Is my money safe if I book with you?
Absolutely. We are a member of ABTA and we also hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA and ATOL members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. The air inclusive holidays that we arrange are ATOL protected if the first leg of your trip departs from the UK. Where a holiday is ATOL protected, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and refund any money for an advance booking in the unlikely event of our insolvency. If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way except that, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. Also see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Can I pay in instalments?
At the time of booking we will need to collect the following deposits based on the time until your departure date:
Over 3 months before departure: 25% of the total Travel Plan Price
1-3 months before departure: 50% of the total Travel Plan Price
Less than 1 month before departure: 75% of the total Travel Plan Price
Do I need to pay for my flights separately?
International Flights must be paid for in full before the ticketing deadline. If your flights have been placed on hold, your travel specialist will inform you of the ticketing deadline.
What makes India Travel Plan different?
We’re a tour operator with a twist, offering you a really unique way to experience India. Instead of group tours, we offer you the chance to build your own trip with our range of bite-sized tours lasting a few days each. Our trips are all about flexibility, freedom and independence. When you arrive in India, you’ll be given a welcome pack including all of your local transport tickets and accommodation vouchers, but you’ll travel independently during your holiday, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities.
Are these group tours?
No. Our trips are independent, giving you the freedom to choose your own route. This also means that your trip does not run the risk of being cancelled due to lack of numbers. You’ll travel independently throughout most of your trip, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities. During these excursions, you'll be escorted by an english-speaking guide and the group size is normally around 8-12 people. This means that you won't be travelling with the same group of people or guide throughout your whole trip.
Do you tailor make itineraries? Can we request specific hotels?
Although we do create itineraries for travel through India, these are based on a series of our modules rather than specific requests. You can combine these modules in a number of different ways, and we can add extra nights in any of the destinations featured in your trip. All you need to do is list the modules that appeal to you, and we’ll link them together using our local knowledge.
What happens if I want to visit a destination that you don’t offer within your modules?
We believe that we cover the most interesting and beautiful places in India with our modules, so we don’t offer any destinations that are not featured on the website. If, however, you would like to visit somewhere that we are unable to book, this is no problem at all. We can leave a gap within your itinerary and you can arrange this part of your trip separately.
44
Can you also book my flights?
Of course! We have the expertise and the airline deals to come up with the right flights for you. We'll ensure that your flights are perfectly co-ordinated with your itinerary, giving you the convenience of booking everything under 'one roof'. In addition, we'll keep you up to date with any airline schedule changes that might occur while you're away, and reshuffle your travel plans where necessary.
What if I’ve already booked my flights?
No problem, you can still make use of our services as we can help organise just your land arrangements.
Is there an age limit and do I need to be in really good shape for these trips?
Not at all. We offer a mix of active, adventurous modules as well as more relaxed cultural tours, so you can build an itinerary that is as action-packed or as laid back as you like. This means that we’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our friendly travel specialists will be able to point you towards the modules that match your own personal fitness levels and wishes.
Are prices the same for single travellers?
We can organise trips for single travellers, but please do bear in mind that we do not organise group tours and all of our prices are therefore based on 2 people travelling. Our trips are independent therefore there will be a single supplement for your hotels, but during your tours you will join with a small group of other travellers.
Will we get much free time or is it a strict itinerary?
Our trips are all about freedom and independence, so you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. We offer city tours, cooking classes and local excursions that we believe will really enhance your trip, but you can opt in and out of these as you wish. As you’re in change of building your own itinerary, you can factor in as much free time as you need.
Do you have a brochure you can send me?
We are an online travel company and as such don't produce any brochures. All of the information about our trips can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further information about our travel options, please feel free to contact me on 01273 322044 or you can reply to this email with any queries you may have.
Accommodation
What standard of hotel do you use?
We prefer to steer clear of multinational /chain hotels and luxury resorts as these often lack character and atmosphere. Instead, we personally source with a range of small-scale, locally owned properties, all with clean, comfortable rooms and warm welcomes. We believe that you’ll get a far more interesting and authentic experience by travelling this way without sacrificing basic comfort.
