Terms & Conditions

Identification: Passengers are required to make reservations in the full name that is listed on their government-issued identification that they will use for travel. Passengers must ensure their name and date of birth is correct on all travel documents. If you need to make any changes to names or date of birth after travel documents have been issued, passenger will be responsible for any associated change fees. Passenger is required to immediately review all aspects of their booking to verify (but not limited to): passenger names, mailing address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, pricing, airfare, arrival/departure airports, accommodations, and organized activities on their booking receipt. Please notify Melanin and Stamped Travel immediately if any omissions and/or corrections are needed regarding the booking details. Passenger(s) voluntarily assumes full & sole responsibility for any and all risks and/or costs involved with failure to report such errors and/or omissions.

Passport and Visas: U.S. citizens traveling to any destination outside of the United States will be required to present a valid U.S. Passport to the airline gate. Passports must be valid for 6 months past the return date. (Please refer and adhere to the country of arrival/departure of specific rules regarding passports). Passengers are responsible to ensure that they have all the proper documents for entry including a valid passport and visa. All travelers must ensure they are authorized to travel domestically and internationally. Travelers with certain legal issues such as but not limited to taxes, child support, probation/parole, etc., may be denied entrance or exit of some countries. Please check the State Department website for further information. Immunizations may also be required. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in denied boarding, denied entry, and/or government-imposed fines. If you are a citizen of another country holding a passport, there may be additional requirements. Check with the nearest consulate or embassy of the destination you are traveling to and find out the entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens. We strongly suggest all cruise passengers to have a valid passport in their possession while cruising.

Travel Protection: Travel insurance protection is Strongly Recommended. This responsibility rests solely with the passenger and we advise you to do your research and find coverage that best fits your individual needs. We highly recommend travel protection that helps provide coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses and more. By declining travel protection, you acknowledge and accept liability for any cancellation penalties, damages and/or out–of-pocket expenses incurred. Please note that if you decline this type of coverage, your confirmation will note “declined” next to the travel protection section of your confirmation. If you HAVE purchased travel protection, please remember to review your confirmation for accuracy and call us immediately if you believe you have travel protection and your confirmation indicates declined. Failure to contact us will be considered waiver of travel protection.

Children: All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for cruise tours is 6 months old and child must sail in a cabin with an adult over age 25 years of age. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safety of their children including providing any necessary safety equipment (such as infant/child seats) where appropriate.  If a person under the age of 18 years will be traveling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter written by the parents, or non-traveling parent, granting authorization to travel, including dates of travel should be carried.

Payments:  Melanin and Stamped Travel merchant account is through Travel Joy. Travel Joy accepts PayPal and major credit cards. If deposit/payment is not received by the agency on or before the Deposit Due Date, reservations are automatically cancelled. Failure to remit payments on a timely basis will automatically put your booking at risk of cancellation. Without limitation, Passenger(s) voluntarily hold Melanin and Stamped Travel harmless for cancellation of any booking for either late payment or declination of a credit card.

Refunds: All payments to Melanin and Stamped Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. Melanin and Stamped Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will allow us not to obtain any refunds.

Prices: All prices listed are per person based upon shared twin room occupancy unless otherwise clearly specified. Prices do not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, wines, water, beverages, food (other than at all-inclusive resorts or where clearly specified), passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes unless specifically indicated in the package inclusions. Prices are correct at time of publication; however, as airfares continually fluctuate and classes of service may have limited capacity, tour package prices and availability will change accordingly. In case of human or computer error, Melanin and Stamped Travel reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service.

Deposit: A deposit is due at the time of reservation. No rooms or flights are held until a deposit is received. Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable All quoted prices are subject to change until booked. A confirmation will be sent once the reservation is booked

Late Payment: A Late Fee will be added to your balance 3 days after a missed due date. Late Fees vary by trip. Please see the trip description for late fee cost. All late fees must be paid before final payment due date or trip will be cancelled.

Last Minute Reservations: All reservations must be made no later than 30 days prior to departure. If requested services cannot be confirmed, payment will be refunded. If services are confirmed, final payment is due within 24 hours and all applicable cancellation penalties will apply.

Cancellation: Once reservations have been made; cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email info@melaninandstamed.com your cancellation request with your invoice number, full name, and date of travel. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please call 229-598-5298 to ensure your information was received. Payments paid prior to cancellation are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Reservation Changes: Changes to an existing reservation will incur a $75 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes, date changes, removal of services (i.e., optional tours, transfers), etc. Replacing a travelling passenger with another traveling passenger constitutes a cancellation and is subject to cancellation penalties and is not covered by this reservation change policy. There are no refunds for uninsured services. Please note some suppliers do not allow for changes to be made.

