Best Of
Re: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence - Excursion Choice Guidance Requested!
We really enjoyed the truffle farm. I enjoyed hearing the history and being able to try the different varieties of truffles. The family was very kind and welcoming. There was time to shop for truffle products at the end of the tour.
Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie
If you've gone on 20 or more Tauck trips, then rumor has it you have become part of the Tauck Circle. I suppose it is like a new tier of benefits similar to what airlines provide with their mileage programs.
However, by revealing your identity you may be violating the fifth clause within the sacred oath of the Tauck Inner Circle.
If the above was your last post on the Forum, as a repercussion of your violation we will understand.
😂😂
Re: Kingdoms & Dragons: Singapore to Bali Review - Part 3 Sights and Activities
The duffle is used for the Komodo National Park visit, nights 10 and 11 while at the Plataran Hotel.
Unfortunately, I don’t recall when they were provided, but I think it’s likely they were provided during the tour. A call to Tauck should easily answer your question.
Re: Kingdoms & Dragons: Singapore to Bali Review - Part 3 Sights and Activities
They were provided during the tour and are not the standard well made duffels. They are made out of a sort of patchwork of fabrics, quite flimsy. The zipper on one of ours broke when we first got it, fortunately there was a spare bag. They are also quite a bit smaller than a usual duffel but plenty of room for what you need.
British
Re: Difficulty of steps at Machu Picchu
I'd like to add a few things beyond what has been stated already. Consider that for some, going down can be tougher, particularly on the knees. I don't like heights, but I was determined to do this. Down was much more challenging in that respect since I was more aware of what was before me. And so I was a wall hugger when available, since that is all there was. A gloved hand would have been handy from touching the brush nestled in parts of the wall, and small gnats and the like residing there. Definitely recommend good sticks with a rubber bottom, and be sure to set the height appropriately. It is definitely worth going to the top.
Re: Malaria Pills for Portrait of India tour??
Please don’t forget, you don’t usually notice malaria mosquitoes, they don’t hang out together, they are smaller and silent. Just takes one infected mosquito to pass on malaria. Always make your own decisions, don’t base it on how others wish to make their health choices. They can tell you what they did, but then you decide along with your health professional and guidance from the CDC.
British
Re: Tauck raises suggested tip amounts
Include the tips! You can always supplement them if there was some extraordinary about the TD (or bus driver).
Perhaps not widely known if you've only done land tours, but Tauck already includes tips for river cruises and land-based family tours. Not sure what percentage of their total offerings fall in these categories, but it is substantial.
Our two other favorite tour companies both include tips.
And, absolutely agree with carrying a not inconsequential amount of cash along just to deal with this.
Way past time to end this. It is about the only thing we don't like about Tauck (20+ tours).
Portolan
Re: Bike excursion around Avignon
My wife and I did this ride in May 2022. At the time, we were both nearly 70. I ride a bit, my wife almost never. We both did fine. The ride we took (I presume yours will be similar) took us along the ancient city wall, through back streets to a large market hall where we stopped for a coffee, past the Palais des Papes, then across the Pont Edouard Daladier and through some farmland on an island in the Rhone, with a nice view of the medieval Pont d'Avignon. Totally flat except going over the gently arched bridge. The biggest challenge was maneuverability when going slowly, since we biked through some pedestrian streets that were crowded.
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RickS
Re: Just returned from Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey
Your honesty is greatly appreciated. Glad you were able to visit Cuba; who knows what the future holds? Many thanks for your thoughtful comments.
