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FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Enquiries

You can find details on all of our tours, categories, and services on the Golden Hours Travels website at https://goldenhourstravels.co.in/. For more personalised assistance, feel free to call our travel advisors at 9136727235.

We are a prominent tour operator specialising in a wide range of global destinations, from Antarctica to Alaska and Scandinavia to Serbia. We also have extensive experience showcasing India to residents, non-residents, and foreign visitors. Our diverse packages are designed to suit every traveller.

Golden Hours Travels does not book train or rail tickets. You can reserve them directly online through the official Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or any authorised rail ticket agent.

You can find the details for our corporate and sales offices in the "Contact Us" section of our website, available here: https://www.goldenhourstravels/contact-us.

The size of a group tour varies by destination, category, and vehicle type. For international tours, the group size is typically 40-50 guests, while tours within India usually have 30-40 guests.

We make every effort to stick to the original itinerary. However, unforeseen circumstances such as government regulations, airline schedules, or hotel availability can sometimes require changes. We will inform you of any modifications before the tour via SMS or phone call, or our tour manager will notify you while on the tour.

While we recommend experiencing the full tour, you can join or leave midway or book a partial tour, subject to availability. The price for these options will be adjusted accordingly. Please discuss these requirements with your Golden Hours Travels advisor at the time of booking.

Yes, you can extend your stay, subject to availability. Please note that this will incur an additional cost and may include cancellation charges. Your travel advisor will assist you with these arrangements as soon as they are confirmed.

Yes, you can modify your booking, subject to availability. Any changes will come with an additional cost and possible cancellation charges. Your Golden Hours Travels advisor will help you with the amendments once they are confirmed.

Our tour prices are net, and we do not offer additional discounts unless a specific promotional offer is actively published on our website.

Booking & Payment

Yes, you can make the full payment at the time of booking. There may be additional benefits for paying in full well in advance (e.g., 3, 6, 9, or 12 months before departure). Your Golden Hours Travels advisor will inform you of any such offers at the time of booking.

The registration amount required to book a tour varies depending on the total tour price. You can find specific details in the pricing section of your selected tour, on our website at https://www.goldenhourstravels/how-to-book, or by emailing us at info@goldenhourstravels.co.in.

Once paid, the registration amount is non-refundable, subject to our Cancellation and Refund policy.

You can make a payment to Golden Hours Travels via Cheque, Demand Draft, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or payment apps such as BHIM, PhonePe, GPay, PayTM, or any UPI ID. All payments must be made in the name of 'Golden Hours Travels OPC Private Limited'. Cash payments in INR are accepted as per the Government of India guidelines and require a PAN card. Please note that outstation cheques are not accepted.

Additionally, a non-refundable convenience fee of 1.8% of the transaction amount is charged for payments made through our payment gateway using a credit card, debit card, or net banking to cover IT infrastructure costs.

All payments made by cheque should be in the name of 'Golden Hours Travels Pvt Ltd'.

Yes, Golden Hours Travels offers gift vouchers that you can purchase for your friends and family. Please contact a Golden Hours Travels advisor for more details on how to buy them.

If you have a gift voucher issued by Golden Hours Travels as a prize or benefit, you can redeem it for a future tour, subject to the voucher's specific terms and conditions.

Yes, we provide a Leave Travel Certificate (LTC/HTC) for tours you have completed with us. Your travel advisor can issue this certificate upon your request.

For domestic tours, you will need to provide your Aadhar Card and PAN card. For international tours, a valid passport and PAN card are required.

  • For Domestic Tours: All guests should carry their air ticket, proof of insurance (if applicable), and a valid photo ID such as an Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or driver's license. Students should also carry their school or college ID card.
  • For International Tours: All guests, including children and infants, must have a machine-readable passport that is valid for at least six months (180 days) from the return date of the tour. You will also need your applicable visas, air ticket, and a copy of your travel insurance.
  • Yes, you can book a tour online at https://goldenhourstravels.co.in/ either by paying the full tour price or the registration amount. For more details, please feel free to contact us.
Flights

Generally, our tour prices include a round-trip air ticket from Mumbai. We also offer a separate "Ex-destination" price for guests who prefer to join the tour at the first destination and leave from the last, making it convenient for travellers from anywhere in India or abroad.

