Archive for March, 2010

India: Travel Seasons and visa requirements


There are mainly three seasons for travel to India. They are Peak, Off-Peak and in between.  Fares vary and change significantly with dates . A lot can be saved if the travel dates are flexible. For traveling during Peak season one should make reservations well in advance. Many airlines even have a weekend surcharge like flying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Traveling from Monday – Thursday can save up on weekend surcharge. It ranges from $20-$50 across the airlines.

Many sale fares are offered by different airlines. Sale fares are mostly offered between early April  to mid May  and mid September to October end. Higher fares are offered between Mid June to mid July and mid December to Christmas.

Off-Peak season

Mid Jan – Mid May

Mid Sep – Late Oct


Low season

Early Aug – Early Sep

Mid Nov – Early Dec

After Christmas to late Jan


Peak season

Early Jun- late Jul


Mid Dec – Christmas

Visa  requirements

Non-Indian Citizens :


Non-Indian nationals need a visa for India. For more details on obtaining an Indian Visa, visit:
http://www.indianembassy.org
http://www.indianembassy.org/embassy/cgi.htm



Trannsit Visa requirements:


Transit Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders may need a Transit Visa while transiting through Europe.

The Transit Visa requirements are also applicable to Indian citizens traveling without a valid US visa (to India) or on Advance Parole.

We recommend all Indian passport holders check with the airline they are flying on the Transit Visa requirements for the country they are transiting though before the travel date.


Many countries that have strict Transit Visa rules include Germany, United Kingdom, France,  and Canada.


More information can be obtained by visting the following websites:


France: http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/us/visas/airporttransit.htm
United Kingdom: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Germany: http://www.germanyinfo.org/relaunch/index.html
Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html


A Transit Visa may be required in the cases even if the traveler:

  • - Does not leave the airport.
  • - Does not change aircrafts.
  • - Does not have a halt of more than 24 hours.


It is highly advisible to apply for transit visa at least 15 days in advance

As we promise to provide the best tour & travel services in India, please read through India travel testimonials with some very encouraging words from our esteemed customers.

I just wanted to thank Prashant, Baljinder, and Vikas.  This is my first experience with Ritz travelz and I was very delighted with their service.  Vikas and Baljinder offered me the lowest possible price they could even during the high season.  They showed manners and patience in my frustration time.  While booking my ticket some problem happened, Prashant and Baljinder worked 2 days straight with me to help me get my ticket. These guys treated me like family took very well care of my ticket handling.  Thank you you guys are the best.  I would like to recommend them to anyone who is browsing on this site.  And yes, you can trust other Indians

Tanisha Raj, USA

The Paris – Switzerland trip you planned for us in April 2010 went off wonderfully. The suggestions and tips you gave us for sightseeing came in handy. The Paris trip was especially very smooth. The Swiss trip went off well too with one small issue of the sector ticket which the Railway official was supposed to give back to us after stamping but did not ( maybe due to ignorance on her part). Thanks for takings our calls and setting things right for us and making our trip enjoyable and worry free.
Looking forward to planning our next trip with you.
Aruna Kambhatla, Bangalore, India

Our trip went very well, and I really want to thank you for the patience with which you understood our requirements, suggested best options, followed up and customized the package as per our specific needs within our budget. I really appreciate the way everything was so well planned and well organized. We didn’t face any issues at all with any bookings or confirmations. We had a lot of fun and each of Singapore and Bintan was a great experience. Thanks a lot for suggesting Bintan to us. It has been a great vacation for us.

Shrenika Kasera, New Dellhi

Ritu at Ritz travel helped me find the best fare of all the travel agents I had asked quote for. Also I was provided with 3-4 options out of which I had luxury to choose. Some Agents charge for shipping of tickets but this was not the case here. I am satisfied.

Puneet, Portland USA

We have used Ritz Travel for many of our vacations and trips. We were delighted by the overall experience. We find their packages very reasonably priced and well researched to meet our specific needs.                                                    

Vanita and Rajeev, Bangalore

We had a wonderful family trip to Wayanad. Thanks to Ritu’s amazing ability to gauge nuances of our needs and plan an appropriate trip. Hats off to Ritz travel and I would confidently recommend Ritz to all my friends.

