Booking Terms & Conditions

Plain-English summary (not a substitute for the full terms below):

• Reserving a spot is free and isn't a booking. We only confirm a departure once enough travellers have joined, at our discretion. Nothing is guaranteed until we email you a confirmation and an invoice.
• A contract only exists once you've paid your invoice in full. Once your departure is confirmed, we invoice you for the full trip price: there's no deposit and no separate balance.
• You have 7 days to pay that invoice (or less, if your departure starts sooner than that). Pay late, and we can treat your booking as cancelled.
• If you cancel, you lose an increasing percentage of the trip price the closer you cancel to departure: 10% more than 60 days out, rising to 100% inside 14 days.
• If we cancel a departure because it didn't fill, you get back what you've paid us, but we don't cover flights, visas, insurance or other costs you've already spent.
• Force majeure (natural disasters, pandemics, war, government action, transport failure and similar) can change or delay your trip; in those cases we offer postponement or credit rather than automatic refunds, except where the law requires one.
• Travel insurance is compulsory, and must cover the activities on your trip.
• You must be reasonably fit, prepared and well-behaved. We can remove anyone from a trip for serious misconduct, drugs or endangering the group, without a refund.
• Nothing here excludes liability we're not allowed to exclude by law, such as liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence.

The rest of this page is the full, legally binding version. It applies to every reservation and booking made through the Site.

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1. Who these terms are between

These Booking Terms & Conditions ("Booking Terms") are between you (the traveller making a reservation or booking, and, where you book on behalf of others, each of those travellers) and Sarthak Dhonchak (sole proprietor), 1001, DLF Corporate Greens, Sector 74A, Gurugram, Haryana 122004, India ("SoloNomads", "we", "us", "our", "the operator"). They apply together with our Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

SoloNomads is the organiser of the trips advertised on the Site. Outside India, a licensed local agency in each destination, and the licensed local guides it supplies, deliver the ground services (transport, accommodation bookings, activity permits and on-the-ground guiding) under contract to SoloNomads. Our founder attends and hosts every departure in person as the "Trip Host" — a representative of the operator responsible for the group's welfare and experience, not a licensed local guide, tour leader or tour manager.

2. How booking works

Our booking process has four stages:

2.1 Free reservation. Reserving a spot on a departure through the Site is free and requires no payment. A reservation is an *expression of interest* only. It is not a booking, not a contract to travel, and does not guarantee you a place on the trip, a specific price, or that the departure will run. You can cancel a reservation at any time before we confirm the departure, from your account on the Site or by emailing us, at no cost.

2.2 Confirmation of the departure. We confirm a departure once we judge that enough travellers have reserved a place — as a guide, around 10 travellers, though the exact number and timing is at our sole discretion and may vary by trip, season or route. We may also decide not to confirm a departure at all, for any lawful reason, including low demand, supplier or safety issues, or a change in local conditions. We have no liability to you if a departure is never confirmed — see clause 9.

2.3 Our right to confirm, decline or limit any booking. Even where a departure is confirmed, we may decline to confirm your individual place, or limit numbers, for any lawful reason (including, without limitation, age, group balance, capacity, a supplier's requirements, or a past conduct issue), and we are not required to give a reason. Declining to confirm your place before an invoice is issued and paid in full creates no liability for us.

2.4 Contract formation. Once we decide to confirm a departure, we will email you a confirmation and an invoice for the full trip price (see clause 3). A binding contract between you and SoloNomads for that trip comes into existence only when we receive full payment of that invoice. Until then, no contract exists, regardless of any reservation, correspondence, conversation, marketing material or verbal assurance.

3. Payment

3.1 Invoice and due date. Once your departure is confirmed, we'll email you an invoice for the full trip price. Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date, or, if your departure starts sooner than 7 days from that date, before departure. Paying that invoice in full is what forms your contract with us (clause 2.4).

3.2 Currency and payment method. Invoices are issued in your selected currency (USD, GBP, EUR, INR, AUD, CAD or NZD) and paid by bank transfer. Any bank or currency-conversion charges are your responsibility unless stated otherwise on your invoice.

