Archive for the ‘Packing’ Category
Did you know that Sodha Travel reserves Independent Itineraries across India and Nepal? An Independent Itinerary, or II, allows a traveler the flexibility to plan as many or as few details of their trip before departure. I am proud that Sodha Travel is one of few agencies that not only specializes in travel to the Indian subcontinent, but also provides direct support and advocacy from team members in the United States and India.
Kevin Helms, a Sodha Traveler, recently returned from a 10-week Independent Itinerary across India. Kevin had some idea of his travel plans but prefered to keep an open schedule. Before his departure, he confirmed certain reservations, including hotels and airport transfers in his arrival and departure cities, train ticketing in Rajasthan, and touring in Kerala. Then, I supplied Kevin with the contact information of my Sodha Travel team member in Delhi. During the trip, Kevin contacted him to reserve additional services, including air/rail tickets and accommodations. My team member was also there to assist him when his passport was lost during the third week of his journey. Here is an excerpt from Kevin’s email that he sent to me after returning to California (reprinted with permission):
As I was planning my trip, so many people thought I was unhinged to travel to India for 10 weeks without set reservations. After all, I was not backpacking and not staying in hostels. I wanted nice accommodations and good tour guides. Your Sodha Travel associate in India was great to work with. He was efficient, professional, and made good recommendations. He was so valuable when I lost my passport and also helped me with a local phone plan. India was magnificent and overwhelming. Knowing I had a human connection was comforting in such a foreign terrain. Thank you for providing excellent services from both the United States and India!
Thank you, Kevin! Our team is always happy to assist you. Remember, please send your testimonials to travel@sodhatravel.com.
For those who love to spread their wings and explore the world – or even hop from one destination to the next – be sure to check out Travelhoppers. Recently launched, Travelhoppers is a travel site that allows consumers to research, connect, and discover. I am also personally excited to be a featured contributor in the Travelhoppers community.
Here is an excerpt from the official Travelhoppers press release:
Travelhoppers is a travel site dedicated to the proposition that it’s all about value. The company provides consumers with free access to the largest, frequently updated repository of travel companies’ brochures, real travel deals, and travel planning resources on the Internet. All via one site, Travelhoppers brings travelers unabridged information directly from 3000+ tour operators, packagers, cruise lines, destinations and other travel suppliers; as well as insight from travel industry veterans, first-hand knowledge from travel writers and feedback from other consumers; and a means to connect with travel specialists for assistance with travel planning.
“Travelhoppers presents travelers with resources for planning their trips that they typically would not find online – and certainly not in one place,” says founder Richard Earls. “It’s the perfect place to research where you want to vacation and find the right information and provider for your desired trip – from well-known brands to smaller suppliers and niche-focused operators, we present a comprehensive spectrum of companies, information, and real travel deals not hook’em and book’em ads seen rampant across the Internet.”
Owned and operated by travel professionals, Travelhoppers is backed by decades in travel with various sectors of the industry represented. “When a prospective traveler says they want ‘the best travel deal’ – that doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest,” explains Earls. “We’ve all heard the stories of how many travelers have booked a cut-rate package simply to find that the accommodations are below the standards they were expecting, or the location was far from the city’s main attractions… These are NOT travel deals; they are simply vacation spoilers that end up costing travelers more than money. At Travelhoppers, our focus is to provide travelers with the values they seek. We want to provide a forum for travelers to educate themselves.”
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Hop on over and check out this fantastic new site, and also check out my most recent Travelhoppers article, India: Beyond the Taj Mahal.
These days, if you ask someone why they selected a tour package, destination, or travel operator, one word trumps all others: Value. However, value can mean different things to different travelers. For some, it implies a good deal or considerable savings. For others, the value is in the experience of visiting a new or exotic destination, or fulfilling a lifelong dream. Many travelers excitedly reserve a group tour based on the value of all of the above. The affordable price and enticing inclusions – international airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations, and comprehensive touring - are certainly tempting.
Many, including myself, appreciate the value and camaraderie of what a group tour offers. It can be a vibrant experience and affords travelers the opportunity to explore a new destination. However, as the saying goes, “If it sounds too good to be true..” When reserving a group tour, it is important to research the details and read the fine print before placing a deposit. Here are 5 elements to consider before booking a group tour:
Number of Travelers: I recently had a friend return from a group tour to South America. She was very disappointed to land in Buenos Aires and find that her tour was with 48 other guests. Her expectation was somewhere between 20-25 people, and a full bus with double that amount felt impersonal and crowded. Her biggest complaint was during the touring. Unless she rushed to the front of the group, she had difficulty hearing the guide and also had limited time to ask questions. If you are not keen on sharing space with a large group, consider a smaller, specialized tour. Some agencies offer packages with a maximum of 20 people and are comparable in cost without traveling with the masses.
