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Vijay Chadda - Chief Operating Officer, BTI-Sita, India answers your queries...

Wondering about your travel options? Seeking answers to specific issues? Simply ASK feBUSINESS TRAVELLER for a plausible solution... Address your queries to editor@businesstravellerindia.com or write in to The Editor, feBusiness Traveller

Q1. I am going to Singapore to do my summer training. What is the most economical fare available? Is there student concession available on any of the airlines?

Presently there is no student concession to Singapore. One of the best travel options available for Singapore currently is on Air India or Singapore Airlines where the fare is approximately INR 17,500 plus taxes.

- Rahul Setiya, IIT Guwahati

Q2. I have heard that the Jammu & Kashmir government is promoting tourism in the state? Is there any special package for it? How safe would it be?

Yes. Jammu and Kashmir government is promoting various special interest packages which include Golf Packages at Chashma Shahi in Srinagar , special itineraries at the houseboats and hotels in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. The situation seems to be fairly safe as there are a number of foreign and Indian tourists visiting the state. You can either log on to www.jktourism.org for details or get in touch with J & K Government Tourism Office. Their phone number in Mumbai is (022) 2189040/2189718.

- Dhruv Gupta, Mumbai

Q3. I would like to go for an eight day tour to Mauritius. How costly would it be assuming I want to keep costs to a minimum?

Mauritius is famous for marine tourism and water sports. Travel to Mauritius can happen throughout the year. You would require a minimum budget of approximately INR 50,000 for an eight day tour. This is based on travel in low season and accommodation on twin sharing.

- Preeti Vora, Delhi

Q4. I have always been fascinated by Seychelles. Could you tell me which airlines fly there from India? What is the travelling time and what does a standard package to Seychelles offer?

Seychelles is also known as 'Paradise on Earth' with its silver white sands ranking among the best beaches in the world. One of best ways to travel to Seychelles from India is via Dubai and it takes about 12 hours. A standard package for six nights/seven days stay on twin sharing costs approximately Rs 70,000 per person.

- Anita Rai, Delhi

Q5. Could you tell me what are hotel guest loyalty programmes? Do all hotels have them? Which are the major ones?

Leading hotel chains worldwide promote Guest Loyalty programmes. In India we have the Taj, Sheraton, Oberoi, Hyatt and Intercontinental group among the prominent ones. The members of these programs enjoy special privileges such as discounts, upgrades, complimentary room nights and other benefits. These chains have also tied up with a few airlines and car rental companies to enhance benefits for each other.

- Suresh Bhatia, Bangalore

Q6. What is the best time to visit Bhutan? What is the documentation required and is there any contact address/telephone numbers of their consulate in Delhi? I have heard that the country does not encourage tourism. Is it true?

As tourists you can visit Bhutan only in groups of six or more. Indian nationals proceeding to Bhutan do not require a visa under any category but must carry proof of identification. Visitors can enter Bhutan by road through the Indian territories at the border town of Phuntsholing in the south of the country or by air to Paro. However, it is mandatory for foreign tourists to avail of Druk Air services one way i.e. either on entry or exit. In the Indian subcontinent, Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) operates their flights from New Delhi and Kolkata. The Royal Bhutanese Embassy is located on Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Their telephone numbers are 26889807, 26889809.

- Shekhar Punjabi, Noida

Q7. How good is Vishakapatnam as a holiday destination and does it have good accommodation facilities?

Visakhapatnam also called Vizag is located on the Bay of Bengal. This city has a variety of sight seeing options, right from the lakes and beaches to its beautiful Hill Ranges as well as caves and valleys. Vizag also has many tourism spots that represent the Culture and Heritage of India. The most prominent among them are the Aruku Valley, Borra Caves and the Rishionda Beach. Accommodation catering to all kinds of budget is available.

- Iqbal Sheikh, Hubli

Q8. If I have about ten days, what all could I see in France. Could you suggest an itinerary?

The only European country facing both the North Sea and Mediterranean, France has been subject to a particularly rich variety of cultural influences. Historic chapels, wines and perfumes are some of things that France is famous for. For somebody interested in heritage, churches and chapels France has a lot to offer. Various places of interest are Paris, Lyon, Lourdes, Lisieux and Marseille. You can also spend a couple of days in Paris itself, which has attractions like Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Sistine Chapel and the Notre Dame. You could also do a tour of the French Riveria.

- Rekha Khanna, Mumbai

Q9. How can one go about a bag-pack tour of Europe? What would be the approximate cost?

The best guide for a back pack tour can be found at the website BackpackEurope.com. It gives you the budget tours and the insight to the various destinations from where you can decide the places you would like to visit.

- Sharmila Daswani, Pune

Q10. How expensive is a holiday on a cruise liner and which one is the best?

Cruise Holidays have become very popular over the recent times. There is the Royal Caribbean Cruises & Princess Cruises for sailings in Europe and USA. Closer home we have the Star Cruises sailing from Singapore and Hongkong. Star cruises are more popular with the Indian Market as traveling to Singapore is definitely more economical than traveling to Europe or the US. For more details you can log onto www.starcruises.com or www.princess.com. or www.royalcaribean.com

- Jessica Fernz, Chennai

Q11. Could you tell me which agency in Mumbai does packages for South America? How safe and expensive is the destination?

There are no ready made packages for South America although most of the leading tour operators can customise a package depending on your preferences. Some of the prominent destinations are Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands, Guatemala and Mexico. Depending on the destination and duration of stay a package can cost anywhere between USD 600 - USD 1000 upwards apart from the airfare.

- Priyanka Trivedi, Mumbai

Q12. I would like to do a safari in Botswana. Could you tell me who I can contact to organize a tailor made holiday for me?

Botswana is situated on the southern portion of the African continent and is a diverse region with a wide range of natural landscapes and life forms. There is a seven nights/eight days package for Botswana organised by Geographical Tours Pvt. Ltd. in Delhi. For more details you can email them at India@geointernational.com.

- Rajiv Shah, Kolkata

Q13. I would like to do a gourmet tour in Africa that would allow me to sample some of the most exotic wild game meats. Could you suggest some interesting places one could visit for the same? And is East Africa or South Africa a better bet?

There is a 'Gourmet Safari' coming up from 11-24 September 2003 which will be a wish come true for you. Besides being an eating experience you will be able to interact with varied people, have close encounters with wildlife also have educating, scenic excursions. For more details you can log onto www.xploreafrica.net/jcwp/gourmet.htm.

- Amit Banerjee, Mumbai

Q14. Is it possible to do a budget tour to Moscow?

Moscow famous for its rich heritage and historical sights is well connected with all parts of the world. A seven nights/eight days package for the city will cost approximately Rs 50,000/- per person on a twin-sharing basis.

- Priyesh Anand, Bangalore