Best Of
Re: Tipping on a land/river cruise combo tour
British is correct that this tour is considered a river cruise in its entirety. As such, all gratuities are covered.
Regarding land tours, there has been much discussion about whether or not housekeeping gratuities are covered by Tauck. I can only report my experience. Quite some time ago, I was advised that Tauck no longer included housekeeping gratuities. This was per the tour director at that time. It’s a moot point for me since I typically extend ‘thank you’ gratuities for exceptional service at my discretion.
kfnknfzk
Re: Tipping on a land/river cruise combo tour
You final travel documents - provided via a link in an email from Tauck - lists the tipping information for your tour.
On land tours (not part of a river or small ship cruise) the only suggested tips are for the one TD you'd have and the one coach driver you'd have. On cruises there are multiple TDs and coaches so that's why tips are included in your tour price. You'll have those personnel throughout your tour both in the land and cruise portions.
Re: Just returned from April 25 tour—highly recommend!
Thanks for your report. This trip is on my radar as a possibility for next year
BKMD
Re: Trip cancellation advice
We had to cancel years ago for a family emergency- we had the insurance but I booked our own flights- all worked out great, didn't lose a cent. Just last fall we had to cancel for an medical issue, but re-booked for a few weeks later. I booked the air on my own. My condition and the new date didn't work out so we had to cancel again, so don't rush it. We are giving it a third try this fall.
So far, except for cheap, short flights from Maui to Honolulu (I booked with Hawaiian Air) we haven't lost a cent. I probably could have claimed the Hawaiian air flights with Tauck, but it wasn't worth my time. We usually re-book the tour right away. Delta will usually just issue new tickets but since I book as early as possible the tickets can sometimes expire. In that case I use the Tauck insurance to get a refund.
AlanS
Re: Flight from Itami to Tokyo before flight back to Dulles question
Also, you can check the routing label they put on your suitcase before it disappears.
British
Re: Flight from Itami to Tokyo before flight back to Dulles question
It has been my experience that the agent at the ticket counter has always advised whether or not my luggage is checked through to my final destination.
kfnknfzk
Re: Flight from Itami to Tokyo before flight back to Dulles question
The farewell cocktail reception and dinner were very nice and memorable, and I would not have wanted to miss that experience. We had a 6:50 a.m. flight on JAL to Haneda from KIX, which is further from Kyoto than ITM, so we had an early start. I slept well on the overseas flight.
Because both of your flights are on one airline, you should be able to check your luggage through to Dulles. I do recall that we had to take a shuttle bus to a different terminal at Haneda. A review of the airport website may be helpful.
Re: Flight from Itami to Tokyo before flight back to Dulles question
I always ask this question when I check my bag on flight #1:
Will my bag be checked through to my destination?
(edited for typo)
BKMD
Re: Electric Plug and Adapter for Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague
They probably assume people know how to do an internet search. The info, with pictures, is readily available
BKMD
Re: Night temperature in early June
It can be very cold but it doesn’t stop us sleeping in the buff as usual. Remember you are at high elevation and that’s partly why the swimming pools are so cold too. Some places provide hot water bottles.
British