Peru & Bolivia. South America. Proposal for Kate Russell Staffordshire County Council Geography Peru & Bolivia

Transcription

1 Peru & Bolivia South America Proposal for Kate Russell Staffordshire County Council Geography Peru & Bolivia Summer 2012

2 Contact Information The Specialist Travel Consultancy should be your first point of reference for any queries you may have about your itinerary. Itinerary reference: SCC Peru & Bolivia.v1 Your travel plans are being coordinated by: Adrian Ferraro The Specialist Travel Consultancy Dix s Field Exeter Devon EX1 1QA Tel: adrian@thestc.co.uk About Us: The Specialist Travel Consultancy provides free, impartial advice to schools, colleges and families looking to arrange tours, expeditions or holidays with a difference. As an independent travel agency working with over 35 of the UK s best tour operators, we add value to your experience through our passion for travel and knowledge of the market place. We arrange subject related tours, school expeditions, adventure holidays, tailor made journeys, family adventures and a whole lot more. As a travel agency, our services to our clients are completely free. Adrian has travelled and trekked extensively from an early age. His first independent trip was to New Zealand, aged just 16, which was soon followed by a month long exploration of Europe by train. His first major expedition was a six month overland journey from London to Nairobi, crossing the Sahara into West Africa en-route to the jungles of Central Africa Republic and Zaire, before emerging into the game parks of Uganda and Kenya. He graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in Exercise Science before embarking on a four month trip through South America from Ecuador to Argentina which included remote trekking in the Peruvian Andes. Recent years have seen visits to Nepal, South Africa, Turkey, Finland, Croatia and a return visit to Morocco. Before setting up the STC in 2006, Adrian spent six years working in an independent adventure travel agency arranging holidays, charity treks and school trips to countries as diverse as Mongolia, Namibia, Peru and Laos. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and has an OCR Certificate in Off-site Safety Management. When not in the office he enjoys mountaineering, climbing, skiing and surfing, as well as introducing his two young children to the delights of foreign travel.

3 Your Travel Provider We have contacted the specialist adventure tour operator The Adventure Company, to quote on your planned trip. They are one of the largest adventure operators in the UK and are able to tailor trips to our clients needs. We have worked closely with them for many years and have had excellent feedback from past clients who have travelled with them. Tour Operator Summary The Adventure Company is an adventure holiday specialist with nearly 15 years experience. They have been independently assessed as complying with the British Standard BS8848 for overseas visits. The Adventure Company can also add the reassurance of being backed by one of the world s leading travel groups - TUI. Why is the STC recommending The Adventure Company? Experience & Suitability: The Adventure Company s experience in adventure travel spans the globe and they have been at the forefront of trekking and adventure for many years. They are used to dealing with school parties and have a dedicated selection of school itineraries. They can also adapt their general pre-set itineraries to the needs of a group, taking into account ability, age and interest. The Adventure Company is very experienced in these factors and, as well as those mentioned below, lead us to believe that The Adventure Company is the most suitable operator for this trip ATOL Financial Protection: The Adventure Company holds a full ATOL licence (No. 6352) meaning any money that is paid to them is 100% safe, even if using a low-cost airline. ATOL protection is provided in the form of a bond lodged with the Civil Aviation Authority, and is the only 100% safe form of financial protection in the UK, covering all eventualities from operator or airline failure to changes in foreign office advice. All payments for this trip would be payable directly to The Adventure Company. The STC only ever recommends our clients to book flight inclusive travel with an ATOL protected company. Safety & Back-up up: The Adventure Company are in compliance with the Learning Outside the Classroom Tours Badge, and they have been independently assessed as complying to the British Standard BS8848 for overseas visits. The company has a continuously manned emergency contact telephone number and has highly established emergency response procedures that have been developed over many years. They have a full time member of staff in control of health and safety and a thorough risk assessment for this trip would be provided if you decided to go ahead with this proposal. As part of the TUI group of companies The Adventure Company have the resources and back-up of one of the world s biggest travel companies. Local Leaders: The Adventure Company generally use local leaders, born and raised in the region. These leaders are highly trained, speak English (and of course the local languages) and will enable an insight into the local country that would not be possible with western leaders. A professional leader who is first aid trained will accompany you throughout your trip. Value for Money: By using locally run hotels and reputable in-country agents, The Adventure Company is able to offer excellent value for money. Prices for travel booked through a tour operator are undoubtedly more expensive than if you book direct with a local operator in the country you are visiting. However, you are paying for assurance of quality, safety and reliability. You get full financial protection, knowledge the ground operators are tried and tested, safety assessments and the emergency back-up of a large company, excellent guides, reliable transport and assessed accommodation.

