Terms & Conditions

TLC Vacations – Booking Terms & Conditions

Effective Oct 2025 – Please read carefully before booking.

1. Who We Are

TLC Vacations (Pty) Ltd is a South African travel company that acts as a booking agent for international and local travel services, including flights, hotels, and transfers. When you book through us, your contract is with the travel suppliers we use (like the hotel or airline), not with TLC directly.

2. Your Booking & Payment

• To confirm your booking, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable deposit, usually 25% of the land package, and the full cost of any flights, within 48 hours of receiving confirmation.

• The full balance must be paid at least 8 weeks before your travel dates.

• Bookings made within 8 weeks of travel must be paid in full immediately.

• If you don’t pay on time, your booking may be cancelled automatically.

3. Late Bookings (Last-Minute)

If you book within 7 days of departure, full payment is due immediately and is non-refundable. Additional admin charges may apply.

4. Price Changes

Prices can change due to:

• Exchange rate fluctuations

• Airline taxes or fuel surcharges

• Hotel or supplier rate increases

We’ll always let you know about price changes before you make the final payment. Once your land package is fully paid, that part of your booking is guaranteed not to increase.

5. Payments

We prefer EFT (bank transfer) payments.

• Credit card payments are accepted via a secure online link.

• Cash deposits incur bank fees, which may be added to your invoice.

6. Changes by You

• If you want to change your booking, let us know in writing. We’ll do our best to help, but any changes may incur fees from airlines or suppliers, and prices may need to be updated.

• Once you’ve started travelling, changes are your responsibility and at your own cost.

7. Cancellations by You

If you cancel:

• Cancellations for high or peak season within 45 days of the check in date will be charged 100% cancellation fees.
• TLC charges a 25% cancellation fee, which may increase in special cases.

• A 10% admin fee applies to all cancellations.

• No refunds for unused services (e.g. early check-outs, skipped excursions).

Airline tickets follow the airline’s rules. Date or room-type changes may incur additional costs.

8. Changes or Cancellations by Us

Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond our control, we may need to:

• Cancel or alter your itinerary

• Replace a hotel with a similar or better one

• Change your travel times

If we cancel your trip before you depart, we’ll refund what you’ve paid. We won’t be liable for anything beyond that refund.

9. Travel Delays or Disruptions

We can’t be held responsible for:

• Airline delays, missed connections

• Weather, strikes, technical issues

• Extra costs like meals or hotel nights due to delays

We’ll assist wherever possible, but the costs are yours unless covered by insurance.

10. Force Majeure (Events Beyond Our Control)

We’re not liable for cancellations or changes caused by:

• Natural disasters, pandemics, extreme weather

• Wars, civil unrest, strikes

• Airline or airport closures

In such cases, we’ll do our best to help you, but refunds are subject to supplier rules.

11. Travel Insurance (Required)

We strongly recommend you buy comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. It should cover:

• Cancellation or interruption

• Medical emergencies

• Lost baggage

• Supplier defaults

Without insurance, you travel at your own risk.

12. Travel Documents & Passports

• Your travel documents (vouchers, tickets, etc.) will only be issued once your booking is fully paid.

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after return.

• You are responsible for arranging visas, vaccinations, and other travel requirements.

• Make sure your booking names match your passport.

13. Special Requests & Medical Needs

Tell us upfront about:

• Dietary or room preferences

• Medical conditions or disabilities

We’ll pass these requests on, but we can’t guarantee they’ll be met. We may need to decline a booking if your needs can’t be accommodated safely.

14. Airline Tickets

• Once tickets are issued, changes or cancellations may incur airline fees of up to 100%.

• During peak seasons, many tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.

• You must reconfirm all flights at least 72 hours before departure.

15. Competition Winners

• Travel must take place within 6 months of the prize being issued.

• Not valid for peak seasons or public holidays.

• Not transferable, exchangeable, or redeemable for cash.

16. Complaints

If you experience an issue:

1. Tell the local supplier immediately so they can fix it.

2. If not resolved, contact us directly.

3. If still unresolved, submit a written complaint within 28 days of return to:
   feedback@tlcvacations.co.za

Please include your booking reference and full details. While we’ll do our best to resolve the issue, we are not liable for third-party services.

17. Jurisdiction and Legal Stuff

• South African law applies to this agreement.

• Disputes may be handled by the Magistrate’s Court closest to us.

• This document, along with your invoice or itinerary, forms our full agreement with you.

• Any changes must be in writing and signed by both parties.

18. Your Authority to Book

If you book on someone else’s behalf, you confirm that you’re authorised to agree to these terms for them.

19. Privacy Policy

We treat your personal information with care and in line with South African privacy laws. We’ll only share your data if legally required to or to fulfill your booking.

Need help or want to see the full legal version?
Email: info@tlcvacations.co.za – We’re here to help.