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Some of the latest strength training research may inspire health club members to continue pumping iron rather than cancelling their gym membership. The world of strength training research is constantly evolving, and by keeping up on the latest research studies, club owners can help their members get results.
"Fitness professionals who read studies and stay on top of research are best positioned to provide their clients or members with the best experience possible," says Cedric Bryant, chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Over the last year, researchers have explored how exercisers can derive the maximum benefit from resistance training. Specifically, they have investigated functional training as it relates to fall prevention, the effectiveness of online weight training and the adverse effects of stress on performance.
Fall Prevention
As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, health clubs can pull them into their doors by offering classes in fall prevention, say experts. According to a March 2008 literature review done by Christian Thompson at the University of San Francisco, more than one-third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year.
Thompson is working to change this trend with his ongoing research on fall protection, which he says will be useful for fitness facilities nationwide. The three-year research study is investigating the effect of functional training on fall prevention for older adults.
"At this point, there is nothing out there like this," he says. "We're filling a significant gap in the literature and in the programming world."
His research study, which began in early 2007 and will be completed in 2010, consists of a 12-week exercise program that follows a logical, built-in progression using basic resistance equipment. As part of his research, his trainers and he visit about 10 senior centers in San Francisco.
The trainers train the seniors using a variety of equipment, such as dumbbells, elastic cables, playground balls and mobility ladders. The seniors are divided into two groups — a control group that does not have the functional training sessions, and the experimental group, which trains twice a week.
All of the research subjects are over the age of 65, and the average age is 76. To qualify for the study, the seniors must have had a fall in the last six months. Thompson says about 45 people have gone through the program so far, and about 20 of them are recurrent fallers.
"Most people who fall will fall again," he says. "Sometimes, they get lucky the first time and don't have an injury or a fracture, but it eventually catches up to them."
By doing basic functional and resistance training exercises, the seniors are minimizing their fall risk, the researchers found. In fact, the seniors in the experimental group improved their static and dynamic balance by 14 percent to 22 percent. By contrast, the seniors in the control group did not see an improvement in their fall risk factors, which are an indication of lower body strength.
Thompson hopes to design a program based upon his evidence-based research that can be implemented in any setting — from a health club to a YMCA to a senior center. To make it appeal more to the masses, he used simple equipment in his research, but he concedes that a creative trainer could get even better results with different equipment and exercise techniques.
"There is a real need as we continue to age as a population for there to be proven evidence-based programming strategies that can be adapted to work with this very important special population," he says.
In fact, two fitness organizations and some online programming portals have already expressed interest in the research, and some personal trainers involved in the study are applying their knowledge to their relationships with their clients.
Eric Simmons, the owner of the personal training business Evolution in Motion, helped with the research project a year-and-a-half ago. One of his colleagues at the San Francisco Bay Club who was also involved in the study launched a fall prevention class at the club. Simmons has applied this knowledge when working with his own clients, including a 78-year-old woman.
"She had a hard time walking forward, and her strides were getting shorter and shorter," he says. "Three weeks ago, she said, 'Look how long my strides are,' and sure enough, she was stepping two-and-a-half-foot strides rather than shuffling along."
The woman has had so much success with the functional training exercises that she has not fallen since starting the training. She can also join a more advanced group class and can lift her foot up for 10 seconds, which she couldn't do before.
"You can take someone who is 65 or 70 and barely walk, has osteoporosis and a broken hip, and you can change the course of their future by teaching them to move their body," he says.
The Muscatine Community YMCA is also helping its members to protect themselves against falls. Andy Brabson, head personal trainer at the Y, says his facility is considering offering a "no fall" class to help its senior members improve their balance and perform everyday activities.
"A lot of the studies I've seen on strength training are about seniors nowadays," he says. "We don't have anything special for seniors right now, but we've been talking about adding it into our programming."
Bryant of ACE commends clubs that are offering specialty programming, such as fall protection and balance training. By offering specialty programming, clubs can attract a new segment to their facilities and appeal to the senior market, he says.
In addition to offering functional training classes for seniors, clubs should also consider encouraging their senior members to do standard resistance training, says Wayne Wescott, senior fitness executive at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, MA. William Kraemer of the University of Connecticut agrees that functional training should be part of, rather than a replacement for, a resistance training program for older adults.
Technology and Strength Training
Personal trainers often rely on the latest technology to educate their clients and maximize their workouts. In a July 2008 study in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, however, four researchers discovered that workouts still need a personal touch.
The researchers compared a traditional weight training class to nontraditional classes with online training technology. During the 16-week class, the researchers tried to determine whether or not students could learn resistance training exercises simply by watching videos on the Internet.
The researchers divided the 79 college students into three groups: traditional, online and hybrid. All three groups had the same curriculum and workout requirements, but they differed significantly when it came to the requirements for attendance. The online group could use the Internet and complete their workouts at any gym that was convenient for them, while the traditional group was supervised by trainers and required to attend the sessions in a monitored facility. The students in the hybrid group were able to train independently in class, and they were monitored by an instructor, who corrected improper techniques. These students had access to a Web-based video archive as well as PowerPoint lectures. They also attended in-class demonstrations followed by a traditional class lecture or assigned online reading.
At the beginning and the end of the study, the researchers tested the subjects' upper body strength through a bench press, their lower body strength through a back squat and their knowledge about resistance training through a written exam.
All three groups — online, hybrid and traditional — improved their knowledge about weight training, but the online weight training course did not lead to increased strength. The researchers attributed this finding to the fact that these students had less motivation and less accountability and weren't accurately reporting their results. As a result, the researchers concluded that technology has its limits in a weight training class, and it is necessary to implement a monitoring system to ensure students are completing their workouts.
Although online weight training can serve a certain population and help some people get interested in fitness, it's not the answer for everyone, says Simmons of Evolution in Motion.
"You're told what to do instead of asked to critically think about what you're doing with online training," he says. "In a gym, the client can interact with a trainer or group exercise instructor, but that's often not the case online. While it is an option for some people, I don't think it will work for most, and I'm 100 percent sure that it's not as effective as face-to-face training."
Technology, however, can play an important role in helping Americans to adhere to their exercise program, Bryant says. Individuals can use the technology 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they're not restricted by club hours of operation or personal trainers' availability.
Stress and Strength Gains
Stressful life events can have a negative effect on strength gains, according to a July 2008 study in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. The researchers studied the link between stress and performance in 135 undergraduate students who enrolled in a 1 1/2-hour class that met twice a week for 12 weeks.
After completing a social support inventory and performing one repetition max lifts for the bench press and squat, the students were split into a low-stress and a high-stress group. The researchers discovered that the low-stress participants achieved superior results in the bench press and squat. They concluded that a high amount of stress can make it more difficult to adapt to weight training.
These findings did not surprise Simmons, who says that stress definitely affects a person's ability to make performance gains. To help members get the most from their workout, personal trainers and club owners need to make their fitness facility a relaxing destination. From the minute their members step through the doors, they must allow them to unwind, let go of their daily stress and focus on their workout, he says.
"They need to make their club a third place where members go apart from their work and home," Simmons says.
Consider These Training Tidbits
Free-form weight training provides optimal benefits
A January 2008 study by Globe University, Woodbury, MN, found that subjects in the study improved their balance and strength and had less pain when working out on free-form exercise equipment compared to fixed weight training equipment. The participants improved their strength by 58 percent and their balance by 196 percent.
Women should lift heavier weights
A study by the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, advised women to lift heavier weights during one of their workout days. Although women tend to shy away from heavier weights because they fear getting bulky muscles, they must challenge their muscles to get the optimum benefit from resistance training, says William Kraemer of the University of Connecticut.
Shorter-duration weight training programs have higher retention rates
The South Shore YMCA in Quincy, MA, conducted a study at Town Sports International on weight training. One group was required to do 15 minutes of training twice a week, and another group did 50 minutes of training twice a week over an eight-week period. The group with the longer duration session had twice the dropout rate of the group with the shorter duration session.


