 AUSTRALIA IN SRI LANKA 2011
| THE FLAG MISSION |
�The purpose of Waving The Flag is to encourage more people to travel globally to support and express their pride in Australia and Australian Cricket in a fashion that does not isolate from the cultural or sporting influences that make each cricket tour unique, whilst promoting and maintaining positive social and sporting relations between Australia and the countries we visit.�
| READ OUR FAQ'S TO BE COOL WITH OUR APPROACH TO YOUR 'JUMBO JOLLY' TOUR! |
ALTHOUGH BOOKINGS FOR OUR JUMBO JOLLY TOUR HAVE CLOSED, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO FIT YOU IN. THANKS.
It's fantastic to finally answer Sri Lanka FAQ's. A long time coming, I trust they confirm your wont to join us on a tour that we'd love to be as memorable as the last, way back in 2004. After conceding 1st inning deficits in all 3-tests, Australia defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 during a phenomenal series with each test going 5 days; Australia winning the 3rd with just 3 balls remaining. Adulation! With such fond memories of our 42-day 'High Tea Tour', it's a shame you have had to wait 7.5-years for your next chance to be part of Australia's Test Cricket history in Sri Lanka on what will be our absolutely awesome 'Jumbo Jolly' Tour.
     
| HAS THE FLAG TOURED SRI LANKA BEFORE? |
Absolutely!
When you Flag to Sri Lanka, you're touring with one of Australia's most experienced cricket-loving groups, having toured Sri Lanka's grassy terraces in 1999, 2002, 2003, & 2004. With personal & research visits and another recently completed, The Flag will have toured Sri Lanka 7times by the time you hit this dynamic idyll, so you can trust us to know cricket's most delightful destination, for you.
     
| WHY SHOULD I TOUR WITH THE FLAG? |
We LOVE our cricket, we LOVE to travel!
Since 2001 The Flag has taken great steps to involve everyone in our tours to maximise your enjoyment with the people you tour with and the investment you make in your tour. Since 2001 we've built a great family of Flaggers & friends whom tour year after year, enjoying our tours provided for everyone. Our Jumbo Jolly Tour will be just as special with a wealth of experienced Flaggers to welcome you.
So you know our history, THE FLAG has been involved on these international cricket tours:
1994 - Australia in South Africa
1995 - Australia in West Indies
1996 - World Cup (India and Pakistan)
1997 - Australia in South Africa and England
1998 - Australia in Pakistan
1999 - World Cup (England), Australia in West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, South Africa in Zimbabwe, England in South Africa
2000 - Australia in New Zealand
2001 - Australia in India and England
2002 - Australia in South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Sharjah, India in West Indies
2003 - World Cup (South Africa and Zimbabwe), Australia in West Indies
2004 - Australia in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and India, Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe
2005 - Australia in New Zealand and England, Sri Lanka in New Zealand, South Africa in West Indies
2006 - Australia in South Africa, and Bangladesh
2007 - ON HOLIDAY - with 25months between Australian Test Tours
2008 - Australia in Pakistan (cancelled), West Indies, India
2009 - Australia in South Africa, England
2010 - Australia in New Zealand
2011 - Australia in Sri Lanka (World Cup), Sri Lanka (You Should Come)
A Testimonial from Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie
....Sri Lanka is an amazing country to tour as a player and equally fascinating for spectators. I look forward to seeing The Flag once again supporting Australia in Sri Lanka. Read more.....
    
