Enchanting Sri Lanka & The Dreamy Maldives

Sri Lanka and Maldives trip tips 2024

Prepare to be thrilled by Enchanting Sri Lanka & The Dreamy Maldives. In Sri Lanka, the wildlife will amaze you with great photo ops and its fascinating history. Our itinerary is it an explorer’s delight with ancient temples, mystical Buddhist sites and active fun each day and scenic wonders! Our past groups here raved as “best AFS trip ever”. You were wise to book these places with our group, as they are challenging to do on own.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information.  Updates and addendums will be posted here.  Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc.  Check back from time to time.

• FINAL PAYMENT DUE DEC 28, 2023    Wetravel is our data management company, it allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Simply follow the instructions. Credit cards will be assessed a processing fee at time of purchase.  As a small business, this helps mitigate costs and allows us to give you the very best price.   If you prefer to use the mail, make your payment to AFS or Adventures For olo Travelers, 1907 Daniel Green Ct., Smyrna GA 30080

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly.)

Deanna Purdie:  Based in Atlanta, making her way around the globe with over 60 countries visited…mostly solo until finding out about AFS in 2017.  With degrees in Photography and Graphic Design from SCAD, she enjoys helping others capture and create interesting posts for Social Media that your friends are sure to envy. Also, with a background in IT/Communications, she is able to help solve any tech issues you may have with your devices or apps.  She enjoys a healthy active lifestyle of working out, skiing, snorkeling and hiking.  Always researching and learning…she has been studying and speaking French for the past 8+ years and will be sure to have at least 2-3 new Travel Hacks and tips for you each trip!

Deanna is a great asset to AFS, not just because of her capable skills in leadership and her wisdom, but it’s her joyous enthusiasm in guiding others in exploration!

Trip Prep:

• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
• Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages.  We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of any planned international travel. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.  Also good to scan any docs, Covid test, trip tips, etc.
• To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport.  Look in your App Store for details.
• Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
• All airline rules differ.  It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the appropriate visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before your trip.

https://srilanka.visaonlinegov.org/apply-visa

I tried their site out and found it slow loading times even with a fast Wi-Fi connection. The cost of their Visa is $20.  If you prefer a faster and more user-friendly alternative, you can consider using a paid service like ivisa.com or google others but you’ll probably pay close to $50 to get the visa and other such services. While they charge more, their website is easier to navigate and loads rapidly. The choice is yours, and both options will facilitate your visa application.  (No visa for Maldives.)

• It is crucial to note that you should not obtain the visa just yet, as it is only valid for 30 days. Wait until March 1 to purchase the visa. We will also send you a reminder.   When you do apply, please ensure you complete the application accurately, make the payment using a credit card, and remember to bring a copy of the visa with you during your travel.  You will need a copy of your passport valid at least six months with two blank visa pages, a digital passport photo 2”x2”.  You can take one you can take a headshot selfie against a blank wall and crop it accordingly and a credit card for payment.

Fitness level – 2   No trouble walking as not to unnecessarily slow up the group. Most of our days involve extensive walking, sometimes on uneven pavement. Know your limits.

General Air Info –  Route changes can happen now. Airlines must notify you of such and protect you if problem with flight.  Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins.   Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number.  Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.  Many say they want to fly business class but don’t realize fare range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. Alen@skylux.com or ali@business–class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.

Important Air Dates Main Group – March 28 USA to Colombo (CMB) on  April 10 return from CMB .   

Fly Dubia
APR 7 FZ-1026 CMB – MLE 10:35 AM to 11:25 AM
APR 10 FZ – 1025 MLE – CMB 7:45 AM to 9:35 AM (arrange flight to USA after 12 noon or later.)

(To the six people on Sri Lanka only, just book round-trip air USA to Colombo March 28 to April 7.)

Many airlines fly these routes such as Turkish, Emirates, Air France, Qatar and more. The best schedules and fares are on Qatar (QR)

Group Air:  None. I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group. See below on how to do your own air which gives you more flexibility.

Internal flight – all 22 people will fly together from Colombo to the Maldives April 7. $295 has been added to your bill.

Doing Own Air– Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book sometimes find better rates on own direct from hometown.  This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end.   Also, you can consider upgrading seat to business class but know prices average 6 to 9K. No group air tickets can be upgraded. (see below).   We recommend you now book flexible air tickets that can be refunded or changed.

We like Google Flights.  3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems.  Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you.  If you need help air,  our guy Delhi can help, email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name and details with birthdate.

Also, Above9Travel or SkyLux can help you with business-class seats by combining award points and cash at half the cost.  ali@above9.travel  Ph. (855) 777-6336 x1015 or Alen Monvel at SkyLux Travel, Direct Line: 844-207-1756. alen@skyluxtravel.com

Airport Transfers-

We will have one group airport pick up to accommodate as many people as possible. If your times fall outside the group, simply take a taxi to the Movenpick address 24 Dharmapala Mawatha Colombo 03, Tel: +94117450450 Contact email: hotel.colombo@movenpick.com  If you fall outside the group transfer time, here is a link that will allow you to schedule a transfer on your own https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Colombo-Airport-CMB/Mövenpick-Hotel-Colombo

With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs.  Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like.  If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary day one when trip begins.

