St Leonard s College Big Experience Vietnam (HCMC-HANOI) November 2016 (18-days)

Transcription

1 St Leonard s College Big Experience Vietnam (HCMC-HANOI) November 2016 (18-days) Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta (Tra Vinh Province), Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi This 18-day educational tour of Vietnam is specifically designed for students of St. Leonard s College, Melbourne. Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, we will enjoy a thorough exploration of the country s largest city before venturing deep into the county s Mekong Delta region for a 3-day service-learning construction project. From here we will travel north to explore Vietnam s central provinces, spending time in Hoi An and the Imperial city of Hue to learn of its ancient and turbulent past. Finally we will travel to Hanoi on the historic Reunification Express Train to take in the capital city s main attractions. Highlights of the Vietnam Big Experience will include a plethora of outdoor activities, an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a Great Race activity as well as an abseiling activity, a hand s-on cooking class and a host of other outdoor and cultural pursuits. As the trip is designed to be of an educational value, a significant component of the itinerary is concerned with the social and cultural understanding of Vietnam, in particular the country s ancient and recent history and the rapid social changes it is currently undergoing. In the spirit of this understanding, students will undertake a series of service-learning activities designed to foster experiential learning through involvement in community building. This will take the practical form of involving students in a hands-on project in a remote province where they will work alongside local villages to construct a dwelling for an impoverished family. Most importantly, this trip is designed to be highly enjoyable as is intended to foster students Asia literacy and awareness as well as provide a very memorable introduction to the one of the most friendly countries in Asia. ITINERARY This itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. YOUR GROUP LEADER Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your trip. Thus SEA Travel (Student Educational Adventures) chooses to employ professional, dedicated student trip tour leaders who have several years experience escorting young people throughout the region. Day 1 Melbourne Ho Chi Minh City (Monday 7 th November 2016) Drive to Melbourne airport and check in for the day flight to Vietnam. On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City we will greeted at the airport by our tour leader who will escort us to our hotel. Following this, we will run through the itinerary and answer any questions followed by a short evening walking tour of this historic city. This evening we will enjoy our first taste of Vietnamese cuisine at a popular local eatery before a well-earned night s rest. (D) Flight: 7 NOV VN780 MELBOURNE HO CHI MINH CITY 11:35 16:25 Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City (Tuesday 8 th November) This morning we will set out for a thorough exploration of Ho Chi Minh City one of Asia s most dynamic metropolises and the powerhouse of the Vietnam. We will visit the city s dynamic 1

2 China Town as well as a bustling local wet market. This afternoon we will visit The War Remnants museum to learn of the Vietnamese experience during the Vietnam War, referred to in Vietnam as the American War to distinguish it from four other wars that were fought in Vietnam in the 20 th century. This afternoon we will enjoy a Great Race around Ho Chi Minh City. This activity is designed to facilitate urban exploration and to enhance students knowledge of this historic city as well as our appreciation of Southeast Asian culture. We will complete tasks, navigate and collect information and complete activities that will be challenging, fun and educational. Today we will also take time to visit the some other the city s other most important sites including its historic Post Office, a beautiful French built church. (B, D) NB: As the great race requires a significant amount of time complete, race activities will take place in the morning and the afternoon. Students not racing will visit the attractions described above in the morning and compete in the Great Race in the afternoon and visa-versa. 3 Ho Chi Minh City / Cu Chi Tunnels (Wednesday 9 th November) We will depart our hotel early and travel to Cu Chi Tunnels - once home to the country s communist guerrillas in their struggle against the French and Americans. We have the opportunity to climb down into the tunnels to learn of the conditions the local communist guerrillas had to endure. It is this area of South Vietnam that witnessed the fiercest fighting during the American conflict and was also subject to extensive air defoliation program, the results of which can still be observed in the area today. En our return trip to Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon we will also visit an orphanage to learn of the plight of children abandoned at birth. There will be time to interact with the children. We will return to our hotel later this afternoon where there will be time for some independent exploration before dinner. (B, L, D) Day 4 Mekong Delta / Ta Vinh (Thursday 10 th November) Today our real adventure begins as we journey in to the country s deep south to the waterways of the Mekong Delta. After travelling about three-four hours south of Ho Chi Minh City, we will board our private boat to cruise through remote tributaries. In the afternoon we will arrive at a village where