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Rail Europe
General Terms and Conditions of Sale and Use of the Website www.raileurope-world.com
The company RAIL EUROPE offers Rail Products on the website www.raileurope-world.com in the name of and on behalf of its Partners, the rail carriers, in particular the following:
- train tickets,
- rail passes,
hereinafter the "Rail Products".
RAIL EUROPE also offers services related to the Rail Products:
- Rail Protection Plan,
- Tourism services,
- Travel packages,
RAIL EUROPE SAS is a French company with capital of 1 179 655 euros, with registered office located at:
2 place de la Défense
92053 Paris La Défense Cedex
Registered in the Nanterre Register Trade and Companies under number 401 714 993.
Registered in the French Register of Travel Agents and Tour Operators ("Registre des opérateurs de voyages et de séjours") under number IM075160030.
Financial guarantee company: Atradius Credit Insurance NV, 44 avenue Georges Pompidou, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France.
Companies Register: AXA Corporate Solutions Assurance, 4 rue Jules Lefebvre, 75009 Paris, France.
Article 1. DEFINITIONS AND FIELD OF APPLICATION
"Order" designates any booking made on the Website and approved by the User.
"Specific Conditions" designates the contractual terms and conditions specific to each service (regardless of their name: "conditions and restrictions", etc.) accessible on the Website prior to approval of any Order.
"Partner" designates any service provider providing Services. The term "Partner" includes rail carrier, such as the SNCF, a provider of Rail Products and providers of Tourism Services.
"Rail Products" designates rail transportation tickets, such as train tickets or rail passes.
"Service(s)" designates a service for provision of transportation or providing tourism products.
"Tourism products" designates a service for provision of tourism services, such as any transportation tickets by land or by sea or entrance tickets for attractions, museums, expositions, etc.
"Website" designates the Internet website presented in the introduction to these general terms and conditions of sale and use, published by the company RAIL EUROPE.
"You" or the "User" designates any person using the Website, in particular to reserve, order and/or purchase any Service offered by RAIL EUROPE in the name of its Partners.
These general terms and conditions of sale and use (hereinafter the "General Terms and Conditions"), as well as the Specific Terms and Conditions applicable to each service, apply to any and all uses of the Website, in particular for the sales of all of the Products offered on the Website, in the name of the partners of RAIL EUROPE.
They are valid starting from 01 August 2019. This version cancels and replaces all prior versions.
Users are invited to carefully read these General Terms and Conditions that are referenced by hyperlink on each page of the Website. Users are advised to download them and/or print them and keep a copy. Users are also advised to read these General Terms and Conditions each time they visit the Website, as they may be amended. Any such amendments shall not be applicable to previously made bookings confirmed by RAIL EUROPE.
Article 2. USE OF THE WEBSITE
Ordering a Service is reserved for Users who have reviewed and accepted either by clicking or, as applicable, by telephone, these General Terms and Conditions in their entirety, as well as the Specific Terms and Conditions for each Service, prior to each Order.
Conditions of use of the Website
To use the Website, You must be at least 18 years old or a legal adult in your country of origin, be able to legally contract and use this Website in compliance with these General Terms and Conditions.
You are financially responsible for the use of the Website and/or any purchase made on this Website, both in your own name and on behalf of any third parties, including minors, except when a use is demonstrated to be a fraudulent, and not resulting from your fault or negligence.
You guarantee the truth and the accuracy of the information You provide or that is provided by any third party using your information on this Website.
Any use of the booking service of this Website that is fraudulent or that violates these General Terms and Conditions could lead RAIL EUROPE, at any time, to block Your access to the Services offered on the said Website.
Placing Orders on the Website
You are allowed to order the Services available on the Website after having approved these General Terms and Conditions as well as the Specific Terms and Conditions.
The process for booking any Products includes at least the following steps:
1 You make a search.
2. Following your search request, the Website displays one or more Service offerings.
3. For some services, in particular Travel Packages and Group Services, You will request an estimate so that RAIL EUROPE will re-contact you; the sale will be made by telephone or email. For the other Services, You click on the Service or Services of your choice.
4. A summary showing all of your choices and the total price of the service or services will allow You to verify the details of your Order.
5. You must make sure that all of the information displayed is correct (date, time of day, origin and destination of your travel, name, mode and address of delivery, price, identity, age of travellers, etc.) ; they cannot be modified once your Order is approved.
6. You must then, provided you have first accepted these General Terms and Conditions and the Specific Terms and Conditions applicable to it, review and approve your Order.
7. The contract is then valid and binding.
8. If necessary, You will pay for your Order online in secure mode under the conditions defined in Article 7.
9. RAIL EUROPE, in the name of its Partners, will provide You, as quickly as possible and in any event within five days following your Order, by email, with a receipt confirming your Order, showing the essential elements such as the identification of the Service ordered, the price, the quantity, the Specific Terms and Conditions and the General Terms and Conditions.
All words contained in this Order confirmation email shall be considered to constitute the agreement between You and RAIL EUROPE unless you contest them by email within eight days. They can only be contested in so far as they are different from the Order that You have made.
10. In the event that You do not receive confirmation of the Order, it is Your responsibility to contact RAIL EUROPE in the conditions defined in Article 9.
It is your responsibility to make sure that the information (full name, email address, postal address, etc.) that You provide in your Order is correct, and immediately inform RAIL EUROPE by emailing [email protected], of any change that could affect it, in order to allow it to ensure that You will receive the Services that You have ordered. Please note that a name change is not possible once provided.
In any event, the booking fee as well as the Rail Protection Plan cannot be reimbursed in the case of cancellation.
Except as otherwise provided in the Specific Terms and Conditions and subject to the stipulations mentioned in Article 3.1.1, the tickets and/or travel documents issued for a Rail Product on the Website, are either to be retrieved or delivered, according to the type of product purchased and/or your date of departure and your place of residence, by postal mail to the address provided at the time of your Order, or printed according to the provisions specified for each type of service in the Specific Terms and Conditions.
It is expressly agreed that, except in the case of an obvious error on the part of RAIL EUROPE, the data stored in the information system of RAIL EUROPE and/or of its partners, in particular in the electronic messaging tools used by RAIL EUROPE, or in the Printed Ticket control systems, are considered as legal evidence with respect to Orders made and the parties' execution of obligations. The data on computerised or electronic media stored by RAIL EUROPE constitute evidence and, when produced as forms of evidence by RAIL EUROPE in any legal dispute or other, shall be admissible, valid and applicable between the parties in the same manner, in the same conditions and with the same evidentiary force as any document that would be established, received or stored in writing.
You are duly informed that, in application of Articles L. 121-16-1 and L. 121-21-8 of the French Consumer Code, none of the Services offered on the Website by RAIL EUROPE in the name of its Partners are subject to the application of the right of withdrawal specified in Articles L. 121-20-12 et seq. of the French Consumer Code for distance sales.
Consequently, the Services ordered on the Website are exclusively subject to the conditions of cancellation and amendment specified in these General Terms and Conditions and/or in any applicable Specific Terms and Conditions.
Article 3. RAIL PRODUCTS
Rail Products are offered by RAIL EUROPE in the name of its partners.
All of the Specific Terms and Conditions relating to the provision of the Rail Products may be viewed when you make your Order. These Specific Terms and Conditions are an integral part of these General Terms and Conditions and must be carefully and fully read and accepted before any Order.
3.1.1 Rail Products
Several types of Rail Products are offered on the Website for travel in Europe.
RAIL EUROPE is not liable for lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed passes, train tickets or coupons. Reimbursements are not authorised in such cases. To protect You against such losses, RAIL EUROPE offers You the Rail Protection Plan whose conditions and restrictions are outlined in Article 5 hereinafter of these General Terms and Conditions.
