What's Included
Your Selective Asia holiday itinerary and booking confirmation will clearly show what is and what isn’t included in the cost of your trip. Inclusions do vary between itineraries and therefore we ask you to carefully check the specific details of your holiday. If in doubt, your consultant will be very happy to clarify any aspect for you.
International Flights
Long haul flight prices (from/to your home country) are never included in the prices displayed on this website due to the huge seasonal variations in flight costs. In most instances we do arrange long haul flights for our clients, and the cost of these will be quoted separately on your booking invoice. Selective Asia can arrange flights originating from all major UK airports and has access to the best possible fares from all scheduled airlines. In some circumstances we can also arrange long haul flights originating from airports outside the UK.
Internal/domestic flights in Asia
Some itineraries include the cost of these flights whilst some will show a separate cost for these on your invoice - the reason for this is that in some instances these flights can be arranged at lower cost in conjunction with your international flights. We will arrange all internal/domestic for you.
All transportation as described in your holiday itinerary is included in the cost of your holiday (this could include journeys by car, elephant, boat, bicycle, train or cyclo!). All road transfers between airports and hotels are in a private vehicle. Unless specified otherwise, all other road journeys are also on a private basis. Boat journeys may either be arranged on shared or private vessels depending on the nature of the cruise and your preferences.
Accommodation
All hotels and home stays and any overnight journeys will be included in the cost of your holiday. You will receive full details of all accommodation used on your itinerary, including the category of room. On sleeper trains and boats, your cabin category will be specified.
Breakfast is always included with other meals also included from time to time. Whilst we are aware that other travel companies often include more meals in their itineraries, we do not believe these offer either good value for money or the best choice of dining options. The inclusion of any meals is clearly detailed on a day to day basis on your itinerary.
The services of a guide and driver, as specified on your itinerary, are included for the duration of your holiday. In Malaysia and Sri Lanka we use 'driver-guides' with one person performing both roles as this is very much normal practice in these destinations.
The cost of admission to sites such as temples, museums, nature reserves and mausoleums (!) is included whilst touring with your Selective Asia guide. During time at leisure, when you are exploring on your own, admission fees are not included, and you may wish to check before entering a pagoda or an exhibition if you are at all unsure. Your guide will be very happy to advise you in advance of such occasions.
ATOL protection
Selective Asia holds ATOL license # 9203, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). ATOL - which is short for "Air Travel Organisers Licensing" - exists to protect you, the customer, from losing money or being stranded abroad because of the failure of your travel firm. Full ATOL protection is applied to all bookings made by guests who reside in the UK and who purchase a ‘complete package’ comprising of both air travel and ground arrangements such as hotels and tours.
Visas
Visas (if required) are not included in the cost of your holiday and it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct visas are obtained. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and your holiday destination(s). Generally three levels of visa requirement exist for most guests:
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no visa is required to enter your destination for a specified duration |
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a visa is required, but can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or border, usually upon payment of an official fee in $US. |
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a visa must be arranged in advance of your departure. |
Details of visa requirements will be clearly marked on your travel quote. Your consultant can advise you on how best to manage your visa requirements and can sometimes assist with the arrangement in advance if required. For further information vist our visa section.
The cost of travel insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is mandatory that all guests arrange a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy.
For details of our recommended travel insurance provider, please click here or telephone Campbell Irvine on 020 7938 1734
Your main expense whilst away is likely to be for the meals not included in your holiday cost.
One of biggest joys of holidaying in Asia is sitting elbow-to-shoulder with the locals, enjoying several freshly prepared dishes and a cold drink for less than the cost of just the cold drink at home! However there are also expensive up-market restaurants in most locations, as well as hotel restaurants and bars which tend to charge inflated prices. Most guests enjoy a variety of dining experiences during their holiday and there is usually something to suit both taste and budget. Our advice is to enjoy what takes your fancy and remember; this is a holiday!