If canceling, mention the reason

Knowing we are looking forward to our journey, sometimes we read a tour company’s fine-print terms thoroughly, but sometimes we “scan” them. In the “Tour Participation Agreement” of Vantage Deluxe World Travel, I found the following under the heading “Cancellations and Refunds.”

“Vantage realizes that most people who cancel their reservations do so out of necessity. Nevertheless, cancellations are costly to administer and involve dedicated staff time and communications costs. Therefore, all cancellations made later than 24 hours after booking are subject to a nonrefundable administrative fee of $300 per person. Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking will be subject to the same fee, unless your reason for canceling given at the time of cancellation is your rejection of these Terms and Conditions.”

I’d like to know if other ITN readers have come across rather odd cancellation rules.

VIVIAN KAPLAN

Tucson, AZ

ITN emailed a copy of Ms. Kaplan’s letter to Vantage Deluxe World Travel (customercare@vantagetravel.com). Also, regarding the last line in the Terms and Conditions paragraph, we asked, “So what applies or what happens if a traveler rejects the Terms and Conditions? Is there another fine?” The following reply was received.

If any passengers cancel [within 24 hours of booking] because they reject the Terms and Conditions, we allow them to cancel with full refunds, with no cancellation penalties of any kind.

COREY COWAN, Director of Customer Service, Vantage Deluxe World Travel, 90 Canal St., Boston, MA 02114