FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General:

What does FIT stand for in terms of Travel?
FIT stands for Free Independent Travelers (or Tourists).
It means a small number of tourists (usually fewer than 5 persons or couples) who take packaged tours at a time of their own choice. They eschew mass tourism and the holiday package concept promoted by Travel operators, in favour of a more individualistic approach to travel.
  What does GIT stand for in terms of Travel?
GIT stands for Group Inclusive Tour.
It is a travel program with a special fare and specific requirements (usually a minimum number of persons often more than 5 persons traveling as a group throughout the tour).
 


 Booking & Payment:
How much in advance should I book the tour?
We recommend you to book your tour at least 1 month prior to the scheduled departure date.
  Do I need to pay the entire tour price at one go while booking?
If you pay the tour price at one go 60 days prior departure then you are benefited as you get full payment discount(Contact Purna Travels for discounted amount). It is not mandatory though, you can pay the registration amount to book and pay the balance payment later.
  If I am an NRI, can I book your regular Konkan tour?
Yes NRI's can book any of Purna Travels Konkan Tours. Request you to calculate as per existing USD rates.
  Can my son /daughter residing abroad sponsor my tour price in their currency? If yes, then how?
Yes, they can pay the same by Telegraphic Wire transfer but only in USD, Euro and AUD currency.
 
Regarding Hotels & Room Types
What category of hotels are provided by Purna Travels on tour?
The hotels/homestays are usually 3* category with basic modern amenities.
Are the hotels located in the city?
The hotels are booked as per the availability and are located at outskirts of the city yet within the reach of the main city.
What is the basic accommodation type?
For all tours, accommodation is generally provided on Twin sharing basis unless specified since all the tours are designed for specially for you. Other room types like Single room, Double Room or Triple Room can be provided as informed at the time of booking.
What is a triple room?
Triple room is when 3 adults share 1 room. Usually, a family with 1 child or friends prefer this type of room. The room size is same as that of a twin room and the third bed is often a roll -away mattress.
Can 3 adults and 1 child share a hotel room?
At most of the destinations around Konkan, if you are a family of four then you are given 2 rooms. As per the safety norms, 4 people are not allowed in one room. In this case, if you have a child then s/he has to pay adult tour price.
Is it safe to keep our belongings in the hotel room when we go for sightseeing?
We recommend that you should not carry many valuables on tour. However, many hotels/homestays do have safe deposit lockers which you can make use of. Kindly do not keep any valuable unattended in the hotel/ homestay.

Meals and Beverages:
What type of meals are included on tour?
As per the tour itinerary requirement, there is a pre set menu. Breakfast and meals are Indian with an addition of Local food.
Can I request for Special meal?
Yes, special meal like Jain meal (No onion / garlic), Fasting meal (Fruits, Milk or Finger Chips) and Baby meal can be arranged subject to prior intimation. In case of baby meal we provide milk, plain dal and rice only, during meals as per the itinerary. For in between requirements of baby we recommend you to carry sufficient baby food along with you.
Do you have a cook or caravan facility on world tours?
We generally have meals at various Homestays as Konkan does not have standalone restaurants along the coastal Highway, it gives you an opportunity to enjoy a different ambiance and is comfortable. At times, we do give packed food too depending upon the itinerary.
I consume tea frequently, is there any provision for the same?
You can have tea /coffee at the time of breakfast. Also, at various sightseeing places we provide tea /coffee /ice cream /soft drink etc.
 
 Post Booking:
Prior to tour departure is there any information provided?
We do give pre departure information sheet once you book a tour which consists information about the destination, things to carry, weather, shopping etc.
Do we get any confirmation call of our scheduled departure?
Yes, 2 to 3 days prior to your scheduled departure we give a call to inform the reporting time and place.
Once we are on tour, how would our relatives come to know about our safety?
Once you reach the first destination, we intimate your relatives through a call and SMS on the number that have been provided by you while booking the tour. Also, we provide 2 sets of hotel list so that one copy is kept with your relatives and they can contact you at the hotel directly.
In case of emergency whom can I contact?
During emergency, you can call on 9619246419 / 9757039600 / 9892924781.
 
 Tour Manager:
Does the Tour Manager assist us on the entire tour?
Yes, the tour manager will assist you throughout the tour and this is one of the USP’s of Purna Travels. However, they are not responsible for baggage or any kind of personal belongings.
In which languages will the Tour Manager communicate with us on tour?
The Tour Manager will preferably communicate or give instructions on tour in Marathi, Hindi and English.
Generally how many tour managers are provided for a group tour?
We have 1 Tour Manager for the entire group where as for large groups, 1 Tour Manager with 1 or 2 Tour Assistant depending upon group size.
 
