Holidays.io ("we," "our," or "the Platform") is an
online booking platform that allows users to discover and book a variety of travel-related
services offered by third-party operators (the "Service Providers") and managed by local
Marketplace Operators (MPOs) across destinations bordering the Indian Ocean. These terms govern
your use of our services, whether you are a traveller, a marketplace operator, or a service
provider.
Please read these terms carefully. By accessing or using Holidays.io, you agree to be legally
bound by these terms and conditions, along with our Privacy Policy and any other terms
referenced within.
- Definitions
- "Traveler" refers to any individual who accesses, browses, or uses the Platform to search for and book travel services.
- "Marketplace Operator (MPO)" refers to the locally licensed entity responsible for managing the Platform's operations in a particular country or destination.
- "Service Provider" refers to third-party operators offering accommodations, tours, transportation, or other travel services available for booking on the Platform.
- "Booking" refers to the agreement made between the Traveller and the Service Provider through the Platform for the provision of travel services.
- "Platform" refers to the website, mobile applications, and any other online systems operated by Holidays.io.
- "Account" refers to the personalised account Travellers create on the Platform to manage bookings and communications.
- Scope of Services
- Booking Facilitation: Holidays.io provides an online platform where Travellers can browse, and book services provided by third-party Service Providers. We facilitate communication between Travellers and Service Providers or MPOs, but Holidays.io is not a direct party to the service contract between Travellers and Service Providers or MPO.
- Role of Holidays.io: Holidays.io functions as an intermediary between Travellers and Service Providers or MPOs. The Platform assists in securing bookings but does not control or manage the individual services provided. Travellers acknowledge that any booking made through Holidays.io is a separate agreement between the Traveller and the relevant Service Provider or MPO.
- Destination-Specific Terms: Due to the international scope of our network, different destinations may have additional local terms, conditions, regulations, and requirements, which are clearly indicated during the booking process.
- Use of the Platform
- Eligibility: By using Holidays.io, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old or of legal age to form a binding contract in your country of residence. If booking on behalf of a group or another individual, you warrant that you have the necessary authority to act on their behalf.
- Account Creation: Travellers must create an account to make a booking. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and ensuring the accuracy of the information provided.
- Prohibited Use: You may not use the Platform for any illegal activities or in violation of these terms. Unauthorised access, use, or distribution of Platform data or hacking activities will result in the immediate suspension of your account.
- Third-Party Links: The Platform may contain links to external websites that are not operated by Holidays.io. We do not assume any responsibility for the content or privacy practices of such third-party sites.
- Booking Process and Contract Formation
- Booking Confirmation and Account Information: When a Traveller makes a booking through Holidays.io, they enter into a direct contractual relationship with the Service Provider or MPO. Upon confirmation of the booking, the details, including service description, pricing, terms, and conditions, will be communicated within the Traveller’s account. Travellers can access all relevant booking information by logging into their Holidays.io account, which serves as the primary hub for managing and tracking their bookings.
- Payment Authorisation: By making a booking, you authorise Holidays.io, or the relevant Service Provider or MPO, to charge the payment method associated with your account for the agreed-upon amount. Payment terms, including any deposits or final balance payments, will be clearly outlined during the booking process and reflected in your account.
- Communication: Communication between the Traveller, the MPO, and the Service Provider will primarily occur through the Holidays.io platform. System-generated emails from Holidays.io are mainly for notifications, reminders, or facilitating account accessibility, such as confirming a booking or providing reminders of payment deadlines. Communicating outside of the Holidays.io system (e.g., direct emails or phone calls not recorded on the platform) may lead to miscommunication and could affect the reliability of your booked service(s) or your ability to raise issues or claims related to those services. For transparency and accountability, all communications should be conducted within the platform’s messaging system, where it is logged and trackable by all parties.
- Invoices, Receipts, and Service Vouchers: Upon confirming a booking, all relevant documentation, including invoices, booking receipts, and service vouchers, will be made available within the Traveller’s account on the platform. These documents are essential for accessing and utilising booked services. Travellers can download these files directly from their account at any time. Service vouchers act as proof of booking and may be required by Service Providers to validate your reservation at the time of service. Always ensure that you have access to these vouchers before your scheduled services.
- Prices, Fees, and Payment
- Price Information: All prices displayed on the Platform are subject to the terms set by the individual Service Providers or MPOs. The prices include applicable taxes and service charges unless otherwise stated.
- Payment Terms: Holidays.io allows payment by credit/debit card and other payment methods as indicated on the Platform. Some Service Providers may also offer alternative payment methods, and this will be clearly stated during the booking process.
- Additional Charges: In some cases, additional fees such as local taxes, resort fees, or extra charges for amenities may apply and will be communicated at the time of booking or check-in. Travellers are responsible for any additional costs incurred during their stay or use of services.
- Currency: Payments may be processed in the currency of the destination, or another currency as stated during the booking process. Exchange rates and fees may apply if the payment currency differs from your payment method’s currency.
- Cancellations, Modifications, and Refunds
- Cancellations by Travellers: Cancellation policies vary by Service Provider or MPO and will be clearly stated during the booking process. Some services may be non-refundable, while others allow free cancellation within a specified period.
