Archive for the ‘Nepal’ Category
Calling all travel tips! We are in the process of updating our India and Nepal Destination Guides. We will also be adding a page of travel tips and hot spots, recommended by our travelers! Here are a few examples of recent suggestions:
“If visiting Kerala, be sure to take a cooking class. The region is overflowing with spices and the cuisine is some of the best in the world.” – Jason K.
” Try not to take offence to the looks by the locals. You are a foreigner and it is part of the culture. They are curious, not rude. ” – Barbara A.
“If visiting Delhi, be sure to visit Depauls in Janpath Market near Connaught Place for awesome cold coffee.” – Eliana R.
“Bargaining is an accepted part of the culture, but don’t walk away from a good deal for a few dollars of difference. The vendors depend on the sale for their livelihood and to support their families, and in the end you have a treasured item from your trip.” – Ronald L.
*
Please send your India and Nepal tips/recommendations and contact information to travel@sodhatravel.com by June 1. Thank you for your valued contribution!
In many markets, the word customized is usually an indicator of a product or service being more expensive. Customized furniture. Customized clothes. Customized vehicles. When someone is making the item unique or distinctive, time equals money. So, it does not surprise me that when I encourage clients to customize their itinerary, I am met with hesitation. “Customized? Isn’t that more expensive? I don’t think that is possible with my budget.”
Last week, I started planning a trip for Laura. She had reviewed our Featured Tours and was interested in combining Heritage Discovery and Sublime Kerala. After I started to inquire about her activity preferences, I realized that the planned destinations were perhaps not the best choice. I suggested substituting other cities and adding more specialized tours, including an elephant safari and cooking demonstration. Because Laura had a specific budget, she was concerned about the changes. “Allison, I don’t know if that will work. I can’t afford a customized trip. What are our other options?” Over the next few days, I slowly reassured her that customized WAS possible. And once she reviewed the final itinerary and proposal – which was actually less than the original tour packages by $67 – she was convinced that yes, travelers can have a customized vacation!
I also often receive emails from past clients who send a link to a current tour from another company. Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, India… They are all wondering, can we offer a similar tour for less? And many times, they are pleasantly surprised to find that that yes, we can! Although we make no price guarantees on our land packages, we remain committed to offering affordable and unique travel experiences.
Many travel agents and agencies impose a supplemental fee for customizing an itinerary. However, Sodha Travel does not require a deposit or fee for creating a customized package proposal. Each journey is different, and we enjoy getting to know our travelers and understanding the reason behind their voyages. For some, it is to immerse in the culture. For others, it is voluntourism. And, by creating each proposal, we also get ideas for our own upcoming trips!
If you are interested in a customized itinerary, please complete our Custom Trip Proposal or contact our team!
As many of you know, we feature a photo contest in our newsletter each month. In December, instead of having you identify one of our photos, we would like to see your photos! Please send us your favorite snapshot from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka or Bhutan. Our team will vote on their favorite, and the winner will receive a Visa gift card! Many of you have already sent your photos, and we appreciate your participation! It will be very difficult for our team to decide…
Please send your picture, description, and contact information to travel@sodhatravel.com. Remember, entries must be received by December 15th!
Some of our Sodha Travelers have been inquiring about the safety in Nepal. Political violence has occurred sporadically throughout the country in the past, including protests, demonstrations, and localized vandalism. Currently, we have not canceled any tours that include Nepal and we will continue to process reservations for upcoming tours. However, we do not recommend hiking alone, particularly in Pokhara, Chitwan, and the Northern trails. Our team in Kathmandu continues to monitor the situation and we will notify you of any changes. More travel information and a detailed synopsis of the political disturbance can be found on the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory.
As with any international travel, we urge travelers to exercise caution when visiting an unfamiliar area. Here are a few suggestions to stay safe during your journey:
- Ask your guide or hotel staff about the safe/unsafe areas of town. Do not venture out alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
- Do not wear expensive or excessive jewelry.
- Dress appropriately in public and pay attention to local customs.
- Make a copy of your passport/visa and keep it in a separate place, in the event your purse or bag is stolen.
- Keep your purse latched and closed, especially when visiting markets and commercial districts. Also, make sure wallets are not in an open back pocket.
Safety is our priority and an important part of the travel experience. We want our clients to feel prepared and comfortable. As the saying goes, “Over-prepare and under-pack. Not the other way around.”
Mother and Motherland are dearer than the heavens. This is the motto of the enchanting country of Nepal. This month, we are featuring our Legends of Nepal tour. Spend 9 days/9 nights in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan and Dhulikhel. Nepalese culture is similar to the neighboring countries of China and India and the folklore is often illustrated in dance and music. For a small territory, Nepal also boasts an uncommonly diverse terrain, including eight of the world’s top ten highest mountains. In addition to spectacular views, this allows adventure travelers to climb, cycle, and trek throughout the country and engage with the locals in the hillside villages.
Jonathan and Liz Smalls from Denver, Colorado recently returned from our Legends of Nepal tour and sent the following note:
“Nepal is a beautiful country and the people are some of the friendliest in the world. We had a wonderful time exploring the towns, meeting the villagers, and learning about the rich history. Our highlights were the flight over Mt. Everest, safari in Chitwan National Park, and cooking lesson in Kathmandu. We also appreciated your restaurant and shop recommendations. Thank you for spending so much time on our itinerary. You really listened to our preferences and added personal touches, including the private cooking lesson. What a treat to spend time with a local family and learn new recipes! Our objective for this trip was to be immersed in the culture and be travelers and not tourists. You coordinated a well-balanced package that kept us safe, comfortable, and engaged. Thanks again!”
Thank you, Liz and Jonathan! And for those of you interested in sampling the Nepalese traditions: Reserve this tour in the month of June and receive $200 per person!