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Description
This country is one of Asia’s most spectacular and most vibrant places for travel and landscape photography. It offers beautiful sceneries, interesting culture and colorful ethnic people. This photo tour is a mix of landscapes, street, culture and people photography. Vietnam must be definitely on your “to photograph” list because of its charming splendor. We will start our tour in Hanoi shooting its charming streets. We will head the next day to the magical incense village and tea hills in the outskirts of Hanoi. Then, we will head to the spectacular rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai. We will stay there for 2 nights. On the way to the legendary terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi, we will stop for 1 night to photograph the Hmong tribes in Bac Ha. |
Date/s
11th - 19th September 2023 Duration 9 days & 8 nights (including the air travel) Starting Place Hanoi, Vietnam Ending Place Hanoi, Vietnam Airport Arrival and Departure Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi, Vietnam) Season Summer Group Size 5 - 12 not including the tour leader and driver Accommodation Type Hotels and homestays Difficulty Easy to moderate Tour Leaders Arlene Donaire Francis Ansing Diep Van |
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Itinerary Highlights
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September 11: Hanoi
Flight arrival. Take a cab to our hotel in downtown Hanoi. Old Hanoi with its amazing street life and fantastic backgrounds makes for a photo rich environment to be sure, but that’s not to say it’s easy. Overnight at our hotel. Meals included: none September 12: Hanoi – Long Coc After a good night’s sleep & breakfast in our hotel, we'll visit a colorful incense making village outside the city. Then hitting the road to the stunningly beautiful tea plantations of Long Coc. Photograph the almost surreal landscapes, with local workers to add interest and scale. We will spend a night at a charming Muong village Homestay where the home cooking is both authentic and fantastic! Meals included: B, D September 13: Long Coc – Mu Cang Chai Sunrise on the round hills of tea can be spectacular indeed, especially with just the right amount of mist. Today begins the expedition into the legendary rice terrace regions in the mountains of Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty and Ha Giang. Depart from Long Coc to arrive at Khau Pha pass for the first shoot, moving on to Mu Cang Chai for an afternoon mountain rice-scape session that will have everyone in awe. Overnight at a lovely homestay in town and a chance to experience some homey Viet hospitality. Meals included: B, D |
September 14: Mu Cang Chai
Another day of photography around Mu Cang Chai Meals included: B, D September 15: Mu Cang Chai – Bac Ha Another early morning to another stunning area of Mu Cang Chai, where local tribal people will provide some scale to your gorgeous ricescapes. The scenic mountain road through Sapa to Bac Ha, also offers some excellent opportunities to stop and photograph along the way. Meals: B, D September 16: Bac Ha - Ho Thau While most people who come to Bac Ha do so to attend the Can Cau Saturday market. Early morning shoot at the Vietnam’s most well known tribal market, Here you will have the chance to photograph several tribal groups selling exotic fruits, vegetables, textiles, goats, pigs, buffalo and much more! Tribes include Flower Hmong,Giay, Nung and Tay. After this very colorful and enjoyable market shoot, it’s off for Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang Province, which is perhaps one of the most spectacular rice terrace region in Vietnam, and certainly among the most beautiful on the planet. Time for an afternoon rice terrace exploration in Ban Phung and around a very peaceful little village of La Chi tribe Meals: B, D |
September 17: Ho Thau - Nam Khoa - Ban Luoc
There are many rice terrace locations, hill tribes’ villages… we won’t name here, but that you will get the opportunity to photograph to your heart’s content, both all day today and tomorrow morning. Meals: B, D September 18: Hoang Su Phi - Hanoi A final early morning rice terrace shoot at one of our favorite locations in Thong Nguyen, followed by the drive back to Hanoi. It will be tough to leave, but we must! Arrive back in Hanoi by 5:00. Check in at hotel. Meals: B September 19: Hanoi Flight departure. End of tour or stay for the next photography adventure. Meals included: B |
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Price
1390 USD (Early bird rate if will book on or before April 2023) 1590 (Regular rate. Applies for booking after April 2023) ***Monthly Installment Plan is available. Please message us if you are availing this plan.*** Included ✓ Twin or triple accommodations for 8 nights ✓ Meals stated in the itinerary ✓ Daily bottled water ✓ Taxi to the airport on day 9 ✓ Transportation service for 7 days ✓ Motorbike taxis to reach shooting locations at high vantage points ✓ Fees for local models ✓ Entrance fees to locations ✓ Border permit to enter specific locations ✓ English-speaking local guide ✓ Parking fees ✓ 2 Tour leaders and 1 driver Solo Room Supplement Additional 200 USD for a solo room |
Not Included
X Accommodation outside the tour date X International and/or domestic flights X Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and the likes X Personal and accidental expenses X Taxi to the hotel on day 1 X Meals not stated in the inclusions X Visa fees (if applicable) X Travel insurance X Laundry X Tippings to the local guide and driver |
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Requirements
✓ Complete Covid19 vaccination card or certificate
✓ Visa (if applicable)
✓ Travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage (minimum USD 10,000)
Payment Options (50% Downpayment or Monthly Installment Payment Plan)
1. 50% downpayment upon registration and 50% balance payment completion 3 months before trip departure OR
