Introduction

Hans Wander is a premier travel curator dedicated to helping you discover the world through expertly designed group tours, bespoke holidays, and adventurous backpacking or biking expeditions. Whether you are exploring the hidden gems of India or venturing into international territories, our mission is to provide seamless and memorable experiences.

Hans Wander operates as your dedicated travel organizer. We collaborate with a network of vetted third-party providers, including transport partners (such as our long-standing bus service associates), hotels, and airlines. Please note that while we coordinate your journey, the specific services are fulfilled by these independent partners; therefore, certain operational aspects remain outside our direct control. We encourage you to review this document thoroughly to ensure a confident and informed travel experience.

1. Client Responsibility

By interacting with our digital platforms or confirming a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms. These conditions apply to all travelers, whether booking directly or through an authorized representative. If you do not agree with any portion of this agreement, please refrain from proceeding with a booking.

Before finalizing your trip, you are responsible for carefully reviewing the service descriptions and itineraries. Upon confirmation, you are bound by the specific conditions outlined in your booking voucher.

All services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Hans Wander reserves the right to modify platform features or service functionalities at its discretion without prior notice. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose. No information obtained from us, whether oral or written, creates a warranty unless expressly stated in these terms.

2. Key Definitions

To ensure clarity, the following terms are defined as:

• The Company / We / Us: Refers to Hans Wander, your travel organizer and facilitator.

• Independent Contractor: Third-party providers (e.g., hotels, airlines, local transport, visa agents) who deliver specific trip components.

• Platform: All digital touchpoints, including the official website, WhatsApp business lines, and email communications.

• Services: All travel offerings, including domestic tours, international packages, and customized itineraries.

• Short-Haul Destinations: Regional or nearby locations such as India (Domestic), Bhutan, Nepal, Dubai, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.

• Long-Haul Destinations: Extended travel locations including Europe, USA, UK, Australia, Japan, and South America.

• Non-Refundable Services: Specific bookings (flights, certain hotel categories, visa fees) that are ineligible for refunds due to strict supplier policies.

• User / Client / You: Any individual accessing our services or booking a trip for themselves or others.

3. Eligibility

By using our services, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years of age with the legal authority to enter into contracts.

• If booking for a minor, you are doing so as a parent or legal guardian.

• All information provided is accurate and submitted with lawful consent.

Hans Wander reserves the right to deny service or restrict access to any user who fails to meet these eligibility requirements or violates these Terms of Use.

4. Use of Platform & Communication Channels

Hans Wander provides access to its services through multiple digital channels, including our official website, booking forms, email, and our dedicated WhatsApp support line. By engaging with us, you agree to use these platforms solely for lawful, personal, and non-commercial purposes.

Communication Consent:

• We provide essential updates—including booking confirmations, payment reminders, and itinerary changes—via WhatsApp, SMS, email, or phone.

• By initiating an inquiry, you consent to receive these transactional communications.

• It is your responsibility to provide a valid, accessible mobile number and email ID. Hans Wander is not liable for missed updates or losses resulting from incorrect contact details provided by the user.

5. Permitted and Prohibited Conduct

We maintain a standard of mutual respect and integrity.

You are encouraged to:

• Make genuine travel inquiries and bookings for yourself or authorized companions.

• Engage with our support team for guidance and trip-related assistance.

• Provide accurate documentation required for travel permits or bookings.

You are strictly prohibited from:

• Submitting fraudulent bookings or impersonating other individuals.

• Using our communication channels to harass staff, send spam, or spread misinformation.

• Scraping or using our proprietary content (itineraries, custom CSS, pricing, or imagery) for commercial or competitive use without prior written consent.

• Attempting to disrupt the technical integrity of our website or VPS-hosted services.

6. Termination or Suspension of Access

Hans Wander reserves the right to restrict or terminate your access to our services without prior notice if:

• You breach these Terms or any applicable laws.

• You provide misleading or incomplete information.

• Your conduct is deemed harmful to our reputation, our partners, or other travelers.

