11 Days Yellowstone and California Tour

All bookings are made with Go Trek USA (dba “Bindlestiff Tours”), owner and operator of all advertised itineraries found in our brochure and on our website (herein referred to as “Bindlestiff”). We are registered in the state of Nevada and maintain valid Commercial Use Authorizations and Special Use Permits from the United States National Park Service, National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Navajo Nation. By booking a tour with us, you are agreeing to these Booking Terms and Conditions, which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us.

All passengers must be 18 years of age or older to travel with Bindlestiff Tours unless they are accompanied by an adult.

I.         Insurance Requirements

It is recommended that all Clients provide proof of current and adequate travel insurance before the trip begins. Travel insurance must cover personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, and evacuation expenses including helicopter rescue and air ambulance. It is recommended that travel insurance also address personal property and trip cancellation coverage. Trip cancelation insurance may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for flights and other non-refundable expenses should you cancel your Bindlestiff trip for any reason, whether voluntarily or as a result of Bindlestiff’s actions. You are responsible for understanding the specifics of your travel insurance policy, ensuring that your policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the tour itinerary, and that there are no exclusion clauses which would limit the coverage for any activity type. If you are a resident of the United States with current health insurance coverage, it is likely that your policy should be acceptable so long as it covers these provisions. It is your responsibility to verify your insurance policy details with your insurance provider to ensure Bindlestiff’s requirements are satisfied.

II.         Deposit Requirement

All 7-21 day tours require payment of a deposit amounting to 20% of the tour price for each person to confirm your spot on the trip. However, if your booking is made within 8 weeks (56 days or less) of the tour’s departure date, the full amount of the tour is due at the time of booking. Tours with duration of 6 days or less require full payment at the time of booking regardless of departure date.

NOTE: If a credit card is used to make your deposit, this same card will automatically be charged the remaining balance when it is due unless you advise us of an alternative payment method.

III.         Tour Confirmation and Payment Details

Booking is easy with our 100% secure online booking system. Bindlestiff accepts credit cards, wire transfers, or money orders as acceptable methods of payment.

A.    7-21 Day Tours

If booking a 7-21 day tour more than 8 weeks (57+ days) from the departure date, a deposit totaling 20% of the tour cost is due to confirm your seat. The remaining balance is due 8 weeks from the departure date. If your reservation is made within 8 weeks (56 days or less) before departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.

Cancellations:

Any cancellations made more than 8 weeks before departure date will receive full refund of all money collected unless otherwise specified at the time of booking. Cancellations made within 56 days of the departure date will result in the loss of all money collected.

If you do not pay the balance of your tour within 8 weeks of the departure date, your booking will be canceled resulting in the loss of your deposit.

If Bindlestiff is forced to significantly alter or cancel your tour, we will let you know as soon as possible. In these circumstances, you can choose one of the following options:

a) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of lower cost (if available) and receive a refund for the difference in cost; or
b) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of equivalent or higher cost (if available); or
c) receive a refund of all the money you have paid including the non-refundable deposit.

Our 7 day tours are guaranteed departures. If booking an Alaska tour the cancellation terms are 10 weeks prior to departure to cancel and recieve a full refund.

B.     2-6 Day Tours

No deposit is required for trips of 6 days or less; however, full payment is due at the time of booking.

Cancellations:

Bindlestiff offers a full refund of all money paid if you cancel your tour with 14 days or more before the departure date unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.

No refunds are issued for cancellations made 14 days or less before the departure date

If Bindlestiff is forced to significantly alter or cancel your tour, we will let you know as soon as possible. In these circumstances, you can choose one of the following options:

a) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of lower cost (if available) and receive a refund for the difference in cost; or
b) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of equivalent or higher cost (if available); or
c) receive a refund of all the money you have paid including the non-refundable deposit.

The minimum number of clients needed to run a 2 day tour and our 3 day winter national parks tour  is  4. In the rare instance your tour does not achieve the minimum number required, Bindlestiff reserves the right to cancel the tour with a minimum of 1 weeks’ notice. If you are booking within 1 week (7 days or less) before the departure date, Bindlestiff will contact you within 48 hours of your booking to confirm your tour. Bindlestiff strongly advises you not to incur any non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation from us that your tour is running.

