Why hadn't anyone advised us that the travel agency can't refund your money unless the tour operator can get the passengers' fees back from the reserved hotels, the tour bus company and so on?

Tour operator Explore has been surprised to see an increase in last-minute bookings of high-priced trips to such places as India, Bhutan and Nepal.

If it does, lodge a complaint with your travel agent or tour operator, who may be unaware of the cruelty involved with such activities.