In such instances, ongoing services may be canceled without refund or liability. Termination does not waive any prior payment obligations or legal indemnities owed to Hans Wander.

7. Scope of Services

Hans Wander offers a diverse portfolio of travel experiences, including:

• Group Tours: Scheduled, fixed-itinerary trips designed for community and exploration.

• Customized Holidays: Bespoke itineraries tailored to your specific preferences, group size, and budget.

• Adventure, Backpacking & Biking: High-energy, offbeat experiences for solo travelers and thrill-seekers.

• Logistics Support: Assistance with flight coordination, visa facilitation, and airport transfers.

We categorize destinations into Short-Haul (e.g., Domestic India, Dubai, SE Asia) and Long-Haul (e.g., Europe, USA, Africa). While we curate every detail, please remember that Hans Wander acts as a facilitator. Services like flights and hotels are fulfilled by independent partners (such as our dedicated transport associates), and we function as your expert organizer rather than the direct operator of those third-party services.

8. Booking Process & Contract Formation

Booking Confirmation: Your booking is legally confirmed only after the following three conditions are met:

1. You have formally accepted the proposed itinerary and package details.

2. The required booking deposit has been successfully received by Hans Wander.

3. You have received a formal written confirmation from our team.

Important Note: All quotes and availability are tentative until the final payment is processed. If a confirmed service (like a specific hotel or flight) becomes unavailable, we will notify you within 72 working hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) to arrange a suitable alternative.

Third-Party Bookings: If you are booking on behalf of others, you confirm you have the legal authority to bind them to these Terms. You will serve as the primary point of contact for all logistics and financial matters.

Right of Refusal: Hans Wander reserves the absolute right to reject or cancel any booking request at our discretion—even after initial payment—in cases of suspected fraud, inaccurate data, or service unavailability. In these instances, refunds will be issued according to our non-refundable services policy.

9. Payment Policy

All payments for travel packages must adhere to the timelines and structures outlined below. These obligations become binding upon booking confirmation. Failure to comply with the payment schedule may result in the cancellation of your trip and forfeiture of prior payments at the discretion of Hans Wander.

Short-Haul Packages – Payment Schedule

(Applies to Domestic India, Dubai, SE Asia, etc.)

Long-Haul Packages – Payment Schedule

(Applies to Europe, USA, Australia, Africa, etc.)

Modes of Payment

Hans Wander accepts payments in Indian Rupees (INR) via:

• UPI

• Net Banking / Bank Transfers (IMPS/NEFT/RTGS)

• Credit and Debit Cards

• Cheques (Subject to realization and prior approval)

Important Financial Clauses:

• Rate of Exchange (ROE): For international trips, the final price is subject to currency fluctuations. The ROE applicable on the day of your final payment will determine the total cost.

• Taxes & Levies: Any increase in Government taxes (GST, etc.) or new levies will be borne by the client, even if applied retrospectively.

• Non-Refundable Services: Components such as Visa fees, specific hotel deposits, or event tickets must be paid in full upfront and are strictly non-refundable/non-transferable, as governed by third-party providers.

Compliance (LRS, PAN & TCS)

LRS & PAN Requirements:

In compliance with RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), valid PAN details are mandatory for all international bookings. For minors, the PAN of a parent/guardian is required. You confirm that your total foreign exchange remittances for the financial year remain within RBI limits. If limits are exceeded, Hans Wander must cancel the booking per regulatory requirements.

Tax Collected at Source (TCS):

Per Section 206C(1G)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, Hans Wander will collect TCS on overseas tour packages at the applicable rate over and above the package price. This is deposited with the Government of India against your PAN.

Security & Fraud Prevention

• Official Accounts Only: All payments must be made strictly to the official bank accounts of Hans Wander. We never authorize employees or agents to collect funds in personal accounts. We are not liable for losses resulting from transfers made to unauthorized accounts.

• Sensitive Data: Hans Wander will never ask for your CVV, OTP, or passwords. Please do not share these with anyone, including our representatives.

• Unidentified Deposits: Any funds deposited into our accounts without prior written coordination or a booking reference will be considered invalid and may be forfeited.

