CLIENT SERVICE AGREEMENT with Makini Bridgewater, travel advisor with Travel with Makini, an affiliate of FORA
By accessing this agreement on our website, signing digitally through our booking system, proceeding with any booking, or making payment on any invoice or quote that references these terms, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Travel With Makini Independent Travel Advisor: Makini Bridgewater
Email: makini.bridgewater@fora.travel
Website: https://travelwithmakini.com
FORA Profile: https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/makini-bridgewater
Florida Seller of Travel License: TI120043 Certified
Autism Travel Professional: CATP25834486
MAIN CLIENT SERVICE AGREEMENT
1. Introduction and Purpose
This Client Service Agreement ("Agreement") is made between Travel With Makini, an independent travel advisor operating as an affiliate of FORA, and the Client ("Client"). This Agreement outlines the terms of services provided, Client responsibilities, and limitations of liability.
The Client's agreement to these terms may be demonstrated in any of the following ways, each of which constitutes legally binding acceptance:
- By accessing and reviewing this Agreement on the Travel With Makini website
- By providing a digital signature through any booking or customer relationship management system used by Travel With Makini
- By proceeding with any booking after being directed to these terms
- By making payment on any invoice or quote that references these terms
- By engaging Travel With Makini's services in any capacity
The Client acknowledges they have had the opportunity to review these terms in full prior to acceptance. This Agreement may be accepted via electronic signature, email confirmation, verbal agreement, payment of invoices, or any other digital or physical means of acceptance, all of which shall have the same legal effect as a physical signature.
2. Scope of Services
Travel With Makini provides travel advisory and booking services as a booking agent, not a service provider, including:
- Research and Itinerary Planning: Planning and designing custom travel itineraries.
- Booking Coordination: Making reservations for flights, accommodations, transportation, and other travel services.
- Travel Support: Offering assistance before, during, and after the trip within reasonable business hours.
- Documentation Assistance: Providing guidance on necessary travel documents (such as passports, visas, health requirements) and sharing supplier-provided travel documentation, confirmations, and itineraries. Please note that Travel With Makini does not prepare legal documents or official government documentation.
Note: Certain bookings and services are managed under FORA's terms and policies, which may also apply. Travel With Makini is not responsible for the delivery of actual travel services booked through third-party vendors.
FORA Affiliation
Travel With Makini operates as an affiliate of FORA, a registered travel agency. All bookings are processed through FORA's systems, and Travel With Makini functions as an independent advisor within FORA's agency framework. This affiliation provides clients with additional security and support through FORA's professional infrastructure, supplier relationships, and industry protections.
Independent Contractor Status
Travel With Makini operates as an independent contractor affiliated with FORA as a host agency. This Agreement does not create an employer-employee relationship, partnership, or joint venture between Travel With Makini and the Client. The Client acknowledges that Travel With Makini may work with multiple clients simultaneously and has no obligation of exclusivity to any single client.
Communication Expectations
The Client acknowledges and agrees that:
- Travel With Makini's standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time, excluding holidays.
- Response times for non-urgent inquiries may be up to 24-48 business hours.
- For urgent travel matters, an emergency contact protocol will be provided separately.
- Communication outside of business hours is at the discretion of Travel With Makini and not guaranteed.
- Repeated communications that are excessive in frequency or timing may result in additional service fees.
3. Documents & Communication
A. Travel Documents
The Client agrees to:
- Carefully review all travel documents, including itineraries and confirmations, for accuracy and report discrepancies within 24 hours of receipt.
- Ensure that names on travel documents exactly match government-issued IDs, including middle names and suffixes where applicable.
- Take responsibility for obtaining necessary travel documentation, such as passports, visas, and vaccination records, before travel.
- Verify that passports have at least six months validity beyond the return date for international travel.
- Acknowledge that booking confirmations must be verified with suppliers directly prior to departure.
B. Special Needs Travelers
For travelers with disabilities or special needs, the Client agrees to:
- Disclose all relevant mobility, medical, or special assistance requirements at the time of booking.
- Understand that not all destinations, accommodations, or activities may be accessible or suitable.
- Provide medical documentation if required by suppliers for certain accommodations or services.
- Acknowledge that the responsibility for providing confirmed special services or accommodations rests solely with the supplier, not Travel With Makini.
- Understand that even when special accommodations or services are confirmed in writing by a supplier, Travel With Makini cannot guarantee their delivery and bears no responsibility if a supplier fails to provide such confirmed services.
4. Agent for Suppliers
Makini Bridgewater, Travel Advisor with Travel With Makini, acts solely as a sales agent for airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, tour operators, and other travel service providers ("Suppliers"). The Client acknowledges and agrees that Travel With Makini:
- Is not responsible for Suppliers' actions or omissions, including failure to adhere to schedules, provide services or refunds, or honor credits.
- Cannot be held liable for Suppliers' financial insolvency or failure to deliver purchased services.
- Has no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of Suppliers and has no liability for recommending a particular Supplier.
- Is not liable for any issues related to future credits issued in lieu of refunds.
- Has no control over the policies of third-party vendors regarding refunds, cancellations, or service delivery.
- Cannot guarantee the quality or safety of any services provided by third-party vendors.
- Bears no responsibility for service delivery failures by Suppliers, even when bookings have been confirmed.
- Cannot guarantee the availability of special assistance, accommodations, or services beyond what Suppliers have confirmed in writing, and the responsibility for fulfilling such confirmed services rests solely with the Supplier.
- Is not responsible if Suppliers fail to honor confirmations, reservations, or special requests that have been confirmed in writing.
Technology Platform Limitations
The Client acknowledges that:
- Travel With Makini utilizes third-party booking systems, websites, and technology platforms to facilitate reservations.
- Technical errors, glitches, or system failures in these platforms are beyond Travel With Makini's control.
- Temporary unavailability of booking systems may affect reservation processing.
- Pricing or availability errors that occur in booking systems are not binding until confirmed.
- Travel With Makini is not responsible for any damages or losses resulting from technology failures.
5. Risks of Travel and Release of Liability
The Client acknowledges that travel involves risks and expressly agrees that:
- Travel With Makini assumes no responsibility for unsafe conditions, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, health hazards (including pandemics), weather disruptions, natural disasters, or any other issues arising from travel or destination conditions.
- It is the Client's responsibility to understand the risks associated with travel and purchase appropriate insurance coverage. For current information on travel advisories, refer to travel.state.gov and cdc.gov/travel.
- The Client knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with travel.
Release of Liability: The Client expressly assumes all travel-related risks and agrees to release, discharge, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Travel With Makini, FORA, and their affiliates, employees, representatives, and agents from any claims, actions, causes of action, damages, or expenses arising from or related to the Client's travel arrangements, including personal injury, property damage, or financial loss.
Force Majeure
Neither party shall be responsible for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Acts of God, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, or environmental events
- Pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies
- War, terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, or labor disputes
- Government restrictions, regulations, or actions
- Supplier bankruptcies, operational failures, or cessation of services
- Transportation system disruptions, airport closures, or airspace restrictions
- Any other circumstances that make it impossible or commercially unreasonable to perform obligations
In the event of a force majeure:
- Travel With Makini will make reasonable efforts to assist the Client in securing refunds or credits from suppliers but cannot guarantee success or be held financially responsible.
- The Client acknowledges that force majeure events may result in trip cancellation, interruption, or significant changes to itineraries.
- Travel With Makini strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for force majeure events to mitigate potential financial losses.
- Recovery of costs during force majeure events will be subject to supplier policies, which vary widely and may not offer full refunds.
- Neither the Client nor Travel With Makini shall be entitled to recover damages from the other party for delays or non-performance due to force majeure events.
