About the Weather?
The weather report can be obtained from the Local News Papers / TV Bulletins / Tele-text at the hotels. "Usually as good as one feels!"
About the population?
Delhi has a population of only 14.3 million people. We are striving to make it better.
About the location of the hotel?
Depends on the hotel booked for the guest's. We inform about the facilities available the shopping area, good restaurants, Internet café's etc.
About the distance of hotel from the Airport?
Normally the time taken from the International Airport to the city hotels is about 35 minutes. This depends upon the condition of the traffic at the time of the day. The distance varies from 22 to 33 kilometers. For the hotels near the International Airport, the time taken is between 7 minutes to 15 ½ minutes and the distance varies from 5 to 11 kilometers. From the Domestic Airport, the distance to the city hotels is 17 to 28 kilometers and the time taken is approximately 20 to 35 minutes. The time taken for the hotels near the Domestic airport is 7 to 18 minutes and the distance varies from 6 to 12 kilometers.
Is it safe to travel in private transport (taxi/auto) and what is the payment system?
Yes, it is safe to travel in the local taxies in the city. Try to hire the taxies from the prepaid taxi and three wheeler auto booths in the city. Almost all the hotels have attached taxi service. They are reliable and the charges are as per the meter reading in Delhi.
(2.) While delivering and briefing of Travel documents
Whom to give the hotel vouchers and to whom the services vouchers?
You must sign the hotel voucher and present it to the cashiers at the time of check out. You do not pay for the services listed out on the voucher the rest you pay directly to hotel. The service voucher must be signed and given to the local agent or their representative at the time of departure or at the time when the services listed on the voucher have been provided for.
Where the guide will meet the guests?
The car & the guide will report at the hotel well before the pick up time for the sightseeing or will meet at the monument if the sightseeing is to be provided for an en-route monument. Our local agent, the guide and the drivers are informed and briefed by us before the start of the tour about the pick up time and the meeting place for the sightseeing etc. The drivers also carry a list of agents and the hotel and the itinerary of the tour, although they know the hotels and their addresses.
Who will inform / brief the guests about his further program at the destination?
Our local agent or their representative or the guides will inform the guest's of their further program at the destinations.
How much tips to be given to the porters, drivers and the guests?
Tips are dependent of the services provided. A small amount of money can be given at each service to insure prompt and reliable service. For guides it depends on how informative, knowledgeable and, helpful they are.
Whether it is good and cheap to eat outside the hotel (restaurants)?
Some of the restaurants are cheaper and frequently visited by the local people. So sometimes yes, it is a good experience to eat outside the hotels and get to meet the local population.
Any cheap option to make ISD calls?
Now the government has opened STD and ISD booths in most parts of Delhi and in India. We recommend that you call from these booths, they are reliable and give you receipts for calls made.
How their return International tickets will be reconfirmed & who will do it?
The international and the domestic air sector tickets are reconfirmed by us at no extra cost for the guest's booked to travel with us. We even extend this service as a courtesy to other travelers if any assistance is required.
If their domestic air/railway tickets for all sectors are confirmed & incase any sector is waitlisted , what alternate option we will give them?
We offer alternative arrangements in case the flight tickets are not confirmed or have no chances of getting confirmed. Railway Journey or by surface. We always look at various factors such as the condition of the roads, time of travel and the time taken to cover the distance, comfort and offer the best possible option with consultation, acceptance and agreement with the guest.
If the drivers at all places can communicate in English and whether the same driver used on arrival transfer will be with them throughout?
Most of our drivers understand English if spoken slowly and clearly. We always try to send the same driver who has done the arrival transfer. If the same driver is not available then we send another driver.
What will be the standard and quality of the car/coach in the program?
Looking at the condition of the roads in India we have a fairly reliable and a sturdy fleet of busses. To make sure our guest's comfort all our buses are air-conditioned with recline-able seats.
(3.) While collecting the money
About the mode of payment? Credit Card, Traveler Cheque etc.
We can collect the payment by Travelers cheque, Cash, Master, Visa or American Express credit cards.
About the rate of exchange?
The rate of exchange is governed by the Reserve Bank of India and we get a copy of the rates provided by the RBI on day to day basis. We honour the rates given by the R B I.
Can he make the payment on return to foreign agent?
Yes, you can make the payment to the foreign agent upon your return as per the authorization received from our foreign agent.
(4.) During the loss of Baggage
How to go about the procedures to get the lost baggage?
In case a bag is lost in transit by the airlines. We file a lost baggage report with the airlines. If the guest continues with the journey, we collect the baggage from the airlines for the guest. For the collection of a lost baggage We need the following:
1. We need an authorization from the guest authorizing India Holiday Mall, Gurugram and their representative to collect the baggage on their behalf.
2. A photocopy of the passport of the guest, a letter addressed to the Superintendent customs.
3. The keys of the lost bag for custom clearance.
4. The original copy of the lost baggage report lodged with the airlines.
We will deliver the bag at the doorstep and bill the guest for the services provided. The amount of the invoice can be collected from the airlines at home.
Will the airline pay for the damage and temporary compensation?
Yes, the airlines pays an inconvenience allowance to buy personal effects. They even offer the baggage delivery charges or sometimes offers to deliver the baggage by them selves at the doorstep.
How to take the claim for the damages?
We take the guest to the office of the airlines and the amount is given to the guest upon presenting the original lost baggage report.
(5.) In case of any complaints
Contact any of our offices / associates and we will look into the nature of complaint and advise you accordingly.
How to get the refund / any compensation?
In case of complaints made by guest's the refunds or compensations are paid through the foreign agent. Although sometimes depending on the nature of the complaints we refund the money in India in Indian rupees. The money if need be can be changed at the International Airport at the time of the departure or at branches of Thomas Cook or American Express or Central Bank of India, Ashok Hotel Branch, Delhi.
(6.) Packing Tips
Travelling Light
Be it a suitcase, or a backpack, when in India it is advisable to travel light.
Clothes
Make sure to pack some woolens if you're traveling to North India, as it gets particularly cold in the mountains even at the height of summers. Carry hats and full-sleeved shirts for protection against sun in the plains.
Eco-Tourism
Avoid plastic. While plastic has been officially banned, its use is widespread in the country. Also, remember to responsibly dispose off the waste when on a trek.
Health
Carry a basic medical kit with you. It may include Aspirin or Paracetamol for pain or fever, antihistamines for allergies, antibiotics, antifungal creams, bandages etc. Before coming to India get immunized for Diphtheria, tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Meningitis and Tuberculosis.
Shopping
Avoid touts as you may get fleeced. Shopping in India can be extremely rewarding experience as long as you buy from authentic places. Also, while buy from local markets, try the power of bargaining.
Permits
Some places in North & North East India will need special permits for traveling. Find out about these places and complete the paperwork necessary to travel to such places. Most of the permits are easy to obtain.
Accommodation
In India you'll find a host of hotels and inns that offer a wide range of accommodation to suit your budget. You can especially look for heritage hotels in places like Rajasthan as they recreate the historical ambience.
Currency
An Indian Rupee is divided into 100 paisas. There are coins of 50 paisas. 1 rupee, 2 and 5 rupees. The notes are of the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 rupees. There are a few notes of 1 & 2 rupees still in circulation. Before changing money check the notes carefully for any damage.
Write to us for more details about travel to India at info@indiaholidaymall.com