TRAVEL AGENT: West Meets East Travel. This is Sharon speaking.

CUSTOMER: Hi. I am looking to go to Bhutan this summer, and I need to book my flight and hotels.

TRAVEL AGENT: You said Bhutan, right?

CUSTOMER: Yes. The small, Buddhist kingdom bordering China, India, and Nepal.

TRAVEL AGENT: Well, I’m happy to arrange your travels for you, but you should know that travelling to Bhutan requires purchasing a tour package that is approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

CUSTOMER: Really? Why is that?

TRAVEL AGENT: The thing is, the Bhutan government regulates tourism. They say they do this to protect the local culture and the environment, but I also think it has to do with controlling the tourism money coming in.

CUSTOMER: That makes sense, I guess. So, what kinds of packages do I have to choose from?

TRAVEL AGENT: Our agency offers three tour options. We have a 4-day, a 7-day, and a 10-day option. The first two are cultural tours, and involve sightseeing and travelling by bus. The last option is a trekking tour, with a couple of stays at major sites along the way.

CUSTOMER: Trekking...you mean hiking?

TRAVEL AGENT: Yeah. Trekking just means travelling by foot.

CUSTOMER: I’m not in very good shape, but I guess I could consider it. How much do these tours cost?

TRAVEL AGENT: The 4-day tour costs $1,360, the 7-day one is $1,990, and the trekking tour is $2,300.

CUSTOMER: Including airfare?

TRAVEL AGENT: No, airfare is not part of the packages. But hotel accommodations, all of your meals, and all domestic transportation are included.

CUSTOMER: What about a tour guide?

TRAVEL AGENT: Oh, right. Every tour includes an experienced guide.

CUSTOMER: It’s certainly not cheap.

TRAVEL AGENT: No, but that’s because the government’s travel tariff is worked into the price.

CUSTOMER: I see. Anyway, I’m sure it’ll be worth it.

TRAVEL AGENT: I should warn you that because the tours are managed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, you have to wire transfer the full amount of the tour to them in advance.

CUSTOMER: So, paying by credit card is not an option?

TRAVEL AGENT: I’m afraid not.

CUSTOMER: Good to know. Also, I’m thinking about bringing my kids along. Is it safe for young children?

TRAVEL AGENT: Absolutely. Bhutan is very safe. There are even discounts for kids, depending on their ages. Children 5 years of age and under can go free, and kids between the ages of 6 and 12 receive a 50% discount on any tour package.

CUSTOMER: That’s great. Do we need to get any vaccinations before we go?

TRAVEL AGENT: You want to make sure everyone is up-to-date on their routine vaccinations, of course. But additionally, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid as well. Some people opt to take malaria medication, but I really don’t think it’s necessary.

CUSTOMER: So, there isn’t malaria in Bhutan?

TRAVEL AGENT: There have only been a few cases reported in the very south of the country, and few travellers go there.

CUSTOMER: All right. And do we fly directly into Bhutan, or do we take a bus from a neighbouring country?

TRAVEL AGENT: You can fly to Bhutan’s Paro International Airport, but all flights go through India, Thailand, Nepal, or Bangladesh.

CUSTOMER: And you can take care of that for me?

TRAVEL AGENT: Absolutely. We have some good deals out of Sydney and going through Bangkok.

CUSTOMER: Bangkok...I’ve always wanted to go there.

TRAVEL AGENT: It’s possible to schedule you a layover for a few days.

CUSTOMER: I’ll think about it. And before I forget, when is the best time to visit Bhutan in February?

TRAVEL AGENT: I’d recommend going during the last couple of weeks. The Lunar New year and the anniversary of the fifth king’s birth are both over the weekend of the 22^nd and 23^rd. It’s a very festive time.

CUSTOMER: OK, I’ll talk with my wife and get back to you.

TRAVEL AGENT: Don’t hesitate to call if you have any other questions.

CUSTOMER: I won’t. Thanks.

Answer Key

1. C

2. E

3. 4-day

4. Trekking Tour

5. $2,300

6. Meals

7. Wire transfer

8. 50%

9. A

10. D