3.3 Late payment. If we don't receive full payment of your invoice within 7 days of its date (or before departure, where clause 3.1 requires earlier payment), we may treat your booking as cancelled by you, apply the cancellation charges in clause 5, and release your place to another traveller, without further notice, unless we've agreed an extension with you in writing.

3.4 What's included. The trip price covers only what's listed as included on the specific trip page for your departure. Anything listed as excluded (flights, visas, travel insurance, optional activities, personal spending, etc.) is your responsibility.

4. Name changes and transfers

4.1 If you're unable to travel, you may ask to transfer your booking to another eligible person (meeting the trip's age and any other requirements), subject to our agreement and to any supplier or third-party costs (visas, transport, accommodation, permits) that can't be recovered. We'll tell you the cost of the transfer, if any, before confirming it.

4.2 Requests to transfer to a different departure date or trip are treated as a cancellation of the original booking (clause 5) and a new booking, unless we agree otherwise in writing, and may attract a rebooking cost at our discretion.

5. Traveller cancellation

If you cancel your booking, the following charges apply, calculated against the total trip price and counted from the date we receive your written cancellation to your scheduled departure date:

Where local consumer law sets a different mandatory minimum standard in your favour, that law applies instead, to the extent it conflicts with this table.

We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation, for exactly this reason (clause 11).

6. Itinerary changes

6.1 Group trips in the destinations we operate in depend on transport, weather, permits, accommodation availability and local conditions that can change at short notice. We reserve the right to change the route, accommodation, activities, transport or local guide at any time, before or during the trip, where reasonably necessary or where it improves the trip.

6.2 Minor changes (for example, a different but comparable hotel, a reordered itinerary, or a substituted activity of similar value) may be made without notice and don't entitle you to compensation.

6.3 Significant changes (for example, a change to the destination, a material change to trip duration, or the removal of a major listed activity with no reasonable substitute, made before departure) will be notified to you as soon as reasonably possible. Where we make a significant change before departure for a reason other than force majeure (clause 7), you may accept the change, accept a comparable alternative we offer, or cancel and receive a refund of payments made to us, less any costs we've already reasonably and unavoidably incurred on your behalf that we can't recover.

7. Force majeure

7.1 We are not liable, and you are not entitled to a refund beyond what this clause provides, for any failure to perform, delay, cancellation, change or curtailment of your trip caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control ("Force Majeure"), including but not limited to: natural disasters (earthquake, flood, volcanic activity, tsunami); extreme weather; epidemic, pandemic or other public health emergency; war, invasion, act of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether declared or not) or terrorism; civil unrest, riot or insurrection; government action, including changes in law, entry or exit restrictions, curfews or official travel advisories against travel; border closures; strikes, industrial action or labour disputes (ours or a third party's); airline, ferry, rail, road or other transport failure, delay or schedule change; the insolvency or failure of any supplier or third party; fire; power, telecommunications or internet failure; and any other event outside our reasonable control.

7.2 Where Force Majeure affects a confirmed departure, we may, at our discretion: postpone the departure; offer you a place on an alternative departure; issue a credit valid for a future trip; or, where we're required by law to do so, issue a refund. Except where mandatory law requires a refund (for example, certain package-travel protections in your country — see clause 15), our default response to Force Majeure is postponement or credit, not a cash refund, because we may already have committed non-recoverable costs to local suppliers.

7.3 Any costs you incur because of a Force Majeure event — including flights, visas, additional accommodation or insurance excess — are your own responsibility; we recommend insurance that covers this (clause 11).

8. If we cancel a departure

8.1 Minimum numbers. If we don't reach the minimum group size needed to run a departure, we may cancel it. We'll tell you as soon as reasonably possible once that decision is made.

8.2 If we cancel a confirmed departure for a reason within our control (not Force Majeure, and not because you've breached these Booking Terms), we will refund all payments you've made to us for that trip, or, at your option, transfer your payments to an alternative departure or trip.

8.3 No further liability. Except as set out in clause 8.2, we have no further liability to you for a cancelled departure — including, without limitation, no obligation to reimburse flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance premiums, lost wages or any other cost or arrangement you made in connection with the trip. This is why we strongly recommend booking flexible or refundable flights and taking out travel insurance that covers trip cancellation by the operator (clause 11).