4 Quotation The following are the per person prices for the suggested travel arrangements. Flight inclusive travel arrangements per person for 20 adults The cost is based on the above minimum group size. Should the group be less than the above then The Adventure Company may have to review the selling price. The above costing is subject to change without notice and is subject to confirmation of services, availability and exchange rates at the time of booking. Rates are based on twin rooms. A single supplement is available at 208 per person Included: International airfares and pre-paid taxes All accommodation English speaking, first aid qualified tour leader throughout with specialist local site guides. All ground transportation as per itinerary ATOL financial protection Group first aid kit BS8848 safety management, risk assessments, 24 hour back and emergency response Excluded: Travel Insurance Transport to airport in UK Visas if required (see country information for more details) Any required innoculations Personal spending money Mineral water and drinks Tips for guides and porters between 22 & 33 per person is recommended for this trip. Airport departure taxes paid locally (see country information pages) Optional Activities: For group members that wanted to walk part of the Inca Trail T there is a 2 day / 1 night overnight package starting at KM104. You would start early on Day 6, arriving at the Sun Gate mid-morning on Day 7. You would have a full tour of the ruins before getting the train back to Cusco. The optional trek includes porters, trekking guides, camping equipment and meals participants would need to bring their own sleeping bag. Bookings for the Inca Trail need to me made around 4 months before departure. There is no extra charge for this option (subject to permit changes). Day 6: Urubamba White Water River rafting 30 per person OR Mountain biking (Sacred Valley) 35 per person In Puno the old iron ship Yavari has a good story to tell and can be visited any time during the day. More info at Cusco: The Kusikay theatre show is worth considering. Info at There is a small planetarium in Cusco. Info at Travel Insurance If arranging your own insurance, it is vitally important that you make sure it covers the group for all the activities that are included in the expedition. If you require a quote for travel insurance, please contact us for details.

5 Detailed Itinerary: Day 1: UK to Lima Fly from the UK to Lima, on arrival transfer to hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: D Departure Time Arrival Time Flight number London Heathrow 0725 Madrid 1050 BA 7053 Madrid 1240 Lima 1735 BA 7232 * All times are local & subject to change, flights subject to availability at the time of booking. * Operated by Iberia Day 2: Lima & Project Peru City tour of Lima including spending half a day at Project Peru. We will see the contrasts of the capital city from the colonial splendor of the old town to the modern new area of Miraflores. In the afternoon we head to the shanty towns on the outskirts of Lima and the base of Project Peru ( Accommodation: Hotel

6 Day 3: Cusco Transfer back to the airport, fly Lima to Cusco. On arrival you will transfer to your centrally located hotel. This afternoon we take a city tour to reveal Cusco s historical and archaeological treasures including the outlying ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomacha. We will also visit the city centre including the Sun temple, San Blas district and markets. Today, its orderly streets bear witness to the extraordinary skill of Inca stonemasons; many are still lined with precisely interlocked stonework which serves as the foundation for later buildings from the colonial era, creating an atmospheric pastiche of contrasting architectural styles. With your local guide, you explore the inner city on foot. Accommodation: Hotel