We partner with various airlines that are best suited for our tours. Our selection is based on factors like flight schedule, airport, baggage policy, and airfare. You will be informed of the selected airline well in advance of your tour.

For group tours, airlines are pre-selected, and individual guests do not have the option to choose. However, if you are booking an air ticket separately or opting for a customised holiday, you can select your preferred airline.

Our group tours typically include an economy-class air ticket. If you wish to upgrade to premium, business, or first class, you can do so for an additional fee, subject to availability. Please inform your travel advisor at the time of booking.

Baggage allowance for both checked and carry-on luggage varies by airline and class of travel. The exact allowance for your flight will be provided before your departure. Each airline also has a list of restricted items, which you can find on your air ticket.

Meals are generally not included on flights with Indian carriers like Akasa, Indigo, and SpiceJet, especially for domestic travel or short-haul international destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. However, all international carriers on both short and long-haul routes typically include meals.

Although we book tickets well in advance, the actual issuance usually occurs 7 to 15 days before your departure, depending on the airline. An auto-email with your ticket information is generally sent to your registered email ID once it's issued.

For group tours with a group PNR, individual web check-in is not possible. If you would like to reserve a specific seat in economy class, you can do so by paying the airline's fees 3-5 days before the tour departure. Please contact your Golden Hours Travels advisor for assistance.

Wheelchairs are available upon request at most airports worldwide. Most airlines require a medical certificate as the number of available wheelchairs is limited. Depending on the airline and airport policies, a wheelchair request may incur a fee. Please contact your Golden Hours Travels advisor to arrange for a wheelchair.

If your baggage is lost, you must fill out a complaint claim form at the airline's counter before leaving the airport. Provide your hotel or residence details to the airline so they can send your baggage directly to you if you are still on the tour.

Hotels

The type of accommodation depends on the tour or package category. We use a variety of lodging options, including hotels, resorts, houseboats, tents, camps, dormitories, hostels, cruises, trains, and coaches. The location of your accommodation is chosen based on your tour itinerary.

At the time of booking, we can provide you with a list of suggested hotels or the general type of accommodation typically used for that tour category. The confirmed list of hotels will be sent to your registered email address before the tour departure.

Rooms are generally either twin/double-bedded. An extra bed, if requested, is typically provided as a mattress on the floor.

Yes, you can upgrade your room to a suite, family room, or a room with a specific view for an additional cost, subject to availability.

As a single traveller, you can book a single-occupancy room by paying a single room supplement. Please note that single rooms may be smaller and could be located on a different floor or in a corner of the hotel.

Adjacent or interconnecting rooms can be requested and will be provided, subject to availability.

Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but this service may be either complimentary or chargeable, depending on the property. Please be aware that Wi-Fi may not be available in certain remote locations.

Hotel facilities vary by tour type and destination. Common amenities may include restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, laundry service, and Wi-Fi. It's important to note that not all facilities are complimentary. Any charges for using these amenities must be paid directly to the hotel. In remote or difficult terrains like Ladakh or Spiti Valley, accommodation will be more basic with limited facilities.

We highly recommend carrying a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with different types of electrical sockets found around the world.

In the event of lost baggage, you must complete a complaint form at the airline counter before leaving the airport. Be sure to provide your hotel or residence details to the airline so they can forward your baggage to you if you are still on tour.

Food

Meals are provided as noted in your itinerary (B for Breakfast, L for Lunch, D for Dinner). These meals are part of a pre-set menu that typically includes Indian dishes and, depending on the destination, a selection of local or international cuisine. The standard Indian meal menu, generally consists of lentils (dal), rice, flatbread (roti), two vegetable dishes, one non-vegetarian item, salad, and a dessert.

For group tours, special dietary requests can be accommodated to a limited extent if you inform us at the time of booking. It's best to carry your dry snacks, as we may not be able to fulfil all requests at every location.

If you have requested a Jain meal (without onion and garlic) at the time of booking, we can arrange it. This meal will typically be served at lunch and dinner, but may not be served before sunset. It could be served buffet-style or as table service.

We provide a basic baby meal, which generally includes milk, plain lentils, and rice. However, we recommend that you bring your regular baby food if you are travelling with very young children.

