How do I go about organising a cricket tour for my team?

Try to have a good idea of what most interests you -- and what doesn't. All the pre-planning you do is to your advantage as it helps us provide the exact holiday you need. Changes of mind are inevitable, but it can be frustrating for you when hotels and flights can become unavailable while itineraries are being fine-tuned. However, if you have no ideas at all, tell us your budget and we will make suggestions. Some of the factors below would be a useful guide in your pre-preparation.

• Dates or approximate month of tour
• Budget
• Approximate tour numbers
• Accommodation preference
• Travel option
• Number of Fixtures
• Extra excursion options

How can Red Dot help to organize cricket tour for my team?

Organising a sports tour takes up a lot of time, effort and money. There is a lot of pressure on you to organise the tour flawlessly whilst getting the best possible value for money. You also have to worry about government travel regulations; insurance and liability so our advice is leave it to the professionals. Our dedicated team of consultants can arrange as much or as little of your tour as you need, from accommodation and fixtures only to an all-inclusive cricket tour. We can arrange:

• Flights and transfers for full tour.
• A range of accommodation options from budget to boutique hotels
• Competitive Cricket fixtures at Test and International Venues
• A fun and exciting range of days and nights out
• Travel insurance
• A Red Dot representative throughout the tour

Does Red Dot have a background and experience in cricket?

Red Dot began through the initial cricket tours of its current directors who are respected cricket writers and sports journalists in the UK, the rest of the team are good players and keen supporters of the game. The Red Dot team has years of experience travelling the world with cricket. We combine our wealth of knowledge of the island with a day to day interaction with Sri Lankan and Indian cricket to design and organise innovative tours accounting for all your clubs/Universities or schools needs.

How do I know I'm getting the best value for money on my cricket tour?

Red Dot has been built up strong relations with a diverse set of suppliers of hotels, coach companies, attractions, airlines and more, as a result we are able to get competitive rates which we pass on to our clients . It is always our aim to organise your cricket tour efficiently for as economically as you could organise it all yourself. The advantage is you don't have to do all the running around finding accommodation, opposition, insurance, flights or anything else that might hassle you.

I've got a quote from another sports tour company, can you better it?

We are confident that our cricket tours are always competitively priced, however if you've got a quote from another tour company then we are glad to try and match or better it. Our cricket tours focus on superior value and we give the personal touch to every tour so that we can fully understand what you want out of your cricket tour.

Can you prepare tailor-made tours?

Whatever your requirements, we always strive to tailor your itinerary to your groups wishes. We recognise the yearning of many independently-minded teams to experience Sri Lanka "unpackaged." We offer total flexibility throughout the holiday preparation and tour as well, we will provide knowledgeable and independent advice and committed personal service.

Which countries can Red Dot organise cricket tours to?

Red Dot is able to offer cricket tours in Sri Lanka, India and now in Malaysia. We intend to offer more cricketing destinations in the near future.

When is the best time to play cricket in Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia?

The domestic club and school cricket season winds down in late March, thus late March to May sees many teams touring. Also September to October is a good time to tour.

What is the weather like during our tour?

The weather is generally fine during the months when cricket tour place in Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia. This provides a good environment for good competitive cricket.

How long do you recommend we tour for?

Red Dot recommends at least a two week tour to any of our cricketing destinations; flights usually take up one day each either way. The rest of the time would be used for touring.

Is Red Dot able to organise tours for all budgets?

Yes. We cater to all budgets and do not let that stop you from considering going on tour.  Red Dot has identified and works with a wide range of properties to cater to all budgets.

What are the payment terms for cricket tours?

