General Terms & Conditions

1. About Walking Adventures International

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before registering for any WAI tour. By registering and paying a deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms.

Walking Adventures International, Inc. (“WAI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Washington State corporation that plans and leads walking tours combining international and domestic travel with guided walking. We blend walking with historic, cultural, and scenic highlights of the areas through which we travel, offering a boutique-style experience for small groups.

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the contract between WAI and each registered tour participant (“you” or “Participant”). They apply to all tour registrations and supersede any prior communications, brochures, or representations.

2. Registration and Deposit

Your registration is confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit. All deposits are non-refundable except in the circumstances expressly described in Section 7.

To reserve your place on a WAI tour, you must:

• Complete and submit a registration form as directed by WAI;
• Pay the non-refundable Initial Deposit in the amount stated on the applicable tour page;
• Confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms.

Where you have previously paid a pre-registration deposit of $200 in respect of a tour, that amount will be credited toward your Initial Deposit at the time of full registration.

After registration, WAI will issue a payment schedule showing any interim deposit amounts, their due dates, and the final balance due date. WAI accepts payment by money order, personal check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover. All prices are in U.S. dollars.

3. Pricing

All tour prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy.

3.1 Currency and Surcharges

International travel arrangements are subject to foreign currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and government-imposed taxes. WAI reserves the right to apply a surcharge for material cost increases and will provide written notice before collecting it.

3.2 What Is Not Included

Unless expressly stated in the tour itinerary, the following are not included:

• International and domestic airfare to and from the tour start and end points;
• Passport, visa, and entry permit fees;
• Airport passenger facility taxes and departure taxes not included in airfare;
• Meals not listed in the itinerary; beverages at included meals;
• Gratuities for hotel housekeeping, local guides, and drivers (unless stated);
• Trip cancellation, medical, evacuation, or travel insurance;
• Personal telephone, valet, laundry, and other personal services;
• Porterage of personal luggage;
• Medical expenses of any kind.

4. Itinerary Changes and Tour Modifications

WAI plans itineraries carefully, but operational realities — including weather, terrain conditions, political developments, or circumstances beyond our control — sometimes require modification. WAI reserves the right to alter itineraries, substitute accommodations, reroute walks, or make other adjustments necessary for the safety, comfort, or smooth operation of the tour.

WAI will use all reasonable efforts to preserve the essential character and value of the advertised itinerary.

4.1 Mid-Tour Itinerary Deviations by Participants

Participants may not join or leave the tour at a point different from the scheduled start or end without WAI’s prior written approval. If a deviation is approved, any additional costs are the Participant’s sole responsibility.

5. Cancellation by Participant

All deposits are non-refundable. Final payment becomes non-refundable on its due date. WAI strongly recommends travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.

If you need to cancel, you must notify WAI in writing. The following standard cancellation schedule applies:

5.1 Modified Payment Schedules

Certain tours — typically those involving cruise vessels, expedition operators, or polar/remote-destination travel — operate under a modified payment schedule. Where a modified schedule applies, it is stated on the applicable tour page. Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is particularly important for these tours.

6. Tour Cancellations and Changes by WAI

6.1 Tour Viability and the Adventure Advice Commitment

WAI’s commitment to proceed with a tour departure is signaled by the issuance of an “Adventure Advice” email. Participants should not book airfare or make other non-refundable travel arrangements until they have received the Adventure Advice email.

If WAI determines a tour will not proceed, WAI will notify all registered Participants and refund all amounts paid within fourteen (14) days.

6.2 Cancellation of Specific Services

Amounts eligible for refund will be returned within fourteen (14) days. Amounts forwarded to suppliers will be returned within thirty (30) days of WAI receiving the refunded funds.

6.3 Supplier Non-Refundable Deposits

WAI will use reasonable efforts to recover all supplier deposits. Where full recovery is not possible, unrecovered amounts may be applied as travel credits.

6.4 Force Majeure

WAI shall not be liable for any failure or delay caused by events beyond reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, pandemic, government travel bans, strikes, terrorism, or war. Refunds will be limited to amounts actually recovered from suppliers.