| WHAT'S THE SRI LANKA 2011 'JUMBO JOLLY' TOUR PROGRAM? |
Busy (Very!)!
BOOKINGS FOR OUR JUMBO JOLLY TOUR WILL CLOSE JULY 10, 2011!
August 28 - September 6 - The 1st Test Tour: from Aud$1390 (twin share, 9nights)
If flying in for the 1st Test starting August 31, we'll meet you at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer you to Galle (4hrs) where your bed will be waiting for 9 exciting nights on fabulous Unawatuna Beach and 5 relaxing days at Galle International Stadium. We have an 'Arrack Attack' party the night before the test and the evening of Day 5, without forgetting dinner is included every night.
September 6 - 14 - The 2nd Test Tour: from Aud$1290 (twin share, 8nights)
If flying in for the 2nd Test starting Sept 8, we'll meet you at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer you to Kandy (3hrs) for 8 comfy nights in the city and 5 relaxing days at beautiful Pallekele Stadium; a stunning venue in a lush mountain valley that should be enjoyed by all. Along with dinner each night, we have an 'Arrack Attack' the night before the test and the evening of Day 5. On Sept 13 we visit Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temples and will be back in Kandy by 7pm to say farewell to any Flagger leaving us this night. We will also enjoy a Kandy Dance spectacular one night.
September 14 - 21 - The 3rd Test Tour: from Aud$1190 (twin share, 7nights)
Leaving Kandy by train, we will roll downhill to the rocking and very underrated capital of Colombo for 7 huge nights in a cracking city centre hotel. If you're flying for the first time, we'll meet you at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Colombo is small with a great choice of restaurants, bars, casinos, cafes, and pubs which we can't cover in a week but we�ll give it a great shot, ending the tour on Sept 21; not before you enjoy another 2 'Arrack Attacks'! Awesome!
     
| WHAT IS THE FLAG'S ACCOMMODATION STANDARD IN SRI LANKA? |
Awesome!!
We have one lakeside 3star hotel outside Hambantota, one 3star beach reasort in Unawatuna, one 3star city centre hotel in Kandy, and one 3star city centre hotel in Colombo. All hotels have pools (except Colombo*), bars, air-con rooms, breakfast, dinner (except Colombo) and airport pick-up only.
*As our hotel filled in their pool one month ago, we will seek access to the hotel pool across the road.
1st Test Tour incl. 3-nights before the Test, 5-nights of the Test, and 1 night after the Test (9nights)
2nd Test Tour incl. 2-nights before the Test, 5-nights of the Test, and 1 night after the Test (8nights)
3rd Test Tour incl. 2-nights before the Test, and 5-nights of the Test only (7nights)
The T20 & ODI Tours are based on 2 or 3 nights per game as detailed in our tour options.
If you arrive before our scheduled start of your tour, additional hotel nights may be required.
Your airport pick up is valid for you arriving at the scheduled start of your tour for direct transfer to the hotel. If you arrive earlier, unless we book you extra nights at our hotel when only the airport transfer can apply, the meet & greet and transfer is not included.
     
| I'M TRAVELLING ALONE, CAN I STILL TWIN SHARE IN SRI LANKA? |
Absolutely!!
We appreciate many Flaggers travel alone and don't want single surcharges, which is why we partner you with another independent Flagger in a twin bedded room. Just select the twin share option on the booking form and we'll find a new best mate. I also appreciate affordability is important but if you know you snore like a high speed de-railed freight train, can only sleep with the light on, or must make hourly calls to your Mum, then please consider a single room as a courtesy. Thank You!
If you arrive earlier than your tour start date, any additonal night required will be charged as a single occupancy if you're travelling independently, otherwise double occupancy rates will apply.
     
| ARE MATCH TICKETS & TRANSFERS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR? |
Nope; but you need not worry!
As ticket prices are not confirmed, we will purchase your match tickets from Sri Lanka Cricket and ask you to pay face value when we distribute tickets the night before each game. This also allows partners not wanting to go to the game to tour without buying tickets they don't want, and that's great for everyone! 2004 Ticket Prices were approx Aud$30 per Test.
Due to the acccessibility from our hotels to each venue by either rickshaw or bus, match day transfers are not included as we have learned through the years that more than half the Flaggers prefer to travel to the game at their leisure when convenient public transport is available. We will detail how to reach each venue at our Arrack Attack Party the night before each game.
     
| WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY FLAG 'JUMBO JOLLY' TEST MATCH* TOUR? |
Heaps of Jolly good stuff!!
Lots of 'Jumbo Jolly' - Jolly Good!
A Welcome Gift - For a Merry Tour!
1 Australia Flag - Very Important!
Airport 'Meet & Greet' (except Hambantota) - With a Very Refreshing Beverage!
Airport - Hotel Transfer (incl. Hambantota) - Courtesy of your Brilliant Hotel!
9-7 nights 3 star Hotel/Resort per Test - Brilliant!
2-3 nights 3 star Hotel per ODI/T20 - Just as Brilliant!
Add-on Beach Options for 4nights (or more) - Bronzing!
Daily Breakfast - Chilli Not Included!
Daily Dinner (except Colombo) - Chilli Sure To Be Included!
1 - Bent Banani Beach Wrap - Awesome!
2 - Bent Banani Shirts - Very Awesome!
1 - Flag Blue Tour Shirt - Very Commemorative!
1- Hat & Stubby Holder - Extremely Useful!
Flag Party night before each Test - 'Arrack Attack' #1
Flag Party after Day 5 of each Test - 'Arrack Attack' #2
1 local mobile SIM card - With very cheap call rates!
Day trip to Sigiriya Rock (Kandy Test) - Very Cultural!
Kandy Dance (Kandy Test) - Very Musical!
The Flag's Online Tour Information - Very Suggestive!
Services of The Flag 24/7 - Very Experienced!
Optional Golf - Not Very Relaxing!
Optional Day Trips - Lots of Options!
1 - 'Flaggy Green' �
A Flaggy Green � is awarded to all new Flaggers at a pre-match ceremony, where you also receive a unique Flagger #. So far we've awarded 466 Flaggy Greens - Come get Yours!
*We ask you that you do at least one test match to receive and enjoy these benefits. If you book to Flag at the Beach, Tour Game, ODI's, and/or T20's without a Test Match Option, you will only receive hotel & match services for the your selected tour option, once you reach the hotel AT YOUR EXPENSE.
| HOW DO I FLAG TO AND THROUGH SRI LANKA, AND ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED? |
Absolutely Not!
To make it patently clear, Waving The Flag is not a licensed Travel Agent, therefore do not include international or domestic travel in any tour! You must book flights to & from Sri Lanka with your preferred ATOL registered Travel Agent or Airline, and we'll see you there!!
We appreciate Flaggers live all over the world, have preferred airline and loyalty programmes, and wish to Flag without being hemmed by set itineraries, which is why we leave you to make your own way to Sri Lanka and join us there. As many flights arrive late, no matter what time you lob we'll meet you at Colombo's International Airport to kick start your tour with a warm welcome (and refreshing beverage!)!
Hot Tip: If you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer using airmiles, Cathay Pacific flies daily from Hong Kong to Colombo (CMB) via Singapore or Bangkok. Check for award seats from all airports as what shows unavailable from Hong Kong, may be available from Singapore/Bangkok, and vice versa.
Getting around Sri Lanka is easy; Train, Bus or Car, all of which can be booked once you're in Sri Lanka. To save you the hassle, we will be travelling by train between Colombo and Kandy/Galle and happy to buy your tickets on the day. It's easier for one person to buy 135 tickets than for 135 to buy one each.
If you'd like to hire a car & driver, then we can help. This is a very popular & affordable way (pay per KM) to see alot of Sri Lanka in little time, without great risk of driving yourself. If you'd like further information, please ask. Once you have booked your Flag tour, we will put you in touch with our guys.
If you wish to book flights please email me first to confirm any changes in our program. Thanks.
     
| DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT SRI LANKA? |
Yes you do, maybe!
30 day tourist visas are granted on arrival for Australia, New Zealand, British, EU, and North American passport holders. Easy! For all Flaggers doing the full 7-weeks, you will need a 2month extension, which is easily obtainable in Colombo, but please check out all Sri Lanka Visa information here:
SRI LANKA HIGH COMMISSION - AUSTRALIA
SRI LANKA HIGH COMMISSION - UNITED KINGDOM
     
| WHEN CAN I BOOK MY 'JUMBO JOLLY' 2011 TOUR TO SRI LANKA? |
NOW!!
BOOKINGS FOR OUR JUMBO JOLLY TOUR WILL CLOSE JULY 10, 2011!
With a mountain of demand (and almost 80 booked) for this long-awaited tour, strap yourself in sooner than later as places will be limited. We do require non-refundable deposits of Aud$250 per test and Aud$100 per add-on at the time of booking. Please read cancellation policies carefully before booking.
If you wish to book please email me first to confirm any changes in our program. Thanks.
BOOKINGS CLOSE NO LATER THAN SUNDAY JULY 10, 2011.
     