A deposit payment of £150 per person must normally be made within seven days of the issue of the Travel Voucher. The full balance will be due exactly two months prior to departure.
Red Dot offers payment by the following methods:
(i) On-line credit card or debit card payments: Credit or debit card payments should be made in GBP£ or Euros on the website on a secure HSBC site. Access it via the top of the home page. We accept these credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. We accept these debit cards: Maestro, Visa debit (UK), Solo, Electron.
Debit cards carry no extra charges. Credit cards carry these additional charge.
GBP£: Up to £300: £0. £300-£800: £5. £800-£2,000: £10. Above £2,000: £20.
Euros: Up to Euros 400: nil. Euros 400-1,100: Euros 8. Euros 1,100-3,000: Euros 20. Above Euros 3,000: Euros 40.
(ii) UK cheques: Cheques should be made out to Red Dot Tours Ltd and incur no extra charge.
(iii) Bank transfer to our UK GBP£ account. By request only. Bank name: HSBC Bank, 11 North St, Wetherby, West Yorks, UK, LS22 6NT. Name of account: Red Dot Tours Ltd. Acct no: 61311786. Sort-code: 40-46-21. Swift code: MIDLGB22.  BIC Code: MIDLGB2162V. IBAN: GB26MIDL40462161311786.
(iv) Bank transfer to our UK US$ account. By request only. Bank name: HSBC International Branch. PO Box 181, 27-32 Poultry, London EC2P 2BX. Acct no: 59784866. Name of account: Red Dot Tours Ltd. Acct no: 59784866. Sort code: FCA. Swift code: MIDLGB22. BIC: MIDLGB22. IBAN: GB70MIDL40051559.
Note (1): Customer should pay all bank charges for bank transfers.
Note (2) Name and Travel Voucher number must be included on bank transfer details
Note (3) In all these cases, we levy no hidden charges such as postage or booking fees.

Is Red Dot able to book flights?

Yes, Red Dot is able to book flights at the most competitive rates on any airline.

Is Red Dot ATOL bonded?

Yes. Red Dot Tours offers full ATOL protection to UK customers who buy flight-holidays from us. Our flight prices are shown independently and are highly competitive. Our ATOL no is 5517. The Air Travel Organisers’ Licence is the UK government-backed scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority and gives security for all air packages sold by UK tour operators. If a company stops trading, you’ll get a refund. If you’re abroad at the time, you’ll be able to finish your holiday and fly home. Discover why you should protect yourself at Click Here Like a large majority of independent, small travel company, we are not members of ABTA. Please note that non-flight deals are not covered by ATOL-bonding.

Are you able to organise Travel Insurance?

Yes. Red Dot is an approved agent for Extrasure travel insurance which gives you peace of mind and ensures your safety.

Is Sri Lanka a safe place to play cricket?

We retain enormous faith in holidays in Sri Lanka. We provide full, detailed information about the Sri Lanka political situation, with links to UK Foreign Office and BBC news reports. The Sri Lanka tourist industry remains resilient, successful and can offer quite wonderful value. There is no history of tourists being targeted at any stage of the ongoing and fluctuating terrorist conflict.

What happens if we have to cancel due to security concerns?

Your personal safety is our prime concern. If the UK Foreign Office (or, in the case of non-UK travellers, the appropriate governmental body) advises -- after your booking has been made -- against travel to Sri Lanka we will guarantee the following refunds in the event of a cancellation by you or Red Dot. This clause overrides other cancellation clauses:
Two months or more before travel: Minimum 90 per cent of holiday cost.
Less than one months before travel: Minimum 85 per cent of holiday cost.
During your holiday: All recoverable costs

Is Red Dot able to organise the best venues?

Red Dot has close relations with the cricket boards of India and Sri Lanka and this gives us the advantage of offering some of the historic international test venues & first class venues in both countries. Local school and club grounds are also used to provide a unique experience for the touring teams.

Are you able to organise practice sessions and coaching days?

Yes. Red Dot always incorporates practice sessions before the start any tour. Also we arrange coaching clinics with past cricketers especially for school groups.

Can Red Dot make sure the cricket is competitive and not too one-sided?

Red Dot always believes in creating a competitive cricket tour. We always look to match your teams experience, skill and overall standard when organising local opposition.

What type of transport can be organized?

Red Dot Tours believes in providing the best in comfort and quality, we are able to provide modern 15 to 40 seater a/c coaches and mini-vans.

Are you able to organise the travel arrangements for parents?

Yes, Red Dot will be glad to help with other arrangements you require. We can organise all accommodation, transfers and excursions on your behalf.

Will we have a cricket liaison officer for the full trip?

Red Dot offers a knowledgeable liaison officer for the full tour to help with all aspects of your tour.

Are we best booking on a B&B, Half Board or Full Board basis?

