How to Read a Holiday Quote: Land Only, Shared Transfers and “Or Similar” Explained

A package price is a short number standing in for a long list. When two agents quote the same destination at very different prices, the trips are usually not the same. These are the phrases that hide the difference.

“Land only”

The price covers what happens on the ground: hotels, transfers, tours, tickets. Flights are not in it. This is normal, because fares change by the hour and by your city, but it means you must add flights before comparing with a quote that includes them.

“Per person on twin sharing”

The price is for one person when two people share a room. A solo traveller pays more, because the room costs the same. A third adult in the room usually pays less than the first two. Ask for your exact group, not the brochure line.

“Or similar”

Hotels are named as examples of a standard, not as a promise. You will stay there or somewhere of the same star category in the same area, depending on what is free on your dates. This is fair, provided the examples are honest. Look the named hotels up; if they are four-star and central, the “similar” one should be too.

Shared and private transfers

A shared transfer (often written SIC, seat in coach) puts you on a bus or van with other travellers, with fixed pickup times and several hotel stops. A private transfer is a car for your group alone. Shared is cheaper and fine for tours; private matters most for airport runs and for families with small children.

Meal plans

Hotels shorten meal plans to two letters:

• CP: room with breakfast.
• MAP: breakfast and one main meal, usually dinner. Also called half board.
• AP: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also called full board.
• Drinks are almost never included unless the quote says so.

Taxes

For overseas packages bought in India, look for two lines: GST on the package, and TCS, a tax collected at the time you pay and adjustable against your income tax when you file. A quote that says “taxes extra” can be several percent higher at payment. Ask for the final amount you will actually be charged.

Before you pay, check these

Every package page on this site lists these under inclusions, exclusions and terms. If any line is unclear, ask us before you book; that is what the enquiry form is for.

• The dates the price is valid for, and the last date you can travel on it.
• The cancellation terms, in writing. Non-refundable means exactly that.
• Which entry tickets are included, by name.
• What you will pay at the destination: city taxes, park fees, tips.
• Whether the visa is included, and who applies for it.