Best Of
Re: Ideas for S Africa visit at front end of Tanzania - Kenya Safari?
It sounds like the Z,B, & SA trip might be a better fit for Metzel.
Re: South African Elegant Tour
I'll add a personal comment about the perfume suggestion. Please tone it down. Some of us respond poorly to scents. A few years ago we were on the Ireland trip with my sister-in-law. We were eating at the restaurant in the Pullman car at one of the hotels. Someone (non-Tauck) came in with an overabundance of perfume (you could smell it as she walked down the aisle) and sat in the booth behind her. My sister-in-law became ill and had difficulty breathing. The staff was able to open the window and move her elsewhere in the car and the dinner finished OK. But...for awhile we weren't sure if she would need medical attention!
Re: Switzerland post trip suggestions
I spent a week in Basel and Bern last year. There are several major museums; I also recommend Museum Tinguely and the impressive Fondation Beyeler. The city actually has about 40 museums. I stayed at The Passage, a short bus ride from the station, though a bit tricky to find. Once you master the excellent tram system and the various stair shortcuts, getting around is easy. When I was there, a free tourist card offered free transport and museum discounts. Check out the famous Tinguely Fountain, with its charming moving sculptures! https://www.basel.com/en/attractions/tinguely-fountain-6259537a82
Re: First Timer Question - Dept of Health or Travel Clinic for Yellow Fever Vaccine?
We asked our doctor for his recommendations. He gave us the shots he could give us and sent us to Passport health to get the rest of the shots he recommended. My recommendation is always...ask your personal physician and proceed from there.
Re: First Timer Question - Dept of Health or Travel Clinic for Yellow Fever Vaccine?
DRDDOG64. I think this is what you mean. It is not that Yellow fever is necessarily in Tanzania and Kenya right now, it is that the vaccine is required to enter some countries.
Re: First Timer Question - Dept of Health or Travel Clinic for Yellow Fever Vaccine?
DRDDOG64 - You might check out the following link for CDC information on Tanzania.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/itineraries/tanzania-and-zanzibar
Re: Switzerland post trip suggestions
Yes, I second a side trip to Colmar, France. The best gewürztraminer I have had outside of Germany and Austria. Simply divine.
Re: Switzerland post trip suggestions
I would recommend getting a Berner Oberland rail pass and going back to Lauterbrunnen, Murren and Grindelwald. You pass through this area on the Jungfrau portion of the Tauck trip. This area is very scenic and has a variety of easy walks or hikes. We stayed in Murren which is a car free village in the mountains and was very restful. The Berner Overland rail pass is purchased for a specific number of days and will cover the train trip between Lucerne and the cities mentioned above. It includes almost all rail, bus, gondola and boat transportation in the Berner Oberland region between Bern and Lucerne. The only thing it does not cover is the train from Lucerne to Zurich at the end of your trip. This area is very relaxing with lots of activities that are covered by your rail pass.
Re: Tauck raises suggested tip amounts
30 weeks out of 52 doesn't sound bad, but being away that much would really put a crimp in the ability to take care of a family, especially with kids. It's not a glamorous job - not one I'd want to do.
Re: Switzerland post trip suggestions
I second Basel. It's a lovely city. If you stay four days you might even want to take a short train ride to Colmar or Strasbourg.