Best Of
Re: would you recommend this trip
Go for it! This is a fabulous tour with memorable experiences! We went with friends in early October a couple years ago and all of us loved it. We saw the Big Five numerous times (including mating leopards!) as well as other amazing animals. We absolutely loved the game drives and sundowners, and enjoyed viewing the animals at the watering hole from the lodges. This tour is a great mix of culture, history and wildlife/nature. I definitely recommend going early and visiting the Winelands (Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek). I’m happy to answer any specific questions you may have about it. This remains among our very favorite trips.
Re: Currently on MS Savor-Amsterdam to Milan
We are going on the Amsterdam to Milan in July, 2025. Do you happen to recall how much time there is on Day 2 between the end of the canal cruise and the time the ship departs Amsterdam? We would like to go to the Anne Frank House, but tickets are online and must be purchased in advance with a time selected.
Jnkg519
Tick Tauck - Paris to Normandy 6/19/2025
Super excited to be cruising with the family on June 19th 2025 on Paris to Normandy route! Any others with kiddos traveling on this date?
Re: Classic Safari color choices
Dark blue and black are the ones that tsetse flies are attracted to the most. You don’t always encounter them, but if you do and are bitten by one, it hurts! I can attest to that, I was bitten though a black band on a sock. Last year, my son was bitten through beige pants, actually drew blood which came to the surface of his pants. They can also spread sleeping sickness which is not a good thing. Deet Mosquito sprays do not work on them.
British
Re: 1920's Night -Dressing up?
Same with accessories here. I'm lucky in that we used to participate in cowboy action shooting where you dress up (victorian/early 1900's) and we both have a fair number of accessories close enough to that era to work. There used to be a company called 1928 Jewelry that sold modestly priced reproduction jewelry. I have a couple of sets along with beaded wraps, etc. I am tempted by the elbow length gloves on Amazon. My husband has several fancy vests, garters, suspenders and a pocket watch.
Re: 1920's Night -Dressing up?
Terrilynn, you think very smart and wise for packing for a trip.
Re: Tour director tips on River Cruise
Our most recent driver back to the airport stopped and picked me a bunch of flowers from the roadside. We tipped him, he was so sweet. Of course we could not take them past security but I was so touched..
British
Re: Tour director tips on River Cruise
All tips are covered on small ship cruises as are the tips for drivers to and from the airport.
British
Re: Tour director tips on River Cruise
We have a Rhine and Moselle coming up in a few weeks so I bit the bullet and called. All of the housekeeping is covered. The only thing that is not covered is for land tours - the tour directors and bus drivers ( ie if you have a dedicated driver the whole tour).
Re: Currency and Gratuity for Guide and Driver
This is often discussed here and you will get all the answers - as we all have different opinions on this topic.
Just as when in the USA, we tip in dollars (as do foreign tourists here) - when we are in another country, we tip in their local currency to keep it easy for them so they don't have to exchange it (which does cost them money). We find out what country they live in and tip in that currency. Although, if they are directing a tour or driving a bus in a country they don't live in, they can certainly use the currency of the country they work in.
We go to Europe 1-2 times per yr and always take money out of official ATMs (NOT exchange kiosks & EuroNets where you will accrue extra charges) - we have NEVER had an issue when using official ATMs. That said, they will happily take any cash you give them, but they certainly appreciate the currency they use so they don't have to exchange it. Just be sure and do the conversion if you tip in American dollars.
