FAQs

We've built our reputation on trust, expertise, and genuine value. Our independent and specialist advice creates holidays that are perfectly you, at prices that make sense. We're flexible because we know every traveller is different, and our support team has your back if anything goes wrong. Don't just take our word for it - our customer reviews speak for themselves.

With teams in both Asia and the UK, we're perfectly placed to give you current advice, competitive prices, and support the local economy too. We love a phone conversation so give us a call or hop on a video call. If time is hard, feel free to email us.

Simply fill out our Contact Us form or call us directly.

Contact Numbers:

• International: +94 117 895 810
• UK: +44 1937 22 88 44

The more you can tell us about what gets you excited about travel, the better we can help. Any ideas you have are brilliant - but if you're starting with a blank canvas, don't worry. We'll help you discover what your perfect trip looks like – whether it’s Sri Lanka, India or beyond the Indian Subcontinent.

Our website is our living, breathing brochure - constantly updated with the latest prices, new discoveries, and honest reviews. Have a browse and you'll be amazed at what's there waiting for you.

We love independent spirits and we're happy to arrange just what you need – but normally this is at least 2 or 3 nights away. What we don’t do is single experiences or transfers as we prefer to piece the whole trip together.

Complete flexibility is what we're all about and everything is designed from scratch. Our on-line itineraries are just ideas. We can accommodate any itinerary changes you fancy - we'll let you know what's possible and how it might affect pricing. The best part? We never charge fees for making your holiday perfectly yours.

Many of our travellers book 6-18 months ahead, which helps us secure the most amazing hotels and rooms at brilliant rates. Early booking is especially smart during school holidays when the best places fill up fast. That said, we understand life doesn't always work to schedule - we've created incredible trips with just days' notice too.

Sri Lanka offers fantastic value during shoulder seasons when you'll have fewer crowds and better prices. Late June through early July is brilliant, especially along the East coast where the weather stays gorgeous. October to early December is particularly attractive for the West and South - yes, it's technically monsoon season, but the rain usually comes in late afternoon, leaving your days free for adventures. Skip Christmas, New Year, Easter, and European summer holidays if you want the best deals. In India, look at September for good weather but shoulder season rates. If you are looking to travel with us beyond these destinations, let us know, and we’ll advise you on more affordable times to travel.

Sri Lanka is absolutely brilliant for families. We specialise in family holidays because we understand what it takes to keep everyone happy - from toddlers to teenagers to grandparents. Think pristine beaches, incredible wildlife safaris, whale watching, and hands-on experiences like traditional mask carving. We provide proper car seats, spacious vehicles, and guides who are genuinely great with children. Every itinerary balances adventure with practical family life.

Absolutely, we highly recommend India for families as it offers so much connection, uniqueness and colour. We can fully support you, provide family friendly accommodation, car seats and guides that are lively and encouraging. Try kite flying, henna, treasure hunts, kayaking, dressing up, Bollywood lessons, trekking and more.

Sri Lanka is magical for honeymooners. We work with the most beautiful boutique properties in stunning locations - coastal hideaways to mountain retreats. The dining scene is exceptional, mixing incredible local flavours with international cuisine. Many couples combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives - cultural adventures and wildlife here, then pure beach bliss there. Every honeymoon is unique, so we listen carefully to your dreams, wishes, and budget, then create something completely yours.

Sri Lanka is perfect for bringing everyone together. We specialise in accommodating extended families with spacious villas or connecting rooms, the right vehicles for larger groups, and guides who brilliantly adapt activities for different ages. From gentle cultural sites and scenic train journeys for grandparents to exciting safaris and beaches for the young ones - Sri Lanka's compact size means shorter transfers and something wonderful for every generation.

Sri Lanka is excellent for summer holidays, with gorgeous weather along the East coast and cultural triangle during July and August. While the West coast has its monsoon, the East coast enjoys its driest, sunniest period - perfect for beach holidays. The South Coast is lovely too, with just brief showers between plenty of sunshine. Places like Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa offer pristine beaches, brilliant surfing, and calm seas. The cultural triangle enjoys beautiful weather during summer too. Book well ahead though - it's a popular time.

Shoulder seasons offer the best value with competitive rates and fewer crowds. May through early July is brilliant, especially for East coast regions. September through early December gives outstanding value for West and South coast - the brief rainfall typically comes late afternoon, leaving your days free. Avoid peak periods like Christmas/New Year (December 20th - January 10th), Easter, and European summer holidays. October and November offer the absolute best deals with very manageable weather.

We often plan holidays that include Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy, the hill country, Galle, Yala National Park and The South Coast. However, we always recommend deviating away from well-trodden routes and that’s where our specialism comes in.

Yes absolutely, we are specialists in Sri Lanka, India and The Maldives but we are well connected across the globe so we can design trips to many other countries.

