Terms & Conditions

Important information about booking and travelling with us

Effective from: October 15, 2025

Please Read Carefully

These Terms & Conditions outline the agreement between you and Maharajah Tours when booking travel arrangements through us. By making a booking, you accept these terms on behalf of all party members.

Your booking is protected under the PTS Travel Trust system, ensuring full financial protection for your peace of mind.

1. Booking & Payment

How to confirm your travel arrangements

1.1 Making a Booking

A booking is made when you (the lead passenger) accept our quotation and provide all required information. The person making the booking must be 18 years or over and have the authority to accept these terms on behalf of all party members.

1.2 Deposit Payment

To confirm your booking, we require a deposit payment. The deposit amount will be clearly stated in your quotation and varies depending on:

  • The type of holiday (package, cruise, tailor-made)
  • Time until departure
  • Supplier requirements

1.3 Balance Payment

The balance of your holiday cost must be paid by the date shown on your invoice, typically:

8-12 weeks before departure Standard package holidays and cruises
10-14 weeks before departure Tailor-made and bespoke itineraries
Immediate payment Bookings made within 8 weeks of departure
Important: Late Payment

If we don't receive your balance payment by the due date, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled and apply cancellation charges.

1.4 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

Credit/Debit Cards
Bank Transfer
Cheque (7 days clearance)

2. Pricing & Fees

Understanding your holiday costs

2.1 Price Guarantee

Once your booking is confirmed and full payment received, prices are guaranteed except for:

  • Government-imposed taxes and charges
  • Airline fuel surcharges
  • Currency fluctuations exceeding 2%

2.2 What's Included

Your holiday price includes all items specifically listed in your booking confirmation. Please check your documentation carefully.

2.3 What's Not Included

Travel Insurance Unless explicitly stated
Visas Your responsibility to obtain
Vaccinations Required health precautions
Meals & Drinks Unless specified in itinerary
Optional Excursions Not included in base price
Tips & Gratuities At your discretion

3. Cancellations

Cancellation policies and charges

3.1 Cancellation by You

You may cancel your booking at any time by notifying us in writing. Cancellation charges may apply. Please email info@maharajahtours.co.uk or contact one of the team now.

Protection: These charges may be recoverable under travel insurance if you cancel for an insured reason. This is why we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

3.2 Cancellation by Us

We reserve the right to cancel your booking in the following circumstances:

  • Non-payment by the due date
  • Minimum numbers not reached (group bookings)
  • Force majeure circumstances (see Section 10)

If we cancel your booking (except for non-payment), you will receive a full refund of all monies paid or an alternative holiday of equivalent or higher value.

4. Amendments

Changing your booking

4.1 Changes by You

If you wish to amend your booking after confirmation, we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Please note:

Amendment Fees Apply

An administration fee is chargeable, plus any charges from suppliers (airlines, hotels, etc.)

Timing Matters

Changes requested close to departure may not be possible and could be treated as a cancellation

Name Changes

Treated as a cancellation and rebooking by most airlines; significant charges may apply

4.2 Changes by Us

We reserve the right to make changes to your booking if necessary. We will:

  • Notify you as soon as reasonably possible
  • Offer alternatives or a full refund for significant changes
  • Pay compensation for major changes (as per our policy)
What constitutes a "significant change"?

Changes to departure time by more than 12 hours, airport changes (London airports excepted), significant resort or hotel standard downgrades, or substantial itinerary alterations.

5. Travel Documents

Your responsibility for valid documentation

5.1 Passports

You are responsible for ensuring that you and all party members have valid passports. Requirements typically include:

Validity Period

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date

Blank Pages

At least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps

Condition

Passport in good condition with no damage

5.2 Visas

It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary visas. We can provide guidance, but you must:

  • Check visa requirements well in advance
  • Apply in good time (some take weeks)
  • Ensure visa type matches your travel purpose
Important Warning

We cannot accept liability if you are refused boarding or entry due to incorrect or missing documentation. Standard cancellation charges will apply.

5.3 Tickets & Vouchers

Travel documents (e-tickets, hotel vouchers, etc.) will be sent approximately 2 weeks before departure, once final payment is received. Check all details carefully upon receipt.

6. Insurance

Essential protection for your trip

Travel Insurance is Essential

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance when you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you have adequate insurance in place.

6.1 What Should Be Covered

Medical expenses and repatriation
Cancellation and curtailment
Personal liability
Baggage and personal effects
Loss of passport
Travel delays

6.2 Pre-existing Medical Conditions

You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer. Failure to do so may invalidate your policy.