Departure Date: If you compare popular group tours from different companies, the departure dates are often the same. This is because airlines usually offer the lowest bulk rates when departing mid-week and/or on only one or two days a week. Since many companies follow a similar itinerary, the result is crowds of tourists on the same days at the same destinations. Reasonably, you can never tell exactly how many tour groups from around the world will be visiting a site the same day as you, but if you prefer to have less people crowding your view, consider alternate travel dates.
Time of Year: Similar to the departure dates, also research the best time of year to visit your destination. Sometimes the tour prices are low because the weather is unfavorable. However, if you don’t mind a little more rain or heat, this can actually be a cost benefit. A few years ago, I selected a group tour during the off season, fully understanding the weather would be a bit toasty. Since I don’t mind the heat, I saved $350 off the price and enjoyed less crowds.
Additional Expenses and Optional Excursions: Since the inclusions appear alluring, I strongly encourage all travelers to read the fine print and exclusions before placing a deposit, which is usually non-refundable. Most tours do not include additional airline taxes, hotel/government taxes, or visa fees. Some do not include airport transfers, domestic airfare, or a full touring package. In fact, the optional tours can be quite costly, so be sure to ask which tours and entrance fees are included in the advertised price. When approximating the final cost, also consider any additional meals, beverages, travel insurance, personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, WiFi) and gratuities. Last year, my friend and I were contemplating a very tempting group tour to Asia. However, after adding the additional expenses and desired excursions, the price almost doubled!
Customized Options: If you prefer to travel with a smaller group of friends and family, ask the agency for a price comparison. Many times, the international airfare is what makes the group tour price so affordable. When 40-50 seats are reserved, the airlines offer fantastic bulk rates. However, the land package is often comparable in cost when booking for 4 people or 40 people. If you have air miles accrued, consider traveling on a private tour. The affordability may surprise you and there is the added benefit of customizing the travel dates, excursions, and even the destinations.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Colleen Lanin, the creator/editor of Travel Mamas. Travel Mamas is an online community where families who love to explore the world can share tips and experiences about traveling with children. As a mom and world traveler, Colleen shares her personal and professional advice with Sodha Travel:
What was your inspiration for Travel Mamas?
I wanted to create the site that I had wished existed when I became a mom over five years ago. It has printable packing lists, easy-to-find travel tips, and stories about where and how to vacation with children of all ages, from babies to teens. Plus there is a section all about grown-up getaways, because mamas need a break sometimes too!
What is one of your favorite international family-friendly destinations?
The Travel Mama with her husband and daughter at the Roman Forum
I studied in France for a year during college and I love all things French – the food, the language, the architecture, the culture! Italy is also wonderful- it is a country in love with children. The waiters come by your table to coo at your little ones and everyone goes above and beyond to make families feel welcome.
As a Mom of two, what do you always pack to keep young minds entertained?
Some of my favorites include coloring and activity books, triangular (no-roll) crayons, and markers with flip-top lids, wind-up toys, and sticker sheets. I love small toy packs and travel games that come with their own containers. A blow-up beach ball takes up almost no space and is a great diversion during road trip stops or other outdoor excursions. A small bucket and shovel works at the beach, park, and as a bath toy when traveling. A mini bottle of bubbles is a great way to keep kids busy while waiting in line at an amusement park too.
Tell us more about The Travel Mamas’ Guide.
After I had my first child, I searched bookstores and the Internet for information on how to travel with babies and tots. At the time, there was very little information available. So, I started taking notes on what worked and what didn’t from my own travels and asking my friends and pretty much anyone I met for tips on traveling with little ones.
I had been taking writing classes for years so I started typing up what I had learned. I soon realized I had written about three chapters of a book. Eventually I wrote a book proposal for “The Travel Mamas Guide: How to Vacation with Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers…and Stay Sane!” I signed on with a book agent, who told me to get busy building my platform as an expert on traveling with kids by creating a blog and getting some magazine articles published, and that’s what led to the creation of TravelMamas.com.
