Since we've drifted off topic, here's another tangent regarding TDs:
At the end of my last two tours (out of 16), the final dinner seemed like just another dinner (after the drinks and hors d'oeuvres). A bunch of tables with guests, and the TD off in a corner at his/her own table, busy with the laptop, preparing for the next tour, and not saying a word. In tours previous to those, it was more of an interactive event between guests and TDs, talking about the tour, etc.
I wonder if this is a trend (not unlike the fewer included meals and lack of included major sites in the last few years) or just the way my last two TDs style? They were both very good and with Tauck for many years.
BKMD - that has not been our experience for at least the last three tours, including this one. The TDs joined the groups for the farewell dinners. I do understand, however, that the TDs often need to get to work on the next tour.
The tour director has mingled with clients during the farewell reception, but I have never seen them mingle with us during the farewell dinners.
We use this time to say our goodbyes to those we have connected with and to enjoy the often opulent setting and entertainment. The directors need their own free time to finalize paperwork and/or prepare for their next tour. I always respect their wish to have some privacy.
I asked once why TDs don't join dinners and was told people complained that they were playing favorites, so that put a stop to it. I think they need time on their own to regroup and they do have lots of paperwork to do.
They have rarely joined dinners since we started traveling with Tauck in 2003. They have lots of things to plan for the following days and do things like sort out their laundry and some make time to work out.
These days, there ares so many dinners not included that it’s hardly relevant.
Hello all I’m scheduled on the January 13 trip. Worried about what to pack and what size suitcases to pack. Also I am hoping for some downtime as well. Is there any excursions you would say I could miss, so I could recoup and hang at hotel?
Tauck tells you the suitcase measurements you are allowed on the website for the tour. The same with the clothing.
I found this area of the planet one of the most humid places I have ever been, and I’ve been to quite a few like that.
I think you need to read the itineraries yourself and make your own decision.
My husband and I each brought a medium sized suitcase (see website for weight and other guidelines). We each had a backpack for carry-ons. It is a very casual tour. Take a look at weather spark or other weather tools, for average temperatures, etc, at the time of your trip.
I'm taking this tour in December. I only use international carry-on sized luggage and carry a tote. My body is acclimated to heat and humidity due to where I live; however, if you're not use to humidity, it can definitely wipe you out in a short period of time....hydrate hydrate hydrate, pack breathable, moisture wicking, fast drying clothing and of course pack a sun hat. I had no issues when I visited Singapore--another location supposedly more humid than Thailand. Prepare accordingly and you'll be just fine.
We recently returned from VCT. I'm used to humidity, but this is a whole new level! I always pack a hand fan which I find very helpful, particularly in the temples. Even without the humidity it is a more difficult tour if you want to climb the steps to the temples and go to the top of Angkor Watt.
I would highly suggest packing dry underwear when you go to the elephant sanctuary. They loan you a scrub like top and pants which is fine if you don't go in the water with the elephants. But if you want to give the elephants a bath, you could get wet up to your underwear.
Also, be sure to pack socks for when you have to take your shoes off to enter a temple.
The hotels are gorgeous. Almost everyone changed clothes and dressed up for dinner.
I followed Tauck's rules about luggage and weight and even followed the individual airline guidelines. In most cases your luggage is checked in beforehand and when you arrive at the airport, you are handed your passport and boarding pass.
There were several people on the tour that made mistakes on their Visas. They put the wrong dates in. This required "special handling and a substantial fee". I strongly suggest doublechecking before leaving.
We changed into clothes provided by the sanctuary, so if you go into the water, it won't be in your clothes. They had showers in the dressing room but since I didn't go into the water, I didn't use it.
Comments
Since we've drifted off topic, here's another tangent regarding TDs:
At the end of my last two tours (out of 16), the final dinner seemed like just another dinner (after the drinks and hors d'oeuvres). A bunch of tables with guests, and the TD off in a corner at his/her own table, busy with the laptop, preparing for the next tour, and not saying a word. In tours previous to those, it was more of an interactive event between guests and TDs, talking about the tour, etc.