6.3 Insurance Through Us

We can arrange comprehensive travel insurance for you. Please ask for a quotation when making your booking.

7. Health & Safety

Staying safe while travelling

7.1 Health Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure you are medically fit to travel and have obtained:

  • Required vaccinations and immunizations
  • Necessary medications for your destination
  • Medical clearance for fitness to fly (if applicable)

7.2 FCDO Travel Advice

We recommend checking the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for your destination at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Important Safety Notice

If the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, you may cancel your booking and receive a full refund (minus any unrecoverable costs).

7.3 Special Activities

If your holiday includes adventure activities (diving, skiing, etc.), ensure your insurance covers these activities and you meet any age or health requirements.

8. Special Requirements

Accessibility and dietary needs

8.1 Informing Us

Please tell us about any special requirements at the time of booking, including:

  • Mobility issues or wheelchair requirements
  • Dietary restrictions or allergies
  • Medical conditions requiring assistance
  • Any other special needs

8.2 Our Commitment

We will pass your requirements to relevant suppliers and do our best to accommodate them. However:

  • We cannot guarantee requests will be met
  • Some suppliers may charge additional fees
  • Confirmation is subject to supplier capabilities

It is your responsibility to ensure that the services booked meet your needs before confirming your booking.

9. Our Responsibility

Understanding our role as your travel agent

9.1 Acting as Agent

Maharajah Tours acts as an agent for carefully selected airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. We take great care in selecting our partners, but we are not responsible for:

Supplier Actions

Acts or omissions of transport companies, hotels, or other suppliers

Service Standards

The standard of accommodation, facilities, or services provided by third parties

External Events

Circumstances beyond our reasonable control (see Force Majeure)

9.2 What We Are Responsible For

We are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate information and advice
  • Making bookings as requested
  • Passing on relevant information to suppliers
  • Acting with reasonable skill and care

9.3 Limitation of Liability

Our liability to you is limited to the cost of your booking. We are not liable for indirect losses such as loss of earnings or enjoyment.

10. Force Majeure

Events beyond our control

We cannot be held responsible for failure to perform our obligations due to "Force Majeure" – circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

Extreme weather conditions
War, threat of war, riots
Pandemic or epidemic
Industrial disputes
Natural disasters
Nuclear incident
Terrorist activity
Government action

Your Protection: While we cannot be liable for Force Majeure events, comprehensive travel insurance should cover most unexpected cancellations and disruptions.

11. Complaints

How to raise concerns or issues

11.1 During Your Holiday

If you have a problem during your holiday, please:

1
Report Immediately

Notify the supplier (hotel, airline, etc.) and ask them to resolve the issue

2
Document Everything

Take photos, keep receipts, and get written confirmation of the problem

3
Contact Us

Call our emergency number if the issue cannot be resolved locally

11.2 After Your Holiday

If you wish to make a complaint after your return:

  • Write to us within 28 days of your return
  • Include booking reference and supporting evidence
  • We will acknowledge within 7 days and respond fully within 28 days
Complaints Department

Email: info@maharajahtours.co.uk

11.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

If we cannot resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may refer the matter to:

ABTA Arbitration Scheme
Website: www.abta.com

12. Financial Protection

Your money is protected

PTS Travel Trust Protection

All payments are protected under the PTS Travel Trust system, ensuring your money is safe and you can claim a refund if a supplier fails.

12.1 ATOL Protection

Where applicable, your flight-inclusive holiday is financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL scheme. You will receive an ATOL Certificate showing your protection details.

12.2 What This Means For You

Full Refund

If we cease trading before your holiday, you'll get your money back

Holiday Completion

If you're abroad when we cease trading, you'll be able to complete your holiday

Repatriation

Alternative flights home will be arranged if necessary

Important Information

Please note that ATOL protection only applies to flight-inclusive packages. Other arrangements may be protected differently through our trust account arrangements.

13. Data Protection

How we handle your personal information

We collect and process your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

13.1 Why We Need Your Data

  • To process and manage your booking
  • To pass information to travel suppliers
  • To comply with legal obligations
  • To communicate important travel information

14. Governing Law

Legal jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions are governed by English law, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with your booking confirmation and any other documents we've provided, constitute the entire agreement between you and Maharajah Tours.

14.2 Severability

If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

14.3 Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version applicable to your booking is the one displayed on our website at the time of booking.

Questions About These Terms?

If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

Email: info@maharajahtours.co.uk
Phone: +44 7836 895 392

Our team is here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities when booking with us.