Note: While the above schedules are standard, timelines may vary for peak seasons (e.g., New Year, Festivals) or specific high-demand destinations. Please verify the exact schedule with your Hans Wander consultant during the booking process.

10. Modifications & Rescheduling

We understand that plans can change. Whether a change is initiated by you or necessitated by external factors, the following terms apply. All modification requests must be submitted in writing via email or our official WhatsApp channel and are valid only upon our written acknowledgment.

Modifications by the Traveler

You may request to change your travel dates, destination, or specific service inclusions (such as room upgrades or extra nights). These requests are subject to availability and vendor approval.

Rescheduling Fee Structure (Group Trips):

For our Fixed Departure Group Tours, the following charges apply based on when the request is made:

*Short-Haul: Bali, Dubai, SE Asia, etc. | **Long-Haul: Europe, Japan, etc.

Important Rescheduling Notes:

• Validity: Rescheduled trips must be completed within 12 months of the original departure date.

• One-Time Offer: Only one complimentary reschedule is permitted per booking (within the eligible free window).

• Actual Costs: This refers to non-refundable expenses already paid by Hans Wander on your behalf, such as flight tickets, permits, and vendor penalties.

• Customized Trips: For bespoke/tailor-made holidays, rescheduling is governed strictly by the specific policies of the hotels and vendors involved.

• Exclusions: Rescheduling is not available for trips booked under “Non-Refundable” or limited-time promotional offers.

Medical & Force Majeure Requests:

In the event of a serious medical emergency or accident, valid supporting documents (e.g., a certified medical report) must be provided. Hans Wander may, at its sole discretion, issue a credit note for future use. The final decision rests exclusively with the Company.

Modifications by Hans Wander

Occasionally, we may need to adjust an itinerary due to operational hurdles, weather conditions, political unrest, or government advisories.

• Notification: We will make every effort to notify you promptly of significant changes.

• Alternatives: We will provide comparable alternatives of similar quality.

• Liability: Hans Wander is not liable for indirect losses, such as the cost of independently booked flights or visas affected by these changes.

Group Size Requirements:

All group tours are subject to a minimum group strength (typically 12 passengers). If this is not met:

1. We may offer an alternate date or a customized individual package.

2. If these are not accepted, a refund or credit note may be issued for the land portion of the tour only (excluding non-refundable items like visa fees or flights).

On-Tour Adjustments:

Once a trip has commenced, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety or local regulations. Travelers are expected to cooperate with on-ground coordinators. No refunds or credits are provided for itinerary changes mandated by external conditions while the tour is in progress.

11. Flight Ticket Issuance & Airline Terms

Hans Wander acts solely as a facilitator for air travel bookings. All flight-related services are governed by the specific terms and conditions of the respective airline.

• Payment & Issuance: Full payment for airfare is required at the time of ticket issuance. Once issued, tickets are subject to the airline’s fare rules and are generally non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Changes & Amendments: Any post-issuance modifications (such as name corrections or date changes) will incur fare differences and amendment fees as dictated by the airline.

• Operational Liability: Hans Wander is not liable for delays, cancellations, or rescheduling initiated by the airline. Issues regarding check-in, boarding, or baggage handling must be resolved directly with the carrier.

• In-Flight Services: Meals, beverages, and checked baggage allowances depend on the airline and fare class. Specifically, Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) often exclude these services by default.

• Price Fluctuations: Any increase in fuel surcharges or government taxes imposed before ticket issuance will be billed to the traveler.

12. Cancellation Policy & Credit Note Terms

Cancellation by the Traveler: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing through our official channels. Please note: Hans Wander does not issue cash refunds. Where eligible, we will issue a Credit Note for the recoverable portion of your booking after deducting non-refundable costs (airfare, visa fees, insurance, taxes, and vendor deposits).

Short-Haul Cancellation Schedule:

• At Booking: 25% of total tour cost is forfeited (Non-refundable advance).

• Within 45 Days: Minimum deduction of 50% of total cost or actual vendor charges, whichever is higher.

