Posts
We would like to thank those who took the time to submit their travel stories for our call-out. We read through some unbelievable moments - some funny, some compelling, some heartbreaking - but all demonstrated how an unexpected experience can change the way we view the world.
Traveling is a multifaceted relationship: a relationship with other people, a relationship with other cultures, and ultimately a relationship with ourselves. If we allow the experience to transpire - if we are open to the connection - travel provides an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with our own spirit.
We are now in the final phases of publishing and will keep you posted on the details.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
3rd Annual SAWERA Fundraiser
SAWERA, the South Asian Women's Empowerment and Resource Alliance, is an Oregon-based non-profit that provides free, confidential, and culturally sensitive services to South Asian women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. We invite you to attend the 3rd Annual Fundraiser at the beautiful Benson Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon. The last two years have been an overwhelming success in raising money for our programs that directly benefit the women and children. Thank you for your support!
October 3, 2009
7pm - midnight
Benson Hotel
Formal Indian Dinner, Music, Dancing, and Auction
21 and Over
Tickets are $65/person and available online
We hope you can join us in supporting SAWERA's mission: to support and empower the South Asian community experiencing domestic violence in Oregon.
October 3, 2009
7pm - midnight
Benson Hotel
Formal Indian Dinner, Music, Dancing, and Auction
21 and Over
Tickets are $65/person and available online
We hope you can join us in supporting SAWERA's mission: to support and empower the South Asian community experiencing domestic violence in Oregon.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Happy Independence Day!
On August 15, India celebrates it's 62nd Independence Day! For those of you in the Portland/Seattle area, I encourage you to attend India Day on August 16.
India Day
Pioneer Square
Portland, Oregon
11am - 9pm
Free Admission!
Food, music, dance, and entertainment in celebration of India's heritage.
I will be volunteering at the SAWERA booth until 12pm. SAWERA is an Oregon based non-profit that provides free, confidential and culturally sensitive services to South Asian women and children who are the victims of domestic violence.
Come by and say hello!
India Day
Pioneer Square
Portland, Oregon
11am - 9pm
Free Admission!
Food, music, dance, and entertainment in celebration of India's heritage.
I will be volunteering at the SAWERA booth until 12pm. SAWERA is an Oregon based non-profit that provides free, confidential and culturally sensitive services to South Asian women and children who are the victims of domestic violence.
Come by and say hello!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Featured Tour: Taste of India
"Indian food contains spices so colorful, so flavorful, that your mouth competes with your eyes."We invite you to explore India's history and traditions through the art of food. Our Taste of India tour is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers. The opportunity to fuse Indian culture and cuisine is enticing - especially at such an affordable price!
9 days/9 nights
Mumbai - Cochin - Bangalore - Hyderabad - Delhi
Savor India's culinary heritage on a journey from South to North. Each city presents an exceptionally diverse taste and preparation of regional dishes:
Mumbai: Konkoni
Cochin: Ayurvedic
Bangalore: Coorgi
Hyderabad: Biryani
Delhi: Kashmiri and Mughlai
Each tour includes superior hotel accommodations, airfare and transportation within India, guided excursions with entrance fees, breakfast and dinner daily, culinary lectures and demonstrations from local experts, airport transfers, and more.
Please click here for more information.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Why should I use a travel agent?
There are many myths that circulate about travel agents:
"Travel agents really don't know as much as the average consumer."
"Travel agents won't offer as many options because they only have contracts with particular vendors."
And the most popular:
"If you use a travel agent, you will pay so much more. It is a waste of money."
With the internet housing endless options for researching and booking generalized travel, why should you use a travel agency? I believe there are many valuable reasons - for purposes of time, I have prioritized the top three, as it pertains to Sodha Travel:
1. Expertise: Online booking engines, including Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia, provide an avenue for travelers to find generalized deals. However, if you are seeking a customized itinerary, or specialized information on a particular region, the sites lack possibilities. Sodha Travel specializes in India and Nepal - it is what we know and what we love. We can provide options that are unavailable on other sites, including house visits with the locals, an Ayurvedic cooking demonstration, or a private tour of a Bharatanatyam dance academy. If there is a hotel or flight that is showing sold out online, most times we can confirm the reservations. Furthermore, we can answer your questions about train schedules, currency, vaccines, visas, restaurants, water filtration systems, and more.
2. Value: Let's be clear. There is a significant difference between "value" and "cheap." As John Peters, President and CEO of Tripology stated, "If you want cheap, then sure - hit the web and take risks... You get what you pay for." Believe it or not, many people who come to us are surprised at the affordability of using an agency. Why? We have inside connections with vendors, hotels, and operators that are unavailable on published sites. Furthermore, there is the value of time. For many, planning an itinerary in India and Nepal is a complex endeavor - some spend weeks researching and googling only to become overwhelmed by the options. We eliminate the burden of train schedules, trekking permits, and airport transfers so you can focus on what is most important: the experience itself.
3. Advocacy: Sodha Travel is here to assure you have a memorable experience. We are your advocates. If you wish to make changes to your itinerary, we explore the options. If your flight is cancelled 24 hours before departure, we step in. Does a hotel booking need to be extended, train tickets changed, and/or transfers rescheduled? Do you need to access local authorities or the nearest embassy? With associates both in the United States and India, you always have someone available to assist you. Above all else, we provide a detailed list of contact names, phone numbers, and a 24 hour emergency line throughout your trip. It is our philosophy that peace of mind is just as important as the logistics.
"Travel agents really don't know as much as the average consumer."
"Travel agents won't offer as many options because they only have contracts with particular vendors."
And the most popular:
"If you use a travel agent, you will pay so much more. It is a waste of money."
With the internet housing endless options for researching and booking generalized travel, why should you use a travel agency? I believe there are many valuable reasons - for purposes of time, I have prioritized the top three, as it pertains to Sodha Travel:
1. Expertise: Online booking engines, including Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia, provide an avenue for travelers to find generalized deals. However, if you are seeking a customized itinerary, or specialized information on a particular region, the sites lack possibilities. Sodha Travel specializes in India and Nepal - it is what we know and what we love. We can provide options that are unavailable on other sites, including house visits with the locals, an Ayurvedic cooking demonstration, or a private tour of a Bharatanatyam dance academy. If there is a hotel or flight that is showing sold out online, most times we can confirm the reservations. Furthermore, we can answer your questions about train schedules, currency, vaccines, visas, restaurants, water filtration systems, and more.
2. Value: Let's be clear. There is a significant difference between "value" and "cheap." As John Peters, President and CEO of Tripology stated, "If you want cheap, then sure - hit the web and take risks... You get what you pay for." Believe it or not, many people who come to us are surprised at the affordability of using an agency. Why? We have inside connections with vendors, hotels, and operators that are unavailable on published sites. Furthermore, there is the value of time. For many, planning an itinerary in India and Nepal is a complex endeavor - some spend weeks researching and googling only to become overwhelmed by the options. We eliminate the burden of train schedules, trekking permits, and airport transfers so you can focus on what is most important: the experience itself.
3. Advocacy: Sodha Travel is here to assure you have a memorable experience. We are your advocates. If you wish to make changes to your itinerary, we explore the options. If your flight is cancelled 24 hours before departure, we step in. Does a hotel booking need to be extended, train tickets changed, and/or transfers rescheduled? Do you need to access local authorities or the nearest embassy? With associates both in the United States and India, you always have someone available to assist you. Above all else, we provide a detailed list of contact names, phone numbers, and a 24 hour emergency line throughout your trip. It is our philosophy that peace of mind is just as important as the logistics.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)