Frequently Asked
Questions

Do you offer more than just sightseeing?

Yes. Alongside sightseeing, our journeys include meaningful moments with local artisans, chefs, and community leaders, such as sharing a meal in a village home or learning a traditional craft. These experiences are designed to feel personal and welcoming, offering a genuine connection to the places and people you visit.

Are your journeys suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, our journeys are well suited to solo travellers. You are supported throughout — for local knowledge, translation, and safety — with someone from our team always close by, even during activities such as a safari where a specialist leads. A small number of experiences, such as certain cultural ceremonies or private home visits, are guest-only under the host's own rules, and your support will rejoin you immediately after. The exact shape of your journey depends on which type you book, so we are happy to walk you through what to expect.

Do you arrange private journeys?

Yes, every Ed-Et journey can be arranged privately around you, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, with family or friends, or as a larger private party. There are no fixed departure dates or group sizes to work around; we build the itinerary, pace, and logistics specifically to your preferences. If you are travelling with a larger private group, our Private Groups page has more detail on how we plan for that — otherwise, contact us with your preferred dates and travel party and we will put together a proposal.

How do you ensure our visits benefit local communities?

Sustainability is woven into our operations. We prioritise locally-owned hotels, hire specialists from the regions we visit, and structure our community interactions to be respectful and mutually beneficial. Your participation directly supports local livelihoods, preserving the very culture you come to experience.

Can we customise our itinerary?

Yes. Every Ed-Et journey is built around you rather than fitted into a fixed template. We can adjust pacing, accommodation, activities, and destinations to suit your interests, and most guests treat our sample itineraries as a starting point rather than a finished plan. Tell us what matters most to you, and we will shape the journey around it.

Do your journeys include free time to relax?

This depends on the pace you choose. Each of our journeys is rated Relaxed, Moderate, or Active. Relaxed itineraries build in generous free time to rest, wander, or spend more time at the hotel. Moderate itineraries, our most common pace, balance a fuller schedule with reasonable rest. Active itineraries make the most of every day with frequent transfers and little downtime. Pace is shown on every tour page, and our team is happy to talk you through what suits you best.

What does "Moderate" pace mean on Echoes of the Past?

This means a full itinerary with regular transfers, early starts and limited free time, balancing rich sightseeing across ancient sites and cities with reasonable rest along the way. It is our most common pace, suited to travellers who want to see a great deal without an overly demanding schedule. If a Moderate pace does not sound right for you, our team is happy to discuss adjusting the itinerary or recommending a different tour.

Can you build a trip around a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or milestone birthday?

Yes, and we are always glad to. Let us know in advance if you are celebrating something, and we will look for small ways to mark the occasion during your trip, whether that is a particular dinner setting, a quiet detail arranged at your hotel, or simply making sure the itinerary suits the moment. The more we know beforehand, the more thoughtfully we can plan around it. If you are celebrating as part of a larger private group, our Private Groups page has more detail on how we plan for that.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. Please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies when planning your trip, and we will take this into account across your accommodation and dining experiences. As many of our meals are arranged with local hosts and restaurants in advance, advance notice helps us make sure your needs are properly catered for throughout the journey.

Can I share feedback after my tour?

Yes, we always welcome it. We are happy to hear directly from you about your experience, and if you enjoyed your tour, we would be grateful if you considered sharing a review on our Reviews page.

Is Ed-Et Tours a licensed operator?

Yes. Ed-Et Tours is a licensed tourist operator registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) under the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005, holding registration number SLTDA-SQA-TA-01690. The company is also incorporated under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 and registered with the Registrar of Companies, with company registration number PV91404. Documentary proof of registration is available on request.

How far in advance should we book?

We recommend enquiring at least 6 to 12 months ahead of your preferred travel dates where possible, particularly for peak season. This gives us the best opportunity to secure your preferred accommodation and any experiences with limited availability. Transport, guides, and drivers are generally within our own control, but during peak periods even these can be fully committed, meaning last-minute enquiries cannot always be accommodated. We understand travel plans are not always made far in advance, and we are happy to do what we can for enquiries made closer to your arrival, subject to availability.

What happens if my travel plans change unexpectedly?

If your travel plans change, please contact us as early as possible. Depending on availability, we will do our best to accommodate a change to your travel dates. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and our cancellation/rescheduling policy — see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

What payment methods do you accept, and is a deposit required?

A non-refundable deposit of USD 200 per person is required within 7 days of receiving your proposal to secure your reservation. Your booking is confirmed once the full balance is received, generally due no later than 60 days before your tour begins, or in full at the time of confirmation if you book within 60 days of travel. We accept bank transfer (USD, EUR, GBP) or credit and debit card via a secure online payment link, which may carry a 4% processing fee. For full details, see our Terms & Conditions.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests. Please note that Ed-Et Tours is not your travel insurer — if you need to cancel and wish to claim through your own policy, our standard cancellation terms still apply, and we are happy to provide supporting documentation such as your invoice and booking confirmation to help with your claim.

Will I have Wi-Fi and mobile access during my trip?

Most hotels and many public places across Sri Lanka offer Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary by location. Local SIM cards are widely available and offer affordable data plans, and our team can help you arrange one if you would like. Certain journeys may include Wi-Fi in the vehicle.

Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?

Yes, Sri Lanka is generally a safe and welcoming destination for visitors. Throughout your journey you will have the support of our team for local knowledge and guidance, and we recommend the same common-sense precautions you would take when travelling anywhere.