Favorite Travel Groups
 

I've been looking at Grand Circle and Tauck. They look great but also expensive. Do you have any travel groups you'd recommend for a senior lady traveling alone?

Dolores, my first trip to Europe was a tour. We went with Brenden who interline with Globus. One we left London everything was Globus. I have looked at both Brenden and Globus tour books and the tours offered and the prices seem identical. Perhaps our travel agent can explain the connection. I have a friend to took a Tauck tour if Italy and liked it a lot. It is very "high end". I have not taken any other tours up to this time. My last two Europe trips were on my own. I was very happy with the tour I took. The accommodations were very nice, with the exception of London..a bit run down, but all the other hotels were very nice. All the food was good. We had a very nice group and quite an age range actually. Youngest was 13, traveling with her parents of course, two young single girls, a couple of honeymooner, believe it or not, and the rest of the group were from their late 40's I'd say to early 70's. I think there were about 40 people all told. Globus buses carry fewer people than some tours so there is more leg room so the bus times are more comfortable. Our tour director was terrific and then they use local guides in the cities.

Some of the hotels were out of the city center, some were more centrally located, but all were near transportation so on our free days we had no problem getting around. I think Globus might be a good compromise for you. Not a "budget" tour, but not nearly as expensive as Tauck and some of the others. Take a look at some of their brochures. Also, read carefully. They will tell you what you "drive by" and what you actually stop at and go to. Usually the sites you actually visit are in bold print. They also list optional tours and you can look at those. You do NOT need to decide way ahead of time if you want to go on the optional tours, I don't think. I did this tour in 1999 so it's been awhile. If you want more free time to explore on your own, or perhaps with someone you meet on the tour, then opt out on the options. On the tour I took, if you didn't take the options, almost every afternoon would be free for you to do as you choose. Along with that, we had a free day to ourselves in Londonk, Paris, and Rome. So, anyway, check it out, and I hope you find the "perfect tour" and have a wonderful time.

Wife and I have gone with Globus some years ago throughout Europe, with GCT four times in Greece, Italy, Scandanavia, Central Europe, and on a number of Elderhostels in U. S. and also Ireland and Puerto Rico. I don't think any of these are overly expensive when compared with other options and would be fine for single ladies.

All depends on what you want. The above will have optional trips besides the basic airfare and ground tours. You will have some free time and can extend your time in Europe if you wish.

Let me know if I can advise further. Otherwise, just search past Fodors postings.

ozarksbill
[email protected]

Tauck may seem more expensive but it is all inclusive. You do not pay extra for any of the attractions. The hotels are well located and the meals are from the menu rather than banquet style.

When you compare prices, be sure to add in the excursions that you pay extra for to get a fair comparison.

I thought the Danube cruise I took with Grand Circle last December was a huge bargain, as everything was included--gourmet meals with many choices, transportation both on and off the ship, excellent accommodations,you name it. I still can't quite figure out how the trip could have been done for what I paid. The only extra was an optional trip to Salzburg, for $55, including lunch at a restaurant.

GCT is great for seniors and people traveling alone--the program directors keep an eye out to be sure no one gets left out of any activities.

My husband and I did the germany tauck tour last October and it was great. The hotels were centrally located and very nice. And really just about everything was included. The only thing not included were the tips for the tour director and driver. Most of your meals are included. We had no surprise expenses and no optional tours to buy. We enjoyed it.

I think I read somewhere that Brendan is owned by Globus..?

Before you decide, be sure to research the contemplated tour company...lots of negative stuff about Grand Circle, and I understand they were evicted from the Better Business Bureau at some time in the past for poor business practices.

Have you looked into Elderhostel? They have very interesting tours.

I don't think Dolores is around anymore. Hope she had a good time or is GOING to have a good time!!! LOL