Paper Products
For these types of tickets, a paper ticket or pass is issued on special ticket stock and delivery is one of the options offered as the mode of retrieval. RAIL EUROPE can print paper tickets and mail them to You, provided that you pay the related delivery fees. Please note that this mode of delivery is only possible when allowed by your date of departure and address of delivery.
In some cities, You can pick-up your tickets in our offices. This retrieval option will be offered only when possible.
All Paper products are sent via a traceable method. Moreover, You must make sure that someone is present to receive them. RAIL EUROPE is not liable if You are unable take receipt of the delivery.
Certain tickets are name specific and cannot be modified after purchase. In this case, tickets cannot be transferred and at the time of ticket inspections, the traveller for whom the ticket was issued must present a current valid photo identification: either an identification card or a passport.
In some countries, the ticket must be punched prior to boarding the train.
"Print at Home" Tickets
Some train tickets offered on the Website are eligible for Print at Home.
The Printed Ticket is a ticket that RAIL EUROPE sends to You by email and that You print yourself to present during inspections on trains.
This is a non-transferable ticket. When tickets are inspected on trains, the traveller for whom the ticket was issued must present a current valid photo identification: either an identification card or a passport.
It does not have to be punched and must be kept for the duration of the train journey.
This ticket is valid only for the designated train, name, date, time, class and route.
In the case of failure to adhere to any one of the rules specified in this article, this document shall be considered invalid.
RAIL EUROPE draws your attention to the fact that SNCF rail tickets eligible for the "Printed Ticket" service are subject to the following conditions:
a) To be available for use, a Print at Home Ticket must have been subject to a "Creation". After approval of the Order and payment online, you will be able proceed with the "Creation" of your Print at Home Ticket.
b) You can proceed with the Creation of your Print at Home Ticket:
i. either immediately after approval of your order;
ii. or later on the Website.
c) To create your Print at Home Ticket, you must do one of the following: You must click on the "Print your ticket" link indicated in the Order confirmation email or by logging in to your User Account.
d) You must then enter your name as well as the booking number that was provided to You on completion of your Order, also contained in the Order confirmation email.
e) When booking a Print at Home ticket on the web site, you must indicate the last name, first name, and date of birth of each traveller. For the same trip, only one Print at Home ticket bearing the same last name and first name may be issued.
f) After approval of the elements thus entered, RAIL EUROPE will provide you with a link to the image of the ticket created, in the form of a PDF file.
g) Once the Print at Home Ticket has been created, and even if the ticket has not yet been printed, it may not be exchanged or reimbursed. Please note that certain rates are neither exchangeable nor reimbursable once an Order has been placed (for example: "Prem's" tickets).
h) The "Print at Home Ticket" can be printed at any time after its Creation,
i. either immediately after it is created,
ii. or later by clicking on the link "Print your ticket" indicated in the Order confirmation email, or through "my account" in the "My booking" section by choosing Print my ticket under the options of your ticket.
i) Please note that if you purchase a round-trip Print at Home Ticket, the Creation and printing of the "going to" Print at Home Ticket cannot be separated from the Creation and printing of the "returning from" Ticket".
j) The "Print at Home Ticket" must be printed in accordance with the Specific Terms and Conditions accepted in advance on every Order. RAIL EUROPE cannot be held liable in the case of failure to adhere to the Specific Terms and Conditions.
k) The "Print at Home Ticket" is only valid when it is printed on white A4 paper, with blank front and back, without modification of the size of printing, in portrait format (vertical) with a laser or inkjet printer with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. In no case may it be presented in another medium (electronic, screen, etc.).
l) Good quality printing is necessary. Tickets that are partially printed, soiled, damaged or illegible are not valid. In the case of poor quality printing, the User must print the PDF file again.
Consequently, prior to any "Print at Home Ticket" Order, You must make sure that You have the software and hardware system required to print your ticket: a computer connected to the Internet and equipped with Adobe Acrobat Reader software and a printer. Before making the Order, you must test the printer used to make sure it can correctly print the ticket. RAIL EUROPE accepts no liability in the case of inability to print your tickets due to the failure to adhere to the software and hardware system requirement specified above.
"Print at the station" Tickets
Some tickets may be retrieved from Self Service Terminals in European train stations. This mode of retrieval is only offered to You if your itinerary allows such a retrieval.
The reference information of your ticket will be sent to You by email. RAIL EUROPE draws your attention to the fact that, to retrieve your ticket, You will be asked to present this reference as well as a debit/credit card.
Rail passes allow travel on the national rail networks in one or more countries in Europe, or even in all European countries (Eurail Global Pass) depending on the countries covered.
This is a non-transferable ticket. When tickets are inspected on trains, the traveller for whom the ticket was issued must present a current valid photo identification: either an identification card or a passport.
Some rail passes can only be sold to certain residents.
Some trains may pass through a country that is not covered by a rail pass. In this case, an additional train ticket must be purchased. You are thus strongly advised to check Your itinerary.
Activation and use of your rail pass:
Rail passes must be activated within the time frame indicated at the moment of purchase. To be activated, your rail pass must be presented, at the same time as your passport, to the agents of the rail company in the train station of your departure, so that its number can be registered. Only such agents are authorised to activate passes. At that time, the first day and last day of validity of your pass will be fixed. The pass holder must sign the pass. Concerning flexi passes, the pass holder must write the date of travel before entering the first train that he or she will take that day. Travellers who fail to do this will be subject to a fine and payment of the full price ticket for that train.
Moreover, if there is reason to believe that a pass has been modified, falsified or used by a person other than its rightful holder, or used beyond its period of validity, rail company conductors are authorised to confiscate the pass and require payment of a full price ticket as well as the payment of a fine for the journey in progress. A passport must be shown to rail company agents when they are requested.
In most cases, a pass is valid from midnight to midnight for the period indicated on the pass. The pass cannot be used on hotel trains, private trains or special trains unless otherwise indicated.
Reserving seats:
Holding a pass does not guarantee a place with a seat. Seat reservations are optional on certain trains and required on high speed trains (TGV, Thalys, AVE, Eurostar and Le Frecce), international trains (Lyria, Talgo), night trains (Thello, City Night Line) and scenic trains (Glacier Express, GoldenPass, Bernina Express, Wilhelm Tell Express and Chocolate Train etc.). The ICE (Intercity Express) requires a reservation on all Sprinter trains. Additional reservations are necessary on SJ High Speed trains in Scandinavia and on most trains in Spain (Renfe). Some trains require payment of a surcharge that includes a mandatory seat reservation. On some trains, the number of seats available to pass holders may be limited. You are thus strongly advised to make reservations in advance. If all reservations allocated to pass holders are already booked on the train that you wish to take, you must either choose another train that still has seat reservations available, or buy the most advantageously-priced ticket. The cost of seat reservations vary depending on the type of train and the country.
Applicable rules:
All types of transportation covered by a pass whose use is planned in several countries are subject to the Uniform Rules concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Passengers and Luggage by Rail (CIV). National passes or passes usable in a single country are subject to the rules and regulations of their specific country.
British Train Tickets:
The British rail systems may offer additional fares for some British trains. These fares can be accessed through our call center. Rail Europe offers all British train tickets in compliance with the National Conditions of Carriage and specific Ticket Restrictions and Terms. Tickets are not eligible for purchase by British(UK) residents. Validation of residency is required to purchase British train tickets.
Article 4. TOURISM SERVICES
In the name of and on behalf of its partners, RAIL EUROPE offers the following Tourism Services:
- City passes,
- Urban transport tickets,
- Water transport tickets such as ferries,
- Tickets for visits and excursions.
Conditions and restrictions applicable to these services are provided to You when you make your order and prior to any final approval. It is your responsibility to learn about them.
Article 5. THE RAIL PROTECTION PLAN
The Rail Protection Plan is proposed by RAIL EUROPE.
It is described in specific pages in the Website. Specific terms and conditions that shall apply for the Rail Protection Plan are available here and on the Website. Rail Europe advises you to print them if You choose to add the Rail Protection Plan to your order.
