Travel Services Sales Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed scope of services that clearly specifies what accommodations, transfers, activities, and meals are included, as well as what is excluded.
• A structured payment schedule detailing deposit amounts, final payment deadlines, and accepted payment methods.
• A comprehensive cancellation and refund policy outlining non-refundable deposits and sliding-scale fees based on how close the cancellation is to the departure date.
• A robust force majeure clause that protects your business from liability due to acts of God, political instability, strikes, or travel warnings.
• A clear disclaimer of liability for the acts, omissions, or delays of third-party suppliers such as airlines, hotels, or local tour guides.
• An assumption of risk and liability waiver for clients participating in physical or adventure activities during the trip.
• A process for handling itinerary changes, specifying how adjustments made by either the client or the provider will be communicated and billed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to explicitly state which travel expenses, like flights, visas, or travel insurance, are not included in the package price.
• Using vague language regarding cancellations, which leaves your business vulnerable to credit card chargebacks from unhappy clients.
• Assuming responsibility for third-party vendor failures instead of shifting that liability to the specific airline, resort, or transport company.
• Neglecting to require a signed agreement before accepting the initial booking deposit or initiating reservations.

Frequently asked questions