we will spend the coming days undertaking our community project which will entail building a dwelling for an impoverished delta family. We will also enjoy a bike ride through the surrounding villages to get a feeling for the lives of the local people and learn of the delta environment which is home to nearly a third of the country s population. We visit a local school to gain an underatanding of the education system in Vietnam. Waste management is a major problem in Vietnam and the Mekong Delta Region, although in spite of this, many residence of the delta provinces practice sustainable methods of living including recycling of manufacturing materials and the use of sustainable fuel which we will learn of today. NB: The home stays is a private home overlooking the Mekong River. Accommodation is very basic featuring basic bedding, pillows, blankets, mosquito nets, ceiling fans, electric lights, mosquito coils and western toilets. Main luggage may be left in our city hotel storage room while on the community project. (All meals included during building component) (B, L, D) Day 5 & 6 Mekong Delta (Fri 11 th & Sat 12 th November) Life in the Mekong Delta begins early, as we will this morning to have breakfast and then begin our building project. This will take the form of practical building and some laboring tasks as we construct a house for an impoverished family in this remote region. Breaking into groups, there will be a variety of tasks to undertake each day of the project from cutting bamboo scaffolding, assembling frames, brick laying, hammering, sawing and transporting of materials. Local tradesmen and tour leaders will be supervising and assisting throughout the project, often identifying students with particular skills to perform the more difficult or skill orientated tasks. Groups will be rotated throughout the project. During our time in this region we will be expected to assist with the preparation and cooking of meals for our group and local family. The days will be long and the results rewarding as we see our project come to fruition and as curious villages from all around come to watch and assist us. (B,L,D) Day 7 Mekong Delta (Cai Be) (Sunday 13 th November) This morning we will put the finishing touches on the dwelling we have spent many hours building and have a short hand-over ceremony with the family whose house we have built. There will be a few tasks that will be required before the house is completed however it is expected we will finish the great majority of the building. We will begin our journey north, stopping for the night in Vinh Long Province. On arrival this afternoon we will board our private boat to cruise through tributaries stopping to visit various cottage industries including confectionary 2

3 manufacturing, incense production and pottery making. In the afternoon we will enjoy a bike ride through some local villages to get a feeling of the lifestyles of the local people and later make our way to a small island nestled in the heart of the Delta, the site of our local family home stay. NB: this activity may differ slight between the two groups travelling depending on the final location of the community project. One group will be working in a farther province than the other and will have different accommodation on the evening of day 7. The other group will spend their entire time at the one homestay. (B, L, D). Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City (Monday 14 th November) Today we will farewell the Mekong Delta and make our return trip to Ho Chi Minh City, but not before visiting a fish sauce factory where we will learn the process of making Vietnam s most famous condiment. Arriving back in Ho Chi Minh City around midday, there will be ample time to relax and explore the city s vibrant retail districts as well as its unique markets which are among the best in Asia. Tonight will be our last in the south of Vietnam. After dinner tonight we will have time at a local night market followed by an energetic session of one of Vietnam s favourite past times karaoke. (B, L) Day 9, 10 & 11 Hoi An (Tuesday 15 th & Wednesday 16 th & Thursday 17 th November) We will depart South Vietnam this morning for our short flight to the country s central provinces. Arriving in the city of Danang, we will visit Marble Mountain where we will climb to the top to take in views of China Beach, and from where we will enjoy some abseiling training and later practicing our skills around the mountain s surrounding caves and cliffs. We will then transfer to Hoi An today a picturesque silk route trading town overlooking the South China Sea. After checking into our hotel we will set out to explore this picturesque town with its plethora of tailor shops, delicious food and friendly people. This town was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998 and serves as a model town for students interested in the development of sustainable tourism. During our time in Hoi An will bike to the beach to enjoy a refreshing swim and a game of beach football. We will also enjoy cycling through the hinterland around the outskirts of town stopping en route at rural villages and traversing buffalo fields. On our second (or third) day in Hoi An we will enjoy a hands-on cooking class hosted by one of the town s talented chefs to learn the secrets to cooking some of Vietnam s essential dishes. We will also enjoy a short walking tour of the Ancient town section of Hoi An to learn of its rich history and architecture and the roll the town played in opening up trade between Europe and Asia during the 15 th & 16 th centuries. (3B, 1L, 1D) FLIGHT: 15NOV VN112 HO CHI MINH CITY DANANG 09:55-11:15 Day 12 & 13 Hue (Friday 18 th & Saturday 19 th November) Today we will depart Hoi An and travel further north to the beautiful imperial city of Hue. Arriving in Hue this afternoon we will set out at a leisurely pace by bicycle (or cyclo), taking in Dong Ba market, the moated ruins of the Imperial Citadel and the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. During our time in Hue we will venture into the countryside, exploring markets and isolated villages far removed from the mainstream attractions. Whilst in Hue we will visit one of the intriguing tombs of the Nguyen Emperors to learn of Vietnam's royal traditions. Time permitting we will visit more of Hue s attractions including the Coliseum and Tu Hieu Pagoda. (2B,1L, 1D) Day 14 Hue / Reunification Express Train (Sunday 20 th November) Today we will head into the countryside on bicycles venturing through rural villages, stopping at an ancient bridge and climbing up an old royal coliseum once used for tiger and elephant fighting. We will visit the intriguing tombs of the Nguyen Emperors to learn of Vietnam's royal heritage in this country that has since adopted a socialist doctrine. We also have the opportunity to see remnants left over from the Vietnam/American War - not used since the 1968 Tet Offensive. After dinner we will board the overnight Reunification Express train heading south. We will pass through the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on our way to the cultural capital city of Vietnam, Hue. Train compartments are 4-berth soft sleepers. Each compartment has fold out beds, pillows, sheets, blankets, air conditioning and lockable doors. The train departs Hue in the early evening and arrives in Hanoi the following morning. Dinner and breakfast on the train are not included, but can be purchased cheaply before the train trip in Hanoi. (B, L) Day 15 Hanoi (Monday 21 st November) We will awake early this morning as our train arrives in the delightful capital city of Hanoi. Later we will take to the streets of Hanoi on bikes for a trip around the city s picturesque lakes district. Cycling through narrow streets in some of Hanoi s most beautiful neighborhoods, our local guide will tell us of the history of this ancient city and how it has developed over the last thousand years. Tonight we will enjoy a performance of Hanoi s famed Water Puppet Troupe to learn something about Vietnam s folklore and legends. (B, L, D) 3

4 Day 16 Hanoi (Tuesday 22 nd November) This morning we will take to the streets to explore some of the city s fascinating sights. No visit to Hanoi would be complete without a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda, now a pilgrimage site for the locals. Later today we will visit the Hanoi s intriguing Old Quarter and wander through narrow lanes packed with a myriad of goods including exotic fruits and foodstuffs, copied designer clothes and electronic items. Midafternoon we will visit the Australian Embassy and talk to staff about Australia s relationship with Vietnam and the role that the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs plays in fostering relationships between different countries NB: depending on when the Australian Embassy can arrange a meeting for us, this activity may be reschedule for day 16 (B, D) Day 17 Depart Hanoi (Wednesday 23 rd November) After breakfast at our hotel followed by the inevitable last minute packing there will be time today to visit the famous Hoa Lo prison nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton but the American airman who survived and were incarcerated here after been shot down over Hanoi during the American war. We will enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant. KOTO is a non-profit organisation established to train disadvantaged teenagers in the hospitality industry. A staff member will talk to us about the charity and the staff s future prospects after completing the training course. Following this we will return to our hotel for our transfer to Hanoi airport for our flight back home. Our tour leader will take care of all our onward travel arrangements, escort us to the airport and wave us farewell. (B) Flight: 23 NOV VN257 HANOI HO CHI MINH CITY 16:10-18:20 then VN781 HO CHI MINH CITY - MELBOURNE 21:00 09:35 24Nov Day 18 Arrive Australia (Thurssday 24 th November 2016) Arrive Melbourne airport at 9:35am. Bus back to South Road gates. Key: Included meals on tour (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) SUMMARY Grading: Challenging. Students will be required to be in good health to get the most of this trip whilst any one of reasonable fitness will be able to take part. Students will be expected to walk every day, particularly during the community project component of the trip. You will also be expected to work diligently during the days of the community service project. You will also be expected to be able to ride a bike. It will be necessary for you to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances. Accommodation: Student accommodation is on a twin/triple share basis. Teacher accommodation is on a single room basis. Transport: Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane, cyclo/ bicycle, train. Group size: Minimum group size 24 students + 3 staff (No Maximum group size) Tour Inclusions: International economy airfares and Australian taxes with Vietnam Airlines All accommodation and transport including 1 internal flight en route (Ho Chi Minh City - Danang) All sightseeing, entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in itinerary SEA TRAVEL Group Leader throughout the tour Drinking water provided on long bus rides over three hours in length Local English speaking guides where required All breakfasts, 10 lunches, 13 dinners Vietnam Visa 4

