TERMS OF SERVICE:
OFF THE EATEN TRACK

Last Updated: 1 September 2025

1. General Information

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your booking and participation in tours operated by Off The Eaten Track ("we," "us," or "our"). By making a booking or participating in any of our tours, you ("you" or "Guest") agree to be bound by these Terms.

Off The Eaten Track specializes in small group and private culinary tours to unique destinations in Japan and China, focusing on authentic food experiences and off-the-beaten-track locations.

2. Booking and Payment

2.1 Deposit and Final Payment

• Small Group Tours (6-10 people): 25% deposit required at time of booking

• Private Tours: 30% deposit required at time of booking

• Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure for all tours

• All payments must be made in Australian Dollars (AUD)

2.2 Late Bookings

Bookings made within 60 days of departure require full payment at time of booking.

2.3 Payment Methods

We accept payment by bank transfer, credit card (Visa, Mastercard), or other methods as agreed upon booking.

2.4 Price Confirmation

All prices are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Prices may change due to currency fluctuations, increased supplier costs, or other factors beyond our control until final payment is received.

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

3.1 Cancellation by Guest

Cancellations must be made in writing via email. Cancellation fees apply as follows:

Small Group Tours:

• 91+ days before departure: Loss of deposit

• 61-90 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost

• 31-60 days before departure: 75% of total tour cost

• 30 days or less before departure: 100% of total tour cost (no refund)

Private Tours:

• 121+ days before departure: Loss of deposit

• 91-120 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost

• 61-90 days before departure: 75% of total tour cost

• 60 days or less before departure: 100% of total tour cost (no refund)

3.2 Cancellation by Off The Eaten Track

We reserve the right to cancel any tour due to insufficient bookings, force majeure events, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to an alternative tour. Our liability is limited to the refund of monies paid.

3.3 No Show Policy

Failure to arrive for your tour without prior cancellation will result in forfeiture of all payments made.

4. Changes and Amendments

4.1 Changes by Guest

Changes to bookings (dates, tour type, group size) are subject to availability and may incur additional costs. Change requests must be made in writing and are subject to a AUD $100 administration fee plus any additional costs from suppliers.

4.2 Changes by Off The Eaten Track

We reserve the right to modify tour itineraries, accommodations, transportation, or other aspects of your tour due to local conditions, weather, supplier availability, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will make reasonable efforts to provide equivalent alternatives and will notify you of significant changes as soon as possible.

5. What's Included and Excluded

5.1 Included in Tour Price

• Accommodation as specified in itinerary

• Meals as specified in itinerary

• Professional English-speaking guide

• All food experiences and tastings as outlined

• Transportation during the tour as specified

• Entrance fees to attractions included in itinerary

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure days

5.2 Not Included in Tour Price

• International flights to/from tour start/end points

• Travel insurance

• Passport and visa costs

• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, internet, room service)

• Alcoholic beverages (unless specifically included)

• Optional activities not specified in itinerary

• Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers

• Meals not specified in itinerary

• Medical expenses

6. Travel Requirements and Documentation

6.1 Passport and Visas

All travelers must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the end date of the tour. You are responsible for obtaining all required visas and ensuring compliance with entry requirements for all destinations. We are not liable for any costs or consequences arising from inadequate documentation.

6.2 Health Requirements

You are responsible for ensuring you meet all health requirements for travel, including any required vaccinations. Please consult your doctor and check current health advisories for your destinations.

7. Health, Fitness, and Dietary Requirements

7.1 Physical Fitness

Our tours involve walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces, and may include stairs or other physical activities. You must be in sufficient physical condition to participate. Please advise us of any mobility limitations at time of booking.

7.2 Dietary Requirements and Food Allergies

Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies at time of booking. While we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special dietary needs, we cannot guarantee complete avoidance of allergens. You participate in food experiences at your own risk.

7.3 Medical Conditions

You must disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate safely in the tour. We reserve the right to refuse participation if we believe your condition poses a risk to yourself or other travelers.

8. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all tour participants. Insurance must include coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and personal liability with minimum coverage of AUD $100,000 for medical expenses and AUD $1,000,000 for emergency evacuation.

Proof of adequate travel insurance must be provided at least 30 days prior to tour departure. Failure to provide proof of insurance by this deadline will result in automatic cancellation of your booking with no refund provided.

You are responsible for ensuring your insurance policy covers all activities included in your tour itinerary and destinations visited.

9. Liability and Risk

9.1 Limitation of Liability

Off The Eaten Track acts as an agent in arranging transportation, accommodation, and other tour services provided by independent contractors. We are not liable for any acts, omissions, or negligence of these service providers.

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the tour. We exclude liability for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

9.2 Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that travel involves inherent risks including but not limited to: illness, injury, theft, political instability, natural disasters, and food-related illness. You voluntarily assume these risks.

9.3 Activity-Specific Risks

Participation in certain tour activities may involve additional risks including but not limited to:

• Cooking classes and food preparation: Risk of cuts, burns, or injury from kitchen equipment

• Brewery, distillery, and production facility visits: Risk of slips, falls, or injury on industrial premises

• Market visits and street food experiences: Risk of uneven surfaces, crowded conditions, or foodborne illness

• Farm visits and outdoor activities: Risk of animal encounters, uneven terrain, or weather exposure

• Cultural site visits: Risk of uneven surfaces, stairs, or crowded conditions

You acknowledge these risks and participate voluntarily. We recommend appropriate clothing and footwear for all activities.

10. Behavior and Conduct

10.1 Standards of Behavior

All guests must behave respectfully toward fellow travelers, guides, and local communities. We reserve the right to remove any guest whose behavior is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, without refund.

10.2 Alcohol Policy

Where alcohol is included in tours, it will be served responsibly. Guests must be 18+ to consume alcohol and must comply with local laws.

11. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government actions, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, or supplier failures.

12. Photography and Media

You consent to Off The Eaten Track photographing or filming you during tours and using such images for promotional purposes without compensation. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform your guide.

13. Complaints and Disputes

13.1 Complaints During Travel

Any complaints during your tour should be raised immediately with your guide or our local representative to allow for prompt resolution.

13.2 Post-Travel Complaints

Written complaints must be submitted within 30 days of tour completion. We will investigate and respond within 30 days of receipt.

13.3 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes will be resolved according to Australian law. If court proceedings are necessary, they must be commenced within 12 months of tour completion.

14. Privacy and Data Protection

We collect and use personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Act 1988. Your information may be shared with tour suppliers as necessary to provide services.

15. Group Size and Tour Confirmation

15.1 Minimum Group Sizes

• Small Group Tours: Minimum and maximum as per itinerary

• Private Tours: No minimum, maximum varies by tour type

15.2 Tour Confirmation

Tours are confirmed upon receipt of deposit and written confirmation from us. We reserve the right to cancel tours that do not meet minimum group sizes.

16. Intellectual Property

All tour materials, itineraries, and content remain the intellectual property of Off The Eaten Track and may not be reproduced without permission.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

18. Amendments

We may update these Terms from time to time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website and apply to all bookings made after the update date.

19. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Australian law and the courts of Australia have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

20. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or to make a complaint:

Off The Eaten Track
Email: info@offtheeatentrack.co

By making a booking with Off The Eaten Track, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.