The Fine Print
On This Page
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION:
You may make your reservation by phone, fax, or mail.
Notch Above Tours, Inc.
P.O. Box 367
Jeffersonville, VT 05464-0367
1-800-639-2367 • (802) 644-8027 • Fax: (802) 644-8038 • info{at}notchabovetours.com
Submit General Questions/Comments
Departure And Pick Up Locations
All of the tours mentioned in this guide include round trip luxury motor coach transportation, unless the tour is via air service. Locations are indicated in your tour confirmation that is sent after full payment is made for the full-day tours or payment of deposit is made for multi-day tours. All parking is at your own risk and/or expense. Parking lot owners and Notch Above Tours shall in no way be responsible for any damages to your vehicle or bodily harm. Departure and return times will be included in the confirmation letter you receive after making your reservation. Notch Above Tours reserves the right to change departure locations and times. You will be notified of any changes. If you decide to change your departure location, it is important to let us know. In fairness to other travelers, we cannot wait for latecomers, so please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Return times are approximate and may vary depending upon traffic, weather and other conditions.
The following are current Notch Above departure locations** (tour dependent):
Berlin (Barre/Montpelier)—Exit 7 Park and Ride (Just off Interstate 89) Charlotte—Charlotte Park and Ride (just west of Route 7, Charlotte Train Station) Fair Haven—Shaw’s parking lot Glens Falls / Queensbury, NY—Aviation Mall (Exit 19 off I-87) Aviation Road Middlebury—McDonalds Plaza, Route 7, south of the village Port Henry—Park and Ride, intersection of Rt 22/9N and 903 Rutland—Holiday Inn, Route 7 St. Albans—Highgate Shopping Center, Exit 20 off I-89 Saratoga Springs, NY—Wilton Mall (Exit 15 off I-87) Route 50 North (Lot E) South Burlington—Anchorage Inn, Dorset Street, across from the University Mall (New Location) Vergennes —Kennedy Brothers, Route 22A Waterbury-Waterbury Park and Ride on Lincoln Street-fron I-89 at the light on 100 (at the intersection for the Best Western) turn right on to Lincoln Street, take first left after crossing a bridge. The Park and Ride will be on the left. Look for signs. White River Junction—Upper Valley Lanes and Games, Sykes Ave. (94 Bowling Lane)
** Not all departure points are included on every tour.
Notch Above’s WEATHER policy is to travel unless roads are closed. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail, the tour normally goes!
PLEASE NOTE: We make every attempt to be prompt with departure and return times, however at times, situations occur that prevent us from arriving and departing at exactly the time indicated in this guide. Please understand that the times listed are all approximate times, and we will do our best to make them exact times!
Plattsburgh, Rutland and White River Junction Shuttle Service
To make your travel more convenient, Notch Above is pleased to offer shuttle service to and from our departure locations. On multi-day (two or more day) tours, we will provide shuttle service from Plattsburgh to South Burlington and from White River Junction to Rutland (for tours departing from Rutland) and from Rutland to White River Junction (for tours departing from White River Junction). The cost is 20.00 per person round-trip. Advance reservations are required. Operation of the shuttle service is contingent upon a minimum number of travelers. Contact us for additional information.
Deposits And Payments
Advance reservations are required for all tours. For one-day tours, full payment is expected when making your reservation. For multi-day tours, a deposit of 250.00 per person is expected when making your reservation and final payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your tour departure. Some multi-day tours may require a larger deposit due to the policies of our suppliers. Payments may be made by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard or American Express.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR BASEBALL TOURS:
Rain Outs/Cancellations: Notch Above Tours will not be held responsible for game changes due to weather delays, or other events beyond our control. When tickets are refundable, not exchangeable your ticket cost for the tour will be refunded. No other part of the tour cost will be refunded due to inclement weather/rainouts or other conditions beyond our control.
IMPORTANT NASCAR INFORMATION:
Reservations/Payment: Advance reservations are required for all tours. A deposit is required at the time of reservation: 300.00 per person for Richmond and 400.00 per person for Bristol. Payment: Check, VISA, MC or AMEX. The balance of payment is due no later than 45 days before departure.
Cancellations/Refunds: Please refer to the policies listed below in the cancellation and refund section.