Meet Up With Group- On Mar 29 a time will be set to meet the group at the hotel for a briefing. More on this later.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  If you overpack by adding pre-or post-trip luggage, make prior plans as to where to stow the excess luggage. You may be responsible for any overage charges. Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on.   Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing- 

Google weather in Colombo a week prior departure – should be in the 80’s.   This is the best month to visit these tropical places but be prepared for humidity and possible brief rains.

This trip is so easy. Simply pack summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights.  Umbrella, hat, comfy sneakers, all hotels have hair dryers.

Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS

This trip is so easy and totally casual. Simply pack summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights. Think umbrella, daypack, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, comfy sneakers, … swimsuit, beach gear, wet shoes.

(Ladies – it is respectful to dress modestly add some religious sites. This means shoulders covered two knees and bring a headscarf. Guide will advise win. Dress as you like at the Maldives resort.)

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.  See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – Always bring some cash!  You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $400 cash should suffice.    Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering.  Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted.  Amex rarely accepted.   Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.) The US dollar is stronger than ever before now in Sri Lanka for your exchange to the Sri Lankan rupees!

• Currency  Exchange Rate  $1= 15.50 Maldives Rufiyaa and 327 Sri Lank Rupee
• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
• https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities –  It’s protocol to tip our local guides, assistants, porters, wait staff, drivers and ground staff. Guidelines have increased globally. A $130 total will be added to your invoice doing Sri Lanka with Maldives and $90 for those opting to do Sri Lanka only. Please understand this is only the suggested minimum.  For ease of distribution, your GTL will tip the different ground services for the entire group each day.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room.  If you use a porter, please tip.  For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

Click for More Trip Tips with info on communication, travel insurance, cancellation, emergency contacts, Facebook group page, and more…

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More Trip Tips

Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad.  Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate.  Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Get Smart: Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.

• Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water.  Stay hydrated.
• Remind full of pickpockets in big cities, especially at night.  Never carry your passport outside of the room.
• Grab a business card from hotel before heading out on own to show taxi driver where to go.
• Travel health – Drink bottled water. Avoid street foods. Bring Imodium or anti-diarrhea medicine.  Bring sunscreen.  Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

Health – Bring Imodium just in case. All our meals are pure and water is filtered. Bottled water provided throughout. Don’t use ice outside hotels. (Poverty – you may witness an eyeful of poverty omnipresent. The beauty is found in its humanity with dignity inherent in the spirit of the people here who possess virtues of simplicity, hard work, gentleness and perseverance. No beggars will harass you. Humbling to see them so happy with so little.)

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame! Note, there may be some restrictions with photos in Buddhist places and religious sites. Guide will advise.

Retail Therapy – Sri Lanka -Excellent shopping – World’s finest teas, spices, batiks, unique handicrafts and gemstones – wholesale rates on rubies to sapphires.  Bargain all!  Your guide will advise the best places.

Chewing-  Distinct Indian fusion fare.  Totally fresh food.  Try the seafood, mild curry dishes, roti breads and appa or “hoppers” or coconut crepes.  They are famous for pastries and cakes.

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel.  Note that hotels can change, but it’s rare.

Roommates –  Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all.  Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching.  99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night.   The best option is to invite a friend.  Note, kindness begets kindness.  Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise.  We share rooms only to sleep at night.  (please understand if  the AFS room list ends up with unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group or share the added cost. If none want it, if you were the last to book we may have to remove you from the trip.)

AFS Optionals: Sri Lanka balloon ride you can access your booking details following this link https://afstravelers.wetravel.com/ There you can add the balloon ride. We will also send you an email later verifying that we have everyone’s choice whether it’s a yes or no.

Leisure Time –  For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions.  We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results.  Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

Private Facebook Group Page  –  The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour.  The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit.  (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://www.afstravelers.com/contact-us/    More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Cancellation Penalty –  At booking, we sent you our terms and conditions. Click here for our Terms & Conditions  and here for for Cancellation refund policy   In part it states “a written request for cancellation through email or text with your name and cancellation specifics to 770-432-8225. Please be aware that when a refund is due, a $155 administrative fee will be charged for each cancellation. Any cancellation after November 28, 2023 there are no there are no refunds for any cancellation after November 28, 2023 refunds.

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation.  Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.   CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive.  Note that no company covers cancellation due to fear.

Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage.  The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period.  We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.

• Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

Travel Psychology 101  – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit.  If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience.  Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude.  Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness.  Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable.  It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel.  In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK:  Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included.  We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then.  Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included.  We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then.  Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!