traveller29

The only time we ever had a guide with a red umbrella was when we took a day trip with Evan Evans going to Hampton and Windsor with 3 kids and my Dad. The rest of the London trip we did on our own. I don't think anyone should have to explain themselves and why they tour a certain way. When you are in a country that speaks a different language and you want a wonderful historian tell you about the country, it is great. We usually combine an organized tour with days on our own before and more importantly, after the tour. After the tour, you have gotten used to the things the guides help you with.

chardonnay

I'm not a senior yet, but I don't understand why a senior aged person would want to take a tour.

I went on a tour as part of an extended trip once and it was so fast paced that I didn't want to keep up or get up at the crack of dawn to change hotels yet once again. The idea of putting your luggage out in the hall for a 5am departure was horrible.
If I am on a vacation I want to go and get up at my own pace and by the end of that tour I had a cold and still had to get up at the crack of dawn and follow the umbrella woman and sit on the bus and listen to everyone cough and hack all day.
If I were a senior I would want to plunk myself down in one or two hotels and go out on escorted day tours.

I don't get it, but if you see it diffently, let me know.

lyb

Dixon,

It's very interesting that I took a tour with Insight to Italy this summer and have nothing but positive things to say about the company.

First, let me say that it IS your travel agent's responsibility to advise you and give you the information about your tour being changed and if you do not accept the tour that is offered to you, you can get your money back. It does seem to me that you had a travel agent who didn't want to work for their commission.

As far as Insight talking to their customers, I called Insight directly before I left to find out if my tour might be cancelled since many tours had to be cancelled due to a lack of people signed up for certain dates. The young lady who answered was extremely nice and polite and explained to me at the time that at that point they didn't know one way or the other, but as soon as it was sure one way or the other, they would call my travel agent to advise. She did also tell me that I was always welcomed to call back when it was 30 days before my trip.

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, but I truly don't think that your circumstances were the norm.

Ozarksbill

OK, chardonnay, I will let you know that I see it different. You just haven't read closely some who speak of a different style of guided tours, i.e., the ones where you locate in one place, take included or optional side trips as desired, and have plenty of leisure time.

I agree...the getting the bags out at 5 a.m. etc. is no way to travel unless you really want to cover lots of territory. Especially if you havd a cold!

Also I note that you are not yet a senior and so would opt for more independent plans. While not limited to age, the older you are the more grateful that someone else is giving you a hand.

Bill in Missouri

emiller444

We are in our early sixties and have always traveled on our own. This time we decided to try a tour as part of our vacation. We spent 3 weeks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco - most of it in Spain. The tour turned out to be much better than expected. We arranged our own flights and spent the first 3 days on our own in Madrid (using the hotel the tour uses). On our 4th day, the tour began. We left the tour a day early and flew to Barcelona from Torremolinos and spent 4 days on our own in Barcelona(where the tour did not go). The 13 night tour included only 4 dinners - a plus for us - we could make our own arrangements. The Globus tour we chose used all 4* hotels, centrally located with lavish(for the most part) buffet breakfasts, including fresh-squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit and melons, cheeses - along with the usualy cooked items. One of the pleasant surprises was the amount of information imparted by the tour guide on the bus - we got a real insight into the history, politics, geography, etc of the country we were visiting. We also learned much about the European Union. This was a feature missing from trips we have taken on our own. Most of the stops were 2 nights and we had time to explore on our own. The included sightseeing featured local guides, all of whom were educated, intelligent, and interesting.

emiller444

We are in our early sixties and have always traveled on our own. This time we decided to try a tour as part of our vacation. We spent 3 weeks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco - most of it in Spain. The tour turned out to be much better than expected. We arranged our own flights and spent the first 3 days on our own in Madrid (using the hotel the tour uses). On our 4th day, the tour began. We left the tour a day early and flew to Barcelona from Torremolinos and spent 4 days on our own in Barcelona(where the tour did not go). The 13 night tour included only 4 dinners - a plus for us - we could make our own arrangements. The Globus tour we chose used all 4* hotels, centrally located with lavish(for the most part) buffet breakfasts, including fresh-squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit and melons, cheeses - along with the usual cooked items. One of the pleasant surprises was the amount of information imparted by the tour guide on the bus - we got a real insight into the history, politics, geography, etc of the country we were visiting. We also learned much about the European Union. This was a feature missing from trips we have taken on our own. Most of the stops were 2 nights and we had time to explore on our own. The included sightseeing featured local guides, all of whom were educated, intelligent, and interesting. Most of the tours included walking tours - not just quick sightings from a bus. When we travel on our own, we always try to find group walking tours - they are not always available. One can hire private guides, but the hourly rates are pretty prohibitive(often $80 an hour). The included tours were usually in the morning - hitting the main tourist sights - and afterwards we toured on our own. The tour business is still hurting and - to our advantage - this tour had only 19 people instead of the usual 40+. This was a lucky break - moreover, everyone was pleasant and considerate so we had no annoying waits for people who were late. We also enjoyed the hassle-free arrival and departure at the hotels - in 5 minutes we were in our rooms and 10 minutes later we had all our luggage. We also did not miss the hassle of getting lost driving. We will certainly try a tour again. I agree with everyone who has said not to do a budget tour - it's very important to have a centrally located hotel. Everyone enjoys Tauck tours but they are much more expensive.