- Modifications to Bookings: Travellers wishing to modify their booking must contact either the MPO or Service Provider. Changes are subject to availability and the specific terms of the Service Provider.
- Cancellations by Service Providers or MPO: In rare cases, Service Providers or MPOs may need to cancel a confirmed booking due to unforeseen circumstances. In such instances, Holidays.io will assist the Traveller in securing alternative arrangements or provide a refund where applicable.
- Refund Process: Refunds, where applicable, will be processed through the same payment method used for the booking. The time taken to issue refunds may vary depending on the payment provider and banking processes. In rare cases were refund through same payment method is not possible; bank transfer or cash may be utilised by Operator or MPO.
- Traveller Responsibilities
- Accuracy of Information: Travellers must ensure that all personal, payment, and booking information provided is accurate and up to date. Any issues arising from incorrect information provided by the Traveller are the responsibility of the Traveler.
- Compliance with Local Laws: Travellers must comply with all local laws, visa requirements, health regulations, and customs laws when traveling to a destination. Holidays.io is not responsible for any legal issues arising from a Traveler’s non-compliance with local laws.
- Health and Safety: Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet the health requirements for travel to their chosen destination, including vaccinations or health certificates.
- Service Providers’ Responsibilities
- Service Fulfilment: Service Providers are fully responsible for the delivery of services as described on the Platform. This includes the quality, accuracy, and safety of services provided.
- Service-Specific Terms: Service Providers may impose additional terms and conditions related to their services (e.g., liability waivers, activity-specific safety measures). These will be made available during the booking process and must be accepted by the Traveller.
- Dispute Resolution: Any disputes between the Traveller and the Service Provider regarding service quality or fulfilment should first be addressed between the parties at time traveller report an issue with Service Provider. Failing to report an issue, may reduce ability to claim any form of compensation. Holidays.io will assist in mediating disputes but is not liable for the outcome.
- Holidays.io as Mediator
- Limited Liability: Holidays.io acts solely as a facilitator and mediator between Travellers and Service Providers. We are not responsible for the actual provision of services and disclaim all liability for disputes or issues arising from the services booked through the Platform.
- Force Majeure: Holidays.io is not liable for any interruptions or cancellations caused by events outside of our control (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics).
- Reviews and User Content
- User-Generated Content: Travellers may be allowed to post reviews, ratings, photos, and other content related to their experience on the Platform. By posting content, you grant Holidays.io a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, modify, and distribute your content for promotional purposes.
- Content Guidelines: All user-generated content must adhere to our guidelines, which prohibit abusive language, defamatory statements, or content that violates the rights of others. Holidays.io reserves the right to remove or moderate content at its discretion.
- Intellectual Property
- Platform Ownership: All content, trademarks, logos, and intellectual property on the Platform are owned or licensed by Holidays.io and are protected by intellectual property laws.
- License to Use: You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and use the Platform for personal use. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any part of the Platform without express written consent from Holidays.io.
- Limitation of Liability
- General Limitation: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Holidays.io, its affiliates, directors, employees, agents, or Marketplace Operators (MPOs) will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of revenue, profits, business opportunities, goodwill, or data, whether incurred directly or indirectly, arising from:
- The use of or inability to use the platform.
- Any conduct, content, or interactions with Service Providers, MPOs, or other third parties through the platform, including but not limited to cancellations, overbookings, or service discrepancies.
- Errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in the information provided by Service Providers or MPOs on the platform.
- Any events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, governmental actions, cyber-attacks, or other force majeure events that impact your travel plans or booked services.
- No Liability for Service Providers or MPOs: As an intermediary platform, Holidays.io is not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of the services provided by Service Providers or MPOs. Travellers acknowledge that their bookings are agreements directly between them and the Service Providers or MPOs, and any disputes arising from the quality of services or compliance with local regulations should be addressed with the relevant party.
- No Warranty: Holidays.io does not guarantee the continuous availability, accuracy, or reliability of the platform or its services. While we strive to provide a seamless booking experience, we cannot warrant that our platform will be free from errors, interruptions, or technical issues.
- No Liability for Traveler’s Actions: Holidays.io shall not be liable for any damages, losses, or penalties incurred by Traveller due to their failure to comply with these terms, local laws, or the terms and conditions imposed by Service Providers or MPOs. This includes, but is not limited to, losses incurred due to failure to comply with visa requirements, health and safety regulations, or other legal obligations.
- Limitation on Total Liability: In any event, Holidays.io’s total cumulative liability to any Traveler, Service Provider, or MPO arising out of or in connection with these terms, or the use of the platform, shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Traveler to Holidays.io for the relevant booking, or $500 USD, whichever is lower. This limitation applies regardless of the form of action or claim, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise.
- Dispute Resolution and Remedies: Travellers are encouraged to resolve any disputes with Service Providers or MPOs directly through the platform’s communication channels. Holidays.io will assist in mediating disputes where possible but will not assume liability for the outcomes of such disputes. In cases where disputes cannot be resolved amicably, the Traveler's sole remedy shall be a refund of the amount paid for the booking, subject to the cancellation and refund policies of the Service Provider or MPO.
- General Limitation: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Holidays.io, its affiliates, directors, employees, agents, or Marketplace Operators (MPOs) will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of revenue, profits, business opportunities, goodwill, or data, whether incurred directly or indirectly, arising from: