Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Suitability
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to top
Tour Itinerary
Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Back to top
- Zainul Art Museum, Mymensingh - TK5 per person.
Back to top
Tipping
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to top
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Back to top
Local Staff: Accordingly you should allow approx. £30 for gratuities for local staff.
Back to top
Foreign Exchange
Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
Back to top
Local Currency: Bangladesh: Taka.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP/US$ are the best currency to change into local currency. Take small denominations of US$ for Bangladesh.
Where to Exchange: you can change cash US$ at the hotel in Dhaka.
ATM Availability: ATMs are very limited and we don't recommend that you rely on them.
Credit Card Acceptance: Very rarely, only in the larger outlets.
Travellers Cheques: Opportunities to exchange are limited.
Additional Information: Be careful of accepting worn or ripped notes, as they may be difficult to change.
Camera and Video Fees: Bear in mind that at some sites there is an additional camera charge. Video filming fees up to £5 per site may be payable.
Back to top
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Bangladesh |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.20 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
|
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£2.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£3.50 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Bangladesh Visas: A single entry visa is necessary for your entry into Bangldesh and must be obtained before departure. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. You may want to use Explore's reccomended visa service Visa Swift to apply for your visa.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to top
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.).
Back to top
Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Climate
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
Luggage
One main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. We recommend a holdall or rucksack for ease of getting on and off buses and please remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage so don’t overload yourself.
Back to top
Clothing
In general only lightweight clothing is needed during the day, but bring a warm sweater for early mornings and during winter evenings November to mid March (esp. December and January when a windproof jacket, warm layers, gloves and hat are also recommended). Hotel heating arrangements are not on a par with UK standards and from December to February thermals are also recommended. Casual clothes are the most practical: tight fitting garments, brief shorts and skirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention. Waterproofs and or an umbrella may be useful.
Back to top
Footwear
Comfortable shoes or trainers & sandals.
Back to top
Equipment
A torch, water bottle, good quality sunglasses, insect repellent, mosquito net and high factor sunscreen are all essential. Whilst it is not the law to wear a cycle helmet in Bangladesh we strongly recommend that you bring a helmet and wear it during all cycle rides.
Back to top
Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to top
General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
