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Tours4fun reviews & ratings, no airport transfer , fast guide , hotels .............................

Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide th...

Do not waste your time and money.

Everything was in Chinese and it was very confusing. I didn't get anything about pick up location, guide, vehicle whatsoever. I had no idea where or what is going to...

Highly recommend

Mehmet (our driver) and Nadir (our English speaking guide) made our home away from home on the Eskapas bus as comfortable as possible providing cold water and occasi...

Truly amazing

We took this nine day tour through France, Switzerland and Italy ....It was great value for money and our tour manager Mr Krisztian Kondor was truly amazing ..He was...

Utterly horrible experience. They are a cheater company. Tour guides mostly speak Chinese qnd dont understand English properly. Horrible food and customer service. T...

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Editoral Review of Tours4Fun

One stop shop for finding tours and activities, from one day to multi-day, during your travels at affordable prices.

What Makes Them Stand Out?

A large variety of short trips (many trips are two day packages) around the world. They are an aggregator of lower priced tours, however don’t take the advertised prices at face value. Tours are one to three days, and they highlight a number of US city tours, adventurous locations such as Machu Picchu and Costa Rica, and classic tours such as in Paris and Rome. Large cruises are offered as well.

Who Travels With Them?

Be forewarned: their tours are almost entirely conducted in Mandarin! English speakers will not get a fully satisfying experience. But if you do speak Mandarin, their tours are well suited for young single travelers, families, and friend groups. A number of their trips are shorter, from one to three days in some cases.

Where Do They Operate?

You’ll be able to find tours all over the world, except for Antarctica, with an emphasis on the United States.

How Does it Work?

You want to be on the lookout for several hidden fees behind their lower than average tour prices. Even if you choose not to participate in certain activities, you will still be charged for them. They use bus transportation, and simple but comfortable accommodation. Food choices are similarly basic.  

Why Travel With Them?

If you speak Mandarin and are looking for a two to three day add on to a larger vacation, they could be a good option. Be careful when selecting a trip because additional fees may apply. Tours range from large to small groups, and include meals, transport, and accommodation - previous travelers warn that buses are cramped and don’t provide much leg room. Accommodations are in three star hotels - comfortable but not overly special.

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About the company.

Tours4fun is an online tour and travel site offering a wide range of products and services geared toward intrepid travelers as well as those vacationing for the first time. Our experts have searched the globe to find the best and most affordable tours and activities from trusted local suppliers.

Thanks to our strategic partnership with major online travel agencies, we now offer accommodation at discounted rates at more than 85,000 hotels around the world. As part of our ongoing endeavor to meet all of your in-transit needs while putting the fun back into travel, we have now expanded our portfolio to include airport shuttle service, port-of-call excursions and vacation packages, all backed by our low-price guarantee and 24/7 customer service.

Tours4Fun Trips & Specials

8-Day Paris to Zurich Holiday: France and Switzerland**Airport Pick-up in Paris**

2-Day Grand Canyon Overnight Camping Tour**More Time For Exploration**

Anatolian Civilizations | 10 Days Best of Turkey

South America Getaway With Santiago

4-Day Morocco Holiday from Malaga: Tangier | Fez | Meknes | Rabat

Iconic Aegean With 3-night Cruise

5-Day Enjoy Jogja Tour - PRIVATE TOUR with GUIDE

2-Day Bus Tour from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

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• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tours4Fun - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tours4Fun Review: Get To Know 3 Best-Inquired Destinations Around The World

Vacation and adventure are the most exciting and awaited activity every year. Wherever your destination is and whatever your reason for taking a vacation or adventure, they are the best activity to relieve tiredness after months of work. However, finding a reliable travel agent or site that can make your trip go smoothly is a bit difficult. Therefore, this Tours4Fun review will help you find the solution to your problem.

This article has been written and updated by A. Ulinnuha, last updated 1yr ago. If you like to read Tours4Fun Review , we must tell you that other 157 readers also love to read more Tour & Travel Reviews .

This article has been read more than 157x, in March-April experienced an increase in the number of readers by 88.89%.

Table of Contents

Tours4fun review, why tours4fun, what's on tours4fun review, tours4fun niagara falls reviews, tours4fun yellowstone reviews, tours4fun antelope canyon reviews, tours4fun pricing, tours4fun pros & cons, is tours4fun worth it, is tours4fun legit, tours4fun customer service, who owns tours4fun, where is tours4fun headquarters.

Tours4Fun is an online site that gives you and other travelers the opportunity to go on adventures in various places around the world. Here, you can find a wide selection of tours, cruises, and vacation packages ranging from places in North America to Africa.

So what about the history of this travel site? Well, it was founded by Allen Wang and Kevin Du in 2006. But in 2013, Ctrip , which is a large Chinese travel company, acquired Tours4Fun in order to reach more people seeking adventure in various countries.