Our 3 day summer national parks tours between mid April and Oct 31^st are guaranteed departures.

C.     1 Day Tours

No deposit is required for single-day excursions; however, full payment is due at the time of booking.

Cancellations:

Bindlestiff offers a full refund of all money paid if you cancel your tour 2 days or more before the departure date unless otherwise specified at the time of booking. No refunds are issued for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the departure date.

If Bindlestiff is forced to significantly alter or cancel your tour, we will let you know as soon as possible. In these circumstances, you can choose one of the following options:

a) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of lower cost (if available) and receive a refund for the difference in cost; or
b) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of equivalent or higher cost (if available); or
c) receive a refund of all the money you have paid including the non-refundable deposit.

The minimum number of clients needed to run a 1-day tour is 4. In the rare instance your tour does not achieve the minimum number required, Bindlestiff reserves the right to cancel the tour with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

D.    Private and Chartered Group Tours

A deposit of 25% is required to confirm all private or chartered group tours. This payment is utilized to secure your vehicle, tour guide, and any reservations needed to fulfill the tour. The final balance is due 8 weeks (56 days) before the departure date. Requests for private or chartered group tours made less than 8 weeks before the departure date must pay the entire cost of the tour at the time of confirmation.

Cancellations:

Any cancellations made more than 8 weeks (57+ days) before the departure date will receive full refund of all money collected (not including any non-refundable reservations that have been made on your behalf). Cancellations made 56 days or less before the departure date will result in the loss of all money collected. If you do not pay the balance of your private or chartered group tour within 8 weeks of the departure date, your tour will be canceled resulting in the loss of your entire deposit.

If Bindlestiff is forced to significantly alter or cancel your tour, we will let you know as soon as possible. In these circumstances, you can choose one of the following options:

a) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of lower cost (if available) and receive a refund for the difference in cost; or
b) accept Bindlestiff’s offer of a replacement tour of equivalent or higher cost (if available); or
c) receive a refund of all the money you have paid including the non-refundable deposit.

E.    Terms applied to non-Bindlestiff operated tours

If you have a booked a tour that is operated by one of our trusted partners there may be a different cancellation policy enforced by the operator of that tour. If this is the case you will be clearly advised of the policy and asked to agree to it during the booking process.

 IV.         Optional Activities

During any Bindlestiff tour, there may be opportunities to participate in activities or local events, which are not included in Bindlestiff’s packaged tour. Bindlestiff makes no representations about the safety or quality of these activities and events, or the standard of the independent operator running it. Activity examples may include, but are not limited to, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and scenic flights. Events may include, but are not limited to, local festivals, concerts, and organized events. It is therefore understood and accepted by the Client that any assistance given by Bindlestiff’s tour leader or staff to help arrange these optional activities is done in good faith. Bindlestiff does not sponsor or endorse these activities or events, nor can Bindlestiff be held liable for any injury or illness resulting from your participation. If you decide to participate in these events, you do so voluntarily and should take precautions to ensure your own safety.

  V.         Discounts and promotions

All discounts and reduced pricing are applied at Bindlestiff’s discretion. From time-to-time, Bindlestiff may offer reduced pricing on selected tours. The reduced pricing applies strictly to new bookings only. Bookings for which the Client has already paid a deposit are locked into their original price and are not entitled to the reduced pricing.

 VI.         Passports and Visas

Valid passports are required for travel to most destinations. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy for the latest visa requirements. You assume complete and full responsibility for, and hereby release Bindlestiff from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations.

VII.         Baggage

You are allowed to bring one piece of baggage weighing up to 20kg and one additional medium/small sized “day pack” on the tour. If you need to bring additional baggage, you are responsible for requesting approval from Bindlestiff before your tour begins. Bindlestiff is not responsible for securing or protecting your baggage or belongings at any time during any tour.