Red Dot can offer your holiday bookings on any above the meal plans. Generally bookings are made on BB basis for tours and where necessary additional meal plans could be booked. We organise delicious buffet lunches on match days 

Are you able to organise community days for school tours?

Red Dot encourages an interactive and constructive relationship with the community in which cricket breaks all boundaries. Red Dot is close friends with the Foundation of Goodness community near Galle. The charity is championed by Muttiah Muralitharan and supported by cricketers the world over. Red Dot has also supports a Kandyan orphanage in the hill country. If there is another specific charity project your team wish to visit, Red Dot would be delighted to arrange this in your itinerary

How much spending money will we need to bring?

Red Dot recommends that one brings enough amount funds for the entire duration of you holiday. As a guide approximately £40 to 50 per day would be spend on meals, local transfers and shopping. Credit cards are widely accepted in bars and restaurants. However, credit card fraud is increasing. Booking in advance with Red Dot and paying in cash for extras if you are ever unsure is your safest alternative. Red Dot also operates a strict anti-fraud policy; ask for details.

Should players or supporters buy travellers cheques or use ATM’s?

In Colombo, and other major centres such as Galle and Kandy, there are an increasing number of ATM machines. You should not rely on this option in more far-flung destinations. Note that Scotland and Northern Ireland notes are NOT accepted. Traveller’s cheques are still widely used, but are not accepted as direct transactions in bars and restaurants. If you are cashing a traveller’s cheque, bank rates are better than hotel rates but the process can take longer. The banks in the airport arrivals hall offer excellent value and our ground agents will wait until you have made the transaction. As anywhere in the world, guard your money, credit cards and travellers cheques safely and use safety-deposit boxes if possible. You cannot buy Sri Lankan rupees in advance.

Do I need a visa in Sri Lanka, Malaysia or India?

Holders of passports from the vast majority of countries, including UK, Ireland, United States, Germany, France, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and India, can holiday in Sri Lanka and Malaysia as bona fide tourists for up to 30 days. The Sri Lanka Tourism Board website lists countries exempt from visas at Click Here
Travellers requiring long-stay or business visas must pay an additional fee and are strongly advised to make arrangements with their own High Commission before they travel, and not to try to extends their visa in Sri Lanka. UK travellers can obtain forms from the Sri Lankan High Commission, London, at Click Here or tel +44 020 7262 1841. Other nationalities should contact their nearest Sri Lankan High Commission.You WILL need a visa for India. All foreign nationals, including children, require a visa to enter India. Please do not finalise your travel arrangements to India before ascertaining your visa requirements.  Contact the Indian High Commission or visit the website of the Indian High Commission in London at www.hcilondon.net for more details. In all cases, it is advisable to have six months left on your passport at time of travel.

What vaccinations are required?

You are strongly advised to contact your own GP or vaccination centre in respect of required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. Check on recommended inoculations as least a month before travel. Malaria tablets, plus inoculations for tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio are all recommended. Top hotels can advise on reputable local doctors, or private hospitals in the event of serious illness.

How can I register for your next supporter’s tour?

One could register for the upcoming series by sending an email to us at enquiries@reddottours.com 

What is the best way to make contact about our cricket tour?

The sales teams for Red Dot Tours and our upmarket twin, Luxurious Sri Lanka, are based in Colombo. This enables us to offer up-to-the-minute advice and highly competitive prices, as well as supporting the local economy. We can deal effectively with enquiries from anywhere in the world. We prefer that you contact us initially by email on enquiries@reddottours.com . This method is not as impersonal as it sounds! Whenever you need to discuss your holiday with a consultant, simply phone one of these numbers:
Holiday Hotline: 0870 231 7892. (Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, 10p a minute from UK landline, cost for mobiles and non-UK calls varies).
Internet line: (UK only): 0113 815 0864. (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Low-cost Internet call from your landline or mobile).
IDD Tel: (Worldwide, including UK): +94 114 444 621/2. Fax: +94 114 542374. Normal international rates apply. Ask for call-back.

Note: Our UK office deals in admin, management, development and marketing and does not normally offer a holiday sales service.

Can you organise tickets to watch international matches?

Yes. Red Dot can arrange tickets to international matches that take place in Sri Lanka & India. Please ask your consultant during your booking process.