And as a travel site that has been running for more than a decade, they have managed to bring and engage 11 million people to explore the world’s beauty and uniqueness.

As a matter of fact, there are more than 159k people who like their Facebook page, plus 158k followers on Facebook and 4k followers on Instagram.

Intrigued by what this travel site has to offer that makes so many people choose to use its services? Settle down and take the most comfortable seat. This Tours4Fun review will guide you to know more about this travel site. So keep reading!

One thing that makes it outstanding is how they provide dozens to hundreds of choices of tourist destinations in all continents ranging from North America , Latin America , Europe , Oceania , Asia , and even Africa .

For your information, the Europe countries that you can visit with this travel site such as Italy, Spain, Germany, and many more.

The choices are so many, so whichever country you want to explore its uniqueness and beauty, this travel site can facilitate it all for you. What’s more, they also offer affordable prices and great deals for you and other travelers to go on adventures while still being able to cut down on expenses.

Not only that, but this Tours4Fun review also found that all the local tours and travel suppliers who work for Tours4Fun  are handpicked, trusted, and experienced. So, you don’t have to worry about scams, fraud, or other unwanted incidents because all you can get is an exciting and unforgettable adventure.

Also, as a part of the travel site’s dedication to maintaining the satisfaction of all travelers, they provide free cancellations . So, in case you make a mistake booking a tour, you can contact their customer service team to ask for a cancellation along with your reason.

Talking about customer service, we are glad to say that this travel site offers 24/7 customer support . Thus, whenever you feel like you’re having a problem and need assistance, their customer service team will immediately help you find a solution to your problem.

As mentioned in the previous section, there are more than dozens of tourist destinations from six continents provided by Tours4Fun that you can travel to.

You can choose adventure packages such as Tours4Fun west coast , Tours4Fun grand canyon , Tours4Fun east coas t, Turns4fun Europe , and so forth.

Through this travel site, you can not only choose your vacation and adventure based on destination. Instead, you can choose based on the experiences you want to have. And these experiences include nature , UNESCO , marine , wildlife , historical , foodie , and many more.

Not only that, but this travel site also offers handcrafted vacations , which is perfect for those of you who want to customize what you want to do on your vacation and adventure. There is nothing that cannot be customized, everything is customizable, from transportation to hotels and even activities.

And with the wide selection of vacation and adventure destinations offered by Tours4Fun, this Tours4Fun review revealed three destinations that are frequently inquired about by the masses.

Three Best-Inquired Destinations

• Tours4Fun Niagara Falls
• Tours4Fun Yellowstone
• Tours4Fun Antelope Canyon

Then what is offered from the three adventure packages above? Let’s find out in the next section. Stay tuned!

Savor The Coolness of The Largest Water Flow Rate Waterfall!

Savor the coolness of the splashing water from Niagara Falls! Through Tours4Fun Niagara Falls , you can get a first-hand look at this wonderful waterfall located between New York and Canada, which has the largest water flow rate in the world.

What makes Niagara Falls worth visiting? There are many reasons, and one of them is because this waterfall has a large water flow rate that makes it absolutely breathtaking to admire for a long time. Want to know more about this waterfall? Well, just book the Tours4Fun Niagara Falls adventure package!

Not only the waterfall, but you can also enjoy visiting some of the favorite and popular places in Niagara Falls, such as Niagara Falls State Park , Maid of the Mist , Niagara Wine Trail , Old Fort Niagara , Niagara Parks Botanical Garden , and Goa Island’s Cave of Winds .

Get the Firsthand to See Hundreds of Bursting Geysers!

When else will you be able to see hundreds of geysers bursting at the seams? You won’t be able to witness that moment other than by taking this Tours4Fun Yellowstone .

Through this tour package, you get the first experience of enjoying everything in the oldest national park in the United States. In this unique place, you can not only witness how astonishing a geyser is when it spouts in real-time.

But you can also enjoy another magnificence and uniqueness that exists in this national park.

And what makes Yellowstone National Park so special? The answer is quite simple. Here, you can personally see more than 10,000 hydrothermal creatures , lush forests, varied wildlife, and even colorful hot springs. This will be an unforgettable experience that you will never find in the city.

Just a reminder so you can get the most out of your unforgettable experience here. This Tours4Fun review advises you to visit Yellowstone in April , September , and October .

Capture The Glorious Light Beams of Canyon!

Wondering exactly what the place looks like where Aron Ralston struggles to escape from his canyon entrapment? Although not the same, you can capture the grandeur and uniqueness of Antelope Canyon by taking this Tours4Fun Antelope Canyon tour.

