1. Definitions
SALA: SALA Private Journeys, a luxury travel company based in Bangkok, Thailand, providing bespoke travel experiences throughout Thailand.
Client: Any individual or legal entity who books or uses SALA's services, including travelers, booking agents, and group organizers.
Journey: A custom or packaged travel experience designed by SALA, including accommodations, transportation, activities, and services.
Booking: A confirmed reservation for a Journey, established when a Client provides a deposit and receives written confirmation from SALA.
Confirmation: SALA's written acknowledgment of a Booking, typically sent via email with itinerary details, payment schedule, and terms.
Supplier: Hotels, airlines, activity providers, guides, and other third-party vendors contracted by SALA to deliver Journey services.
Force Majeure: Unforeseen circumstances beyond either party's reasonable control, including pandemics, natural disasters, war, terrorism, government action, or extreme weather.
2. Booking & Confirmation
How to Book: Clients may initiate a booking by completing SALA's booking form, email inquiry, or contacting our team directly. We will provide an initial proposal with suggested itinerary, pricing, and available dates.
Confirmation Process: A Booking is considered confirmed only when:
- SALA receives a 30% non-refundable deposit payment
- Client signs and returns the Booking Terms and Conditions
- SALA sends written confirmation via email with confirmed itinerary and payment schedule
Reservation Hold: Before deposit receipt, SALA reserves dates for 7 days. Dates are released if deposit is not received within this period, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
Group Bookings: For groups of 6 or more travelers, a group leader or designee acts as the primary contact. Group leaders are responsible for communicating with all group members and submitting individual traveler information by the specified deadline.
3. Payment Terms
Payment Schedule:
- 30% deposit required upon confirmation (non-refundable if Client cancels within 30 days of departure)
- 70% balance due 60 days before journey departure
Payment Methods: SALA accepts payment via:
- Bank transfer (wire) to SALA's Thai bank account (details provided upon confirmation)
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard) via secure payment gateway (2% processing fee applies)
Accepted Currencies: USD, EUR, or GBP. Exchange rates are locked at the time of payment. All prices quoted in USD unless otherwise stated.
Late Payment: If full payment is not received 60 days before departure, SALA reserves the right to cancel the Booking and apply cancellation penalties. Client shall be liable for any additional costs incurred by SALA.
Failed Payments: If a payment fails or is declined, the Client is responsible for attempting payment again within 3 business days. SALA will not hold the confirmed dates if payment is not successfully processed.
4. Pricing
Price Quotation: All Journey prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise specified. Prices are per person, based on the group size, season, and included services specified in the proposal.
Price Variations: Prices may vary based on:
- High season vs. low season (peak vs. shoulder periods)
- Hotel or activity availability and rates
- Group size and group discounts
- Currency fluctuations (for international payments)
- Fuel surcharges and transport costs
Price Lock: Once a 30% deposit is received and confirmed, the total Journey price is locked and may not be increased unless the Client requests changes to the itinerary after the price-lock date.
Surcharges: Additional costs (e.g., fuel surcharge, visa support fees, activity upgrades) will be clearly communicated in writing before confirmation. Incidental expenses (meals, personal activities, tips, souvenirs) are the Client's responsibility.
5. Changes & Modifications
Modification Timeline:
- More than 30 days before departure: Itinerary changes are subject to availability at no charge, subject to supplier availability and costs.
- 15-30 days before departure: Changes are subject to availability. Supplier costs and administrative fees (typically $100-$500) may apply, depending on the change.
- Under 15 days before departure: Changes are at SALA's discretion and subject to supplier penalties, which will be passed to the Client. Changes may not be possible due to confirmations with Suppliers.
Change Request Process: All change requests must be submitted in writing to SALA. We will confirm feasibility and any associated costs before implementing changes.
Itinerary Adjustments: SALA reserves the right to adjust activities or accommodations due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, natural disasters, venue closures, etc.). SALA will provide alternative options of equal or greater value whenever possible.
6. Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms (from date of cancellation notice to SALA):
- More than 60 days before departure: Full refund of all payments minus a non-refundable administrative fee of $150 USD per booking
- 30-60 days before departure: 50% of paid amount refunded. The remaining 50% is retained as Supplier penalties cannot be recovered.
- Under 30 days before departure: No refund. Client remains liable for 100% of Journey costs due to Supplier confirmations and penalties.
Force Majeure Cancellations: If SALA must cancel a Journey due to Force Majeure events (pandemic, natural disaster, government travel restrictions, war, terrorism), the Client will receive a full refund of paid amounts or the option to reschedule for a future date. SALA is not liable for additional costs incurred by the Client (e.g., flights booked independently, visa applications, travel insurance).
SALA Right to Cancel: SALA reserves the right to cancel a Journey if:
- Minimum group size is not met (as specified in proposal)
- Full payment is not received by the scheduled date
- Extraordinary circumstances make the Journey impossible or unsafe
In such cases, SALA will provide notice as soon as reasonably possible and offer a full refund or rescheduling at no additional cost to the Client.
