Summer is a hectic time for travelers to India and many of us scramble to get the best deals, while expecting good, reliable and efficient service. For Saroj Madan, owner of  Madan Travels in Lowell, offering the best of both to her customers is her primary goal. In July 1999, Madan Travels opened its doors, defining itself as a small friendly travel agency whose primary aim was to help ease the travel arrangements of people who need hand holding from start to end.  Says Madan, “We spend a lot of time understanding the needs of the traveler and help them make the best choice”.

Long time customers agree. Dr Rekha Bains who has been her customer since the agency started describes her service as ‘thoughtful, personalized and pleasant’ and has recommended her to many of her friends. Kathleen  Sweeney of Chelmsford buys her travel tickets mostly to the West Coast from Madan Travels. “ Says Sweeney, “I would recommend any one to this agency. Their service is impeccable and absolutely wonderful”.

Saroj Madan also shared some invaluable advice on latest travel information and offers Lokvani readers some good tips.

Give us some background on how Madan Travels came about?

Prior to travel, I administered special therapy to children with special needs.   I saw the problems traveling with little children.  I also would check the best airline that would cater to older parents as my mother was a constant traveler to different parts of the world and did not speak English.   She was once traveling from Toronto to Minneapolis thru Michigan.  I told her that she has to get down the first stop she sees with the letter M.  I forgot to tell her that there was another stop with another M state Michigan.  She got down at Detroit and missed her flight. 

 I was traveling several times to India to work with special needs and started checking out different airports that catered to children and older adults.  The travel agents were busy selling the tickets but no advice to parents of little children or adult parents traveling alone.  

This is the reason for my starting a travel agency and it is time to give to the community all my wisdom and experiences.  

 To what countries do you offer travel services?

We have special fares for anywhere in the World – but mostly focus on our home country India

Who are your customers? Do you cater to individuals or groups?

Our customers are from all walks of like.  Mostly families from India who are eager to return to their loved ones every year.India is now the focus of the IT world and therefore a lot of American  managers from the IT companies are making the frequent trips.

A lot of children of Indian Americans are frequent visitors to vacation spots in India.  Taj Mahal is the most visited place.  Goa is a hot spot in December. 

Your company also offer cruise services? Can you give us some details on which places and what companies?

The Caribbean’s are the hot spots for cruises.   There are many good companies that have excellent ships and packages.   

What is the best time to buy tickets to India for good deals? Especially during peak periods? Do peak period change per airline ?

The peak period good deals are now.   If you are specific about your travel dates, our advice is book early.  The travelers get their choice of dates and good prices.  As the cheap seats are sold out, the prices go up until no seats are available.  The peak period and prices changes with each airline.

Do you specialize with any particular airline? Are your rates competitive compared to other travel agencies?

Although we offer all the major airlines, we do specialize in British Airways.  Our rates are very competitive compared to other travel agencies.  Our service is suburb.  Most agencies are open 9 to 5.  We are open 8 am to 10 pm. 

Do you advise your customers about taxes and other fees – Visitors are always confused about whether they need transit visas etc?

Travel is not the same since 9-11.  The countries are constantly implementing new rules as to who can and who cannot travel through different countries.   We have to keep up with the laws and new regulations so we can advise travelers not to make costly mistakes.

Do you solicit feedback from your customers on their experience?

Our business is word of mouth advertising.  We get positive reviews from all our repeat customers.  

On Travel tips, baggage rules, - can you give us the latest information?

We recommend people to use the security locks.  Only authorized personnel’s   are allowed to go thru the bags and if they do check for security, they leave a paper with toll free number to complain if anything is missing from the bags.  We also recommend not packing valuables in their check in bags.  

People are still very reluctant to take e-tickets.   The advantages of E-tickets are far better than paper tickets.  First of all if they loose it, it is easily replaceable.  There is no additional cost.  There are no fraudulent tickets.  The boarding passes are issued at the airport when all the travel needs are met by the traveler.  

Baggage rules are 50 lbs/bag – maximum 2 bags on most airlines.   The only airline that allows 70 lbs is British airways.     Air India allows 65 lbs only when traveling on AI only and no domestic segments are used.

Is it possible to buy a ticket that will allow one change in travel plans from their destination? Do the rates differ? What is your advice to travelers on this issue?

Most airlines charge a lot to change the dates.  The rates differ from airline to airline.  

Is it important to have insurance for visitors? 

I do not deal with this issue.  The insurance is good when it is short term travel.  Most of the families go for a long period of time and it gets expensive.

At this point do you have any specials that travelers can grab?

We have many special fares to India until the end of February.   The travel must commence by Mar 31.  

 
Madan Travels
22 Jennifer Road
Lowell, MA 01854
Tel:   (978) 452-7007
Cell:  (978) 479-7007
www.madantravel.com
www.fastlearning.com

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