18 Nov Some helpful pointers on how to book the perfect experience to South Asia

Unforgettable, extraordinary and emotional travel experiences happen very rarely but yet stay with you for a lifetime, it is therefore extremely important to get it right and to make sure you see and do the things you want to do and not necessarily follow the typical trails other travellers have advised you to do. The chances are you will not be returning in the near future so have a good think during the organisation and planning to make it the perfect expedition.

Dancing Dolphins of Sri Lanka

Below our some of our tips to make sure you get the most out of a planned trip, with some pointers we feel can really heighten your experience.

How to book and decide on your destination?

Pick an agent who has come through an reliable contact, trust and (most importantly) connect with this person or organisation. The key for you is that the agent understands your character, personality and what you really want. Some travellers love nothing more than to get off the beaten track and to indulge in the spirit of solitude. Whilst others find the whole journey and the uncomfortable travel time can ruin their trip and would much prefer to sacrifice ‘total wilderness’ for a more relaxing half way escape. The trick is to get the balance right between the final destination and the journey time to get there.

Wilderness of Eastern Sri Lanka at dusk.

‘Its all about the experience’

Getting a fitting experience that you have been dreaming of is what it boils down to! Whether it be Spa, wildlife, adventure, cultural or culinary, essentially you are visiting a destination to obtain that awe enthralling experience that you have been so deeply imagining. Over the years we have found that much of this is in the guiding, having a host that further enlightens the colour, charm and wonder of a country or destination.

How do you get the best guide?

An obvious factor would be the agent making the booking, but in many cases and if you are travelling in the height of the high season, then sometimes the agent cannot necessarily help on booking up the best guide. So plan ahead, be organized and book up well in advance.

When to travel?

There is a reason why many of the destinations have such optimum seasons. Sri Lanka is a destination that can be visited all year round where there is a never ending list of things to do. Nepal and India can be very seasonal. For me, my favourite time to be in Nepal is during the height of the monsoon when the country is crazy with life; the elephants are in pure heaven indulging themselves in mud baths with the Tigers taking advantage of the solo wandering deer, who are away from the rest of the heard on the hunt for lush fresh grass shoots. However, the country is crawling with leeches and the heat of the day can be tremendously uncomfortable. If time of the year is not a problem then I would highly recommend visiting a destination either side of the high season. 9 times out of 10, the conditions will be just as good and you have the benefit of quieter hotels and lodges plus it may even be slightly cheaper…

Traditional high Himalayan homes up on the Nepal China border.

What other pointers will help guide you to your perfect trip to South Asia:

• Always ask! The chances are it will be there. If you have a particular interest or passion then definitely mention it to the agent whilst making the enquiry, in most cases it can be done even if it is not advertised on their website.
• Personalise your trip to the max even if you are just looking to do a popular route amongst other tourists.
• Read some well received books of a place before you go. You will be on holiday before you arrive and it familiarizes the senses when you land. I always used to read a chapter of Shantaram before having to travel to Mumbai.
• Speak to the locals. If you’re waiting for a plane, in transit or having a pit stop, have a chat to the locals going about their day. They appreciate it and nice to engage with local people for the full South Asian experience.
• Never say no and be spontaneous. If an opportunity arises to go and visit an event, festival or gathering the chances are it will be a hearty atmosphere and a wonderful experience.
• Experience local living. Enjoy a cup of tea or a ritual lunch/dinner. It is always great fun and nice to see how life in the country is really lived. Even if you are slightly dubious about the food and drink, you only have to politely try it, the custom is brilliant to be emerged in and it means so much to the people to have a westerner in their home.
• If you’re up for a challenge then take it on. We have had clients before take on adventures that really pushed the boundaries. The guides will get you through it and you will develop a very strong bond. That said, be responsible and don’t try and push the bar too high.
• Learn a few words of the local language. It’s remarkable just how much joy and entertainment you can have by just saying ‘how are you’ in the local dialect. The person you are addressing will applaud your use of the local tongue.
• Go back to basics. Really try to switch off devices, emails and phones and cut yourself off from the outside world. You will fully absorb and enjoy the customs and cultures you are experiencing. If you want a bit of entertainment then immerse yourself in a book.

Touring Northern India and Nepal by Royal Enfield Motorcycle