Brinda and Sridhar, Bangalore

We recently returned from India where we went on the Golden Triangle Tour which you put together for us. I am writing today to tell you that the tour was simply fantastic. The vehicle (Innova) was great. The driver (Mukesh) was also excellent. We had no problems with road travel. The hotels (Taj SMS in Jaipur) and (Taj View in Agra) were also very good. Thanks for putting together a wonderful tour experience for us. I would be happy to recommend your tour to any other interested parties.

Abhay Watwe, Portland, USA

I would like to thank Girish for his excellent customer service. I had lots of queries to which he answered all of them with patience. I would recommend my friends to buy tickets from him. Thanks Girish for your help.

Sanjib Chowdhury, Newyork, USA

Excellent service from Girish…I kept changing my mind so many times but inspite of that Girish helped me in getting the best…Thanks Girish.

Vaidehi Srinivasan, Portland, USA

Girish at Ritz Travelz is excellent. He got my ticket within a day. I will recommend all my friends to Girish.

Nazmul Hoque MD


Destination India: Traveling with kids



India offers a unique blend of rich historical heritage, colorful bazaars, wonders of natural beauty and exotic wildlife which makes it an ideal vacation destination for families Traveling with kids of all ages. With proper planning, careful preparation and some practical tips, the trip to this fascinating south Asian country can be the most memorable and educational time spent with your family.

Planning

India is culturally diverse and large country with many places to visit and things to do so it is imperative to pace your trip such that it does not become hectic and exhausting, especially with the kids. A month would be an ideal duration if you plan to visit places across the country in one trip.  You can also plan to cover each region (North, South, East, West & Central) in separate trips of shorter duration. It is a great idea to talk to children beforehand about the places you would be visiting and things you’d be doing during your trip. If you are Traveling from US, Canada, Australia and Europe you need to be prepared for long flights, airport layovers, and jet lag. It would be advisable for people Traveling with kids to book lodging and transport which are hygienic, comfortable and child friendly.Ritz Travelzspecializes in one stop shop for all your Travelz needs and understands international Travelzlers’ requirements extremely well.

Preparation

Travelzers are advised to visit the Travelz clinic in their country 4 - 8 weeks prior to their Travelz date and find out about the recommended immunization for India. Web sites like MDTravelzhealth and many others provide health related information for Travelzers. It is highly recommended that you carry a first aid kit and the specific medication you or your child might require. Depending upon when and where you Travelz your Traveling kits should include the following:

- Sun-block lotion (SPF 25 or higher rating)

- Mosquito & insect repellents

- Caps and sunglasses

- If hiking or planning to go to beach a sturdy pairs of shoes and sandals are a must

- Unless planning to visit Himalayas during winter, the clothes should be mostly cottons and easily washable

You can also buy all this from a local grocery store in case you do not want to carry in your luggage.  Majority of international brands and items are available in most major cities. If you are very particular about a certain brand then it is advisable to buy it before you leave your home country

Some other practical tips

· Consume only bottled water while in India, even if visiting peoples’ homes

· Soda drinks (Coke, Pepsi, etc) from soda fountain should be avoided.  Buy a bottle or can from a local store

· Avoid street food or raw fruits or vegetables should be eaten, especially for kids

· Do not hesitate to ask detailed ingredients of any food item if your child has any food allergies.  Given clear and specific direction while ordering food

· Always sanitize hands before eating and carry alcohol base hand-sanitizers at all times

· As much possible, cover your kids arms and legs to avoid sun tanning and make them wear a cap

· Apply a healthy dose of sun-block lotion during daytime even if stepping out for a little while

· Mosquito & insect repellent should be applied before stepping out in the evening

· Keep your children’s nails short and discourage them from picking up anything from outside and putting in their mouth

· Its a good idea to be polite to the local people but refrain from getting too close and friendly

Traveling to any foreign destination is always stressful and full of anxiety for the first time and if you are Traveling with kids.  India is a very hospitable country and people are extremely friendly towards kids.  Be safe, use common-sense and remember to enjoy every moment.  It is often said – in India you will see one thing a day that you have never seen in your life!