There is no protection for your tickets or passes in the event your plans change and you need to cancel or you miss a train connection, there is a strike or your tickets or passes are lost or stolen.
As such, RAIL EUROPE recommends the Rail Protection Plan for the freedom to cancel your ticket or rail pass for any reason and also protect your products in the case of strikes, missed connections, theft or loss of your tickets or products.
The Rail Protection Plan must be purchased at the same time Rail Products are purchased. You cannot subscribe to it separately.
The Rail Protection Plan is non-refundable and non-exchangeable, except as mentioned article 5.6.
No reimbursement will be issued in case of fraud.
Travellers will be issued an instore credit in the form of future a Rail Europe coupon code at no penalty, equal to the value of the cancelled products containing the Rail Protection Plan, no questions asked.
Coupon codes are issued in the name of the traveller(s) given at the time of the original booking and are non-transferable.
Coupon codes must be redeemed on a new booking no later than two (2) years from the issue date on the coupon code. No instore credit will be issued in cases where the value of the coupon code is not used within two (2) years of issue.
Coupon codes cannot be applied toward shipping and handling fees or Gift Cards.
Coupon codes will be processed in 6-12 weeks from receiving the returned tickets / passes / reservations.
No explanation is required for cancellation requests on product(s), no questions asked.
Paper Products - Cancellation request for paper rail passes/paper tickets/paper reservations being returned for a cancellation must be received by Rail Europe no later than five (5) business days before the scheduled departure date for Europe given at the time of booking. Request for Rail Protection Plan coupon code must be completed by emailing [email protected]
Once the cancellation request has been reviewed, travellers will be notified by email where the original paper passes, tickets and reservations need to be sent to complete the Rail Protection Plan Coupon Code request. Please note that the Rail Protection Plan Coupon code is only released for accepted claims once the original paper documents have been received by Rail Europe.
E-tickets / E-Passes (Print at Station/Print at Home) – cancellation requests must be received by RAIL EUROPE via email no later than five (5) business days before the regularly scheduled train departure date or first date of travel.
Request received less than five (5) business days noted above for paper / electronic products will not be eligible for the RPP Cancellation Benefit and will be processed under the normal cancellation penalties listed with the traveller's tickets / passes / reservations.
Travellers not planning to return to Europe within two years / not interested in receiving a Rail Europe instore credit, can request a refund back to the original form of payment but are subject to the normal cancellation penalties included with their product.
To request an instore credit in the form of a coupon code for an E-ticket / E-Passes, please start your request by emailing [email protected]
5.3 Applying for a Refund in the case of strike under the Rail Protection Plan
If while traveling in Europe, your trip is interrupted or stopped due to a rail strike, you will be reimbursed for the value of the unused train ticket/reservation/travel day.
Rail Passes - In the case the traveller is holding a rail pass, this provision only applies in the event the entire travel day could not be used due to the strike and the traveller has a corresponding seat reservation stamped unused by a railway official to support that the rail pass travel day could not be used. In the event the rail pass travel day was partially used, no refund is offered on the Rail Pass travel day.
Paper Products - Train ticket / reservations, not used due to a strike must be stamped at the European train station by a railway official indicating the train ticket/reservation.
Requests for reimbursement due to strikes must be started by emailing [email protected]
Once the requests for reimbursement due to a strike has been reviewed, travellers will be notified by email where the original paper passes, tickets and reservations need to be sent to complete the strike refund request. Please note that the refund in the case of strike is only released for accepted claims once the original paper documents have been received by Rail Europe.
Please note that refund requests due to strikes while travelling in Europe must be received within thirty (30) days of your return from Europe for paper tickets/reservations/rail passes.
E-tickets / E-Passes (Print at the Station) - Tickets / Passes already printed at the station must follow the same procedure as mentioned above for paper products. If the ticket / pass has not been printed at the station, travellers requesting reimbursement due to strikes must submit their request by emailing [email protected]
E-tickets / E-Passes (Print at Home) - Travelers requesting reimbursement due to strikes must submit their request, before the train departure date, by emailing [email protected]
5.4 Applying for reimbursement in the case of a missed train connection under the Rail Protection Plan
If while traveling in Europe, you miss your connecting train trip caused due to a flight or train delay caused due to a mechanical failure or weather, you will be reimbursed the value of the unused connecting train ticket/reservation/travel day.
In the case of a rail pass, this provision only applies in the event the entire travel day could not be used due to the missed connection and does not apply if the missed connection only partially interrupts the use of a travel day.
Missed Connection Caused due to a Flight Delay - Travellers must provide proof of the delay from the airline documenting the delayed flight or cancellation. Train connections departing directly from a train station located at the arrival airport must have a minimum connecting time of 3 hours. Train connections departing from any train station not located at the arrival airport, must have a minimum connecting time of 4 hours.
Missed Connection Caused due to a Train Delay - Travellers must request a statement from the railway conductor or a carrier agent documenting the delayed train or cancellation. Train connections departing in and out from the same train station must have a minimum connecting time of 20 minutes. Train connections departing in and out from different rail stations must have a minimum connecting time of 1 hour.
Travellers without the minimum connecting time noted above for Flight or Train, will not qualify for reimbursement.
Coverage does not apply for missed connections caused due to the traveller arriving late for his or her flight / train or any other reasons other than mechanical / weather delay of the flight / train.
Travellers must purchase a replacement product(s) in order to continue with his/her travel plans.
Travellers will either be refunded the value of the unused ticket, travel day, reservation caused due to the missed connection or the cost of a replacement product(s), whichever is less.
Request for reimbursement caused due to missed connection, must be requested within thirty (30) days upon return from Europe. Travellers must submit a statement to RAIL EUROPE including the proof from the airline / train conductor of the missed connection, original product(s) purchased, replacement product(s) purchased due to the missed connection, and a brief explanation of the situation.
Paper Products: Rail Pass / Train ticket / reservations, not used due to a missed connection must be emailed to Rail Europe including scanned copies of the original ticket, rail pass and or reservation not used, receipt of the replacement product purchased to continue travel, statement from the airline / railroad documenting the weather / mechanical delay. Requests for reimbursement due to a missed connection must be started by emailing [email protected]
Once the missed connection request has been reviewed, travellers will be notified by email where the original paper passes, tickets and supporting documents need to be sent to complete the missed connection request. Please note that the refund in the case of missed connections is only released for accepted claims once the original paper documents have been received by Rail Europe.
E-tickets / E-Passes (Print at Station/Print at Home): To request a refund for an E-ticket / E-Pass due to missed connection, travellers must email the receipt of the replacement product purchased to continue travel, statement from the airline / railroad documenting the weather / mechanical delay. Travelers requesting reimbursement due to a missed connection must start their request by emailing [email protected]
Once the missed connection request has been reviewed, travellers will be notified by email where the scanned copies of their supporting documents need to be sent to complete the missed connection request.
5.5 Applying for reimbursement in the case of loss or theft under the Rail Protection Plan
Travellers' paper product(s), or e-tickets / e-pass already printed at the station, must have been lost or stolen while traveling in Europe. Coverage does not apply for product(s) lost or stolen before departing to Europe.
Loss or theft coverage does not apply to travellers with Print at Home e-tickets / e-passes.
Travellers must file a police report within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.
Travellers must purchase a replacement product(s) in order to continue with his/her travel plans.
Travellers will either be refunded the value of the unused portion of the lost or stolen paper product(s) or the cost of a replacement product(s), whichever is less.
Within thirty (30) days upon return from Europe, travellers must submit Rail Europe a scanned copy of the police report, replacement product(s) purchased abroad, airline tickets from into Europe and returning and a brief explanation of the situation. Travelers requesting reimbursement due to loss or theft must start their request by emailing [email protected]
Once the loss or theft request has been reviewed and accepted, travellers will receive an email from Rail Europe advising where to address of the local RAIL EUROPE brank or customer service office. Please note that the credit or re-imbursement request is only released for accepted claims once the original paper documents have be received by Rail Europe. It is recommended that product(s) being returned for a claim under this program be sent by a traceable mail / post service.
