FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: SRI LANKA HOLIDAY GUIDE 

Which style of holiday is right for me in Sri Lanka?

We offer three main types of holidays namely budget, standard and luxury for the options of 7,14 and 21 days for couples or groups or families. In addition long stay holidays and remote working holidays. You can select the type for your requirement and discuss your requirement with our travel experts before finalizing the trip.

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Are trips physically demanding?

We talk about the activities you like to do when we design your holiday to Sri Lanka. For an example, you may be a holiday maker who just want to relax and only engage in a few activities. We make sure that travel times are not too long and that you are not exhausted during your holiday in Sri Lanka.

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Does Devonia Holiday includes family trips?

Yes, we welcome families as Sri-Lanka is famous for taking good care of families on holidays. Sri-Lanka offers wide variety of activities for families with young children.

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Who are Devonia travelers?

Our aim is to provide holiday experiences that are distinct and visually appealing, rather than overwhelming with numerous activities, ensuring that our guests do not feel tired or exhausted by the end of their holiday. If you are a vacationer who desires well-planned holiday activities, enjoys homely comforts, and appreciates warm hospitality, then Devonia Holiday in Sri Lanka is the perfect option for you.

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How many people can be in a group?

Our aim is to maintain a small group size, with a maximum of 8 members. We think when the the group is small enough we are in a better position give each member a personalized attention to ensure his/her holiday requirements and comforts.

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Who will take care of us during our holiday in Sri Lanka?

Each holiday group, family or couple is assigned a tour guide who will be responsible for their well-being throughout the duration of their holiday. He/she will be with you to ensure the holiday runs smoothly and will be reachable at all times.​

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Can I make any changes to the itinerary of my trip, either before or during the trip?

It is crucial not to alter the final holiday schedule unless there is a valid reason, like unfavorable weather.  Nevertheless, if the alterations are possible to accommodate due to a valid reason, we strive to make the required changes as long as the facilities are available within the price of the holiday.

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What will the food be like on my trip in Sri Lanka?

Travel in Sri Lanka is made more exciting by the experience of trying different types of food. Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of food options that cater to all preferences, including traditional Sri Lankan dishes and western cuisine. As part of your holiday, you will have the chance to have your meals prepared by a professional chef at the villa accommodation. Furthermore, our adaptable schedules frequently permit you to dine out- this implies that you can cater your meals to your personal preferences. We will provide you with packed snacks for travel between stops if required or you can enjoy delicious Sri Lankan street snacks from the places that we recommend during trips.

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Can I drink the water from taps and wells in Sri- Lanka?

In certain places in Sri-Lanka, it is not advisable to consume the local water. You can buy safe bottled water while on tour. It would be helpful to bring a refillable bottle to get water from safe source to prevent adding to the plastic waste issue, which is a significant problem in Sri-Lanka.

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Are flights and airport transfers included in the tour price?

The price of the holiday does not include flights to Sri-Lanka.

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What type accommodation will I have?

With Devonia Holiday, your accommodation options are limited to villas or holiday homes, reserved solely for you and your group or family. Choose from 3 to 5-star villas, tailored to fit your holiday budget. Enjoy full in-house services during your stay in Galle. During tours, you'll reside in spacious villas or other types of accommodations like holiday houses, cottages, or treehouses, catering to your desired holiday experience. Please note, we do not provide hotel accommodations.

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I can’t travel on the dates I originally booked, can I change the dates?

We are aware that plans can change. If you hold onto your deposit, you can change your travel plans up to 30 days before departure with no fees. If you want to change your trip dates less than 30 days before departure, you'll have to pay a cancellation fee. We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

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My travelling companion can no longer go on our trip. Can someone take their place or can I get a refund?

If you're close to the departure date, you may be able to transfer your spot to another traveler.  When you pay your deposit, we use those funds to get non-refundable permits or activities for your trip. If you paid for your trip but are still outside of the pay-in-full period, a partial refund might be possible. If you are within the pay-in-full period, additional fees may be applied. Don't hesitate to explore your options further.

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I want to cancel my booking, can I get a full refund?

Full refunds are not offered for cancellation. You may incur a cancellation fee as per our Booking Conditions. You can either cancel your booking up to 30 days before departure, transfer your deposit to another trip, or hold onto it as a credit for future travel.  You may incur a cancellation fee if you want to cancel your booking less than 30 days before departure. Cancellation insurance may cover cancellation fees if taken out at the time of booking. We can give you a letter for a claim. We strongly advise taking out cancellation insurance at the time of booking, which may cover cancellation fees.

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I can no longer go on my trip due to ill health, can I get a refund?

Please get in touch with our friendly travel consultants to review your circumstances and discuss your options.

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How long will it take for my refund to be credited to my credit card?

We try to process refunds as quickly as possible, but it may take 14 to 21 days depending on your bank and external systems that are out of our control. 