I wonder if this is a trend (not unlike the fewer included meals and lack of included major sites in the last few years) or just the way my last two TDs style? They were both very good and with Tauck for many years.
BKMD - that has not been our experience for at least the last three tours, including this one. The TDs joined the groups for the farewell dinners. I do understand, however, that the TDs often need to get to work on the next tour.
The tour director has mingled with clients during the farewell reception, but I have never seen them mingle with us during the farewell dinners.
We use this time to say our goodbyes to those we have connected with and to enjoy the often opulent setting and entertainment. The directors need their own free time to finalize paperwork and/or prepare for their next tour. I always respect their wish to have some privacy.
We've only twice had a TD that joined us for a meal. Once at the farewell in Ireland and after the fact I kind of wished she hadn't.
The second time was during covid when our tour group was 9 guests. Very different time and she was a pleasure to be with.
I asked once why TDs don't join dinners and was told people complained that they were playing favorites, so that put a stop to it. I think they need time on their own to regroup and they do have lots of paperwork to do.
They have rarely joined dinners since we started traveling with Tauck in 2003. They have lots of things to plan for the following days and do things like sort out their laundry and some make time to work out.
These days, there ares so many dinners not included that it’s hardly relevant.
Hello all I’m scheduled on the January 13 trip. Worried about what to pack and what size suitcases to pack. Also I am hoping for some downtime as well. Is there any excursions you would say I could miss, so I could recoup and hang at hotel?
Tauck tells you the suitcase measurements you are allowed on the website for the tour. The same with the clothing.
I found this area of the planet one of the most humid places I have ever been, and I’ve been to quite a few like that.
I think you need to read the itineraries yourself and make your own decision.
My husband and I each brought a medium sized suitcase (see website for weight and other guidelines). We each had a backpack for carry-ons. It is a very casual tour. Take a look at weather spark or other weather tools, for average temperatures, etc, at the time of your trip.
I'm taking this tour in December. I only use international carry-on sized luggage and carry a tote. My body is acclimated to heat and humidity due to where I live; however, if you're not use to humidity, it can definitely wipe you out in a short period of time....hydrate hydrate hydrate, pack breathable, moisture wicking, fast drying clothing and of course pack a sun hat. I had no issues when I visited Singapore--another location supposedly more humid than Thailand. Prepare accordingly and you'll be just fine.
We recently returned from VCT. I'm used to humidity, but this is a whole new level! I always pack a hand fan which I find very helpful, particularly in the temples. Even without the humidity it is a more difficult tour if you want to climb the steps to the temples and go to the top of Angkor Watt.
I would highly suggest packing dry underwear when you go to the elephant sanctuary. They loan you a scrub like top and pants which is fine if you don't go in the water with the elephants. But if you want to give the elephants a bath, you could get wet up to your underwear.
Also, be sure to pack socks for when you have to take your shoes off to enter a temple.
The hotels are gorgeous. Almost everyone changed clothes and dressed up for dinner.
I followed Tauck's rules about luggage and weight and even followed the individual airline guidelines. In most cases your luggage is checked in beforehand and when you arrive at the airport, you are handed your passport and boarding pass.
There were several people on the tour that made mistakes on their Visas. They put the wrong dates in. This required "special handling and a substantial fee". I strongly suggest doublechecking before leaving.
For elephant sanctuary day, our TD recommended that those who anticipated going into the water bring swimsuits.
With all that poop, no way!
British - don't forget pee. I agree - no way!
We changed into clothes provided by the sanctuary, so if you go into the water, it won't be in your clothes. They had showers in the dressing room but since I didn't go into the water, I didn't use it.
But you're still wearing your own skin.
I didn't say I would go into that pond. I just said that if someone did, they didn't need a bathing suit.
Some people did go into that water.
I know... When I was there, about 1/3 of the group went into the muck.
And where do you suppose the water comes from when an elephant sprays you with water from its trunk!!!
Yeah, I thought that same thing when I saw the elephant in action.