2. First payment of the Monthly Installment Plan. Please message us if you want to avail the Monthly Installment Plan.
Registration
1. 50% down payment or the first payment of the Monthly Installment Plan is required upon registration.
2. Balance requires to be settled 30-60 days before the first day of the tour (for 50% down payment). For Monthly Installment Plan, the final payment is made 30 days before the first day of the tour.
3. Registration shall be done by filling up the registration form below. Click on the yellow "REGISTER" button.
4. Please send the following as your register: Identification/passport and proof of down payment.
5. Download the waiver form sent to your email, fill out and send it back to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
✓ Complete Covid19 vaccination card or certificate
✓ Visa (if applicable)
✓ Travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage (minimum USD 10,000)
Payment Options (50% Downpayment or Monthly Installment Payment Plan)
1. 50% downpayment upon registration and 50% balance payment completion 3 months before trip departure OR
2. First payment of the Monthly Installment Plan. Please message us if you want to avail the Monthly Installment Plan.
Registration
1. 50% down payment or the first payment of the Monthly Installment Plan is required upon registration.
2. Balance requires to be settled 30-60 days before the first day of the tour (for 50% down payment). For Monthly Installment Plan, the final payment is made 30 days before the first day of the tour.
3. Registration shall be done by filling up the registration form below. Click on the yellow "REGISTER" button.
4. Please send the following as your register: Identification/passport and proof of down payment.
5. Download the waiver form sent to your email, fill out and send it back to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
Payment Channels (any of the following)
Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
G-Cash
Francis Ansing
09177302505
Paymaya
Francis Ansing
09201233942
Paypal
francisansingphotography@gmail.com
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya or using your credit cards via PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Bank: UnionBank of the Philippines (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Shutter Adventures Co
Account Number: 0005-8002-0812
BIC/Swift Code: UBPHPHMM
Bank Code: 010419995
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (US DOLLAR ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 3254-0482-07
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account: 9809-2077-33
BIC/Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Bank Code: 010040018
Bank: BDO, Unibank, Inc. (PESO ACCOUNT)
Account Name: Francis Eneria Ansing
Account Number: 008180116757
BIC/Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Bank Code: 010530667
G-Cash
Francis Ansing
09177302505
Paymaya
Francis Ansing
09201233942
Paypal
francisansingphotography@gmail.com
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya or using your credit cards via PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Local Tours
If written cancellation is received: |
Cancellation fee: |
60 days or prior |
100% of down payment |
59 to 31 days prior |
50% of entire tour fee |
30 days or fewer |
100% of entire tour fee |
International Tours
If written cancellation is received: |
Cancellation fee: |
150 days or prior |
100% of down payment |
149 to 91 days prior |
50% of entire tour fee |
90 or fewer days |
100% of entire tour fee |
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Personal Things to Bring
- Travel document (passport) - Covid-19 vaccination card - Comfortable clothes for 8 days - Warm jacket or fleece - Waterproof and windproof jacket - Waterproof trekking shoes - Trekking pants - Bonnet - Gloves - Flashlight or headlamp - Personal medicines - Pocket money - Cellular phone |
Camera Equipment to Bring
- Camera body (mirrorless or DSLR) - Lenses (ultra-wide, standard zoom, telephoto) - Sturdy tripod - Filters (CPL, NDs and GND) - Extra batteries - Extra memory cards - Rain protector |
Terms & Conditions
By using www.shutteradventuresco.com, you agree to be legally bound by these terms, which shall take effect immediately.
If you do not agree to be legally bound by all the following Terms & Conditions, please do not use Shutter Adventures Co. website.