Travel Arrangements:
Does Purna Travels book our journey tickets for Konkan tours?
Konkan tour price does not include air or railway tickets. In case, you wish to travel by rail/air the tickets have to be booked by yourself.
If I book my own railway /air tickets do I have to submit a copy to Purna Travels?
If you book your own railway / air tickets then the ticket details must be shared with the travel consultant.
Do I need to carry any ID proof while traveling?
Yes, all tourists travelling by air / rail for Konkan tours have to carry photo identification proof in the form of driving license, election ID card, PAN card, passport and for students their school / college ID card.
How many hours approximately is the road journey everyday? Do we have frequent stops en route?
The road journey is completely dependent on the tour itinerary and number of places covered. The driving distance varies for each tour. You get sufficient halts during the journey.

While On Tour:
What are the modes of travel on tour?
The modes of travel depend upon your liking because the tour is customised for you.
Are there any night journeys on tour?
We normally avoid night journeys on tour as far as possible.
How hectic or what is the pace of the tours?
We generally design the tours as leisurely paced to medium paced to fast. Most of the tours are medium to fast pace as we cover maximum must see sight-seeings. But again since the tour is designed for you your view is of utmost importance to us.
Do we have to walk a lot on Tour?
Generally, we have to walk at sightseeing places. However the same will be timely instructed by the Tour Manager.
Do we have to wake up early on tour?
Unless otherwise specified by the Tour Manager, we normally follow 6-7-8 schedule i.e wake up at 6 am, breakfast at 7 am and departure at 8 am OR 7-8-9 schedule i.e. wake up at 7 am , breakfast at 8 am and departure at 9 am. However, the schedule may change as per the situation.
Do we get wake-up calls on tour?
Yes, you do get telephonic wake up, however it is advisable to have your mobile alarms set to be on the safer side.
What if I reach late and miss a part of the tour?
Punctuality is of utmost importance when travelling. We do not want you to miss any part of the tour so please be on time and always follow the Tour Manager's instructions. In case, you miss any part of the tour, we are not responsible/liable and no refund shall be given to you in this regard.
What if a disabled or a senior citizen needs special assistance on tour?
Individual assistance can be given to such guest by the Tour Manager, but however a qualified companion must accompany the guest who needs such special assistance.
Can I take a wheelchair on tour? Will it be difficult while visiting places?
Yes, you can bring your own wheel chair and move at most of the sightseeing places but a qualified companion must accompany guest who are travelling on wheelchair.
Will I get drinking water during sightseeing?
In most of the destinations tap water is considered very safe and widely available. In case, it is not so we provide the same.
Will I get some time for leisure or on my own on tour?
Itineraries are designed and planned in such a way that you should get to see maximum places, so you will get time only when you are back at the hotel. However, if you wish to skip any sightseeing, then you have to inform the Tour Manager accordingly, but you shall not get any refund for such services which you have not availed at your own discretion.
At a particular destination, is it allowed if my relative wants to join the tour?
Yes, your relative is always welcome. S/he can join us on tour subject to your intimation to us at the time of your booking and payment of prescribed charges to make him / her eligible to join our tour and avail our services on tour.
For shopping, will Purna Travels recommend places or guide us where to shop?
Our Tour Manager will provide information about the shopping areas on tour.
Can I use credit cards for shopping and personal expense while on an Konkan tour?
No. This facility are not available in most of the part in Konkan where we will be touring. However our Tour Manager will keep you informed about the ATM’s availability on tour.
While on a Konkan tour, how can I stay in touch with my family and friends?
While on tour, you can be in touch with your family and friends through a local calling card or local sim card as you may deem fit and desirable. You have to carry your mobile handset. We are not responsible for any charges levied by the international local authorities neither shall be responsible for loss of your mobile handset.
What if I fall sick on tour and unable to continue as per the scheduled tour?
If you fall sick on tour, kindly inform the Tour Manager immediately. The tour manager will assist you in making all arrangements for the medical aid, doctor on call etc. However, the expenses will have to be borne by you. Here, Insurance plays a major role hence we highly recommend that you should get yourself and your family insured adequately before travel.
In case, needed can I get medicine on a tour?
We highly recommend you to carry sufficient medicines along with you on tour. However you do get medicines on tour but your doctor’s prescription for the same is a must.