, upgrades). Add-Ons are subject to availability, supplier terms, eligibility, and safety requirements.

 

Sales Window, Minimums & Onsite Sales. We may offer Add-Ons until the Trip Start Date. Some items have supplier cutoffs or minimum enrollment; we may refuse or withdraw an Add-On if requirements aren’t met. If availability remains, we may offer last-minute Add-Ons at the welcome dinner or during the Trip.

 

Payment Timing.

• Purchased > 60 days before Trip Start Date: The Add-On charge is added to your Final Balance and due 60 days before the Trip Start Date.

• Purchased ≤ 60 days before Trip Start Date (pre-trip): Due at purchase (immediate charge).

• On-trip purchases: Due at purchase (pay the Partner Provider directly or we may charge the card on file via our processor). We do not store full card numbers (see §23).

• If an Add-On included in your Final Balance is not paid by the Final Balance due date, we may remove it from your itinerary; later re-adding is subject to availability and current pricing.

 

Traveler-initiated refunds & transfers.

• Refunds: Add-Ons are not refundable.

• Transfers: Add-Ons are not transferable to another Trip. Inside 60 days, an Add-On may be transferred to another family for the same Trip if the replacement family is approved, completes required forms/waivers, and we confirm in writing.

• If we or a Partner Provider cancel an Add-On, or we cannot secure availability. You may choose either (a) a comparable or higher-value alternative at no additional charge (if available), or (b) a full refund of that Add-On to the original payment method—even if the base Trip is otherwise non-refundable at that time. This is your exclusive remedy for Add-On unavailability or provider cancellation.

• No-shows & partial use. Unused Add-Ons, late arrival, or early departure are not refundable.​

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15. Participant Responsibilities

You agree to:
A) Conduct & Compliance. Comply with local laws and follow all written and verbal instructions from our staff/guides and from personnel of our partner service providers (the “Partner Providers,” including camps, activity operators, transportation companies, hotels and other accommodations, venues, and local guides). We may remove any participant whose behavior is unsafe, illegal, disruptive, or materially non-compliant—no refund (see §11). Partner Providers may refuse or terminate service under their own policies; we are not liable for their decisions (see §18).

B) Travel Documents. Obtain and carry all required travel documents (passports, visas, health/vaccination records, authorizations). See §17 for international and minor-specific requirements.

C) Health & Safety. Disclose in advance any medical condition or limitation that could affect participation; bring and manage necessary medications/equipment; use required safety gear (e.g., helmets, PFDs). We may require a physician’s clearance (see §16).

D) Partner Provider Rules & Forms. Many Partner Providers require their own terms, waivers, eligibility rules, or safety briefings. You agree to review, sign, and comply with such requirements. Refusal or failure to complete a required form or briefing may result in exclusion from the related activity without refund; if the activity is integral to the Trip, we may treat this as a participant-caused cancellation under §11 (including the 60-day rule).

E) Accommodations & Property Rules. Observe occupancy limits, check-in/out times, quiet hours, smoking/vaping policies, alcohol rules, pool/amenity rules, and any child/minor policies. You are responsible for incidental charges (e.g., mini-bar, room service, parking, resort fees not included in your package) and for damage or excessive cleaningattributable to you or your minors. Hotels and other Partner Providers may require a credit card at check-in to secure these charges; you authorize them (and, if necessary, us) to collect payment for such amounts.

F) Substances & Fitness. Partner Providers may refuse participation if you appear impaired, ill, or unfit for an activity. Illegal drugs are prohibited. Alcohol use must comply with local law and provider rules. Refusals on these grounds do not trigger refunds (see §11 and §20).

G) Minors & Supervision. Parents/guardians must actively supervise minors in their care at all times unless a minor is in a supervised camp/activity run by a qualified Partner Provider; even then, the parent/guardian remains responsible for the child’s overall conduct and compliance.

H) Reasonable Accommodations. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed disabilities or medical needs where feasible and safe given the Trip’s nature and Partner Provider constraints; some activities may be unsuitable or require modifications at your expense.

 

16. Health, Fitness & Medical Care

Adventure travel and outdoor activities carry inherent risks. You represent that you and your minors are physically and mentally fit for your chosen Trip. We may require a physician’s clearance. In emergencies, you authorize us and our representatives to obtain medical treatment for you or your minor and you agree to pay related costs.