What star rating are the hotels?
Rather than using star ratings to classify our accommodation, we go by different comfort levels, as explained on our accommodation page. All the accommodation suggested for you in this Travel Plan is comfort level 3-4. If you would like something even more special, just let me know and I'll upgrade you where possible.
Why can’t you tell me the names of my accommodation before booking?
We personally source small-scale, authentic accommodation for our trips, and these often have only a handful of rooms. Consequently, we choose a small pool of accommodation options in each destination, so if one is fully booked we can offer you another one of the same quality. We continually check to ensure that the quality is consistent across all of our choices. Therefore, like many other adventure travel companies, it is not possible to name the accommodation in advance of booking. However, once the final booking has been made, we can provide you with the full list of names of all of your hotels. In the meantime you can find out more about the style of accommodation we use and an explanation of our comfort levels on our accommodation page:
During your trip...
What kind of support can I expect when I am on my trip?
After you’ve booked your trip, we’ll email you a package of travel documents with details about our local partners with offices in India. This will include an emergency contact number and the addresses of each office. Our local agents will be on hand 24/7 to lend a hand with anything that you need during your trip. Being located within India, they are in a strong position to help with any issues that arise.
How will I get around during my trip?
We prefer to use local transport and therefore support local communities within India wherever possible, as we believe that this creates a really memorable India experience.
What happens after I had made my booking?
Once you're happy with your Travel Plan, just complete the booking form. Once we receive the booking form we will need to collect a down payment, and then we’ll send off your request to our local office to get it confirmed. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll collect the rest of the balance (if you’re leaving within 3 months of your booking date). We’ll then email all your travel documents, including the details of your accommodation. If during the confirmation process the accommodation or modules are not available, we’ll work with you to re-arrange alternatives, which could have a small bearing on the price, but we’ll always get something sorted.
What should I wear in India?
In the more cosmopolitan cities you’ll notice more people dressing in western styles rather than traditional dress and people are more used to seeing tourists, so long shorts or bare shoulders are more acceptable. If you are visiting temples or holy places then it is often expected that you do not show your shoulders and cover your knees. Sometimes you may also need to cover your hair and remove your shoes, as when visiting the Golden temple in Amritsar for example. So, a scarf or shawl is always useful and slip-on shoes or sandals when visiting holy places.
In some rural parts of India it would be more respectful to cover up and not show any flesh. Local women in saris may show some midriff, but do not wear shorts or short skirts or bare their shoulders and in some places even swim fully clothed. When at the beach or hotel swimming pool going topless is not recommended and visiting a beach side establishment in swimwear may not be appropriate.
It’s good to pack light-weight layers and wear long sleeves and trousers to minimize mosquito bites in the evening. If you are heading up into the hills or travelling on an air-conditioned train then some warmer layers might be necessary.
How much money do I need to tip my guide or driver?
Tipping in India is customary and the amount you tip is really at your discretion. If someone has simply delivered room service or carried your bag to your room or waited on your table then a small tip is fine – maybe offer some smaller notes perhaps less than 100 rupees. If your driver or guide has been with you all day on a longer transfer or city tour then you should tip a little extra for their services. As a very rough guideline tip 100 to 200 rupees a day each, of course more or less if you wish.
Are entrance fees included or are they extra? And if so, how much are they?
These are to be paid locally and on the spot and are not included in your trip unless specified (as with Periyar Wildlife Park). Entrance fees tend to be pretty inexpensive in India and depending on the current exchange rate are roughly around £2-£3 or so and sometimes a bit extra for a camera fee or video camera fee. The only comparatively pricey entry fee is for the Taj Mahal which works out at about £10-12 or so, but it is definitely worth it. Some amazing sites are free or with the option to make a donation e.g. various temples, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Absolutely. We are a member of ABTA and we also hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA and ATOL members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. The air inclusive holidays that we arrange are ATOL protected if the first leg of your trip departs from the UK. Where a holiday is ATOL protected, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and refund any money for an advance booking in the unlikely event of our insolvency. If your holiday does not include flights, ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way except that, if already abroad, you will be returned to the point where your contracted arrangements with us commenced. For further information, visit www.atol.org.uk and www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTA’s scheme of Financial Protection. Also see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Can I pay in instalments?