Through this travel site, you can start your trip to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Antelope Canyon is a favorite spot for photographers, making it the most-photographed canyon in the American southwest. That’s because the structure of the canyon is shaped like a wave which makes it look completely unique to the eye. Plus, you can spot glorious light beams on every step of your journey through the canyon.

And if you want to witness and capture these glorious light beams, this Tours4Fun review advises you to visit Antelope Canyon in June , July , and August .

At Tours4Fun, you will find different prices depending on the destination you choose and the duration of the trip .

For example, if you book a vacation package on Tours4fun Niagara Falls, the cheapest price you have to spend may be around $24 with a trip duration of 1.5 hours . On the other hand, when you choose a vacation package for the Antelope Canyon destination, the cheapest price is in the range of $135 with a trip duration of 1.5 hours .

And for the total price range of all vacation package options provided by this travel site. this Tours4Fun review found that the cheapest price is $20, and the most expensive is at $4,000 .

If you are looking for discounts or promos, you can directly check out the official website. Then, look for the Deals menu and find today’s deals offered by this travel site. Have a great adventure!

Everything has its pros and cons, pluses (+) will always be paired with minuses (-), and this site is no exception. Therefore, this Tours4Fun review has summarized the pros and cons of this travel site. Check it out!

Tours4Fun Pros

• Provides dozens of travel destinations in all continents of the world
• The tour packages always come with low prices and great deals
• Local tours and travel suppliers are professional and experienced people
• Easy to book
• Offers free cancellations
• Excellent 24/7 customer support

Tours4Fun Cons

• Some users complained about the short duration of each trip, but they still enjoyed their trip

With a wide selection of tour and vacation packages, low prices, and even professional local tours, we confidently state that Tours4Fun is worth it .

Not only that, but this travel site also possesses excellent customer service that will help you whenever you need it 24/7. Well, book a tour package and have an unforgettable adventure!

When you book a tour or vacation package through this travel site, you don’t have to worry about anything. All you need to do is enjoy your vacation and engrave every bit of those wonderful moments in your mind and camera.

That’s because Tours4Fun has been certified by World Nomads , Better Business Bureau , and GoDaddy as a safe and reliable travel site. And based on this fact, this Tours4Fun review agrees that this travel site is legit .

If you have some questions about the vacation packages you booked or anything else, you can reach out to the contacts that this Tours4Fun review has provided below.

• USA & Canada: 1-866-933-7368
• International: 1-626-389-8668
• Email : [email protected]
• Fax : 1-626-552-3713

There will be no delay in response because the customer service team from Tours4Fun will always be available 24/7 to help solve the problems you experience.

Here, we compiled some questions that are often inquired by most internet users and travelers. Take a look!

This travel site is currently owned by Ctrip , a large Chinese travel company.

This travel site is located in California, United States.

Enjoy your vacation or adventure around the world with Tours4Fun . You’ll have new experiences in every destination you visit across every continent in the world. With the ease of booking, you don’t have to spend hours to start your adventure.

Plus, this travel site always offers affordable tour package prices with some great deals that will make your trip even more enjoyable. So, whoever you are and wherever you’re going, Tours4Fun is the ideal place to start the adventure.

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Tours4Fun Reviews 2020

Independently owned. Opinions are ours. Reviews are from legit customers. We may earn money from affiliate links to support and feed our families.

Is Tours4Fun Reliable or Legit?

PROS: Tours4Fun Reviews The best prices that the website guarantees is just one of the many benefits that people can expect being said in this Tours4Fun reviews. Aside from that, people can take advantage of hand-picked tours as well as activities that they are going to love. Places that are available for tours in the website include Los Angeles, Paris, Barcelona, London, the Grand Canyon and many more. It is best to visit the website regularly in order to get discounts or promos as they do provide them often to their loyal clients.

• Numerous Destinations
• Hand-Picked Activities
• Low Price Guarantee
• Travel Insurance

CONS: Tours4Fun Reviews Maybe the only problem that can be said about the Tours4Fun reviews is that although they will provide refunds or compensation for people that find deals at a lower price compared to Tours4Fun.com , people don’t always find the best deals in the website. This means that you will have to make comparisons first in other websites in order to get the lowest prices.

With that being said, there are many benefits for you to choose the website according to this Tours4Fun review since it is reliable, legit and good for customers. Aside from getting low prices here, you can also take advantage of the numerous destinations that Tours4Fun.com have on offer. People can also choose the activities that they will take part in and enjoy their stay wherever they may have chosen.

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The 15 Biggest Travel Scams, and How to Avoid Them

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

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You know that old saying “there’s a sucker born every minute”? Don’t be one of them. Stay ahead of these surprisingly effective travel scams to keep your vacation plans from falling apart. The schemes below may be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to travel cons, but preparing yourself for these common swindles is a good place to start.