 

17. Travel Documents, Entry, and Risks

• Your Responsibility. You are solely responsible for obtaining and carrying all required travel documents and meeting all entry, transit, and exit requirements for every country on your itinerary (including passports, visas, electronic travel authorizations such as ESTA/ETA, return/onward tickets, funds proofs, vaccination and health certificates, and any destination-specific forms). We do not provide legal or immigration advice and are not responsible for official decisions of immigration, health, or security authorities.

• Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your planned date of return and to contain sufficient blank pages. Names on all documents and bookings must exactly match the traveler’s passport. You are responsible for any costs, penalties, or reissue fees arising from inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Visas / Authorizations & Timing. Apply for visas and electronic authorizations well in advance and allow time for processing. Expedite fees and any costs due to delays or denials are your responsibility.

• Minors Traveling Internationally. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring minors meet all carrier and border requirements, which may include:

  • Parental/guardian consent letters (e.g., when a child travels with one parent or without both parents),

  • Custody/guardianship documentation, and

  • Notarization or other formalities required by airlines or destination authorities.
    Airline “unaccompanied minor” rules, seat/age restrictions, and documentation vary; review them directly with your carrier and destination embassy/consulate.

• Health Requirements. Some destinations require vaccinations, prophylaxis, or health certificates (e.g., Yellow Fever). You must verify and comply with all health/advisory requirements and carry proof as required.

• Denial of Boarding / Entry. If you are denied boarding or entry, or removed from a flight/itinerary due to documentation, health, or compliance issues, it is treated as a no-show/partial participation under §11(C): no refund, credit, or transfer.

• Information we may request. We may request passport details or other information to pass to suppliers. You are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and timely information by our stated deadlines; failure to do so may result in cancellation per §12 (non-payment/administrative non-compliance) without refund.

• Advisories. Check official advisories and entry rules before booking and again before travel. Requirements can change at any time and without notice. We are not liable for losses resulting from changes to government or carrier requirements.

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18. Third-Party Providers & Independent Contractors

We may engage independent Third-Party Providers (e.g., hotels, transport, instructors). We do not control their operations and are not liable for their acts, omissions, or negligence. Your recourse for third-party failures lies with the provider, subject to their terms.

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For avoidance of doubt, your assumption of risk under Section 20 extends to all activities or services provided by these Third-Party Providers.

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19. Force Majeure

Except as provided in §13 when we cancel an entire Trip before it begins, we are not liable for delays, changes, or disruptions caused by Force Majeure. If a Trip is disrupted after commencement, refunds are not available beyond amounts we are able to recover from third-party providers; we will use reasonable efforts to assist with rebooking or credits consistent with §11, but such assistance is not guaranteed.

 

20. Assumption of Risk; Release; Limitation of Liability

A) Participation Waiver & Incorporation
By booking or participating, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the applicable Participation Waiver, Release, and Indemnification Agreement (the “Participation Waiver”), which is incorporated into and forms an essential part of this Agreement. Each Trip’s Participation Waiver is provided via a secure external link in your confirmation materials.

 

B) Voluntary Assumption of Inherent Risks 
You acknowledge that international travel and the Services provided (including skiing, outdoor education, water sports, and adventure activities) involve inherent risks including, but not limited to: accidents, illness, altitude sickness, extreme weather, rugged terrain, equipment failure, and the actions or omissions of other participants or third parties. You voluntarily assume all such risks for yourself and all minors on your Booking, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

C) Limitation of Liability (The "Damages Cap") 

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Monetary Limit: The total aggregate liability of Global Citizens, LLC (Small World Explorers), its owners, and employees for any claim arising out of or relating to your Booking, participation, or the Services shall not exceed the total amount actually paid to us for the specific Trip giving rise to the claim.

• Excluded Damages: We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, loss of enjoyment, or emotional distress.

• Incidental Costs: We are not responsible for costs incurred by you in preparing for a trip (e.g., non-refundable airfare, visa fees, specialized equipment) even if the trip is cancelled or altered.