Cancellation Notice: Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing (email) to SALA. The cancellation date is when SALA receives the written notice.
7. Travel Insurance
Strongly Recommended: SALA strongly recommends that all Clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Travel insurance should cover:
- Trip cancellation and trip delay
- Medical emergencies and evacuation
- Flight cancellation and lost luggage
- Personal liability and accident coverage
SALA Not Liable: SALA is not responsible for losses, damages, or expenses not covered by travel insurance, including medical bills, emergency flights, evacuation costs, or trip interruptions due to Client injury or illness.
Insurance Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions, COVID-19, or other exclusions may apply depending on the insurance policy. Clients should verify coverage before booking.
8. Passports, Visas & Health
Client Responsibility: Each traveler is solely responsible for:
- Obtaining a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the journey departure date
- Determining visa requirements for Thailand and any transit countries
- Applying for and obtaining required visas in a timely manner
- Carrying all necessary travel documents
- Meeting health and vaccination requirements for entry
SALA Assistance: SALA will provide guidance on visa requirements, recommended vaccinations, and health precautions based on current information. However, SALA is not liable if a Client is denied entry due to visa, passport, or health issues. Changes to visa or health requirements are the responsibility of the Client.
Not a Visa Service: SALA is not a visa or immigration consultant. Clients are advised to contact their country's Thai embassy or consulate for official visa information.
9. Liability & Limitation
SALA as Agent: SALA acts as an agent for hotels, airlines, guides, and activity providers. SALA does not operate or control transportation, accommodations, or activities. Clients agree that their contract is with the individual Suppliers, not with SALA.
Supplier Terms: Each hotel, airline, and activity provider has its own terms and conditions. Clients are subject to the terms of Suppliers. SALA is not responsible for Supplier actions, negligence, or failure to provide services.
SALA's Limited Liability: SALA's total liability for any claim arising from a Journey is limited to the total amount paid by the Client for that Journey, and excludes:
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- Loss of enjoyment, reputation, or business opportunity
- Damages from third-party actions (Supplier negligence, theft by others, accidents)
- Claims related to travel delays, missed flights, or schedule changes outside SALA's control
Force Majeure Exclusion: SALA is not liable for any losses, delays, cancellations, or damages arising from Force Majeure events. This includes pandemics, natural disasters, government actions, war, terrorism, strikes, or extreme weather.
Personal Injury & Death: SALA is not liable for personal injury, death, or accident occurring during activities or transportation provided by Suppliers, unless caused by SALA's gross negligence. Clients assume all risks associated with travel activities.
10. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
Complaint Procedure: If a Client has concerns about their Journey, they must submit a written complaint to SALA within 14 days of journey completion. Complaints should include:
- Description of the issue or service failure
- Dates and times when the issue occurred
- Supporting documentation (photos, receipts, emails)
- Requested resolution
Investigation & Response: SALA will investigate the complaint and respond with a written resolution within 28 days of receipt. SALA will attempt to remedy the issue or provide appropriate compensation where warranted.
No Complaints After 14 Days: Complaints submitted more than 14 days after journey completion may not be considered, as SALA's ability to investigate or remedy issues diminishes with time.
Dispute Resolution: If the Client and SALA cannot reach agreement, disputes may be escalated to mediation or arbitration under Thai law before legal action is pursued.
11. Intellectual Property
Website & Content: All content on the SALA website, including text, images, videos, itineraries, journey designs, and photography, is the intellectual property of SALA Private Journeys. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification is prohibited.
Journey Designs: Custom itineraries designed by SALA are proprietary creations. Clients may not republish or commercially use SALA's journey designs without written consent.
Client Photos: SALA may use photos taken during Journeys for marketing purposes unless the Client explicitly requests otherwise at the time of booking.
12. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
Governing Law: These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Thailand, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Jurisdiction: Any dispute arising from these terms or a Journey shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Bangkok, Thailand. Clients agree to submit to the jurisdiction of Thai courts and waive any objection to venue.
International Parties: For international clients, disputes will be resolved under Thai law, even if this differs from the Client's home country laws.
13. General Provisions
Entire Agreement: These Terms & Conditions, along with the Booking Confirmation and Proposal, constitute the entire agreement between Client and SALA regarding the Journey.
Amendments: SALA may amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Changes become effective upon posting to the website. Continued booking or use of SALA's services constitutes acceptance of amended terms.
Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in effect.
Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not waive SALA's right to enforce it at a later time.
Third-Party Beneficiaries: These terms are for the benefit of SALA and the Client only, unless the Client explicitly assigns booking rights to another party (e.g., travel agent).
14. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms & Conditions, booking issues, or legal concerns, please contact:
- Email: reservations@salaprivatejourneys.com
- Address: SALA Private Journeys, Bangkok, Thailand
- Response Time: SALA aims to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours
Acknowledgment: By completing a booking with SALA Private Journeys, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. For our Privacy Policy, please visit our Privacy Policy page.