Vacation Clubs

Wholesale travel clubs claim that you’ll have access to incredibly cheap vacations if you join. However, once you pay the joining fees, you find that the deals offered aren’t any better than what you can find for yourself online—for free. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott , whose book Scammed lays out a helpful roadmap for being a responsible and effective shopper in a world of corporate swindles, has told SmarterTravel: “I’ve never come across a legitimate travel club. My advice is to run, don’t walk.”

Elliott advises that anyone considering joining a travel club do research with a very critical eye beforehand. Simply doing an internet search for the name of the travel company plus “travel scam” will usually reveal a host of problems experienced by other members. Also check the Better Business Bureau for complaints about the specific service before you buy.

Timeshare Sales

Ed Perkins, a longtime contributing editor at SmarterTravel, calls the up-front fees for selling your timeshare the biggest travel scam out there.

“Scammers promise to get you out from under, saying they have buyers, but all they really do is take a fee, upward of $400, and do nothing,” says Perkins.

Never pay up front to have someone help you sell your timeshare. If you want out, go to a licensed company and check them out with the Better Business Bureau before listing with them. If you’re having trouble getting out of your timeshare , work with a rental company and rent it out to recoup some of the money until you can sell.

Vacation Certificates

Ed Perkins also warns against prepaid vacation certificates: “Travel scams promise really great prices but deliver nothing. The idea here is to get the up-front money, then keep stalling: ‘Sorry, these dates are sold out; try again soon.’ They delay until people just quit trying.” Or the company charges huge additional fees to redeem the certificates, and the trip is considerably less luxurious than promised. Before prepaying for a vacation package, be sure to research fees and blackout dates, as well as the company’s reputation.

“Travel-Agent” Card Mills

Ah, the life of travel agents. Cheap hotels and airfares are thrown at their feet once they pull out their travel-agent ID cards, right? Wrong. Don’t believe the hype from outfits that promise to issue you a travel-agent ID that provides access to discounts. Scammers charge hundreds of dollars for these cards, but victims who shell out will quickly find that no place will accept the fakes, and they never see any discounts. The only way to avoid this travel scam is to not buy a travel-agent card if you’re not a travel agent—there’s really no legal way to get around it.

Car-Rental Collision Damage Waivers

Rick Steves calls the car-rental collision damage waivers (CDW) a “collision damage waiver racket” for a reason. When you rent a car, the company often pressures you to buy a CDW supplement, which will prevent you from having to pay a high insurance deductible if the car is damaged. (The deductible can be thousands of dollars before insurance kicks in.)

But most major credit cards already include deductible collision coverage for free , so check your credit-card terms and pay for the rental car with your credit card. Then you’ll be covered without having to shell out extra cash for phony insurance. Most credit-card collision coverage is secondary, meaning you have to claim from your regular insurance first. If you don’t want a claim on your insurance, you can buy third-party primary collision coverage from the booking agency for about $10-$11 a day. Or, if it’s pricey, you can instead buy coverage from an independent outlet; sites like Bonzah.com offer rental coverage from $7.99 per day. That’s about one-third of what the rental companies charge.

“You Won a Free Trip!”

If you’ve ever dropped your business card in a “win a free trip” drawing at a restaurant or signed up to win at a fair, you may have gotten a phone call, letter, or email claiming you’ve won a free vacation. These days, the hustle is often via robocall. Be wary—many of these “prizes” are actually booby traps in which you’ll have to pay hefty fees to claim the vacation or give your credit card number to “verify your eligibility,” resulting in identity theft. After a recent lull in monitoring these robocalls, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is again cracking down on them. If you’re scammed, get the names of resorts and airlines included in the prize and call them independently to verify the trip. Never give credit card information to someone who cold-calls you, and be sure to get details of the prize in writing before accepting.

Fake International Driving Permits

The FTC also warns against fake International Driving Permits (IDPs) . Some countries require tourists to have an IDP in addition to a U.S. driver’s license. However, there are only two American associations that are legally authorized to issue IDPs—the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Fraudulent companies sell fake IDPs over the Internet, but you’ll pay hundreds of dollars for a permit only to face legal problems for using the imposter IDs in another country.

The Bait and Switch

The hotel you’re thinking of booking is suspiciously cheap, but the property’s website makes it look beautiful and centrally located. When you arrive, the hotel is run-down, missing amenities, and in a deserted part of town—and it won’t refund your money. Avoid this travel scam by using websites like Oyster (one of SmarterTravel’s sister sites) and TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent site) to read real customer reviews and see honest photos of the property.

