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Looking to the Far East
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A trip to a foreign country is no more a distant dream for the middle class salaried employee, especially the East, writes SUMIT BHATTACHARJEE
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Come summer and the holiday themes pop out of the duffel bag in the closet. A decade ago, granny's place was the most sought after destination to chill out during the summer holidays. Not that it is left out today, but globalisation has literally opened up everything, including the tourism industry, both at the domestic and in the international arena. A trip to a foreign country is no more a distant dream for the middle class salaried employee, especially when it comes to experiencing the flavour of the East.
Like professional jugglers, the tour operators come out with innovative and enticing packages every year, especially during the summer, as world over this is the most favoured time for a long outing.
Today, a trip to Thailand or Malaysia or for that matter to Sri Lanka can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000. "It all depends on the package. While some are fixed, others can be tailor made to suit one's taste or purse," says M. Ranga Prasad a tour company MD.
Srinivas and Padma, executives in an IT company, have set aside a small sum for their honeymoon in Bangkok, next month. "A foreign holiday is no longer a big deal today. You have the choice, it is economic, it is worthwhile and most importantly it is a different experience. We took the idea from our colleague who had a `Kuala Lumpurian honeymoon', a year ago. He claimed that everything was taken care of by the tour company," says Srinivas.
Why the rush?
G. Veera Mohan of Frontline Travels opines that it is basically due to the pricing. "A trip to Thailand or Malaysia works out much cheaper than a decent holiday to Delhi. People always had a fascination for visiting a foreign country, so when it is within an affordable range, why not avail it. The tourism industry in the East is highly developed and is considered to be a professional sector. One is taken care of well, he or she experiences a different lifestyle, great shopping, exotic locations and they all come cheap. What else can one ask for," he says.
Though holidays to Europe, USA, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are still within the reach of the elite, as a 15-day trip to Europe would cost anything between Rs.1.7 lakhs to Rs.2.2 lakhs or for that matter a 15-day trip to US would cost over Rs.2.4 lakhs, but a holiday to Thailand can be planned for under Rs. 20,000.
R. Sukumar of Travel Express points out that a seven-day trip to Singapore and Malaysia would cost around Rs.34,000 per head.
Different companies have different packages and they are negotiable. Majority of the tour operators are of the opinion that destination Far East is on the rise. They say that the sudden surge is due to the awareness created by the countries like Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand. Moreover, the rise in the disposable income, easy visa formalities (in some countries like Thailand and Malaysia the visa is stamped on arrival), economic packages and the encouragement extended by the tourism department of those countries add to the rush.
EXOTIC LOCATIONS The Petronas in Malaysia and the Eiffel Tower in France are among the many destinations which are clicking with the tourists
Sukumar says that the packages have become economical mainly due to the slashing of the airfares. "The fares have been reduced by over 75 per cent by most of the airlines."
How to choose the package?
While the foreign travel has risen sharply, it has opened up many problems simultaneously. Many tourists in the past had found being left high and dry after embarking on a tour. Here is a checklist for a safe tour:
Study the package offered carefully as there could be many hidden costs.
It is always better to go to a reputed tour operator or a branded product.
Study the itinerary in detail. Check the places included in the tour, whether they are fixed or optional. This is the most important aspect that one should look into. Many tour operators try to conceal the facts. Be sure of what is there in the package and what is not there or kept as optional. For example after going to Switzerland, it would be foolish not to go for an Alpine tour of Jungfraujoch, as many tour operators after reaching there ask for an additional $170 for the tour.
Pricing is another important factor. One should clearly understand what would be the total expenditure of the tour (all inclusive). Be sure of the price whether they are inclusive of items like visa charges, taxes and airport charges. At times, they are hidden to lure tourists by exhibiting a lesser-priced package.
Make sure whether the price includes certain smaller things like tips and entry tickets. Tips are part of the western culture. Every time one travels by a coach the driver and the guide are given tips and by the end of the tour such small payments might tax your pocket. Same is the case with entry ticket. The tour operator might take you up to the Eiffel Tower or the Jurong Bird Park and ask you to pay for the entry ticket. The entry ticket for Eiffel might cost around $7. Such minor things can put you in problem as the tour progresses.
So it's time to pack your bag, assess your funds and rush to the nearest tour operator for a holiday abroad. `Say cheese' before the Petronas or the Eiffel or experience the beauty of the Alpine or the Genting Highlands or get mischievous with the dolphins in the Marine Park at Thailand.
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