There are literally hundreds if not thousands of travel options available online through a multitude of websites and online booking sites to the point where it can be overwhelming to even just look through all these options leave aside select the right package for you. Travel agents and destination experts such as our company add immeasurable value to your trip by selecting the right options for you based on your individual preferences, taste and budget. This way you have the best of both the worlds, a large menu of options to select from and individual advice on the options best suited for your individual travel plans!
Travel clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions travellers usually ask before planning a handcrafted private journey.
Before you travel
Everything You Need To Know
Browse the common questions below. Each answer is kept clear and practical so you can plan with confidence.
While online booking sites provide a huge selection of travel destinations and activities to choose from they don’t selectively advice you what would best suit your individual plans, taste and preference. Moreover we help you one on one, 24/7 with professionally trained consultants who have decades of experience in leading and designing tours for discerning travelers such as yourself. It’s the difference between a gourmet meal at a lovely restaurant cooked just as you ordered it and a one size fits all dished out from a fast food drive up window! Also, isn't it nice to be able to talk to someone when you need to and know that someone on the other end really does care about your vacation and what you put into it?
As soon as you are sure which dates you wish to travel, we advise you to make your reservation. During traditionally busy periods (Christmas and summer) please book as early as possible. The destinations we offer; India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Sri Lanka are all long haul destinations requiring long international flights. These are also popular destinations at specific times, for eg winter and summer months. Booking as soon as your dates are finalized is a good idea to secure your flights and a good price. 6 to 12 months ahead is a good idea for winter travel and 3 to 6 months is a good timeline for summer travel.
Call : +91 96013 29179 or e-mail us at info@thetravelcraftsman.com with the following details.
- Full name(s) as per your passport or Id issued by any government.
- Dates you wish to travel (let us know if you have any flexibility) and how long you want to stay.
- Where and when you would like to travel to.
- Your Contact number and Email address.
This depends. Some packages require payment to be made at the time of booking. Some other fares could be paid a few days after the reservation is done. Travel Tip - Pay early. We issue the ticket early and you avoid possible fare increases. We can let you know with each reservation what is required for that tour, cruise or vacation package.
- Local ( USA ) check if paying for trip at least 60 days in advance
- By Credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover and Paypal )
- For credit card payments. In order for the charge to be processed; passenger must complete and sign The The Travel Craftsman Excursions online form with their credit card details, through our secured payment gateway & the card shall be charged.
Name changes depend on the package and when the change is made. In many instances, if you make the change prior to the airline portion of the package being ticketed, you may potentially be able to make a name change without any extra fees. If the airline portion is already ticketed changing a name could incur an extensive fee plus the difference in cost between the current ticket price and the price of the ticket when originally purchased. Insurance can be purchased that could possible, under some circumstances, refund the costs.
For all international travel a passport is needed, and depending on the country you are visiting a visa may also be required. So, please be advised to check if you need a visa for your destination. Our agents are not responsible for information regarding visa or passport requirements, but can assist you as much as possible if you ask.
If you are not a citizen of that country, in most cases, you cannot travel with a one way ticket. You need to have round-trip ticket.
Must of the airline allow you to take 2 pieces of no more than 70lbs and a carry-on of no more that 35lbs. Extra luggage may be permitted by the airline at an extra cost. You can bring extra luggage but the Airlines will charge an extra fee for each luggage you bring.
Yes, you can. We offer a wide variety of insurance packages directly through the different insurance companies to fit all of your needs.
For US passport applications, forms are available at public offices like Post Offices, courthouses or municipal offices where passport applications are accepted. You can search for a location near you click here.
Visas can be obtained from the consulates or embassies of the countries you are visiting. Some countries facilitate evisa authorization as well. In most cases you must have a valid passport which has not or will not be expiring for 6 months after your return from the trip. We will send you a link to the consulates/ embassies for obtaining a visa but the application needs to be sent by you.
Most of the destinations we offer would need some shots and immunizations before you get there as well as during your stay there. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control website to determine the level of protection you need or speak to the travel clinic in your local town for the best advice and help.
