Q. Do I need to carry a passport?

A: UK residents travelling within UK (including countries England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.) do not require to carry passport. 

A: If you are foreign national arriving into the UK for this tour, you must ensure you have valid passport and visa to enter UK.

Q. How long should the passport be valid?

A: Please ensure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of completing your tour.

Q. What are the Visa Requirements?

A: You are responsible to make sure that you have correct visa prior to travel. 

UK Residents: Do NOT require a visa to travel to Scotland.

Foreign Nationals: Please do check with the UK Embassy in your country of residence. UK consist of 4 countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Travelling within UK you do not require separate visa.

We are not responsible or liable in any way should you be denied travel due to incorrect documentation.

Q. What happens to me if I am stopped at custom and immigration on arrival to the UK?

A: Please ensure that you carry all valid documentation while travelling to UK. We cannot be held responsible if passengers are stopped or held by any government departments, e.g. Police, Customs, Immigration or any other authorities. The tour will continue and no financial or any other kind of responsibility will be accepted by Sonatours.

Q. How can I check the local weather?

A: You can check the local weather to your destinations here: www.accuweather.com

Q. What is the best time to travel?

A: Every effort has been made to select date where the weather is moderate to ensure your best experience of Scotland. (Kindly note due to changing weather conditions globally, Sonatours is not liable for weather variations). 

Q. What clothes shall I wear or pack?

A: During the lovely summer months, it is advisable to wear light garments during the day but keep a light jacket or sweater in your hand luggage as evenings can get chilly, especially when visiting Nevis Range, the largest mountain in the UK.

A: It is recommended a family sized umbrella, rain wear, pair of sunglasses.

A: During the holiday most of the dressing is casual attire. Should you independently wish to visit Casino or Nightclub, evening wear is required. 

Q. What kind of footwear will I need on the trip? 

A: We suggest trainers, walking shoes, sandals, chappals or similar.

Q. What is the currency used?

A: The Country you are travelling is Scotland and the currency of this country is Pound sterling (£). 

Q. Can I use my Credit / Debit cards there?

A: We recommend that you take a credit or debit card on holiday with you, as it provides extra financial flexibility. Major international credit cards are accepted by many restaurants, shops and hotels. 

Most countries are using chip and pin. In cases where chip and pin not used please be cautious when handing your debit / credit card.

Q. Are ATM machines available?

A: Major cities will have cash/ATM machines where cash can be withdrawn with your credit or debit card, though this might incur a fee charged by your card provider. Advise your bank which countries you are visiting prior to travel so that you don’t run the risk of your card being refused and subsequent expensive phone calls to unlock it.

Q. Where can I exchange my money?

A: Money can be exchanged at Airports, Banks, Exchange Bureaus and at the hotels. You may also need your passport for identification as you would for traveller's cheques, keep in mind the exchange rate may be poor and commission will be charged.

Q. Should I bring all my medication with me?

A: Please travel with all your necessary medication for the duration of your trip including your prescription / doctors report confirming the medication.

Q. Do I need to declare any special medical condition and requirements prior to booking the tour?

A: Should you have pre - existing medical conditions or requirements (e.g. oxygen during flight or sleeping, colostomy bags, etc). Kindly advise the office at the time of booking.

Q. What happens if I am unwell during the tour?

A: Should you feel unwell during the trip, kindly contact the Hotel Reception, Tour Manager or your Local Guide. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing. Strongly recommend to have personal travel insurance to cover these mishaps.

Q. What happens if an accident occurs while on the tour?

A: Should you be involved in an accident (minor or major), please contact your Tour Manager / Local Guide. Unfortunately, no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

Q. What should I do if there is an incident?

A: We make every effort to keep your health and safety in mind. However, should an unforeseen incident occur please contact your tour manager / local guide / hotel reception for immediate assistance.  

Q. What happens if I have lost or left something in the hotel?

A: Every effort is made for your safety. Please note that you are responsible for looking after your valuables and property when on vacation. If an item has been left in a hotel you will need to call the hotel and arrange with them directly for the return of your item, there might be charges involved. 