We listen and we design trips around you that are ultra personalised. Our staff members are split between the UK and Colombo, along with partners in India and this also helps keep costs down whilst providing you with in depth support and advice. What’s more, we truly champion local communities, owner run hotels and female guides.

Locally booked drivers provide basic transport, but our guides deliver something completely different. Local drivers often have limited English, basic route knowledge, and might pressure you into commission-based shopping in cramped, unreliable vehicles. Our guides operate premium Toyotas or Mercedes VITOs with reliable air conditioning and spacious interiors. Where local drivers take main roads from A to B, our guides choose scenic routes, share fascinating stories about what you're seeing, and suggest incredible stops you'd never discover alone. They follow professional standards ensuring complete transparency and genuine cultural insights, not tourist traps. They can really make a trip and we don’t recommend saving or scrimping on this.

ATOL

We understand you want peace of mind when booking. For UK holidaymakers, our flight inclusive holidays are normally ATOL protected (no.5517). However, not all of our holidays on our website are ATOL protected, so please always ask us for confirmation and check our booking terms and conditions.

ABTOT

We are also members of ABTOT. The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Red Dot no.5664 and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:

• Non-flight packages

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly

In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made

You can find out more about ABTOT here: https://www.abtot.com/

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure online gateway: https://reddottours.com/secure-payment

Bank transfers are welcome too - customer pays all charges. Email finance@reddottours.com when sent with your name and Travel Voucher reference.

UK Payments:

• Bank: Barclays Bank Plc, Leicester, England LE87 2BB
• Account: Red Dot Tours Limited
• Account No: 00510203
• Sort Code: 20-29-63
• IBAN: GB36 BARC 20296300510203

USD Payments:

• Account No: 69222666
• IBAN: GB85 BARC 20296369222666

EUR Payments:

• Account No: 74859011
• IBAN: GB33 BARC 20296374859011

Your holiday is confirmed once you receive your confirmation email with your guest portal after booking. This confirms all details and activates our booking conditions.

Please check our terms and conditions

Absolutely. Payment information is protected by Paysafe Group Limited and Stripe's secure systems. We have strict anti-fraud policies and shred documents with personal information. Never email credit card details. We won't spam you and only share information as outlined in our Privacy Policy. You might receive occasional newsletters, and removal requests are honoured immediately.

Your passport needs at least 6 months validity from departure (we recommend longer due to recent issues so please renew your passport well in advance for most destinations). Check your passport's condition - damaged ones may be rejected. Allow extra time for renewals as processing can take weeks. Keep photocopies separate from originals.

Single parents or other adults travelling with children may need documentary evidence of permission. Your destination may have specific entry requirements for children. All children need their own passport regardless of age.

Yes, all travellers need a visa. Apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation at www.eta.gov.lk.

Vaccination certificates, particularly yellow fever, may be required for certain destinations. Check health requirements well in advance.

Absolutely - we strongly recommend comprehensive cover for all trips. Quality insurance protects against unexpected events that could affect your holiday. Coverage should include trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage issues, and evacuation. Ensure it covers all your planned activities and carry a copy whilst travelling.

Your policy should cover trip cancellation, emergency medical and dental, baggage delay and loss, emergency evacuation, and 24-hour assistance. Include adventure activities and repatriation. Some offer "Cancel for Any Reason" for maximum flexibility. We can recommend reputable insurers if needed.

Consult your GP or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for vaccination advice. Ensure routine vaccinations are current. Bring sufficient medication plus extras for delays. If you have ongoing health conditions, arrange a pre-trip consultation as time zone changes can affect medication timing.

We're committed to ensuring everyone enjoys travel to the fullest. Share your requirements early so we can work with you to create the perfect trip. We coordinate with airlines, hotels, and partners for wheelchair assistance, accessible transfers, and suitable accommodation. Standards vary by destination, but we'll give you honest information and suggest the best alternatives for your comfort and enjoyment.

Contact your doctor at least a month before departure for written details. We'll forward this to airlines, ground agents, or hotels as appropriate.

Medicines legal at home may have different regulations overseas. Travel with prescription copies and original packaging. Remember airline liquid restrictions (usually waived for medicines with documentation). Pack extra medication and split supplies between hand luggage and checked bags.

Comprehensive bite prevention is recommended. Wear covering clothing including long sleeves and trousers. Dawn and dusk are peak mosquito times, so stay covered when dining outdoors. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Consult your doctor about specific risks and prevention for your destination.

Standards vary worldwide. Avoid tap water for drinking or teeth brushing unless boiled, filtered, or treated. Use filtered bottles or bottled water. Avoid ice unless made with clean water. Basic precautions reduce traveller's diarrhoea risk - focus on food/water safety and good hygiene.

Protect skin with clothing, sunscreen, and shade during hottest parts of the day. Pack high-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses. Remember increased risk at altitude, and UV reflects off water, sand, and snow.