It is a good idea to carry some cash with you for emergency but please remember that none of the destinations we offer will accept US dollars in exchange for goods and services. A combination of traveler’s checks and credit cards will be adequate for your travel. Most stores, hotels and restaurants do accept Visa or MasterCard credit cards. Currency and travelers checks are exchanged at international airports, commercial banks and at some hotels. Rates vary from day to day and from exchange location to the other and fees may apply. As all of your travel expenses are paid on advance you will only need to pay for some of your meals (not included in the itinerary), shopping, laundry and other incidentals.
Most of the destinations we offer have large and small commercial banks. There are a few American banks in some of these destinations which may offer you ease in monetary transactions. Please check with your own banks to find any representation in your destination. Please remember that like here, most banks operate only during banking hours. Some offer after hour ATM’s and other services.
While The Travel Craftsman Excursions, Inc. provides you with the utmost of care to ensure your safety and security, we cannot take full responsibility for your safety and security during your travel to your destination. We recommend you get coverage for travel insurance to protect yourself both medically and security wise. Please read our terms and conditions for booking before you purchase a travel product from us. All the destinations we offer are deemed safe for travel to and from. However we advise you to follow extra safety precautions in an unknown destination with yourself and your possessions.
Be very careful when traveling outside of your home country. Many people find that they get sick when drinking water internationally. To avoid this problem, only drink bottled water. Also, avoid foods that are water-based, such as fruit juice, milkshakes, popsicles, ice cream and ice cubes in your drinks. Your body will not be used to the bacteria that is present in the water. Also, take care with the food that you eat. Try to eat in established locations, such as nicer restaurants. You can get some great travel food at a restaurant that gives you a taste of the country you are visiting, without risking getting sick. When eating on your own, avoid food that requires a lot of handling. Try to buy pre-packaged foods that do not require handling by employees of the store whenever possible. While you want to avoid tap water, it is important to make sure that you stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water is a common problem for people who are traveling. Make sure that you always have a bottle of water on hand, and that you drink plenty throughout the day
Generally speaking cooked food is safer than raw food. Street food is never safe as it is often served out in the open where dust and other contaminants can get into it. Eating at nice restaurants such as the ones at your hotel is a good idea then trying to find smaller local restaurants. There are several American fast food restaurants available now and they follow more stringent food preparation safeguards. Any food that uses raw ingredients such as raw vegetables in salads, sandwiches and buffets should be avoided as should food served over ice. Beverages with ice are best avoided. Tea and coffee if served piping hot are ok. Food at road side cafes or at train stations are not safe.
Most of the places you will visit have a very rich, diverse and ancient culture. Many people in the countries you will visit have been speaking English for centuries as they were a part of the British empire but English is not their primary language. Because English has been around for so long it has become influenced by the local language and culture. Please be respectful of these differences. Indian and Asian culture regards any visitor to be highly esteemed and you will be given a warm welcome and great respect for being a guest. While visiting a place of worship it is customary to remove one’s shoes at the door and in some faiths to cover your head such as in a mosque or a Sikh place of worship. Most Indian women do not shake hands especially with men. A simple Namaste (hands folded in a prayer gesture) are the traditional Indian greeting. In other parts of the subcontinent, a bow is a gracious greeting as well. Indians eat with their fingers, even the slurpy curries. You will not be expected to eat with your fingers and will be offered a fork or a spoon. Please be respectful of Indians eating with their fingers even at very formal settings such as weddings, buffets or in restaurants. It is their native custom and is known to enhance the entire experience of dining and digestion. Our guides and escorts brief you on local customs and cultures when they are with you.
Please remember to pack comfortable clothes you can travel, walk and drive in. Western clothes are worn in all parts of the subcontinent and have been worn for centuries. Please pack a few formal clothes for dinner at nice restaurants. Most nice restaurants, like the ones at your hotel require formal attire for dinner though they will loan you a jacket (men) if you didn’t bring one. Even in winter it can get warm during the day, so dressing in layers is a good idea. You will need a heavy sweater or light jacket in the winter especially in the evenings. Hats, sunscreen and tennis shoes are good for walking and sightseeing.