Destination-Specific Risks and Compliance
The Client acknowledges and agrees to:
- Research and understand destination-specific risks, including health concerns, safety issues, and local customs.
- Comply with all local laws, regulations, and customs while traveling.
- Respect cultural norms and practices of destinations visited.
- Understand that violation of local laws may result in severe penalties, detention, or other consequences.
- Accept that Travel With Makini cannot provide legal representation if the Client violates local laws.
- Recognize that standards for safety, hygiene, and accessibility may differ from those in the Client's home country.
6. Entry & Re-entry Rules
The Client is responsible for:
- Verifying and complying with all entry requirements, including passport validity (typically six months beyond entry date), visa needs, and vaccination mandates.
- Understanding that entry requirements may change without prior notice and that some countries may deny entry based on past criminal convictions, immigration violations, or other reasons.
- Ensuring adherence to entry rules for both domestic and international destinations, and acknowledging that even domestic travel may require specific documentation.
- Researching and understanding COVID-19 or other health-related entry requirements that may be in effect.
- Bearing all costs associated with denied entry due to improper documentation or failure to meet entry requirements.
7. Payments and Fees
A. Travel Advisor Service Fees
The Client acknowledges and agrees to the following service packages and fee structure:
- Let's Go Package - Complimentary:
- Ideal for travelers who prefer to handle most of their itinerary but need the essentials booked (hotel, cruise and airport transfers).
- Includes a complimentary consultation call, personalized proposal with multiple accommodation options showcasing exclusive hotel perks, and booking/management of essential trip components.
- While the planning service is complimentary, the Client understands that Travel With Makini receives compensation from suppliers for bookings made.
- Perfect for single-stop trips or travelers who already know their destination and activities.
- The Full Itinerary Package – Starting at $299:
- A comprehensive, full-service planning package designed to create comfortable travel experiences, including sensory-friendly considerations for families who need them.
- Includes a complimentary consultation call, custom daily itineraries tailored to travel style and sensory needs, two rounds of revisions to travel proposals, booking and management of accommodations, tours, transportation, and activities, concierge-level planning and booking, and detailed accessibility information when requested.
- The $299 service fee is non-refundable and must be paid in full before detailed planning begins.
- This fee compensates Travel With Makini for time, expertise, and services regardless of whether the Client ultimately travels.
- Additional fees may apply for highly complex itineraries, large groups, or specialty destinations.
- Bespoke Travel & Group Bookings:
- For more personalized travel experiences to celebrate milestone events or group trips.
- Service fees for bespoke and group bookings will be determined based on the complexity, size, and requirements of the specific request.
- Fees will be clearly disclosed and agreed upon before any planning begins.
- Non-refundable deposits may be required to initiate group bookings.
- Additional Service Fees: Travel With Makini reserves the right to assess supplemental fees for services that extend beyond the scope of the selected package. Such services may include, but are not limited to: substantial itinerary modifications following initial finalization, after-hours emergency assistance, specialized document preparation, expedited services for bookings requested within 30 days of departure, and other extraordinary requests that require significant additional time and expertise. All supplemental services are billed at Travel With Makini's professional consultation rate of $100 per hour, prorated in 15-minute increments. The Client will be notified of any additional fees prior to the commencement of such services whenever circumstances reasonably permit.
- Fee Disclosure: All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed prior to the commencement of services and outlined in the initial engagement agreement.
B. Standard Inclusions
No matter the level of assistance selected, the following services are always included:
- Complimentary consultation call
- Essential destination information
- Access to exclusive industry rates and perks
- Secure payment processing
- Standard travel documents
- Pre-departure checklist
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance referrals
- Regular supplier communications
C. Deposits and Final Payments
- Some bookings require deposits to secure reservations. The Client is responsible for making final payments by the stated deadlines; failure to do so may result in automatic cancellation with applicable penalties.
- The deposit amount and payment schedule will be determined by the Supplier's requirements and will be clearly communicated to the Client.