As for your relatives from Chile - Petrabax tours often combine American and Central American passengers on their tours and the tour is bilingual. We had originally booked a Petrabax tour because we liked the itinerary, but it was canceled from lack of passengers a month before our departure. We quickly scrambled and found the Globus tour that fit our plans.

We have done a reasonable amount of traveling in Europe and this was one of our best and most hassle-free vacations.

wlzmatilida

Dixon and Lyb,

This is an interesting thread to me, and obviously people have strong opinions about it. First, Dixon, let me thank you for pointing out this was the Tour Operator's fault, not the travel agent.

Lyb....as agents, we are only as good as the information we receive..and, believe it or not, sometimes the supplier DOES NOT TELL US. I've had this happen on my own travel over the years! I've been on a Princess cruise and no one told me that they'd be filming a movie and that parts of the ship would be "off limits"..I was just thankful I didn't have clients on board. In October I went to a Sandals resort in Jamaica and the main building was under construction. Since I was there on a reduced rate I couldn't complain, but I "interviewed" various guests at the resort to find out if they knew beforehand and / or anyone had offered them a reduced rate for the inconvenience, and the answer was "no". (again, I was grateful not to have clients there during that week).

And Dixon, I could probably get the CEO's name for you, but sadly, I'm not sure if it would do any good. Unfortunately, I'm seeing a trend in the way companies are dealing with consumers, and it's not a good one. You are right - it seems they don't care, and frankly, I don't understand it. I've had my own agency 10 years and I would be nothing without my loyal clients and their referrals, so I don't understand alienating people.

Here's a good example. My favorite European supplier closed and I was forced to look elsewhere; I relied on another travel agent's recommendation for a company and booked a client of mine into a B&B in Stirling Scotland as well as a hotel in Edinburgh. This poor man had one problem after another; all due to the supplier. In trying to fix it and get his money back I've spent countless hours calling them and faxing all the information, only to have the supplier charge him a "$50 adminstration fee + $10 for a "non refundable" shipping and handling fee for documents that were essentially worthless. Now, I have to ask myself..why would a supplier tick off a travel agent who could provide future business as well as HURT their business for $60??

I belong to an online forum for agents (approx. 2,000) and I've reported this situation -- none of these agents will EVER do business with this company. In addition, I've filed a complaint with the State of Washington (as this company, like here in California, must be licensed to sell travel). Yes, it's only $60, but it's the principle! I'm fervently hoping the State takes them to task on this matter and investigates.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified France, Spain and Italy Specialist

gracejoan

I don't like tours either...too restrictive. I like to make my own choices.

For your parents traveling for the first time a compromised suggestion....a great outfit called Intimate France has small groups, maximum of 6-8, travel in small tour bus, very nice hotels, restaurants...and GREAT FLEXIBILITY...Do check out their website. George Nevin will probably do the tour with them himself.
This would take a great deal of pressure off of them and still have a large amount of freedom of choice.
A bientot..........

SAnParis

I appreciate McBetsys singling me out. She missed the important point,that being, "to each their own". For example, I would hesitate to send my Father anyplace overseas w/out someone who is experienced or someplace where everyone speaks English. Having traveled in Europe w/him before, suffice it to say his trip may cause more frustration than enjoyment. It is just not MY cup of tea. We constantly change plans on a whim & typically take trips whenever we can get a good deal (on airfare). We won't even go into the cost aspect. There are certainly people that should do the 'tour' thing, I'm not one of them.

almaruth60

I went by myself (I'm 62 now) on a Collette Tour in June,2001 to Great Britian,Wales,Scotland & Ireland for 16 days. I had never traveled alone before. My husband didn't really want to go so he stayed home and watched our pets. There were 40 people on the Tour. Our tour director was a wonderful, warm and knowledgable. She had a great sense of humor and told interesting and fun "facts" that livened up the history background for each days event. The Hotels were the best, in fact one was a Castle (Best Western) and surrounded by sheep and peacocks. This was in Wales and we had a medieval banquet in the Castle that was great fun. In London, we went to the theatre to see a wonderful Play/Musical. Toured by boat & bus: Stonehenge, Bath, Waterford factory, Blarney Castle, lots of castles, changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, Dinner shows in Ireland & Scotland and just had a wonderful time. Most were 2 night stays at the best hotels. Dinner was always a choice of 3 entrees. Breakfasts were mostly buffets with a large selection. All Breakfasts and most Dinners were included. We had no extras to pay for. All the attractions were included on our tour. The bus was comfortable and they stopped for photo shots,and bathroom & snacks opportunities. We had lots of free time to do things on our own also. By the end of our trip, we were like one big family and we all were sorry to say goodbye.
I just booked another tour with Collette for June 2007 to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I can't wait to go. I've already packed in my mind! One couple I met on my tour, had taken this tour before and were planning their 3rd Collette tour for next year.
I never had to worry about anything and was able to relax and enjoy the trip.
My daughter and her husband (both in their early 30's) just came back from a trip to Italy with Globus. They enjoyed the trip but were not given choices for dinner. They all ate the same meals each day. I'm staying with Collette. The price is less than Tauck, and higher than some others, but you do get what you pay for. Your parents will be thrilled their first time in Europe, I was!

pat

Since this post is from 2003, I certainly hope the parents went and had a good time and everything was resolved. I`d hate to think they are still debating what to do! (Still a good post though)