Other Options...

Thanks for your report and thoughts! It's funny because I like the rotating-I get motion sick but feel that it's more "fair" than some people taking the same seats over and over. Also, I got to know more people with the rotations (some I'd rather have not, but that's the risk of a tour).

I also prefer Tauck's single tour director and that they are more hands off. Again, completely personal preference. With some of the recent changes in ABDs (number of guests, more OYO time, focus on places I don't want to visit), I have a feeling that our next two ABDs will be our last and Tauck will be our go to tour operator.

What were your favorite places in Portugal? And would you return again on your own?

I just thought the seat thing juvenile. And I agree hands off is fine. I don't care either way. But I do want to feel cared for. Didn't feel as cared for by Tauck. But only a little less. I'd still travel again with them in a heartbeat if the Itinerary was right.

I am Portuguese and would go back to Portugal any time, on my own or with a tour. I loved it all. Sintra and Coimbra were the best though. And The convent of Christ.
 
Thanks!! I was looking for when would be a good time to go to Costa Rica and am thinking about March break next year. My son would be barely 6 though. When did you go? Any suggestions on a good time?

Edit to add: I saw that the age for zip lining is 8 and above, was there anything for younger kids? Maybe I should wait until he’s 8...
We did the Costa Rica ABD with 7 and 9 year olds. They could do everything. They were too light to zipline alone but they just did Tandem with a guide and it was great. They were probably also less scared doing it this way. It was a great trip and they were able to participate in everything. there is a fair bit of bus travel but I think that is just because Costa Rica activities are bit spread out. For what it's worth we saw the Tauck group a bunch of times at the activities we did and also the hotels we stayed at. The Tauck guide was also one of the local guides that also works for ABD. We have always gone with ABD- I like the two guide system
 
Sorry I’m all over the place but I wanted to ask what is the difference between river cruises by ABD vs TB? Which is preferred? Any one river cruise that’s better than the other? Or is there another river cruise line that is recommended? With young child :)
I think those two are the best bet with kids. We did ABD Rhine last summer and had a blast with 6 and 8 year old kids. Plenty of great options the girls loved and every night they had an optional kids dinner. The kids would have a buffet and could play games with the adventure guides if they didn't feel like doing a sit down dinner. my kids loved this!!
 


Thanks!! I was looking for when would be a good time to go to Costa Rica and am thinking about March break next year. My son would be barely 6 though. When did you go? Any suggestions on a good time?

Edit to add: I saw that the age for zip lining is 8 and above, was there anything for younger kids? Maybe I should wait until he’s 8...
With ABD the age was 6 for zip lining. We had a few 6 and 7 year olds and they had a blast.
 
We did the Costa Rica ABD with 7 and 9 year olds. They could do everything. They were too light to zipline alone but they just did Tandem with a guide and it was great. They were probably also less scared doing it this way. It was a great trip and they were able to participate in everything. there is a fair bit of bus travel but I think that is just because Costa Rica activities are bit spread out. For what it's worth we saw the Tauck group a bunch of times at the activities we did and also the hotels we stayed at. The Tauck guide was also one of the local guides that also works for ABD. We have always gone with ABD- I like the two guide system
I think those two are the best bet with kids. We did ABD Rhine last summer and had a blast with 6 and 8 year old kids. Plenty of great options the girls loved and every night they had an optional kids dinner. The kids would have a buffet and could play games with the adventure guides if they didn't feel like doing a sit down dinner. my kids loved this!!
With ABD the age was 6 for zip lining. We had a few 6 and 7 year olds and they had a blast.
Sounds awesome!! CR is definitely on my list now, maybe during March break... seems like a great ABD for younger kids!

I was considering a river cruise then decided against it then am now looking at it again. Hearing your experience makes me really want to do it. The Christmas cruise looks phenomenal and would definitely love to do that and the Rhine! Now to convince my husband and decide on when to go! I still want to explore Europe next year but these are really great advice! I really appreciate your responses, it’s really helpful!
 
Anyhow, just my thoughts. Btw, Portugal is amazing and everyone should go. ABD seriously needs to create a Portugal itinerary.

Great to hear. We are headed to Portugal next week for 10 days. Not an escorted tour but we did use a couple of tour companies for planning most of our day trips, tours and activities. Splitting most of our time between Lisbon and Porto.
 


Sorry, I feel like such a pest but help please?I’m hoping someone could help me compare TB vs ABD for Costa Rica? I’m looking to go March break next year with my husband and 5 year old. TB is longer by a day and is also a little more expensive. Any pros and cons? I looked at the itinerary, it seems TB has more activities? There is also a stay at Tortuguero. The last hotel for both is the same.
 