7 Day 4 The Sacred Valley Drive into the Sacred Valley and spend the morning exploring the ruins and markets of Pisaq before reaching the hotel in Yucay in the Sacred Valley by mid-afternoon and having the rest of the day free. Accommodation: Hotel Day 5: The Sacred Valley, Pisac Markets The Sacred Valley was the heartland of the Inca Empire; full of farmer s fields, mountain views and quiet rural charm; you have the whole day to enjoy its delights. There is plenty to do in the valley; you can take to mountain bikes for a stunning ride from Chinchero via the Inca ruins of Moray before descending past the salt pans of Maras; alternatively you can explore on horseback or go white water rafting on the Urubamba River, stretch your legs with some stunning walking or relax and enjoy the peace (all optional). Accommodation: Hotel

8 Day 6: Day 7: Optional activities (morning), Machu Picchu (afternoon) The morning is kept free for optional walks or mountain biking in the Sacred Valley. We ll transfer around lunch time to Ollantambo where we ll explore the ruins there before heading to the station to board the train for the spectacular ride to Aguas Calientes and the lost city of Machu Picchu. Accommodation: Hotel Machu Picchu We rise early for a comprehensive guided tour of the Machu Picchu site. Rich in vegetation the variation of altitude gives rise to different types of forest from lowland rainforest to cloud forest. In the afternoon rejoin the train heading back to Cusco. Accommodation: Hotel

9 Day 8: Cusco Free day in Cusco. There are many markets and highlights in the city to explore, or a large number of optional day excursions as well. Accommodation: Hotel Day 9: High Andes road to Puno A long (7 hour) but classic journey across the expansive altiplano offers panoramic vistas of this huge, high plateau dotted with llama, alpaca and the adobe dwellings of lonely herders. Your route starts on the lower fertile valleys outside Cusco and cumulates on the La Raya pass (4321m) to Racchi, site of the Inca Viracocha temple. The temple was one of the largest roofed structures built by the Inca, and Racchi remains an important centre for folklore and tradition, hosting an annual folklore festival in mid-june. On arrival in Puno we check into our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel

10 Day 10: Lake Titicaca Today you take a boat to the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians and the island of Taquile. The life of the Uros is based on the totora reed, which grows in the lake and is used to construct houses and boats, thereby fostering the theory which led to Thor Heyerdahl s Pacific journey with Ra. It is said that the Uros began their floating existence by constructing the islands to isolate themselves from the belligerent Colla and Inca tribes. On reaching the islands it is clear that they are no longer as secluded as they once were, but they are still a unique sight. Continuing into the lake you arrive at Taquile Island covered in pre-inca farming terraces and small villages. Life here has not changed in centuries - men dressed in 15th century attire sit in groups continually knitting intricate hats and belts, people toil in the fields using archaic, yet effective techniques and the views out across the lake to the snow-capped mountains on the horizon are stunning. Accommodation: commodation: Hotel

11 Day 11: Into Bolivia We bid farewell to Peru as we head across the border into Bolivia. We have more time on the lake as you get to drive along the lake shore to Copacabana to board a hydrofoil. You will visit two islands, firstly Moon Island and secondly, Sun Island, where you will have the opportunity to view many of the archaeological sites. You then continue to Huatajata where you stay overnight in a homestay. Accommodation: Homestay Day 10: La Paz A drive of about 160km brings us to the deep canyon which is the site of La Paz, the most traditional of the Andean capital cities. Accommodation: Hotel

12 Day 13: La Paz City tour of La Paz and a tour of the Valley of the Moon a bizarre area of heavily eroded rocks which lies about 10km from the town centre. Accommodation: Hotel Day 14: Depart Depart to the airport for an early morning flight. Departure Time Arrival Time Flight number La Paz 0650 Miami 1555 AA 922 Miami 2040 London Heathrow BA 208 Day 15: Arrive UK END OF SERVICES Please note: It is important to realise that the itinerary needs to be flexible. While every effort will be made to follow the above schedule, in the event of political problems, airline schedule changes, The Adventure Company will do their best to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, but it is important to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED and be prepared to accept some slight changes. Relax and have faith in your guides he or she will want you to see their country in a good light.