“Grandparent” Travel Scams

Even if you’re not currently traveling, you can still be the victim of a travel scam: The State Department warns that scammers will call an older relative or friend of someone who’s away on vacation and pretend to be the traveler in desperate need of help. The scammer usually poses as the traveler or a foreign government official and directs the victim to wire a large sum of money, citing an array of things: They have been robbed and need money to return to the United States, or they have run into legal trouble and need bail money. Sometimes the scammer will even pretend to be someone from the U.S. embassy calling on behalf of the relative for money. Never wire money in response to a suspicious phone call; instead contact the State Department to ask if the situation is legitimate, or call your relative directly. If you encounter this scam, the FBI advises you report it to local authorities or a state consumer protection agency. You can also file a complaint with the FCC .

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) offers the following advice to prevent “grandparent” travel scams:

Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mothers’ maiden names, passwords, or other identifying information in response to suspicious calls or to callers demanding immediate action. Scammers can spoof the caller ID of their number to make it appear to be from a trusted source. If a caller claiming to represent a company or a government agency asks for personal information, hang up and verify the authenticity of the request by contacting the company or agency yourself, using information found on its official website or through other means such as the phone book. If a caller claims to represent a company with which you have an account—such as a utility or a bank—hang up and check the contact information on a recent bill or statement, then call the company back yourself.

Rental Property Scam

Rule of thumb: Never go to Craigslist (or anything similar) for a rental home. Scammers will place an ad and ask the victim to wire money to secure the vacation rental—and then disappear. Or they’ll have you send money to them rather than to the actual property owner. Avoid the rental scam risk by going through a reputable vacation rental site with protections and insurance guarantees such as Airbnb , HomeAway , or SmarterTravel’s sister site FlipKey , all of which will protect your money from fraudsters.

Bogus Travel Agents

Don’t trust a tour operator or packager you don’t know of or can’t find reviews of easily online—especially with a big payment. An even more worrisome version of these travel scams in the U.S. is fake versions of websites: You search for a hotel or tour and get through to what looks like a legitimate website from a known company. But it isn’t: It’s a copy-cat version run by a scamster who paid a lot of money for a good search engine position. At best, after you make a payment, the hotel will honor your reservation—but probably at a higher price than you should have paid. At worst, you get nothing.

Take a close look at the website’s URL. Unsure if it’s right? Do a new search to find the company’s homepage and compare it to the first half of the link—any rogue characters, numbers, or symbols might mean it’s a fake. You should also never pay for a service via wire transfer, or any other irreversible money-transfer system.

Currency Short-Changing

A longstanding travel scam relies on tourists’ unfamiliarity with a foreign currency. This can take various forms: counterfeit bills, miscounting change, mixing smaller bills into what should be a pile of larger notes, etc. Get to know the bills of any country you visit, and limit the amount of foreign currency you exchange and have with you at any time. Get your foreign currency from an ATM, and put all your big-ticket purchases on a credit card.

Counterfeit Event Tickets

These days, high-tech forging can make almost any piece of paper or cardboard look authentic. Don’t buy a high-priced ticket (or even a low-priced one) to a sold-out event from someone on the street or via an unfamiliar website. You might be turned away at the gate. Buy from an authorized source—the box office or an online dealer that’s a verified reseller.

Fake Tour Guides

Have you ever been walking in a tourist-frequented area and had someone approach you offering to be your guide? Of course, you would have no idea in this situation whether this person has any useful knowledge of the city, but you may be coaxed into a nearby store that they claim offers the “best” prices on local specialties.

Pre-arrange a guide through an official tourism office or a local travel agency so you can compare prices and know what you’re getting. I once arranged the best local guide I ever had through an American Express agency. A university history professor showed us the fantastic National Museum of Damascus in Syria.

Credit Card Fraud

One of many potential credit card fraud risks is the familiar “verification call” gambit. In this travel scam, within a few hours of checking into a hotel, you get a call from someone claiming to be at the front desk to “verify” the details of the card you used. Of course, that caller is a scammer with no connection to the hotel who just wants to get your card data. In this and any other situations, be highly suspicious of anyone who calls you asking for credit or debit card information, no matter how plausible the excuse may seem. Tell the caller you’ll be right down to settle the problem, and instead call a known number, like the hotel’s direct line, to settle whatever account is involved.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Avoid Counterfeit Money While Traveling
• 6 Cruise Scams You Should Never Fall For
• Europe Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Caroline Morse Teel and Ed Perkins contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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GetYourGuide Review [2024]: Are they legit? My thoughts

GetYourGuide sets out to help travelers find highly rated tours and itineraries to popular destinations around the world. But is it legit, and does it hold up to its claims? I checked them out to find out. Explore my review and avoid booking until you find out what I know.

They say you don’t get rich by earning, but by traveling. The world is like a round canvas that serves you with colorful stories. The story changes at every turn, with unknown alleys, changing faces, and shifting cultures.

