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Looking to the Far East

A trip to a foreign country, especially to the East, is no more a distant dream for many

EXOTIC ALL THE WAY Tourists have plenty of holiday options these days

Come summer and holiday themes pop out. 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 t he tourism industry, both in the domestic and the international arena. A trip to a foreign country is no more a distant dream for the middle class salaried employee.

Like professional jugglers, 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 cost anything 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, MD of a tour company.

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 economical, it is worthwhile and, most important, it is a different experience. We got the idea from our colleague who honeymooned in Kuala Lumpur, a year ago. He claimed that everything was taken care of by the tour company,” says Srinivas.

G. Veera Mohan, a travel agent, says it is basically due to the pricing. “A trip to Thailand or Malaysia works out much cheaper than a holiday to Delhi. People have always been fascinated by foreign travel, so when it is affordable, why not make a trip? The tourism industry in the East is well developed and considered to be professionally run. One is taken care of well, experiences a different lifestyle, gets to do some great shopping, and visit exotic locations. And all this comes cheap. What else can one ask for,” he says.

Though holidays to Europe, the U.S., Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are still within the reach of only the elite, as a 15-day trip to Europe would cost anything between Rs. 1.7 lakh to Rs. 2.2 lakh or for that matter a 15-day trip to the U.S. would cost over Rs. 2.4 lakh, compared to a holiday to Thailand which can be planned for less than Rs. 20,000.

R. Sukumar, another tour operator, says a seven-day trip to Singapore and Malaysia would cost 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 increase. They say the surge is due to the awareness created by countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand. Moreover, the rise in disposable income, easy visa formalities (in some countries like Thailand and Malaysia, the visa is stamped on arrival), economical packages and the encouragement extended by the tourism department of those countries add to the rush.

Sukumar says that the packages have become economical mainly due to the slashing of airfares. “Fares have been reduced by over 75 per cent by most of the airlines.”

While the number of people travelling to foreign destinations has increased, it has opened up many problems simultaneously. In the past, there have been complaints of tourists being left high and dry after embarking on a trip. Here’s a checklist for a safe tour:

* Study the package offered carefully as there can be many hidden costs.

* It is always better to go to a reputed tour operator or opt for 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 one should look into. Many tour operators try to conceal the facts. Be sure of what there is in a package and what is not there or is 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 it is inclusive of 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 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 tickets. 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 a fix as the tour progresses.

So it’s time to pack your bag, check your bank balance and rush to the nearest tour operator for a holiday abroad. Say cheese before the Petronas or the Genting Highlands or get mischievous with the dolphins in the Marine Park at Thailand.

SUMIT BHATTACHARJEE

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