13 How to Proceed Authorisation: If you are happy to proceed with our recommendations as per the above proposal, then The Adventure Company require a deposit of per person and names as per passports for the whole group. Please get in touch if you wish to proceed and we will send through the booking forms and a copy of The Adventure Company s terms and conditions. On receipt of this confirmation, deposits and the forms, The Adventure Company will reserve the necessary flights, accommodation and services. We must point out that we are not currently holding any reservations and the offer is subject to availability and cost of services at the time of the receipt of your payment. Payment: All cheque payments relating to travel arrangements should be made out to The Adventure Company This T ensures that your r money is covered under The Adventure Company s Worldwide s ATOL licence No Cheques, booking forms and all correspondence relating this itinerary should be sent to The Specialist Travel Consultancy, who will then forward them on to the relevant The Adventure Company department. The Specialist Travel Consultancy does not hold client money in any of our accounts. The final balance for the trip would be payable no later than (10 weeks) prior to your departure date. Please note your booking is at risk if payment is not received by this time. Availability of arrangements: Please note that the arrangements specified in this proposal are subject to availability upon booking. As soon as we receive payment we will instruct The Adventure Company to go ahead and make all necessary arrangements, therefore please book as soon as possible to minimise the risk of availability problems. Amendments: If you require any amendments made to the itinerary, please get in touch and we will endeavour to make any adjustments that are possible. The itinerary and services given above are entirely flexible and we will work with you to make sure the trip fits your exact requirements. Group Numbers: The costs are based on a minimum group sizes laid out on the quotation page. Should the final group size differ from the numbers stated here, it may be necessary to adjust the quotation. Paperwork: We will normally send all correspondence, documentation and tickets to one person to disseminate to the group. Please let us know if you want individual copies sent to party members. The Adventure Company Booking Conditions: This booking is subject to The Adventure Company Booking Conditions which can be found at: Please ensure that all travellers, parents and guardians have read, understood and accept the booking conditions. By making a booking with The Adventure Company you are agreeing to their terms and conditions. STC Terms and Conditions Your attention is drawn to the terms and conditions of The Specialist Travel Consultancy, as detailed in the back of this proposal.

14 Peru: Country information Full Country Name: The Republic of Peru Area: 1,285,220 sq km (496,225 sq m) Population: 28.7m (2007 estimate) Capital: Lima People: Indigenous (45%), Mestizo (37%), European/White (15%), other 3% Language(s): Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aynara and a number of minor Amazonian languages Religion(s): 81% Roman Catholic, 2% other denominations, 16% unspecified or none Currency: rency: Nuevo Sol S/ Government: A Republic Electricity: 220 volts AC, 60Hz. Time: GMT -5 hours Regulations & Red Tape A full passport, valid for 6 months after your return date, is required for travel to Peru. British passport holders do not currently need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in length. However, travellers must be in possession of a return air ticket, and if entering Peru overland from another South American country a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required. Departure tax: of approx. $31 per person is payable on departure from Peru. This must be paid in country at the airport. There is also a local tax of approx. $5 per person payable on domestic flights within Peru. Climate: Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, containing 83 of a possible 103 types of ecological zones. The capital, Lima, is located in the narrow desertified coastal shelf that runs almost the entire length of the country. Eastwards, the Andes rise steeply to snow-capped peaks reaching over 6,000m. The range is characterised by high plateaux, deep canyons and spectacular mountain passes. The Cotahuasi Canyon in southern Peru is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Heading further east, the Andes give up their snow covered slopes to cloud forest, and ultimately, to the upper reaches of the Amazon. Peru is at its best between early June and late September. During this time the weather in the mountains is characterised by clear blue skies and sunshine and the days can be warm. However, due to the altitude the nights are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping to near freezing. The main rainy season runs from November to April with the mountains often obscured in cloud, and frequent rainfall. The coastal belt, including that around Lima, is affected by cloud, fog and drizzle for much of the year. Climate Chart for Cuzco Month Temperature Average Wet Days per Average Sunlight Discomfort from Relative humidity Average Daily Record Precipitation Month (+0.25 (hours) heat and humidity Min Max Min Max am pm (mm) mm) J F M A M J J A S O N D