5.6 More details on the Rail Protection Plan
You can apply for a refund under Rail Protection Plan by emailing [email protected]
Once the initial request has been reviewed and accepted, travellers will receive an email from Rail Europe advising where the address of the local RAIL EUROPE brank or customer service office. All tickets/rail passes/reservations, supporting documents requested for reimbursement must be sent to said address. Please note that the credit or re-imbursement request is only released for accepted claims once the original paper documents have been received by Rail Europe.
Some products may already include some of the benefits under the Rail Protection Plan. RAIL EUROPE advises You to consult your terms and conditions for selected products before purchasing the Rail Protection Plan.
If You can prove, with supporting documentation that they previously purchased an insurance policy covering same benefits as the RPP, You are entitled to cancel and receive a full refund on the cost of the RPP purchased with Rail Europe. Written notification along with supporting insurance documentation must be received within 14 days from original purchase date and none of the RPP benefits may have been used to receive an instore credit or refund.
If You make any claim knowing it to be false or fraudulent in any respect, no benefit shall exist for such claim and your benefits may be cancelled. Each claimant agrees that representations regarding claims will be accurate and complete. Any and all relevant provisions shall be void in case of fraud, intentional concealment, or misrepresentation of material fact.
No action can be brought against RAIL EUROPE to recover until sixty (60) days after we received the completed Rail Protection Plan Request. No legal action against RAIL EUROPE may be brought more than five (5) years after the time for submitting the completed RPP Request as mentioned herein.
RPP Coupon codes issued for cancelled products under the RPP may be combined with other promotional coupon codes offers but only by following these steps:
- Only one coupon code can be used in an online order;
- In order to combine the value of the RPP Coupon Code with a Rail Europe Promotional code, enter the Rail Europe promotional coupon code to booking online and pay for the order before RPP Coupon Code discount has been applied;
- Once the order is completed, email the RPP coupon code and new booking number containing the promotional discount to [email protected];
- Provided the RPP coupon code has not been used on a previous order, travellers will be issued a refund equal to the value of the RPP Coupon Code back to the original form of payment used in the online booking.
Exclusions: This program does not apply to any loss caused by:
- Delay or detention or confiscation by Customs Officers or Officials or Police or other Security Officers.
- Product(s) not in clients' actual possession at the time of loss.
- Acts of God, war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), terrorist acts, civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power.
- Any dishonest, fraudulent or criminal act by the paper tickets/rail passes/reservations/city passes/tours holder.
- Damage due to wear and tear, gradual deterioration, vermin or inherent vice.
Article 6. SERVICES OFFERED BY RAIL EUROPE PARTNERS
Some Services are offered in the name and on behalf of the RAIL EUROPE partners. They are governed by the RAIL EUROPE Terms and Conditions of Use and by the Terms and Conditions of Sale of the concerned Partners, which are provided to You at the time of the Order.
Article 7. FINANCIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE SERVICES
General provisions
The descriptions of the Services presented on the Website specify, for each Service, the elements included in the price.
The prices are indicated in US dollars, euros or in a local currency.
The prices for Services are generally understood as including all taxes and fees, except handling fees and shipping fees that depend on the type of tickets and shipping You choose.
We draw your attention to the fact that payment of some taxes or additional fees (tourist tax, accommodation tax, visa fee and/or tourist card, etc.) may be required by some governments. They are not included in the price of the Services. Any such additional taxes are your own responsibility.
In addition, generally speaking, and unless otherwise stipulated, all personal or additional expenses related to the service, such as insurance, and more generally any service not expressly included in the booking confirmation shall not be taken into account in the prices.
RAIL EUROPE is not responsible for any fees or expenses applied by your banking institution or your credit card or debit card issuer, such as fees related to international transactions or conversion fees.
You may be liable for certain fees. Baggage registration, handling fees, meals and refreshments as well as reservations for seats, sleeping car compartments, and "couchettes" made locally must be paid abroad in the local currency.
Payment of the price for the Services that You purchase from the Partners is made from the day an Order is made.
The total amount for the Service (delivery fees and booking fees included) is generally debited at the time of Your Order or when your travel documents are made available or when they are mailed.
The payment is made directly to RAIL EUROPE, by providing your bank card number using a secure payment system.
Unless governed by contrary provisions in the Specific Terms and Conditions, payments are made on the Website using a bank card or by an alternative secure payment method (PayPal).
In case a payment is discovered to be irregular, incomplete or non-existent, for a reason attributed to You, the sale of these Services will be cancelled and the expenses will be charged to you, and civil or criminal action may be pursued against You.
In order to ensure the security of transactions and consumers, RAIL EUROPE reserves the right to block any order that appears fraudulent or does not present all of the guarantees necessary for online payment security. In this case, You should contact Customer Service by emailing [email protected]
Moreover, in case of an irregularity related to the payment of an order on the Website, RAIL EUROPE reserves the right to record the contact information provided during the purchase in a list of payment incidents. In such a case, the User will not be able to use this contact information to make orders on the Website. An email message will be sent to the email address registered at the time of the order to inform the User and invite him/her to correct the situation with Customer Service.
RAIL EUROPE provides no guarantee concerning the exchange rate used at the time of the Order and cannot be responsible for updating it in real time.
Article 8. PROCEDURES
It is Your responsibility to be informed of the administrative and/or health procedures necessary for your travel, in particular before making your Order, by contacting the relevant authorities in your country of origin as well as those of the countries of destination and/or transit.
You are responsible for carrying out and paying for the procedures required by the police, customs and health authorities required for your travel, such as your passport, national identity card, residency card, parental authorization, visa, medical certificate, vaccination certificate, etc.
In addition, it should be noted that regulations in certain countries require that your passport be valid for more than six months following your return date.
Minors must be in possession of identity papers in their name.
If You are unable to depart on the date indicated due to failure to adhere to these administrative and health procedures, the price paid will not be reimbursed.
Article 9. INFORMATION AND CLAIMS
Any request for information and details of orders must be sent to Customer Service of RAIL EUROPE by emailing [email protected]
For all Services, all terms and conditions of exchange and reimbursement are detailed in the Specific Terms and Conditions provided to You at the time of the Order.
These latter are also provided to You in the order confirmation email that is sent to you following your booking. They are also provided on the back side of paper tickets.
For tickets or passes whose conditions allow exchange or reimbursement, no exchanges or reimbursements may be made in case of theft, loss or deterioration.
No exchange or reimbursement will be made for tickets or passes issued in Europe.
To review the procedures governing the exchange and reimbursement of products as allowed by the Specific Terms and Conditions, please check our Refund Policies.
Article 10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RAIL EUROPE or the companies of their group or their Partners are holders of all the intellectual property rights relating to the Website or on which they hold related usage rights.
Access to the Website does not grant You any right to the intellectual property rights of the Website, which remains the exclusive property of RAIL EUROPE or the companies of their groups or their Partners.
The elements accessible on the Website, in particular the texts, photographs, images, icons, maps, sounds, videos, software, data base and data are also protected by intellectual and industrial property rights and other exclusive rights held by RAIL EUROPE or the companies of their groups or their Partners.
Unless governed by other provisions in these General Terms and Conditions, You may not copy, represent, modify, transmit, publish, adapt, on any medium or by any means whatsoever, or use in any manner whatsoever, all or part of the Website without the prior written authorisation of RAIL EUROPE. You are hereby informed that this prohibition targets in particular, but not exclusively, such practices as scraping or the use of robots for extraction, or the reproduction of any part of the Website, including offers for Services presented therein, in particular for commercial purposes.
Any use without prior authorisation by RAIL EUROPE, for any purpose whatsoever, of all or part of the Website, will be subject to any appropriate action, in particular, for infringement.
Only the use of a non-substantial portion of the Website is allowed solely for strictly private, non-commercial purposes.
