Scramble over rock fortresses, and be amazed at rock paintings centuries old in this experience of a lifetime. Be moved by the elephant orphanage and completely in awe on a game drive through Uda Walawe National Park, where you may see leopards, elephants and crocodiles before returning to the urban jungle of Colombo. Sri Lanka Experience Classic 2009 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia Sri Lanka Colombo Colombo Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 8 3 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/srilanka/ph_sri_lanka_gal_vihare_reclining_buddha.jpg Arrive in Colombo at any time. Drive through some spectacular scenery and beautiful villages, arriving in Sigiriya, a small town dwarfed by the magnificent Rock Fortress. Sri Lanka's first capital and a potent symbol of Sinhalese power, Anuradhapura is the most extensive and important of Sri Lanka's ancient cities. Examine the world's biggest area of wall paintings at nearby Dambulla Rock Temple. Start the morning with a climb up the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress before exploring the graceful granite Buddhas of Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa. Get up close with the elephants at the orphanage centre in Pinnawala. Continue on to Kandy, the ‘capital’ of the hill country, a relaxing lakeside town surrounded by hills and tea plantations. Enjoy a game drive through Uda Walawe National Park where you may catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, slots, and mongoose in their natural habitat. Stop at the once busy colonial port town of Galle, dominated by the Dutch Fort. Arrive in Colombo at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the evening you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice board to see what time and where the group meeting will be held. After breakfast, 4.5 hour drive takes us to Sigiriya.
In the afternoon, take a walk around the town admiring the views of the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Wander around the old fortress viewing the moat, ramparts, and water gardens. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya which are sheltered in a pocket of rock. Take a full day excursion to Dambulla and Annuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's most extensive and important ancient city. It was ruled by Sinhalese kings for over 1000 years rising in prominence and greatness as it fell to different invading armies over time. These ruins are now classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Bike through the ancient city, starting at the Bo Tree, a reminder of the Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage. The ruins are situated in a vast woodland setting, dotted with parks and ponds. Take the time to visit some of the museums situated in the area with interesting exhibits on the history of the Anuradhapura or go to Mihintale, where Buddhism in Sri Lanka first sprouted.
In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, home to some 150 Buddga images, the largest area of wall paintings in the world. Also a UNESCO Heritage site, this is certainly the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples.
Return to Sigiriya in the evening. Wake early on Day 4 to climb the steep steps of Sigiriya fortress and procterate, situated on top of a high 200m high rock mass. Enjoy a fantstic sunrise and tour of the fortress including the famous 5th century frescoes. The water gardens surrounding the fortress have recently been restored to their original look and are a definite highlight.

Travel to Polonnaruwa, which is the ancient capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty, created after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are in a much smaller area and are in better repair than those at Anuradhapura.

Wander through the 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa, visiting stunning palaces, holy temples and graceful stupas. The highlight, though, is the massive stone Buddhas - including the 14m high reclining Buddha which has become a Sri Lankan landmark and represents the pinaccle of Sinhalese rock carving. Visit museums describing the cultural, artistic and historical significance of the area.

Return to Sigiriya in the evening. Set out to the elephant orphanage centre in Pinnawala. The orphanage is home to over 60 elephants that have been found abandoned in the wild. Get their early in the morning to see the baby elephants nursing bottles during feeding time.

The second-largest city in Sri Lanka, Kandy has taken the mantle as the culture capital. Situated 500m-high, the city is surrounded by lush green countryside and rolling hills. Home to old shops, a bustling market and a beautiful, picturesque lake, Kandy is a site to behold. Visit the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) and, hopefully, experience drum circles and chants from pilgrims dressed in white. The National Museum and Botanical Gardens are said to be some of the best in Asia.

At night, watch a performance by the Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers. Enjoy a game drive through Uda Walawe National Park where you may catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, slots, and mongoose in their natural habitat. The old colonial port town of Galle is home to an impressive Dutch Fort, containing extensive walls and interesting historic old buildings. Take a walk around the forts before nestling up in the ramparts to enjoy the view. This port has been used by the Portuguese, Dutch and British making for an interesting amalgamation of architectural and cultural styles.
On the morning of day 8 we return to Colombo. You are free to depart at any time on day 8, but we recommend that you make your flight bookings for the afternoon in case of any delays upon return to Colombo. 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD 989 959 599 489 1279 899 769 1149 239.00 219.00 139.00 109.00 289.00 199.00 139.00 199.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Hotels/Simple Guesthouses (7 nts). Brief Highlights Colombo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, Kandy, Uda Walawe National Park, Galle Fort Brochure Notes This tour ends in Colombo on day 8 around midday. You may want to arrange additional accommodation. Departure Departs on selected Sundays, year round DepEnd Sun-Sun Group Leader Tour Leader, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights Cultural Triangle Ticket (sites in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy), Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy Tooth Temple, Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, Kandy dancers. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD120 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals are included. Min Pax 6 StartFinish ex Colombo Transport Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, bicycle. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Scramble over rock fortresses, and be amazed at rock paintings centuries old in this experience of a lifetime. Be moved by the elephant orphanage and completely in awe on a game drive through Uda Walawe National Park, where you may see leopards, elephants and crocodiles before returning to the urban jungle of Colombo. Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle
Ear plugs for light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Scramble over rock fortresses, and be amazed at rock paintings centuries old in this experience of a lifetime. Be moved by the elephant orphanage and completely in awe on a game drive through Uda Walawe National Park, where you may see leopards, elephants and crocodiles before returning to the urban jungle of Colombo. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our South Asia Manager. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office (Bangkok)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT +7).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +66-2-661-4845 (during office hours)

South Asia Manager Emergency Mobile: +91 99 1087 5574 - Julie (Delhi, India)

Asia Operations Manager Mobile: +66-879 118 802 - Gabe (Thailand)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: +1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Grand Oriental Hotel - colonial
2, York Street
Colombo 01

Tel: 011 2320391 - 3
Fax: 011 2447640
Web: www.grandorientalhotel.com

Joining Instructions When arriving at Bandaranaike Intl Airport you will need to get a taxi to take you to the hotel as public buses are not available. The airport is 30 km outside of Colombo and the drive should take between 45-50 minutes depending on the time of day. Taxis are available outside of the arrival hall and are cheap safe and easy. The fare for the journey will be between 700-800 Rupees. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a G.A.P Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of September 2008 the exchange rate for SRI LANKA was 1 USD = 107.87 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities We suggest you bring along USD50 for additional sightseeing. Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas Please note that visas for Sri Lanka are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G.A.P Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.