Anyone ever flunk out of a Grand Circle tour?
Jul 10th, 2014, 10:20 PM
#262
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am in Prague and only have 4 more days on this journey. I have not posted partly because I have no interest in being "entertainment." But I wanted to update those who have been kind and helpful. I am glad I left the tour and have pretty much done everything included and more. I have definitely had challenges: my cane broke in Paris and I fell and added some bruises. I bought a new cane and kept going. My couchsurfing host in Paris canceled, so I wasted a lot of valuable time on logistics. I only had 17 minuted in Warsaw to make a train connection , missed my train and spent the night. In McDonalds. But I have been to beautiful places and filled two 32g memory cards with pictures. I need to leave now to go to Charles Bridge and later a river cruise, hopefully before the rain. I have not had a perfect trip, but it still haas been a good trip. Anne
Jul 10th, 2014, 10:26 PM
#263
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,559
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It was kind of you to update. Every trip has some challenges, but good things too. When it is over, the bad things make interesting, sometimes even funny stories and the good things make great memories. You will have both. Hope the next four days are perfect.
Jul 10th, 2014, 10:31 PM
#264
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,019
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are awesome, twoteachers! Thanks for the update and the testament to a determined traveler's willingness to navigate in a world of obstacles and to find the emotional wherewithal to continue in the face of difficulty. May many more wonderful travel (and other) moments await you!
Jul 13th, 2014, 01:44 PM
#273
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TT/Anne-
Sorry to read about all the problems you had with the tour. I believe at one point-June 17th- you mentioned something like 41 people on this tour? That is a huge group. Much too large IMO.
I was glad to read that you hung in there and did a lot of things on your own, even staying longer in one museum than the tour did.
My husband and I have only done 2 tours-one with China Spree in 2007 that had 7 of us in the group. Great trip. Then in 2008 to East Africa-Kenya and Tanzania- with Brendan. There was another couple from California and us. Only 4 people in our safari vehicle! I guess we just lucked out.
I also have mobility issues but don't use a cane or walker at this point. I'm 69 and have had minor knee surgeries on my right knee. I'm also overweight and not in the best shape although I go to the gym as often as I can. Because of this we now travel DIY. We just got back from 3+ months in SE Asia where we walked and climbed and walked some more but I was able to go at my own pace. And the best part was losing 20 lbs. due I'm sure to all the walking! It's difficult when you have physical limitations but I applaud you for not letting them stop your trip. I too am looking forward to your trip report and maybe some pictures! Like you, I'm a picture taker so I would definitely slow down a large group.
I think that if your husband doesn't want to travel on any future trips with you you could solo travel or find a friend to go along with you. There are some interesting trip reports on Fodor's and Trip Advisor from solo travelers.
I hope you get some sort of compensation from OAT/GCT other than the refund of your 2nd tour. Were there things paid for on the 1st tour that you weren't allowed to do but did on your own at added expense? Maybe some reimbursement for that??
Doesn't it feel good to know you saw Paris, Venice, Pompeii............?? Well done!
Sorry to read about all the problems you had with the tour. I believe at one point-June 17th- you mentioned something like 41 people on this tour? That is a huge group. Much too large IMO.
I was glad to read that you hung in there and did a lot of things on your own, even staying longer in one museum than the tour did.
My husband and I have only done 2 tours-one with China Spree in 2007 that had 7 of us in the group. Great trip. Then in 2008 to East Africa-Kenya and Tanzania- with Brendan. There was another couple from California and us. Only 4 people in our safari vehicle! I guess we just lucked out.
I also have mobility issues but don't use a cane or walker at this point. I'm 69 and have had minor knee surgeries on my right knee. I'm also overweight and not in the best shape although I go to the gym as often as I can. Because of this we now travel DIY. We just got back from 3+ months in SE Asia where we walked and climbed and walked some more but I was able to go at my own pace. And the best part was losing 20 lbs. due I'm sure to all the walking! It's difficult when you have physical limitations but I applaud you for not letting them stop your trip. I too am looking forward to your trip report and maybe some pictures! Like you, I'm a picture taker so I would definitely slow down a large group.
I think that if your husband doesn't want to travel on any future trips with you you could solo travel or find a friend to go along with you. There are some interesting trip reports on Fodor's and Trip Advisor from solo travelers.
I hope you get some sort of compensation from OAT/GCT other than the refund of your 2nd tour. Were there things paid for on the 1st tour that you weren't allowed to do but did on your own at added expense? Maybe some reimbursement for that??
Doesn't it feel good to know you saw Paris, Venice, Pompeii............?? Well done!
Aug 10th, 2014, 02:41 PM
#275
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been home for a while but also went almost immediately to an extended family vacation/reunion for a week....My trip was hard but I am very glad I kept going I have received the refund from GCT for the second tour . At first, it was inexplicably short $250.00, but I questioned that and they "recalculated " and I received the full amount. I waited until the second tour was resolved before broaching the possibility of a partial refund for the misbegotten and compromised first tour. I wrote this request a week ago but I have no response so far. I do not know exactly what is fair, but I do believe I deserve something..... Eastern Europe is beautiful and I loved being there.