Is the information that I provide to you safe?

Information provided in our payment centre is protected by HSBC secure servers. We never spam or pass on your information to any third party. We have a strict and clearly-stated anti-fraud policy. We shred documents holding personal information. We shall only send you occasional information, such as a free quarterly emailed newsletter, if you specifically request it. We advise you never to email us your credit card details.

When is the holiday actually confirmed?

Travel industry regulations demand that you receive a Travel Voucher once your holiday has been agreed and booked. This confirms your holiday. You must then arrange payment as laid down in our booking conditions (see next question). Until then, there is no contract between you and Red Dot. You will also receive other useful information.

Do you promote only certain hotels?

We have our favourites – everybody does. We also expect certain standards of hygiene, comfort and service. But we are not limited to a small range of hotels. We fiercely protect our independence and deal with all hotel companies and independent owners if we believe that they have something good to offer. We will seek to ascertain what hotel best suits your preferences and your budget, and we will also happily respond to your specific requests. At all times, we will seek to negotiate the best rate possible. Sri Lanka has a wonderful and varied range of accommodation choices. Take a look at our website and ask us for advice.

Can group members pre-book seat numbers or request extra leg room on the flight?

(UK only) SriLankan Airlines only pre-book requested seat numbers for passengers travelling first or business class or for members of their Skywards Frequent Flyer programme. If you are a member of Skywards, you should inform us when you book your flights. SriLankan will not book specific seat numbers in economy class. These must be allocated at check-in. Red Dot therefore only makes such representations on behalf of first, business or Skywards clients. We advise that you join Skywards -- or arrive at the check-in desk early, where your needs can best be considered.

I have a medical condition that may need special assistance on the flight or during my stay. What should I do?

We recommend that you contact your doctor, at least a month before departure, and request that full details of your condition are provided in writing. We will then forward this information to the airline, ground agents, or hotels as appropriate.

I am interested in one of your specialist cricket tours, but we want to make changes. Is this possible?

Red Dot offers total flexibility and can respond to all requests to adjust itineraries. We will advise if we believe changes these to be realistic. On occasions, these adjustments will involve a change in price. We do not levy a charge to tailor-make holidays

When will the flight tickets arrive?

Our flight etickets are either ticketed by the airline or an agent. These may only arrive about 10 days before travel, especially in peak periods. They are emailed to you and, for UK residents, are also posted to the address shown on the travel Voucher. If you require different arrangements, please give us as much notice as possible. If your address or email details change, please tell us!

Can you recommend any shopping outlets?

Reddottours.com provides information as part of a general service. But please note that Red Dot Tours never officially recommends, or accepts commission from, any Sri Lanka outlet and therefore cannot take any responsibility for the quality of goods sold. Any opinions expressed by Red Dot drivers are solely their own views and do not constitute company recommendations. The sole exception to this is where goods are ordered directly through us (eg cricket clothing). If you make a purchase, you should be aware that you may face unexpected extra costs for tax, handling charges, customs, and delivery fees. In Australia, for example, fumigation certificates may also prove a problem.

I have heard that return flights have to be reconfirmed when we are in Sri Lanka? Is this true?

If you have booked a holiday, including flights, with Red Dot, our ground agents will take care of any flight reconfirmations that may be necessary. If you have arranged your own flights, it is your responsibility to check directly with the airline or flight agent.

What if people need to contact me in an emergency when I’m in Sri Lanka?

We provide a contacts sheet, upon your departure, with tel nos for our team in Sri Lanka and Kerala. We can also provide a list of hotel phone numbers on request. Mobile phones operate in all major areas and you can buy low-cost pay-as-you-go Sri Lankan SIM cards on arrival. We can provide a Hutch SIM card on request to anyone booking a Red Dot airport arrival transfer. The Colombo office can pass on emergency messages. Leave contact numbers, plus a copy of your itinerary, with appropriate friends or relatives.

Please also read our Sri Lanka advice, Booking Conditions and Why Red Dot? Any further questions can be answered by e-mail.
Red Dot Tours Ltd, also trading as Luxurious Sri Lanka, is registered as a Ltd. Company at Companies House. Company No: 4007363. Directors: C Austin, D Hopps. 29/01/08