Shutter Adventures Co. may change these Terms & Conditions at any time by posting changes online. Please review these Terms & Conditions regularly to ensure you are aware of any changes made by Shutter Adventures Co. Your continued use of www.shutteradventuresco.com website after changes are posted means you agree to be legally bound by these terms as updated and/or amended.
You may not copy, reproduce, republish, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or otherwise use content owned by Shutter Adventures Co. (inclusive of text, images, URLs, pricing information, etc.) in any way except for your own personal use.
Any commercial use of Shutter Adventures Co. content requires the prior written permission of Shutter Adventures Co.
You agree to use www.shutteradventuresco.com only for lawful purposes, and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of Shutter Adventures Co.
Your use of www.shutteradventuresco.com is intended for personal, use and/or to make legitimate requests to book the products or services offered. You agree not to use this site to make any speculative, false or fraudulent requests. You agree not to use robots or other automated means to access this site, unless specifically permitted by Shutter Adventures Co.
We grant you permission to use the site subject to the restrictions in these Terms & Conditions. In accessing or using the site, you may be exposed to content that is offensive, indecent, inaccurate, objectionable, or otherwise inappropriate. Shutter Adventures Co. does not endorse such content, and cannot vouch for its accuracy. You therefore access and use the site at your own risk.
Tour Costs
Information supplied upon registration describes the specific costs that are included in your tour fee. Generally, these costs include lodging in double/twin/triple room occupancy; meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch or dinner); ground transportation during the trip in vans, SUVs or small busses; National Park fees, entrance fees, and coordination/guide services provided by the tour leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the tour staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses), tips and gratuities to local guide, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Shutter Adventures Co. tour leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.
Single accommodations are available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure tour information or message us for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodations. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share.
Tour Cost Amendments
Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations and currency fluctuations, among others. Shutter Adventures Co. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. All photo tour quotes are based on known costs and rates of exchange at the time of booking and any significant changes beyond the control of Shutter Adventures Co. will be passed on to the client. Tour prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. An increase in tour prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.
Items Excluded in the Tour Price
Passport and visa fees, camera fees, (excluding Photo Tours), excess baggage charges, medical and evacuation costs, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, bottled water), client communication expenses, room service, optional excursions, or deviations from the scheduled tour, meals not included in the itinerary, and gratuities for the drivers, guides, and hotel porters. If any tour is delayed due to weather or road conditions, flight delays, illness, or other contingency over which Shutter Adventures Co. or its agents or contracted tour operators have no control, the cost incurred by such delay is not included in your tour cost.
Logistics
Whenever possible, our tour participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the above average to best available accommodations, but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins or tented camps.
Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Shutter Adventures Co., our tour leaders or the local guides.
The second tour leader listed for each tour on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a tour, and logistics permit, we accept two persons traveling together, even if it exceeds the tour maximum participants.
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya, Paypal, or credit cards using PayPal Checkout. Additional 4% PayPal fee applies if you are paying thru PayPal or PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation via email, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Local Tours
If written cancellation is received
60 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
59 to 31 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
30 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
International Tours
If written cancellation is received
150 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
149 to 91 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
90 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
Contact Schedule
Participants will receive four messages/emails before the tour departs:
1. Confirmation of the the deposit and issuance of acknowledgement receipt.
2. Information about clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, applicable health advisories and reading list. Visa information will also be included (if applicable).
3. Issuance of Official Receipt within 30 days for local and international tours.
4. Final tour Information includes pick up and drop off locations (local tours), flight arrival instructions (if it involves air travel), itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, tour telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the tour leader's telephone number(s) and/or e-mail address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding the tour. We welcome your calls or e-mail messages to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
Trip Insurance
We provide a travel insurance for all our local tours. AXA PH is our choice of company to provide our clients' domestic travel insurance. For international tours, it is mandatory for our clients to get their own travel insurance with coverage depending on the country of destination.
Health Considerations
Our tours are within the capabilities of people with average fitness / health. Some photography adventures require several kilometers of trek on uneven terrain. There are tours that require motorcycle and boat rides. Photography adventures in the mountains usually require trekking at high elevations - all while carrying your camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and tour down payment, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants and you agree to inform us in writing if changes in your health occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or tour leader's judgement shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a tour. Once a tour has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. “Meatless” meals are normally available at most locations. Due to the remote nature of many photo locations, and the growing diversity of today’s dietary trends, participants requiring special food items are encouraged to bring their own.
