7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Tour Operator in India

December is fast approaching, and so are the long-awaited Christmas holidays. The entire family can finally enjoy some quality time together and have a merciful vacation. From the beautiful beaches to the wonderful mountains and quiet villages. Christmas brings joy, and you should be sure to share it with your loved ones! Going on a trip isn’t as easy as it sounds; it requires days and days of planning, mind-bursting booking and a scavenger hunt for the cheapest transport tickets. However, it doesn’t have to be that hard; you can easily book a tour package. Here are a few things you should think about before clicking on that ‘book’ button.

1. Price of the package

Well, isn’t this the first thing everyone checks? You may ask; however, tour packages are like an iceberg in the pacific. They may display some number of rupees on their website, and you might start dreaming about your inexpensive holiday, but what they’re hiding under that is the make or break of this trip. Always ask if the expenses shown are inclusive of all taxes, GST and what not. Before booking online make sure if there are any booking charges applicable, no one wants extra money to be taken away from your bank account as a surprise gift in your final bill.

2. Freedom to reduce costs

A lot of times, tour operators ignore cheaper ways to travel, such as getting a hopping flight instead of direct flights. Or booking cheaper hotels. While some do offer you the flexibility of choosing your flights or hotels, many don’t. Mainly because your operator might have deals with those hotels or airlines. However, if you don’t mind paying a little extra in order to enjoy not doing anything other than packing and having fun, go ahead and book that tour package! Additionally, ask if you have to pay the tourist fees for popular destinations or if it is all covered. While most operators generally include all of that, it is better to be safe than sorry.

3. Take off to land down

The journey isn’t always smooth. There are plenty of doubts when it comes to reaching your dream destination. For example, if you have a connecting flight and you miss it, are you supposed to reach the place with your expenses? Or cancel the trip? Or will they take care of it? If you are travelling with your kids, then there is a high chance of you forgetting your belongings at the airport washroom or any place you can imagine. In rare cases, your baggage might even get damaged, during such situations you have no time to ponder, the next moment your team would be boarding on a bus to somewhere. So, ask your operator about these and travel worry-free.

4. Sightseeing savvy

Though looking around places with the entire team is quite enjoyable, solo travellers love to dwell into the surroundings and have spiritual connections with the environment around, which is not quite possible when a guide is blabbing away at the rate of ten words per minute. Ask your travel agency in India if you are allowed to visit some places by yourself or cancel out on some, for whatever reasons. It is also important to pick the right tour agency according to your requirement if you are looking for wildlife sightseeing then platforms like Inside Indian Jungles - wildlife tour operator in India a better option. Some packages offer a separate guide, or your driver can also act as one, it is important to get what you are paying for. Hidden Treasures of India is pretty good at tailoring a tour package according to the needs of their clients.

5. Food is always good…or not?

Ask if the hotel you are going to provides breakfast, or if you are supposed to have it at the nearby restaurant. Some tours offer a free breakfast service, where you get to enjoy a lavish, unlimited breakfast buffet containing everything from toast to sizzling, buttery parathas. If you are a strict vegetarian, or vegan or have specific dietary requirements, let your tour operators in India know and ask what arrangements will be made for you. In case you want to explore and try local food, ask if the fee for food can be cut from your bill. If you’re looking to experience the heart and soul of India with perfect food exquisites and cuisines, maybe Colourful Indian Holidays will be able to offer assistance with their packages.

6. Those crippling documents!

This is especially important if you’re planning on travelling overseas. Ask if the company takes care of the visa and the procedure for submitting the documents. Some countries even ask for health screening certificates; your operator should be able to guide you through the process. What if your passport expires that month? Will you still be able to go for that 3 weeks long trip? These questions are necessary and make sure you get them clarified.

7. Travel insurance

This is something you need to look into, as most agencies demand insurance. If you were to lose something valuable during the trip, or if something were to happen to you (medical emergencies), would the hospital fee be covered? Do you have anyone to contact during an emergency? This is especially crucial for adventure trips such as trekking and other such sports.

Yes, all of this must seem like a lot, but having everything covered and clarified will make your trip even more enjoyable. Happy Vacationing!