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

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1. I have decided to go on a vacation to either Mauritius or Maldives. Which destination should I opt for, if cost is a consideration. Which of the two has greater attractions?

Pramod Kant - Pune

While Mauritius has a lot to do and explore (eg. take a helicopter ride to Rodrigues island, visit Port Louis, the capital city famous for shopping, Natural History Museum, Curepipe, Black River Gorges National Park, Grand Bassin, Chameral, Domaine Les Pailles, Ile Aux Cerf etc); the Maldives on the other hand are a cluster of islands with resorts on the various islands. Water sports are the only activities that you can actually indulge in.

You should go Mauritius for a minimum six nights/seven days package. The cost however would depend on the period of time that you travel. October-March is a season time in Mauritius and will cost you about between Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000 per couple approximately depending on the type of accommodation you choose.

2. Assuming I want to go to the United States of America on a 10-day tour, which would work cheaper - taking a package from a recognised tour operator or going as a free individual traveller. Approximately how much would the difference be? Does it help in paperwork?

Suparna Kher
Mumbai

A package deal from a recognised tour operator is a cheaper option. You have advantages in terms of accommodation, sightseeing, transportation etc. since package tours are priced on bulk purchase as against a direct reservation that means you pay the rack rates. Package tours do not guarantee or help with the visa process. A package will cost approximately US$ 1,000 per person for 10 days and will include sightseeing and certain meals. On the other hand, travelling on an individual basis will cost approximately US$ 800 per person for 10 days for the hotel rooms only.

3. Are there any tourism attractions in Jharkhand? Does the state promote tourism? What are the kind of accommodation available there?

Abhijeet Rankesh
Delhi

Jharkhand is a state of mines and minerals, industries, wildlife sanctuaries and forests. There are places of tourist attraction such as Chotanagpur, known for the ancient tribal culture, Hazaribagh, which means a thousand gardens and famous for Harrappan pottery, and Ranchi which has a lot of scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks and hillocks. Depending upon the city you choose to stay in, accommodation will cost approximately Rs 1,500-2,000 per room per night in Ranchi, Dhanbad area in a budget three-star category hotel.

4. I would like to know more about UK's working holiday visa. I am interested in going to the UK to study law for two years. Do I need a working holiday visa for that? What is the procedure?

George Pinto
Mumbai

You need to have a student visa if you intend to go to the UK to study. You must ensure that the establishment at which you propose to study is registered with the Department for Education and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers. You need to submit an application form along with supporting documents as mentioned in the form.

Any application from a student wishing to attend an establishment that does not appear on the Register will be refused.