 

Why is the deposit for my trip non-refundable?

Once you pay the deposit, our operations team begins to book your services with our local suppliers immediately, which is why we require a deposit. A lot of these services (like hiking permits) are non-refundable and cant be given to or used by someone else. Consequently we will be in difficult position to refund the deposit as it will be already in use to organize your holiday.

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Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our holidays. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We need to have your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. It’s essential that you have comprehensive personal travel insurance. We encourage you to take the highest level of coverage possible to cover all eventualities. We accept any travel insurance provider as long as we have a policy number, the company’s 24-hour emergency contact number and confirmation that you have coverage required.

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https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance

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Entry health requirements

There is no restrictions to entry on health issues however we strongly advise to have routine medical checkup and consult appropriate medical person to have vaccination for you before going to Sri-Lanka to ensure your physical health during the holiday. The following link will give you some guidance.

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/204/sri-lanka

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How do I organize my visa?

You can apply online 30 days tourist visa using the following link:

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Is Sri Lanka Safe for Tourists ?

Sri Lanka is a secure and a very hospitable destination for travelers. Sri Lankans are kind and generous to their guests from other countries. Our team of experts is dedicated to maintaining a secure and stable holiday environment for you.

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What if I get ill or injured on the trip and am unable to continue?

Our local teams are trained to deal with these situations and we'll do our best to get you help as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, our local team will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. We will do whatever we can to get you home or on your onward journey. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.

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What Currency to Take with me?

Sr-Lanka uses Rupees as currency and on average 1 GBP = Rs.375. It is a good idea to travel with a credit card and ATM card, or a bank-issued ‘cash card’ specifically for travel. Our Tour host will guide you on carrying local cash while in Sri-Lanka.

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Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel?

Yes we can store your excess luggage in Galle, your base accommodation securely so that you only carry what is required on excursions away from Galle. 

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What clothes and footwear should I take on treks?

Light cotton clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. On a more physical trip, hiking boots are definitely recommended. There is also a packing 'checklist' in your  Trip Information Guide. We can arrange any items you want to buy from Sri Lanka on request.

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Do I get any free time?

Devonia Holidays allure lies in the fact that they inspire travelers to embark on their own journey at their own speed. Once you arrive at your destination, your Tour Guide will present you with various activities to choose from. The group will engage in various activities, with some members participating in one, others in something entirely different, and others simply relaxing in a hammock and reading a book.

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Will I be able to do any laundry?

Your base accommodation staff will handle your laundry needs at no extra charge to you. While on excursions, your tour host will arrange for laundry services upon your notification.

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What standard of accommodation should I expect?

The standard of accommodation depends on the holiday option standards( Luxury, standard, budget)  you have chosen. Accommodation mainly in villas, guest houses, holiday homes with 2-5 Star facilities depending on the holiday option you have chosen.

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Is accommodation air-conditioned/ heated?

If you are going to a hot climate, it is likely that you will have a fan or air-con because we want our travelers to be as comfortable as possible. The facilities in remote areas will be a little more basic.

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What communication facilities will be available?

Many villas  and public places have Wi-Fi so it’s usually possible to keep in touch with home every couple of days, if you so desire. In remote places you will not be able to communicate as readily. Your tour host will usually give you the details of the communication facilities available in the location you are in. Phone cards are easy to get your hands on; just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. 

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How can friends and family contact you?

If family and friends are unable to contact you in an emergency through email or phone, they can contact Devonia Holidays UK  directly. Emergency contact details (for your destination) are listed in your Trip Information Guide.

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Will my mobile work?

We can never guarantee your phone will work as desired in the remote location due to limitations of coverage. Chat to your phone provider before you leave about global roaming and the costs involved, and get their advice on the coverage you’ll receive in Sri-Lanka. Alternatively, you can usually pick up a local sim card on the cheap (just make sure you phone is unlocked!).

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Will I get internet coverage?

Some places have Wi-Fi hot spots everywhere and other places will have no coverage at all.

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Will I be able to charge my electrical appliances?

In most places you’ll be able to recharge your appliances. We recommend you bring a travel adapter with you. Be sure to bring an extra camera battery just in case.

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What type of ground transportation is used?

The type of transport used depends on your holiday option. We ensure that you will have comfortable vehicles and government registered drivers with reliable vehicles to take you round. Refer to your Trip Information Guide for the specific type of transportation used on your journey.

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Is tipping commonplace in Sri-Lanka? 

If you are satisfied with the service you received during your trip, it is customary to offer a tip to the people who provided you the holiday services, although it is not mandatory. Although it may not be a common practice for you, it holds great importance for the individuals who will be responsible for your care during your journey, encourages exceptional service, and is a longstanding aspect of the tourism sector in Sri-Lanka.

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For Further guidance: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/features/feature/15-things-to-know-before-travelling-to-sri-lanka/