The insertion of hyperlinks to any part of the Website is prohibited without the prior written authorisation of RAIL EUROPE.
The use of any software downloaded from the Website allowing to access certain services is governed by the terms of the accompanying license. You agree to refrain from installing, copying or using this software before first agreeing to the terms of the said license.
Concerning any software not accompanied by a license, you are granted a temporary, private, personal, non-transferable and non-exclusive right to use the software in order to access, exclusively, the services that require the use of the software. By installing or using the software, you agree to adhere to this condition.
Article 11. LIABILITY AND GUARANTEES
RAIL EUROPE offers no guarantee that the Website will be free from irregularities, errors or bugs, nor that these can be corrected, nor that the Website will function without interruption or breakdowns, nor that it is compatible with a special hardware or software configuration other than those expressly mentioned by RAIL EUROPE.
RAIL EUROPE has no liability for dysfunction attributable to third party software.
RAIL EUROPE has no liability whatsoever for any foreseeable or unforeseeable, material or immaterial damage (including the loss of profit or opportunity) deriving from the use or total or partial inability to use the Website. Finally, given that RAIL EUROPE is unable to control all the websites to which it provides hyperlinks, which are only provided to facilitate the User's searches, RAIL EUROPE has no liability whatsoever for their content.
You declare that you are familiar with the characteristics and limits of the Internet, in particular its technical performance, the response times for consulting, querying or transferring data and the risks linked to security of communications.
You acknowledge that you have verified that the computer system that You use does not contain any virus and that it is in perfect functional condition.
RAIL EUROPE has been assured by its Partners of the proper operation of its Services specified in the contract that it has entered into with You. However, it cannot be held liable for any failure to execute or poor execution of all or part of the Services specified in the contract, which would be attributable either to your action, to the unforeseeable and insurmountable action of a third-party foreign to the service or to a case of force majeure.
Except for a dysfunction of the Website that would be attributable to it, RAIL EUROPE cannot be held liable for irregularities that may occur when an Order is made, or in the processing or printing of a Print at home Ticket, attributable either to your action, to an unforeseeable or insurmountable action of a third-party foreign to the service or to a case of force majeure (for example, irregularities caused by any hardware, software or means of connection used by a third-party service provider).
Article 12. PRIVACY PROTECTION
The information that You provide on the Website will allow RAIL EUROPE and its Partners:
- to process and execute the Orders made on the Website,
- to manage, as necessary, your customer account,
- to fight against fraud.
It is also used by RAIL EUROPE to manage your subscription to its newsletters.
In accordance with Article 12 of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on free movement of such data, RAIL EUROPE informs you on the use made of your private information collected as part of your Orders.
For this purpose, RAIL EUROPE provides a "Privacy Policy" available at all times via a hyperlink at the bottom of all of the pages of its Website.
We invite you to review this Privacy Policy.
Article 13. APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
These General Terms and Conditions, and more generally the agreement that you have entered into with RAIL EUROPE, are subject to French laws.
All disputes relating to their interpretation and/or execution are under the jurisdiction of French courts. However, in accordance with Consumer Protection Law, you are entitled to bring an action before a court given your place of residence.
Article 14. FINAL PROVISIONS
Should RAIL EUROPE not assert, at any given time, any one of the provisions in these General Terms and Conditions this cannot be interpreted as a waiver of its right to assert the provision at a later time.
Should any one of the provisions of these General Terms and Conditions be declared null and void, it will be considered as invalid, and this will not affect the validity of the other provisions, unless the provision that is declared null and void is essential and determining.
In case of force majeure preventing the execution of a service, including an interruption of the means of telecommunication or a transporters' strike, the obligations of RAIL EUROPE affected by the said case of force majeure will extinguish. Any services that are not executed due to a case of force majeure shall be reimbursed. This non-execution however cannot lead to compensation of damages and interests.
Article 15. PROVISIONS FROM THE FRENCH CODE OF TOURISM
Articles R. 211-3 A to R. 211-11 of the French Tourism Code
Article R. 211-3
With the exception of the exclusions provided for in paragraphs three and four of Article L. 211-7, all offers and all sales of travel or accommodation services lead to the delivering of appropriate documents that comply with the rules defined by this section.
In the event of sales of airline tickets or tickets on regularly scheduled services that are not accompanied by package-type services linked to this transportation, the seller issues the buyer one or several passenger tickets for the entirety of the travel, issued by the carrier or under its responsibility. In case of transport upon request, the name and address of the carrier on whose behalf the tickets are issued must be mentioned.
The separate invoicing of the various elements of a given tourism package does not absolve the seller of its obligations under the regulatory provisions of this section.
Article R. 211-3-1
Exchanges of pre-contractual information and the providing of contractual terms are carried-out in writing. These can be done electronically in the conditions of validity and exercising provided for in Articles 1369-1 to 1369-11 of the French Civil Code. They must mention the name or company name and address of the seller and its listing in the registry provided for in Article L. 141-3, or, if applicable, the name, address and registration number in the federation or the union mentioned in the second paragraph of Article R. 211-2.
Article R. 211-4
Prior to the signing of the contract, the seller must provide the consumer with information on the prices, dates and other elements that constitute the services provided for the travel or accommodation such as:
1. The destination, means, characteristics and categories of transport used;
2. The type of accommodations, their location, level of comfort and main characteristics, authorisation and tourism rating according to the regulations or customs of the host country;
3. The meal services offered;
4. A description of the itinerary for tours;
5. The administrative and health formalities to be carried out by French citizens or citizens of another member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area, particularly in cases involving the crossing of borders, and the deadlines for carrying these out;
6. The visits, excursions and other services included in the package or possibly available at an additional cost;
7. The minimum or maximum size of the group making it possible to carry out the travel or accommodation and, if the carrying out of the travel or accommodation depends on a minimum number of participants, the deadline for informing the consumer in the event of cancellation of the travel or accommodation; this date cannot be set to fewer than twenty-one days prior to departure;
8. The amount or the percentage of the price to be paid as a deposit upon signing the contract and the schedule for the payment of the balance due;
9. The conditions for revision of the prices as provided for by the contract in application of Article R. 211-8;
10. The conditions of cancellation of a contractual nature;
11. The cancellation terms defined in Articles R. 211-9, R. 211-10 and R. 211-11;
12. The information concerning the optional subscription of an insurance contract covering the consequences of certain cases of cancellation or of an assistance contract covering particular risks, such as expenses for repatriation in the event of accident or illness;
13. When the contract includes air transport services, the information, for each section of the flight, provided for in Articles R. 211-15 to R. 211-18.
Article R. 211-5
The prior information given to the consumer binds the seller, unless, in this information, the seller expressly reserves the right to modify certain parts of it. The seller must, in this case, clearly indicate to what extent this modification can take effect and on what elements.
In any event, the modifications made to the prior information must be provided to the consumer before the contract is signed.