Race Cancellation: Notch Above will not be held responsible for race cancellations due to rain or conditions outside our control. If a Sunday race is rescheduled and held on Monday, we will normally stay for the Monday race, which will add one day to the tour. Notch Above will make additional hotel arrangements, if available, at the client’s expense. If the race is rescheduled for another day or cancelled, we can only make refunds to clients if we receive refunds from the racetracks and suppliers.
NEW! CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2008:
We understand that you may occasionally need to change your travel plans due to unexpected events. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance (see information below). Cancellations may be made by telephone or in writing. Cancellations made 41 or more days prior to a tour will be assessed a cancellation fee of 50.00 for multi-day tours and 25.00 for day-tours, plus any pre-purchased tickets. Cancellations made 40 to 15 days prior to departure incur a cost of 25% of the entire tour. Cancellations made two weeks or less prior to the departure date are 100% non-refundable. Additionally, there are no refunds for unused portions of your tour.
Notch Above will purchase tickets for concerts, sporting events and other performances on behalf of our travelers. Once these tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable and become the property and responsibility of the traveler.
If Notch Above must cancel a tour, all travelers will be notified in writing and receive a full refund of payments made to Notch Above.
AIRLINE TICKETS PURCHASED INDEPENDENT OF A TOUR:
Notch Above urges you to check airline cancellation policies before purchasing airline tickets. Tours can be cancelled for reasons including low enrollment. Notch Above accepts no responsibility or liability for cancellation penalties related to airline tickets purchased independently.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Through our membership in the American Bus Association, we are able to offer our travelers a very competitively priced policy to help protect your investment in travel. The plan protects you if you need to cancel your tour for covered reasons prior to departure or if other covered unforeseen circumstances arise during your tour. A brochure with information is usually sent to you when you make a reservation. Or simply contact our office for information. Insurance is offered through Insure America, A Division of Travel Guard International. They have a toll-free number (1-866-385-4839) if you have questions about the policy. When calling from abroad, call collect 1-715-295-5452. Two important notes: 1. You must purchase the insurance within seven days after your initial deposit to waive the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion. 2. Medicare does not cover expenses incurred outside the United States. That means Medicare does not cover expenses in Canada. If you have supplemental insurance, those expenses may be covered by that company (check directly with them). The Insure America policy applies to domestic and international travel.
Schedule of Benefits:
- $500.00 Travel Delay ($100 maximum per day)
- $1,500.00 Baggage and Personal Effects
- $50.00 Baggage Delay
- $10,000.00 Medical Expense
- $20,000.00 Emergency Medical Transportation
- AIG Travel Guard Assistance Included
Trip Cost Per Person
Insurance Plan Cost Per Person
$0.00 - $100.00 $13.00 $101.00 - $300.00 $19.00 $301.00 - $500.00 $32.00 $501.00 - $700.00 $48.00 $701.00 - $900.00 $64.00 $901.00 - $1100.00 $80.00 $1101.00 - $1500.00 $100.00 $1501.00 - $2000.00 $140.00 $2001.00 - $2500.00 $180.00 $2501.00 and up $7.00 per 100.00 of coverage
NATIONAL TOUR ASSOCIATION:
Notch Above Tours has been selected for membership in NTA, the premier association for group and packaged travel professionals. Each member must abide by a stringent code of ethics. NTA serves as a consumer advocate through membership requirements and education.
WHAT IS TYPICALLY INCLUDED IN A TOUR:
Luxury motor coach transportation, professional Notch Above Tour Manager, baggage handling on multi-day tours (one suitcase per person), all sightseeing, attraction fees, and meals listed as included in the tour description and taxes and gratuities for meals and attractions listed as included.
WHAT IS TYPICALLY NOT INCLUDED IN A TOUR:
Any alcoholic beverages you personally request with meals, any incidental hotel charges such as telephone calls and room service and anything listed as “optional” in the brochure as well as customary gratuities for the tour manager, driver and local guides.
Prices listed are subject to change. We do our best to avoid raising prices, but since tour prices are determined far in advance, we must reserve the right to add a surcharge or to modify or cancel a tour if we are faced with significant increased costs and/or currency fluctuations over which we have no control.
UPDATE ON FUEL SURCHARGES:
We pride ourselves in offering safe, fun and affordable vacations. Over the years we have struggled to maintain our pricing and have absorbed many increases in our costs to keep our prices at the lowest possible rates. However, as you are aware, gas prices are escalating at a record pace. We work closely with our transportation company to avoid any extra fees to our travelers. If fuel prices increase significantly from the time a tour is planned prior to the actual tour date, Notch Above reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge to the cost of the tour. We hope that gas prices will recede in the near future for everyone’s benefit. Thank you for your understanding.
