Extenuating circumstances policy
and the coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated June 29, 2021
On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, to be a global pandemic. Since then, the outbreak has evolved rapidly with governments around the world taking swift action to slow the spread of COVID-19.
In response, we are providing the following coverage for COVID-19 under our extenuating circumstances policy to help protect our community and provide peace of mind. Please monitor this page for updates about coverage.
Summary
Reservations for Where Sidewalks End Experiences or Journeys made on or before March 14, 2020, with a start date between March 14, 2020, and May 31, 2020, are covered by the policy and may be cancelled before check-in. Guests who cancel with at least 7 days’ notice before their experience will be able to keep their trip payment in their “Safety Deposit Box”. This is a travel credit that includes, all service fees for covered cancellations. If cancelled with less than 7 days’ notice, there will be a $100 rebooking fee imposed for the future reservation. In order to cancel under the policy, you will be required to attest to the facts of and/or provide supporting documentation for your extenuating circumstance.
Where Sidewalks End’s standard cancellation policy* (as outlined in our Terms and Conditions, agreed to at the time of reservation) will apply as usual to reservations made after March 14, 2020.
Cancellations will be handled according to the extenuating circumstances coverage in effect at the time of submission, and reservations that were already cancelled will not be reconsidered.
If a reservation has already begun (the start date has passed) this extenuating circumstance does not apply.
What reservations are covered
Reservations made on or before March 14, 2020
Reservations for trips on Where Sidewalks End Experiences or Journeys made on or before March 14, 2020, with a start date between March 14, 2020, and May 31, 2020, may be cancelled before check-in. This means that guests who cancel will receive a travel credit in their Safety Deposit Box in an amount that includes all service fees.
Reservations for Where Sidewalks End Experiences and Journeys made on or before March 14, 2020, with a start date after May 31, 2020, are not currently covered for COVID-19 related extenuating circumstances. Where Sidewalks End’s cancellation policy* will apply as usual.
If a reservation has already begun (the check-in has passed) this extenuating circumstance does not apply.
Reservations made after March 14, 2020
Reservations for Where Sidewalks End Experiences or Journeys made after March 14, 2020 will not be covered under our extenuating circumstances policy, except where the guest or local host (such as a guide or Ajarn) is currently sick with COVID-19. COVID-19 related circumstances not covered include transportation disruptions and cancellations; travel advisories and restrictions; health advisories and quarantines; changes to applicable law; and other government mandates—like evacuation orders, border closures, prohibitions on short-term rentals, and shelter-in-place requirements. Where Sidewalks End’s cancellation policy* will apply as usual.
Our extenuating circumstances policy is intended to protect guests and local hosts from unforeseen circumstances that arise after booking. After the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, the extenuating circumstances policy no longer applies because COVID-19 and its consequences are no longer unforeseen or unexpected. Please remember to carefully review Where Sidewalks End’s cancellation policy* when booking and consider choosing an option that provides flexibility.
*This is a general Cancellation Policy unless otherwise stated on the particular tour itself. Please see your Experience/Journey’s specific webpage for possible cancellation policy adjustments for that particular tour.
Please do your part to stay safe as this pandemic is happening around the globe. We want to keep both you, and your local hosts, healthy and at minimal risk of exposure to CoVid-19. Here are some helpful guidelines as provided by the World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public.