Terms of Service
1. About Anecdote Travel LLC and these Terms
Welcome to Anecdote Travel LLC ("Anecdote," "we," "us," or "our"), a travel agency operating under the auspices of our host agency, FORA Travel Inc. Our mission is to facilitate bespoke travel experiences, providing personalized services tailored to the individual needs and preferences of our Clients ("you").
1.1 Definitions
Please refer to Section 12 for definitions of key terms used throughout these Terms of Service.
1.2 Services Offered
Anecdote is proud to offer four key services, each designed to enhance your travel experience from the planning stages to the journey itself:
- General Travel Consultation: Our expertise extends beyond the specifics of your itinerary. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next destination or have general questions about travel, our team is equipped to provide valuable insights and suggestions, guiding you towards an unforgettable travel experience.
- Accommodations and Transportation Bookings: Understanding that the right lodging and transport can make or break a trip, we dedicate ourselves to researching and booking accommodations and transportation options that align with your preferences. Our goal is to find and secure the best accommodations and transportation arrangements, including cars and trains, that cater to your tastes and requirements. We do not book flights directly, but we are more than capable of recommending flight options to ensure your travel arrangements are seamless.
- Trip Planning: Recognizing that each traveler's interests and desires are unique, we engage with you to learn more about your preferences and what you wish to gain from your trip. Armed with this knowledge, we craft a custom itinerary filled with Activities tailored to your interests. Whenever possible, we also handle the booking of these Activities, ensuring that each aspect of your journey is meticulously planned and arranged.
- Full Concierge Services: To further enhance your travel experience, Anecdote offers concierge services. Should you require assistance or face any challenges during your trip, our concierge team is available to offer support and manage unforeseen issues to the best of our abilities, helping your travel continue on smoothly.
1.3 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
By utilizing any of the services provided by Anecdote Travel LLC, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), which constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Anecdote. These Terms are designed to clearly define our mutual obligations and the conditions under which we will provide our services to you.
Please carefully review these Terms before accessing or using our services. Your continued access and use of our services signify your acceptance of these Terms and any subsequent modifications.
1.4 Changes to these Terms
We reserve the right to amend or update these Terms at any time without prior notice, and it is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically for any changes. We will strive to contact you directly for material changes to these Terms.
1.4 Age and Contractual Capacity Certification
By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you, the client, certify that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into this agreement. You affirm that you have the authority to bind yourself to these Terms, to engage in transactions with Anecdote Travel LLC, and to assume all responsibilities outlined herein.
1.5 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such unenforceability or invalidity shall not render these Terms unenforceable or invalid as a whole. Instead, such provisions shall be changed and interpreted so as to best accomplish the objectives of such unenforceable or invalid provision within the limits of applicable law, and the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in full force and effect.
1.6 Service Provision and Termination
We reserve the right to refuse or terminate services to anyone at our discretion, without explanation, at any time. This includes cases of breach of these Terms, or behavior negatively impacting Anecdote’s operation, reputation, or other clients. Upon service termination, we will notify you and refund any prepaid fees for unrendered services, although no refunds are provided for services already rendered or third-party services arranged through us.
2. Relationship with Hospitality Providers
Anecdote acts as an intermediary between you (the Client) and third-party hospitality providers, facilitating the booking of travel components to enhance your travel experience. It is crucial for you to understand the nature of our role and the contractual relationships that govern your bookings:
2.1 Intermediary Role
Our service encompasses the facilitation of travel component bookings, offering general travel consultation, and providing support through services such as Full Concierge. We engage with third-party hospitality providers (including hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and activity operators) on your behalf to secure these components, based on the preferences and specifications you provide.
2.2 Non-Party to Contracts
Anecdote is not a party to the contractual agreement formed directly between you and any third-party hospitality provider. The services provided by these providers, and any terms, conditions, and policies related to your booking and use of their services, constitute a separate contract between you and the provider.
2.3 Provider Terms and Conditions
You are subject to the terms, conditions, and policies of the third-party hospitality providers with whom you enter into contracts. This includes, but is not limited to, policies on cancellations, refunds, changes, and any specific rules or restrictions. We commit to assisting in communicating these policies to you; however, the responsibility to review, understand, and agree to these terms prior to booking lies with you.
2.4 Liability and Dispute Resolution
As we do not directly provide the booked Travel Components, Anecdote cannot assume liability for the actions, omissions, or any failure to fulfill their obligations by third-party providers. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information provided and take care in selecting reputable providers, any disputes or issues arising from the provision of services by these providers should be addressed directly with them. We also strive to provide reasonable assistance in facilitating communication between you and the provider, yet the resolution of such disputes lies beyond our control and responsibility.
