Travel Advisor Booking Terms & Conditions
The Talking Suitcase
Owned & Operated by Dana Zeliff
Independent Agent with Dugan’s Travels LLC
Last Updated: 4/3/26
These Terms & Conditions (“Agreement”) outline the responsibilities, policies, and expectations between The Talking Suitcase/Dana Zeliff (“Agency,” “we,” “our,” “us”) and the client (“you,” “traveler,” “client”). By submitting payment, approving a travel proposal, or requesting travel services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
1. Agency Role & Scope of Services
The Talking Suitcase, owned and operated by Dana Zeliff, acts solely as an independent agent with Dugan’s Travels LLC and as an agent for the travel suppliers you choose (including but not limited to airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, transportation providers, insurance companies, etc.).
We do not own, operate, manage, or control the services provided by these suppliers. All bookings are subject to the suppliers’ own terms, conditions, and policies, which may limit or exclude liability.
You agree that The Talking Suitcase/Dana Zeliff is not responsible for supplier acts or omissions, including but not limited to delays, cancellations, schedule changes, medical incidents, insolvency, or changes in service quality.
2. Acceptance of Terms & Client Responsibility
By requesting travel planning services or making payment toward a reservation, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
You are responsible for:
- Providing accurate traveler information
- Reviewing all reservation details for accuracy
- Understanding supplier terms & conditions
- Meeting passport/visa/entry requirements
- Confirming flight times and schedules
- Adding travel insurance, if desired
Failure to comply may result in additional expenses for which you are solely responsible.
3. Planning Fees & Service Fees
The Talking Suitcase generally does not charge planning fees for standard vacation bookings.
However, certain itineraries may require a professional planning fee due to the complexity, customization, research requirements, group coordination, extensive revisions, or other circumstances determined at the sole discretion of The Talking Suitcase.
When applicable, a non-refundable planning fee of $150 will be disclosed and agreed upon before any planning work begins. A separate Planning Services Agreement and invoice will be provided for review and acceptance prior to the commencement of services.
Planning fees are compensation for professional time, expertise, research, consultation, itinerary design, supplier coordination, and administrative services. Planning fees are separate from and in addition to any deposits, payments, taxes, fees, or other amounts due to travel suppliers.
Once planning services have commenced, planning fees are non-refundable regardless of whether:
- A trip is ultimately booked;
- The traveler elects not to travel;
- The traveler books through another source;
- A supplier cancels or modifies services; or
- Travel plans change for any reason.
Payment of a planning fee does not guarantee availability, pricing, upgrades, supplier promotions, loyalty program benefits, or confirmation of any travel arrangements.
The Talking Suitcase reserves the right to decline planning requests or discontinue services at its discretion. In the event services are declined before work has begun, any planning fee paid will be refunded in full.
4. Research, Quotes & Pricing
Travel pricing and availability are dynamic and subject to change until booked and confirmed by the supplier. Quotes provided by The Talking Suitcase are estimates based on pricing available at the time of inquiry and are not guaranteed until deposit or full payment is received and accepted by the supplier.
The Talking Suitcase is not responsible for fare increases, inventory changes, supplier-imposed surcharges, currency fluctuations, or promotional offers that become available before or after booking.
5. Payments, Cancellations & Refunds
All payments are processed directly with the travel supplier unless otherwise noted.
Payment schedules, refund policies, cancellation fees, and change penalties are determined by each supplier – not by The Talking Suitcase.
If you cancel your reservation, supplier penalties or loss of funds may apply.
Refunds, when available, are processed by the supplier and timing cannot be guaranteed.
6. Travel Insurance / Protection Plans
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment and mitigate financial loss.
If you decline insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses or loss associated with travel cancellations, medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or delays.
Disclosure: When offered, travel insurance coverage is optional and is not required to book travel services. The Talking Suitcase / Dana Zeliff does not provide technical insurance advice. If you choose to purchase travel insurance, you acknowledge that you are responsible for reading all policy terms and conditions and DIRECT insurance questions to the insurer or licensed insurance agent. The Talking Suitcase may provide general descriptions of coverage but is not licensed to answer technical questions about insurance terms or adequacy of coverage.
7. Chargebacks & Disputes
You agree not to institute chargebacks for services properly rendered. Chargebacks not related to true fraud may result in additional fees and collection costs for which you are responsible.
8. Travel Documentation & Entry Requirements
You are responsible for understanding and adhering to passport, visa, vaccination, and entry requirements for your destination.
Passports must generally be valid at least six months beyond your travel dates. Failure to meet entry requirements may result in denied boarding or denied entry, for which The Talking Suitcase is not responsible.
9. Health, Safety & Assumption of Risk
Travel involves inherent risks. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with travel, including illness, injury, death, quarantine, border closures, or travel interruptions.
You agree that The Talking Suitcase is not liable for pandemic-related or public-health-related issues, government advisories, acts of nature, strikes, civil unrest, or supplier changes.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Talking Suitcase and Dugan’s Travels LLC shall not be liable for:
- Any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss
- Supplier default, delay, or cancellation
- Traveler negligence or lack of proper documentation
- Loss of personal property
- Costs resulting from rescheduling or missed connections
11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Virginia. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes may proceed through binding arbitration in the governing state.
12. Guest Conduct & Responsibility
You are responsible for your behavior and that of all travelers on your reservation. All travel suppliers (including but not limited to hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators) reserve the right to refuse service, remove, or restrict guests for behavior deemed unsafe, disruptive, illegal, or inappropriate.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Excessive intoxication
- Disorderly or disruptive conduct
- Damage to property
- Harassment of staff or other guests
- Violation of resort, cruise line, or local laws
If a traveler is removed from a property, denied boarding, or otherwise restricted due to their behavior:
No refunds will be issued unless explicitly provided by the supplier. You are responsible for any additional costs, including but not limited to new accommodations, transportation, fines, cleaning fees, or damages.
The Talking Suitcase and Dana Zeliff are not responsible for any resulting losses, costs, or disruptions
You agree to abide by all supplier Terms & Conditions, local laws, and property rules at all times.
Client acknowledges that failure to adhere to supplier rules and policies may result in denied services, removal from property, or additional charges, for which the client assumes full responsibility.
13. Loyalty Programs, Points & Rewards
Travel bookings made through The Talking Suitcase may or may not be eligible for participation in airline, hotel or other supplier loyalty programs (including earning points, miles, elite status credit, or receiving loyalty benefits).
Certain bookings – including but not limited to:
- Vacation packages
- Consolidated or bulk fares
- Tour operator bookings
- Discounted, promotional, or negotiated rates
- Third-party or wholesale supplier bookings may not qualify for loyalty points, miles, and/or elite status benefits.
The Talking Suitcase and Dana Zeliff do not control or guarantee:
- Eligibility for earning points or miles
- Application of elite status benefits (upgrades, perks, etc.)
- Accuracy of loyalty account crediting
It is the traveler’s responsibility to:
- Provide correct loyalty program numbers (if applicable)
- Verify eligibility directly with the supplier
- Follow up with the supplier regarding missing points or benefits
No refunds, credits, or compensation will be provided due to ineligibility for or failure to receive loyalty points, miles, or benefits.
14. Changes to These Terms
These Terms & Conditions may be updated at any time without prior notice. You are responsible for reviewing the most current version prior to booking.
By booking travel through The Talking Suitcase, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Contact Information
The Talking Suitcase
Owner: Dana Zeliff
Independent Agent with Dugan’s Travels LLC
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thetalkingsuitcase.com
Please also review our Privacy Policy regarding how personal information is collected and shared with travel suppliers.