- Authorization for Payments: By providing payment information, the Client authorizes Travel With Makini to charge for all agreed-upon services, deposits, and final payments when due.
- Additional Charges: Any additional fees for changes, cancellations, or upgrades will be disclosed by Travel With Makini as per each Supplier's policy and are the Client's responsibility.
- Late Payments: Late payments may incur additional fees and potentially result in cancellation of bookings without refund.
- All payment deadlines are firm and non-negotiable as they are typically imposed by Suppliers.
D. Payment Methods and Processing
- Acceptable payment methods include credit card, debit card, electronic transfer, or other methods specifically approved by Travel With Makini, FORA, and its individual suppliers. Available payment methods may vary by supplier.
- A payment processing fee may apply to certain payment methods to cover transaction costs.
- Credit card payments will be processed securely through Travel With Makini's payment processing system or directly by the Supplier.
- The Client is responsible for any currency conversion fees or foreign transaction fees imposed by their financial institution.
- Travel With Makini reserves the right to hold reservations until payment has cleared.
- Recurring payment arrangements may be established for trips with installment payment plans.
E. Secure Payment Information Storage
- Client payment information is securely stored using encrypted technology managed and maintained by FORA and is not maintained on any of Travel With Makini's personal systems.
- Access to stored payment information is strictly limited to authorized uses for travel bookings at the Client's direction - either during joint audio/video consultations for synchronous booking, or after receiving express written authorization or electronic confirmation to complete bookings asynchronously.
- The Client may request alternative payment methods or removal of stored payment information by contacting vault@foratravel.com.
- By providing payment information, the Client authorizes its use for travel bookings as directed.
- For security purposes, Travel With Makini will never request complete credit card information via email or text message. Any requests to share full payment details via unsecured methods should be reported to Travel With Makini immediately.
- The Client agrees to protect sensitive payment information by using password-protected documents when sharing authorization forms and sending passwords separately from the protected documents.
- When available, direct payment links from suppliers are the preferred method of payment to enhance security and ensure direct acceptance of supplier terms and conditions.
8. Fees and Price Drops
- Non-Refundable Fees: All service fees are non-refundable. If a Supplier drops their price post-booking, Travel With Makini will attempt to rebook where possible, but additional fees may apply.
- No Guarantees on Refunds or Rebooking: Travel With Makini cannot guarantee successful rebooking or refunds related to price changes, even if a lower rate becomes available.
- Supplier Price Fluctuations: Travel prices may fluctuate based on market conditions, and Travel With Makini has no control over these changes once bookings are confirmed. While clients may inquire about price fluctuations after booking but before final payment or cancellation penalties take effect, Travel With Makini does not monitor, track, or guarantee notification of supplier offers, discounts, or promotions that may become available after the initial booking.
- Service Fee Retention: All service fees remain non-refundable regardless of price changes, as they compensate for services already rendered.
9. Price Increases
The Client understands and agrees that:
- Travel arrangements involving airline or cruise components are subject to price increases due to government fees, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations, or Supplier charges, even after purchase.
- The Client authorizes their payment method on file for additional costs as needed without prior notification in some cases.
- Price increases may occur up until the date of travel and must be paid to retain reservations.
- Some suppliers may reserve the right to increase prices by up to a specific percentage without offering cancellation rights.
10. Reservation Rule Violations
The Client expressly agrees not to purchase or use "hidden-city," "back-to-back," or "point-beyond" tickets, which violate airline policies. The Client acknowledges that:
- Airlines actively monitor for these practices and may cancel itineraries, void tickets, confiscate frequent flyer points, or take other punitive actions if detected.
- Travel With Makini is not liable for any penalties, cancellations, or additional costs resulting from the Client's violation of these rules.
- Deliberate manipulation of booking systems to obtain lower fares constitutes a breach of this Agreement.
