JaneP, I'm a retired analyst so my attempt to compare what I'd actually experienced on tours vs what those same tours are offering now is the best way to view it for me. We can all have gut feelings about how the tour model may or may not have changed, but you can't prove it without actual data analysis. I didn't want to rely on my memory since our memories can be faulty. Short of having a full db of all current tours that existed years before, there's no way to absolutely compare now and then. And there will always been some differences between tours of the same length given the availability of local options, local cost of living, safety, pace of the tour, etc. And reality is the travel world has been going thru lots of changes especially since covid. Post covid travel demand has out paced pre pandemic levels so hotels, restaurants, sight seeing venues, etc can demand more of travel companies.
Bottom line, no tour company can meet everyone's desires for number of meals, excursions, etc. Pick which ones suits your priorities best.
BKMD - On your tour the itinerary says you get, excluding M&G day and departure day, 1 provided meal on days 3 and 5, 3 meals on days 4 and 8, and 2 meals on the rest of the days. Average - 2 meals per day are provided. 😁
JaneP, to answer your question —
Tauck says it well: "Small is big at Tauck, where our small group journeys average 24 guests — deeper connections, more time, freedom and flexibility."
For me, smaller means a slower, more relaxed pace. And from an accommodation standpoint, small group size and exceptional lodging go hand in hand. In Africa especially, some extraordinary properties are simply not available to large groups — access is almost self-selecting.
As Tauck puts it, "it's how you travel." 😊 Am I working for Tauck?! 😄
As ginger_201 indicated, we also preferred the small group experience for several reasons, most notably the ease of moving from one place to another. I see it as a moot point, however, since it is a matter of personal preference, not one travel style being better than another.
While some have taken the time to perform an analysis to substantiate their view, I haven’t seen any substantiation from those who insist “shifting trends” on Tauck’s part, excluding Roam since that branding is not a part of this discussion. Perhaps those individuals would like to offer their analyses?
Ginger, I was not being judgmental, I was genuine saying that Tauck is very different these days and how much more you might have enjoyed tours some years ago.
Ginger - I don’t understand how smaller means a slower more relaxed pace. It’s the same itinerary. It doesn’t seem like 6-10-15 fewer travelers is going to make that much of a difference - a small difference in getting people thru an entry point…but not that much. Honestly - I think it’s a commercial selling point to get us to spend more money - I’ve done both and had the same kind of trip…I meet new people - click with some, don’t click with others. Accommodations “might” be an issue but the large groups stay at just as nice a place, just a different one.
The difference isn't just moving through entry points; it's the cumulative effect over the whole tour. Fewer delays, fewer individual preferences, fewer dietary needs, fewer people getting back on the bus, less noise, more personal space. It adds up.
On accommodations, in places like Africa, the best camps literally cannot take large groups. "Somewhere equally nice" may hold true in some destinations, but small groups never face that restriction.
For me, the maximum number of people I can tolerate traveling with? The smaller the better.
Ginger, I can give you the names of a couple of companies that do small group, no more than 16 for almost half Tauck prices. One we went on had 6 people and guess what, only the second time we have experienced someone who was constantly late, theTD was having to go and find her.
On the Tauck small groups the TD may start the day later.
I have found this entire discussion fascinating and a lesson in tolerance. Some things that are as plain as the nose on your face to me seem hidden to others. Some seem to tolerantly explain, discuss, and ask questions while others seem to challenge. Some want more free time, less structured tours others the opposite. I find certain things don’t make sense to me - the people who want smaller and smaller groups and less structure - why would you go on group travel? I have never felt some one else’s dietary restrictions impacted me in any way whatsoever and honestly don’t understand that comment at all. People getting on a bus is what it is but I guess I’m not so impatient that it has negatively affected my travel…and as we all age I can only hope for the tolerant travelers in my groups and not those that find this so onerous to have to bear. Happy travels to all…I hope you find the tour and group that fits your desires.
