Gastronomad Experience Terms & Conditions
(A Service Provided by Elgan Media Inc.)
Legally Binding Agreement
1. Introduction
Gastronomad Experiences—created and personally hosted by Amira and Mike Elgan of Elgan Media Inc. By booking or participating in a Gastronomad Experience and submitting payment, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms, conditions, and policies. This document functions as a legally binding contractual agreement between you, the guest (“Participant”), and Elgan Media Inc. (“Gastronomad Experience”).
2. What’s Included
Each Gastronomad Experience typically includes:
A unique, handcrafted secret itinerary
The specialized Gastronomad approach to travel
Carefully curated meals, tastings, and select beverages
All in-country group transportation during the Experience
Arrival and departure airport/train station transfers (on specified dates)
A variety of immersive activities, tastings, classes, and cultural excursions
3. What’s Not Included
The following is not included in the price of your Experience:
International or domestic airfare or other travel to/from the host city or Experience region
Meals, drinks, or snacks that are not explicitly included
Personal expenses, shopping, or souvenirs
Personal purchases of any kind
Medical expenses, medications, or hospitalizations
Tips or gratuities beyond those included or arranged by Gastronomad
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
4. Reservations, Payment & Refund Policy
A. Reservation & Payment
Each Experience must be booked in full through:
Full payment at time of booking, or
Non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot, with the remaining balance due six months prior to the Experience start date.
Payments may be submitted via credit card on our website or via secure bank wire transfer. Failure to meet payment deadlines will result in cancellation without refund. We will follow up with reminders before releasing your space.
5. Cancellations, Changes & Transfers
A. Cancellations by the Participant
Gastronomad Experiences require substantial non-refundable, prepaid commitments to hotels, chefs, artisans, and others—often made more than a year in advance. Therefore:
All bookings are final. No refunds, credits, or transfers to future Experiences are offered under any circumstance, including but not limited to:
Illness or medical emergency
Travel delays or missed flights
Scheduling conflicts or changes in availability
Visa or passport issues
Personal or professional changes
Natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, or force majeure
B. Transfer of Reservation
If you cannot attend, you may provide a substitute guest, provided that:
You notify us in writing at least 2 weeks before the start of the Experience
The substitute guest completes all required forms and communication
A $350 administrative transfer fee per person is paid directly by the new guest
Failure to provide referral guest information or required forms by the deadline will result in forfeiture of the reservation without refund.
6. Elgan Media Inc. Cancellations & Rescheduling
Though no cancellations have ever occurred, in the event that a Gastronomad Experience is cancelled due to extenuating circumstances:
Guests will receive a full refund
If an Experience is rescheduled (e.g., due to force majeure), all deposits and payments will be applied toward the new dates
We are not responsible for personal losses or cancellation costs (e.g., flights, accommodations arranged independently). Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment.
7. Guest Information & Communication Requirements
All participants must complete a guest details form, including:
Dietary needs, allergies, and preferences
Arrival and departure travel details
Any medical or accessibility considerations
Other relevant personal details
Failure to complete this form at least two weeks before the Experience will be treated as a cancellation without refund. Non-response to repeated emails or deletion of communication will also be interpreted as effective cancellation.
8. Age & Eligibility Requirements
Gastronomad Experiences are curated for adults. Participants must be 21 years or older, due to the presence of alcohol and visits to venues that restrict minors. Exceptions are made only on privately arranged Experiences that include approved minors.
9. Itinerary & Schedule Flexibility
Gastronomad provides a secret itinerary for each Experience to preserve the element of surprise and wonder.
Guests will receive a general orientation upon arrival with key logistics. We reserve the right to:
Reorder activities, meals, and outings
Change or substitute plans due to weather, logistics, artisans’ availability, or unforeseen events
Changes may be due to circumstances beyond our control, such as local holidays, traffic, construction, illness, political unrest, or emergencies.
10. Food Preferences & Allergy Responsibility
Participants are responsible for:
Disclosing all allergies and food sensitivities in writing
Asking questions about ingredients on-site
Avoiding any food or beverage if uncertain of its composition
While we make every reasonable effort to accommodate dietary needs, we cannot guarantee allergen-free kitchens or alternate menus at all venues.
11. Photography, Media & Content Use
By participating in a Gastronomad Experience, you consent to:
Being photographed or filmed during the Experience
The use of your image for editorial, marketing, or promotional purposes
If you wish to opt out, you must notify us in writing before the start of your Experience.
12. Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)
We strongly encourage purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including:
Trip interruption/cancellation
Emergency medical expenses and evacuation
Lost or delayed luggage
Travel delays
Travel protection is your responsibility and an essential part of safeguarding your investment in case of the unexpected.
13. Conduct & Dismissal
We reserve the right to:
Refuse acceptance at our discretion
Remove guests whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, disrespectful, or inappropriate
No reimbursement or credit will be issued should a guest be removed.
14. Assumed Risks & Releases
By registering and attending a Gastronomad Experience, you acknowledge and assume inherent and voluntary risks, including but not limited to:
Negligence in the arrangement of services
Physical activity or adventure
Travel disruptions and transportation risks
Exposure to food, beverage, environmental allergens
Consumption of alcohol or impure water
Civil unrest, terrorism, or criminal activity
Illness or injury
Lack of immediate access to medical care
Other participants’ behavior or negligence
Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or property
15. Waiver of Liability (Binding Agreement)
By making a payment, you affirm that you have read, understand, and accept the following:
You Voluntarily Release and Discharge:
Elgan Media Inc., Gastronomad, Mike Elgan, Amira Elgan, their employees, contractors, affiliates, officers, directors, agents, and successors from any liability resulting from:
Negligence
Injury
Death
Delays
Emotional trauma
Inconvenience
Property damage
Force majeure
This waiver is legally binding and extends to you, your travel companions, your family, your heirs, your assigns, minor children, and legal representatives.
16. Jurisdiction & Legal Disputes
All claims or grievances arising from Gastronomad Experiences will be governed by, interpreted, and enforced under the laws of the United States, in the courts located in Los Angeles, California.
By booking, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of these courts.
17. Agreement & Acceptance
This agreement is binding upon purchase or registration for any Gastronomad Experience.
By submitting payment, you agree to these Terms & Conditions, acknowledge the risks, and affirm that:
You have read and understood the contents of this document
You are voluntarily participating in the Experience
You are legally bound by this release agreement
18. Final Acknowledgement
We are honored that you’ve chosen to wander the world with us.
These policies are here to protect the integrity of every journey, honor our partners, and sustain the soul, care, and magic of what makes Gastronomad so special.
With gratitude,
Amira & Mike Elgan
Elgan Media Inc. | Gastronomad Experiences
📧 Questions? Contact: mike@gastronomad.net