Yes, we can arrange a separate tour exclusively for your group with a customised vegetarian or Jain menu and itinerary. The tour price will be adjusted based on the number of travellers in your group.

On our Indian tours, we provide a bottle of mineral water or arrange for potable water from a nearby source. We recommend that every traveller carry an empty water bottle that can be refilled at designated spots, which your tour manager or local guide will point out. For international tours, we suggest bringing an empty water bottle to refill at hotels, restaurants, or sightseeing locations. As an extra precaution, you may also bring water purification tablets.

Road Travel on Tour

For international tours, we use air-conditioned or air-cooled luxury coaches, coasters, or smaller vehicles. For domestic tours, the vehicle type—which can be an air-conditioned, non-AC coach, tempo traveller, mini-coach, car, jeep, or taxi—depends on the specific tour, itinerary, road conditions, and the size of the group.

Seating on our coaches, buses, and tempo travellers is assigned based on the date of your booking, with priority given to guests who booked earliest. This seating arrangement begins with seat number 5, as seats 1-4 are reserved as prime seats or for the tour manager and guide. If you wish to guarantee a front seat, you can book a prime seat for an additional fee, subject to availability. For tours using small cars, seating will be rotated among guests.

On Tour

Your tour manager will be either a man or a woman. You can rest assured that all Golden Hours Travels tour managers are professional, enthusiastic, and caring. They will meet you at the first destination and stay with you throughout the tour to ensure you have a wonderful experience.

  • Technology: Mobile phone with a charger and a valid post-paid SIM card. Remember to carry your mobile battery or power bank in your hand luggage.
  • Clothing: Pack for the climate. We recommend 2-3 pairs of jeans/trousers and 4-6 tops/shirts. If travelling to a colder destination, pack thermals and a warm jacket or sweater.
  • Footwear: Bring comfortable sports shoes for daily use and a pair of slippers for relaxing.
  • Personal Hygiene: Pack a sufficient supply of face masks, hand sanitiser, hand gloves, hand wash, and other toiletries.
  • Medication: Bring any necessary medicines along with a valid prescription from your doctor.
  • Finances: Carry enough cash for personal expenses, shopping, or emergencies. You can also use an international credit/debit card or a forex card.
  • Baggage Regulations:
    • Liquids or lotions in containers up to 50ml should be placed in a transparent zip-lock pouch in your handbag.
    • Liquid or lotion bottles over 50ml must be in your checked-in luggage.
    • Items like guns, ammunition, drugs, explosives, fireworks, and sharp objects are prohibited on the aircraft.
  • Mandatory Documents:
    • Adults: Original valid photo ID (Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Driver's License, or Passport).
    • Children: Aadhar Card or Passport.
    • Infants: Birth Certificate.
  • Health Apps: Download the Aarogya Setu App on your phone.
  • COVID-19: Carry a negative RT-PCR test report from an ICMR-approved lab if required by your destination state or city.

While Golden Hours Travels includes most services and sightseeing in the tour price, you should carry sufficient funds for personal expenses, shopping, optional excursions, local food, beverages, and any additional facilities you might use. It's also wise to have extra money for any unforeseen medical emergencies. For international tours, we recommend carrying a mix of local currency, an international credit/debit card, or a forex card. ATMs are widely available in most countries for withdrawals, though a marginal fee may apply.

You are responsible for the safety of your important documents, passport, currency, and valuables. The tour manager cannot be held responsible for these items.

You will receive a day-by-day tour itinerary via email. However, in unavoidable circumstances, your tour manager may need to change the daily program. To ensure clear communication, the tour manager will create a WhatsApp group for all guests on the second day of the tour (subject to internet availability). This group will be used exclusively for sharing tour-related instructions and the next day’s schedule.

To ensure a smooth tour for everyone, all guests must be punctual and adhere to the daily schedule. If you are late for a departure, the coach will proceed to the next destination without you. You will then be responsible for rejoining the group at your own expense.

You may carry liquor and cigarettes by the airline and destination policies. However, we have a strict no-smoking and no-alcohol policy on our coaches and in dining halls.

For communication, you have several options: activate the international calling facility on your existing mobile phone, buy a new SIM card in India before your departure, or purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at your destination.