At the time of booking we will need to collect the following deposits based on the time until your departure date:
Over 3 months before departure: 25% of the total Travel Plan Price
1-3 months before departure: 50% of the total Travel Plan Price
Less than 1 month before departure: 75% of the total Travel Plan Price
Do I need to pay for my flights separately?
International Flights must be paid for in full before the ticketing deadline. If your flights have been placed on hold, your travel specialist will inform you of the ticketing deadline.
What makes India Travel Plan different?
We’re a tour operator with a twist, offering you a really unique way to experience India. Instead of group tours, we offer you the chance to build your own trip with our range of bite-sized tours lasting a few days each. Our trips are all about flexibility, freedom and independence. When you arrive in India, you’ll be given a welcome pack including all of your local transport tickets and accommodation vouchers, but you’ll travel independently during your holiday, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities.
Are these group tours?
No. Our trips are independent, giving you the freedom to choose your own route. This also means that your trip does not run the risk of being cancelled due to lack of numbers. You’ll travel independently throughout most of your trip, joining a small group for some of the excursions and activities. During these excursions, you'll be escorted by an english-speaking guide and the group size is normally around 8-12 people. This means that you won't be travelling with the same group of people or guide throughout your whole trip.
Do you tailor make itineraries? Can we request specific hotels?
Although we do create itineraries for travel through India, these are based on a series of our modules rather than specific requests. You can combine these modules in a number of different ways, and we can add extra nights in any of the destinations featured in your trip. All you need to do is list the modules that appeal to you, and we’ll link them together using our local knowledge.
What happens if I want to visit a destination that you don’t offer within your modules?
We believe that we cover the most interesting and beautiful places in India with our modules, so we don’t offer any destinations that are not featured on the website. If, however, you would like to visit somewhere that we are unable to book, this is no problem at all. We can leave a gap within your itinerary and you can arrange this part of your trip separately.
44
Can you also book my flights?
Of course! We have the expertise and the airline deals to come up with the right flights for you. We'll ensure that your flights are perfectly co-ordinated with your itinerary, giving you the convenience of booking everything under 'one roof'. In addition, we'll keep you up to date with any airline schedule changes that might occur while you're away, and reshuffle your travel plans where necessary.
What if I’ve already booked my flights?
No problem, you can still make use of our services as we can help organise just your land arrangements.
Is there an age limit and do I need to be in really good shape for these trips?
Not at all. We offer a mix of active, adventurous modules as well as more relaxed cultural tours, so you can build an itinerary that is as action-packed or as laid back as you like. This means that we’re suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Our friendly travel specialists will be able to point you towards the modules that match your own personal fitness levels and wishes.
Are prices the same for single travellers?
We can organise trips for single travellers, but please do bear in mind that we do not organise group tours and all of our prices are therefore based on 2 people travelling. Our trips are independent therefore there will be a single supplement for your hotels, but during your tours you will join with a small group of other travellers.
Will we get much free time or is it a strict itinerary?
Our trips are all about freedom and independence, so you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. We offer city tours, cooking classes and local excursions that we believe will really enhance your trip, but you can opt in and out of these as you wish. As you’re in change of building your own itinerary, you can factor in as much free time as you need.
Do you have a brochure you can send me?
We are an online travel company and as such don't produce any brochures. All of the information about our trips can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like any further information about our travel options, please feel free to contact me on 01273 322044 or you can reply to this email with any queries you may have.
Accommodation
What standard of hotel do you use?
