Refund Policy

Thank you for choosing TravelBuddy for your travel needs. We strive to provide exceptional service and ensure your satisfaction with every booking. This refund policy outlines the terms and conditions regarding refunds for services booked through our platform.

1. General Refund Policy

All refund requests are subject to the following conditions:

• Refund eligibility varies based on the type of booking, the time of cancellation, and the specific terms of the service provider.
• Processing of approved refunds typically takes 5-10 business days, depending on your payment method and financial institution.
• Refunds will be issued using the original payment method unless otherwise specified and agreed upon.

2. Flight Bookings

For flight bookings, the following refund terms apply:

• Full Refund Period: Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking for flights that are at least 7 days away from departure may be eligible for a full refund.
• Airline Policies: Beyond the 24-hour period, refunds are subject to the specific airline's cancellation and refund policies.
• TravelBuddy Service Fee: Our service fee is non-refundable except in cases where the error was on our part.
• Flight Changes/Cancellations by Airline: If the airline changes or cancels your flight, refund eligibility will be determined according to the airline's policies.

3. Hotel Bookings

For hotel reservations, refund policies are as follows:

• Free Cancellation Period: Many hotels offer free cancellation up to a certain date before check-in. This information is clearly displayed during the booking process.
• Non-Refundable Bookings: Some discounted rates are offered as non-refundable. These bookings will not be eligible for a refund upon cancellation.
• Partial Stay Cancellations: For early check-out or partial cancellations, refund policies will depend on the hotel's specific terms.

4. Package Tours and Activities

For package tours and activities:

• Cancellation Timeline:
  • 30+ days before start date: 90% refund
  • 15-29 days before start date: 50% refund
  • 7-14 days before start date: 25% refund
  • Less than 7 days before start date: No refund
• Provider-Specific Policies: Some tour operators and activity providers may have their own refund policies that supersede our standard policy. These will be clearly communicated during booking.

5. Force Majeure

In cases of force majeure (natural disasters, pandemics, government travel restrictions, etc.):

• We will work with service providers to secure the most favorable refund terms possible for our customers.
• Where possible, we may offer credit for future bookings as an alternative to cash refunds.
• Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

6. Refund Process

To request a refund:

1. Log in to your TravelBuddy account
2. Navigate to "My Bookings"
3. Select the booking you wish to cancel
4. Follow the cancellation/refund request process
5. Alternatively, contact our customer support team at [email protected]

7. Disputes and Exceptions

If you believe your refund request has been incorrectly assessed:

• Contact our customer support team with all relevant booking details and documentation.
• We will review your case and respond within 5 business days.
• Exceptions to our standard policy may be made at the discretion of TravelBuddy management.

We reserve the right to modify this refund policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website.

Last Updated: March 25, 2025