The tour itinerary generally includes free time for you to shop for local souvenirs, handicrafts, and other speciality items.

We prioritise cleanliness and hygiene, and will do our best to stop at good restaurants with clean restrooms along the route. However, in some remote or undeveloped areas, facilities may be more basic.

A doctor or medical professional is not assigned to the tour group. However, in case of an emergency, we are well-connected with local doctors and hospitals.

Yes, you may skip a planned sightseeing activity and pursue your program after informing the tour manager. However, please be aware that no refund will be issued for any services or sightseeing activities you choose to skip.

Visa

A valid visa is mandatory for international travel. If you book a group tour, the visa is included in your tour price. Golden Hours Travels acts as a visa facilitator, assisting you in preparing the necessary documents, guiding you through the process, and, where possible, submitting and collecting your passport from the consulate on your behalf. Alternatively, you can choose to handle your visa process. In this case, you will receive a reduction in your tour price equivalent to the visa fee.

The visa process and required documentation depend on the country you are visiting and its consulate. Once you book a tour, our visa executive will provide you with a list of necessary documents. After you submit the correct paperwork according to the given schedule, your visa application will be initiated. We will keep you updated on the status of your application via SMS and email.

While Golden Hours Travels assists with the process, the final decision to grant a visa rests solely with the respective country's consulate. Some consulates will send your passport directly to your registered residence, while others will notify us. In the latter case, your travel advisor or visa executive will immediately inform you.

If you have an existing visa, please have it checked by a Golden Hours Travels travel advisor to confirm its validity and the duration of your stay for your scheduled tour. If the visa is valid, you can receive a reduction in the tour price. Please inform your travel advisor about your visa at the time of booking.

Since the granting of a visa is not within our control, there is a possibility it may be rejected for reasons that a consulate may or may not disclose. For information on the re-application process, cancellation policies, or selecting an alternative tour, please contact your travel advisor or refer to our Terms and Conditions at https://www.goldenhourstravels.com/terms-and-conditions.

Yes, you can. If your grandson is a minor (under 18), a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the parents is required for the visa application. To ensure a smooth process, both your and your grandson's visa applications must be submitted together.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that all guests, whether travelling domestically within India or internationally, have valid travel insurance.

For international group tours, overseas travel insurance is included in the tour price for guests under 59 years of age. For guests aged 59 and above, a portion of the premium is included; however, due to the higher premium for this age group, the guest is required to pay the remaining difference.

For Indian group tours, customised holidays, or Corporate Tours (MICE), you are required to purchase your travel insurance separately. You can do this through Golden Hours Travels or any other provider of your choice.

The group tour insurance policy included in your tour price offers limited coverage. This coverage typically includes baggage loss, flight delays or cancellations, hospitalisation, death, repatriation, and evacuation up to a certain extent. Please note that some adventure activities that are part of the tour itinerary may not be covered by this policy.

Customized Holidays

A Customised Holiday, also known as a tailor-made holiday or FIT (Free Independent Traveller) tour, is a unique itinerary designed exclusively for you, your family, or a group of friends. Unlike our fixed-itinerary group tours, these packages are created after understanding your specific preferences and travel needs. You have the freedom to choose your travel dates, pace, accommodation style, sightseeing activities, and unique experiences like scenic train journeys, private cars, self-drive options, cruises, or even adventure activities like skydiving and hot air ballooning. If you're looking for privacy and solitude, a Customised Holiday is the perfect choice.

Yes, you can select one of our pre-designed packages directly on our website and click "BOOK NOW" to complete your booking. If you encounter any issues, you can reach out to us at 9136727235 for assistance.

We offer two types of Customised Holidays: ready-made and tailor-made.

  • Ready-made packages include the services mentioned on the website, which typically cover accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, breakfast and one other meal, sightseeing as per the itinerary, and transfers by a comfortable AC/non-AC coach.
  • Tailor-made packages allow you to pick and choose your inclusions based on your preferences.

For our Customised Holidays, we encourage you to explore local cuisines. Generally, ready-made packages include breakfast and one other meal. However, for tailor-made packages, you have the flexibility to choose exactly how many meals you want to be included in your package.

