Best Of
Re: Difficulty of steps at Machu Picchu
Staying hydrated by drinking a lot is essential- that DOES NOT INCLUDE ALCOHOL, any alcohol. Seriously, we had a few folks who didn't follow that guideline and started feeling really badly.
Please note, Cusco is at 11,152' while Machu Picchu, which seems higher, is actually 3000' lower at only 7,972'. If you are going to suffer from altitude sickness it will more than likely be the Monasterio hotel in Cusco or the historical site at Sacsayhuaman which sits about 1000' above the city, than at Machu Picchu.
AlanS
Re: Difficulty of steps at Machu Picchu
I went to Machu Picchu in 2012 with another tour group. I thought it was an overall tougher trip, as I live at sea level as well. I was much younger, but still found some of the steps very high, as I am 5’4” and my legs were just not long enough to pull myself up. At the time I went, there were NO handrails at all. Perhaps that has changed. Make sure you have walking sticks and perhaps a buddy so you can assist each other. Very happy I went to Peru as it is very fascinating and ancient. If you feel altitude might be a problem you can ask your doctor for an RX of Diamox. Also drink lots of water, sip the coca tea, and eat the coca candies. It all helps, and is worth the effort. Fabulous country, one of my favorites.
Marla526
Re: is there a benefit to booking EASTbound VS WESTbound
We chose east because we wanted to go to Barcelona after which is an easy train ride from Madrid. Our only regret was not adding 2 extra nights in Lisbon so we'd have a full day to go to Sintra. Otherwise it really doesn't matter. Its a very different river cruise from the other European cruises. The itinerary once on the river is fairly low key without the grand castles/cathedrals. Lots of lovely wineries. A pleasant relaxing cruise.
Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie
Of course you were making a point and a negative one. We all know you have frequently bragged about the perks you get in your suite, the gifts you get on your small group tours, and yes you told us all about your husbands birthday gift. Now suddenly you're showing "solidarity" with people who don't spend the extra dollars for a nicer cabin or a more expensive tour. Those little perks never seemed to bother you before.
Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie
My G-d, I'm not making any "point" but merely trying to show solidarity with those who do not reap the rewards for taking more than twenty (20) tours. It is unfortunate that seems to irritate you so much. I will not engage further.
kfnknfzk
Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie
I have always been grateful for the gifts Tauck has given us, but I am disappointed in how they have singled out those who meet a certain requirement. Tauck has always treated their guests equally—whether one has taken a hundred tours or their first. I find this marketing scheme to be quite haughty (for lack of a better word).
I will be donating the hat and using the gift card for purchasing items to give to some victims of the recent fires. I'll share my concerns with Tauck when I send them my 'thank you' note.
kfnknfzk
Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie
"When we took our first riverboat tour, we were told by the cruise director that the shipboard credit and room service were compliments of Scylla."
kfnknfzk, I don't get your point. Yes they are compliments of Scylla (who Tauck contracts with) as a bonus for paying more for a suite. All the gifts and lagniappes we all get on tour are compliments of Tauck as a bonus for traveling with them vs their competitors. Getting a Gift of Time for booking early is a bonus for booking early. Getting a gift on tour for you birthday (as your husband did and as I did) is a nice bonus compliments of Tauck. Packing cubes, coin purses, toiletry bags, etc are nice bonuses for brand loyalty. I fail to see how these extras are any different than rewarding guests for 20 or more tours. At a rough estimate, anyone who has taken 20 tours has paid Tauck a minimum of $100,000. I think that deserves a gift.
Re: Anyone taking the Colombia: South America Eternal Spring tour?
Hi NinaLoo- I took a tour ( with different company) in 2020, returning right when Covid shutdowns began. With a few additional cities, we went to Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. It was a wonderful trip. The Museo de Oro and Botero museum in Bogota should not be missed. I enjoyed my time very much in each of the cities. Colombia is a country I would like to visit again.
jpfly
Re: Anyone taking the Colombia: South America Eternal Spring tour?
This is what the US travel site says about Columbia.
We almost always register on the government’s STEP register, Especially to a country like this. Even on a Tauck tour, I’m thinking of our tour to Buenos Aires , when the Tour Director clearly told us to remove all jewelry and watches once we got to BA, several days before, not everyone listened and as we were getting out of the bus, she said….I still see watches, take them off! So, Tauck do their best of keep you safe, but you have to listen to them.
British