- The Client will be solely responsible for any additional costs incurred due to reservation rule violations.
Client Behavior Expectations
The Client agrees to:
- Conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner when interacting with Travel With Makini and all service providers.
- Refrain from abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior toward Travel With Makini staff or service providers.
- Not engage in any activity that could jeopardize Travel With Makini's business relationships with suppliers.
- Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of accommodations, transportation providers, and other suppliers.
- Understand that inappropriate behavior may result in termination of services by Travel With Makini or service denial by suppliers.
- Accept financial responsibility for any damages, penalties, or additional costs incurred due to their behavior.
- Provide complete and accurate personal information for all travelers in the party, including but not limited to: legal names as they appear on travel documents, correct birth dates, current passport information, citizenship status, visa requirements, known medical conditions that may affect travel, and any special needs or accommodations required. The Client acknowledges that providing inaccurate information may result in denied boarding, entry refusal at destinations, or other significant travel disruptions for which Travel With Makini cannot be held responsible.
Fraud Prevention and Suspicious Booking Indicators
The Client acknowledges that certain booking patterns may trigger additional verification requirements to prevent fraud, including but not limited to:
- Last-minute bookings (within 30 days of travel)
- Flight-only or hotel-only bookings from unknown clients
- Booking requests where the client shows unusual indifference to price
- Multiple payment method attempts
- Bookings made on behalf of third parties not included in communications
- Requests for refunds to different payment methods than originally used
- Feature-only bookings (such as theme park tickets only)
The Client agrees to cooperate with any additional verification steps required for bookings that match these patterns, including providing government-issued photo identification that matches payment information, participating in video conferencing for identity verification, or providing additional documentation as reasonably requested. Travel With Makini reserves the right to decline any booking that cannot be properly verified.
11. Changes to Bookings
Changes to confirmed bookings:
- Are subject to availability and may incur substantial additional fees as per the Suppliers' policies.
- May result in fare increases, schedule changes, or other modifications to the original booking.
- Must be requested in writing with sufficient advance notice by emailing makini.bridgewater@fora.travel.
- May not be possible in some cases, particularly with non-refundable or promotional fares.
- Are the Client's sole responsibility in terms of additional costs.
Travel With Makini will assist with requested changes but cannot guarantee availability, fare preservation, or reduced costs. The Client acknowledges that substantial change fees may apply even for minor modifications.
12. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Client-Initiated Cancellations: Cancellations by the Client are subject to the Suppliers' terms, which may include significant penalties or fully non-refundable components. Cancellation policies vary by Supplier and fare type.
- Provider Cancellations: If a Supplier cancels services, Travel With Makini will assist in facilitating refunds or credits if eligible. However, the Supplier's policies are binding, and refunds may not always be possible or may be limited to future credits.
- Timing of Refunds: When refunds are applicable, they may take 60-90 days or longer to process, depending on the Supplier's policies and procedures.
- Service Fee Non-Refundability: Travel With Makini's service fees remain non-refundable in all cancellation scenarios, as they compensate for professional services already rendered.
- Documentation of Cancellation: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by emailing makini.bridgewater@fora.travel to ensure proper documentation.
Trip Interruption Management
In the event of trip interruption after travel has commenced:
- Travel With Makini will make reasonable efforts to assist the Client remotely during business hours.
- The Client acknowledges that Travel With Makini is not obligated to provide 24/7 emergency services.
- Travel With Makini will attempt to liaise with suppliers to resolve issues when possible.
- The Client is ultimately responsible for making on-the-spot decisions and payments for any additional services required.
- Trip interruption insurance is strongly recommended to cover unexpected costs.
- The Client should contact their travel insurance provider directly for immediate assistance with covered events.
13. Insurance Requirements
A. Client Travel Insurance
For the Client's protection:
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to protect against cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, evacuation, lost baggage, and other travel disruptions.
- The Client acknowledges that Travel With Makini provides information about travel insurance options through written materials and/or oral guidance during the planning process.