• Within 30 Days: Minimum deduction of 75% of total cost or actual vendor charges, whichever is higher.

• 20 Days or Less: 100% of total tour cost is forfeited.

Long-Haul Cancellation Schedule:

• At Booking: INR 40,000/- deposit is forfeited (Non-refundable advance).

• Within 60 Days: Minimum deduction of 50% of total cost or actual vendor charges, whichever is higher.

• Within 45 Days: Minimum deduction of 75% of total cost or actual vendor charges, whichever is higher.

• 30 Days or Less: 100% of total tour cost is forfeited.

Cancellation by Hans Wander: While we strive for a seamless experience, if Hans Wander must cancel or reschedule a tour:

• We are not liable for indirect expenses (flights, visas, or insurance) whether booked through us or independently.

• We will provide advance notice and attempt to coordinate alternative travel solutions.

• Credit notes or partial refunds for the land portion will be issued strictly according to vendor policies. In Force Majeure situations, these are subject to vendor feasibility.

Credit Note Usage

• Validity: Credit notes are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance and must be redeemed for a new Hans Wander trip within that window.

• Restrictions: Credit notes are non-refundable, non-redeemable for cash, and non-transferable.

• Scope: They can only be applied toward Hans Wander-operated land packages and cannot be used for flights, visas, insurance, or third-party services.

• Redemption: The entire value must be used in a single booking. If the new trip cost is higher, the traveler must pay the difference. For international cancellations, the credit note value is calculated based on the Rate of Exchange (ROE) on the date of cancellation.

13. Travel Insurance & Medical Fitness

Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended): Hans Wander strongly advises all travelers to secure comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should ideally cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, hospitalization, theft of personal items, and accidents occurring during adventure activities (like biking or trekking).

• Our Role: Currently, Hans Wander does not sell or provide travel insurance directly.

• Your Responsibility: You are solely responsible for arranging your own coverage before departure.

• Claims: In the event of an emergency or loss, all claims must be filed directly with your insurance provider. We are not liable for denied claims or financial losses resulting from a lack of insurance.

Medical Fitness & Disclosure: To ensure the safety of the individual and the group, clients must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or physical limitations at the time of booking. This is especially critical for our high-energy hiking, biking, or backpacking trips.

Hans Wander reserves the right to:

1. Request a medical fitness certificate before confirming a booking for strenuous itineraries.

2. Decline participation in specific activities if a medical condition poses a safety risk.

3. Remove a participant from certain tour components without a refund if a relevant medical condition was not disclosed.

Hans Wander shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or disruption caused by a client’s failure to disclose medical conditions.

14. Travel Documents, Visas & Client Responsibility

Documentation Ownership: Each traveler is responsible for the validity and accuracy of their own travel documents. This includes ensuring your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of return.

Please verify that you have:

• All necessary visas, transit visas, or e-visas.

• Required health certifications or vaccination proofs.

• A valid government-issued photo ID (for domestic travel within India).

Failure to present valid documentation may result in denied boarding or entry. Hans Wander is not liable for any losses arising from such instances.

Visa Assistance: While we may provide guidance and assistance with the visa application process:

• The issuance of a visa is at the sole discretion of the respective embassy or consulate.

• We cannot guarantee approvals.

• All visa-related fees and processing expenses are strictly non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.

ECR Passport Holders: Travelers with ECR (Emigration Check Required) passports must confirm if an “OK to Board” (OTB) clearance is required for their destination. Arranging this clearance is the traveler’s responsibility, and we are not liable for boarding denials related to OTB requirements.

Review of Vouchers & Documents: You are expected to review all tickets, vouchers, and itineraries issued by Hans Wander immediately upon receipt. Any errors must be reported to us within 24 hours. We are not responsible for complications arising from errors that were not reported in a timely manner.

Deportation & Entry Refusal: If you are denied entry or deported by immigration authorities due to visa issues or non-compliance with local laws, Hans Wander is not liable for any resulting expenses, loss of tour days, or additional travel costs.

