What’s the difference between a group tour and a trip idea?

On our group tours, you will join other people on a set itinerary, departing on the specified date. Our small group holidays are a fun and very cost-effective way to travel with like-minded travellers.

Trip ideas provide inspiration for your own private, tailor-made holiday with us. Most of our group holidays can also be arranged as private holidays with flexible departures to suit you. Please contact us to discuss the options for your family.

What is a tailor-made holiday?

A tailor-made or bespoke holiday is designed to suit your personal requirements and preferences. We will work with you to understand what you want from your holiday and make suitable suggestions. We will help create your perfect itinerary, based on the interests and needs of everyone on your group, your style of accommodation, preferred mode of transport, your budgets, and add any special touches you want.

I love watching wildlife/shopping/exploring history but my family has other interests. Can you design a holiday that will keep all of us happy?

This is a very common and perfectly normal situation that we understand fully well. We design your holiday based on everyone’s interests. We can make arrangements for individual explorations and people in your group to engage in different activities at the same time – great if mum wants to go shopping for earrings at the local market, or join a cooking masterclass, while dad and the kids explore the castle, or one wants to go on an early morning safari while others have a lie in.

All we ask is that if you have children in your group, one adult must accompany them at all times.

At what age do I need to pay the adult price for my child?

Our suppliers’ rules vary depending on the type of service (airlines, trains, hotels, wildlife safaris etc) but we are committed to providing discounted rates for under-18s wherever possible as part of our commitment to provide quality experiences that inform and ignite children’s interests.

What makes us different from other similar holiday companies?

We are committed to creating holidays that are responsible, and a power for good.

As a small independent tour operator with a deep personal interest in the subcontinent’s culture, history and natural habitats, our primary objective is to ensure you have a more meaningful, authentic experience than most mainstream travel agencies or tour operators can offer. We do that by careful curation, of destinations, themes, activities and our partners and charities we support.

We don’t sell tours to every corner of the world or rely on an army of sales ‘destination experts’. Instead, we pride ourselves in our own destination knowledge and passion. 

Our work does not stop at creating unique itineraries. We are there every step of the way to execute it to your satisfaction, and engage with you before, during and after your trip.

Despite being a small organisation, you will find that our comprehensive Responsible Travel Charter is full of specific actions we take. For us, Responsible Travel is not about repeating fashionable buzzwords or collecting ‘certificate of good intentions’ from accreditation organisations.

From a business perspective, we understand the desire (perhaps even an existentialist desperation) to claim uniqueness in everything we do. Yet, from a wider humanistic perspective, we sincerely hope that there are other holiday companies who are just as dedicated, enthusiastic and competent as we are in providing you an enriching, memorable and responsible holiday. We just hope that you haven’t found them on the internet yet. If you already have, at the very least we hope you’ll find our prices competitive, and our honesty refreshing.

Are your recommendations impartial?

Unlike other tour operators, we do not own any stake in hotels or overseas ground suppliers. We choose our hotels and partners purely on merit, and our recommendation is always impartial.

Will I receive financial protection when I book?

Yes, absolutely. All our tours are 100% financially protected. Read more here.

What support will I have when I am overseas?

From the time you arrive at your destination to the time you fly back home, you will be taken care of by our reliable and professional network of local tour leaders and guides. In any unforeseen situation, they would be the first port of call at all times during your holiday, but you are also equally welcome to contact us in the UK.

For medical or any other emergencies, if you are not with your tour leader or guide (such as during the night), getting in touch with the hotel manager or reception may be the speediest way to seek help.

For serious issues like crime, stolen/lost passports or any other matter that may require consular assistance, we’d urge you to contact the nearest British High Commission (or the High Commission of the country of your nationality if you are not a British passport holder).

Will my mobile phone work in India?

Compatibility: Most smartphones should just be able to connect to a local network and work seamlessly. Sometimes, you may have to connect to a local network manually if the phone fails to connect automatically. Before leaving for your trip, please check with your UK network provider.

Making/receiving calls: You can avoid paying hefty charges by making calls on WhatsApp (or similar apps) when connected to the hotel wi-fi.

You may also wish to switch off mobile data while roaming. 