9. No liability for an unconfirmed departure

Where a departure is never confirmed (clause 2.2) or your place is never confirmed (clause 2.3), no contract exists between us, no payment has been taken from you, and we have no liability of any kind for costs you may have already incurred in anticipation of travelling, such as flights, visas or time off work. We recommend not booking flights or non-refundable arrangements until you've received our written confirmation and paid your invoice in full.

10. Postponement and credit

Where we offer postponement or credit under clause 6, 7 or 8:

• credit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, redeemable against any SoloNomads trip of equal or greater value (you pay the difference for a higher-value trip), and is non-transferable unless we agree otherwise;
• credit not used within its validity period expires, except where local law requires otherwise; and
• a postponed departure follows these Booking Terms as if the new date were your original departure date.

11. Travel insurance (compulsory)

11.1 Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory condition of travelling with us. Before departure, you must hold a policy that covers, at minimum: emergency medical treatment and evacuation/repatriation; trip cancellation and curtailment; and — where relevant to your specific trip, as indicated on that trip's page — the actual activities involved, which may include being a motorbike passenger or rider, cycling, trekking at altitude, scuba diving or snorkelling, or surfing.

11.2 It is your responsibility to check that your policy covers the specific activities on your trip; many standard policies exclude motorbike travel, high-altitude trekking or diving unless specifically added. We may ask to see evidence of valid insurance before or during the trip, and can refuse to let you join or continue an activity if you can't show adequate cover.

11.3 We are not responsible for arranging or verifying your insurance, and we're not liable for any loss you suffer because your policy doesn't cover an event, activity or circumstance.

12. Age and traveller eligibility

Our trips are designed for solo travellers aged 18–40. We may, at our discretion, make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, or decline a booking that falls outside this range, or outside a trip's specific requirements (for example, a minimum fitness or swimming ability for an activity trip). Age and eligibility requirements are part of our right to confirm or decline any traveller under clause 2.3.

13. Traveller obligations

Before and during your trip, you must:

• hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date, and obtain any visas required for your itinerary (our visa information is general guidance only; see our Disclaimer);
• arrange any recommended or required vaccinations and check health/medical advice for your destinations with a qualified provider;
• declare, before booking an activity-based trip, that you're reasonably fit and medically able to take part (we may ask for a signed fitness declaration for treks, dives, cycling or motorbike trips);
• hold compulsory travel insurance as set out in clause 11;
• behave considerately toward other travellers, the Trip Host, local guides, suppliers and local communities; and
• comply with local laws at all times.

14. Conduct, alcohol and drugs

14.1 We operate a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Possession or use of illegal drugs on a trip will result in immediate removal from the trip, at your own expense, with no refund, and we may report the matter to local authorities as required by law.

14.2 Alcohol may be part of the social experience of some trips, but excessive drinking that endangers you, other travellers, local staff or the group's welfare, or that breaches local law or a venue's rules, is not tolerated.

14.3 We may remove any traveller from a trip, without refund, for conduct that: endangers themselves or others; is abusive, harassing, discriminatory or threatening toward another traveller, the Trip Host, local guides or the public; seriously disrupts the group; or breaches these Booking Terms or local law. Where reasonably practical, we'll give a warning first, except in serious or urgent cases. If you're removed, you're responsible for your own return travel and any associated costs.

15. Third-party suppliers

15.1 Many elements of your trip — flights (if you book your own), local transport, accommodation, activities, permits and guiding — are provided by third parties, including our licensed local agency partners and their licensed local guides, hotels, transport operators and activity providers. Their own terms and conditions apply to those services, in addition to these Booking Terms.

15.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for the acts, omissions, negligence or default of an independent third-party supplier that is outside our control, except: (a) where we selected that supplier without reasonable care; (b) where local law treats us as responsible for that supplier's performance as part of a package we've organised for you (see clause 15.3); or (c) as otherwise required by mandatory law.

15.3 Package travel protections. Where applicable law in your country of residence (for example, package travel regulations in the UK or EU) classifies your booking as a "package," you may have additional statutory rights against us as organiser that this clause doesn't override — including a right to a refund where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances significantly affect your trip (see clause 7). If you'd like to know how your payments are protected, email us at hello@solonomads.com.

