WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAMMES DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?

You do...
And we do...

The fact that you have come to us again and again... some of you for the 14th or 15th time. That gives us encouragement and confidence to continue WHAT we have been doing and the WAY we have been doing it. Providing for a memorable experience and an unforgettable journey – year after year. We thank you for recommending your friends and your friend’s friends to us. We thank you for your trust. It gives us the trust and conviction in what we do and the way we do.

If, however, you are a newcomer and have had the unexpected good fortune to stumble upon our website or are one of those quivering to book an all inclusive Private Travel Program for the first time with us, then we entice you to please continue and read on.

So how do we really do it ?
Almost every traveler wishes a journey to a foreign country to be a golden opportunity to not only see the highlights of the destinations, but also to learn about its culture and to experience the delights of their local foods, their costumes; their habitats, their traditions, their wildlife and their flora. They want to learn about the country’s rivers, about its mountains and about the peoples who live in these mountains. They want to learn about their daily lives and sometimes want to take part in their daily lives. They want to experience the sounds, the sights, the smells and the touch.

This is particularly true of YOU, our travelers. We also know that for most people the vacation days are limited and the anticipation is unlimited. When a family’s trip nowadays could easily cost as much as a luxury car or a down payment on a house we see it as our moral duty to maximize such an investment. Private Travel Programs with us is designed after much discussions and consultations with you... keeping everything in perspective and in mind. The time of the year you are travelling, the period for which you are travelling, your budget, your previous travel experience and your needs - physical, mental and emotional. In addition, we want you to return from each of your trips with more knowledge, more experience and more memorable stories to tell. Fortified with your recently learnt knowledge, experience and memories, you are ready for your next. As you can see, knowledge plays an important role in our planning. We need to know a lot to plan a lot. And we do know a lot. Our programs are specially designed to provide you with a lot more. Each of our individual programs is specifically designed to match your expectations and in most cases, to exceed them. A debriefing after each travel is an important tool we have for our own learning process to keep us updated with the dynamic changes that take place in the regions and the places you visit. Sometimes we make small tweaks and sometimes major changes are made. Sometimes we add a few things and sometimes we get rid of some things that are no longer there or do not serve our (or your) purposes. Constant and continuous updates from our local representatives from all parts of the globe keep us abreast of all the changes - or at least the major changes or the changes that makes the difference - changes that are taking place that affect our planning and operation of our tour programs. In addition, our local representatives in each place are very experienced, astute, judicious and flexible in handling any kind of situation that evolves or comes about.

So, how do we really, REALLY do it ?
By not selling you a tour. Not a conventional tour. But by creating a worthwhile experience for you. By not selling you a tour reference number, but by creating one unique product for you. By not just using our years of knowledge and experience, but by incorporating this knowledge and intelligence with the current and latest changes taking place throughout the regions and lastly – and most important of all – by being very selective – for you. At the end it is an unique experience we are creating and selling. It is not so much a tour really. We are not content by merely satisfying you. We want to convert you into “raving fans” of our legendary service. And how do we do it ? In short, by being discerning, discriminating and distinguishing. Take for example:

=> ACCOMMODATIONS: A major component of a travel program
Keeping your needs, tastes and interests in mind, we very carefully select places where you will be staying. We are not indiscriminate in selecting these. While selecting accommodations, we always have something in the back of our minds. You. How does using any particular type of accommodations enhance your experience ? Does it add to your knowledge and your experience ? Does it arouse your sensation and leave a lasting impression ? In other words, does it stir a traveller’s emotions ? As such, we always keep these in our minds while selecting each and every accommodation in each city and destination. Of course we use regular hotels, inns, villas, and lodges but only when and where it makes sense. Otherwise depending upon where you are and to allow for an unique experience we use Palaces, Castles and Lighthouses. We use Farmhouses, Forts, Yurts, Bungalows, Havelis, Wharfs, Private homes, Hunting Lodges, Monasteries and Houseboats. Sometimes you will climb up Stilt-homes or shack up in Mud-houses. At other times an Ice-hotel or a Tree-house will have to do. Occasionally, Caves, Ryokans, Yogwans and Mountain Huts will be your home for the night and sometimes places that don’t even have any names ! Normally, we will use accommodations that will allow the occupants to take part in the history of the place or the region... sometimes we will use it because of its local character and atmosphere.... sometimes we will use it because of “where else?” and sometimes we will use it because of the experience and the fun of it ! No matter what we decide to use, a lot of thought and reasons go behind the decision.