Generally, air tickets, visas, and insurance are not included in our Customised Holiday packages. However, Golden Hours Travels can assist you in booking these services for an additional fee.

No, there is no minimum number of guests. As the name suggests, our Customised Holidays can be designed even for a single traveller.

  • For domestic tours: Aadhar Card and PAN card.
  • For international tours: A valid passport and PAN card.

Once we receive your full payment, we will process your booking and issue all relevant service vouchers and documents within 15 days. For last-minute bookings, these documents will be provided to you 1-3 days before your departure.

Our tour manager services are typically available for group tours. However, if you would like to have a dedicated tour manager for your customised holiday, you can request this service from your travel advisor for a re-quoted price.

A Holiday Design Fee (HDF) is a non-refundable charge for guests who want to create a fully customised, tailor-made itinerary that is not available on our website. This fee is INR 1,500 for India and INR 3,000 for the rest of the world and is due at the time of your inquiry. The HDF is adjusted in your final booking amount if the holiday is confirmed within 20 working days. The fee includes two complimentary amendments to the itinerary.

The HDF is charged because our team invests time and effort into designing a completely personalised itinerary, researching and finding all the relevant information to create a unique package just for you.

For our ready-made packages, the price committed to you at the time of booking is guaranteed. For tailor-made holidays, the final price is honoured subject to the availability of your preferred services. If a service is unavailable, we will find a suitable alternative at the same price. However, if an upgrade is required due to unavailability, an additional charge may apply. In any unforeseen circumstances, any extra expenses incurred will need to be paid by the guest.

If you need to cancel your Customised Holiday for any reason, you must submit a written application along with your original receipt. Cancellation charges will be applied as per our Cancellation Policy available on our website. Please note that any non-refundable third-party services, such as airlines, cruises, or hotels, may incur a full cancellation fee in addition to our standard charges.

Cancellation & Refund

If you need to cancel a group tour for any reason, cancellation fees will apply based on our standard policy. For a complete list of these charges, please refer to the Terms & Conditions on our website: https://www.goldenhourstravels.com/terms-and-conditions.

The cancellation policy for a customised holiday is the same as for a group tour. For more details, please see the Terms & Conditions on our website: https://www.goldenhourstravels.com/terms-and-conditions.

According to our Cancellation and Refund Policy, any applicable refund will be processed and initiated within 10 working days from the date your cancellation is confirmed.

As per Government of India regulations, all applicable refunds from Golden Hours Travels, whether for domestic or international tours, will be paid in Indian Rupees only via an Account Payee cheque, NEFT, or RTGS. This applies even if your original payment was made in a foreign currency.

In the rare event that Golden Hours Travels cancels a tour due to operational reasons or insufficient participation, we will refund the full amount paid by the guest. The refund will be processed within 10 working days of the tour cancellation.

Foreign Exchange (Forex)

You can buy foreign exchange through a Golden Hours Travels travel advisor/Facilitator. Alternatively, you can purchase it from any authorised money changer (FFMC) or a bank that deals in foreign exchange.

Our group tours are generally all-inclusive. However, you should carry enough foreign currency for any optional sightseeing, personal shopping, or emergencies. For individual or customised holidays, it’s a good idea to estimate your expenses in advance. Your travel advisor can help you with this.

As per Government of India (GOI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, an Indian resident can carry a maximum of $250,000 USD per financial year for international travel. Of this amount, a maximum of $3,000 USD can be carried in physical currency notes; the rest must be on a prepaid forex card.

If you have booked a tour with Golden Hours Travels, you will need to submit a completed and signed Form A2-Application cum Declaration Form from the RBI. We will already have your passport, air ticket, and PAN details on file.

To convert foreign currency to Indian Rupees, you will need the following documents:

  • Your passport
  • The original currency purchase receipt
  • A signed declaration form if the purchase receipt is not available

According to RBI regulations, any Indian traveller returning from abroad must surrender any unused foreign currency notes within 180 days of their return to India. Please note that foreign coins cannot be exchanged for INR, so be sure to use them before you enter India.

Feedback & Social Media

We'd love to hear from you! You can share your feedback and suggestions on our social media channels or by emailing us directly at info@goldenhourstravels.co.in.

Yes, you can reach our Guest Support team at +919136727235. We look forward to hearing from you.

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