Best Of
Re: Game drives with back issues
The vehicles that we used on the Elegant Adventure were three rows of graded seats- all open. Not as pictured above. The back row was the roughest on the back. So, people with back issues sat in the front row. The rule of thumb was that we rotated seating to be fair to everyone. Unfortunately, some of the couples we were with insisted on sitting up front all the time. We managed thought and had no real issues. Too busy enjoying the trip.
Re: Received Luggage Tags
It is nice to received gifts, but let’s face it, you are paying for them. I’m not being ungrateful either, Tauck made me a member of their Tauck 25 circle which gave us a $400 voucher to buy special goods from Necessary Gear, so now my husband has a puffer jacket which cost about $299 if I remember correctly but it has a Tauck logo on it. I’ve had the packing cubes which are indeed really heavy compared to the ones we use. I’ve received a wash bag that was huge so we can’t use that. We have not received the tags and box, even though we are at around 40 tours. So the ‘gifts’ appear to be randomly given out. I think I might prefer some sort of discount on a tour. Again I’m not ungrateful, but again, someone is paying and that is probably me.
British
Received Luggage Tags
I received these beautiful luggage tags in the mail today along with a commemorative Tauck box to store travel memories. They are beautiful keepsakes. The luggage tags are stunning but honestly somewhat heavy because of the gold metal. I'm hesitant to use them for this reason. I'm one to try to attempt to pack light especially for accessories, such as these tags. As we know, the ounces and pounds do accumulate.
This is just me, but I prefer to travel to my Tauck tour incognito. I don't mind advertising for Tauck, but I do not like to show off what company(s) I travel with. I feel it can possibly draw attention to my belongings in an airport, etc. since Tauck is a high-end travel company. I know this might open a Pandora's box but I am interested in your thoughts on this subject.
Re: Received Luggage Tags
I just recarpeted a couple of rooms and noticed how much "junk" I had in closets. The Goodwill pile will be bigger than usual this year. Some of the stuff I didn't even know I had, like a Tesla logoed gym bag (which I wouldn't be caught dead carrying now). I must have gotten it as swag in 2015 when I bought my first EV, back when they treated customers well, and not the POS company they evolved into. Also several Tauck duffels...
BKMD
Re: Received Luggage Tags
We just went thru the carpeting drama as well. Lots of donations -- especially from my spouse who hadn't cleaned out his closet in 20+ years. Tossing stuff, or better yet, sending them on to a new home is a very releasing effort.
Re: Game drives with back issues
You are indeed correct about the different vehicles in Southern Africa. These can often pose a different problem as you often have to climb up the side of the vehicle to get into it. They can also go ‘off road’ driving directly over bushes and small trees…which bounce back up.
Tauck makes no exceptions for people with back or car sickness issues, everyone is supposed to rotate. If this is not being done, don’t hesitate to talk to the Tour director. This sort of selfishness should not have to be an issue on an expensive tour where everyone has paid the same price.
British
Re: Tables for two and dining questions
You will get to know the dining staff, the ship is small. Tell them what you need in advance and they will make sure you have it. In addition, if you let Tauck know, they will mark the occasion with a lovely cake. Make sure you do it early in the cruise. You can tell your Tour director as well. There are certainly tables for two in the dining room.
Re: Game drives with back issues
Rutty, un-improved dirt ‘roads’ and sometimes you go where there are no roads at all. If you need and have a back brace, bring it and wear it on all game drives.
AlanS
