Terms & Conditions

Agreement to Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Silicon Valley Travel website (siliconvalleytravel.com) and the travel planning services provided by Gretchen Ode, operating as Silicon Valley Travel, located in San Jose, California. By using this website or engaging our services, you agree to these Terms in full. If you do not agree, please do not use this website or our services.

Our Services

Silicon Valley Travel provides personalized travel planning and booking services, including:

• Destination research and trip recommendations
• Hotel, resort, and accommodation bookings
• Flight and transportation arrangements
• Cruise bookings and shore excursion coordination
• Tour and activity reservations
• Travel insurance referrals
• Pre-trip planning support and in-trip assistance

All travel services are subject to the terms, conditions, and cancellation policies of the individual suppliers (airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, etc.). We act as an intermediary between you and these suppliers; we are not the supplier of travel services ourselves.

Commission Disclosure

Our trip planning services are complimentary to you — we do not charge a fee for the planning and booking work we perform. We are compensated through commissions paid by travel suppliers, including hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and tour operators, when reservations are made on your behalf. This commission is paid by the supplier and does not add to the price you pay for your travel.

In some cases, a supplier's commission structure may influence which properties or experiences are more readily accessible through our network. However, our primary obligation is always to match you with the travel option that best fits your needs, preferences, and budget.

Bookings & Payments

• All bookings are subject to availability and supplier confirmation at the time of booking
• Quoted prices are estimates and are not guaranteed until a deposit or full payment is received and confirmed by the supplier
• Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes, or supplier pricing changes prior to confirmation
• You are responsible for paying all deposits, final payments, and fees according to the supplier's payment schedule
• A service fee may apply in certain circumstances (e.g., complex itineraries or planning-only engagements); this will always be disclosed to you in writing before any charges are incurred

Cancellations & Changes

Cancellation and modification policies vary by supplier and booking type. Many travel products — including flights, cruises, and certain hotel reservations — are non-refundable or subject to significant penalties after booking. We will communicate the applicable cancellation policy for your booking before you confirm.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of cancellation, medical emergency, or other unexpected events. We can assist you in obtaining a travel insurance quote.

Silicon Valley Travel is not responsible for penalties, fees, or losses arising from changes or cancellations made by you or by a travel supplier.

Travel Documents & Requirements

You are solely responsible for ensuring you hold valid travel documents (passport, visa, health certificates, etc.) required for your destination. Entry requirements can change, and we encourage you to verify requirements with the relevant embassy or government authority before travel. Silicon Valley Travel is not liable for any costs, losses, or denied entry resulting from incomplete or invalid travel documentation.

Accuracy of Information

We make every effort to ensure the information on this website — including destination guides, blog content, and travel tips — is accurate and up to date. However, travel conditions, prices, entry requirements, and supplier offerings change frequently. All website content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for current, verified information from suppliers or official sources.

Limitation of Liability

Silicon Valley Travel acts as an agent on your behalf and is not responsible for the acts, omissions, negligence, or default of any travel suppliers, including but not limited to airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and transportation companies. We are not liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay, or irregularity that may occur during your travel.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the fees (if any) paid directly to Silicon Valley Travel for those services.

Website Use

The content on this website — including text, images, and other materials — is the property of Silicon Valley Travel and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. You may use this website for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

We are not responsible for the content of any third-party websites linked from this site, including supplier websites, social media platforms, or travel networks.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes arising from your use of our website or services shall be resolved in the courts of Santa Clara County, California.

Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.