GRATUITIES AND TIPPING:
Tipping may be awkward for some people. Your tour price typically includes gratuities for baggage handling (hotel porters) and restaurant servers. Gratuities for the tour manager, driver and any local guides are not included in the tour price and should be extended on a voluntary basis. Tipping the tour managers, driver and guides is a way of showing your appreciation for service, attentiveness and attitude. For your convenience, Notch Above provides gratuity envelopes in your pre-tour package. We discourage any solicitation of gratuities. If you encounter this, we recommend you offer no gratuity.
WHAT’S A "SINGLE" ROOM—AND WHY IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE?
Hotels frequently charge us a “flat” room rate (i.e. $x per room per night). We take that amount and divide it by the number of people who will be sharing that room. The per person amount is going to be less as the number of people in the room increases. Thus the rate for a single room is higher than the rate for a quad (4 people per room). Notch Above does not charge a “single” fee or any other fee for single travelers other than the additional cost of the hotel room(s). The cost of meals, attractions, transportation, etc. remain the same no matter how many travelers in your party. When requested, we will refer single travelers to other single travelers who ask us to help them find a roommate. With your permission, we provide those requesting this service with the names of any others requesting a roommate. We strongly recommend that you get together before the tour for coffee or luncheon to determine your compatibility. Once you both agree to share a room, you both need to notify us to inform us of that decision.
Triple and Quad Room Information: It is important to note that the number of beds in the room does not normally change as the number of people sharing that room increases. Two people in the room usually have two beds; three people have two beds; and four people have two beds. That means rooms with three or four people should assume there will be more than one person in each bed. Occasionally we can request rollaway beds for travelers who opt for triples or quads. Availability varies by hotel and there is often a fee for the additional bed.
PASSPORT AND BORDER CROSSING UPDATE:
As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or passport and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. Children 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. An original or a certified copy of your birth certificate is recommended by the Department of Homeland Security.
A passport remains the best form of ID for border crossings. However, a more portable (size of a driver’s license) and less expensive Passport Card has been introduced. It is good for travel by land or sea to Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Passports are required when traveling to other destinations or if traveling by air. The cost for a Passport Card, which includes a one-time $25 execution fee, is $45 for adults and $35 for children 16 and under. Cards for adults are valid for 10 years and 5 years for children. The execution fee applies only to first-time applicants, children and replacements of lost or stolen passports. The required documentation is the same as for regular passports. Processing takes four to six weeks. The U.S. Department of State issues the Passport Card and Passports. There are over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities, most of them at the U.S. Postal Service. Other government facilities include many state, county, township and municipal offices.
For general information, visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov
TERMS OF SERVICE:
NOTCH ABOVE TOURS, Inc., acts only in the capacity of agent for the tour participant. We in no way represent nor act as agent for travel service suppliers such as hotels/motels, restaurants, sightseeing attractions and tours and transportation, and we accept no responsibility or liability caused by the defect or negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. We cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control, such as (without limitations) acts of God, declared or undeclared war, strikes, government restrictions, terrorist activities, defects in vehicles, breakdown of equipment, delay, or cancellation of, or changes in itinerary or schedule.
We reserve the right to make changes in the published itineraries whenever, in our sole judgment, conditions so warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of our tour participants. We reserve the right to withdraw without penalty any tour announced. Our sole liability upon cancellation of a tour is the refund of moneys paid.
We also reserve the right to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour or to end an individual’s participation in a tour at any time when such an action is determined by the appropriate NOTCH ABOVE TOURS staff to be in the best interests of the health, safety and general well-being of the tour group or of the individual participant. Any dispute or controversy that might be the subject of any action in court shall be governed by the laws of the State of Vermont and shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the terms and conditions of Title 12, Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 192.
Acknowledgment: I understand that this agreement with Notch Above Tours, Inc. contains an agreement to arbitrate. After consenting hereto, I understand that I will not be able to bring a lawsuit concerning any dispute that may arise which is covered by the arbitration agreement, unless it involves a question of constitutional or civil rights. Instead, I agree to submit any such dispute to an impartial arbitrator. Your partial or full payment or signature on a Notch Above Tour constitutes consent to all provisions of the conditions and general information listed here.