- By proceeding with travel arrangements after receiving insurance information, the Client accepts responsibility for their insurance decisions.
- Travel With Makini is not responsible for any losses, damages, or expenses incurred by the Client due to their decision to decline travel insurance, their failure to respond to insurance information provided, or their failure to secure adequate coverage in a timely manner.
- By declining recommended insurance coverage or failing to secure coverage after being advised to do so, the Client expressly assumes all financial risks associated with their travel arrangements, including:
- Trip cancellation or interruption costs
- Emergency medical expenses and evacuation costs incurred abroad
- Lost, damaged, or delayed baggage
- Travel delays and missed connections
- Supplier bankruptcy or default
- Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, etc.)
- The Client recognizes that many policies exclude certain claims, including pandemic-related issues, pre-existing conditions, or high-risk activities, and it is their responsibility to review policy exclusions.
- If the Client chooses to decline travel insurance, they must do so in writing by signing a waiver acknowledging the risks assumed and emailing it to makini.bridgewater@fora.travel. If the Client does not explicitly decline in writing but fails to secure coverage, this will be treated as an implicit waiver of insurance protection.
- Travel With Makini is not responsible for any financial losses that could have been covered by appropriate travel insurance, regardless of whether the Client explicitly declined coverage or simply failed to obtain it after being advised of its importance.
- The Client acknowledges that a separate policy may be required for cruise travel, and that regular medical insurance often does not provide coverage outside their home country.
- The Client's decision regarding insurance coverage should be made at the time of initial deposit. Silence, non-response, or failure to act on insurance recommendations does not diminish the Client's acceptance of all travel risks.
B. Travel Advisor Insurance and Liability Protection
The Client acknowledges that:
- Travel With Makini maintains professional liability insurance (also known as Errors & Omissions or E&O insurance) coverage through its affiliation with FORA.
- This E&O coverage protects against claims arising from alleged errors, omissions, negligence, or breach of duty in the performance of professional services.
- Travel With Makini's E&O coverage does not extend to:
- Acts of third-party vendors and suppliers
- Force majeure events beyond reasonable control
- Client failure to follow advisor recommendations
- Client failure to obtain required travel documentation
- Undisclosed medical conditions or travel requirements
- The Client acknowledges that Travel With Makini's liability is limited to the amount of commissions and fees received for the booking in question, unless otherwise determined through the applicable insurance claims process.
- All communication and correspondence related to travel services will clearly indicate Travel With Makini's affiliation with FORA, which is a condition of E&O coverage.
- Travel With Makini's E&O coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
C. Insurance Documentation
- For travel insurance purchased through Travel With Makini, the Client will receive policy documentation directly from the insurance provider.
- The Client is responsible for understanding their selected policy's coverage, exclusions, and claim procedures before travel begins.
- In the event of a claim situation, Travel With Makini will provide reasonable assistance in facilitating communication with the Client's travel insurance provider, but cannot guarantee outcomes or claim approvals.
14. Credit Card Payments and Chargebacks
- Travel With Makini recommends using a credit card to benefit from Fair Credit Billing Act protections.
- If Travel With Makini processes a payment, it does so solely as a facilitator to remit funds to Suppliers.
- The Client agrees to first contact Travel With Makini directly at makini.bridgewater@fora.travel regarding any billing concerns before initiating a chargeback or credit card dispute.
- By providing credit card information, the Client authorizes Travel With Makini to charge for all agreed-upon services.
- If a chargeback is initiated without first attempting to resolve the issue directly with Travel With Makini, the Client agrees to be responsible for any administrative fees, costs, and expenses associated with responding to that chargeback.
- The Client acknowledges that chargebacks may damage Travel With Makini's relationships with Suppliers, which could impact future service availability.
- The Client understands that most travel arrangements involve non-refundable payments to suppliers that cannot be recovered through credit card disputes if cancellation policies were properly disclosed.
