Tours around town in Eid holydays

With Ramadan and Eid holidays here, it is the perfect time to let out the travel bug in us. While some prefer the thrill of new countries, exotic food and a different culture, there is a lot to see and experience in Bangladesh, reports daily star.

For those out there who would love to travel the country but don’t know where to start, travel and tourism companies come in handy. Here’s a short list of agencies that organise packaged trips around the country and abroad from the very common Cox’s Bazaar to Sri Lankan shores.

Eid signals more than gorging on rich food and dressing in your latest threads. The biggest Muslim festival also means bonuses from employers and discounts from retailers; together they sum up to money spending time. Add the holiday element and you have the makings of an excellent vacation. Thus, to prepare you for it, Lifestyle went around and got the down-low on the best deals around town, keeping a limit of Tk.50,000 in mind. But here and there, we were swayed to go beyond our budget. But what harm can that do? After all, its Eid, isn’t it?

For those with a budget not exceeding Tk.50,000 per person, Prime Tourism has a number of deals that are currently being offered. For Tk.33,900, you can avail a three nights and four days trip to Paro and Thimpu, staying in a 2-star hotel. For a bit more, you can easily get a 3-star hotel. The cost includes return air tickets, breakfast, lunch, dinner, airport-hotel-airport transfer fees and sightseeing costs. Prime Tourism will also help with the visa application, if required. A trip to Kathmandu, Nepal for two nights and three days costs Tk.25,900 to 29,000 depending on the selection of a 2-star hotel or a 3-star hotel. This package also includes dinner, guide service and sight-seeing along with those listed above. For those seeking more tranquility than usual, a trip to the ancient Himalayan capital of Leh is surely in order. A two person trip, inclusive of all that’s mentioned, would set you back Tk.26,900 with the cost per person falling with the addition of more people. Finally, there is the five nights, six days package for Maldives and Sri Lanka, which costs Tk.54,900, inclusive of the services listed above. Prime Tourism is located at Motaleb Mansion, Room # 506, Floor # 4 , 2, R. K. Mission Road, Dhaka-1203 and they can be reached at 01971810631.

Travel2For those with a thirst for adventure on a budget, if you are willing to sacrifice a few minor details BD Tours has just what you need. BD Tours manages to reduce costs greatly and make the most frugal of travellers appreciate the thrill of travelling. A two nights, three days package trip to Kathmandu costs Tk.26,499 and Tk.15,999 for trips of the same duration to Shillong and Darjeeling, although the journey is made by road. A two-night three-day trip to Kuala Lampur would set one back Tk.48,999. For more information, visit BDTour’s website.  Traveler’s Club also has an offer for Nepal, which is a three-days and two-night trip, with food and lodging at the 3-star Osho Inn costing around Tk.26,500. Traveler’s club can be reached at 01841676706. For packages with even more attractions than just food and lodging, try Sky Bird Travel Agent. Their Nepal package, which costs Tk.25,000 includes palm readings, shopping discount cards and casino facilities. A four-night, five-day trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara would cost around Tk.44,000.

When traveling, always remember to do your research before choosing your package of preference. Find out about the accommodations, read reviews, compare carefully and finally make up your mind. Find out all the traveling requirements and keep a checklist. Finally, ensure you have your travel agent’s number at which he can be reached during emergencies. This can be very important at times. In the end, remember to have a great trip and do enough to make great memories within the short span of time Eid provides.