7. Walks, Physical Conditioning, and Fitness to Participate

WAI tours involve daily walking of 3 to 7 miles over varied terrain. Participation requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.

7.1 Walk Characteristics

Walks vary in length (generally 3 to 7 miles per day) and terrain difficulty. WAI uses a difficulty rating system with a numeric indicator for incline and an alpha indicator for terrain. Participation in any individual walk is always optional.

7.2 Fitness to Participate

By registering, you confirm that you:

• Are physically capable of participating in the described walking activities;
• Do not have any undisclosed medical condition that would prevent safe participation;
• Have consulted with your physician if you have any condition that may affect your ability to participate;
• Understand and accept the physical demands of the itinerary.

7.3 Medical Disclosure

Participants must disclose any medical condition, disability, allergy, or medication on WAI’s Medical Disclosure Form. Failure to disclose a material condition may result in exclusion without refund. WAI guides are trained in basic first aid but are not licensed medical professionals. Medical expenses are the Participant’s sole responsibility.

7.4 Travelers with Disabilities

Participants with disabilities are welcome. WAI requests that those who may need assistance notify WAI at registration and arrange to travel with a companion who can provide necessary assistance.

8. Accommodations, Transportation, and Luggage

Accommodations: Tourist class to superior tourist class or better. All rooms en suite. Single occupancy requires a single room supplement.

Land Transportation: Motorcoaches as primary transport where applicable. Seats are not reserved.

Luggage: Porterage is not included unless stated. One (1) large suitcase or two (2) small suitcases, plus carry-on.

9. Air Travel

Tour pricing generally excludes airfare. Participants should not book airfare until they have received the Adventure Advice email (see Section 6.1). WAI is not responsible for airline schedule changes, cancellations, or delays.

10. Travel Insurance

WAI strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance. For certain tours, travel insurance meeting specified minimums is a condition of participation. WAI is not a licensed insurance broker and does not sell or administer travel insurance.

11. Limitation of Liability and Assumption of Risk

THIS SECTION CONTAINS IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS ON WAI’S LIABILITY.

International and domestic travel involves inherent risks. By registering, you acknowledge and accept these risks. WAI’s liability shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Participant for the applicable tour. WAI is not liable for acts or omissions of third-party suppliers, injury caused by circumstances outside WAI’s control, or consequential damages of any kind.

By participating, each Participant assumes all inherent risks and releases WAI from liability except to the extent caused by WAI’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

12. Participant Conduct

Participants are expected to behave respectfully. WAI may remove any Participant who engages in disruptive behavior, violates laws, presents a safety risk, misrepresents their fitness, or refuses to comply with guide instructions. No refund is provided for conduct-based removal.

13. Personal Data and Privacy

WAI handles personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy. Health information from the Medical Disclosure Form is used solely for safety and emergency planning.

14. Photography and Marketing

WAI may photograph or record tour activities for marketing purposes. By participating, you grant WAI a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such materials, unless you notify WAI in writing that you do not consent.

15. Special Requests and Dietary Requirements

WAI will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requests disclosed at registration. Special requests are not guaranteed and do not form part of the contract.

16. Passports, Visas, and Entry Requirements

Each Participant is responsible for holding a valid passport and all required visas and entry documents. WAI is not liable for costs arising from a failure to hold required travel documents.

17. Traveler Expectations

WAI is a small, boutique tour operator. Our programs are designed for travelers who value authentic experience, cultural engagement, and a sense of adventure. Hotel standards, food, and local customs vary across our destinations. Participants who thrive in WAI programs share a spirit of adaptability and curiosity.

18. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Washington. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Spokane County, Washington. Participants agree to good-faith informal resolution for thirty (30) days before initiating any legal proceeding.

19. Amendments to These Terms

WAI may update these Terms. The version in effect at the time of your registration governs your tour. Material changes will be communicated in writing.

20. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the tour-specific page and registration materials, the Medical Disclosure Form, and WAI’s Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and WAI with respect to your participation in a WAI tour.

Contact

Walking Adventures International, Inc.

522 W Riverside Ave, Suite 7220, Spokane, WA 99201

Email: fun@walkingadventures.com

Phone: 360.260.9393

Questions? Please contact us before registering. Registering constitutes acceptance of these Terms.