=> MODES OF TRANSPORTATION: The second most important component of travel
Notice we did not say vehicles or cars – that is because it is not what we normally prefer to use. How you travel from place to place is just as important as where you stay. To us it is just as important to figure out how you arrive at the place as where you are staying. Of course, there is always the easy way out and travel like “everybody” does. But IF there are alternatives at all we study those options and utilize them. Options such as camelbacks, horses, donkeys, yaks, elephants, llamas, alpacas, steam ships and steam locomotives. At other times we may use trams, Maglev Trains, cable cars, ferries, trains, barges, coracles, rickshaws; sometimes dugout boat or an ox-cart or even walking – what ever makes the most sense or lends itself to the prevailing situation. Sometimes, we even discover our own options. And of course, we do use regular vehicles: cars or vans – when it makes sense. Sometimes, it is also a question of whether you should arrive by surface or by a river...or even by a flight. All considerations are taken into account. BUT always, we are thinking about the most ideal.... the best, the most fitting mode and the most appropriate method of travel. We don’t just settle for the easiest way out...

=> ESCORTS / GUIDES: An important conduit to your experience
We know the importance of connecting the guests with the hosts and nothing is more important here than your local escorts and guides in all places. This is yet another way we try to enhance your experience and visit to a destination. Your escort will be your familiar friend in an unfamiliar land. Whenever possible, we hire escorts that do more than just take you around... They interact... they socialize....they are your windows to your newfound lands. All you have to do is open the window and experience the delight. They will not only make sure that you are met properly and at the right times and at the right places – be it an airport, a pier, a railway station or a wayside border crossing – but they will make sure that you have the appropriate accommodations. They will not only help you shop for the best deals, but they will answer all your questions such as “why do people honk?” or “how come the cows are sitting in the middle of traffic?” and everything else that you can think of. They will help you assimilate local cultures and appreciate the local traditions.... They will help you interact with the local peoples.... they take up this job not so much to earn a living but more so because they like it and they want to share their own little “world” with you. They will be your friend sharing their home town with you.

=> SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES: The nitty-gritty of daily activities & experience
One word sums this up: individualization. Everyone visiting Northern India travels to the Taj Mahal just like anyone visiting Northern China goes to the Great Wall. But it is beyond these “must sees” where our special attention comes into play. We individualize each activity to suit your taste, your interests, your curiosities and your avocation. Our programs are designed to make your wishes come true! We find out what interests you and what doesn’t. We find out your likes and dislikes. Your preference as to what you would like to see and what you would like to eat or drink. We like to know these before you depart so that we can tailor your activities and explorations accordingly. Knowing, meeting and surpassing your such needs are our priority. It is such attention to personal details that make our Private Tour Programs preferable to others... We not only offer extra benefits over and above other operators... Travel Interlink offers a superior product. A product that is geared towards your needs, your wants and your desires. A service that is top level and a host of staff and representatives that are eager to provide you with the best.

=> INTERACTION WITH THE LOCALS: exchange of ideas; gain knowledge & experience
A very important component for any memorable experience. After your return from your travels, you may lose sight of where you stayed or what you ate... but one thing that you will never forget will be the knowledge gained and the experience earned on your travels. On our Travel Program, we make it a point that you are able to act and interact with the local peoples.... their traditions.... learn about their culture and taste their food. Our representatives are constantly involved both emotionally and practically and will allow for as much (or as little) of these interactions and interplays. They know how important these engagements and participations are or can be. If there are any opportunities for any cultural, tribal or ethnic exposure, they will make sure to take advantage of it. If there is a possibility for an unique or an unusual education they will make sure that it happens. They know that these are the “happenings” that you will cherish for ever. These are the basic essentials of travel that many travel planners have forgotten. But not us. Not only we have not forgotten these, but we go out of our way to make sure that you are exposed to such events and knowledge for an everlasting experience. And it is through such experiences that we help you understand why sometimes in the poorest of the poor countries, more often than not, the local people do not have the all inspiring American dream, but their own Congolese dream or Bolivian dream !