However, I find it all looks dreamy until reality hits you with the complicated planning of trips. Most of us give up on the idea of a trip because searching for all the details, including accommodations, tour guides, and transportation, is very stressful.

That’s when I turned to a travel agency that would guide me on what to see and how to see the place the best. The Pilot team has reviewed similar services like G Adventures and Viator , but how about GetYourGuide?

That's what I'm getting into today!

GetYourGuide gives you the right kind of travel experience with its efficient touring solutions considering your needs. Here is my GetYourGuide review to help you choose the unmissable things in your travel destination. I'll talk about what I like and what I don't like about GetYourGuide.

Let's get into it...

What Is GetYourGuide?

GetYourGuide is an online tour-organizing company that thrives globally and operates from Germany. It stepped into the scene in 2009 with 4 enthusiastic classmates Johannes Reck, Tao Tao, Tobias Rein, and Martin Sieber.

The squad started off as local guides and, within a decade, expanded to what the company is now.

You can reach out to GetYourGuide through its official website or mobile app for Android and iOS. You can check the right time to travel to your favorite destination, what are the fun things to see, and what places you cannot miss. GetYourGuide has you covered.

The company also serves you with mobile ticketing, discounts, and offers on flight bookings, hotel bookings, and an easy cancellation process.

How Does GetYourGuide Work?

Now you might ask how do I join my guide via GetYourGuide or how it works. Well, I found it works in a pretty simplified manner:

• Check if your desired destination is in the places where GetYourGuide has its services.
• Register through their website or download the GetYourGuide app.
• Specify your travel destination and dates. Also, enter other specifications, like your interests and what kind of places you wish to visit. Remember that GetYourGuide offers simplified filter options like activities, cuisines, outdoors, local sightseeing, nightlife, rentals, etc. You can choose according to your preference.
• Book your activities in advance by selecting from their list.
• Go to checkout, where you must fill in your name, email ID, and credit card details. You'll also enter any GetYourGuide coupon and GetYourGuide promo code to get fun discounts.

What Destinations Does GetYourGuide Cover?

GetYourGuide covers pretty much all the top destinations in the world. This includes places like New York City in the States, Bali in Indonesia, and Paris in France.

I've highlighted a few of the popular countries here:

• From North America , GetYourGuide covers: United States, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, Jamaica, Panama.
• From South America , GetYourGuide covers: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador
• From Europe , GetYourGuide covers: Italy, Germany, Poland, France, Russia, United Kingdom
• From Africa , GetYourGuide covers: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe
• From Asia , GetYourGuide covers: Japan, India, China, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
• From Oceania , GetYourGuide covers: Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, Fiji.

What's Great About GetYourGuide

So I enjoy that GetYourGuide touts comprehensive features with additional perks and benefits. Here are just a few points to showcase the benefits:

• A Wide Range of Activities : GetYourGuide includes more than 50,000 tours and activities worldwide. It also provides attraction tickets, city tours, food and cultural experiences, and many more. There's always something to do.
• User-Friendly Interface : GetYourGuide makes your booking experience so much more enjoyable. It takes me no time to find and book tours with a user-friendly and streamlined interface.
• Check the Customer Reviews : I'm the type of person that needs to know what the reviews say. These reviews help me understand people's previous experiences with bookings and activity tours.
• Get the Tickets on Your Mobile : Once you book your tickets, you can directly get them on your mobile instead of getting your tickets printed. Paper-free, baby!
• No Booking Fee : I love this! You have to pay the cost of your tours and activities, but that's it. GetYourGuide doesn’t charge any booking fees.
• Free Cancellation : If you change your plan, GetYourGuide offers free cancellation without any hustle. But the offer is valid up to 24 hours before the event, so you still have to be on your best planning behavior.

What’s Not So Great About GetYourGuide

I've talked about what's excellent about GetYourGuide, but nothing's without flaws. I've combed through GetYourGuide reviews, so you wouldn't have to.

Let's discuss some of the problems with GetYourGuide.

• One Location and Multiple Tours : GetYourGuide can showcase one tourist attraction multiple times. It happens mainly because various suppliers offer various touring options and prices for one tourist attraction. Even though it’s a good thing because you can choose from multiple options, it can also confuse people.
• Confusion in Meeting Point : Sometimes, the meeting point can get confusing. However, it's not GetYourGuide’s fault since the tour organizer didn’t explain the description correctly.
• Many Options for Tours and Sights : Since GetYourGuide offers multiple tours and activities for any city, people often get confused. For people who only want to do the must-do things, GetYourGuide is not a suitable option.
• Not Useful for Asian Tours and Sightseeing : GetYourGuide works fine for European sightseeing. But for Asian tours and activities, it's not that useful. It happens mainly because, unlike most Asian tours, European tours require pre-booking.