Disabilities: In order to satisfy your expectations, we recommend that you select a trip that is suitable for your physical capabilities. Please report any disabilities or special accommodations requiring special attention to Melanin and Stamped at the time the reservation is made. Melanin and Stamped Travel will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers but is not responsible for any denial of service by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers nor are we responsible for accommodations not met. The Americans with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, entering or exiting the motor coaches, other vehicles, hotel, and airline or any other personal needs. All passengers are solely responsible for all medical needs. Additionally, the tour participant must be accompanied by an individual responsible for providing those services. Tour managers, guides, drivers or another tour, hotel, ship personnel are not able to provide such assistance. In order to participate in escorted tours, passengers must be able to understand and follow instructions given by the Tour Director at all times, both for the successful operation of the tour as well as for their personal safety. Melanin and Stamped Travel reserves the right to reject participation or remove any individual from a tour if a notification was not provided and/or when, in our sole judgment, continued participation would significantly hinder the services to be provided to all guests. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will be the sole responsibility of the passenger. Escorted tours are fast paced, often requiring long walks over uneven terrain. In the interests of group harmony, clients should be able to maintain the pace of the tour. The passenger assumes the full risk of the use of any prohibitions imposed by vendors. Generally, motorized scooters are not suitable for international tours. Smoking is not allowed on transportation exclusively used by Melanin and Stamped Travel.

Service Animals: Service animals cannot be accommodated on international escorted tours. Passengers on U.S escorted tours who require a service dog because of a disability are required to alert Melanin and Stamped Travels prior to booking a tour. Please note, we will request valid documentation including vaccinations, physician certifying statement and service animal certification before allowing final booking or participation on trips/tours. We cannot accommodate emotional support animals without the valid documentation that must be presented. Melanin and Stamped Travel also retains the right to refuse certain types of animals to be used as service/ emotional support animals.  

Airlines: Melanin and Stamped Travel is not responsible for the services and policies imposed by airlines. Airline schedules and flights are subject to change without notice. Once full payment is received, airline tickets will be issued and are nonrefundable. Any name change, even minor spelling corrections, are subject to full cancellation and rebooking fees at current rates if available. Prior to completion of full payment, there is a potential for a price increase(s) due to increases in government-levied taxes and fees and/or fuel surcharges. To avoid potential increases, you may choose to accelerate your final payment in order that your tickets may be issued. Should airline tickets require to be issued earlier than the final payment due date, you may be required to pay a larger non-refundable deposit and or complete full payment. The airlines bear sole authority for seat assignments. All Melanin and Stamped Travel airline contracts are for economy class seats only. If you require another class or more than one economy seat, book your own flight and purchase our land only package.

Frequent Flyer Program: Passengers are responsible for providing their frequent flyer number at the time of booking. Majority of the airfare provided by Melanin and Stamped Travel, are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as in instant purchase published airfare.   Passengers should contact the airline directly to determine point eligibility and accrual rates as airlines update their frequent flier programs often.

Schedule Changes: In the event of an airline schedule change, Melanin and Stamped Travel will make every effort to inform passengers of the schedule change and new flight schedule prior to departure. Melanin and Stamped Travels is not responsible for schedule changes including, when applicable, changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Melanin and Stamped Travel is unable to provide compensation for schedule changes, seat assignment modifications, or cancellations implemented by an airline. In the event of any change in flight itinerary made directly between passengers and their airline, it is the passengers' responsibility to advise Melanin and Stamped Travel of amended flight details in writing at info@melaninandstamped.com. Melanin and Stamped Travel cannot be held responsible for land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers, if flights are changed without its knowledge.

Hotel Accommodations and General Hotel Policies:  Hotel room selections and locations are at the sole discretion of the hotel. Requests may be made by Melanin and Stamped Travel but are not guaranteed. All rooms requested for international trips are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities unless you have specifically requested a king/double size bed. For domestic or Caribbean trips double/queen beds may be available. Please understand although we will make a bed type request on your behalf, bed types are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis.  Triple and quad occupancy rooms consist of two beds for cruises, where triple and quad rooms will consist of a twin bed for each person. Some single rooms are smaller than standard room size. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5-star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States and may not be available or have limited availability. Melanin and Stamped Travel always takes great care to choose hotels that reflect the comfort level of our clients, but we cannot be held liable for any personal preferences or perceived inadequacies. All hotel rates are based on Melanin and Stamped Travels agreements with its suppliers and are not negotiable. Hotel check-in time is generally not before 3:00 p.m. and check-out time are prior to noon. Please be sure that adequate arrangements for accommodations have been taken into consideration when a late-night flight is being used. We reserve the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal standard. There will be no refunds for any difference in the cost of those accommodations. Star ratings may differ from country to country. Melanin and Stamped Travel does its best to maintain current information, however, is not responsible for any inaccuracies, changes in description details or amenities, or images provided by third parties. Be prepared to pay a refundable security deposit upon check-in to cover incidentals such as parking or room service. The amount will vary by hotel.

Transfers: Transfers are provided as indicated for each tour by car, minibus, or motor coach provided airfare is purchased from Melanin and Stamped Travel. If you purchase a land-only tour, or if you deviate from the arrival and/or departure dates as stated in the itinerary, you will have the responsibility to purchase your own transfer to the hotel. Your arrival transfer is guaranteed for up to one hour from your scheduled arrival time in order to compensate for minor delays. Melanin and Stamped Travel or the transfer company will not be responsible for flight delays, for any reason, beyond one hour from the originally scheduled arrival time. In case of a delay, whether due to a flight delay, immigration and customs, or time spent reporting baggage damage or loss, it will be your responsibility to make other transfer arrangements such as a taxi. Transfer costs are not refundable, and any additional expenses will be your responsibility. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Melanin and Stamped Travel transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg', meaning that our driver must come to the airport, hotel or pier only to pick you up and necessarily loses a one-way fare. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. 