5 PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION (VIETNAM) With its wondrous Limestone island and mountain ranges, to its historical marvels, bustling cities with an energy driven by a new economy, quiet country villages reliant on rice agriculture as they have been for centuries, ornate Confucian temples, high-rises side by side with splendid French colonial architecture; Vietnam is a country of contrasts. And contrast means a greater variety of travel experiences that satisfy a great number of client markets. It is also largely assumed that infrastructure within Vietnam is poor. Whilst we won't deny that Vietnam is a developing country, its friendliness and charm are first rate. The Vietnamese people have strong beliefs and values. They are a pragmatic people, with a philosophy to move forward, not to dwell on the past, and a determination to improve the lives of their children. Most of all they are warm and welcoming, and proud to show you their homeland. VISAS Please contact SEA Travel if you have any queries about Visas. They will assist in arranging all necessary documentation for your trip. WEATHER From May to October, the south (Ho Chi Minh City) weathers a wet season comprising daily, heavy - but short-lived and predictable - afternoon rain showers, which break up the otherwise hot and humid days. Temperatures are on average in the low 30s. From November to April, the dry season is sunny and humid, and sunscreen and hats are highly recommended. Weather patterns in central Vietnam can vary tremendously due to the nearby Truong Son mountain range. Nha Trang s short rainy season lasts from November to December, while Danang may see some typhoon activity from mid-october to mid-december. Dalat is cooler than the coastal regions from November through March, and Hue often has drizzling rain from December through February. The north of Vietnam (Hanoi) has a very distinct summer, running from May to October, and is subject to occasional monsoons at this time. A cool winter with temperatures in the low -teens occurs from December through March. February and March can be damp and subject to drizzling rain (known as 'rain dust'). GETTING AROUND While generally pleasant and hassle free, transport in Vietnam can at times be erratic and at times and infuriating at other. Flight and train schedules change, roads flood or close for no obvious reason and traffic can sometimes result in delays. Your tour leader or local guides will always be aware of the local conditions and ensure that all your transport throughout the country runs as smoothly as humanly possible. Vietnam Airlines is the National Carrier and the only commercial airline servicing all domestic routes within the country. Vietnam Airlines maintain one of the youngest fleet of aircraft in the world with a fleet of newly leased Airbuses, ATR s and Fokker aircraft. During the rainy season flights can often be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, in which case your Tour leader will assist with your arrangements, or any changes that may be necessary as a result. The most famous train experience in Vietnam is the Reunification Express. Of great historic significance, the single track linking Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City was restored in 1976 to express the country's unity, after having been destroyed repeatedly during years of war. The carriages of the Reunification Express have recently been modernized and refurbished and are equipped with air-conditioning (in soft sleeper class) and 2 western style toilet facilities per carriage. All motor vehicles used by SEA Travel for overland road journeys, tours and transfers are modern and air-conditioned, licensed to carry foreign visitors and fully insured. Separate luggage vans are used for groups as required. Typical vehicles are modern Hyundai 15 to 40 seater buses, 1-8 passenger Mercedes-Benz transports and Japanese cars. GROUP LEADERS Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your holiday. Thus SEA Travel chooses to employ professionals who have lead groups throughout all areas of Vietnam for a minimum of five years. Our educational group leaders have been chosen because of their extensive knowledge of the country and their ability to deal with the needs and demands of young student groups. GUIDES All SEA Travel local guides are Vietnamese who have completed tourism-training college, and are selected for their knowledge, language and inter-personal skills. They all speak excellent English and apart from the expected guiding, they are happy to share their intimate knowledge of the country with you. HOTELS & RESTARUANTS A terrific choice of restaurants exists in almost all of Vietnam s cities and towns. Many new properties are also under development. Good 3 star accommodations is available in other provinces, and basic 2 or 3 star in other regional areas (such as the Mekong Delta, Sapa and Ha Long Bay). As we assess all hotels regularly, and as standards vary and new properties are under construction at all time, we are constantly finding new properties. Generally speaking, the same is true of restaurants, with the greatest variety of both Asian and western style restaurants in the two main city centres, and more often local restaurants utilized in the provincial regions. CLOTHING Light, comfortable clothing, with warmer clothes for the winter months are recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on women however the Vietnamese are still modest and very revealing clothing is frowned upon. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee. Dinner restaurants require only casual clothing. HEALTH An anti-gastric or upset stomach remedy is recommended as you may be eating food your system is unused to. We recommend you seek a medical practitioner's advice on up to date precautionary medicine. International Travel Insurance is essential to joining any of SEA Travel trips. For school trips, this is usually included in the overall trip cost. There are no specific health requirements for entry into Vietnam. Recommended vaccinations include: Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. Please consult your doctor with regard to other diseases 5