GetYourGuide Reviews

As I mentioned earlier, I have to know what those reviews say. So, what exactly are people saying about GetYourGuide?

There are many mixed reviews online about the company, ranging from a horrible experience on Tripadvisor to one of the best tour companies around. Great, a mixed bag, haha.

Let's talk about the bad stuff first. Previous customers who had a poor experience with GetYourGuide recommend reading all of the fine print before booking. Others have commented that scheduled tours are canceled at the last minute, which would surely spoil your trip.

Hasn't been my experience, but I agree this would be a big bummer for my trip.

However, most of the reviews on Trustpilot tend to skew positive as reviewers mention how knowledgeable and professional the local experts at GetYourGuide are.

What's also great is how easy it is to book tours with banging deals and no hidden fees. People also seem to be rather content with the customer service, mentioning that GetYourGuide is reliable.

Is GetYourGuide Legit?

That would be most peoples' biggest concern, and it was also my first question... "Is GetYourGuide Legit?"

The short answer is yes , GetYourGuide is definitely legit! You're getting experts that know what they're talking about and decent transparency about the operation.

Is GetYourGuide Worth It?

This is the most challenging question to answer because each traveler is unique. If you're headed to Europe, I've found GetYourGuide to be worthwhile.

While its range of activities, zero booking fees, and operation in many countries, the company provides an excellent incentive for budget travelers. That being said, if cost isn't an option, it may be worth more research into local companies.

Certainly, I recommend you exercise caution and read the terms and conditions before you book the tickets. GetYourGuide specifies that it holds no liability for any third-party errors.

Also, if the tour description is confusing, turn around! The reviews show that these have underwhelmed many travelers.

Remember, each booking requires your valid email ID and proper credit card information. You must fulfill their age criteria of 18 years and above.

Generally, the legitimacy of GetYourGuide is entirely dependent on individual experiences and activities. Absolutely, worth a try if you find something that sounds amazing.

My Rating: 3.7/5

• Free, flexible cancellation policy
• Variety of activities
• No booking fees
• Mobile-friendly tickets
• Numerous poorly described tours
• Great only in European Countries
• Confusing tour logistics

General GetYourGuide FAQs

Does getyourguide offer price guarantee.

Yes! In their commitment to ensuring you always get the best value for your money, GetYourGuide has a Best Price Matching policy.

Have you found the exact same activity you've booked via GetYourGuide on another online platform for a lower price? Well, you're in for a treat!

GetYourGuide will refund the difference between what you paid and the lower price you found, provided that certain conditions are met. The conditions you must meet are as follows:

• The activity needs to be identical in terms of conditions, like the date, city, and number of participants.
• The services offered in the activity must be the same.
• It should be bookable with the same supplier.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, you only need to send GetYourGuide the link or a screenshot of the cheaper offer. After they verify that the offer is cheaper, the customer service team will refund the difference, which could even be in the form of a voucher.

It's important to note that offers that are part of loyalty or trust programs aren't eligible for this price match. Keep an eye out for special deals and discount promotions from GetYourGuide, which are always clearly marked.

Is This Platform Good for Last Minute Tickets?

Yes, GetYourGuide can be a good platform for booking last-minute tickets. Many tours and activities offer availability up to the last minute.

Please note that this can vary based on the specific kind of tour or activity, and availability can change quickly.

Can I Change My Booking?

Changes to your booking can often be made, but it depends on the specific terms and conditions of the tour or activity you've booked.

What Happens If the Operator Cancels a Tour or Activity I've Booked?

If the operator cancels a tour or activity, GetYourGuide will typically offer a full refund or try to reschedule your booking, depending on your preference.

How Will I Receive My Tickets?

After booking with GetYourGuide, you'll typically receive a confirmation email with a voucher or ticket that you can print or show on your mobile device.

What Should I Do if I Have Issues With a Tour or Activity I booked Through GetYourGuide?

If you have any problems with a booking, you should contact GetYourGuide's customer service. They can help resolve issues or answer any questions you have.

What Are Alternatives to GetYourGuide?

There are many other platforms offering similar services to GetYourGuide. Some of the popular ones include Viator, Klook, Expedia, and Airbnb Experiences.

Plan Your Trip With Pilot!

After reading this review, you might consider GetYourGuide booking some of your upcoming excursions. Whatever platform you use, you'll want a plan to keep your travels organized, and Pilot is here to help with that!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Your opinion of Tours, France

Hi, I will be in France for three weeks next year, and I reserved a quaint hotel in the old section of Tours, France for three nights. I just read an extremely negative review on this forum of Tours, but I see the poster has only created two postings, and they were both very negative.

