Arriving early
We are heading to Canadian Capital Cities at the end of August. I now realize we should have booked earlier. This is our first tour with Tauck. I also realize I should have used a certified Tauck travel agent and may have received a complimentary night. Do you recommend arriving a day early on these tours? Any information on dressing?
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FYI - the free night at the start or the end of the tour is known as the Gift of Time. It is not given to first timers with Tauck. And is given to repeat guests, subject to availability of the hotel and booking deadline. It doesn’t matter whether or not you use a travel agent.
Good to know. Thank you!!!!
Arriving early has a few plusses, as I see it:
1. some time to get un-jetlagged (though not an issue for Canada)
2. in the event something goes wrong with your flight plans, added leeway to get there for the start of the tour.
3. time to wander the starting location on your own, pre-tour.
The other qualifier for Gift of Time is you have to book by the end of July of the previous year. For example, there's just a few days left to qualify for GoT for 2025 bookings.
Good point regarding booking deadline. I edited my previous post to include it.
Annie, Manu people book with Tauck directly. We always have.
Annie,
If you can, I recommend adding pre-and-post tour days; if you can only do one extra day, consider adding it at the end of the tour. There is so much to see and do in Quebec City, even if you just stroll the boardwalk and the old town area.
The welcome reception and dinner is held within the beautiful Royal Ontario Museum in an elegantly appointed room. What to wear is a personal decision in my opinion so I can only tell you our preferences. My husband wears a suit jacket with or without a tie and I wear dresses/skirts and or tailored dress slacks with, usually, a short-waisted jacket for all formal dinners.
This was one of our favorite tours. You picked a great one for your first Tauck experience! Enjoy and please consider posting a review afterwards.
Thank you all for your advice. I am trying to figure out how we pack into one suitcase each!!!
I pack the small t-lights that are used in votive candles for nite lights. They work great
Annie, there are tons of posts throughout this forum on packing light but here's a few basics after a dozen Tauck tours:
No one cares if you wear the same outfit multiple times. They're really not paying that close of attention and mostly likely neither will you.
Don't over estimate how much dress clothing you'll need for the dinners. Coat/tie are optional for men on this tour. Some women may wear dresses but most will have a pair of dress slacks and 2-3 tops. Slacks and a collared shirt for men. If it's going to be chilly a sweater or wrap is a good idea.
Plan to dress in layers so you can adjust as needed especially during the day. Easiest is to bring a sweater or fleece and a roomy rain/wind resistant layer. If you tend to be cold natured a packable down jacket is handy.
Tauck recommends cotton clothing but we've found that it's the heaviest fabric. Lots of alternatives out there that weigh less, wrinkle less and if absolutely necessary can be sink washed and dried quickly. Lots of travel professionals recommend merino wool but they can be expensive to get ones that aren't itchy (Unbound and Woolx are good brands). My husband and I both have tops from 32 Degrees which are excellent for travel. Available from several retailers like Costco and Amazon but I recommend going directly to their website - better selection and prices.
Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing is a must and something nicer to change into for the evening gives your feet a change.
Have a wonderful tour.
Annie,
Hello again!
Please don't overthink your packing. Think comfort and versatility for daytime touring. Mix and match clothing will cut down on the amount you bring. Sturdy footwear with hard rubber soles is imperative for your walking comfort and safety. I prefer leather ankle boots for the stability they provide. They can also transition from day to evening, especially with dress slacks.
I find Tauck's suggested packing lists to be quite generic and seldomly tour-specific. Merino wool is lightweight and extremely soft. Same for cashmere. Both can easily transform from day to evening with a simple accessory such as a scarf. I have already mentioned my preferences for 'special' events. Wear what you think is appropriate given the venue. Many will scoff, but I always remember that I am a guest in a foreign country.
I typically travel to Canada in the fall months and have never found the need for heavy outerwear. If you have a lightweight rain jacket, preferably one with a hood and zip-out lining, that will certainly suffice if evening temperatures get cool. You will be given (loaned) a plastic poncho for Niagara Falls but having your rain jacket underneath will provide added protection. By the way, you can sit inside the boat in front of a window if you don't wish to be sprayed with water from the falls.
The main thing is to enjoy yourself and don't overpack. Make good with what you have. To conserve space and weight, place your toiletries in travel-sized containers or purchase travel-sized toiletries and makeup. No need to take a hairdryer.
I look forward to hearing about your first Tauck adventure! Warm regards.
P.S. - I hope you have Felix A. as your tour director—one of the best.
You have to be the nicest people! Great advice. Hopefully we will have an encounter on a Tauck trip in the future!!
wow thanks very helpful