The European tours I’ve been on have had pretty good TMs (except for the Croation guy on the boat cruise 2 years ago).

I was certainly hoping that the Canadian Best of the West trip I’m going on (3 September) would be similar to the American one, as only one dinner is included, and the reason I go with JU is to have company for the evening meal. That’s more important to me than having to pay extra, though that too of course.

For myself, I’m more concerned about the number of excursions that now appear as ‘optional’, rather than ‘included’, on many tours. Even the short eight day tours to Italy offer at least 3 optional excursions and when you consider the more expensive long haul tours that number increases to a maximum of 11 (Australian Highlights & America’s Western Wonders). The New Zealand tour offers 10 optional excursions, as does Canada East to West.

I realise that these examples are tours of a longer duration - up to 23 days in the case of the Australian tour - but to fund all of the available options, should people wish to do so, does add a large chunk of cash to the overall cost of the holiday.

One final thought: Vickie, in an earlier reply on this thread you seem to put great store by the fact that flights, hotels and Tour Managers are included in the holiday price. I’m bound to say that it wouldn’t be much of a holiday without them! Or will flights perhaps be the next thing that customers will have to fund separately?

Cheers

Mike

In my view it can only be to bring down the headline price of the holiday.

Regards,

Roger

Hi Jaya,

Apologies for the delay, I had thought I'd approved your post. However, I've just looked now and it appears unapproved, I have tried again several times - is it now showing for you?

If not, would you mind re-posting and I will approve that one as it may just be a glitch.

Thanks,

Vickie

Sorry meant to say Sarah has resoponded and not Sue.

Jaya

Hi Jaya,

Apologies for the delay, I had thought I'd approved your post. However, I've just looked now and it appears unapproved, I have tried again several times - is it now showing for you?

If not, would you mind re-posting and I will approve that one as it may just be a glitch.

Thanks,

Vickie

Hi Vickie

I can't see my post but it must be there as Sue has responded!

Jaya

There are many factors we need to consider when pricing our tours, some which are impacted by aspects outside of our control. These include the cost of flights, hotel prices and inflation.

We always aim to provide incredible value for money, which is why so much is included on our trips, such as all breakfasts, flights, hotels, excursions and Tour Managers.

However, if costs increase elsewhere then the price of our tours may need to be adjusted, which is why they can rise even if meals are removed.

Our price promise means that if you book early, you will get the best price for your holiday or we’ll refund the difference. Since we launched our price promise last year, no customers who booked early have paid more than customers who booked later.

Thanks,

Vickie

Apologies for the delay, I had thought I'd approved your post. However, I've just looked now and it appears unapproved, I have tried again several times - is it now showing for you?

If not, would you mind re-posting and I will approve that one as it may just be a glitch.

Thanks,

Vickie

Hi Judy,

We listen to and value what you tell us, and a common theme has been that you want more flexibility and freedom around meals and excursions.  So for 2019, we’ve reduced a small number of meals and trips from some of our tours.

Please do not worry about finding somewhere to eat on evenings where meals are not included. Your Tour Manager will be prepared to give you advice on local places to eat, and should a group of you wish to eat together, they will happily help arrange this and even join you for your evening meal, should you wish them to.

Regarding tour costs, we always aim to provide incredible value for money, which is why so much is included on our trips, such as all breakfasts, flights, hotels, excursions and Tour Managers.  

However, if costs increase elsewhere then the price of our tours may need to be adjusted. We’ve worked hard to hold several 2018 tours at the same price for 2019, but they may have to increase if costs rise.

Our price promise means that if you book early, you will get the best price for your holiday or we’ll refund the difference. Since we launched our price promise last year, no customers who booked early have paid more than customers who booked later.

Many thanks,

Vickie

Hi Vickie,

Most companies provide hotels, flights, some excursions and TM’s as well.

Sylvia