Comments
JaneP, I'm a retired analyst so my attempt to compare what I'd actually experienced on tours vs what those same tours are offering now is the best way to view it for me. We can all have gut feelings about how the tour model may or may not have changed, but you can't prove it without actual data analysis. I didn't want to rely on my memory since our memories can be faulty. Short of having a full db of all current tours that existed years before, there's no way to absolutely compare now and then. And there will always been some differences between tours of the same length given the availability of local options, local cost of living, safety, pace of the tour, etc. And reality is the travel world has been going thru lots of changes especially since covid. Post covid travel demand has out paced pre pandemic levels so hotels, restaurants, sight seeing venues, etc can demand more of travel companies.
Bottom line, no tour company can meet everyone's desires for number of meals, excursions, etc. Pick which ones suits your priorities best.
Of course, Claudia. Just bear in mind that you are looking at a different issue than I am.
BKMD - On your tour the itinerary says you get, excluding M&G day and departure day, 1 provided meal on days 3 and 5, 3 meals on days 4 and 8, and 2 meals on the rest of the days. Average - 2 meals per day are provided. 😁
JaneP, to answer your question —
Tauck says it well: "Small is big at Tauck, where our small group journeys average 24 guests — deeper connections, more time, freedom and flexibility."
For me, smaller means a slower, more relaxed pace. And from an accommodation standpoint, small group size and exceptional lodging go hand in hand. In Africa especially, some extraordinary properties are simply not available to large groups — access is almost self-selecting.
As Tauck puts it, "it's how you travel." 😊 Am I working for Tauck?! 😄
As ginger_201 indicated, we also preferred the small group experience for several reasons, most notably the ease of moving from one place to another. I see it as a moot point, however, since it is a matter of personal preference, not one travel style being better than another.
While some have taken the time to perform an analysis to substantiate their view, I haven’t seen any substantiation from those who insist “shifting trends” on Tauck’s part, excluding Roam since that branding is not a part of this discussion. Perhaps those individuals would like to offer their analyses?
Ginger, I was not being judgmental, I was genuine saying that Tauck is very different these days and how much more you might have enjoyed tours some years ago.
Or how much less I might have enjoyed it! Maybe Tauck's recent changes are actually a better fit for my travel style. 😊
Ginger - I don’t understand how smaller means a slower more relaxed pace. It’s the same itinerary. It doesn’t seem like 6-10-15 fewer travelers is going to make that much of a difference - a small difference in getting people thru an entry point…but not that much. Honestly - I think it’s a commercial selling point to get us to spend more money - I’ve done both and had the same kind of trip…I meet new people - click with some, don’t click with others. Accommodations “might” be an issue but the large groups stay at just as nice a place, just a different one.
Dear JaneP,
The difference isn't just moving through entry points; it's the cumulative effect over the whole tour. Fewer delays, fewer individual preferences, fewer dietary needs, fewer people getting back on the bus, less noise, more personal space. It adds up.
On accommodations, in places like Africa, the best camps literally cannot take large groups. "Somewhere equally nice" may hold true in some destinations, but small groups never face that restriction.
For me, the maximum number of people I can tolerate traveling with? The smaller the better.
Ginger, I can give you the names of a couple of companies that do small group, no more than 16 for almost half Tauck prices. One we went on had 6 people and guess what, only the second time we have experienced someone who was constantly late, theTD was having to go and find her.
On the Tauck small groups the TD may start the day later.
British, thank you. Tauck's price has never been my main concern, and we have used other operators with very happy travels.
I have found this entire discussion fascinating and a lesson in tolerance. Some things that are as plain as the nose on your face to me seem hidden to others. Some seem to tolerantly explain, discuss, and ask questions while others seem to challenge. Some want more free time, less structured tours others the opposite. I find certain things don’t make sense to me - the people who want smaller and smaller groups and less structure - why would you go on group travel? I have never felt some one else’s dietary restrictions impacted me in any way whatsoever and honestly don’t understand that comment at all. People getting on a bus is what it is but I guess I’m not so impatient that it has negatively affected my travel…and as we all age I can only hope for the tolerant travelers in my groups and not those that find this so onerous to have to bear. Happy travels to all…I hope you find the tour and group that fits your desires.