A: You are always advised not to carry unnecessary valuables and to be vigilant as tourist spots are well known targets for pickpockets. In case of theft you will need to advise your Tour Director immediately and report the theft to the nearest police personnel who will provide you with a police report or crime reference number. You are always advised not to carry unnecessary valuables and to be vigilant as tourist spots are well known targets for pickpockets.

Q. Do I need travel insurance? 

A: We strongly recommend you travel with Travel and Medical Insurance from your country of residence. Kindly ensure you get the correct insurance for the tour.

Q. Can you provide travel insurance?

A: There are various travel insurance providers in the market, however we does not provide Travel Insurance.

Q. How are rooms allocated?

A: Each hotel checks their bookings and room inventory in the morning and pre-assigned the rooms. We have no control over room allocations.

Q. Can you guarantee rooms together?

A: Room allocation is done by the hotels. Rooms together only be requested but not guaranteed. 

We also recommend that children or family members not sharing a room have separate luggage, as rooms cannot be guaranteed adjoining or nearby.

Q. What facilities are there in the room?

A: Facilities vary from Hotel to Hotel and include en-suite bathrooms, generally TV, safe box, telephone, mini bar, room service (use of some of the services are chargeable and to be settled by yourself at the time of checkout). Hotels may require your credit card to cover your extras or cash deposits.

A: Average hotel room sizes will be as per European Standards and varies from hotel to hotel and also within the same hotel.

Q. Will the room have walk in shower?

A: Not all hotel rooms have walking showers.

Q. Does my room have Tea & Coffee making facilities?

A: Please note that not all hotels provide tea/coffee in the room. If hot water is required, kindly request the hotel reception for assistance. 

Q. Is smoking allowed in the hotels / rooms?

A: Most hotels do not allow smoking in the rooms. However, designated smoking areas are provided. Please check with the hotel reception.

Q. Is WIFI freely available?

A: Most hotels will have WIFI available in the public areas. Please check with hotel reception for WIFI information in the the rooms. 

Q. Do all rooms have air-condition? 

A: Most hotels in UK do have air-conditioners or fans.

Q. Will all hotels have lifts?

A: Most of the hotels in UK will have lifts. However, at some places Heritage Hotels or resorts are used. In such cases lifts cannot be guaranteed.  

Q. Pick up point - What time do I need to be at my point?

A: Coach Tour Pickup: It is imperative that you are at the pick-up point at least 15 minutes before the coach departure time. Also, for those who are arriving at the pick-up via taxi, we recommend that you book the taxi in advance .In the event that you miss the pick-up at the appointed time, you would need to get to the next destination on your itinerary at your expense. We will not be able to provide any refunds in any circumstances if you do not continue with the tour. Please see Europe pick up points at "Tab".Q. What type of coach will I be travelling in?

A: We use the finest fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. Most coaches will have armrests & are fully air-conditioned or air-cooled – all with reclining seats.

Most coaches do come with emergency WC facilities. However, frequent comfort stops are been made for your convenience.

Q. Can I select my seats on the coach?

A: Yes, you have the option to select the seat number when making a booking with an additional cost and provided there is availability. You will have the opportunity to have a different seat as the coach will vary. However, the management reserves the right to change the seat numbers.

Q. What is the smoking and alcohol policy while travelling by coach?

A: There is a strict policy of “no smoking, no alcohol and no smelly food” on all our coaches. We do, however, make plenty of comfort stops.

Q. What are the luggage requirements on the Coach?

A: In the coach once you arrive at you first destination, maximum weight allowed for luggage of each passenger occupying a seat is 20 kg. Please make sure that you can carry your luggage from the coach to your rooms as porter service is not provided on the holidays. 

