By Expedia Team, on May 3, 2016

Expedia’s Cinco de Mayo Instagram Sweepstakes   

Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.  You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor (defined below) and not to Instagram. The information you provide will only be used for the administration of this Sweepstakes and in accordance with the Sponsor’s privacy policy (see below). Instagram is hereby completely released of all liability by each entrant in this Sweepstakes. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Sweepstakes must be directed to the Sponsor and not to Instagram.

In these Official Rules, the term “you” refers to any person who enters, or who wishes to enter, the Sweepstakes.

  1. Eligibility: The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the United States who are at least eighteen (18) years old and have an Instagram account.  Employees of Expedia, Inc., (“Expedia”) and its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, prize suppliers and advertising/promotion agencies, and members of their immediate families (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of those employees are not eligible to enter or win.
  2. Sponsor: The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Expedia, Inc., 333 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 (“Sponsor”).
  3. Agreement to Official Rules: By entering, you indicate your full and unconditional agreement to (a) these Official Rules and (b) Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
  4. Sweepstakes Period: The Sweepstakes begins at 7:00 AM Pacific Time (“PT”) on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on Friday, May 6, 2016 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). The Sweepstakes will consist of four (4) consecutive daily entry periods, as outlined in the chart below (each, an “Entry Period”).

Entries submitted before or after the Entry Period will not be eligible. Sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes.

Entry Period Starts at 7:00 am and ends at 11:59 pm PT on:
1 – Los Cabos Tuesday, May 3
2 – Puerto Vallarta Wednesday, May 4
3 – Cancun Thursday, May 5
4 – Riviera Maya Friday, May 6

 

  1. How to Enter: If you don’t already follow @Expedia on Instagram, visit http://Instagram.com/Expedia and click on the icon to follow @Expedia. Once you are following, and during the Entry Period, tag a friend you would like to take on a trip to Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Riviera Maya, Mexico in the comments section of @Expedia’s photos of Mexico, and include the hashtag #Sweepstakes and you will be entered for a chance to win. There is a limit of one (1) entry per person, per Entry Period.  Multiple entrants are not permitted to share the same Instagram account.  If you attempt to obtain more than one (1) entry by using multiple/different Instagram accounts, identities, registrations, or logins, or through any other methods, Sponsor may exclude you from participating in the Sweepstakes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Standard text messaging, data and/or other rates apply to participants who submit an Entry via a wireless mobile device. Wireless service providers may charge for airtime and/or data in relation to each standard text message sent and received.  Please contact your service provider for pricing and service plan information and rates before mobile device participation.

  1. Submission Requirements: BY SUBMITTING AN ENTRY, YOU AGREE THAT THE POST COMPLIES WITH ALL CONDITIONS STATED IN THESE RULES. THE RELEASED PARTIES WILL BEAR NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER REGARDING THE USE OF YOUR ENTRY OR ANY COMPONENT THEREOF.  THE RELEASED PARTIES SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS BY YOU IN THE EVENT IT IS SUBSEQUENTLY DISCOVERED THAT YOU HAVE DEPARTED FROM OR NOT FULLY COMPLIED WITH ANY OF THESE RULES AND/OR THE INSTAGRAM RULES.

By participating in the Sweepstakes, each entrant hereby warrants and represents that any Post he/she submits:

  1. is original to him/her;
  2. does not violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulation;
  3. the account will need to be made public to see the specific hashtag;
  4. will not give rise to any claims whatsoever, including, without limitation, claims of infringement, invasion of privacy or publicity, or infringe on any rights and/or interests of any third party; and
  5. is not defamatory, trade libelous, pornographic or obscene, and further that it will not contain, depict, include, discuss or involve, without limitation, any of the following: nudity; alcohol/drug consumption or smoking; explicit or graphic sexual activity, or sexual innuendo; crude, vulgar or offensive language and/or symbols; derogatory characterizations of any ethnic, racial, sexual, religious or other groups (including, without limitation, any competitors of Sponsor); personal information of individuals, including, without limitation, names, telephone numbers and addresses (physical or electronic); commercial messages, comparisons or solicitations for products or services other than products of Sponsor; any identifiable third party products, trade-marks, brands and/or logos, other than those of Sponsor); conduct or other activities in violation of these Rules; and/or any other comment that is or could be considered inappropriate, unsuitable or offensive, all as determined by the Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion.