We prefer to steer clear of multinational /chain hotels and luxury resorts as these often lack character and atmosphere. Instead, we personally source with a range of small-scale, locally owned properties, all with clean, comfortable rooms and warm welcomes. We believe that you’ll get a far more interesting and authentic experience by travelling this way without sacrificing basic comfort.
What star rating are the hotels?
Rather than using star ratings to classify our accommodation, we go by different comfort levels, as explained on our accommodation page. All the accommodation suggested for you in this Travel Plan is comfort level 3-4. If you would like something even more special, just let me know and I'll upgrade you where possible.
Why can’t you tell me the names of my accommodation before booking?
We personally source small-scale, authentic accommodation for our trips, and these often have only a handful of rooms. Consequently, we choose a small pool of accommodation options in each destination, so if one is fully booked we can offer you another one of the same quality. We continually check to ensure that the quality is consistent across all of our choices. Therefore, like many other adventure travel companies, it is not possible to name the accommodation in advance of booking. However, once the final booking has been made, we can provide you with the full list of names of all of your hotels. In the meantime you can find out more about the style of accommodation we use and an explanation of our comfort levels on our accommodation page:
During your trip...
What kind of support can I expect when I am on my trip?
After you’ve booked your trip, we’ll email you a package of travel documents with details about our local partners with offices in India. This will include an emergency contact number and the addresses of each office. Our local agents will be on hand 24/7 to lend a hand with anything that you need during your trip. Being located within India, they are in a strong position to help with any issues that arise.
How will I get around during my trip?
We prefer to use local transport and therefore support local communities within India wherever possible, as we believe that this creates a really memorable India experience.
What happens after I had made my booking?
Once you're happy with your Travel Plan, just complete the booking form. Once we receive the booking form we will need to collect a down payment, and then we’ll send off your request to our local office to get it confirmed. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll collect the rest of the balance (if you’re leaving within 3 months of your booking date). We’ll then email all your travel documents, including the details of your accommodation. If during the confirmation process the accommodation or modules are not available, we’ll work with you to re-arrange alternatives, which could have a small bearing on the price, but we’ll always get something sorted.
What should I wear in India?
In the more cosmopolitan cities you’ll notice more people dressing in western styles rather than traditional dress and people are more used to seeing tourists, so long shorts or bare shoulders are more acceptable. If you are visiting temples or holy places then it is often expected that you do not show your shoulders and cover your knees. Sometimes you may also need to cover your hair and remove your shoes, as when visiting the Golden temple in Amritsar for example. So, a scarf or shawl is always useful and slip-on shoes or sandals when visiting holy places.
In some rural parts of India it would be more respectful to cover up and not show any flesh. Local women in saris may show some midriff, but do not wear shorts or short skirts or bare their shoulders and in some places even swim fully clothed. When at the beach or hotel swimming pool going topless is not recommended and visiting a beach side establishment in swimwear may not be appropriate.
It’s good to pack light-weight layers and wear long sleeves and trousers to minimize mosquito bites in the evening. If you are heading up into the hills or travelling on an air-conditioned train then some warmer layers might be necessary.
How much money do I need to tip my guide or driver?
Tipping in India is customary and the amount you tip is really at your discretion. If someone has simply delivered room service or carried your bag to your room or waited on your table then a small tip is fine – maybe offer some smaller notes perhaps less than 100 rupees. If your driver or guide has been with you all day on a longer transfer or city tour then you should tip a little extra for their services. As a very rough guideline tip 100 to 200 rupees a day each, of course more or less if you wish.
Are entrance fees included or are they extra? And if so, how much are they?
These are to be paid locally and on the spot and are not included in your trip unless specified (as with Periyar Wildlife Park). Entrance fees tend to be pretty inexpensive in India and depending on the current exchange rate are roughly around £2-£3 or so and sometimes a bit extra for a camera fee or video camera fee. The only comparatively pricey entry fee is for the Taj Mahal which works out at about £10-12 or so, but it is definitely worth it. Some amazing sites are free or with the option to make a donation e.g. various temples, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
