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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

1. What is the one-way economy class airfare for Brazil? How expensive is a tour to the country?
- Alka Pandey, Indore

One-way fares are generally applicable for immigrants and students only. The one way fare to Sao Paulo is close to Rs 1,00,000, whereas the return excursion fare to Sao Paulo costs approximately Rs 1,15,000. The tour costs will vary based on the choice of hotel, mode of transportation within Brazil, selection and number of tourist destinations to visit, as well as the length of stay. However, tours to a destination in South America will be expensive compared to Europe/North America due to the high air fares and limited traffic out of India.

2. Is there any possibility for airline fares to the United States reducing in the near future?
- Suman Bhosle, Belgaum

Mumbai fare levels may fluctuate based on seasonality but with the introduction of new DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) fares which are reasonably priced, any further decrease in fare levels is quite unlikely.

3. Where does Venzeula stand, tourism-wise? Is it a safe country to go to? Which is the best season? What are its attractions?
- Robert D’Mello. Goa

Venezuela comes under ‘Restricted Travel Condition’ countries list owing to recent political unrest there. This country has been on a travel alert for non-residents. Venezuela enjoys a tropical climate, daily average temperature ranges from 26 deg in Jan and Feb to 30 deg in July and August. The major attraction there is Caracas, the capital known for its historic monuments. Other attractions are La Colonia Tovar (miniature Germany), Los Roques (a national park), Coro (first capital of the country maintains architecture from 16th and 17th century) and Canaima (largest national park).

4. What are travel advisories? At present, which countries have travel advisories against them? Does the Indian government issue them?
- Martha Makhijani, Itanagar

A travel advisory is the guideline issued in the interest of the citizen of the country by any country. These guidelines are issued based on that country’s socio-political condition as ‘No Travel’ or ‘Restricted Travel Conditions’ and ‘Caution Advised’. Countries which have high travel alert against them are Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Chechnya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Iraq, Kosovo province, Liberia, Somalia, Yemen etc. The Indian government issues their travel advisory through the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) .

5. Is it possible to have a one-week holiday in the North-East states of India for Rs 10,000, including transport, accommodation etc?
- Javed Supariwala, Mumbai

A holiday at any place is subject to the following - choice of hotel, mode of transportation, length of stay, number of travellers, selection of sightseeing spots. The package cost could be determined based on the above factors. Please contact a travel agent that could offer you the best price that suits your travel requirements. There are a number of agencies in Kolkata that offer packages for the North-Eastern states; however a holiday for Rs 10,000 maybe a bit difficult if you include the travel cost from Mumbai.

6. What are the factors behind a destination becoming off-season during certain months? What are the pros and cons of travelling in the off-seasons?
- Kalpesh Shah, Surat

Off-season is the season when travel is least active and the rates are lowest due to several factors - primarily the climate, geographical condition, events, and public holidays. During an off-season the rates are reduced to the minimum owing to low demand. However, on the flip side tourist attractions, utilities or event exploration may not be available due to the low demand of the low season.