3. Relationship with FORA Travel Inc.
Anecdote Travel LLC operates under the umbrella of FORA Travel Inc., utilizing their International Air Transport Association (IATA) license and their seller of travel licenses for the booking of travel components. By choosing to book with Anecdote Travel LLC, you, the client, acknowledge and agree to be additionally bound by the terms and conditions as well as the privacy policy of FORA Travel Inc. These can be found at their respective links:
- Terms and Conditions: https://www.foratravel.com/legal/terms-of-use
- Privacy Policy: https://www.foratravel.com/legal/privacy-policy
In the course of providing our services, communications may be sent from email addresses ending with fora.travel in addition to those from anecdote.travel. Furthermore, for specific tasks such as providing payment information, clients may be directed to FORA Travel's platforms.
This collaboration with FORA Travel Inc. enables us to offer an enhanced range of services and support, ensuring a seamless travel booking and planning experience. By engaging with our services, you consent to this shared operational model and the associated terms, conditions, and communication methods.
4. Payment Terms and Pricing
Anecdote strives to provide clear and transparent payment terms. Here's an overview:
4.1 Service Fees
Listed on our website and subject to change, our fees reflect the value of our planning, research, and booking services. Collected just before service delivery, these fees are nonrefundable except if Anecdote discontinues services, in which case refunds apply for unrendered services as detailed in Section 1.5.
4.2 Booking Travel Components
We book travel components on your behalf, adhering to the cancellation and refund policies of third-party Hospitality Providers. We'll clearly communicate these policies to you and help you access detailed terms upon request.
4.3 Payment Timing
Charges from Hospitality Providers may occur at or shortly after booking, upon arrival, or at checkout. We aim to inform you about the timing of these charges beforehand.
4.4 Quotes
Quotes provided by Anecdote are for your convenience and include all known taxes and fees to offer a comprehensive overview of the expected cost. Please be advised that the actual amount payable may be subject to change until the booking is finalized, in accordance with the pricing policies of the Hospitality Provider.
Although we often present rates in United States Dollars (USD) for convenience, it's important to note that the actual payment may be processed in the local currency of the travel component. Consequently, the final USD amount paid may fluctuate due to currency exchange rates. Our quotes do not encompass any charges that may arise from currency conversion.
5. Limitation of Liability
Anecdote endeavors to provide exceptional travel planning and facilitation services. However, it is important for our clients ("you") to recognize the limitations of our liability in relation to our services:
5.1 General Limitations
We take reasonable care in the performance of our services, including general travel consultation, accommodations and transportation bookings, full itinerary planning, and concierge services. Nevertheless, Anecdote cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided nor the flawless execution of bookings. We are not liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in the information provided or for any damages or losses resulting from your reliance on this information.
5.2 Verification by Clients
While Anecdote takes extra measures to ensure bookings are accurately made according to your specifications, it is your responsibility to verify all details of your bookings, including but not limited to dates, personal identification information, and payment methods. We shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from incorrect or incomplete information supplied by you or failure on your part to adequately verify the details of your bookings.
5.3 Non-Provision of Travel Components
For limitations concerning the non-provision of travel components by third-party hospitality providers, please refer to Section 2.4.
5.4 Exclusion of Damages
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Anecdote shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to, loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (i) your access to or use of or inability to access or use our services; (ii) any conduct or content of any third party relating to the services; and (iii) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, whether or not we have been informed of the possibility of such damage.
6. Customer Responsibilities
As a valued client of Anecdote Travel LLC ("Anecdote," "we," "us," or "our"), your participation and cooperation are essential to the successful planning and booking of your travel arrangements. By engaging our services, you ("the Client") agree to the following responsibilities:
6.1 Accurate Representation of Information
You commit to accurately represent all personal and payment information required for the booking process. This includes, but is not limited to, your legal name, date of birth, gender, passport number, loyalty program numbers, and payment information. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information may result in booking errors, delays, or cancellations, for which Anecdote cannot be held responsible.
6.2 Verification of Bookings
Refer to section 5.2.
6.3 Timely Communication
You acknowledge the importance of timely responses to inquiries and messages from Anecdote. Efficient communication is crucial to ensure that travel planning proceeds at a reasonable pace and to avoid potential issues or delays in the booking process.
6.4 Prohibition of Fraudulent Activities
You agree not to engage in fraudulent activities related to your bookings. This includes, but is not limited to, making fraudulent bookings or initiating fraudulent chargebacks (e.g., disputing charges for non-refundable travel components that you can no longer use). Engaging in such activities may lead to immediate termination of our services and potential legal action.
7. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
7.1 Dispute Resolution
In the interest of resolving disputes between you and Anecdote Travel LLC in the most expedient and cost-effective manner, you and Anecdote agree that any and all disputes arising in connection with these Terms of Service, your use of our services, or any aspect of the relationship between us, shall be resolved through binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted under the rules of the American Arbitration Association or another recognized arbitration association, as agreed upon by both parties at the time the arbitration claim is filed. This arbitration will occur in Delaware, and the arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitration may be conducted in person, through the submission of documents, by phone, or online. The arbitrator must follow applicable law, and any award may be challenged if the arbitrator fails to do so. Except as otherwise provided in these Terms of Service, you and Anecdote may litigate in court to compel arbitration, stay proceedings pending arbitration, or to confirm, modify, vacate, or enter judgment on the award entered by the arbitrator.