- Travel With Makini maintains detailed records of all transactions, communications, and disclosures to clients, which will be provided to credit card companies in the event of a dispute.
Merchant of Record Disclosure
- The Client acknowledges that credit card charges for travel services may appear under various merchant names depending on the booking method used, including but not limited to "FORA," supplier names, or third-party booking platforms (e.g., Apple Vacations, Delta Vacations, etc.).
- Travel With Makini will inform the Client in advance of which merchant name will appear on their credit card statement for each transaction to prevent confusion.
- The Client agrees not to dispute charges solely based on not recognizing the merchant name if they have been previously informed of the charging entity.
- By accepting this Agreement, the Client acknowledges they have been informed that Travel With Makini is an affiliate of FORA and that many charges may appear with FORA as the merchant of record.
Identity Verification and Fraud Prevention
- To protect against fraudulent activity, the Client agrees to provide identity verification that matches their payment information upon request.
- This may include providing a photo ID that matches the name on the credit card used for payment, participating in a video conference for identity verification, or other reasonable verification methods.
- Travel With Makini reserves the right to delay processing any booking until satisfactory identity verification has been completed, particularly for new clients or high-value transactions.
- The Client acknowledges that failure to provide requested verification may result in cancellation of booking requests.
- Processing of last-minute bookings (within 30 days of travel) may require additional verification steps to prevent fraud.
Terms and Conditions Acknowledgment
- The Client explicitly acknowledges receipt and acceptance of all applicable Supplier terms and conditions, including cancellation policies, refund limitations, and booking requirements at the time payment is made.
- The Client agrees that their written or electronic authorization for payment, or proceeding with booking after receiving terms and conditions, constitutes acceptance of these terms.
- Travel With Makini will provide the Client with all relevant Supplier terms and conditions prior to finalizing bookings, and the Client is responsible for reviewing these terms before authorizing payment.
- By proceeding with payment, the Client affirms they have read, understood, and agreed to all applicable terms and conditions.
Chargeback Responsibility
- The Client expressly agrees that initiating a chargeback is never an appropriate first action for resolving disputes related to travel services and constitutes a violation of this Agreement.
- In the event of a dispute, the Client agrees to work cooperatively with Travel With Makini and the affected Supplier to reach a resolution before involving credit card companies.
- If a chargeback is initiated and subsequently ruled in favor of the Supplier, the Client remains responsible for the full amount of the original charge plus any associated fees.
- The Client acknowledges that if their chargeback dispute is not overturned, they are responsible for paying the amount of the chargeback (less commission) directly to the Supplier or to Travel With Makini if payment has been made on their behalf.
- Unresolved chargebacks may result in termination of the client-advisor relationship and may affect the Client's ability to book future travel through Travel With Makini.
15. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
In the event of a dispute:
- Both parties agree to first attempt amicable resolution through direct communication.
- If direct communication fails, both parties agree to attempt mediation before a mutually acceptable mediator.
- This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions.
- Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be instituted in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of Florida.
- The Client consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purpose of litigating any such dispute, claim, or action.
- The prevailing party in any legal action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.
- The Client waives the right to participate in class action lawsuits against Travel With Makini.
- If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable.
- Nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit any rights the Client may have under applicable consumer protection laws in their state of residence.
Formal Complaints Procedure
If the Client is dissatisfied with the services provided:
- The Client should first contact Travel With Makini directly at makini.bridgewater@fora.travel to resolve the issue.
- The Client should provide specific details about the concern, relevant booking information, and desired resolution.
- Travel With Makini will acknowledge all formal complaints within 5 business days and work toward resolution.
- If resolution cannot be achieved through direct communication, the matter may be elevated to FORA by contacting support@fora.travel.
- The Client may also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as the regulatory agency for travel agencies operating in Florida.
16. Privacy Policy and Data Protection
Travel With Makini respects Client privacy and:
- Shares personal information only as necessary with FORA and relevant Suppliers to fulfill travel services.
