Booking Terms & Conditions

These terms apply to group departures and tailor-made trips arranged by Holidays With Shivam. They follow the EU Package Travel Directive (2015/2302), Dutch Civil Code Book 7 Title 7A, and India's Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Nothing here limits your rights under mandatory consumer law.

1. Who you contract with

Holidays With Shivam operates from Amsterdam (Netherlands) and New Delhi (India). Shivam Vijhani is an independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel. Hotel and cruise bookings may be confirmed through Fora as booking agent. Each confirmation states who the organiser of your package is.

2. Booking and confirmation

• An enquiry via the website or WhatsApp is not a booking. Your booking is confirmed once you accept our written offer and we receive your deposit.
• Before you book, you receive the standard EU package travel information form and the full itinerary, inclusions and exclusions.
• The lead traveller confirms that all travellers in the booking accept these terms.

3. Prices and payment

• Prices are per person, in the currency stated (EUR or INR), and include the services listed in your itinerary.
• Deposit: 25% of the trip price on booking. Balance: due 60 days before departure.
• Indian residents: Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages and GST apply as required by Indian law and are shown on your invoice.
• We may increase the price only for changes in fuel costs, taxes or exchange rates, no later than 20 days before departure. If the increase exceeds 8%, you may cancel free of charge with a full refund. Price reductions for the same reasons are passed on to you.

4. Cancellation by you

You may cancel at any time by written notice. The following fees apply (percent of the trip price):

• More than 90 days before departure: loss of deposit
• 89–60 days: 50%
• 59–30 days: 75%
• Less than 30 days or no-show: 100%

You may cancel without a fee if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination (e.g. war, natural disaster, serious health risk) significantly affect the trip. We strongly recommend travel and cancellation insurance.

5. Transfer and changes by you

You may transfer your booking to another person who meets the trip's conditions, with notice of at least 7 days before departure. You and the new traveller are jointly liable for the price and any actual extra costs.

6. Changes or cancellation by us

• Minor changes may be made and will be communicated clearly. For significant changes you may accept the change, choose an alternative, or cancel with a full refund.
• Each departure needs a minimum of 10 travellers. If this is not reached, we may cancel up to 30 days before departure with a full refund.
• Refunds are paid within 14 days of cancellation.

7. Travel protection (insolvency)

Payments for package travel are protected against insolvency as required by EU law. The insolvency protection provider and details are shown on your booking confirmation.

8. Passports, visas and health

You are responsible for a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond return), visas, vaccinations and travel insurance. We give general guidance for Indian and Dutch passport holders, but final requirements are set by the authorities.

9. During the trip and complaints

• Report any problem to Shivam or the tour escort immediately so it can be fixed on the spot.
• We are responsible for the proper performance of all travel services in your package and will assist you if you are in difficulty.
• Unresolved complaints may be sent in writing within one month of return to shivam@holidayswithshivam.com.
• EU travellers may also use the Geschillencommissie Reizen (if we are a member) or the EU Online Dispute Resolution platform. Indian travellers may approach the National Consumer Helpline or the appropriate Consumer Commission.

10. Liability

Our liability is limited as permitted by law and international conventions (e.g. Montreal and Athens Conventions), but never for personal injury or damage caused intentionally or through gross negligence. Liability for other damage is limited to three times the trip price.

11. Conduct

Group travel depends on mutual respect. We may exclude a traveller whose behaviour seriously disrupts the group, without refund.

12. Applicable law

Dutch law applies to bookings made with our Netherlands entity, and Indian law to bookings made with our India office, without removing mandatory consumer protection in your country of residence.