Ask BT

Wondering about your travel options? Seeking answers to specific issues? Simply ASK BUSINESS TRAVELLER for a plausible solution... Address your queries to ehc@vsnl.com or write in to The Editor, Express Business Traveller Vijay Chadda - Chief Operating Officer, BTI-Sita, India answers your queries...

Q - Can you suggest the most convenient routing and best fare for a Delhi-Cincinnati one-way flight in economy class with student concession? I am going there for further studies - Bipin Sharma, Mumbai

A - The most convenient routing for Delhi-Cincinnati will be Delhi-New York-Cincinnati. As of now the competitive one-way fare in economy class with the student discount on Air India is Rs 26,500 + taxes Rs 3,100 approx.

Q - Could you suggest some resorts that are ideal for a spa holiday in South-East Asia?
- Sujesh Thomas, Pune

A - Some of the best spas n the region are as follows: The Lanna Spa at The Regent Chiang Mai, Thailand; Spa Resort Koh Samui, Thailand; Ananda In The Himalayas, Rishikesh, India; Rajvilas, Jaipur; The Chedi, Bali; and The Legian, Bali.

Q - I am going to Singapore on an official trip. What is the most economical fare available if I want to extend my trip and take a holiday in Bali? Also please suggest some four star resorts in Bali along with their rates?
- Abhijit Bhattacharya, Kolkata

A - The direct connection airfare on Singapore Airline is Rs 30,100 + taxes Rs 2,425 ie Rs 32,525 for the routing Delhi-Singapore-Bali-Singapore-Delhi. As the Delhi-Singapore-Delhi fare is Rs 21,570 the difference is Rs 10,955.

The various four-star category resorts in Bali are: Balihai Resort & Spa - prices varying from USD 200-400 per room per night; Ramada Resort Benoa Bali - prices varying from USD 200-765 per room per night; and Bali Tropic Resort & Spa - prices varying from USD 130-360 per room per night. Depending on the season, you can get great discounts ranging from 30-75 per cent.

Q - I am looking at a family vacation to Europe. There are a number of packages available through various tour operators. However, these packages have a tight schedule. Please advice if I should go on my own or join a tour.
- Rahul Joshi, New Delhi

A - Yes, you are right. Package tours have a tight schedule, but in case you are travelling to Europe for the first time, it is a good option as you will get to see the maximum possible sights and destinations at the most economical prices.

Besides, you have no worries about the food and other administrative arrangements. However, if you want a nice relaxed flexi-holiday with no pressures and want to be your own master and explore - take an individual package.

Q - Can you give me more information about the Ice Hotel in Canada?
- Sanjay Singh, Mumbai

A - The Ice Hotel in Canada provides you the experience of an igloo with average temperatures of minus 4 degree centigrade. It is open from October till end of March and sometimes may be extended till the ice melts. It has five suites and can accommodate 22 travellers. You can visit the hotel by paying Canadian dollars 12 or choose to stay overnight at the hotel at Canadian dollars 200 per person per night. However, only one overnight stay is allowed. It also has an ice chapel, ice bar and a grand hall.

Q - I wish to take a tour of South India, please suggest interesting places that I should cover?
- Priya Jain, Bangalore

A - The south of India offers you plenty of options that range from culture tours, temple tours, visit to places of interest etc. Among many options we recommend Kerala, which gives you the experience of nature in the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey. However, a specific query will be able to focus on a particular tour.