Best Of

Re: Anyone taking the Colombia: South America Eternal Spring tour?

The US State Department has Columbia rated at level 3 (reconsider travel) status.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html

I'm sure Tauck wouldn't take people there unless they were fairly sure it would be safe.

This is just a guess, but I expect your group will be small. Report back and let us know how you enjoyed the trip and whether you felt unsafe at any time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Doing a bit more research, the cities of Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena are rated as very safe. Those are the three cities that Tauck takes you to.

MikeHenderson

1

Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie

There is a beanie I think but it has a huge Tauck logo across it.
When disasters happen, the most useful donations are cash. When people send clothing, it has to be housed and sorted, that all costs time and money and labor, perhaps find a trusted charity and send money to an appropriate place.

British

1

Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie

Very well said Kathy, thank you.

gladysorlando984

1

Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie

I'm confused, and may have mis-read previous comments, but I thought if you booked a certain category on a river cruise that you received a credit to use on the boat (spa or gift shop, etc) or were able to have room service. I know I am not given that in my category 1 cabin so definitely not treated equally as someone paying for a category 7. I'm fine w/that extra that someone paying for a higher category cabin receives.

I'm also happy for those who have taken more than 20 tours that they can get the gift of time no matter when they book. I've taken only 6 tours w/7 & 8 already booked and do not see myself ever making it into the "Tauck circle" club, but good for those who have.

I'm also someone who enjoys a free gift and since it's recently been river cruises have only received the 10 euros to use, but would love anything. I'm thankful for whatever Tauck sends.

I have to say, I was glad to see you all were receiving more than just hats for taking more than 20 tours. :-)

Kathy0529

7

Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie

Certainly kfnknfzk. If you don’t require the gifts, that’s a nice idea and they will be free advertising for Tauck wearing their logo in the clothing.

In addition, you may not have had time to look at the items, there are only a few, clothing choices are all over $100. I chose a puffer jacket for my husband which costs $254, his current one is really old.

The only thing that worries me, is that if he wears it on tour, he may be mistaken for the Tour director. On one tour we took, people kept mistaking him for the TD as they were wearing the same type of clothing, same height, same fair coloring, it caused quite a laugh.

British

2

Re: is there a benefit to booking EASTbound VS WESTbound

With pre-and-post tour days, the direction makes no difference as far as the itinerary. Available and direct flights might make a difference, however.

We started in Madrid because we had several things we wanted to accomplish before the journey began. We knew we would enjoy the slower pace once on the boat, so we put in our most active days beforehand. Ending in Lisbon afforded us the opportunity to relax and do what we wished at a leisurely pace.

Edited for clarification.

kfnknfzk

1

Re: Valparaiso

We thought about going to Iguazu, but at the time there was a visa requirement which was later postponed. We were on an18 day tour and really wanted to get back as it’s a busy social time of year for us right now. We went to Niagara for the first time last year and on our Patagonia tour we visited incredible waterfalls which wound their way through volcanic rock areas just a drive away from Puerto Varas. We’ve never seen such beautiful falls. I’ll post a photo, oh, not downloaded from my phone yet.
One couple on our tour went to Iguazu first and another went on to Easter Island from Santiago. They are going to report back

British

1