Pakistan is a great tourist destination but also a very tricky one. Many travellers face dilemmas when it comes to planning holidays in Pakistan. There are certain tips, guidelines and information that visitors must know before getting their cheap tickets to Pakistan.
Planning is the most critical part of any holiday which has baffled even the most veteran of us travellers. The already intricate process becomes all the more complicated when the destination is as unique as Pakistan. Individuals planning holidays to Pakistan must consider the following information on how to plan their holidays to be able to ‘save’ on costs and remain ‘safe’ in the country.
Flights
There is a high degree of importance associated with certain factors that often travellers fail to consider while booking flights from UK to Pakistan or any other destination for that matter. Some of these factors are listed below.
Choice of Departure Airport
Britain’s Key airport, London Heathrow has more airlines operating a number of flights to any destination from UK. London Heathrow is a preferred choice for many to book Pakistan flights. It is likely to find cheap tickets to Pakistan from Heathrow than other British airports with a possible exception of London Gatwick in case of Emirates as the airline charges less tax on its flights from Gatwick. The popular airlines that operate flights from Heathrow to Pakistan include Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. These airlines connect London to major Pakistani cities of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi by offering indirect flights from Heathrow.
The national carrier of Pakistan, Pakistan International Airline (PIA) operates routes from London to Peshawar with direct flights to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The airline is a popular choice for those looking for higher baggage allowance.
Choice of Arrival Airport
The travel agents can easily provide a wide variety of airlines from Heathrow to various cities in Pakistan. Often tourists to Pakistan choose to book London to Karachi flights. Karachi is home to the main airport in Pakistan and enjoys a higher number of connections from London as compared to Islamabad or Lahore which have fewer flights.
Insurance
One must take out complete travel and medical insurance that also includes cover for medical repatriation costs. Check out for any exclusion and make sure your policy covers all the activities you want to undertake on your tour to Pakistan. Your travel insurance policy should cover:
- Medical and health cover for sudden injury or illness
- Personal liability cover if you are sued for damaging property and causing injury
- Lost and stolen belongings cover
- Emergency assistance and service
- Cancellation and curtailment cover
Travel insurance buying tips
- Research and shop around to get a good deal instead of travelling without cover.
- Cheaper policies usually have less cover but it is recommended that you get a comprehensive travel insurance.
- Frequent Flyers making multiple trips to Pakistan in a year can consider an annual multi-trip insurance.
Accommodation
Pakistan welcomes visitors with its first-rate accommodation and great hospitality services. The country features different categories of hotels that pertain to several tastes and budgets. There are number of luxurious five star hotels, as well as budget accommodation in Pakistan that offer quality services and amenities at affordable rates.
Tips to choose cheap and quality accommodation in Pakistan
- There are number of major international chains of hotels in Pakistan, but they don’t come cheap. On the other hand, budget hotels in the country are conveniently affordable. Some budget hotels may even offer same class of services and amenities as the five stars. So it is always advisable to look around before actually making your pick.
- Pick a hotel near major bus stations or railway stations. This will provide you with convenient ways to move around the country.
- It is always good to investigate about hotels in Pakistan. Visitors can be taken in by lavish lobbies to find shabby rooms later on.
To book accommodations, contact Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation at (+92) 51 9272017 8 or visit their Web site http://www.tourism.gov.pk
Social Conventions While in Pakistan
- Mutual hospitality and courtesy are given great significance in the society of Pakistan at all levels.
- Islam is the main religion of the country and you are well advised to respect its customs and beliefs.
- As in other Islamic destinations, women visitors should avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothes and make sure that their arms and legs are covered.
- Homosexuality is illegal in the country as well the co-habitation by an unmarried couple.
- The left hand is generally considered inappropriate for greeting or for passing or receiving things.
- If invited to a Pakistani home, it is good manners to take along a gift for your hosts.
General Health and Safety Tips
- The continuous flood in several parts of Pakistan has increased risks of various water-borne diseases, such as diarrhoea.
- Apart from some hospitals in major Pakistan cities, there are very few hospitals in the country that match up to the UK standards.
- In coastal areas of the country cases of malaria and dengue fever have been reported.
- As per the media reports, there is a constant threat of terrorism throughout Pakistan. There also have been attacks at places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- British travellers to Pakistan must check the latest travel advice on the website of Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk