Best Of
Re: Gear Icon in posts
I'm on a tour right now. The TD sent out an email to all the guests with all of the paperwork in electronic form. He had also set up a group WhatsApp thread and a QR code for people to use to join the WhatsApp thread.
One thing I really appreciated is that he did not send that email with everyone's email address exposed - as our last Tauck TD did. The only email addresses I could see were my address, my wife's address, and his address.
I think Tauck is trying to move to more electronic delivery. The TD on this trip said everything was available on paper for those who preferred that. I expect the majority will go with the electronic delivery.
Re: Is the pre-tour trip to Capri worthwhile?
BKMD
7:29PM
Thanks, both. I'll bring a personal item-sized dry bag (big enough for wallet, phone, etc.) that I've used on some rafting trips.
Just checked weather (next Wed.) and looks like 65 and chance of showers.
Really, unless you are normally unstable and think you might fall over, I do not think a dry sack is necessary. You might get a minor splash, but not enough to get wet or damage wallet, phone, or camera. I carried a DSLR with no problem. If it is rough in the slightest in the area of the entrance, they will close the Blue Grotto and you won't transfer into the row boats. If needed, the boatmen wipe the floor of the row boats dry between trips, so it would be unusual for even the seat of your pants to get damp or wet.
AlanS
Re: Gear Icon in posts
I wonder if the tech dept is having some "growing pains". 2 days ago we received a welcome letter from Tauck Operations with a reiteration of our itinerary for our upcoming trip. It included a mention of our post-night stay, but not our pre-night stay. I checked in with Tauck, and they had no record of this letter being sent. The agent bumped it up to the tech dept, from where an agent contacted me later. He said the welcome letter was a new feature and thanked me for pointing out the glitch, and that they absolutely knew we were arriving the day before the tour. (Of note, the main other focus of the letter seemed to be a reminder about the TG and driver tips.)
I am hoping that these mystery tech glitches are an indication that Tauck is finally on their way to improving their website and communication, not only with guests but among their various departments.
Wan
Re: Sunscreen and bug spray
Is it bad to wear DEET everyday?
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied often, while DEET should not be used more than once a day. DEET concentrations higher than 30% are not more effective and the chemical (which is absorbed through the skin) in high amounts can be toxic.
British
Re: Sunscreen and bug spray
The Jungle Juice mentioned above is 98% Deet which if far too strong for this trip if you don’t mind me saying. The K and T tour does not have jungle but Savannah, open grassland, thorny acacia trees which the giraffe love and scrub bushes. Deet at a concentration of at least 25% strength to say 30% will deter the mosquitoes. Deet is really toxic, never apply near mouth, nose or eyes and only on skin that is not going to be covered by clothing. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying and you really should shower before going to bed to wash any remainder off. Never ever spray in a confined space near other people like in the safari vehicle. Lately, we have been using the sachets of deet found easily on Amazon for about $7 a box. There are two strengths. Oh, and apply sunscreen before deet.
British
Re: Sunscreen and bug spray
My wife brings a paper hand held fan on all our trips. It is not only good to shoo flies but come in handy in a stuffy museum or bus. She could sell a bunch of them to many in the group! Memo to Arthur — skip the packing cubes and supply Tauck branded fans!
Re: Sunscreen and bug spray
In Kenya and Tanzania the safari vehicles often have a roof overhead that can be popped up to let in air and to stand to see animals better. But oh my, the flies! REI sells some nice lightweight SPF balaclavas to put on your face and neck-to avoid sun and some of the flies but even a fly swatter doesn't help a lot. Might help to pack a lightweight hand held paper of plastic fan. The electric ones were useless to keep the flies away.
Re: Sunscreen and bug spray
Lands’ End has women’s rash guards with an UPF 50. Also, the 2 hats I wear have a chin strap/tie.
Re: Sunscreen and bug spray
Hi Curly! I am fair and live in NJ too. Finally, after all that rain, we have sunshine this week 😎 I concur with everyone who says wear a hat with a chin strap/tie. I have had my Tilley hat for 10 years, and it has been to Africa four times. I also use it as a beach hat every summer. Indestructible and worth every penny. One other member of the forum gave me this idea: spray your safari clothes with permethrin ( available on Amazon ). Hang them in the garage or outside to dry. Next, wash them in cool water. When packing, keep the permethrin treated clothes separate from the non treated clothing. There are also sheets with DEET if you don’t mind chemicals on your skin. Have a great time on your tour!