VIII.         Tour & Itinerary Changes

Advertised prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes. Bindlestiff reserves the right to increase its tour prices without notice to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes. Additionally, Bindlestiff reserves the right to implement fuel and other surcharges to address unexpected or unplanned fluctuations in global exchange markets. Bindlestiff reserves the right to withdraw any tour or part therein and to alter the itinerary or tour inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable. Any financial expenditures or losses to Bindlestiff caused by events that are either unforeseen or uncontrollable that result in tour cancellation, delays, itinerary changes, or other adjustments, can be passed on to you. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.

 IX.         Promotional Photography

Bindlestiff reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a reservation with Bindlestiff, you agree to allow your images to be used in such photographs. Anyone who prefers that their images not be used publicaly must identify themselves to their tour leader at the beginning of your tour.

 X.         Complaints, Claims, and Refunds

Refunds are not issued for any included activity or tour location that is missed due to circumstances out of Bindlestiff’s control. Anyone looking to make a claim, submit a complaint, or request compensation for any reason must do so in writing or email within 30 days after the tour’s completion. Any and all supporting documentation to the claim or complaint must accompany the written letter or email. Any claim or complaint received by Bindlestiff after this deadline will not be accepted or reviewed.

 XI.         Limits on Responsibility

Bindlestiff is not responsible for delays, changes, or cancellation costs due to incorrect, incomplete or expired traveler documents. In the event that you must cancel, delay or reschedule your tour due to expired or missing travel documentation, you are responsible for all associated costs to rectify the situation. If you are unable to join your tour, you will not be reimbursed or refunded any amounts as per the cancelation terms listed in this document.

At no point, and under no circumstances, is Bindlestiff responsible for payments or costs relating to external services such as flights, accommodations, car service, or any other part of travel that was booked and paid for externally to Bindlestiff. Bindlestiff is not obligated to alter any tour itinerary or suspend a tour’s commencement for any reason which prevents you from joining a tour as planned.

Bindlestiff reserves the right to make alterations to our tours, itineraries, inclusions, and activities at any time. Bindlestiff may also replace the hotels or vehicles used without notice so long as these adjustments do not jeopardize the safety of its clients.

XII.         Travel Advisories & Warnings

While Bindlestiff continuously monitors the areas we visit, it is your responsibility to become informed about the areas where you are about travel to including any travel advisories and warnings issued by the U. S. State Department. Visit their travel website at www.travel.state.gov or contact them by phone at 1-888-407-4747. You are responsible for protecting your own well-being and personal property before, during, and after your Bindlestiff tour.

XIII.         Local Payments

On select Bindlestiff tours, we require local payments to be made to your tour leader as detailed within our advertised itineraries and pre-departure paperwork. These local payments are used to cover meals while camping and en route hotels. Similarly, your tour leader will collect payment for any optional activities that you decide to participate in prior to arriving at the activity center. This process allows you to receive group discounts for most activities as well as easing the check-in process with these suppliers.

XIV.         Personal Responsibility

You are responsible for purchasing the style of tour that fits your desired comfort level and participating in activities that are suitable for your fitness level and capabilities. By making a booking, you acknowledge that Bindlestiff’s tours are adventurous by nature and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. You also acknowledge that neither you nor anyone traveling with you has any physical, mental, or other conditions or disabilities that would create a hazard to yourself or your group members. Bindlestiff reserves the right to decline anyone from joining a trip with justifiable cause. Bindlestiff also reserves the right to remove you from a trip if you are creating a hazard to yourself or others, impacting the enjoyment of others, or participating in any illegal activity. Any costs resulting from being removed from a tour or being declined participation in a tour is at your expense.

XV.         Seat Belt Policy

In the United States, state laws require that all passengers within Bindlestiff’s vehicles wear their seatbelts at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Our leaders have been instructed to follow Bindlestiff’s policy, which does not allow any vehicle to move unless every passenger is buckled up. This requirement is not only for your safety but also for the safety of everyone else in the vehicle. Our Tour Leaders are focused on protecting your safety, but they cannot be expected to constantly check to make sure no one has unbuckled their seatbelts. It is your responsibility to wear your seatbelt properly and at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

XVI.         Applicable Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by Nevada law to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a Bindlestiff tour or these Terms and Conditions will be initiated in the Courts of Nevada, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue in Clark County. If a court or any other appropriate authority finds any portion of this document to be invalid, the remainder will remain in full force and effect.