Article R. 211-6
The contract signed between the seller and the buyer must be drawn up in duplicate with one original given to the buyer and signed by both parties. When the contract is signed electronically, Articles 1369-1 to 1369-11 of the French Civil Code apply. The contract must include the following clauses:
1. The name and address of the seller, its guarantor and its insurer and the name
and address of the organiser;
2. The destination or destinations of the travel and, in the case of accommodations in stages, the various periods and their dates;
3. The means, characteristics and categories of transport used, the starting and return dates and places;
4. The type of accommodations, their location, level of comfort and main characteristics and the tourism rating by virtue of the regulations or customs of the host country;
5. The meal services offered;
6. A description of the itinerary for tours;
7. The visits, excursions or other services included in the total price of the travel or accommodation;
8. The total price of the services invoiced and the indication of any possible revisions of this invoicing by virtue of the provisions of Article R. 211-8;
9. The indication, if applicable, of the fees or taxes for certain services such as landing, disembarking or embarking fees at ports and airports, visitor's taxes when they are not included in the prices of the services provided;
10. The schedule and method for payment of the price; the last payment made by the buyer cannot be less than 30% of the price of the travel or accommodation and must be made at the time of submission of the documents allowing the buyer to carry out the travel or accommodation;
11. The particular terms requested by the buyer and accepted by the seller;
12. The manner in which the buyer can submit to the seller a complaint for non-fulfilment or poor fulfilment of the contract. This complaint must be sent to the seller as soon as possible, by any means providing a confirmation of receipt, and, if necessary, indicated in writing, to the organiser of the travel and to the provider of the services involved;
13. The deadline for informing the buyer in the event of a cancellation of the travel or accommodation by the seller if the carrying out of the travel or accommodation is linked to a minimum number of participants, in accordance with the provisions of item no. 7. of Article R. 211-4;
14. The conditions for cancellation of a contractual nature;
15. The cancellation terms specified in Articles R. 211-9, R. 211-10 and R. 211-11;
16. The specifications concerning the risks covered and the amount of the guarantees under the insurance contract covering the consequences of the seller's professional legal liability;
17. Indications concerning the insurance contract covering the consequences of certain cases of cancellation subscribed by the buyer (policy number and name of insurer) and those of the assistance contract covering certain particular risks, particularly the costs of repatriation in the event of accident or illness; in this case, the seller must provide the buyer with a document specifying at least the risks covered and the risks excluded;
18. The deadline for informing the seller in the event of a transfer of the contract by the buyer;
19. The commitment to provide the buyer, at least ten days prior to the planned departure date, with the following information:
- The name, address and telephone number of the local representative of the seller or, failing that, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the local organisations that could help the consumer in the event of difficulties or, failing that, the telephone number to contact the seller in the event of an emergency;
- For travel or accommodation of minors abroad, a telephone number and address enabling direct contact to be established with the child or with the on-site manager for the accommodation;
20. The clause for termination and reimbursement without penalties of the
sums paid by the buyer in the event of non-observance of the information
obligation provided for in item no. 13 of Article R. 211-4;
21. The commitment to provide the buyer, in a timely manner before the beginning of the travel or accommodation, with the departure and arrival times.
Article R. 211-7
The buyer may transfer the contract to a transferee who fulfills the same conditions as the buyer to carry out the travel or accommodation, as long as this contract has not had any effect.
Unless there is a stipulation that is more favourable to the transferor, the latter must inform the seller of his or her decision by any means allowing obtain a receipt of confirmation seven days before the beginning of the travel at the latest. When it is a cruise, this period is extended to fifteen days. In no event is this transfer subject to seller's prior authorisation.
Article R. 211-8
When the contract includes the express possibility of a price revision, within the limits provided for in Article L. 211-12, it must mention the precise method used for the calculation of the price variations, both upward and downward, and in particular the amount of the transportation costs and related taxes, the currency or currencies that could have an impact on the price of the travel or accommodation, the share of the price to which this variation can apply, and the rates of the currency or currencies used as references for the establishment of the prices appearing in the contract.
Article R. 211-9
When, before the buyer's departure, the seller is forced to modify one of the essential elements of the contract, such as a significant price increase and when said seller ignores the information obligation mentioned in item no. 13 of Article R. 211-4, the buyer may, without prejudice to recourse for reparation of any damages suffered, and after having been informed by the seller by any means allowing him to obtain a confirmation of reception:
- either terminate the contract and obtain the immediate reimbursement of the sums paid without penalties;
- or accept the modification or substitution travel proposed by the seller; a rider to the contract specifying the modifications made is then signed by the parties; any decrease in prices is deducted from sums that may remain due from the buyer and, if the payment already made by the buyer exceeds the price of the modified package, the surplus must be refunded to the buyer before the date of departure.
Article R. 211-10
In the case provided for in Article L. 211-14 when, before the buyer's departure, the seller cancels the travel or the accommodation, said seller must inform the buyer by any means allowing the buyer to obtain a confirmation of reception; the buyer, without prejudice to recourse for reparation of any damages suffered, obtains from the seller the immediate reimbursement of the sums paid without penalty; in this case, the buyer receives compensation at least equal to the penalty that said buyer would have had to pay if the cancellation had occurred due to buyer's action on that date.
The provisions of this article do not prevent the conclusion of an amicable agreement whose purpose is the buyer's acceptance of substitute travel or accommodation offered by the seller.
Article R. 211-11
When, after the buyer's departure, the seller is unable to provide a preponderant share of the services foreseen in the contract representing a significant percentage of the price honoured by the buyer, the seller must immediately take the following measures without prejudice to recourse for reparation of any damages suffered:
- either offer services to replace the planned services, bearing any additional cost and, if the services accepted by the buyer are of a lower quality, the seller must reimburse said buyer for the price difference upon the buyer's return;
- or, if the seller cannot offer any replacement service or if these are refused by the buyer for valid reasons, provide to the buyer, at no additional cost, passenger tickets to guarantee the buyer's return under conditions that can be judged equivalent to the place of departure or to another place accepted by both parties.
The provisions of this article are applicable in the event of non-observance of the obligation provided for in item 13 of Article R. 211-4.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A new trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness has gone online. Unlike the previous teaser, this one is far more melancholy as we hear Pike (Bruce Greenwood) tells Kirk, "There's greatness in you, but not an ounce of humility. But there's going to come a moment when you're wrong about that. And you're going to get yourself, and everyone under your command, killed." From there, we see the epic action director J.J. Abrams is going to unleash. Details on the story are still scarce, but a teaser trailers never give those away. They're meant to entice, and this new trailer is even better than the first one.
Hit the jump to check out the trailer. The film also stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Alice Eve, Peter Weller, and Noel Clarke. Star Trek Into Darkness opens in 3D on May 17, 2013. [Update: Hidden in the trailer is the key to launch the film's viral campaign. More after the jump.]
[Update: Hidden in the trailer at the 1:07 mark, over by the monitors to the right of Cumberbatch, is the url AreYouThe1701.com (spotted by MovieViral). The site is pretty bare bones right now, but if you're a fan of viral campaigns I suggest you keep your eye on it. You can sign up at the site to get more updates "when the search begins." Happy viraling!]
Click over to Apple to watch the trailer in HD.
Here's the official synopsis for Star Trek Into Darkness:
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes "Star Trek Into Darkness."
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.
With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.
As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.


text:
Belleville offers a selection of flight boots that are U.S. Air Force Flight and ABU approved. Some great features of Belleville Air Force boots include a moisture wicking lining to keep your feet dry, lightweight Thinsulate® insulation for warmth, and VIBRAM® rubber outsole that improves traction on slippery surfaces. Choose from a number of Air Force approved boots, including waterproof combat flight boots, hot weather flight boots, insulated safety boots and much, much more.
Belleville features a selection of army boots, most of which are ACU approved. Army boots are specially designed to be worn with army uniforms with great features like protective steel toe that meets ASTM standards, cushioned insole for comfort, and slip resistant outsole for improved traction. Other great features of Belleville army boots include waterproof construction, lightweight design for warm climates, heavy insulation for cooler climates and safety toe for added protection. With Belleville, you're sure to find the right boot for you.
Belleville features a selection of waterproof combat and flight boots, ideal for active Coast Guard personnel. Belleville's Coast Guard boots are made with a moisture wicking lining to keep you dry and warm during inclement weather. Other great features of Belleville's Coast Guard boots include lightweight Thinsulate® insulation for added warmth, and a durable VIBRAM® rubber outsole thats designed to improve traction in wet or icy condtions.
Belleville features an assortment of insulated and waterproof boots that are ideal for wear during cold and wet weather. Lined with lightweight Thinsulate® insulation and moisture wicking lining, Belleville's cold weather boots are designed to keep your feet warm and dry throughout the even the worst weather conditions. Outsoles on Belleville's cold weather boots are made with durable VIBRAM® rubber to provide extra traction in wet or icy conditions.