Using a local SIM: If you intend to make lot of calls while on your holiday, consider buying a local SIM. You’ll need to bring along an unlocked phone to use it with. Often this involves paperwork, but major airports will have retail outlets tailored for international visitors. Bringing some passport size photos might save hassles.

What will my group be like?

Since our group tours are thematic, you are very likely to be in the company of like-minded travellers with similar interests.

Our tours are informal and inclusive. Our groups are drawn from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and interests – but the common theme and the skill of our expert guides ensures that everyone feels welcome and relaxed.

How big will my group be?

We keep our group numbers small. The maximum group size varies based on the theme/activities of the tour and will be listed in the trip details.

It is possible that the group will be smaller than the maximum, which allows you more time with our expert guides.

We will be happy to share information about the current confirmed bookings.

Is every group departure guaranteed to run?

We try our best to run every scheduled group departure but some may need a minimum number of participants. We will be happy to share information about the current confirmed (or in progress) bookings. If there are fewer than the minimum required for a particular departure, we may operate the trip as a private tour for you, offer you alternative dates or refund your deposit. Departures that are already guaranteed will be listed as such.

Are your group tours suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely.

Our group tours are ideal for solo travellers as you’ll find yourself in the company of like-minded travellers with similar interests and you’ll perhaps feel safer than travelling alone. Solo travellers on our past tours have found it natural and easy to establish new friendships, often keeping in touch long after the tour is over.

Solo travellers can opt to have their own room (usually with a single supplement surcharge highlighted in the trip details) or you can choose to be paired with someone.

Can I fly out earlier or return later?

Yes, if you wish to fly out early or stay a few days after your tour ends, we can book your flights accordingly.

We shall inform you of the charges you’ll have to pay for any additional nights stays, private transfers and flight fare differences if any before you confirm your booking.

Can I join a group at the destination?

Certainly, you can join the group at the hotel prior to the beginning of the tour. When booking, we shall provide you the necessary details.

Can I combine tours, i.e. join another tour after finishing one?

Yes. Sometimes it makes sense to combine two or more tours when you are flying long distance and have time to make the most of the opportunity.

We can offer private trip ideas that you can add before or after your group tour, or you can join different group tours with some personal time in between if you wish.

Please get in touch with us and let us guide you on the best way to combine tours.

What level of knowledge do I need to join a group tour?

Relax, our group tours are holidays, not an exam you have to prepare for. We don’t require you to have any previous knowledge or exposure to the tour theme to join a group tour. All you need to enjoy a tour is enthusiasm for travel and genuine desire to engage with an open mind. Whether you are just curious, or already a seasoned expert, we are sure that you’ll gain from interacting with our tour leaders and expert speakers.

How active will the tour be?

Tours vary in their level of activity and accessibility. All our group tours and trip ideas use a simple grading system to help you decide if it is suitable for you. We take into consideration factors like the amount of walking required each day, the number of hotel changes, average length of each day’s activities, seasonal weather conditions and how long you’ll spend travelling between sites to grade each tour.

Each day’s itinerary is available online and remember, we are always happy to discuss and answer any questions you may have. If you have any concerns regarding your accessibility or health needs, please talk to us.

All our trip ideas can be customized to suit your needs and preferences.

How early/late can I book to join a group tour?

Once we advertise the fixed departure dates, we recommend booking your place on a tour you fancy as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as places can get filled up. We don’t have a cut-off date to make a booking, so as long as we are able to confirm all your travel bookings in time for departure, you’re welcome to join us.

Note that your spontaneity may be tempered by the need to obtain visas to visit the countries on the itinerary.

If you are looking for last minute bargains or grabbing the next available tour to escape the monotony of daily life, please talk to us on late availability or look on our website for tours departing next. 

Can I opt out of certain activities on my group tour?

On our group tours, all activities and explorations included in the itinerary are in a sense optional. This allows you to enjoy the holiday exactly as you want, spending time on your own if you wish. If you’d prefer to stay by the hotel pool or relax in the garden while the rest of the group visits the local museum or jumps into their safari vehicles, you are perfectly free to do so.

Please note that we do ask for at least one adult in your family to accompany any children at all times. Also note that if you do opt out of certain activities, you are not entitled to any discounts or partial refunds.