6 prevalent in Vietnam. Carrying a prescription for glasses and medication you may need is a good idea. For professional and medical advice contact your local doctor. FOOD Food will be a true highlight of your trip to Vietnam. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetables are in abundant supply (in fact, vegetarians are very well catered for) and are most often served in a light stirfry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli, lemongrass, coriander or a special fish sauce. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. All restaurants, eateries and cafes your Tour leader or guide recommend or escort you to will be high reputable and general serve delicious food. In these places, fresh salad, raw vegetables and ice are all fine to consume. Bottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Please remember also that mild stomach upsets and diarrhoea are very common ailments when experiencing new cuisine. The food in Vietnam as in every country is different; this does not mean it is bad. Often your system will need some time to adjust to your new and often healthier diet is all that is needed. PEOPLE The Vietnamese people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. A healthy curiosity does exist and you may find yourself frequently engaged in conversation unexpectedly or at the centre of attention. SAFETY Vietnam is a developing country and lavish displays of wealth only encourage petty theft. Do not interact with 'street children' or beggars who are often organised thieves. Do not wear large amounts of jewellery, handbags or cameras carried carelessly over a shoulder as passing motorbikes may easily snatch them. Being aware of your surroundings and carrying little obvious wealth is the best defence against theft. Do not take cyclos or walk deserted streets after dark - use the very efficient and inexpensive taxi services. Having said that, your personal safety is at low risk in Vietnam as violent incidents against foreigners are extremely rare. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? Expect a new travel experience. Expect to see a picture perfect landscape of rice paddies and water buffaloes. Expect bustling cities and busy streets of bicycles and motorcycles, which are a challenge to cross. Expect to be popular with the locals, to be stopped in the street for an unexpected conversation. Expect comfortable hotel properties throughout your trip and quaint homestays in the provinces. Expect the occasional mishap - a delayed flight or a short power outage. Expect stunning mountain passes and endless photo opportunities. Expect to find unexpected bargains! Expect crowded airports. Expect your guide/tour leader to take care of that for you. Expect to sample a new and unique cuisine or a pizza every now and then. Expect the noise, expect the heat. Expect to learn about daily rituals and traditions performed for hundreds of years, to hear legends, to smell exotic spices in a local market. Expect to marvel at ancient towers that remain standing after 500 years, through wars and countless monsoon storms. Expect welcoming smiles Expect things to be different from what they are at home - after all, isn t that why you came in the first place? Some basic customs / practices in Asia: Please sit on chairs when provided and not on the floor. Always wear footwear when outside, in public places and in hotels. Local people always wear shoes unless they are too poor to afford them. It is fine to go bare foot on beaches and around swimming pools. Please do not show displays of affection in public. This is considered weird and is awkward for local people to watch. It is perfectly fine and normal (and safe) for a female to go to the bathroom by herself in Asia Please abstain from playing the drums at the dinner table with your chopsticks when in restaurants! Easy to be a green traveller Save water: Don t leave the water running while brushing teeth, shaving or washing your face. This will help save an average of 5 litres. A bath uses 90+ litres of water while a quick shower uses around 25 Dispose of tissue and cotton wool in the bin rather than in the toilet; one flush can use up 13 litres of water Let the hotel know that they needn t launder your towels and sheets daily Be energy efficient: Minimise the number of lights you have on in your hotel room; switch off those you don t need. Switch off appliances, including laptop and cell phone, when not in use; unplug when possible. Electricals such as televisions and mobile phone chargers continue to draw power even when on stand-by. Switch off the air-conditioner or heater when you leave the room. Generally speaking for people new to travel in tropical regions, a night time temperature of 23 C is recommended. Cooler than this may result in waking up too cool in the night time or worse, catching a cold Boil only as much water as you need when using the kettle in your hotel room if you wish to make drinks Reduce waste: Don t buy new travel-sized toiletries each time you travel; instead, use durable containers and refill before each trip. This also helps ensure that you stay within new airline security rules regarding liquids in hand luggage. Never litter. Many parts of the world don t have the infrastructure for regular waste disposable; and many things we throw away aren t biodegradable. Refuse plastic bags when buying things. Plastic bag consumption in Asia is amongst the highest in the world and if not refused will be provided by sellers for virtually every item however small, you purchase. 6

