Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about travelling in Sri Lanka, our tours, and how to plan your journey with The Curious Experience.
Are you a travel company or tour operator?
Legally, yes. We are an inbound travel company and manage your journey from airport pick up to drop off, including accommodation, transport, guides, and experiences.
In spirit, we are different. We do not sell packaged tours. We create thoughtful, personalised experiences shaped around your curiosity.
What kind of travel do you specialise in?
Slow travel.
We prioritise depth over speed. That usually means staying two-three nights, or longer, in a place so you can connect with people, landscapes, and everyday life rather than moving constantly between destinations.
Who travels with TCE?
Anyone curious.
We work best with travelers who want to understand a destination rather than pass through it. Many of our guests value learning, cultural exchange, and responsible travel, or are open to exploring what that means with us.
What makes TCE different?
We focus on everyday Sri Lanka, not just highlights.
No rushed itineraries. No tourist traps. No checklist travel. Just meaningful journeys, thoughtfully designed.
Can you customise my trip?
Always.
Every Curious Experience is personalised. No two journeys are the same.
Where in Sri Lanka do you operate?
Everywhere, across the island.
From well-known regions to places most visitors never encounter, guided by strong local networks and lived experience.
Do you support special interests?
Yes.
Wildlife, birding, nature, culture, food, history, walks, treks, hikes, dives, and community engagement can be all woven into your journey.
Is this suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes.
Our local insight and curated approach help you understand Sri Lanka from the start, making your first visit meaningful and manageable.
What’s typically included?
Most journeys include transport, accommodation, curated experiences, local guides, and support from arrival to departure.
We are not an air ticketing agent, but we can connect you with trusted partners if needed.
What’s not included?
We do not promote animal exploitation, rushed schedules, tourist traps, or experiences that harm people or nature.
Ethical wildlife viewing and responsible travel practices are non-negotiable for us.
How does pricing work?
You receive one clear, all-inclusive price based on your personalised journey.
We are transparent about how your trip is structured and can share a breakdown of components if you would like to adjust elements to suit your priorities and budget.
How do I get started?
It is a simple three-step process:
- Fill in the ‘Are you a Curious Traveller? questionnaire on our website.
- Speak with our Experience Designer.
- Mutually agree on your personalised journey before we move ahead.
What we believe in:
We don’t offer glass or reusable water bottles as welcome gifts – we expect you to already use one. After all, no one needs a collection of reusable water bottles, right?
Once your journey is complete, we measure the carbon footprint of your trip. We strive to minimise negative impacts while ensuring you enjoy the magic of responsible travel.
Our philosophy includes avoiding animal rides, reducing plastic waste, and steering clear of tourist traps that don’t benefit the local community.
We’re committed to ensure your spending directly supports the local economy, helping communities thrive.
We don’t claim to be sustainable. Instead, we let our actions speak for themselves. We welcome your feedback, and we are constantly evolving based on what we learn from you.
