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GoT on waitlist Q
If a waitlist comes through AFTER new July 31 GoT deadline for 2023 tours, does that mean we forfeit the GoT? Seems unfair. Thought I'd ask here b/f calling Tauck.
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If a waitlist comes through AFTER new July 31 GoT deadline for 2023 tours, does that mean we forfeit the GoT? Seems unfair. Thought I'd ask here b/f calling Tauck.
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That is a good question. The only reason you didn't book was because there were no openings, so I think it more likely than not that Tauck would still offer you the GOT, but who knows. I have no personal experience with this specific situation, however.
MarketArt - Seems to me that being on a waitlist before the GoT deadline would qualify you for the GoT for the tour you waitlisted, if you escape the waitlist and can actually book the tour. At least that’s what I would argue with Tauck about if they didn’t offer it to you.
I have no specific experience with this case, it’s just my opinion.
Turns out no waiting to reach Tauck today; what a surprise. Rep said technically No, but they would look at when you waitlisted (obviously would have to be b/f cutoff date) and whether hotel is available. So sounds like a bit of wiggle room; never hurts to ask.
I would be interested in the details … like which trip … is it the trip that is sold out or a specific date? When were you waitlisted for what date? It is my understanding that the gift of time is an early booking bonus, and it states that the deposit must be paid at the time of booking. I wish you luck, but waitlisting may be a stretch … there is no money involved and no commitment. If you have a booking made before July 31, and waitlisted for an alternate date or tour I think you would have a stronger argument. Tauck can be very generous. Let us know how it turns out.
We booked a Douro + Lisbon & Madrid trip in Jan ‘22 for Oct 23. This was before prices were even listed but cabins already were limited. Our GOT in Lisbon is still listed as “On request”. I’m sure it will all shake out as we get closer. Our post night in Madrid is already cfd and priced. I have found not to worry about the small things. Tauck has never let us down.
On request happens when you book a tour and Tauck haven’t had the final contract with the hotels. The different is you have paid a deposit. I do agree with what other are saying Market Art, I would want to ask about the Gift of Time just in case, however, if all the rooms availability have gone then Tauck will obviously have to say no.
MarketArt. I have recent first hand experience with this topic:
I was waitlisted for Northern India/Nepal (December 2023). I was recently notified I had a spot on the tour. I asked If Tauck would allow me the GoT as I was on the waitlist months prior to the 7/31deadline I was initially told Tauck was not allowing GoT for any tours booked after 7/31 regardless of being on the waitlist. The advisor indicated she would definitely inquire on my behalf.
In the meantime, Tauck sent me a survey about my recent experience. I took that opportunity to explain my situation and request the GoT. I received a call from the TA this week telling me the GoT was approved. I agree with British that there must be room availability for Tauck to consider.
I'm excited about this trip. I absolutely loved the Portrait of India tour. I've met wonderful Tauck travelers and often keep in touch. I'm happy so say I'll be traveling with someone from the Portrait of India tour. She was on the waitlist and also granted the GoT..
PureLuxury - It appears that, based on reading the online itinerary, that the itinerary for the days in Delhi, Agra, and Mumbai (2 days in each city) on the Northern India/Nepal tour are exactly the same as they were for our Portrait of India tour.
Does that concern you, or do you just that the price you have to pay (repeating 6 days from your earlier tour) in order to get the other 12 day experience in India/Nepal?
It seems like Tauck would try to make the itineraries somewhat different, at least in Delhi and Mumbai, to try to lure people, like yourself, to take both tours.
Perhaps Tauck feels that the market is largely that people will do one tour or the other (Portrait of India, or Northern India and Nepal) in India and that's it so they don't need to vary the itineraries in the overlapping cities.
Thanks, everyone, for your input. I was indeed offered the extra hotel night, listed as Unconfirmed, on the Australian Adventure. I've been to NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and NZ on my own; it's a great escape from the heat in July and August, though Tauck does not travel there in "winter". After reviewing the itinerary I remembered that my favorite city (thus far), Melbourne, gets short shrift; the Asian cultural mix there is intriguing (at least for me, as I've been only to HK and Japan) & also the itinerary is not in Hobart for the can't-miss (imo) Saturday Salamanca market, my absolute favorite, perhaps b/c Tasmania was my first stop in Australia back in 2006 and there was a festive Tibetan celebration marketside that weekend. I'm now considering my own leisurely itinerary next summer featuring Brisbane and Melbourne; can't wait to start planning. With two longish tours already scheduled for next year, this makes more sense for me. And when Tauck ran down the grueling a.m. departures, well that sealed the deal lol. But at least now we know a bit more about how the GoT works.
Sam No concern--but only because I really enjoyed my time in India. Also, during our time in Agra, I missed the Agra Fort tour because I had an upset stomach and I didn't want to cause any disruptions to others on the tour. One couple on the tour gifted me a really nice book on Agra Fort and at dinner described, in vivd details, all that I missed. This gives me the perfect opportunity to see Agra Fort for myself...and one can never tire of visiting the Taj Mahal.
Mumbai was my least favorite part of the tour. Thankfully, we're not there a full 2 days. We arrived late afternoon the first day. We had a coach tour on the drive to the hotel and then dinner. The next day, if I remember correctly, was a walking tour of the city and a really nice lunch at the Taj hotel. After lunch, there was a few hours of free time before the farewell dinner and then departing for the airport. I think my flight left ~11PM. This time around, I plan on taking a private tour of Elephanta Island.
To Tauck's credit, The Golden Triangle tour is probably a good compromise to highlight the major sights without the safari portion.
PL, glad it worked out for you. Initially I was told No, was then put on hold very briefly, then told it was approved, though record calls it Unconfirmed, assumedly pending hotel availability.
Sam, we took the Spotlight on INDIA tours some years ago as we could not take the time to do the three week tour. Back then, the tour did not go as far as Mumbai which the new Golden Triangle tour does. We have mulled over the INDIA Nepal tour more closely since we have spoken to quite a few people who have been on the tour and a TD who confirmed that the elevation is not too high which was a concern for my husband who is one of those people who’s body does not tolerate high elevation. I know there are meds for this and the latest is viagra 😀 yes really.
It’s the first time I have known one of Tauck’s tours overlap so much with another but now we are mulling over it. I do know of people who didn’t see any tigers at all or just one. I’d like to see Nepal. We loved India but my husband feels he is one and done with the mind blowing poverty in India and seeing all those places again. Out ‘favorite’ part, Varanasi is of course not on the newer trip. So in all, we are still on the fence for the future
We have looked at another company who spends all the tour in reserves for both tigers and Asian lions which would give us more opportunities to likely guarantee more sitings.Meanwhile, there are other places to see for us.
Someone on our tour right now had the experience of their vehicle breaking down on the Tiger tour and them all having to ride in the toilet wagon that goes around with the group! Fun stories and adventures!