Sightseeing and Itinerary: We cannot guarantee the number of passengers who will be on any given tour. You may find that you are traveling with a sizeable group or only with your own companions. Services, however, will remain constant no matter the number of tour participants. Times listed in itineraries are approximate and meant only as guidelines. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights, cruises, and package components. Arriving late may be considered a "no-show", in which case you will not be eligible for refund for the unused service(s).  On dates including, but not limited to religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed. On these occasions, touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, in affecting the sequence of the tour, locations visited and/or hotels. Therefore, we reserve the right to adjust the sequence and/or substitute any hotels with others of similar category. In such cases there will be no cost adjustment.

Tipping: Melanin and Stamped Travel supports the art of tipping the excellent service of others. Tipping varies per country/ hotel but is generally approved at $5 - $10 per person per day.

Code of Conduct: Melanin and Stamped Travel reserves the right to accept, reject or expel any individual who is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the interests of the group, including, but not limited to, individuals who are intoxicated and or under the influence of drugs leading to a negative experience for the remainder of the group.  Expenses, including cancelation fees and or cost for alternate travel plans or to return home will necessary be borne by the passenger. All unused services are non-refundable.

Health: It is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure they are aware of any health requirements for their travel destinations and to ensure that they carry all necessary vaccination documentation. Check with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. Any person who arrives at the destination ill with apparent fever or becomes ill during the tour will be removed from the group and directed to a local medical facility for diagnosis. Only upon documented clearance by an accredited medical facility will that individual be allowed to resume group travel. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will necessarily be borne by the passenger. Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights.

Luggage (Escorted Tours): All Melanie and Stamped Travel escorted tour buses allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to a handling charge of $100 per piece. Melanin and Stamped Travel will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any theft,  loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. Melanie and Stamped Travel is not able to assist with the passenger's transportation or handling of any client’s luggage. Please make sure all luggage is weight appropriate and meets your standards of use.  

Passenger Agreement: All passengers are required to complete a Passenger Agreement prior to travel and, by so doing, formally accept Melanin and Stamped Travel’s Terms & Conditions. Passengers booking online will be required to complete the Passenger Agreement at the time of booking. Passengers booking via telephone will be provided a verbal review of the Passenger Agreement, which will be delivered via email shortly after the time of booking. Customers who are unable to receive and complete their Passenger Agreement via email may request the Agreement be provided via fax or mail. Travel documents will not be released without a completed Passenger Agreement. Melanin and Stamped Travel reserves the right to cancel bookings and return deposits without a completed Passenger Agreement. The Passenger Agreement incorporates these Terms & Conditions including the following Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Clauses. Completion of the Passenger Agreement constitutes agreement to these Travel Terms & Conditions and Melanin and Stamped Travel’s Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Clause.

Release from Liability: Without limitation, Melanie and Stamped  is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, walking, bicycling, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics, pandemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Melanie and Stamped Travel. In addition, I release Melanin and Stamped from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.

The Assumption of Risk: I am aware that travel such as that I am undertaking involves hazardous activities, with a risk of illness, injury or death which may be caused by forces of nature, animals, insects or flora, the negligence of Melanin and Stamped Travels, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of willful or criminal conduct of third parties. I am aware that weather conditions may be severe, adverse and/or unpleasant. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating on the trip. In order to partake of the enjoyment and excitement of this trip, I am willing to accept the risks and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of my adventure. I hereby accept and assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury or death and of the negligence of Melanin and Stamped Travel and agree to hold harmless and release Melanin and Stamped Travel from claims of third-party negligence.

Binding Arbitration: I agree that any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Georgia law and will take place in Thomasville, GA. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, you (and we) are waiving our right to a trial by jury.

Voluntary Participation: I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate on the trip designated on this application (or a trip which I may change) and that I have read the description of the trip as it appears in the current Melanie and Stamped Travels website relating to the trip, together with all information contained in this application. I am voluntarily participating in this trip with knowledge of the hazards involved.

Knowing and Voluntary Execution: I have carefully read these Terms and Conditions and the booking information sections of this document, and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between myself and Melanin Stamped Travel and agree on my own free will.

PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE Melanin and Stamped Travel may take photographs or video of its trips, and trip participants and grant Melanin and Stamped Travels permission to do so, and for it to use same for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to participant. I give Melanin and Stamped permission to publish images on social media managed by Melanin and Stamped Travels.  I acknowledge those photos may be used in promotional marketing.

By signing or book travel via Melanin and Stamped, I agree to these Travel Terms & Conditions and Melanin and Stamped Travel Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Clause for myself, each member of my traveling party and any minor children accompanying me. Melanin and Stamped Travel reserves the right to amend Terms and Conditions without notice.