Policies

This policy applies to the date when the cancellation is made either by phone or the postmarked date of a trip participants' written cancellation notice.

Day Fees: $1 for adults members; $2 for non-members, unless otherwise noted. Youth must be accompanied by a parent for responsible adult or be part of an organized activity.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Special Event/Activity*

Less than 1 week before activity	No refund
1-2 weeks before activity	50% refund
2-3 weeks before activity	75% refund
3 weeks or more before activity	Full refund

Weekend trip (1-3 overnights)*

Less than 1 week before trip	No refund
1-2 weeks before trip	50% refund
3 weeks or more before trip	Full refund minus Administrative Fees/Leadership Fees and non-refundable deposits and/or payments made on the Trippers behalf

Extended Trip (more than 3 overnights)*

Less than 2 weeks before trip	No refund
2-4 weeks before trip	50% refund
4 weeks or more before trip	Full refund minus Administrative Fees/Leadership Fees and non-refundable deposits and/or payments made on the Trippers behalf

NOTE: If the trip/activity participant wishes to avoid cancellation penalties, a substitute may be provided by the participant with the consent of the Trip Leader. In this case, money transactions are handled between the trippers.

Deposits

For extended trips, Hostelling International-Michigan may accept an early deposit. This deposit will reserve the space, but has no effect on the cancellation/refund policy stated above. The balance owed on any given trip must be paid in full by the published due date.

Exceptions to refund maximums may be made in documented instances involving personal injury, illness or death of an immediate family member. Application for refund should be made in writing to the Trip Leader.

Charitable Donations and Memberships

These are not refundable or covered under the refund policy for organized events. Charitable donations will receive a receipt letter noting that we are a 501C3 organization and their donation are tax-deductible.

Customs and Traditions

HI-USA, Michigan tries to provide a "hostelling" experience on every trip. One of our main goals is to offer the opportunity for personal growth through new experiences and interactions with other trippers.

To this end, we ask that you leave radios and alcohol at home unless first checking with the group leader. Illegal drugs are always forbidden. Plan to stay with the group for the duration of the trip/activity. Also, it has been our experience that the friendlier and more open an individual is to new experiences and people, the better time he or she has. We endorse the Credo of the Peaceful Traveler.

Another HI tradition is that of consideration of the environment and animals (including humans). Don't litter (even a little), control your smoke and ashes, keep the noise down when others are sleeping or observing wildlife and limit foul language.

Everyone is expected to pitch in with the chores at meetings, events, and on trips. You will find, however, that many hands make light work!

Michigan Council