Intellectual Property

All copyright, design rights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights (registered and unregistered) featured in this website belong to DigVentures and/or third parties. Unless otherwise stated DigVentures reserves all of its rights and nothing in these terms grants you a right or licence to use the intellectual property owned or controlled by DigVentures or any other third party.

Refunds Policy

Can I cancel my crowdfunding pledge and get a refund?
All crowdfunding pledges go towards carrying out research, so we can’t cancel or refund any benefit that you’ve bought through a crowdfunding campaign.

Unfortunately, that also means we cannot cancel or refund ‘in the field’ benefits, like Dig for a Day or Weekly Warrior, even if something happens that means you can no longer attend. What we can do is exchange it. That means you can transfer your dig days to another excavation (pro rata if the cost per day is different). Alternatively, you can nominate someone else to go in your place.

Please note, your crowdfunding campaign contribution does not cover your travel to the site, costs incurred before or after the experience, or the cost of passports, visas, and vaccinations. The contribution goes directly to the campaign purposes as stated.

Can I cancel, refund or exchange something I purchased from your shop, rather than through crowdfunding?
DigVentures also runs archaeology experiences unrelated to crowdfunding, like Dirty Weekends. We are happy to give you a full refund if you let us know at least two weeks before the event is due to take place.

We are also happy to exchange, refund or cancel any other merchandise you purchase through the DigVentures shop if you notify us before the order is processed. If it’s faulty or just doesn’t fit, we’re happy to exchange or refund it if you notify us within 30 days of delivery.

Cancellation by DigVentures

If DigVentures cancels your dig experience for any reason within DigVentures’s control, we will refund 100% of what you have contributed for the experience at the time of cancellation. Alternatively, you may prefer that your contribution can be carried over to another of our dig experiences.

DigVentures can take no responsibility for any cancellation or amendment penalties that your travel company may charge you if you have to change your travel plans as a result of cancellation by DigVentures. Your travel arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of the company through which you booked. Participants are encouraged to buy flexible, refundable tickets, and we strongly advise Trip Cancellation insurance.

*DigVentures is not liable for any goods or services purchased as benefits from external (not DV) projects on our crowdfunding platform. We are very clear with all the projects hosted on the website that they are responsible for ensuring delivery as promised, and you should receive the appropriate contact information from them along with your purchase notification. If you encounter any difficulty, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

A few more things to think about…

We really love our Venturers and we will do our absolute best to make sure everyone has an amazing time learning how to do archaeology and experiencing what it’s like to be on an archaeological dig. The list below contains many things to consider that will make your life, and our lives together, a lot easier and more rewarding. So, in the famous words of Jerry McGuire, please read closely and help us to help to help you!

Gift Certificates

Please note that Gift Certificates for dig experiences do not cover travel to the site, costs incurred before or after the experience, or the cost of passports, visas, and vaccinations. In most cases, room and board will be additional, however do read the specifications for each dig carefully as circumstances vary on a site-by-site basis.

Costs for individual digs are variable, so the full amount of the dig experience may exceed the Gift Certificate amount, particularly for digs outside the UK. In this case, the balance can easily be paid by arrangement.

Insurance – important!

It is the responsibility and obligation of all participants to ensure that they have adequate travel insurance covering their tickets, personal belongings and health. It is essential to confirm with your insurance provider that you are permitted to work in a voluntary capacity under their terms and conditions.

Info packs

The dig experience Info Pack is sent to all participants by email in advance of the excavation, and contains vital information about the project such as the activities, physical requirements, packing list, reading list and safety information. Please read it thoroughly before joining us on site.

DigVentures projects are research excavations, and, while we make every effort to provide a healthy dose of fun and social activity on each of our sites, cannot be strictly considered as relaxing tours or holidays. Fieldwork can be challenging, and weather conditions, daily work schedules and varied terrain are all part of the rich tapestry of archaeological fieldwork. Participants must accept this as part of what archaeologists regularly deal with during research digs, and of what makes DigVentures experiences so unforgettable!

Fitness

Please be sure that you are clear about the physical demands of the dig experience before you decide to join us. It is your responsibility to review the project conditions and physical demands, and determine if you are able to safely participate in the dig experience. Discuss your participation in this dig experience with your doctor and DigVentures staff if you have a question or concern about your health or ability to participate.

People with Disabilities

We strive to do our best to ensure everyone has a chance to experience archaeology, and have worked with many differently-abled participants on our sites. There are practical considerations for special accommodations in dig environments, and we are very happy to discuss these on a case-by-case basis and do whatever we can to ensure a safe and exciting experience for everyone. Please notify us before booking of any disabilities so that we can discuss options for participation.

Visas and Passports

Participants are responsible for making sure their passports are up to date and for securing any necessary visas. In most cases your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your stay in the country you are visiting. Our dig experience may be based in a country for which you need a visa or you may also need a visa to travel through a country en route to your dig experience. If you are unsure about the applicable requirements, check with your travel company and/or the relevant embassy or consulate.

If you do have to apply for a visa for your dig experience, always ask for a tourist visa (unless stated otherwise in the dig Info Pack). Remember that the purpose of your visit is for vacation, holiday or travel. Immigration officials do not always understand, and words such as ‘working,’ ‘volunteering,’ ‘research’ or ‘archaeological dig experience’ can raise questions concerning the country’s foreign labour laws and/or questions about official  research permits and credentials, etc. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the visa approval process, which can weeks or even months!

Note: If you are a citizen of one of the countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and are traveling to the United States or through the United States en route to another country, you must complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form online at least 72 hours before you depart for the U.S.

Are you under 18 years of age?

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have procedures at entry and exit points to protect minors. Thus, if a minor will be traveling with only one guardian or alone, he or she may need a notarised letter from all legal guardians stating that the minor may travel unaccompanied or in the presence of a single guardian. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate of the destination country for its requirements. Be sure to check with your airline, as most carriers have policies and documentation requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Requirements of specific countries and airlines vary and change frequently. You must keep informed of the requirements on your own to avoid problems at immigration. If the minor is refused entry into a country or onto a flight because of lack of documentation, there may be nothing DigVentures can do to help.

Vaccinations

Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and decisions about which vaccinations to receive should be made between you and your doctor.. Health conditions around the world are constantly changing, so keep informed and consult your physician, a local travel health clinic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or The World Health Organization for the latest health information for travellers.