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Managing Unforeseen Events
Managing Unforeseen Events
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At Glimmer Tours, we recognize that unexpected events can sometimes affect travel plans. Our commitment is to prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients while ensuring their travel arrangements are secure and satisfying.
Disclaimer: For a comprehensive understanding of our approach, we encourage you to read through the entire resource provided below, as well as the accompanying FAQs. It's important to note that while the guidelines outlined here serve as our standard operating principles, we are prepared to address unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis with appropriate consideration.
Here’s how we approach such situations:
1. Monitor the Situation
We will closely monitor the situation and travel advisories up until 45 days before the scheduled departure.
If a Level 3 Travel Advisory (advising reconsideration of travel) issued by the U.S. Department of State is still in effect at that time, we will consider postponing the trip.
Please note that while we generally use the 45-day mark as a guideline for assessing the situation, the decision to postpone a trip may be advanced or delayed based on a variety of factors, including the unique conditions of the situation and the terms from our land and flight suppliers.
2. Differentiating Between Long-term and Short-term Events
In cases of long-term disruptions like wars, pandemics, or severe natural disasters, the above timelines will guide our actions.
For events such as terrorist incidents with short-term implications, we will continue to monitor the situation closely before making a decision.
3. Regional Focus in Travel Advisories
Our decision-making takes into account travel advisories specific to the regions included in your itinerary, rather than applying a blanket approach to the entire country or global events. For example, a Level 3 Travel Advisory issued for Gaza does not necessarily apply to other areas in Israel and the West Bank.
If an advisory affects a non-essential part of the trip, we may adjust the itinerary to bypass these areas.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I prefer not to wait for Glimmer Tours’ postponement decision?
For Reservations without Booked Flights: You have the option to transfer your reservation to a future date by paying a $250 change fee.
For Reservations with Booked Flights: You may choose to cancel your reservation in accordance with our standard cancellation policy.
What happens if my tour gets postponed?
In Case of Accepting the Postponement:
Our team will coordinate with our suppliers to arrange alternative future dates for your tour, allowing you to transfer your reservation.
While we strive to negotiate the best terms, please be aware that any additional fees incurred from our suppliers will be the responsibility of each client.
In Case of Declining the Postponement:
If you choose not to accept the rescheduled tour dates, cancellation fees will apply.
To ensure our clients are not penalized for waiting on a tour postponement decision, the penalties for cancellation will be assessed in accordance to the date of the unforeseen event that led to the postponement and not the date of the postponement decision itself. Click here to view our Cancellation Policy.
While aiming to be fair to our clients, we also uphold necessary commitments with our suppliers. Our cancellation policy plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of our travel services and securing flexibility from our suppliers for clients who accept to move their reservation.
Will Glimmer Tours continue to purchase flights during an unforeseen event?
In response to unforeseen events, Glimmer Tours pauses flight bookings until the situation stabilizes and any Level 3 travel advisories are rescinded. This approach helps to avoid incurring additional penalties and obligations during a time of uncertainty.
Please note that although you may have not received your flight details, it does not necessarily indicate that flights haven’t been purchased for your reservation. There can be a delay as our team processes and updates these details in our system.
Can Glimmer Tours postpone my trip even if conditions improve?
Yes, Glimmer Tours may occasionally need to postpone a trip due to factors beyond our control, even if the overall situation shows improvement. Such a decision does not equate to a tour cancellation, as it arises from circumstances not caused by us.
Situations that might lead to postponement include, but are not limited to:
Insufficient group size for the tour, stemming from cancellations related to the unforeseen event.
Excessive flight costs due to limited available routes, a consequence of the unforeseen event.
Difficulties in securing reliable service from hotels, transport providers, or tour guides in the destination due to impacts from the unforeseen event, potentially necessitating a trip postponement.
Instead of a postponement, we may opt to consolidate tour groups with similar departure dates to accommodate our travelers in these situations.
Should I keep making payments if there are unforeseen events affecting my tour?
Yes, we recommend continuing with your scheduled payments during times of unforeseen events. Your payment schedule does not influence how we handle your reservation regarding cancellations or postponements. Adhering to your payment plan ensures that your reservation remains active and in good standing. We manage all bookings in accordance with our established cancellation policy and make decisions about tour postponements based on the specific circumstances of each event.