Positive COVID Test 72 Hours Before Departure: How Our Refund Policy Applies

Imagine this. Your bags are packed. You're excited for your trip to the Grand Canyon. Then, 48 hours before departure, you take a routine COVID test and it comes back positive.

Your first thought is probably about your health. Your second thought, understandably, is about the tour you booked and the money you spent. What happens now?

At Parang Tour, we've seen this situation before. We have a clear, fair policy in place because we believe travel should be built on trust, not stress. This post explains exactly what to do, what we need from you, and how our standard cancellation policy applies to a positive COVID test.

1. Our Standard Cancellation Policy Is Your Foundation

First, let's be clear. Our standard cancellation policy, which is detailed on every tour page, is the framework we use for all cancellations, including those due to illness. We don't have a separate, hidden "COVID policy." The rules are the same for everyone, which keeps things simple and fair.

Here is our tiered cancellation policy, as stated on our tour pages like the 2 Nights 3 Days Grand Canyon Tour:

This policy is designed to protect our small business from last-minute vacancies that are impossible to fill, while giving you a clear window for a full refund if your plans change well in advance.

2. What to Do If You Test Positive Before Your Tour

If you receive a positive COVID test result, please follow these steps immediately. Acting quickly helps us manage the situation for everyone involved.

1. Stop. Do not come to the pickup location. For the safety of our other guests and our guide, you cannot join the tour if you are actively contagious.
2. Contact Us. Send a message to our KakaoTalk channel (https://pf.kakao.com/_LbUxbG). This is the fastest way to reach us. Please include your booking name and the tour date.
3. Provide Documentation. You will need to send us clear, legible proof of the positive test result. We require this for all illness-related cancellations to ensure the policy is applied consistently.

3. How We Process Your Refund or Credit

Once we receive your documentation, we will process your request based on how many days before the tour departure you notified us.

• If you notify us 3 or more days before departure: Your case will be handled under the corresponding tier of our standard policy (see table in Section 1). For example, if you cancel 5 days out with a positive test, you are eligible for a 50% refund.
• If you notify us within 2 days of departure: According to our stated policy, no refund is available. This is because at this extremely short notice, we cannot resell your seat, and all costs (hotels, permits, vehicle) have been locked in.

In all cases where a partial refund applies, we will initiate the refund to your original payment method. Processing usually takes 5-10 business days, depending on your bank or card issuer.

A Note on Rescheduling

Sometimes, a future travel credit is more valuable than a partial refund. If you are within the 2-day window and cannot receive a refund, or if you simply prefer to reschedule, please talk to us on KakaoTalk. While we cannot guarantee anything outside the written policy, we are always willing to discuss options for applying your tour value to a future date, subject to availability. We want you to experience the tour you were looking forward to.

4. Why This Policy Exists: A Note from Steve

I started Parang Tour after a disappointing experience on a large, impersonal bus tour. Our core mission is to provide a comfortable, deep, and memorable experience in a small group. Part of that comfort is knowing exactly what you're signing up for, with no fine print surprises.

Our cancellation policy isn't meant to be punitive. It's a necessity for a small operator. When one person cancels on a 12-person tour, that's a significant loss. Hotels and national park commercial use permits (CUA) require non-refundable deposits weeks in advance. By having a clear, published policy, we ensure we can continue to offer these small-group experiences at a reasonable price.

The requirement for documentation for a positive test is simply about fairness. It ensures that the policy is applied the same way for every guest, every time.

5. Protecting Yourself and Your Investment

The best way to protect your travel plans is with third-party travel insurance. We recommend that all our guests consider purchasing a policy that covers "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) or specifically covers illness.

We are a registered US transportation company (US DOT 4471430, CA TCP 0051044-A), but we are not insurance providers. Our policy covers our operational commitments. Travel insurance is designed to cover your personal investment in case the unexpected happens.

6. Other Helpful Resources for Your Trip Planning

Understanding all the costs and details of your tour upfront can help you plan better. Here are some key pages with official information:

• Compare All Tours: See our full range of options, from single-day trips from Las Vegas to multi-day adventures, on our All Tours page.
• Understand What's Included: Every tour page, like our 2 Night 3 Day Grand Canyon tour, has a detailed "Included / Not Included" section. This lists all entrance fees and guide tips that are paid in cash on-site, so there are no surprises.
• Our Story: Learn more about why we do what we do and our commitment to small-group, Korean-language guiding on our About Us page.

If you have any questions about your specific situation that aren't covered here, the best thing to do is reach out to us directly on KakaoTalk before you book. We're here to help.

KakaoTalk Consultation: https://pf.kakao.com/_LbUxbG