15 Health Information The information on this page has been provided by 'fitfortravel' ( - a public access website provided by the NHS (Scotland). It gives travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. Remember that you should always discuss your particular needs with your own doctor or nurse. Advice for All Destinations The risks to health whilst travelling will vary between individuals and many issues need to be taken into account, e.g. activities abroad, length of stay and general health of the traveller. It is recommended that you consult with your General Practitioner or Practice Nurse who will assess your particular health risks before recommending vaccines and /or antimalarial tablets. This is also a good opportunity to discuss important travel health issues including safe food and water, accidents, sun exposure and insect bites. Many of the problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. The 'T7' leaflet (from Post Offices) gives details of health care agreements between countries and is accompanied by an application form for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The completed form must submitted about 6 weeks before you plan to leave to allow the card to reach you on time. The EHIC entitles travellers to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment in most European countries. For Travel Safety Advice you should visit the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website ( Health Advice for Peru: Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including vaccines given to special groups because of risk exposure or complications (e.g. hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly). Courses or boosters usually advised: tetanus; hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever (for those visiting areas below 2300m east of the Andes) Vaccines sometimes advised: diptheria, tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B, cholera No vaccine certificate required. Malaria The malaria risk is high in the north and east of the country, in some states along the Amazon river tributaries. There is variable risk in other low-lying areas below 2000m. The risk along the Pacific coast to the west of the Andes is very small except in the plains in the far north of the country. There is virtually no risk at high altitude in the Andes - this includes the Inca trail routes taken by trekkers to Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

16 Bolivia: Country information Full Country Name: Plurinational State of Bolivia Area: 1.28 millionsq km ( sq m) Population: 10.4m (UN, 2010) People: Indigenous, primarily Aymara,Quechua and Guarani Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative) Language(s): ge(s): Under 2009 Constitution, all 36 indigenous tongues are official languages as well as Spanish Religion(s): Major religion Christianity Currency: 1 boliviano = 100 centavos Government: A Democracy with elections very five years Electricity: 220/230 V* except La Paz & Viacha 115V Time: GMT -4 hours Regulations & Red Tape A full passport, valid for 6 months after your return date, is required for travel to Bolivia. British passport holders do not currently need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in length. It is advised you carry a Yellow Fever vaccine certificate. Departure tax: of approx. $24 per person is payable on departure from Bolivia. This must be paid in country at the airport. There is also a local tax of approx. BOB 14 per person payable on domestic flights within Peru. Climate: Bolivia has a temperate climate but temperatures can differ dramatically between day and night. The wettest period is November to March, which, in extreme circumstances, may induce landslides in mountainous areas, and cause certain roads to become impassable. The northeast slopes of the Andes are semi-tropical. Visitors sometimes find La Paz uncomfortable because of the thin air due to high altitude. The mountain areas can become very cold at night Climate Chart for La Paz Month Average Sunlight (hours) Temperature Discomfort from heat and Relative humidity Average Precipitation (mm) Wet Days per Month (+0.25 mm) Average Daily Record humidity Min Max Min Max am pm J F M A M J J A S O N D

17 Health Advice for Bolivia: Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including vaccines given to special groups because of risk exposure or complications (e.g. hepatitis B for health care workers, tuberculosis for children at risk and healthcare workers influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly). Courses or boosters usually advised: tetanus; hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever Vaccines sometimes advised: diptheria, tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B, cholera Yellow Fever vaccine certificate is advised. Malaria Malaria prophylaxis may be necessary dependent on where you travel. The Fit for Travel website advises: Malaria risk is due predominantly to benign (P.vivax) throughout the year in all areas below 2500m. Malignant (P. falciparum) malaria exists in the departments of Santa Cruz, northern Beni and Pando, especially in the localities of Guayaramerin and Riberalta. Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarials. Chloroquine or proguanil are usually recommended for risk areas in the west of the country. Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually recommended for the Amazon basin (east of the Andes). If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure. If travelling to high risk malarious areas, remote from medical facilities, carrying emergency malaria standby treatment may be considered.