Responsibility
Shutter Adventures Co. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (tour participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft or other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay, cancellations or changes in flights or other tour services, and by force majeure including sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine, epidemics and outbreaks, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
Alteration of Tours
The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in flight schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any tour prior to departure due to low registration, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 3) At the company’s/business’ sole discretion, suspend or postpone any tour due to force majeure in which case the trip may be rescheduled, or a refund issued less any non-refundable deposits paid to tour component providers on behalf of the passenger, or a travel credit given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 4) substitute tour leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy; or 5) accept or retain any person as a member of any trip.
Registration Form and Waiver
A Registration Form including the Registration Conditions and Release and Assumption of Risk sections must be signed by each participant prior to the commencement of the tour. Participation by any tour participant will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section, with no tour fee refund. No modification to the Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section will be accepted.
Should Shutter Adventures Co., or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, the registering tour participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the registering participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the Municipality of Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.
If you do not agree to be legally bound by all the following Terms & Conditions, please do not use Shutter Adventures Co. website.
Shutter Adventures Co. may change these Terms & Conditions at any time by posting changes online. Please review these Terms & Conditions regularly to ensure you are aware of any changes made by Shutter Adventures Co. Your continued use of www.shutteradventuresco.com website after changes are posted means you agree to be legally bound by these terms as updated and/or amended.
You may not copy, reproduce, republish, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or otherwise use content owned by Shutter Adventures Co. (inclusive of text, images, URLs, pricing information, etc.) in any way except for your own personal use.
Any commercial use of Shutter Adventures Co. content requires the prior written permission of Shutter Adventures Co.
You agree to use www.shutteradventuresco.com only for lawful purposes, and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of Shutter Adventures Co.
Your use of www.shutteradventuresco.com is intended for personal, use and/or to make legitimate requests to book the products or services offered. You agree not to use this site to make any speculative, false or fraudulent requests. You agree not to use robots or other automated means to access this site, unless specifically permitted by Shutter Adventures Co.
We grant you permission to use the site subject to the restrictions in these Terms & Conditions. In accessing or using the site, you may be exposed to content that is offensive, indecent, inaccurate, objectionable, or otherwise inappropriate. Shutter Adventures Co. does not endorse such content, and cannot vouch for its accuracy. You therefore access and use the site at your own risk.
Tour Costs
Information supplied upon registration describes the specific costs that are included in your tour fee. Generally, these costs include lodging in double/twin/triple room occupancy; meals (specified in the itinerary as BLD denoting breakfast, lunch or dinner); ground transportation during the trip in vans, SUVs or small busses; National Park fees, entrance fees, and coordination/guide services provided by the tour leaders. Not included are airfare or other transportation from your home to the tour staging location, airport departure taxes, insurance, alcoholic beverages and bar expenses (plus bottled water and soft drink expenses), tips and gratuities to local guide, phone calls, passport or visa expenses, laundry or items of a personal nature. Gratuities to Shutter Adventures Co. tour leaders are optional and always appreciated. Rates are based on group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement may be charged.
Single accommodations are available for a supplemental cost in many locations; see the pre-departure tour information or message us for details. You will be charged the single supplement fee if you desire single accommodations. In some remote locations, clients with single rooms are infrequently compelled to share a room due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, appropriate per diem refunds will be made reflecting the direct cost of the single room at the facility where clients are required to share.
Tour Cost Amendments
Cost increases may occur unexpectedly due to rising costs of airfares, ground transport, fuel surcharges, accommodations and currency fluctuations, among others. Shutter Adventures Co. may be compelled to amend prices, and we reserve the right to do so without prior notice. All photo tour quotes are based on known costs and rates of exchange at the time of booking and any significant changes beyond the control of Shutter Adventures Co. will be passed on to the client. Tour prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. An increase in tour prices shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of funds paid for the trip other than as determined by the terms of our cancellation policy.
Items Excluded in the Tour Price
Passport and visa fees, camera fees, (excluding Photo Tours), excess baggage charges, medical and evacuation costs, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, bottled water), client communication expenses, room service, optional excursions, or deviations from the scheduled tour, meals not included in the itinerary, and gratuities for the drivers, guides, and hotel porters. If any tour is delayed due to weather or road conditions, flight delays, illness, or other contingency over which Shutter Adventures Co. or its agents or contracted tour operators have no control, the cost incurred by such delay is not included in your tour cost.
