Ask BT

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

What is the most reasonable package for Australia which can give me complete exposure to the country in terms of wildlife, citylife, daylife, nightlife, etc.?
- Narayan Tiwari Pune

For first time travellers , it is recommended to take a package tour conducted by any leading tour operator. The minimum stay period commence from 6 nights onwards with a price range starting from USD 1100 upwards.

Are hotel accommodations abroad, especially in Europe and the Far East, cheaper as compared to India? Generally speaking, for somebody who's on a shoestring budget what are the best accommodation options?
- Preeti Chakraborty Bangalore

Hotel accommodation in Europe is expensive as compared to India and in the Far East it is almost at par. For a shoestring budget, the best option is 2-3 Star category hotels or in case you are a member of YMCA, the YMCA hostels at numerous countries are very economical.

Recently I came across an issue of Business Traveller and in it I found you help intending travellers with their passport and visa problems. I intend to travel to Cincinnati, USA by Delta Airlines within a few weeks. I have a visa to USA and an open dated ticket. As there is a stop-over at Paris, I would like to know whether a transit visa is necessary for passengers on transit before the next flight. I do not intend to leave the airport during the transit period. If it is needed, may I know to whom I should approach for the visa. I am an old lady and I fear I may be put into difficulties at Paris if I do not have a transit visa. Pondicherry is nearer my home and is there a French consulate in Pondicherry who will do the needful?
- Thankam Nair Kannur

For Indian nationals travelling to USA via France and not taking a stopover in France, a transit visa is not required.

What exactly is marine tourism? Which are the countries which offer this brand of tourism?
- Alok Shukla Mumbai

The activities listed below are a part of Marine Tourism: windsurfing; water-skiing; parasailing; diving; speedboats and motorboats; amateur surface fishing – underwater fishing and game fishing; rowing boats-Pedalos-Canoes- kayaks; yachting; sailing and swimming The various countries promoting marine tourism actively are Malaysia/Mauritius/Greece/ Australia/Thailand/Seychelles and Virgin Islands.

Do tourists go to Siberia? If I want to get there, how do I go about it?
- Prem Puria Delhi

Siberia is famous for its cranes, though there are a few game parks and wildlife tourism is being promoted .You can take a flight into St. Petersburg and take the packages from there as there are no packages available in the Indian market and not much information is available.