16. Risk acknowledgement and assumption of risk

16.1 Our trips can include activities with inherent risk, including but not limited to motorbike travel (as rider or passenger), cycling on mixed traffic roads, trekking at altitude, water crossings, scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing. By booking, you acknowledge that:

• these activities carry a risk of injury, illness or death that can't be entirely eliminated, even where reasonable safety precautions are followed;
• you take part voluntarily and at your own risk, having had the opportunity to review the activities listed on your trip page; and
• you're responsible for deciding, based on your own health and ability, whether to take part in a specific activity, and can opt out of an optional activity at any time.

16.2 Nothing in this clause excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that can't be excluded by law (clause 17).

17. Limitation of liability

17.1 Nothing in these Booking Terms excludes or limits our liability for: death or personal injury caused by our negligence; fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under the law that applies to your booking, including non-excludable consumer guarantees or package-travel protections in your country of residence.

17.2 Subject to clause 17.1, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability to you arising out of or in connection with your booking, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, is limited to the total price you paid us for the trip.

17.3 Subject to clause 17.1, we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of enjoyment, loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or costs you incur that aren't paid to us directly (such as flights, visas, or insurance premiums), except where clause 8.2 (our cancellation) applies.

17.4 Where an international convention limits the liability of a service provider used in your trip (for example, an airline, ferry or rail operator under an applicable transport convention), our liability, to the extent it relates to that provider's service, is limited in the same way.

18. Luggage and valuables

You're responsible for your own luggage and personal belongings at all times, including during transport, at accommodation and during activities. We recommend not bringing valuables you can't afford to lose, using accommodation safes where available, and ensuring your travel insurance covers baggage and personal effects. We're not liable for loss, theft or damage to your belongings, except where caused by our proven negligence.

19. Photos and media consent

We, the Trip Host, or a photographer working with us may take photos and video during a trip for use in our marketing, on the Site, and on our social media. By booking, you consent to this use, on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, unless you tell us in writing before or during the trip that you'd like to opt out (email hello@solonomads.com, or tell your Trip Host directly, and we'll take reasonable steps to exclude you from future use and to avoid featuring you further, though we can't retroactively recall material already published or shared by third parties). This consent doesn't cover other travellers' personal photos taken on their own devices, which aren't under our control.

20. WhatsApp group

We may add you to a WhatsApp group for your departure, using the phone number you provide, to help coordinate logistics and let the group get to know each other before the trip. Participation is voluntary — tell us if you'd prefer not to be added, or to be removed. Group rules: be respectful, keep discussion relevant to the trip, don't share other members' contact details or photos outside the group without consent, and the Trip Host or SoloNomads may remove anyone whose conduct in the group breaches clause 14 or is otherwise inappropriate. We're not responsible for messages sent by other group members, and the group isn't a substitute for our official booking confirmations, invoices or emergency contact channels. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your number.

21. Complaints

21.1 During your trip, please raise any problem with your Trip Host immediately, so we have the best chance to put it right on the spot.

21.2 After your trip, if you're not satisfied, email hello@solonomads.com with full details within 30 days of the end of your trip. We'll acknowledge your complaint within 48 hours and aim to resolve it within one month.

21.3 Complaints raised more than 30 days after the end of your trip may be considered at our discretion but aren't guaranteed a response, except where local law requires a longer period. Nothing in this clause shortens the time you have to bring a legal claim or affects your statutory rights.

22. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Booking Terms are governed by the laws of India. Any dispute is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Gurugram, Haryana, India, except where mandatory consumer protection law in your country of residence gives you the right to bring proceedings locally instead, in which case that right is unaffected by this clause.

23. Severability, entire agreement and changes

23.1 If any provision of these Booking Terms is found invalid or unenforceable by a court or regulator, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

23.2 These Booking Terms, together with your trip's specific page (for included/excluded items), your invoice, our Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, form the entire agreement between you and us for your booking, and supersede any prior discussions, marketing material or verbal representations, except where those representations were fraudulent or negligent misstatements of fact.

23.3 We may update these Booking Terms from time to time. The version in force at the date you pay your invoice in full (clause 2.4) applies to your booking, unless a later version is required to comply with a change in law, or you agree to a variation with us in writing.

24. Contact

Questions about a booking or these terms: hello@solonomads.com. See our Contact page for more ways to reach us.