The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, at any time and for any reason to screen any Post(s).  Any Post that the Sponsor deems, in its sole and absolute discretion, to violate the terms and conditions set forth in these Rules is subject to disqualification.  The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion at any time and for any reason, to request an entrant to modify, edit and/or re-submit his or her Post  in order to ensure that the Post and complies with these Rules, or for any other reason.   If such an action is necessary at any point during or after the Sweepstakes, then the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to take whatever action it deems necessary based on the circumstances – including, without limitation, disqualifying the Post (and therefore the corresponding Entry and/or the associated entrant).

  1. Selection of Winner: On or about Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 10:00 am PT, at Expedia, Inc., 333 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004, Sponsor will select one (1) potential winner per Entry Period, four (4) potential winners in total, in a random drawing of all entries received.  The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received each Entry Period.
  2. Notification and Requirements of Potential Winner: Sponsor will reach out directly to potential winner via direct message on Instagram on or about Thursday, May 12, 2016 and will have forty-eight (48) hours from the time the direct message is sent to claim the prize.  If the winner notification remains unanswered for more than forty-eight (48) hours, the prize will be forfeited in its entirety and an alternate winner will be selected.  The prize winner (parent or legal guardian if potential prize winner is under the age of majority in his/her state of residence) must complete, sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Publicity Release, and any other necessary documents, including required tax documents. If the Affidavit of Eligibility, Publicity Release, and any other necessary documents, including required tax documents, are not returned within five (5) calendar days after the documents are sent or if the documents are returned as undeliverable, the prize will be forfeited in its entirety and an alternate winner will be selected. The prize is not transferable; no prize substitutions or cash alternatives are allowed except as may be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.  Travel companions of prize winners may be required to complete, sign and return a mutually acceptable Liability Release within five (5) days of notification.  Travel companion must be 18 or older, unless they are the child, ward or spouse of the winner, in which case the companion’s parent will be required to sign the necessary documents on behalf of his/her child. Except where prohibited, acceptance of the prize constitutes the winner’s (and winner’s guest’s) consent that their names, likenesses, and/or biographical data may be used for advertising and promotional purposes without limitation and without additional notice, compensation, or consent.  Upon response from winner, Sponsor will announce potential winners via posts on the @Expedia Instagram account.
  3. Prizes: Four (4) winners, one (1) per Entry Period, will each receive a Hotel Certificate for a hotel in Mexico.

Entry Period Number 1: Los Cabos, Mexico – Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa All Inclusive, for four (4) nights in a Junior Suite, Ocean View for two (2) people. The prize has an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of USD$1,592.  Any difference between the ARV and actual value, if any, will not be awarded.

The Certificate is valid from May 5, 2016 to May 5, 2017. No extension on expiration date. Reservations are subject to availability. Holidays excluded. Reservations should be made by calling 1-800-990-8250 or via email provided on the Hotel Certificate. The original Certificate must be presented at check in at the hotel. Without it, the prize is not valid.

Entry Period Number 2: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Grand Fiesta Americana Vallarta – All Inclusive Adults Only, for three (3) nights in a Junior Suite for two (2) people.  The prize has an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of USD$879. Any difference between the ARV and actual value, if any, will not be awarded.

The Certificate is valid from May 5, 2016 to April 15, 2017. Hotel Certificate is not valid during Easter, Holy Week, Christmas, New Years or Thanksgiving. Reservations are subject to availability. Hotel Certificate does not include additional services such as: laundry, gift shop, beauty salon, spa, transportation and tours. Reservations should be made at least 30 days in advance of arrival date (in the event that your dates of choice are not available, you will be offered the earliest open dates) via email provided on the Hotel Certificate.  The original Certificate must be presented at check in at the hotel. Without it, the prize is not valid.

Entry Period Number 3: Cancun, Mexico – Hyatt Ziva Cancun All Inclusive, for three (3) nights for two people in a Ziva King or Double room.  The prize has an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of USD$1,341. Any difference between the ARV and actual value, if any, will not be awarded.

