Best Of
Re: Trip Report, Essence of Japan, October 2024
I think everyone had the same type of room at the Onsen. No, we did not share bathrooms. Yes, everyone had futons.
I enjoyed the traditional dinner at the Onsen. I liked some dishes better than others.
Several people in our group had food restrictions, including no fish. And they were accommodated throughout the tour, including at the Onsen.
Re: Trip Report, Essence of Japan, October 2024
British - We have been on two previous tours where alcohol was included and never experienced anybody drinking "huge" amounts. Tauck tours are not exactly budget, so considering the cost they should include the option as they did on our previous two tours.
RobbieB
Re: America's Canyonlands June 2025
It will be hot and sunny during the day and surprisingly cool at night. This is a fairly casual tour so focus on being able to layer as needed. I'd recommend clothing with UPF protection. Coolibar, Lands End, Columbia, etc all make long sleeve tops that protect you. Bring a sun hat, comfortable broken in walking shoes and sun screen.
Luggage doesn't really matter other than not exceeding the limits Tauck has for your tour "Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm)."
A backpack or whatever you're comfortable carrying is fine for day time. One with a slot for a water bottle is best. Hydration is very important. You can also leave items on the coach during the day.
Re: Canyonlands 2025-late April Clothes
You are taking this trip at a wonderful time of the year as we went last year, May 5-14, and had fabulous weather. The temps were mild and we were always in a long sleeve shirt or jacket. Also, the crowds were low since families are not traveling with their school age children yet. It is a very casual attire trip with the exception of the welcome and farewell dinners (just a pair of pants and a nice shirt). I am including a couple of photos so you can see what our group was wearing. I would suggest you pack a thin waterproof jacket with a hood, a warmer lightweight down or fleece jacket, thin gloves, a fold up umbrella, hat, tennis shoes, a water bottle holder with a shoulder strap, shorts, a pair of nice pants and shirt for the two dinners. Most of us wore sun protective clothing, jeans or athletic attire during the day and would continue wearing the same outfit for our dinners at the parks! It was a shock when we arrived in Las Vegas as it was very hot there in comparison to our earlier days on the trip. You will definitely want a pair of shorts or skort! It is a great trip and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
TNVFL
Re: Tipping on a land/river cruise combo tour
We have taken this tour. It is classed as a River cruise and there is no need for separate tipping. Housekeeping is included on land tours too
British
Re: hair straightner
I don’t know what a hair straightener is, but if it uses heat the answer would be no. They don’t allow any electrical devices that create heat on ships except hair dryers which they provide. If the hair driers are used long enough the heat will shut them off and they must cool down before they will begin working again.
Sealord
Re: dinner recommendations
We were in Essaouira last month. I’m pretty sure it is a three hour bus ride from Marrakech but it is lovely. A long promenade to walk, a fishing port near the souk which is interesting and yes, a souk that you will not get lost in. Restaurants all along the prom. As well as the camel rides we saw windsurfer/ kites.
British
Re: dinner recommendations
On our free day in Rabat we booked a half day tour of the city (we were already planning on doing the Essaouria option with Tauck) through Viator (Tripadvisor). We had a guide and a driver for just the two of us and got to see and learn about the city much more comprehensively than we could with Tauck the following day. We knew by our itinerary what we would see with Tauck and he customized our stops so we didn't duplicate much. We did duplicate the beautiful Kasbah but spent much more time exploring it than with Tauck.
Re: dinner recommendations
Mimitravels, go to the seaside town of Essaouria. It is charming and very walkable. The souk is manageable on you own unlike the ones in Rabat, Fes and Marrakech. You can ride a horse or a camel on the beach if you so desire. It is a great city!