15. Adventure Activities, Health & Risk Waiver

Participation in Adventure Activities: Many Hans Wander tours feature high-energy activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, paragliding, or water sports. Participation is entirely voluntary and conducted at your own risk. Hans Wander is not liable for any injury, illness, loss, or fatality arising from these activities, whether due to natural factors, personal negligence, or third-party service providers.

• Fitness Confirmation: By opting into these activities, you confirm you are physically fit to participate. Please refer to our medical disclosure requirements in Clause 17.

• Safety Compliance: For the safety of the group, travelers must strictly follow all instructions from Hans Wander staff, local guides, and operators. Reckless behavior may result in immediate removal from the activity or the entire tour without refund.

Health Protocols: You are responsible for meeting all health entry requirements for your destination, including mandatory vaccinations. We are not liable for entry refusals or missed itinerary segments due to non-compliance with these health protocols.

16. Limitation of Role & Independent Contractors

Role as a Facilitator: Hans Wander acts solely as a travel organizer. While we design and coordinate your journey, the actual services (flights, hotels, transport, and activities) are executed by independent third-party providers. We do not own or directly control these airlines, hotels, or transport companies.

Service Provider Liability: We select our partners in good faith based on their reputation. However, Hans Wander is not responsible for the errors, omissions, or negligence of these independent contractors. Any loss, delay, or damage caused by their actions falls outside our direct liability. By booking with us, you acknowledge that certain aspects of your travel experience are managed by these partners and are beyond our immediate control.

17. Accommodation Terms

Check-In/Check-Out: Standard hotel check-in is typically at 3:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM. Early arrivals or late departures are subject to availability and may involve additional fees payable directly to the hotel.

Room Standards & Amenities:

• Variations: Room layouts and views may vary by destination. In certain regions (e.g., European cities or high-altitude Indian hill stations), air conditioning may not be standard due to local climate norms.

• Incidentals: Charges for mini-bars, laundry, room service, or city taxes are not included in your package and must be settled directly with the hotel.

• Damages: Any damage to hotel property caused by a traveler must be paid for on-site before checkout.

Hotel Modifications: In the rare event of hotel overbooking or maintenance, Hans Wander reserves the right to substitute your accommodation with a hotel of a similar category. We will notify you as soon as such a change is confirmed.

Special Requests: Preferences for specific floors, bed types (twin vs. double), or views are treated as requests only. While we pass these on to our partners, final allocation is at the sole discretion of the hotel and is subject to availability upon arrival.

18. Transfers & Sightseeing Services

Scheduled Operations: All transfers included in your Hans Wander package are organized according to a fixed itinerary. These services are not available on a “disposable” or “on-call” basis.

• Punctuality: Travelers are expected to be ready at the designated times. Delays caused by a traveler may result in missed transfers or sightseeing opportunities, for which no refund or alternative transport will be provided.

• Service Disruptions: Ground transfers and sightseeing are subject to local conditions, including weather, road closures, strikes, or mechanical issues. While we will strive to find alternatives, Hans Wander is not liable for missed activities due to these external factors.

• Shared vs. Private: Group tours utilize shared transportation among all participants. Requests for private vehicles can be accommodated for an additional fee, subject to availability.

19. Luggage & Personal Property Disclaimer

Your Responsibility: You are solely responsible for the safety and supervision of your personal belongings, valuables, and luggage at all times—including during transit in our partner bus services, hotel stays, and sightseeing.

Hans Wander and its representatives are not liable for:

• Loss, theft, or damage to items such as electronics, cash, jewelry, or passports.

• Belongings left behind in transport vehicles, hotels, or airports.

• Items left unattended during check-in or rest stops.

Baggage Handling:

• Porterage: Unless explicitly stated in your itinerary, porterage is not included. You must arrange and pay for this directly with hotels or airports.

• Airlines: We are not responsible for airline-related baggage delays, damages, or excess baggage fees. We strongly advise labeling your luggage clearly and keeping all valuables in your carry-on.

20. Force Majeure

Hans Wander shall not be held liable for any failure to perform, delays, or changes to tour arrangements resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, landslides).