Sorry, I feel like such a pest but help please?I’m hoping someone could help me compare TB vs ABD for Costa Rica? I’m looking to go March break next year with my husband and 5 year old. TB is longer by a day and is also a little more expensive. Any pros and cons? I looked at the itinerary, it seems TB has more activities? There is also a stay at Tortuguero. The last hotel for both is the same.
Interested in the same thing but with a 6 and 10 year old in 2021!
 
I don't think that TB is really more expensive. For one room, 3 guests, it's $3740 (with the child being $3540), and that includes 20 meals (vs 16 for the ABD) and another full day and night. If you add on ABD guide gratuities, which are an additional $140 per person but included on the TB, it's break even or cheaper. More than half of the March dates are already more expensive, and I think even the cheapest is break even once you add in gratuities.

I looked at both itineraries, as both have changed since we did CR. I don't think I would do CR without the visit to Tortuguero.
 
TB price includes all gratuities which ABD does not. Once you take a Tauck trip you get a free hotel night b4 or after all your next tours with them. Plus Tortuguero was the highlight of our TB Costa Rica trip.
 
Interested in the same thing but with a 6 and 10 year old in 2021!
I’ve had a lot of positive feedback on Costa Rica! I was thinking 2021 initially but seems like a good way to start family tours. (At least that’s my excuse, lol)
I don't think that TB is really more expensive. For one room, 3 guests, it's $3740 (with the child being $3540), and that includes 20 meals (vs 16 for the ABD) and another full day and night. If you add on ABD guide gratuities, which are an additional $140 per person but included on the TB, it's break even or cheaper. More than half of the March dates are already more expensive, and I think even the cheapest is break even once you add in gratuities.

I looked at both itineraries, as both have changed since we did CR. I don't think I would do CR without the visit to Tortuguero.
Great point. It does looks cheaper when you break it down that way. I’m not sure but maybe the agent quoted me in CAD because the price she gave me was 4860 instead of 3740. I guess that would make sense with the exchange rate.
TB price includes all gratuities which ABD does not. Once you take a Tauck trip you get a free hotel night b4 or after all your next tours with them. Plus Tortuguero was the highlight of our TB Costa Rica trip.
Thanks!! That’s a great point and I guess the sum of it all is Tortuguero needs to be the in itinerary!
 
We did TB a few years ago based on dates (over New Year). Just looked at both itineraries - TB has changed since we did it. Tortuguero was interesting, so that is a +. I also really loved the chocolatier and lunch near San Jose!
I agree, scanning both, TB seems to have more activities.
 
I am torn between the ABD and Tauck Bridges London/Paris trips. We have been on two ABD's and have loved both. However, I really like the theater show that Tauck in it's itinerary has but it seems that the hotels Disney has included are nicer. The pricing seems to be identical without the current ABD discount and I don't know if we will decide in time to take advantage of that. Thanks!
 
I am torn between the ABD and Tauck Bridges London/Paris trips. We have been on two ABD's and have loved both. However, I really like the theater show that Tauck in it's itinerary has but it seems that the hotels Disney has included are nicer. The pricing seems to be identical without the current ABD discount and I don't know if we will decide in time to take advantage of that. Thanks!
You might want to check with Tauck Bridges if the show is guaranteed or if they have the right to substitute another show (shows close, etc). I'd want to know that before using that as a deciding point between 2 trips.

Sayhello
 
I'm not married to any particular show. The itinerary doesn't specify. My DD is a theater geek and would love to see anything.
 
I’m considering adventures by Disney also. Looking for Rome Florence Venice. Looks pretty incredible. Me and the wife are going to go. $6000 per person though is a lot not including airfare lol any recommendations for another agency that’s cheaper and good?

I’m also considering a 7 night cruise with Disney for Mediterranean. That’s about 2500pp but doesn’t include the things to do off the ship. Wouldn’t be sure how to get around and if we can actually see what we want. Adding ABD to it is another 2500pp on top. For that price I’d so the normal one and skip the cruise.

Sigh decisions decisions.
 
Since we’re now booked for TB Costa Rica, was wondering if it’s worth it to add a day before the tour? I was thinking about it and researched a little. La Paz waterfalls looks nice. Or maybe just a city tour? Wondering what are people’s thoughts on this.

Also, not sure if there’s anyone from Toronto or Canada here. How is flying with Air Transat? :)

Thanks again guys!!
 

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