=> MEALS / FOOD: Much more than just sustenance
Agreeing with all the experts that breakfast is the most important meal of the day we include daily breakfasts during our programs. This is so that it takes care of the important morning chore, so to speak. This allows for a good outing usually for the day without worrying about sustenance. But even here most of the times, we try to make sure that you have a choice of some local breakfasts items – other than just the regular toast, eggs and jams. Sometimes we include lunches if it makes logistic sense to include that because of a long day excursion, etc. Our escorts and guides are trained to match local delicacies and local cuisine with your taste. However, in case you do have some restrictions on your meals we also take care of that as well. It is one of those queries we make sure about when holding a discussion and an “interview” with you. Regarding dinners: many a time we will include a typical dinner accompanied by a local cultural show or an traditional event.... we also make sure that you have an opportunity to, at least, taste some local food, some local wine and even some local delicacies.

=> SUSTAINABILITY & ECO-TOURISM: Last but not least
You may have noticed that our philosophy dwells in the “glories of travels” in the past. This does not mean we are stuck in the past.... we value the need to protect and conserve what we have. We know that without the protection of today, there will not be much of tomorrow. We know only too well the value of “the goose that lays the golden eggs.” As such we treat our nature with nurture. We do what we can of our share to contribute towards this. We feel that to take care of the environment today is the most responsible and economically feasible way to ensure the future. As such and keeping this thought foremost in our minds we have enumerated a few points that we consider when constructing our special tour programs. Some of these are outlined here for your benefit... in short “how to travel thoughfully.” Of course we try to update and add / adjust some or many of these pointers and we are open to all suggestions and comments that come our way:

When creating our special tour programs, we:
=> Consider that our activities create income & employment for the local people
=> Realize that it minimizes the potential negative tourism impacts
=> Involve members of local communities in running lodges or transportation
=> Conserve natural & cultural heritage while providing meaningful experiences to you
=> Help people with physical disabilities brought on by wars or political conflicts
=> Build respect between travellers and the hosts
=> Trek, hike or camp responsibly with the local people or hilltribes
=> Buy and encourage handicrafts that keep traditions alive
=> Eat in restaurants that employ former street kids or people with disabilities
=> Stay in accommodations that respect local communities and whose profits go mostly or exclusively to the local peoples
=> Make use of local transportation to generate income and employment to the locals
=> Where ever and when ever possible support the use of “green” hotels

=> COSTS: In case you are wondering
Depends upon what you do and what we do.  But in short, (and in most cases)  most of our highly customized Private Travel Programs cost the same as you would pay for a mass-produced "McDonaldized" Group tour with a reputable national company — a company  with a plethora of fabulous destination brochures.  In many cases our Private Travel Programs cost even less. And how do we do that?  We contract with the right people to offer us the best and the most favourable deals.  And then we stick with these people for years or even decades. BUT more importantly, we endeavor to operate our tours more intelligently,  more efficiently and more deftly than others, we tend to have a much lower markup than others, and we consistently keep our operating costs down.

And finally,

=> BY NOT ADVERTISING: Really
Finally, at a time when we are pelted with millions of advertising messages from Television, Radio, Billboards, Direct mail, Flyers, Newspaper, Spam, Emails, text-messaging and numerous other forms of media, nothing is as good as the “tried and true” method: word of mouth. And the basis for such practice is consistently high quality service and satisfaction. It is not sufficient to create stellar products. We constantly strive to deliver the best – consistently and loyally – each time. Time after time. Rather than spend thousands on public relations and advertisements, we choose to spend our resources, our time, and our efforts in building and delivering better products that others can only dream of. We spend that extra bit of dollars in making sure that things are working well. That the operation of the tour program is going without any blemish even during holidays and government closures; through celebrations and festivities. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 99% of the time we manage to create and deliver flawless memorable experiences – it’s that 1% that keeps us awake and keeps us going! Our best advertising is to provide for the best services one can only imagine. No wonder we do not advertise. 100 % of our business is repeat clients and referrals... We think there is a good reason for this. We know that the best advertising comes from you. Spread the word around and THANK YOU.

=> STILL, ONE LAST POINT: really this is the last
Your advise, your suggestions and your guidance. We cannot and would not have achieved what we have without the valuable, essential and indispensable inputs from each and everyone of you. Over the years.. Over the decades... So PLEASE keep them coming. Call us, write to us, drop us a postcard, email us or hit us over the head with suggestions. We anxiously look forward to them.... for that is what makes us what we are. We constantly strive to better ourselves. All the time.

And that’s why we are so different.