Logistics
Whenever possible, our tour participants are lodged in comfortable, modern hotels. We select among the above average to best available accommodations, but refrain from extravagance. Some interesting photographic destinations are far removed from modern amenities, however, and where necessary we will be accommodated in rustic country inns, cabins or tented camps.
Our itineraries are intended as examples only. Participants should allow for flexibility due to changes in weather, natural history or cultural events, or other logistical arrangements deemed necessary by Shutter Adventures Co., our tour leaders or the local guides.
The second tour leader listed for each tour on the website will be added as the group size warrants. If only one space remains on a tour, and logistics permit, we accept two persons traveling together, even if it exceeds the tour maximum participants.
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Conditions
1. A deposit and completed Registration Form are required to reserve a place for you on a Shutter Adventures Co. tour.
2. All prices are quoted in Philippine Peso or USD.
3. We accept payments via remittance, wire, bank, G-Cash, Paymaya, Paypal, or credit cards using PayPal Checkout. Additional 4% PayPal fee applies if you are paying thru PayPal or PayPal Checkout.
4. A deposit / down payment of at least 50% of the total fee is required to sign up for a tour.
5. Trip deposits / down payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
6. Full payment / balance is due at least 30 days (for local tours) and 90 days (for international tours) prior to departure date.
7. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever.
8. Cancellation fees are not transferable.
9. We must receive written notice of your cancellation via email, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:
Local Tours
If written cancellation is received
60 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
59 to 31 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
30 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
International Tours
If written cancellation is received
150 days or prior : Cancellation fee of 100% of down payment
149 to 91 days prior : Cancellation fee of 50% of entire tour fee
90 days or fewer : Cancellation fee of 100% of entire tour fee
Contact Schedule
Participants will receive four messages/emails before the tour departs:
1. Confirmation of the the deposit and issuance of acknowledgement receipt.
2. Information about clothing and photo gear recommendations, climate data, applicable health advisories and reading list. Visa information will also be included (if applicable).
3. Issuance of Official Receipt within 30 days for local and international tours.
4. Final tour Information includes pick up and drop off locations (local tours), flight arrival instructions (if it involves air travel), itinerary revisions (if any), hotel addresses, tour telephone contact information and participant list. We provide the tour leader's telephone number(s) and/or e-mail address with final documents so you can inquire about special photographic questions you may have regarding the tour. We welcome your calls or e-mail messages to shutteradventuresco@gmail.com.
Trip Insurance
We provide a travel insurance for all our local tours. AXA PH is our choice of company to provide our clients' domestic travel insurance. For international tours, it is mandatory for our clients to get their own travel insurance with coverage depending on the country of destination.
Health Considerations
Our tours are within the capabilities of people with average fitness / health. Some photography adventures require several kilometers of trek on uneven terrain. There are tours that require motorcycle and boat rides. Photography adventures in the mountains usually require trekking at high elevations - all while carrying your camera equipment. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire with our office before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and tour down payment, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants and you agree to inform us in writing if changes in your health occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's or tour leader's judgement shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a tour. Once a tour has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements. “Meatless” meals are normally available at most locations. Due to the remote nature of many photo locations, and the growing diversity of today’s dietary trends, participants requiring special food items are encouraged to bring their own.
Responsibility
Shutter Adventures Co. and/or their Agents act only as agents for the passenger (tour participant) in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft or other conveyance, and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts, bankruptcy or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay, cancellations or changes in flights or other tour services, and by force majeure including sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine, epidemics and outbreaks, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
Alteration of Tours
The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in flight schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any tour prior to departure due to low registration, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 3) At the company’s/business’ sole discretion, suspend or postpone any tour due to force majeure in which case the trip may be rescheduled, or a refund issued less any non-refundable deposits paid to tour component providers on behalf of the passenger, or a travel credit given, but Shutter Adventures Co. is not responsible for any other tour preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 4) substitute tour leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy; or 5) accept or retain any person as a member of any trip.
Registration Form and Waiver
A Registration Form including the Registration Conditions and Release and Assumption of Risk sections must be signed by each participant prior to the commencement of the tour. Participation by any tour participant will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section, with no tour fee refund. No modification to the Registration Form including the Release and Assumption of Risk section will be accepted.
Should Shutter Adventures Co., or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, the registering tour participant(s) agree(s) to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. In the event a lawsuit is filed, the registering participant(s) agree(s) to do so solely in the Municipality of Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.