1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (the "Agreement") govern the relationship between you (the "Customer") and Blue Travel Group (trading as Out of the Blue: Surprise Holidays, a registered travel agency, through host agency, The Janine Loves Travel Group, offering surprise holiday travel booking services (the "Service"). By purchasing and using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement is legally binding and is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
2. Service Overview
Out of the Blue: Surprise Holidays provides customers with a surprise holiday experience, wherein customers book a holiday package without prior knowledge of the specific destination(s) involved. All itineraries are tailored to your preferences, but the final destination(s) remain undisclosed until your arrival at the departure point, or whenever you choose to reveal it.
3. Booking Process
- a. Personal Preferences: During the booking process, you will provide us with information regarding your general travel preferences, including, but not limited to, budget, duration, types of activities, and accommodations. This information is used to create a holiday itinerary that aligns with your interests.
- b. Surprise Element: The essence of the service is that you will not be informed of the destination(s) or specific details of your holiday until you embark on your journey. You accept that the holiday is designed to surprise you, and the specific destination(s) may not necessarily align with your personal expectations or preferences.
- c. Changes to Preferences: While we will do our best to accommodate your general preferences, the destination(s) and experiences selected will be based on availability and suitability. You acknowledge that the surprise aspect means the final selection may differ from your idealised vision.
4. Disclaimer of Expectations
You understand that the nature of a "surprise holiday" means that there may be elements of your trip that are outside your control. As such:
- a. Itinerary Decisions: All itineraries are completed in good faith, based on the information you provided and our expertise. However, due to the surprise nature of the booking, we cannot guarantee that every aspect of the holiday will meet your personal expectations. You acknowledge that the travel experience may not be as anticipated or desired, and this does not constitute a breach of contract or grounds for a refund or compensation.
- b. Enjoyment of Destination(s): We strive to provide enjoyable, exciting, and memorable experiences, but you accept that individual preferences, tastes, and experiences may vary. If you do not enjoy a specific destination, activity, or element of the trip, you understand that this is part of the surprise holiday concept and will not hold us liable for dissatisfaction.
5. Legal Protections and Consumer Rights
- a. ATOL Protection: Blue Travel Group (t/a Out of the Blue Surprise Holidays) is a member of the Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) scheme, which is administered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). ATOL protects your holiday and flight bookings by providing financial protection in the event of the company’s failure. If your holiday includes a flight, you are assured that you will be able to complete your journey or be refunded should any unexpected issues arise with the airline.
- b. PTS Protection: In addition to ATOL, Blue Travel Group (t/a Out of the Blue Surprise Holidays) is a registered member of the Protected Trust Services (PTS) scheme. This means that your holiday booking is financially protected against the failure of the agency or service providers, ensuring that your payments are secure and that you are covered should any issues arise.
- c. Refunds and Compensation: You are entitled to compensation or a refund in the event that we are unable to provide the holiday as booked, subject to the protections offered under ATOL and PTS. These schemes ensure that your financial interests are protected, but please note that they do not cover dissatisfaction with the destination or experience itself.
6. Customer Responsibility
- a. Travel Documents: You are responsible for ensuring that you hold valid passports, visas, travel insurance, and any other documents required for your journey. We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and loss of baggage.
- b. Health and Fitness: You must ensure that you are physically able to undertake the activities included in your surprise holiday. It is your responsibility to notify us of any health conditions or special requirements that may affect your travel experience.
7. Force Majeure
Blue Travel Group (t/a Out of the Blue Surprise Holidays), a subsidiary of the Janine Loves Travel Ltd shall not be held liable for any failure to deliver the agreed-upon itinerary or service in the event of Force Majeure, including, but not limited to, natural disasters, terrorist activities, government regulations, travel restrictions, pandemics, or any unforeseen circumstances that prevent us from fulfilling your booking.
8. Changes to Itinerary
- a. Modifications: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary, including changing the destination or activities, due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, availability of services, or changes in regulations. Any changes will be made in your best interest and in good faith.
- b. Customer-Requested Changes: Once the booking is confirmed, we may not be able to accommodate any changes to the itinerary, as it is designed specifically to be a surprise. If changes are possible, they may incur additional fees and are subject to availability.
9. Liability
- a. Limitation of Liability: We are not liable for any indirect or consequential damages resulting from dissatisfaction with the destination, accommodation, or activities provided. Our liability is limited to the price paid for the holiday package and any direct losses caused by our failure to deliver the services as agreed.
- b. Exclusion of Liability: We exclude liability for any damages, losses, or personal injury resulting from your own actions, failure to adhere to the holiday itinerary, or non-compliance with local laws and regulations.
10. Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your surprise holiday, we request that you notify us immediately, either during the trip or within a reasonable time thereafter. We will aim to resolve any issues to the best of our ability. However, dissatisfaction with the surprise nature of the holiday or the destination(s) will not form the basis for a claim for a refund or compensation. We accept complaints via email only, namely via hello@ootb-travel.co.uk.
11. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts.
12. Third Party Companies and Suppliers
Where we directly book a package holiday with a third party supplier, you will enter into a separate and parallel agreement with them, as per their standard terms and conditions. If you are unsure whether this provision applies to you, please contact us and we will inform you.
13. Contact Information
For any inquiries or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, or if you require assistance with your booking, please contact us at:
Blue Travel Group (t/a Out of the Blue Surprise Holidays)
A subsidiary of the Janine Loves Travel Group Limited.
Via email - hello@ootb-travel.couk
By proceeding with your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Terms and Conditions outlined above.