Do I need a visa?

All foreign nationals require a visa to visit India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Details on how to obtain visas vary with each destination country, may differ depending on your nationality and can change from time to time. You should check with the destination country’s embassy or high commission or their website.

Who applies for my visa?

It is your responsibility to obtain all the visas required. We can provide a booking confirmation or tour itinerary to help your application, if required.

How long will it take to get my visa?

We advise that you look into the visa application process and requirements in parallel with planning your itinerary, to avoid surprises. Once you have made a booking, you should apply for a visa as soon as practical.

Do I need travel Insurance?

Having comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all our bookings. You must provide us proof of your travel insurance or you will not be able to travel.

What medication/jabs will I need when travelling?

Please contact your GP or local NHS team for guidance tailored to your needs. You may also find private companies that offer jabs required for your destination. Please note that some vaccinations and prophylaxis courses must be started up to 4 weeks before travel, so familiarise yourselves well before departure with the precautions recommended by health authorities.

What about prescription medicines?

If you use prescription medication, it is advisable to travel with enough medication to cover your entire trip, with some spares. You should also carry your prescriptions with you, in case this is asked for during random baggage checks, or you need to visit a local pharmacy to top up supplies. Note that medication sold in other countries may be available under different brands and strengths.

What precautions do I need to take against Malaria?

Your GP will provide the best course of action based on your destination and any other medication you may be taking.

In terms of non-medical precautions, most hotels will have mosquito repellent devices in the rooms. These release softly fragranced repellents when warmed up by plugging into an electrical socket. These are easily available in local shops should you wish to take yours along for the whole trip.

When in areas near natural water bodies, or dining outdoors at night, you may wish to wear long trousers and full sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.
Bug repellent sprays and creams are available in UK and in the subcontinent (ask for Odomos, an Indian household brand of mosquito repellent cream at any pharmacy or corner shop)

Are there options for vegetarians and vegans?

The Indian sub-continent is perhaps the best destination in the world if you love vegetarian/vegan dishes. Even in most meat loving families, there is a special place for vegetarian family favourites, and rarely will a meal be served that does not have at least one vegetarian dish.

At all the hotels you’ll be staying at, you’ll find a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes available and clearly marked in the menu or at the buffet. We do however advise you to check with the restaurant staff on vegan dishes, as occasionally there may be a different interpretation on what defines a vegan dish, especially away from cosmopolitan cities like Delhi or Mumbai.

At a buffet, you will often find that the non-vegetarian dishes are kept physically apart from other dishes to respect sensitivities of those who do not eat meat due to religious reasons.

Do you cater for food allergies?

We try our best to accommodate all food requirements, so make sure you advise us at the time of booking. All the hotels we select for your trip are experienced in serving international visitors, and will be glad to assist you in making informed choices. We advise that you speak to hotel staff directly (at check in desk and/or the hotel’s chef), to ensure that they understand your needs and can prepare or suggest dishes that meet your needs.

Will all the all meals/dishes be spicy?

Regional cuisine varies widely throughout the subcontinent, and some regions love their spices more than others. However, contrary to popular belief, not all dishes are spicy. Some are delightfully mild.

We understand that the love and tolerance for spice is personal, and individuals within the same family often prefer different spice levels. All the hotels you’ll be staying at are experienced in serving delicious food that caters to international visitors, and will be glad to assist you in making choices that suit your palate.

Are special meals for kids easily available?

Having travelled with young ones personally across the subcontinent, we think staff is always willing to accommodate children’s preferences, even if specific children’s menus are not available. Most places will have something on the menu that offers familiar or suitable dishes. The ubiquitous pizza, chips, pasta and burgers can come to the rescue if little eyebrows are raised at the local cuisine.

Should I take any precautions or avoid certain food items?

• Avoid eating raw vegetables (such as leaf salads) and unpeeled fruits.
• Ensure your food has been freshly prepared, and is hot when served.
• When out and about, drink bottled water, ensuring the seal is intact before opening. Most hotels will provide bottled water with meals.
• Avoid ice cubes in drinks if the bar/hotel staff cannot confirm they are made using bottled water.
• Take time to acclimatise to a new destination by eating lighter, choosing milder dishes.