Updated: September 9, 2025

Please read carefully. This is a legally binding agreement. By booking a trip with Afro Elevate (referred to herein as "Afro Elevate," "we," or "us"), paying a deposit, or signing this agreement, you accept all the terms herein on behalf of yourself and any other travelers on your booking. These terms apply to all reservations, trips, and transactions made with Afro Elevate.

This agreement may be updated at any time without prior notice. Any updates posted on our website will go into effect immediately, and your continued participation will indicate your acceptance of the revised terms.

🔞 Age Requirement

All travelers must be 21 years or older to join an Afro Elevate trip unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific itinerary.

🛡️ Mandatory Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required. Your policy must include coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruption or cancellation. Afro Elevate does not offer refunds. If your plans change, your only path to financial reimbursement is through your travel insurance. In some situations, we may offer a trip credit or transfer, but this is not guaranteed and will be determined case by case.

💳 Deposits & Payments

All bookings must be made through our website. A non-refundable deposit (amount listed on your trip’s itinerary) is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due by the deadline stated on the trip page, typically 30–60 days before departure.

For bookings made after the payment deadline, full payment is required upfront and is also non-refundable. Your spot is not reserved until you receive a confirmation email from Afro Elevate.

Trip pricing excludes airfare, travel insurance, passport and visa costs, baggage fees, gratuities, personal items, alcohol, laundry, COVID-related costs (including tests and quarantine), and communication expenses. Prices may vary per traveler based on promotions or past participation. If you see a price you like, book early. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.

❌ Refunds & Cancellation Policy

All payments are non-refundable, including deposits and final payments. No refunds will be issued for cancellations, missed activities, late arrivals, early departures, illness, emergencies, or removal from the trip. This policy applies regardless of the reason.

We may provide a travel credit or transfer option on a case-by-case basis, excluding non-recoverable costs and the deposit.

To cancel, you must email AfroElevate@gmail.com. Cancellation is effective as of the date we receive your written request.

Refund schedule:
• Deposit is non-refundable immediately upon booking.
• After 48 hours, 100% of your trip cost becomes non-refundable.
• If your final balance isn’t paid by the due date, your booking will be canceled and your payment forfeited.

No refunds will be given for unused portions of the trip, including if you opt out of activities or are unable to travel. Please purchase cancellation insurance to protect your investment.

🧾 Credit/Debit Authorization & Chargebacks

If your balance is unpaid by the due date, we reserve the right to charge the card on file. If payment fails, your reservation may be canceled and given to someone on the waitlist.

By booking, you agree not to file chargebacks with your card company. Disputes must be handled directly with Afro Elevate. We will dispute any chargeback and may report fraudulent cases. You are responsible for fees incurred as a result of any chargeback investigation.

✏️ Changes by You (Before Departure)

Requests to alter your booking must be submitted via email. We will assess whether we can reasonably accommodate the change. Change fees may apply and could be substantial depending on the request.

🔄 Changes or Cancellations After Departure

No changes are allowed after travel begins. If you miss activities, leave early, are delayed, or cannot participate due to illness or symptoms (such as COVID), you will not be refunded. Suppliers may deny service to symptomatic travelers, and Afro Elevate is not responsible for this.

⚠️ Changes or Cancellations by Afro Elevate

We reserve the right to cancel, alter, or reschedule any trip due to force majeure, safety issues, low enrollment, or supplier issues. If a trip is canceled within our control, you will receive a refund, a credit, or a replacement trip offer.

If Afro Elevate is forced to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, political instability), refunds are not guaranteed. In these cases, we will work to recover as much as possible from suppliers but are not obligated to refund payments. This is why travel insurance is essential.

🚫 Denial of Participation

Afro Elevate reserves the right to remove or refuse service to any traveler whose behavior is disruptive or unsafe. This includes drug use, excessive intoxication, or failure to follow group guidelines. No refunds will be given if you are removed.

📋 Required Documentation

You are responsible for ensuring you have a valid passport, any necessary visas, and required vaccinations or health documents. Afro Elevate is not liable for cancellations or missed departures due to incomplete documentation.

We recommend U.S. travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/step/

🧳 Luggage Policy

Each traveler may bring one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) and one carry-on. Requests for additional baggage must be submitted in writing and approved in advance.

📸 Photography Release

By joining an Afro Elevate trip, you consent to be photographed or filmed for marketing and promotional purposes. Media may be used on our website, social media, or other platforms unless you opt out in writing before the trip.

📝 Health, Medical & Drug Policy

You must be physically able to participate in the trip. Any pre-existing conditions or accommodations must be disclosed upon booking. We may require a doctor’s note.

Drug use is strictly prohibited. Responsible alcohol consumption is expected. We reserve the right to remove anyone for health, safety, or behavioral reasons.

🛑 Liability & Assumption of Risk

Afro Elevate is not liable for injuries, losses, delays, or damages related to transportation, third-party services, illness, acts of nature, or force majeure. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

We are not responsible for bookings made independently (e.g., flights, separate hotel stays).

🧭 Optional Activities

Afro Elevate may assist in arranging optional excursions not included in your package. These are not endorsed by us, and participation is at your own risk. Any disputes must be handled with the provider directly.

🎯 Promotions and Discounts

Discounts apply to new bookings only and cannot be retroactively applied. Travelers who book early may receive lower pricing.

📬 Pre-Trip Communications

We’ll send important pre-departure info via email. It’s your responsibility to read everything carefully and notify us of any errors.

🧠 Cultural Awareness

International travel involves cultural and logistical differences. You agree to participate respectfully and stay open-minded throughout your experience.

📍 Legal Jurisdiction

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. Any disputes must be resolved in Maryland courts.

🔁 Updates to This Agreement

These terms are subject to change without notice. The version on our website at the time of booking will apply. Continued participation after updates constitutes agreement to the revised terms.

By booking a trip with Afro Elevate, you confirm you’ve read, understood, and agree to all terms in this policy.