We arrange flights through airlines and our specialist consolidators. We can request seat assignments, meals, and special assistance. We'll provide confirmation details including check-in and baggage allowances. For complex routing or specific airlines, we'll accommodate where possible whilst maintaining value.

E-tickets typically arrive 10 days before travel, especially during peak periods. They're emailed directly. Let us know if your email changes and give maximum notice for different arrangements.

Allowances vary by airline and route - we'll provide specific details. Consider your destination's climate when packing. Remember restrictions on liquids, electronics, and medications in carry-on. Pack essentials in hand luggage in case of delays.

Yes of course - wheelchair assistance, special meals, extra legroom, and other requirements. Request well in advance as availability is limited. Medical conditions requiring oxygen or equipment need additional documentation. Child services including bassinets can be arranged subject to availability.

If you've booked flights through us, our ground agents handle reconfirmations. If you arranged your own, check directly with the airline.

We don't provide individual vouchers - our operations team books everything as shown on your Confirmation document. Hotel vouchers go directly to properties, so just show your Confirmation and passport at check-in.

Licensing varies - some have complete licences (all alcohol), some partial (beer and wine only), others none. Contact your consultant for specific hotel liquor policies.

In Sri Lanka, we’ll meet you just outside arrivals with a Red Dot name card. We will provide your driver's mobile number days before departure.

Like other companies, we advise against self-drive in Sri Lanka or India.

Absolutely not. Our drivers follow strict codes prioritising your safety and satisfaction. They know your itinerary and follow it. They might suggest optional extras depending on your interests, but immediately respect your "no thank you." Contact our Colombo office if you experience issues. Additional excursions may incur charges.

Our Colombo office handles requests for hotel changes or itinerary modifications. We understand new discoveries inspire changes, though some may be impossible or incur surcharges. Check your departure letter for contact numbers.

We provide contact sheets with our Sri Lankan team's details and hotel numbers on request. Leave information with family/friends. Mobiles work in major areas - buy low-cost Sri Lankan SIMs on arrival, or we can purchase in advance.

Local currency is Sri Lankan Rupees, only exchangeable within Sri Lanka. Bring US Dollars, British Pounds, or Euros. Airport arrival banks typically offer best rates and quick service. Credit/debit cards accepted at most restaurants and shops. Skip traveller's cheques (rarely accepted). ATMs widely available in cities. Beware credit card fraud when paying directly.

We follow FCO advice closely and support you before, during, and after your trip.

Of course we can. We provide small boutique and shopping information but never officially recommend specific outlets or accept commissions. Driver opinions are personal views, not company recommendations. Purchases may incur unexpected costs for taxes, handling, customs, delivery, and in Australia, fumigation certificates.

Most destinations have good mobile coverage. Consider local SIM cards for cost-effective communication or check international roaming charges. Many hotels/restaurants offer WiFi. Download offline maps and translation apps before travelling. Our local office provides contact numbers.

Research customs and dress codes beforehand, particularly for religious sites. Show respect by dressing modestly, removing shoes where appropriate, and following photography restrictions. Our guides provide specific cultural guidance during visits.

Yes absolutely, designed for different age groups – just let us know

Your safety is our priority. We work worldwide with different standards that may differ from home. Most street crime is opportunistic, so be careful with valuables. Don't display cameras/phones prominently, keep bags close and secure. Leave expensive jewellery at home. Mostly treat Sri Lanka like you would any other country.

Watch for distraction techniques like someone spilling drinks then offering to clean up. Use hotel safes for passports/money but keep photocopies stored separately. Always heed guide and hotel staff advice, especially for independent exploration or nights out.

If your trip includes wildlife activities or you encounter animals whilst walking, remember these are wild creatures and unpredictable. Exercise caution, never feed or touch animals, maintain respectful distances and don’t wander from your hotel in national parks. Also, please listen to your guides whilst you are on safari.

We require guides, drivers and suppliers to maintain extremely high vehicle and driver standards with appropriate health and hygiene protocols. If concerned about any vehicle or driving aspect, inform the driver, guide, our representative, or us immediately.

Yellow/orange flames in gas appliances may indicate incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide presence. Proper flames should be crisp, vibrant, and blue. Never use barbecues or burn charcoal indoors. Symptoms resemble flu or excessive alcohol: headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue. Consider bringing a portable detector.

Balustrade heights may be lower than European/North American standards with wider gaps between uprights. Exercise caution in unfamiliar buildings and always supervise children near balconies or elevated areas.

Travel can be stressful as well as enjoyable. Your mental wellbeing matters as much as physical health. Maintain realistic expectations and build flexibility into your itinerary. Stay hydrated, get adequate rest, avoid over-scheduling. If overwhelmed, contact our local office for support.