7.2 Waiver of Jury Trial
You and Anecdote hereby waive any constitutional or statutory rights to go to court and have a trial in front of a judge or a jury. You and Anecdote are instead choosing to have claims and disputes resolved by arbitration.
7.3 Waiver of Class or Consolidated Actions
All claims and disputes within the scope of this arbitration agreement must be arbitrated or litigated on an individual basis and not on a class basis, and claims of more than one customer or user cannot be arbitrated or litigated jointly or consolidated with those of any other customer or user.
7.4 Confidentiality
All aspects of the arbitration proceeding, including but not limited to the award of the arbitrator and compliance therewith, shall be strictly confidential. The parties agree to maintain confidentiality unless otherwise required by law. This paragraph shall not prevent a party from submitting to a court of law any information necessary to enforce this agreement, to enforce an arbitration award, or to seek injunctive or equitable relief.
7.5 Governing Law
These Terms of Service and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule.
8. Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. Anecdote Travel LLC is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Our Privacy Policy, which outlines our practices concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information, is available at https://anecdote.travel/privacy.
We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we handle your personal information, your rights regarding your data, and how we ensure its protection. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of our Privacy Policy.
9. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Anecdote Travel LLC, its officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors, suppliers, and any third-party information providers to the service from and against all losses, expenses, damages, and costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, resulting from any violation of these Terms of Service (including negligent or wrongful conduct) by you or any other person accessing the service using your account.
This indemnification extends to and covers any claim, demand, or action brought against Anecdote or any associated parties, arising out of or relating to your use of our services, your violation of these Terms of Service, your violation of any rights of another, or your conduct in connection with the service. Anecdote reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will cooperate with Anecdote in asserting any available defenses.
10. Contact
For any questions, concerns, or comments regarding these Terms of Service, or if you need support or further information regarding our services, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our commitment to providing you with high-quality service includes ensuring open lines of communication.
Email: hello@anecdote.travel
Address: 1151 Walker Rd #636, Dover, Delaware 19904, United States
We encourage you to reach out to us with any inquiries you may have. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we strive to improve our services and your experience with Anecdote Travel LLC.
11. Full Concierge Service Addendum
Clients who choose to utilize the Full Concierge Service provided by Anecdote Travel LLC ("Anecdote," "we," "us," "our") agree to the following terms, which serve as an addendum to our standard Terms of Service:
11.1 Best Effort Basis
Our Full Concierge Service is provided on a best effort basis. We commit to making all reasonable efforts to fulfill your requests and provide assistance tailored to your needs. However, clients acknowledge that certain circumstances may be beyond our control, such as unexpected weather conditions, availability issues (e.g., restaurants or events being fully booked), or other unforeseen disruptions. Anecdote cannot be held responsible for the inability to fulfill any specific request due to such external factors.
11.2 Response Times
While we strive to respond to all inquiries and requests as promptly as possible, we cannot guarantee specific response times. The nature of our service demands flexibility, and various factors, including the complexity of your request, time of day, and service demand, can affect response times. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to provide you with high-quality, personalized concierge service.
12. Definitions
- Anecdote Travel LLC: "Anecdote Travel LLC", hereinafter referred to as "Anecdote" or by the pronouns "We", "Us", or "Our", is the travel agency facilitating Services for Clients.
- Accommodation: "Accommodation" refers to any premises utilized by Clients for lodging purposes during a trip, including but not limited to hotels, resorts, hostels, and similar establishments, for which a fee is charged. This fee is not received by us, although we may help process this fee for you with the Hospitality Provider.
- Activity: "Activity" encompasses any leisure or recreational engagement arranged or booked by us on behalf of the Client during their trip. This includes, without limitation, tours, visits to attractions, dining experiences, boat rentals, and similar pursuits.
- Travel Component: A "Travel Component" constitutes any accommodation, activity, flight, or other forms of transit or transportation (including trains, boats, rental vehicles, and similar transportation means) arranged or booked as part of the services offered to the Client.
- Hospitality Provider: "Hospitality Provider" refers to any individual, company, or entity that offers and administers a Travel Component. It is explicitly noted that Anecdote Travel LLC does not serve as a Hospitality Provider. As such, all Hospitality Providers are considered “third parties.”
- Booking: A "Booking" is defined as the reservation or arrangement of a Travel Component made through us on behalf of a Client.
- Client: A "Client" is any individual or entity that engages with us to make a Booking or utilize any of the Services provided.
- Services: "Services" include, but are not limited to, general travel consultations, booking of accommodations and transportation, trip planning assistance, and provision of concierge services offered to Clients by Anecdote.
- Service Fees: "Service Fees" refer to charges levied by Anecdote to Clients in exchange for accessing and utilizing the Services provided. It is noted that not all Services rendered by Anecdote are subject to Service Fees.