The Certificate is valid from May 5, 2016 to May 5, 2017. Reservations cannot be made from December 19, 2016 to January 2, 2017 and all holidays and holidays weekend’s. Reservations are subject to availability and hotel prior validation.  Reservations should be made by calling 52 (998) 881 70 25 and via email provided on Hotel Certificate.  The original Certificate must be presented at check in at the hotel. Without it, the prize is not valid.

Entry Period Number 4: Riviera Maya, Mexico – Hideaway at Royalton, Adults Only, All Inclusive, for three (3) nights for two people.  The prize has an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of USD$1,050. Any difference between the ARV and actual value, if any, will not be awarded.

The Certificate is valid from May 6, 2016 to December 22, 2016. Hotel Certificate is not valid during Easter Week, President’s Week, and Thanksgiving. Reservations are subject to availability.  Hotel Certificate does not include: airfare, transfers between the airport and the hotel, medical, baggage and cancellation insurance, items of a personal nature, gratuities, fees and taxes for extra-curricular activities and excursions that are not included in the standard accommodation. Reservations should be made at least 45 days in advance of arrival date and attaching a scanned copy of the Certificate along with your request.  The original Certificate and official identification must be presented at check in at the hotel. Without it, the prize is not valid. Certificate is not valid with any other offer/promotion. Each traveler must possess valid travel documentation.

The approximate retail vale (“ARV”) of all prizes is Four Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-two Dollars ($4,862). The ARV is subject to change based on current market conditions and time of prize fulfillment and time of travel and the distance between departure and destination. Any difference between the ARV and actual value, if any, will not be awarded.  No substitution, transfer or cash equivalent of the prize or any portion thereof is permitted.  Any prize details not specified above will be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.  A prize may not be transferred and must be accepted as awarded.  Winner may not request cash or a substitute prize; however, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason.

Additional travel restrictions may apply.  The winner is responsible for paying any applicable federal, provincial, state, local, income and withholding taxes, if any, and any and all other costs and expenses not listed herein as being provided, including but not limited to ground transportation to/from departure airport, airfare to/from location in Mexico, ground transportation to/from hotel, luggage fees, meals not already included, hotel incidentals, souvenirs and gratuities.  Tickets may not be eligible for frequent flier miles/points. In the event that any tax withholding is required by law for the prize, winner authorizes Sponsor to make the corresponding deduction.  Sponsor will not be liable for any expenses incurred as a consequence of flight cancellations or delays.  Sponsor will not be liable for any airline and/or hotel fees incurred as a consequence of changing or cancelling flight and/or hotel reservations. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prizes or prize components. Prize is awarded “as is” without any warranty or guarantee, either express of implied by Sponsor.

  1. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the operation of the Sweepstakes, violates these Official Rules, or acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any person who seeks to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes. Failure by Sponsor to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Proof of sending any communication to Sponsor by mail shall not be deemed proof of receipt of that communication by Sponsor. In the event of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, the authorized account holder of the Instagram account used to enter will be deemed to be the entrant. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited.
  2. Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, their parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone, or network lines; (c) any errors on the Instagram platform that may prevent an entrant from entering or receiving direct messages; (d) printing errors; (e) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (f) errors in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (g) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of any prize. You further agree that in any cause of action, the Released Parties’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney’s fees. You waive the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
  3. Privacy and Publicity: The information that you provide in connection with the Sweepstakes may be used for Sponsor’s internal purposes and to send you information about Sponsor’s products and special promotions. Such information will be treated in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, as applicable.  Except where prohibited, participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes an entrant’s consent to Sponsor’s use of his/her name, likeness, voice, opinions, biographical information, and state of residence for promotional purposes in any media without further payment or consideration.
  4. Disputes: You agree that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the State of Washington. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, your rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Washington, including its choice of laws provision.
  5. Results: To request a winners’ list, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Expedia Cinco do Mayo Instagram Sweepstakes” Winners List Expedia, Inc., 333 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004. Requests must be received within four (4) weeks after the end of the Sweepstakes Period.