 

D)Third-Party Providers & Intermediary Status 

Small World Explorers acts only as an intermediary (agent) between you and independent Third-Party Providers (e.g., local Taiwan camps, hotels, transportation companies). We do not own, manage, or control these providers. Consequently, we are not liable for any injury, loss, or death resulting from the negligence, breach of contract, or bankruptcy of any such Third-Party Provider.

E) Taiwan Consumer Standards (Duty of Care)
In compliance with Taiwan’s Standard Form Contract for Overseas Travel, our liability for the performance of local vendors is limited to our duty of reasonable care in the selection and monitoring of such providers. We shall not be held liable for "errors in performance" by local providers that occur despite our exercise of professional due diligence.

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F) California Exceptions

Pursuant to California Civil Code §1668, nothing in this Section 20 is intended to, nor shall it be construed to, release or limit our liability for our own fraud, willful injury, or violation of law. If any portion of this section is held unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining limitations and waivers shall remain in full force and effect.

 

21. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Global Citizens, LLC, its owners, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees arising from: (i) your breach of these Terms; (ii) your negligence or misconduct; or (iii) your violation of law or rights of a third party.

 

22. Website Disclaimers; Security

We do not guarantee the Website will be error-free or uninterrupted. You are responsible for using up-to-date antivirus and security measures. We are not liable for harm caused by malware, cyber-attacks, or service outages.

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23. Payments; Taxes; Currency

We use third-party processors and do not store full payment card details. Prices are in USD unless stated otherwise and may exclude taxes, fees, exchange costs, and bank charges, which are your responsibility.

 

24. Privacy & Cookies

Your use of the Website and our Services is subject to our Privacy Policy (which includes our Cookies & Trackingdisclosure). It explains what personal data we collect, why we process it, how we protect it, and your choices. We do not maintain a separate cookie policy.
If we introduce new non-essential cookies or targeted advertising technologies in the future, we will update the Privacy Policy and provide any required notices and choices. Our Privacy Policy also discloses how affiliate links may track referrals using cookies or similar technologies, consistent with applicable law and your browser settings.

 

25. Electronic Communications & Signatures

You consent to receive notices electronically and agree that checking an “I agree” box, e-signing, or paying online constitutes your signature and acceptance of these Terms.

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26. Dispute Resolution; Governing Law; Venue; Arbitration

A) Governing Law & Venue
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Exclusive venue shall be in the state or federal courts located in San Mateo County, California. Arbitration. Except for small-claims matters, disputes shall be resolved by binding, individual arbitration administered by JAMS under its Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures. The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) governs. Class, collective, and representative actions are not allowed.​

B) Your 30-day Opt-Out
You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days of your first Booking by emailing hello.swexplorers@gmail.com with subject “Arbitration Opt-Out”, your name, and Booking details.

 

27. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time by posting a revised version with a new Effective Date. For existing Bookings, the version in effect on your booking date governs payment and cancellation; updated Terms apply to Website use and future Bookings.

 

28. Assignment

We may assign or subcontract our rights and obligations under these Terms. You may not assign your rights without our prior written consent (other than permitted transfers under §11).

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29. Severability; No Waiver; Entire Agreement 

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force. These Terms, our Privacy Policy, and the Cancellation & Refund Policy constitute the Entire Agreement between you and us and supersede all prior understandings.

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30. Survival

Sections regarding intellectual property, cancellations/refunds, assumption of risk, limitation of liability, indemnification, payments/chargebacks, dispute resolution, and privacy survive termination or completion of your Trip.

 

31. Notices (Email; Time Zone)

Unless we specify otherwise, you must send legal notices and booking change requests by email to hello.swexplorers@gmail.com (or the address we designate in your booking). Notices are deemed received when timestamped by our mail server. All deadlines and time calculations are based on Pacific Time (PT), United States. You must keep your contact email current.

 

32. California Users & Complaints

Under California Civil Code §1789.3, you may contact the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services, Department of Consumer Affairs, at 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N112, Sacramento, CA 95834, or by phone at (800) 952-5210.

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These Terms should be read together with our Participation Waiver, Cancellation Policy, and Privacy Policy. Together they form the complete understanding between Global Citizens LLC and all participants.

Questions?
Contact Global Citizens, LLC (dba Small World Explorers)
Email: hello.swexplorers@gmail.com