7 SEA Travel (Student Educational Adventures) VIETNAM CAMBODIA AUSTRALIA Room 401, Building No 2 62 Street, 134Sangkat Vealvong PO Box 1005 (17 Galtymore Close) Tran Thanh Tong Street, Hai Ba Trung District Khan 7 Makara Warranwood VIC 3134 Hanoi, VIETNAM Phnom Penh, Cambodia Australia Tel: Tel: Tel: Fax: Fax: Fax: david@studenteducationaladventures.com mia@studenteducationaladventures.com info@studenteducationaladventures.com BOOKING CONDITIONS Deposit & Balance A non-refundable deposit of A$500pp is required upon confirmation of your booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. If you fail to pay by the due date we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit. If you make a booking less than 60 days prior to departure, full payment is due immediately. Credit Card Payments - All credit card payments incur a 2.0% administration fee. Amendments Up to 60 days prior to departure one amendment per booking is permitted free of charge. For all subsequent changes there will be an amendment fee of A$50 per change. Within 60 days prior to departure, cancellation fees may also be charged. Cancellation Cancellation fees apply to all cancelled reservations. The fee is determined by the date written cancellation is received by Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel). Cancellation charges are as follows: Days before departure: More than 60 days - Loss of deposit days - 50% of total booking cost 30 days or less - 100% of total booking cost Refunds Refunds are not made for any unused services. No refund will be made if you leave the trip early for any reason. Passport / Visas - All passengers must hold a valid passport and valid visa. It is your responsibility to obtain a current Vietnam visa. Unless otherwise arrangement with Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel). This may take up to 4 weeks to process. Insurance Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) tours. Your policy should cover against, theft, personal accident, personal liability, medical expenses, cancellation of tickets and repatriation. Exchange Rate All prices are quoted in Australian dollars (AUD$). Due to the unstable nature of the Australian dollar against the US dollar, regrettably surcharges may be necessary. Age Travellers over the age of 70 years old are required to provide a medical certificate from their doctor at the time of booking. Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) tours are not recommended for children under the age of 10 years. Responsibility A very high level of care is taken to ensure suppliers maintain high standards. However, as we do not control the airlines, bus operators or hotels we cannot be responsible in any way for problems resulting from the booking, unless it is a direct result of negligence on our part or the part of our employees. Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) act as agents only for the persons or companies providing or offering the means of travel, transport, accommodation or other services and all receipts, tickets, vouchers are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and services are offered. The traveller is fully aware that he/she is travelling in an area that may be remote, subject to unusual climatic conditions or politically unstable. Should Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) deem it advisable to amend an itinerary, it may do so by varying or completely rerouting any trip. In this case the traveller will make no objection or claim for compensation. Refunds will be at the total discretion of Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel). Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) will do everything it can to ensure your tour departs on time. However Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) reserves the right to cancel any tour 30 days prior to departure should the group size fall below the minimum numbers required. Alternative dates will be made available. Should this option be unacceptable, a full refund of all payments will constitute full settlement with the passenger. SEA Travel (Student Educational Adventures) reserves the right to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of any party at any time. Travellers agree to accept the authority of the group leader. SEA Travel (Student Educational Adventures) will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes any laws or regulations of all the countries in which we arrange trip to. All employees of SEA Travel (Student Educational Adventures) are bound by these conditions. Privacy Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) respects your privacy and abides by the terms of the Privacy Amendment Act We will only collect personal information that is relevant to your travel arrangements. We will protect the privacy of the information you provide us and only pass it to third parties such as airlines, tour companies, hotels or insurance providers when that information is necessary to fulfill your travel arrangements. In providing this information to us, you consent to Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) using this personal information for the purpose of making and completing travel arrangements on your behalf. 7