• Pandemics, epidemics, or government-imposed travel restrictions.

• Civil unrest, strikes, riots, or war.

• Technical failures or sudden cancellations of third-party transport services.

In a Force Majeure event:

1. We reserve the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel any part of the itinerary to ensure traveler safety.

2. Any potential refunds or credit notes will be governed by the policies in Clause 15 and are strictly dependent on the recovery of funds from our third-party vendors.

3. No additional compensation or reimbursement for indirect losses (such as unused independent bookings) will be provided.

21. Code of Conduct during Travel

Expected Behavior: At Hans Wander, we believe in fostering a positive and inclusive travel community. All travelers are expected to:

• Be courteous and respectful toward fellow travelers, local guides, and service providers.

• Honor the cultural traditions, local norms, and laws of the destination.

• Strictly follow safety protocols and directions provided by our team or local authorities.

Consequences of Misconduct: Any behavior deemed disruptive, offensive, or unlawful may result in your immediate removal from the tour. In such cases, Hans Wander is not liable for any refund, compensation, or the cost of your return travel.

Responsibility for Damages: You are liable for any damage caused to hotels, transport vehicles (including our partner bus services), or public property due to your negligence or intentional actions. Hans Wander reserves the right to recover these costs directly from you or deduct them from any existing credit value.

22. Limitation of Liability

Hans Wander acts as a curator and facilitator. While we take immense pride in selecting reputable partners, we do not own or operate the third-party entities providing your flights, rooms, or local transport.

Accordingly, Hans Wander is not liable for:

• Any negligence, default, or omission by independent contractors (hotels, airlines, etc.).

• Delays, overbookings, or itinerary changes caused by factors beyond our direct control.

• Personal injury, illness, loss of life, or theft of personal property during the trip.

• Financial losses resulting from your failure to comply with visa, health, or customs regulations.

Our total liability in any scenario is strictly limited to the amount paid for the specific portion of the service directly organized by Hans Wander. We do not cover consequential or incidental damages.

23. Indemnification

By booking with us, you agree to protect and hold Hans Wander and its team harmless from any claims, losses, or legal expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms or local laws.

• Any fraud, misconduct, or negligence on your part.

• Damage to property or persons caused by your actions.

• Third-party claims resulting from your behavior or documentation failures.

This obligation remains in effect even after the completion of your trip.

24. Grievance Redressal & Support

Your experience is our priority. We have established a clear process to handle concerns fairly and efficiently:

Contact our team via:

• WhatsApp: Best for real-time support during travel.

• Email: For post-trip feedback.

• Phone: During standard business hours. We aim to respond to all queries within 48 business hours.

25. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution & Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of India.

• Mutual Amicable Resolution: In the event of a disagreement or claim, both parties agree to first attempt a resolution through good-faith negotiations and mutual discussion.

• Arbitration: If a resolution is not reached within 30 days of initiating discussions, the dispute may be referred to Arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

• Seat & Language: The seat of arbitration shall be Gurugram, Haryana, India, and the proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding.

• Jurisdiction: Subject to the arbitration clause, all legal matters shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

26. Intellectual Property Rights

All materials available on Hans Wander platforms—including tour itineraries, logos, branding, website design, custom CSS, imagery, and pricing structures—are the exclusive property of Hans Wander.

• Prohibited Use: You may not copy, reproduce, modify, or commercially exploit any part of our content without express written permission.

• Protection: Unauthorized use of our intellectual property for competitive or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

27. Third-Party Links & External Content

Our digital platforms may contain links to third-party websites (such as payment gateways or destination guides). Hans Wander does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the accuracy or safety of these external sites. Accessing third-party links is done at your own risk.

28. Amendment of Terms

Hans Wander reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. The most current version will always be posted on our website. Continued use of our services following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

29. Entire Agreement & Severability

• Entire Agreement: These Terms represent the complete agreement between the client and Hans Wander, superseding all prior oral or written communications.

• Severability: If any part of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of law, that specific provision shall be severed. The remaining sections of the agreement will continue to be valid and enforceable in full force.