Remember we recently shared how Tauck makes their trips intimate and special with behind-the-scenes access at iconic sites? Good! Well we caught up with long-standing Tauck supporter Melinda Gregor, MD for Gregor and Lewis Bespoke Travel in Noosa Heads to talk insights, tips, and to share her fabulous experience whilst being hosted by Tauck.
Tell us about your first-hand travel experience travelling with Tauck?
I was fortunate to travel with Tauck on their Egypt: Jewels of the Nile 10-day tour this September and October. The tour takes in the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Valley of the Kinds, and Sant Simeon Monastery, as well as a 4-night Nile River cruise, including fabulous shore excursions.
What made all the difference to you?
Having lived in Egypt back in the ‘90s for 3 years, I had been to all the sites before, so to experience them again really showed the Tauck Difference.
Entering the tombs at the Valley of the Kings with only Tauck guests was unbelievable! It’s usually such a busy tourist site, so to have it all to ourselves was simply amazing. My 16-year-old nephew, George, came with me and declared the private visit as one of the top five best experiences of his life! It really was special.
Another Tauck benefit was having Abu Simbel to ourselves, too. We arrived by charter flight just as all the other tourists were leaving. I also enjoyed the Pyramid view rooms at Mena House; it was a memorable start to our journey.
The Old Cataract in Aswan is still one of my favourite hotels. You can’t beat the view from a junior suite in the new building!
Can you share more about the guided tours?
At every site, we had Egyptologists share the history, myths, and legends. Their knowledge was outstanding. We were also accompanied by a Tour Director for the entire 10 days, whom ensured the whole trip ran seamlessly.
Why do you book your clients with Tauck?
Because I know they will be very well looked after! I know my clients will be staying in the best accommodation, have the best guides, and have unique and exclusive experiences to make their holiday a trip of a lifetime.
What are repeat client numbers like?
I find once my clients have done a Tauck tour, they will only ever want to travel with them in the future! They also rave about them to their friends. In my experience Tauck have one of the highest numbers of repeat customers in the industry.
Who travels with Tauck?
Most Tauck clients are well-travelled, well-educated, and want to immerse themselves in a destination, not just take a whistle-stop tour. They are keen to soak up as much knowledge as possible of the country they are visiting. I generally book clients aged 50 and above.
How has Tauck supported you?
Over the years, Tauck has supported our agency by hosting client events. When they hold their academy in Australia, it provides excellent training opportunities for our team and gets them connected more deeply to their philosophy.
Tauck has also given my team the opportunity to experience their product first-hand, which certainly instils confidence in the advisors when selling their product.
Serisha, who manages Tauck’s Australia reservations, is a delight to deal with. She’s so efficient, knowledgeable and friendly.
What tips do you have for new agents?
Utilise the TAUCK website as it has live availability, extensive tour information, pricing, etc. You can really get everything you need from this site. And then all you have to do is call or email Tauck to book your client’s desired tour.
Another tip for new agents is believe in the product and the company. They really are a step above all others. Honestly, once you sell your first Tauck tour or cruise and your clients return, they will come back raving about them and give you even more confidence in selling the product.
What sets Tauck apart from the rest?
All departures are guaranteed so there is no need to stress whether the tour will be confirmed or not. Keep checking their website often as more departures may be added (not removed!). They truly are fully inclusive, and a lot of the inclusions are exceptional, not just stock standard inclusions.
Experience the best of Tauck like Melinda
To get your fruitful Tauck relationship started and get your clients exclusive access to some of the world’s most mesmerising sights, register for their agent site here. You can also call them on 1800 962 043 or contact your local travel agent to find out more.
This story was brought to you by:
