Effective Date: August 11, 2026
Business Name: Paige Gearing d/b/a Southerland Journey
Affiliation: Independent Travel Advisor with Fora Travel, Inc.
By requesting travel planning services or booking travel through Paige Gearing d/b/a Southerland Journey, you (“Client”) agree to the following Terms of Service:
1. Independent Contractor & Host Agency Disclosure
Paige Gearing d/b/a Southerland Journey operates as an Independent Travel Advisor affiliated with Fora Travel, Inc. (“Fora”). Client understands and agrees that:
- Travel Advisor operates an independent, separate travel business as a sole proprietor.
- Travel Advisor is an independent contractor, not an employee, joint venturer, or representative of Fora.
- Fora is a host agency and platform provider, not a direct travel service provider.
- Client holds no claims against Fora Travel, Inc. or Paige Gearing individually for losses, delays, or damages arising from third-party travel suppliers.
2. Role of Travel Advisor & Third-Party Suppliers
Paige Gearing d/b/a Southerland Journey acts solely as an intermediary booking agent for independent travel suppliers (airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, and ground transport).
- Suppliers are independent entities with their own management and are not under the control of Travel Advisor or Fora Travel.
- Travel Advisor is not liable for personal injury, property loss, flight delays, cancellations, supplier bankruptcy, or operational failure.
3. Travel Insurance Recommendation & Waiver
- Strong Recommendation: Travel insurance is strongly advised for all domestic and international trips to cover unexpected trip cancellations, medical emergencies, flight delays, and baggage loss.
- Client Risk Assumption: Travel insurance is optional unless mandated by specific suppliers. If Client declines coverage, Client assumes full financial risk for any supplier penalties, non-refundable fees, or emergency costs incurred.
4. Planning Fees, Cancellations, & Chargebacks
- Planning Fees: Custom research and itinerary design fees charged directly by Paige Gearing d/b/a Southerland Journey are non-refundable once work has commenced.
- Supplier Cancellation Policies: All deposits, land arrangements, and ticket purchases are subject to the specific cancellation and refund policies of the booking suppliers.
- Chargebacks: Client agrees not to file credit card disputes or chargebacks against Travel Advisor, Fora Travel, or suppliers to avoid agreed-upon cancellation fees.
5. Contact & Inquiries
For questions regarding your trip itinerary or these terms, please contact:
Paige Gearing d/b/a Southerland Journey
Email: paige@southerlandjourney.com
Website: https://www.southerlandjourney.com