18 The STC: Adding value at every step What we do The Specialist Travel Consultancy is an independent travel agency. We specialise in educational adventure tours and expeditions for schools and colleges. Our role is to provide you with free, impartial advice on all aspects of arranging overseas trips, ensuring you get the best value for money and the most appropriate arrangements. We can save you, time, money and hassle. Added Value As agents, rather than a tour operator, we earn our income in the form of commission. Our service to schools and pupils is therefore free of charge. Our unique knowledge of the marketplace helps us advise on all aspects of travel planning including the choice of destination, style or travel, which tour operator is best for your particular needs, climate, visas, the itinerary itself and a range of pre-departure considerations. Personal Service We are small enough to offer a very personal service, and that is what we aim to do from initial enquiry right through to your departure. At the same time, you will also have the backing of a market leading tour operator that has had many years of experience in arranging travel itineraries in the particular country you plan to visit. Flexibility We are fully aware that every school s requirements are different when planning a trip abroad. With this in mind, we can tailormake any aspect of your planned trip to suit your needs. The wide variety of tour operators we deal with means we are perfectly suited to be able to design an itinerary appropriate to your specific requirements, year after year, whatever the destination or style of trip you have planned. Reputation and Quality It has always been our aim to build up long term relationships with the schools, colleges and charity organisations we deal with. Our reputation rests on giving you the best possible advice for your current requirements, and recognising that these may be different from previous trips we have arranged for you. We remain fiercely protective of our independence from the tour operators we deal with and will always strive to give you honest, practical advice on how best to approach your trip. Safety Safety is our highest priority when advising schools planning to take pupils abroad. We work with the most highly respected companies in adventure travel and have built up an enviable reputation for our knowledge of tour operators strengths, weaknesses and areas of specialism. The STC will only ever recommend companies that we believe can provide you with the safety, commitment, understanding and attention to detail that is so obviously needed when planning such trips. Adventurous activities and expeditions, by definition, carry more potential risks than more usual school trips, however, it is only when these risks are not effectively anticipated, assessed and managed, that problems are likely to arise. Pre-departure checks & documentation. Prior to your departure, we ensure that all necessary areas have been covered during the planning and preparation of your trip. We will provide you with a copy of our Steps for a safer journey booklet which provides useful information, tips and suggestions on how to manage your group effectively and safely whilst abroad. We can also provide help and advice with fundraising and expedition marketing. Complete Financial Security The STC is an approved agent for a wide variety of ATOL protected tour operators and travel providers. Whilst The STC will handle all aspects of your booking, we do not handle any client money. Payment for the travel services we arrange is made directly to the ATOL licence holder and you are therefore covered financially by their ATOL bond. This arrangement entirely satisfies the strict guidelines of the UK travel industry regarding consumer protection. Environmental & Ethical Issues It is our firm belief that tourism should be both sustainable and beneficial to all concerned. We are committed to only working with those companies that have environmental and ethical policies in place. In arranging your travel through us, you can be confident that you will be minimising your impact on the environment and culture of your destination, while at the same time maximizing the positive economic impact of your trip.

19 The STC: Marketing your trip We want your tour or expedition to be a success and that means getting students to sign up. Parents need to be assured; and having the support of other staff, senior managers and governors will mean that you are able to use your time more effectively. There are various ways we can help you to promote your trip as part of our free service. Summary Itineraries Our Summary Itineraries have proven to be a great tool to help publicise trips and expeditions to students and parents. We base the summary on this in-depth proposal, with any amendments you may wish make prior to launch. The Student/Parent Summary is designed to clearly communicate your planned trip in a professional, but interesting format. We include many photos on a one or two-sided A4 sheet as well as an overview of the tour or expedition, any objectives, the day-to-day itinerary, information on the tour operator and on the services we provide here at The STC. We send these summaries to you as a pdf for you to then to parents or print as you see fit. Assemblies, Launch Meetings and Parents Evenings Once you have the necessary authorisation for your trip, contact us to discuss a range of options we would be able to help you with such as assemblies, launch meetings and parents evenings. If you would prefer to do some initial marketing yourself, then we also have a library of destination images and promotional PowerPoint presentations to assist you. Posters We can help you with posters and possibly other advertising media as required.