Belleville features a great selection of flight boots, including a number of boots that are U.S. Navy Flight and U.S. Marine Corps Flight approved. Flight boots are made with moisture wicking lining to keep your feet cool and dry while you're in flight. Flight boots also feature a polyurethane cushioned midsole and a durable rubber VIBRAM® outsole that improves traction in wet or icy conditions. Belleville flight boots are the only choice for wear in flight or on flight decks.
Belleville features a collection of hot weather boots; boots that are specially designed to keep your feet cool and dry in hot climates. Belleville's hot weather boots are made from ultra lightweight materials, but are reinforced with double and triple stitching for durability with durable MeraMax® overlays on heel and toe to resist abrasion and extend the life of the boot. Belleville's hot weather boots feature breathable lining, medial side air vents and drainage vents to increase ventilation, and keep your feet cool and dry all day long.
Belleville offers a selection of hot weather and waterproof safety boots that are approved for use by the U.S. Marine Corps and USMC certified. Great features of Belleville's Marine Corps boots include a protective steel toe that meets ASTM standards, as well as COOL-MAX® lining that wicks away moisture and sweat to keep you cool and dry. Belleville's Marine Corps boots are made with a cushioned polyurethane midsole and rubber VIBRAM® outsole that minimizes FOD and improves traction on slippery surfaces.
|A true minimalist boot featuring a 5mm œdrop between the heel & forefoot, the Belleville MINI-MiL™ is designed specifically for the conditioned warrior athlete currently training in minimalist athletic footwear.
Following up on the tremendous demand for the MINI-MiL® minimalist training boot, Tactical Research by Belleville introduces a new "Transition" boot. Designed specifically for that warrior-athlete who is interested in shedding traditional duty boots and evolving toward a more natural movement, the MINI-MiL® Transition is the ideal cross-over boot for ultimately conditioning the body for zero-drop, "barefoot" footwear.
Belleville features a collection of boots that are U.S. Navy Flight and U.S. Navy Flight Deck approved. A staple feature of Belleville's Navy boots is the OMAHA moisture wicking lining that will quickly wick away water to keep you warm and dry all day long. Belleville's Navy boots are made specially with a rubber VIBRAM® outsole that will minimize FOD and improve traction.
To protect your feet in hazardous working conditions, Belleville has created a line of safety boots, complete with protective steel toe that meets ASTM standards and durable MeraMax® overlays on heel & toe to resist abrasion and extend the life of the boot. Safety boots also feature a polyurethane cushioned midsole for comfort and a slip resistant rubber VIBRAM® outsole for improved traction in unstable areas.
|Belleville offers a line of tactical research boots; boots that are easy to move around in across all types of terrain. The low profile sole helps to reduce weight and improves mobility, with and outsole designed to be oil and slip resistant. Inside, a breathable lining and smooth midsole provides all day comfort and cushion. For added protection, certain styles even feature a non-metallic safety toe that meets ASTM standards.
Belleville offers its hot weather, tactical, combat, flight and safety boots in Womens sizes for female military personnel. Approved for use by the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, Belleville's women's boots feature a cushioned midsole for comfort, a rubber VIBRAM® outsole for improved traction, and certain boots feature a protective steel toe that meets ASTM standards.
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I'm not a pheasant plucker, I'm a pheasant plucker's son I'm only plucking pheasants 'till the pheasant plucker comes.
Archives for January, 2013
Cute animal thing I met in the woods. Possibly a baby fox? Blodgett's creature identification chart ambiguous between this and a carrot.
Here are some photos from December that I forgot to post. From the waterlogged wastelands north of Slough.
Go Go Hastings United
In the most significant event to occur in my home town for nearly 1000 years, this afternoon Hastings United, currently playing in the prestigious Ryman stationary league, will play Middlesbrough in the 3rd round of the FA cup. UPDATE: they lost


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File this under one of the most horrible things you'll hear today: part-time model and fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs lost her left hand and sustained severe facial injuries after accidentally walking into a plane's propeller.
Checking out the Christmas lights near Dallas with a pilot friend, the 23-year-old, who used to work in the Gossip Girl wardrobe department, disembarked from the two-seater plane in the dark and was struck on her left side. With the freak accident severing her hand, fracturing her skull and collarbone, and causing both brain and eye injuries, she was taken to hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition.
Her parents went on the Today Show and Good Morning America this morning to discuss their daughter's progress – saying she has spoken for the first time since the incident, telling her mom and sister that she loves them. "She is just a fighter, and she will fight through this,'' said her mom, Cheryl. "She will make it through, and she will use it for good. She's going to have a tough time when she finds out … everything that's happened, and losing her left hand is really a tough thing, but she'll fight.''
Parents Of Injured Model: 'She Will Fight Through This' [Today]
Lauren Scruggs Severely Injured In Plane Propeller Accident [People]


text: Yes we can! Intelligent logistics reduce environmental impact Swedish brewery Spendrups uses DSV for just-in-time delivery – not just of beer but also of empty aluminium cans from its supplier Ball. Instead of DSV just transporting cans of beer from the brewery in central Sweden to its customers, Spendrups now also uses DSV to transport the unused empty cans to the brewery as well. Ball's can manufacturing plant in Malmö in southern Sweden supplies the new cans, which DSV collects and delivers to the Spendrups brewery in central Sweden, 600km away. The same trucks then bring cans back to the Malmö region – but this time the cans have beer or soft drinks in them. It's a great approach for the environment, as it reduces the number of truck movements and CO2 emissions – something which is very important for Spendrups Claes Åkesson, Director Environmental & Sustainability at Spendrups Brewery Another transport supplier used to have the contract for shipping the new cans from Ball to Spendrups, but as DSV already shipped cans for Ball to Denmark and Norway it made sense for Spendrups to switch to DSV too. DSV was also able to offer the capacity required by Spendrups, including seasonal peaks when more trucks are needed than usual. Dedicated DSV staff and hauliers work closely with both Spendrups and Ball, so the drivers know the customers' needs well, have all been trained and have written instructions about what to do if anything goes wrong such as unforeseen traffic delays. Time-critical transport with high demands on cleanliness Spendrups sets high standards for how the empty cans are handled in order to be sure that they are kept uncontaminated. All the trucks are sealed when leaving Ball, and a broken seal on arrival at the brewery means automatic rejection of the truck as the shipment may have been tampered with and the cans contaminated. About Spendrups Spendrups is a family firm founded over a century ago. As well as brewing several brands of beer, it also produces a number of soft drinks. All its beers are produced according to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516 – the ingredients may only be barley, hops, water and yeast. Contact us for more information


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This was the year I got married, made some new friends, got a new job, bought a car, had to get rid of that car, bought a second car, went on a few adventures, went to a few weddings (besides my own), and didn't break any bones this year. Things are good. Everyone is healthy, I'm happy, and I hope you are too.
Here are some of my favorite recipes of the year, the 9 best of 2009.
(in no particular order)
1. Shrimp and feta. In tomato sauce. I love tomato sauce, shrimp, AND feta. Seafood and cheese sound weird, but totally work here.
2. Liver dumplings. These aren't really livery. Yes, they have liver, but they're like matzo balls. But gluten free, and using up that extra liver or two you have from roasting a chicken. The dumplings have a little extra special flavor from the dumplings, and I love them.
3. English muffins. Look at the nooks and crannies! Do I need to say anything else?
4. Quick, delicious bread. This is the bread I always make when I have some fancy cheese, want to make garlic bread, or just want some bread with butter.
5. Chocolate angel food cake with chocolate ganache and strawberries. Need I say more?
6. Butterscotch brownies. These are quick and easy and addicting and don't need any special ingredients. I grew up on these.
7. Chocolate pudding cake. This is bonkers. So good.
8. Lazy daisy cake. Another dessert I grew up on. This was a year about comforting, familiar food. Also, anything with lazy in the name is a dessert for me.
9. Pecan biscotti. I can't handle these, they're so delicious. Buttery, crunchy, nutty, awesome. Also, my mom used to make them when we were kids.