Best Of
Re: Camera gear and backpack
Good comments here. Thank you. I respect the fact some people don't want to take pictures on safari, some want to go as lightly as possible by using an iPhone, some use bridge cameras (my husband will have that one in tow) and yet another group uses DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. I'm among the last group listed and understand the challenges of shooting in the dusty, quickly moving atmosphere. My biggest challenge is fine tuning what I carry with me and how to ensure the kit doesn't exceed the expressed limits. I appreciate the advice and real-life experiences outlined.
Re: Hidden Greece Land Tour - itinerary, hotels, & prices posted
I’ve developed a sudden limp.
British
Re: Is it time to boycott cash tips to get Tauck to join the modern era?
As mentioned, I’m currently on a tour and our fantastic, eloquent, charming and articulate tour director made a simple point of emphasizing that a tour director’s job is not an easy job at all but we already all know that. There is so much of behind the scenes communicating with the Tauck main office that we, as Tauck guests, are unaware of. They are away from relationships from where they live, they don’t have their weekends with their family or friends because they are touring and orchestrating everything for us.
Re: Hidden Greece Land Tour - itinerary, hotels, & prices posted
" What kind of 3 years old trust the Tauck Air Department? They have done so many nasty things to me on the A Week In Portugal trip in order to put me on the $3000 business class airfare as part of the deal. Should have never taken it. They literally told me I cannot take this one particular flight no matter what or you will forefeit the benefit."
What kind of "nasty things" could they possibly have done? Told you No. Forced you on a plane at gunpoint.
Given that the Take Off With Tauck airfare deal is only offered for that years tours, the airline schedules are available to research within the 10 day window that Tauck allows you to cancel without penalty. If you didn't like the flights and/or prices available thru them you could have (1) booked your own airfare or (2) canceled the trip.
We tried using the Take Off with Tauck airfare deal last year and the air dept could not come up with a combination of flights to/from our home airport that qualified for the deal. Because it was within 10 days of booking the tour I was able to cancel and get all money back.
If you're not happy with what happened henrypoon, some of it's on you. If you want to travel with a different company - Tauck and the rest of us with limp along without you.
Re: What to Wear
British- I took your advice recently on my 2 week France trip. One pair of nice black pants with different tops for dinners. A nice black cardigan to pull it together. I focused on day dressing as you have suggested. Layered t shirts with half zips and sweaters (it was cool). Relaxed fit jeans that don't look sloppy. One pair of nicer wedge pumps and the rest sneakers. I've come to understand that being comfortable all day is far more important than a fancy outfit for a two hour dinner. Thank you!
SGF
Re: Hidden Greece Land Tour - itinerary, hotels, & prices posted
Tauck never even mentions flights. If you book your own flights or even arrive days before, they pick you up from the airport. If you can afford A and K Henry, go with them. Who wants to travel with you anyway.
British
Re: What to Wear
I have just finished A Week in Tuscany /Umbria and A Week in Puglia with two Gift of Times in between and only paying the Tauck insurance for one trip but that insures both. I felt it was a win win doing it that way. We were also traveling on our own for 2 weeks prior. That said, it was, for lack of better wording, the sizes of suitcases people bring for just a one week trip, up to 30”.
Re: 1920's Night -Dressing up?
We are going on the French Escapade cruise in July. I have a flapper dress and shawl and I bought some accessories on Amazon. I am rearranging what I am taking as I only take carryon. My husband is trying to decide what he should wear. I am excited about this event!
Lacy
Re: Is it time to boycott cash tips to get Tauck to join the modern era?
Ok. I am going to try to make this my final entry on the subject. My searches indicate Tauck TDs basic salary is 57K to a max of 93K. The estiimated tip amount is around 32K. So the highest paid TDs are probably making around 125K, which is considerably more than the average for people working in Milton, CT.
Sealord