20 The STC: 50:50 Carbon Offset Scheme The emissions from your international flight have the greatest environmental impact of any part of your trip. The STC encourages all our clients to offset their carbon emissions from their flights by contributing 50% of the offset cost to offset them, as long as the school or pupils contribute the other 50%. The following information is taken from the Friends of Conservation (FOC) website, FOC are our chosen charity through whom we normally make our offset donations. Recognising the many benefits that travel brings, Friends of Conservation offers travellers the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives. These include our own alternative energy and forestry programmes in Kenya; as well as projects managed by partners involved in wildlife and habitat acquisition, conservation and renewable energy activities in Asia, South Africa and South & Central America. In addition to reducing levels of atmospheric carbon, these programmes also provide a number of social, economic, educational and environmental benefits for local communities. Cost per person for offsetting your flights Suggested donation which will matched by the Specialist Travel Consultancy 7.50 per person 20

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22 THE SPECIALIST TRAVEL CONSULTANCY LIMITED TERMS AND A CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS By proceeding further with either these or any alternative arrangements the Specialist Travel Consultancy may offer or recommend end to you, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions as laid out below. 1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION Customer the entity (whether or not incorporated) to which the services of STC are supplied with a view to the Customer entering into a contract with an Operator as contemplated by these terms and conditions Customer s an individual such as (but not limited to) a teacher or other group leader with whom STC deals as the authorised Representative representative of the Customer on the one hand and/or of the Travellers on the other Operator an entity (whether or not incorporated) providing Tours Parents any persons having legal care and custody of Travellers and/or carrying parental responsibility for Travellers whether or not biological parents of the Travellers STC The Specialist Travel Consultancy Limited (Company No ) having its registered office at 14 Manston Road, Exeter, EX1 2QA Tour a package of travel services provided by an Operator including one or more of the following: flights, accommodation, transport, activities, and guiding. Traveller an individual intended in any dealing between STC and a Customer to undertake a Tour with an Operator whether or not such Tour is actually undertaken or a contract for such Tour entered into between the Customer and the Operator Website Any and all websites maintained by STC at whatever address or addresses for the purposes of its business as contemplated by these Terms and Conditions including but not restricted to that at 2. INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL 2.1 In this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires words importing any gender include every gender, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, words importing persons include firms, companies, corporations and vice versa and references to numbered clauses are references to the same clauses in this Agreement 2.2 Where any obligation is undertaken by two or more persons jointly they are to be jointly and severally liable in respect of that obligation 2.3 Any obligation on any party not to do or omit to do anything is to include an obligation not to allow that thing to be done or omitted to be done 2.4 Any party who agrees to do something shall be deemed to fulfil that obligation if that party procures that it is done 2.5 The headings to the paragraphs of these terms and conditions shall not affect the interpretation 3. DISPUTES If any dispute or difference arises out of or in connection with these terms and conditions the parties shall with the assistance of the Centre for Dispute Resolution seek to resolve the dispute or difference amicably by using an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure acceptable to both parties before pursuing any other remedies available to them but if either party fails or refuses to agree to or participate in the ADR procedure or if in any event the dispute or difference is not resolved to the satisfaction of both parties within 90 days after it has arisen the dispute or difference shall be referred to arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996 by a sole arbitrator appointed by the President for the time being of the Law Society 4. STC S SERVICES 4.1 STC will supply advice, information and administrative services on the basis of information supplied by or on behalf of the Customer relating to a Tour proposed by the Customer for Travellers associated with the Customer 4.2 The Customer acknowledges that it has no contract with STC for the supply of the Tour and that STC is not a party to any contract between the Customer and the Operator 4.3 These Terms and Conditions shall apply to every supply of the said services by STC and may only be varied or disapplied in writing signed by a Director of STC 5. STC S OBLIGATIONS 5.1 STC will use its special experience and knowledge to advise and supply information to the Customer on the selection of a suitable Operator, the Tours available, the places in which such Tours are to take place, and the suitability of tours for the Travellers, and will supply administrative services in connexion with the documentation required by the Operator for the Tour at all stages whether before or after the Customer and the Operator enter into a contract for the supply of a Tour by the Operator 5.2 STC is not responsible to the Customer for any default or breach of contract by an Operator arising out of any failure by a Customer, a Customer s Representative, Parents or Travellers to supply relevant information about Travellers to STC or the Operator 6. THE CUSTOMER S OBLIGATIONS 6.1 The Customer and the Customer s Representative warrant that they have supplied to STC all information that may be relevant to the advice given by STC pursuant to these terms and conditions on the selection of Tour and Operator 6.2 Any Customer s Representative dealing with STC on behalf of a Customer, Parents or Travellers undertakes that he has full and sufficient authority from them to disclose all relevant information to STC and the deal with STC on their behalf 6.3 The Customer undertakes to STC that (a) all Parents and Travellers have been or will be given copies of these terms and conditions and (b) all customary or required consents by Parents for the participation of Travellers in a Tour have been given or will be given, in both cases before any payment is made by the Customer to the operator 7. THE OPERATOR S OBLIGATIONS The parties acknowledge that the contract for the supply of the Tour is made between the Operator and the Customer and that STC is not a party to that contract 22