- Will not disclose personal information to unaffiliated third parties without consent unless required by law.
- Cannot control how third-party Suppliers handle or protect Client information once it is shared.
- May retain Client information for legal and business purposes in accordance with relevant laws.
- Will provide Clients access to their personal data upon request by contacting makini.bridgewater@fora.travel.
- The Client authorizes Travel With Makini to use and transmit personal information as needed to book requested travel services.
- The Client warrants that all personal information provided is accurate, complete, and current.
Social Media and Photo Release
By engaging Travel With Makini's services, the Client:
- Grants permission for Travel With Makini to use photographs, videos, or testimonials from their trip for marketing purposes, including social media, website, brochures, and other promotional materials.
- Agrees that such usage does not entitle the Client to any compensation.
- May opt out of this provision in writing at the time of booking.
- Understands that opting out does not apply to images they voluntarily share on social media platforms while tagging or mentioning Travel With Makini.
- Grants permission for Travel With Makini to reshare any public social media content that tags or mentions the company.
17. Amendments and Termination
- This Agreement may be amended with written consent from both parties.
- Travel With Makini reserves the right to terminate services immediately if the Client fails to comply with this Agreement, provides false information, or engages in abusive behavior toward Travel With Makini staff or Suppliers.
- Outstanding fees for services rendered will remain due upon termination.
- Termination does not affect the validity of any bookings already made, though Travel With Makini may cease providing ongoing support.
- Sections regarding liability, payment, and dispute resolution survive termination of this Agreement.
Intellectual Property
All travel itineraries, recommendations, destination guides, and planning documents created by Travel With Makini:
- Remain the intellectual property of Travel With Makini.
- Are provided for the Client's personal use only and may not be commercially reproduced, distributed, or sold.
- May not be shared with other travel advisors or used as the basis for competing services.
- May not be represented as the Client's own work or expertise.
- The Client agrees not to infringe upon Travel With Makini's copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property.
Sustainable Tourism Acknowledgment
The Client acknowledges the importance of sustainable tourism practices and agrees to:
- Respect wildlife, natural habitats, and cultural heritage sites while traveling.
- Follow responsible tourism guidelines provided by destinations and suppliers.
- Minimize environmental impact through proper waste disposal and conservation practices.
- Support local economies by purchasing local goods and services when possible.
- Respect local communities, their customs, and their privacy during travel.
- Understand that some destinations may have specific sustainability requirements or restrictions.
18. Acceptance of Terms
The Client's engagement with Travel With Makini, an affiliate of FORA, constitutes acceptance of all terms set forth in this Agreement. This acceptance may occur through:
- Digital signature via any booking system or customer relationship management platform used by Travel With Makini
- Payment of invoices or deposits referencing these terms
- Written or verbal confirmation of booking after being provided access to these terms
- Proceeding with travel arrangements after being directed to these terms online
- Any other affirmative action indicating intent to use Travel With Makini's services
The Client confirms they have read, understood, and accepted all terms and conditions contained herein. Electronic acceptance, digital signatures, payment processing, and other forms of acknowledgment shall have the same legal effect as physical signatures. The terms of this Agreement are accessible at all times on the Travel With Makini website at https://travelwithmakini.com and are incorporated by reference in all quotes, invoices, and booking confirmations.
All communications, correspondence, and documentation related to the Client's travel arrangements will clearly indicate Travel With Makini's affiliation with FORA, including but not limited to email signatures, booking confirmations, itineraries, and invoices.
Last Updated: May 2025
Effective Date: May 15, 2025
Makini Bridgewater
Travel With Makini, an affiliate of FORA
Email: makini.bridgewater@fora.travel
Website: https://travelwithmakini.com
Florida Seller of Travel License: TI120043
These Terms and Conditions are subject to updates. Any significant changes will be communicated to clients via email or our website.