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

1. What is the approximate cost of travelling to Singapore and searching for a job?

Ram Krishna, Chennai

The lowest airfare currently available from Chennai to Singapore is approx.Rs 8,400 inclusive of taxes (one-way fare) and Rs 16,300 inclusive of taxes (return fare valid for three months). Jet Airways is also launching flights with very low inaugural fares. You could check them out locally. You cannot look for employment on a tourist visa; you need to do a job search in India and then travel with a proper work permit.

2. Which cruise company offers a trip to Alaska and how much would a seven-day cruise cost?

Nitesh Shah, Mumbai

Royal Caribbean International offers cruises to Alaska. The cost depends upon the ship, sailing date and cabin category. A minimum seven nights cruise (Vancouver to Vancouver) based on inside cabin (base category) at the lowest deck will cost approx. US $ 980 per person on twin-share inclusive of port taxes/fees.

3. Where can one get a visa for Japan? How long does it take to procure a business visa and what is the fee?

Somnath Misra, Bhopal

The Japan Consulate, Mumbai will grant the visa provided all documents are as per the embassy requirement. It takes approx. 48 hrs for the procurement of business visa, which is valid for three months from the date of issue and costs about Rs 350.

4. Is winter a good time to visit North East? Is it safe? Which of the states should we cover for a 10-day holiday?

Clara Noronha, Goa

Winters are pleasant throughout North East India. However, early mornings and evenings can be slightly cold. A suggested routing for a 10-day holiday would be Darjeeling/Gangtok/ Tinjure/Rumtek/Tsomgo Lake/Baghd-ogra. This belt is quite safe to travel.

5. We are a group of six women friends planning to visit Dubai this January for a wedding and would also like to go for the Dubai festival. Would we have any problem getting a visa since we are all ladies? What part of Dubai is safe to stay as a tourist? Are there any all-inclusive tour packages available for 3N/4D in three or four-star hotels? How much would the trip cost us?

Alka Kulkarni, Pune

There is a general perception that Dubai Immigration does not grant visa to single women, which may be partly true. However, if you are travelling on Emirates and apply through VFS with proper documentation, the visa could be granted. Dubai is a very safe city for a tourist. A 3N/4D package inclusive of airfare, accommodation, breakfast, return airport transfers and sightseeing should cost approx. Rs 44,000 per person on twin share (airfare is on Emirates). You may contact any recognised travel agent or mail biztrav.pnq@bti-sitaindia.com

6. I will be visiting relatives in Australia in April 2006. I would like to know if there are any other tourist destinations apart from New Zealand around Australia that a family of four can visit for four to five days? How much would this side trip cost?

Bhadaresh Sharma, Chandigarh

You can visit Tasmania, which is accessible by air and sea from Australia and a four-day trip for four persons will cost approx. Rs 1,60,000 inclusive of Sydney-Hobart-Sydney airfare by Qantas and accommodation for four nights on room-only basis. For more information log on to www.discovertasmania.com