Terms and Conditions
All deposits are non-refundable/ non-transferable. In most cases (exceptions are noted below), if you notify us at least 12 days prior to departure, you may apply your deposit (less 50% for a cancellation fee) to another Green Tortoise trip. If you notify us less than 12 days prior to departure, you forfeit your entire deposit. If you must cancel your reservation, PLEASE PHONE TO CANCEL. Cancellations made by email are not acceptable. We can be reached at 800 TORTOISE or 415-956-7500. For most trips (exceptions are noted below), the balance of your trip, including the food/parks fund, is due at departure. Payment at departure must always be in cash, money order or traveler’s checks (in USD funds only).
One-way cross-country trips (Northern Crossing, Northern Dream, Southern Crossing, Southern Dream, Cactus Crawler and Big Apple to Big Easy) require the full balance of your trip, including the food/ parks fund, 12 days prior to departure. The full trip amount also becomes non-refundable/non-transferable 12 days prior to departure. Therefore, if you notify the Green Tortoise of a cancellation less than 12 days prior to departure, you lose the full payment of the trip.
The full balance of your fare, including the food/parks fund, for the Alaskan Expedition, Alaska Loop, American Overland, USA Expedition, USA Explorer, and USA Trek are due 21 days prior to departure. If you notify us at least 21 days prior to departure, you may apply your deposit (less 50% for a cancellation fee) to another Green Tortoise trip. The full trip amount also becomes non-refundable/non-transferable 21 days prior to departure. Therefore, if you notify the Green Tortoise of a cancellation less than 21 days prior to departure, you lose the full payment of the trip.
The food/parks fund, which everyone pays, covers about 70% (some exceptions) of meals, all camping fees, as well as U.S. park entrance fees. You are responsible for all other meals.
All Green Tortoise buses are insured as commercial passenger vehicles. You are not covered by this insurance anytime you are off the bus. We recommend that you purchase additional insurance. Federal and state law mandates that the passenger accept responsibility for all carry-on items and that the carrier's liability be limited to $250 per bag that has been checked into the luggage compartment.
I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE DEPOSIT AND RESERVATION POLICIES ABOVE. I HAVE READ THE ABOVE ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE AND BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT. No oral representations, statements or inducements, apart from this written agreement have been made and the undersigned acknowledges that the terms of this agreement cannot be altered or waived by any Green Tortoise employee or agent except in writing. I have read and agree to sign the assumption of risk, release, and binding arbitration agreement form on the reverse of this page. I agree to confirm my reservation 2 days prior to my departure or I may be moved to a stand-by list. I understand that conditions may be relatively primitive, and not luxurious. I understand that all trip itineraries are flexible and subject to change. I understand, agree and accept that Green Tortoise does not guarantee arrival times. I agree to cooperate with my Green Tortoise drivers' directives and abide by all prevailing laws. I understand that it's my responsibility to return to the bus on time and to catch up with the tour in the event that I am left behind. I understand that the Green Tortoise reserves the right to refuse service at any time, to anyone that they believe to be incompatible with the Green Tortoise way of traveling without any compensation other than their unused portion of the food fund. I understand that the Green Tortoise reserves the right to cancel any trip (very rare) for any reason without any compensation other than the fare and the food/parks fund paid.