A: It is advisable to put your name and address on each piece of luggage as many passengers have similar bags to avoid delays and confusion. Should there be any reasons your baggage or personal valuable is lost or stolen, you must report it to the tour guide, or in the absence of a tour guide to the local police or hotel. We cannot accept any responsibility for your personal belongings.

Q. What meal options are available to me while on tour?

A: We can cater for a range of Asian Vegetarian (e.g. Jain, Swaminarayan) as well as Asian Non-Vegetarian (Halal). Kindly advise your meal preference/allergies  at the time of your booking. In areas where Indian is not available local cuisine will be provided.

Q. Where will I have my daily meals? 

A: On all tours breakfast is at the hotel and dinners is at various restaurants or hotels.

Q. Should I carry dry snacks? 

A: Dry snacks can be carried, provided they are pre-packed, and all the ingredients are clearly listed on the packaging.

Q. Is specific child meals or baby food available during the tour?

A: We do not provide specific child meals during the Tour. As dietary requirements vary for every individual infant / child, please carry your baby’s food. However, there will be no reduction in rates for meals.

Q. What is the cost of a local meal?

A: On an average local meal costs about £15-£20 per person per meal. This estimated price varies from city to city and country to country.

Q. Will I travel with people from other countries?

A: We have offices in Kenya, India, USA and UK. The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

Q. Is there a tour director on the tour?

A: Escorted tours are accompanied by professional tour director or/and local guides throughout the tour. A number of itineraries include flights, rail journeys or cruises; Tour Director may not accompany during these journeys.

In such situations, your Tour Director will meet you on arrival at your first destination. It may be necessary that your Tour Director may change whilst on tour; this is usually due to operational reasons or utilizing local guides for their wealth of experience. 

Please ensure you provide your mobile number that you will be carrying with you while on the tour when making the booking. This facilities the tour director to contact you should the needs arise while on the tour.

If minimum number of passengers has not been achieved, we will have a local guide. We provides services of local tour guides to make sure you will get an unforgettable experience.

Q. How many people will be on my trip?

A: Average group size are between 15 to 50 passengers but it may vary from departures to departures.

Q. Do you facilitate clients with disability?

A: Sonatours does not provide special tours for the disabled. Our coaches do not have wheelchair excess. It is possible to bring along a folding type wheelchair which may be kept in the baggage hold of the coach. The driver will load and unload the wheelchair from the coach for the passenger however they will need to be physically fit enough to be able to embark and disembark the coach on their own. On the tour it is also essential that a capable person is accompanying such a passenger on the tour to push their wheelchair.

Q. Can I travel with my child or infant?

A: Sonatours welcomes children and infants. The rates for children and infants for all the tours are available in the brochure and on the website. If your child requires a booster/child seat, please carry one.

Q. Can I carry buggies and car seat during the tour?

A: Yes, you can carry foldable buggies and if your child requires a booster/child seat, please carry your own.

Q. Are tips included?

A: On all our group tours, only tips for the driver are included. However, should you wish to tip separately to driver and tour manager, you are welcome to do so at your discretion.

Q. When does my day start?

A: The day usually starts between 8 & 9am. Further instructions you will be given the night before. However, this may differ depending on the activity of the day or when having an early flight.

Q. How much walking is involved per day for the duration of the tour?

A: This tour involves certain amount of walking per day. In your tour approximate walking is 4-5hrs (approx) per day however, the walking is not all at one time.

Q. Will I have free time?

A: Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with optional experiences. If you decide to venture on your own during your free time, preferably you go in a group, keep the guide contact and the hotel address handy. Please do inform the tour director. We recommend you download an offline map too.

Q. Do I need to get a local SIM card?

A: Usually it is not necessary, should you require one kindly speak to your Tour manager/Local guide for assistance

Q. Should I bring any electric outlet adapter and charger for my electronics?

A: Electrical currents vary Globally. We recommend that you carry a universal adapter and your electronic charges for your convenience and comfort.

United Kingdom: Electricity supply is between 220 and 240 volts. Travel adaptor is type G, the plug which has three rectangular pins.