Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Design My Trip (“we”, “us”, “our”). By booking any travel services with us, you (“the client”, “you”) agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These conditions outline the relationship between Design My Trip and the client and define the responsibilities of both parties. Please read these terms carefully as they form the basis of your contract with us.

2. Services Offered

At Design My Trip, we offer a wide range of travel services, including but not limited to:

  • Flights – Domestic and international airfare booking.
  • Cruises – Ocean and river cruise packages with various cruise lines.
  • Package Holidays – Customized vacation packages, including flights, accommodation, and transfers.
  • Island Getaways – Exclusive deals for tropical island vacations.
  • Guided Tours – Tailored cultural, adventure, and luxury tours around the world.
  • Accommodation – Hotel, resort, and villa bookings.
  • Travel Insurance – Assistance in selecting appropriate travel insurance coverage.

Our goal is always to provide you with the best rates available to the South African market.

3. Third-Party Supplier Disclaimer

3.1 Role of Design My Trip

Design My Trip acts as a third-party agent and intermediary between you and the service providers (e.g., airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines). We do not own, control, or operate any of the services or products provided by these third parties. Our role is to facilitate the booking process on your behalf.

3.2 Supplier Terms and Conditions

Each service provider (e.g., airlines, hotels, cruise companies) has its own terms and conditions governing the services they provide. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the terms of
each supplier before finalizing a booking. Design My Trip is not liable for any acts, omissions, or errors of the third-party suppliers, including cancellations, delays, or alterations to the service.

4. Booking & Payment

4.1 Booking Process

To secure your travel arrangements, an accepted quote along with names as per passports, and payment of the deposit (or full payment if within the final payment period) is required. By submitting payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms and Conditions.

4.2 Payment Terms

  • Quotes are valid for 24hrs, however subject to change due to ROE and availability.
  • Rates are only final when full payment is received.
  • Deposits are subject to fluctuations of ROE.
  • We accept EFTs, however we are not liable for rate changes that can occur due to transaction waiting periods.
  • Immediate payments and confirmation of money reflection in the account can secure booking rates.
  • Airline tickets need to be paid in full to secure the airfares quoted. Airfares are subject to availability and fare increases without any prior notice.
  • For Hotel bookings, Car hire or Packages, a deposit will be required to secure the reservation depending on the terms and conditions on the supplier.
  • Final payment is due 30-60 days prior to departure, depending on the supplier’s terms & conditions. If final payment is not received by the due date, Design My Trip reserves the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.

4.3 Forms of Payment

We accept payments via cards, debit cards and bank transfers.
Funds need to be cleared before we can secure travel arrangements – proof of payments are not an accepted confirmation of payment.

5. Cancellations & Refunds

5.1 Cancellation by the Client

If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing. The following cancellation fees apply:

  • Cancellation fees apply and are subject to the terms and conditions of the third party supplier. Cancellation fees can be as much as 100%. Please ensure you are aware of
  • -refundable. Design My Trip reserves the right to keep commission or service fees charged on the booking as its cancellation fee.
  • Refunds from the service provider can take up to 12 weeks. Any or all refunds, due to change requests or cancellations, are solely dependent on the Supplier’s refund policy and Service Terms, which may include additional cancellation fees, administration fees or denial of application.
  • If any refund is due to you, the ETF payment will be made to you on confirmation of a bank account from your bank. Please note that it needs to be stamped by the bank and not older than 3 months.
  • If you want to cancel your booking and request a refund due to medical reasons, we require a medical report from your doctor giving the reasons why you are not fit to travel. Unfortunately, we would need to consult the Suppliers terms and conditions and present your case to them and a decision will be made.

5.2 Cancellation by Design My Trip or Service Provider

In rare circumstances, either Design My Trip or the service provider may need to cancel a trip. In such cases, you will receive a full refund, except in situations where cancellation is due to factors beyond our control (e.g., force majeure events such as natural disasters, war, or pandemics).

6. Changes to Your Booking

6.1 Changes by the Client

If you wish to make changes to your booking, please notify us in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but changes are subject to availability and may incur additional fees.

6.2 Changes by Design My Trip or Service Provider

Occasionally, we or the service providers may need to make changes to your travel arrangements (e.g., schedule changes, hotel substitutions). In such cases, we will inform you as soon as possible and offer alternative options. If the alternative is not suitable, you may be entitled to a refund or rebooking, depending on the provider’s policies.

7. Travel Insurance

It is essential for all clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical expenses, personal liability, and loss of personal belongings. Design My Trip is not responsible for any costs incurred due to insufficient insurance coverage.

8. Passports, Visas, and Health Requirements

8.1 Client Responsibility

You are responsible for ensuring that all travel documents (passport, visas, vaccination certificates) are up-to-date and valid for travel. Design My Trip is not liable for any expenses or delays resulting from failure to comply with immigration, customs, or health regulations.

9. Liability

9.1 Service Provider Liability

Design My Trip acts as a third-party agent in making travel arrangements (e.g., flights, accommodation, cruises, tours) on your behalf. We do not have direct control over the operations of these service providers and are not liable for any issues or losses arising from their actions, omissions, or failure to deliver the service.
9.2 Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Design My Trip shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property, delay, or additional expenses incurred due to unforeseen events, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, civil unrest, or health emergencies.

10. Force Majeure

Design My Trip shall not be held responsible for any failure to perform its obligations under this agreement due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, civil disturbances, strikes, or pandemics.

11. Data Protection

Design My Trip is committed to protecting your privacy. Any personal information you provide during the booking process will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which complies with data protection regulations.

12. Complaints

If you have a complaint about any of the services provided during your trip, please inform us as soon as possible. We will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing within days of your return.

Design My Trip

Cape Town
tanya@designmytrip.co.za
071 530 5226