Travel packages
A tour package, by its very nature, includes sightseeing tours, meals according to plans and airport transfers; everything is pre-arranged and pre-booked. And, you don’t miss important sightseeing destinations. In the case of group-travel packages, the prices may be lower.
However, many find such prearranged tours hectic, as one has to adhere to the plan of the tour operator/guide. This category of travellers may consider the FIT (free independent traveller) format, in which one has the choice and flexibility to choose sightseeing destinations. A FIT traveller can also choose the airline and the number of days he/she plans to spend at a particular destination. “In this case, travel expenses may rise 30 per cent, compared to a group holiday,” says Anand.
Buying forex
Buying foreign exchange (forex) is another aspect of travel one has to consider carefully. Indian travellers can buy forex only from aReserve Bank of India (RBI)licensed company like Cox & Kings, and not from any foreign operator or portal. According to the Foreign Exchange Management Act, customers have to provide know-yourcustomer details and compliance documents for availing of this facility. One can take up to $10,000 (~5.50 lakh) of forex a year for personal use.
Though one can buy forex in cash from an RBI-licensed company and pay as and when required, carrying much cash isn’t advisable; the good old travellers’ cheque is a good alternative. If bought from HDFC Bank, it costs one per cent of the rupee value of the travellers’ cheque. For transactions of up to $500, the bank charges 0.75 per cent of the rupee value of the cheque. There’s also the option of prepaid travel cards. These can be loaded in India and used abroad. In this case, forex conversion charges would be applicable at the rate prevalent on the day of conversion. One can also use a rupee credit or debit card. Here, too, forex conversion charges would apply.
Flexi foreign exchange cards, or multicurrency cards, are also popular. These are loaded with more than one currency and can be used across countries. For instance, a card used across Europe in the euro currency can be used in the UK in pounds and in the US in dollars. For these cards, various currency rates are frozen at the time of the purchase and, therefore, one doesn’t need to worry about exchange rate fluctuations.
Bankers say if one plans to travel in December, he/she should buy forex now. One may also choose to buy and accumulate forex when the conversion rate is favourable.
Choosing destination
Each holiday season offers both domestic and international options. On the domestic front, this time, western and southern regions such as the Andamans, Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan seem to be the favourites. Among international destinations, Southeast Asian regions such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong-Macau are expected to be top draws. Thomas Cook’s Pai says the Philippines is also emerging as a viable new destination. It is good value for money, he adds. Compared with the US and the UK, one could save 35-40 per cent on tickets to that country.
Vishal Suri, deputy chief operating officer (tour operating), Kuoni India, says travellers are opting for breaks to places where prices are reasonable. “For Indians, Southeast Asia has always been a popular destination. The ease of securing visas, proximity and bargain-shopping have attracted Indians to the Far East. These destinations offer an opportunity to enjoy a three- to four-day break without much hassle and planning. On the domestic front, weekend packages for destinations at drivable distances have gained popularity as last-minute getaways,” he says.....................Source : Business Standard, Dated : 19th Nov. 2012, .
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