What's Inside a Holiday Travel Package from Bangladesh

What’s Actually Inside a Holiday Travel Package from Bangladesh?

You see the ads everywhere on Facebook and in newspapers: “Amazing Nepal Trip!” “Cheap Dubai Tour!” The prices look great, but it is hard to know what you are really getting for your money. It is easy to feel confused and worry about hidden costs.

Let’s simplify this. Think about buying a tour package like unboxing a new phone. You deserve to know exactly what is inside the box before you pay. As a travel industry insider, my goal is to help you “unbox” a standard holiday package. This simple guide breaks down every component, so you can book your next trip with 100% confidence.

First, What Does “Standard Package” Usually Mean?

Before we open the box, let’s understand the type of product we are looking at. A “standard package” is usually a pre-arranged group tour. This means the price is for a budget-to-mid-range trip where you will travel with other people on a fixed schedule.

This is different from a “custom” or “private” package. Those are more expensive and designed just for you. This guide focuses on the common “standard package” that most people see advertised.

The Anatomy of a Holiday Package: The 7 Core Components

Here is a simple, piece-by-piece breakdown of what is inside a standard holiday package.

1. Airfare (The Flights)

This is the foundation of an international package. The price includes your plane ticket to the destination and your ticket back home.

  • What to Check:
    • The Airline: Is it a budget airline or a full-service one? This affects comfort and in-flight meals.
    • Layovers: Is the flight direct? If not, ask how many hours you must wait between flights.
    • Baggage: How many kilograms of luggage can you check in for free?

2. Accommodation (The Hotels)

The package includes your hotel stay for the specified number of nights.

  • Jargon Explained: “Twin-Sharing Basis” means you share one room with one other person. The room will have two separate beds.
  • What to Check:
    • Hotel Stars: A 3-star hotel is a clean, comfortable place to sleep, but it likely will not have a pool or gym. Ask for the exact hotel names and search for them on Google Maps.
    • Location: Check if the hotel is in the city center or far away from the main attractions.

3. Ground Transport (Getting Around)

This covers your travel from the airport to the hotel and for the included tours.

  • Jargon Explained: “Seat-in-Coach (SIC)” means you will share a bus or van with other tourists. It is not a private car.
  • What to Check: Ask if the vehicle is air-conditioned. Remember, on a group tour, the transport follows a fixed schedule.

4. Meals (The Food Plan)

Packages define your included meals very specifically.

  • Jargon Explained:
    • Breakfast: Almost always included.
    • Half-Board: Breakfast + one other meal (usually dinner).
    • Full-Board: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
  • What to Check:
    • Crucial Rule: Remember, drinks are almost never included, not even water with meals. You must pay for all drinks separately.

5. Sightseeing (The Activities)

The package includes a fixed schedule of tours on specific days.

  • Jargon Explained: “Optional Tours” are extra activities offered by the guide. These are NOT included in your package price. You must pay extra to join them.
  • What to Check: Do the included activities seem interesting to you? Does the schedule look too rushed?

6. A Guide or Coordinator

Your package will include the service of a guide.

  • Who to Expect:
    • Local Guide: This is the most common. A guide from the destination country will meet your group there.
    • Tour Leader: Less common for standard tours. This is someone from the agency in Bangladesh who travels with the group from start to finish.
  • What to Check: Ask which language the tour will be in.

7. Visa Processing (The Paperwork)

The travel agency will help you with your visa application.

  • Jargon Explained: You must understand this difference:
    • Visa Processing Assistance: This is the agency’s service for helping you prepare your documents. This service is usually included in the package price.
    • Visa Fee: This is the official fee the embassy charges for the visa itself.
  • What to Check:
    • Crucial Rule: The package price does NOT include the official embassy visa fee. You must pay this separately.

The “Hidden” Costs: What Is Almost NEVER Included?

Be prepared for these extra costs. They are almost never part of the advertised package price.

  • The Embassy’s Visa Fee: The official government charge for the visa.
  • Travel Insurance: This is often required for a visa but sold separately.
  • Lunch and Dinner: Unless your package is specifically “half-board” or “full-board.”
  • Entrance Fees: Tickets for some parks, museums, or special shows may not be included. Always ask.
  • Tips: You will often be expected to tip your local guide and driver at the end of the tour.
  • Personal Expenses: Anything you buy, like souvenirs, snacks, laundry, or phone calls.

Reading the Fine Print: A Real-World Example

Let’s look at a typical ad and see how you can analyze it.

The Ad: “Amazing 4-Night Bangkok & Pattaya Tour – Only BDT 45,000! Includes Return Airfare, 3-Star Hotels with Breakfast, Airport Transfers, and Coral Island Tour. Visa Assistance Provided.”

Your Smart Questions:

  • “You mention ‘Return Airfare.’ So, which airline is it and what are the layover times?
  • “The ad says ‘3-Star Hotels.’ So, what are the exact names of these hotels?
  • “It says ‘with Breakfast.’ So, I need to pay for my own lunch and dinner every day, correct?
  • “It includes a ‘Coral Island Tour.’ So, is the island’s entrance fee also included in the price?
  • “The ad says ‘Visa Assistance Provided.’ So, what is the separate, official visa fee from the Thai embassy that I have to pay?

Clearing the Confusion: Your Top Questions Answered

  • Q1: What does ‘twin-sharing’ mean if I am traveling alone?
    • The agency will have you share a room with another solo traveler of the same gender. If you want a private room, you must pay an extra fee called a “Single Supplement.”
  • Q2: Can I negotiate the price of a package tour?
    • For standard group tours, the price is almost always fixed. You can politely ask, but do not expect a discount.
  • Q3: What exactly is a ‘Seat-in-Coach’ or ‘SIC’ transfer?
    • It is a shared bus or van. It picks up different passengers from the airport and drops them at their hotels. It is cheaper but might involve some waiting.
  • Q4: What happens if I miss a scheduled tour?
    • If you are late and miss a tour or transfer, you will not get a refund. You will have to pay for your own transport to rejoin the group.
  • Q5: Can I change the itinerary of a standard package?
    • No. Standard group tours have a fixed schedule that cannot be changed for one person. For a flexible trip, you need to book a “private tour.”

Your Smart Buyer’s Checklist: Final Check Before You Book

Use this list when you talk to a travel agent. Get clear answers before you pay.

  • [ ] Flights: Have I confirmed the airline, layovers, and baggage allowance?
  • [ ] Hotels: Have I checked the specific hotel names and recent reviews online?
  • [ ] Meals: Do I know exactly which meals are included each day?
  • [ ] All Costs: Do I have a final price in writing that includes the visa fee, taxes, and all other charges?
  • [ ] In Writing: Do I have the complete itinerary and all inclusions confirmed in an email or on paper?

Leave a Reply