Lufthansa Service: PDX - FRA

Many of you have inquired about Lufthansa's nonstop service from PDX - FRA. Sadly, this route is being suspended as of September. Additionally, the NW/Delta nonstop from PDX - AMS will be cut back to a limited number of flights per week. We are hoping that Lufthansa will resume the service in Spring 2010 to serve our PDX clients!

Bhutan: The Royal Kingdom

Bhutan has recently reopened its borders to international visitors. The country is truly a splendid wonder and untouched by Western influences. Even the most privileged travelers consider Bhutan a special destination - and now we invite you to visit this hidden jewel in the Himalayas.

Our customized Bhutan tours can be coordinated by flight from Delhi, Kolkota, and Nepal, or by surface from Darjeeling/Sikkim. The best part: Sodha Travel can process your visa application! Required information is sent to us 6 weeks before departure, along with a payment of $30 USD (amount subject to change). We will email you a copy of the visa approval once received from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Please contact us with any additional questions about this enchanting country, and we look forward to coordinating your Bhutanese experience!

Tripology

To all of our clients from Tripology: thank you for trusting us with planning your Indian (and Nepali!) experience.

Tripology is an online site that connects travelers to global travel experts. Sodha Travel, being one of the only travel companies in the United States that specializes in India and Nepal, has been fortunate to connect with wonderfully diverse people planning a trip abroad. We love meeting so many fascinating people from around the world who will be traveling to the Indian subcontinent.

I also recommend Tripology for those of you planning a trip to an unfamiliar destination. My cousin recently decided on Belize as her next vacation destination. She asked me, "Who can you recommend that knows Belize?" My response? "Tripology!" It is a terrific resource for all travelers - and best of all, it's free! Visit: www.tripology.com

Golden Experience Tour: 8 Days for $1699 Including Airfare!

At the request of clients, friends and family, we have established two dates this fall for an 8 day, all-inclusive group tour to India's Golden Triangle: Delhi, the capital and illustration of heritage; Agra, the home of the majestic Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan.

This tour includes non-stop airfare from JFK - Delhi, superior hotel accommodations with daily buffet breakfast, comprehensive touring with an experienced guide, entrance fees, ground transfers and transportation, a farewell dinner and more for $1699 per person, double occupancy.

For similar tour packages, many companies advertise a lower price and charge additional fees for optional tours, airline taxes and more. Our Golden Experience package is truly all-inclusive - with no hidden fees! Also included: the experience and support of Sodha Travel, whose passion for India results in a lifetime of memories for our clients.

For more information, please visit: www.sodhatravel.com/itin-goldenexperienceGroup.html

New Regulations Regarding Passenger Names on Airline Tickets

Here’s a new rule that you should know about. Middle names that are included on passports and drivers' licenses will soon have to be reflected on the passenger's ticket when they fly within the US, and by December if they fly overseas.

The requirement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is supposed to make it easier for travelers, airlines and the TSA to avoid ID hassles at airports. Because the master lists of questionable travelers are apparently in full-name format, the TSA wants to make sure that travel documents conform to its lists. The requirement was supposed to take effect May 15 for domestic travel, but has been pushed back a month or so. The new rule apparently stipulates that passengers must travel under their name as it appears on the ID utilized to board their flight. That typically means a passport or a driver's license domestically, and a passport or "enhanced" driver's license internationally. Under the new rule, when making flight reservations, each airline is supposed to obtain the full name of the passenger and pass it along to the TSA. The ticket and/or boarding pass should exactly match the identification used. The TSA has announced that it will be lenient in case of small differences.

An Emotional Return

We recently returned home after visiting friends and family in Delhi. As always, it took us about 7-10 days to readjust to the life and energy of the Western world.

We are often contacted by clients after their return home from India and Nepal, asking us if it is normal to feel so emotionally jolted. They feel "transformed" or "rejuvenated" or even "melancholy" - all associated with what we term the Indian Energy. It is a common sentiment that India changes people. I once wrote an article for Little India magazine titled It Was Only Meant As A Vacation: How India Sends Tourists On An Unexpected Journey Of Self-Discovery. In it, I questioned the source of this shift: "So what ultimately causes this change? Coincidence? Divine Intervention? Karma? Wisdom? Destiny? I like to think it is an entity that encapsulates every possibility: Mother India. She penetrates the spirit with simplicity and realism. Then again, perhaps I should refrain from labeling the phenomenon and just cherish its mystery. Defining its essence may damage the true nature of its existence."

Yes, even we feel differently after each time returning home from the Indian Subcontinent. It never ceases to amaze us how each of you have a powerful story or experience from your Indian journey and we appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. After all, this is why we do what we do - it gives us joy to coordinate travel to a place that creates more than memories.

Out of Office: April 25 - May 11

We will be in India from April 25 and will return to the office on May 11. During this time, we will be unavailable via phone but will remain on email to serve you. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you!

The Indian Rail System

In March, we had many clients comment on the Indian rail system. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to remind our clients about the reality of taking an overnight train in India.

The train stations in India, particularly in large cities, are quite complex and can be very overwhelming. We highly recommend using a transfer representative when applicable, as they can safely navigate entering/exiting the station. Please also keep a safe watch of your valuables. When we do hear of theft, it mainly occurs in or around train stations.

Contrary to what you may hear, taking an overnight train in India is NOT similar to European rail travel. (This refers to standard train travel, not luxury rail journeys including Palace on Wheels.) Although Indian train travel is very reliable, we only recommend it for certain travelers. If you are particularly discerning, train travel can be a sensory overload. Also, many clients request a 1st class compartment, which is private. Please be aware that many trains do not offer 1st class, and those who reserve private compartments are usually disappointed with the aesthetics.

Train travel in India can be a wonderful experience, but we want our clients to have realistic expectations. We are here to answer any questions before you decide to reserve an overnight train. Safety is our number one priority, but we want you to enjoy your Indian experience.

NEW: Delhi Airport Development Fee

This is to update you that the Government has approved on 9th Feb 09 the levy of Airport Development Fee (ADF) by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to charge Rs. 200 for each domestic passenger departing from Delhi and Rs. 1300 for each international passenger (including KTM & Paro), with effect from 1st March for the next three years.

This airport development fee (ADF) is ostensibly being levied to make good the revenue shortfall of Rs 1,827 crore that DIAL is facing in these slowdown times to execute the Rs 8,975-crore project. This is the first instance in India of users part-funding an upcoming airport.

Payment must be made in INR - no USD will be accepted - and the payment is per person, including children and infants. It will be collected at time of departure from the domestic or international airport, respectably.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Happy New Year!

Wishing you peace, love and joy in 2009.

Happy New Year and Happy Travels!

The Sodha Travel Family