My agent sent my proposal out to mid-sized and large publishers a couple of months ago and we got a lot of “positive” no’s. They said they love my voice and think the book fills a need in the market place but, ironically, they feel there might be too much information already online! I plan to approach smaller publishers next. In the meantime, TravelMamas.com continues to grow.
Colleen with her kids, Karissa and Leo, riding a paddleboat at Irvine Regional Park
What other tips and suggestions can you offer for family travel?
Wow! Where do I begin?! Here are a few of my favorite travel tips…
Always pack lots of healthy snacks in different containers and dole them out one by one. Busy mouths are too busy to ask, “Are we there yet?” Be sure to bring a few forbidden snacks as a reward for good behavior on the go.
Keep a separate stash of toys and books for travel. A hidden toy is a forgotten toy and kids will be excited to see old favorites on subsequent trips.
Remember a vacation is supposed to be relaxing and fun for everyone in the family. Take a trip to the art museum in the morning and then stop by a playground to allow the kids to get wiggles out and make friends with locals in the afternoon. Be sure to schedule downtime too. Kids (and grown-ups) don’t have fun when tired and over-stimulated!
Colleen Lanin is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of TravelMamas.com, a site for parents who want to travel with children…and stay sane! Her articles have appeared in such publications as Babytalk Magazine, San Diego Family Magazine, and New Parent online magazine. She teaches workshops on how to travel with children as well as introductory blogging classes. She has lived in France, Arizona, and Minnesota and currently resides in Southern California with her husband and two children.
To Pack or Not to Pack? Our travelers often inquire about the best way to ”lug their luggage” to South Asia. It truly all depends on the destination, season, and duration of travel.
One of the first considerations is exactly how many bags to bring. Many international airlines allow for two free pieces of checked baggage up to 50 pounds each. However, does your itinerary include flights in India and Nepal? Most domestic airlines allow for one checked bag at 45 pounds (20kg) and one carry-on bag at 22 pounds (10kg). Fees will apply for additional and/or overweight luggage. There is no weight limit if traveling by land, but for ease of travel, we suggest trying to pack everything in one piece of luggage. Remember: There are no trolleys at most train and bus stations, and luggage is carried by yourself or a porter.
Clothing/Shoes: Of course, the season and activity will determine what is packed. A traveler to the Himalayas in fall/winter should pack accordingly, including a heavy jacket, hat, and gloves. Much of India has a patchy climate: Warmer in the days and cooler in the evenings. A light jacket or layering is best to accommodate the varying temperatures. If visiting during the monsoon months, pack a rain jacket, small umbrella, and – most importantly – waterproof shoes. In general, we suggest shoes that are comfortable for walking, including sandals, clogs, crocs, or tennis shoes. I also recommend packing a bathing suit, even in winter months. Your hotel may have an indoor pool, or you may unexpectedly pass hot springs or thermal tubs!
Adventure Gear: If you are participating in adventure activities, remember to bring appropriate gear and accessories. For example: If you will be camping, remember to pack your own sleeping bag. If you reserve your package with Sodha Travel, we will provide a list of what is included and available from the adventure company, as well as required items from home.
Toiletries: The amount of toiletries and cosmetics is dependent on your preferences and length of trip. Many travel-sized items can last for up to ten days, eliminating the need to pack bulky containers of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, hair products, etc. If you don’t need your usual products, consider buying them once you arrive. This not only saves on space and weight in your bag, but also allows you to sample the local products. (I discovered one of my favorite body washes from a shop in Delhi. I now stock up each time I visit!) Most hotels provide hair dryers in the rooms, but if you are bringing your own, remember to check if it has dual voltage.
Money: Cash, credit cards, or travelers checks? And how much? Extra expenses include meals, gratuities, internet access, phone calls, spa services, and souvenirs. Unless otherwise stated, your accommodations include breakfast. Other packages may also include dinner, or all meals. (The houseboat in Kerala and most adventure itineraries include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.) Government regulated shops and retail outlets accept major credit cards, but the markets and bazaars are cash only. *Please be advised of the international fee your credit cards and ATM cards will charge if used abroad. Prior to departure, we recommend contacting your bank and credit card companies to determine the fees. I personally recommend travelers checks as opposed to cash, both for the added protection and to eliminate any ATM fees.
Travel Insurance: Technically this is not something you pack, but it does protect what you pack. Travel Insurance also protects your trip investment, your family, and yourself. Sodha Travel offers a variety of plans, including reimbursement for trip cancellation, flight delay/cancellation, baggage delay/loss, and medical expenses overseas. Please visit our Insurance page for more information.