| HOW DO I BOOK &: PAY FOR MY 'JUMBO JOLLY' TOUR TO SRI LANKA? |
Booking your 'Jumbo Jolly' Tour to Sri Lanka is very straight-forward. Once you have read all the tour FAQ'S and booking conditions and have no further questions, click any Tour Option (all options are listed on the booking page), complete the booking form including correct contact & email details and click submit.
If you have special requests please contact us first as once you've booked it may not be possible to satisfy your wonts, and deposits are non-refundable. On receipt of your booking we will confirm your tour and full tour cost for everyone listed on your booking form and forward deposit payment information.
Your booking confirmation will include Australia & UK bank details for direct internet transfer, and a link to make a secure credit or debit card payment through PayPal. Deposit payment (or full payment if booking on or after July 1) must be received within 7days of your receiving the confirmation.
     
| WHAT'S IN THE FLAG'S ONLINE TOUR INFO GUIDE? |
Heaps of Jolly Good stuff!
The Flag's online information guide shares the important stuff about what to bring, hotels we've booked for you (incl. website and contact details), location and time of our 'Arrack Attack' pre & post match parties, places of interest in each city, train & bus information, approximate costs, and heaps of other useful stuff to make your tour more comfortable.
READ CLARE BARTLE'S TESTIMONIAL REGARDING THE FLAG'S TOUR INFORMATION GUIDE
     
| ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH IN SRI LANKA? |
I'm not!
Sri Lanka food and hygiene standards are below what many might be used to and it is not uncommon to fall ill through contaminated food and drink, or insect bites. It's imperative you discuss vaccinations and medical precautions with your doctor well in advance. Sri Lanka food is simply fantastic (we did love the Curry Bowl!) especially their seafood, and it would be a terrible shame for you to feel poorly at any time and miss out!
     
| WHAT OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS ARE THE FLAG LIKELY TO DO? |
Golf! And other things!
The few attractions around the cricket schedule are centred in Kandy where we will organise and include in your Kandy Test Tour, a trip to Sigirya Rock & the Dambulla Cave Temples, along with an evening at a Kandy Cultural dance! Pending when the Kandy Test ends, we can also visit Pinnawela elephant orphanage. On your time, the Botanic Gardens just out of Kandy are great to escape Kandy's hustle, and further up the mountains, the tea plantations, Adam's Peak (off peak season in August/September), and World's End require an overnight stay, but should still be considered.
Spare time in Colombo is usually spent in the plethora of Sri Lanka handicraft stores, early morning in the wild fish markets, or wandering through the colourful Pettah markets in Fort, all done at your leisure. Down south, if you don't stroll the Dutch Fort of Galle, or venture to see the famous stilt fisherman of Welligama, lazing on Unawatuna Beach is all you really want to do.
Above all else we can organise golf in all places for those interested. Do note; most Sri Lanka golf clubs require you to wear spikes, so if you are serious about teeing up, bring your own if you have them. Rental spikes do not help my game, nor do morning commuter trains passing the 4th.
     
| NEED MORE INFO BEFORE JOINING OUR 'JUMBO JOLLY' TOUR OF SRI LANKA? |
I want you to feel comfortable with your decision to join our 'Jumbo Jolly' Tour and prior to booking, so if you have any further tour questions feel free to contact The Flag by sending an online enquiry (preferred). Please allow a few days for reply, or give call me at Bent Banani:
 Australia: +61390169590
 England: +442032395969
I look forward to welcoming you to Sri Lanka in 2011 and your 'Waving The Flag'!
Best Wishes,
Luke (Sparrow)
     
| YOUR SAFETY IN SRI LANKA |
The Flag's Tours are based on experience and the most up to date travel information available. However, even in the most tourist friendly destination, no one is immune to incident therefore independent travel advice regarding health, safety, and security in Sri Lanka can be obtained through Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website:
You can also visit the Australia High Commission, Colombo
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