23 8. MONEY AND FINANCIAL PROTECTION STC does not hold money on behalf of the Customer, the Operator, the Parents or the Travellers and all payments relating to Tours are made directly to the Operator or to such body (not being STC) as the Operator shall require. The Customer acknowledges that STC has made no warranty or representation to it that STC is ATOL-bonded. The Customer will make all payments relating to Tours required by the Operators fully and timeously having regard to the subsisting arrangements between the Customer and the Operator 9. COMMUNICATIONS In order for STC to discharge its obligations and deliver a satisfactory service to the Customer STC must be permitted to act as an intermediary between the Customer and the Operator. Accordingly the Customer undertakes that as far as practicable the Customer and the Customer Representative will communicate (and that it will procure as far as possible that Travellers and Parents will communicate) with the Operator only through STC except as provided in Clause 10 hereof 10. NOTICES 10.1 Notices given to an Operator by a Customer relating to any arrangement between the Customer and the Operator must be given by the Customer to the Operator with a copy to STC and STC has no authority to accept any notice on behalf of an Operator nor can it undertake to forward any notice to an Operator 10.2 Notices pursuant to these terms and conditions or any arrangement between STC and a Customer must be in writing and given to STC at its registered office from time to time as on record at Companies House and delivered either personally or by Royal Mail Special Delivery. STC shall not be required to accept service of such notices by or fax 11. OPERATOR S TERMS AND CONDITIONS These terms and conditions are without prejudice to any terms and conditions of an Operator and to the terms of any agreement entered into between a Customer and an Operator 12. INSURANCE When STC has advised on insurance relating to Tours (whether such insurance relates to cancellation, death or personal injury to or sickness of a Traveller, medical and repatriation expenses of Travellers, or otherwise), such advice has been given to the best of its ability on the basis of information supplied to STC and STC will not be responsible for any loss caused by failure to effect insurance as recommended or by avoidance of a claim by insurers because of non-disclosure of relevant facts 13 STC S WEBSITE Copyright in all material carried on the Website is reserved. The Website is provided for personal and non-commercial use by Customers, Customers Representatives, Travellers and Parents and by the general public, and material carried on the Website may not be modified, copied, distributed, transmitted, reproduced, published, licensed, performed, used to create derivative works, transferred or sold for any other purpose without the prior written consent of STC 14. INCORPORATION OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Customer and STC acknowledge that these terms and conditions are incorporated into any arrangements made between STC and a Customer and that STC s services are supplied to the Customer in reliance upon such acknowledgement by the Customer 15. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION The relationship between STC, the Parents, the Customer and the Travellers shall be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance with English law and the parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any dispute, suit, action, arbitration or proceedings ( Proceedings ) which may arise out of the supply of such services provided that nothing contained in these terms and conditions shall be taken to have limited the right of a Customer to bring Proceedings in any other 23