Anyway, for those who have stayed overnight in Tours, what’s your opinion? I’m traveling by train, and am planning to take a couple of chateau minivan tours.

I know I've read two different reviews of Tours, neither very good. It's a bigger city, we've used the train station there a couple times. My preference would be Amboise or Saumur, BUT, I always have a rental car in Loire. If you are not inclined to rent a car and want to do chateau or wine tours, you may be best off in Tours.

We stopped there for an overnight on our way to Loches. We stopped again 4 or 5 nights later for an overnight after staying in Amboise and visiting Langeias. The cathedral is very impressive. The older part of town is nice, pretty at night. Town hall is impressive. Had a pleasant run along the river. We found a nice Irish pub, Shannons? Had decent meals at a small restaurant next to the pub. We were more focused on getting to other nearby smaller towns. Loches is a short bus ride away. We loved Loches. Stayed in a beautiful 15th century hotel. Beautiful town, great history. Amboise is just a short train ride away from Tours. Busier, more touristy than Loches but the Chateau is impressive. Langeias is also a short train ride from Tours. It has a beautiful Chateau too.

In summer, Amboise is absolutely inundated with tourists. There are only two restaurants in town worth bothering with: l´Epicerie or le Parvis. The rest are only there for the tourists. Frankly I find Amboise over hyped and much ado about nothing - or very little.

Tours is the transportation hub of the Loire Valley and a lively college town. If you do not have a car, it is the only place I would consider staying but only then in the area broadly defined as between Place Plumereau (in Old Tours) and Tours Centre - the train station. Other areas of Tours are not particularly interesting for tourists.

The Office de Tourisme, from where the minibus tours depart is just across the street from Tours Centre. Place Plumereau, in the heart of Vieux Tours, is a relatively short walk away and has numerous cafés and restaurants.

I have heard negative comments about Tours from people who have never really been there and know nothing about Place Plumereau. It´s a wonderful location with a lot of charm. I would ignore comments from the uninformed. You´ll have a wonderful time there.

Hi Jean. My response was knocked out quickly at midnight last night (I am an Aussie) so was brief. I did have a look for the negative review but because of it's name a search is a bit of a nightmare lol. As I said we just used it as I start and finish point so never got a chance to explore deeply. What I saw of the city in our 2 brief stays impressed and I would not hesitate to return and spend more time there. I am sure you will have a great time. I do wonder about people who post really negative reviews. I seem to fall in love with nearly every place I go. Maybe it is an attitude thing. I would recommend a visit to lovely Loches. The Donjon and the surrounding area is most impressive. We were there in peak season and yet found few tourists. Also Langeais impressed us. The interior of the Chateau was wonderful. It also had few tourists. Probably 20 to 30 people there on a beautiful summers afternoon. Amboise was crowded. The Chateau is a mighty impressive sight and we felt well worth our time. I am sure you will find many great options in the area. What is the name of the hotel in Tours that you are staying in?

Hi Mo’pak, yes, the town of Tours was ill-named for word searches! Try searching for “If your considering a visit to Tours France....don't.”

I have a refundable reservation at Hotel L’Adresse, a block away from Place Plumereau. My itinerary is flying into CDG & immediately heading to Rouen for a few days. Then a couple of smaller towns, staying at B&B’s and then three nights at Tours. I figured by then I would be ready for a larger town; also, I’m traveling solo for the first two weeks and then hubby joins me for a final week. So, the mini-van tours would give me activities that would prevent any loneliness and a nice break to speak English.

But, Langeais and similar do look appealing. I really want to see the gardens of Villandry, and Langeais is just a taxi ride from it.

Thanks, Andrew, for your recommendations and comments about Tours. I definitely think “less is more”, so I’ll just see a few from all of the options. I definitely want to see the gardens of Villandry. All of those impressive chateaus, and I’m drawn to enjoy seeing & smelling the gardens!

Mo’pak, I agree about the negative posts. It would be very hard for me to not have a wonderful day on vacation! And I like the quirky old town portions of cities.

My main concern for posting is if there’s actually a safety issue or absolutely no chance for a decent night’s sleep.

Well, if Tours is terrible, we will be in misery together, as I have a trip planned for next year there as well. I picked Tours as a base for the Loire Valley for the same reason as you, since we will be also traveling by train. The old town from google street views look nice as does the cathedral, and with easy access to transportation all the chateau are within reach. I am also interested in a large enough city to have shopping and food options. I'm excited about visiting Tours, can it really be bad, it is France after all! Enough caramel, chocolate, and wine will fix any bland site. Sorry I can't give you an actual report since I haven't been YET but, I think you will love your trip, it sounds fun to me.

Nothing hurts my heart more than hearing negative things said about Tours.

I studied abroad in Tours and have gone back for work on many occasions and I have never grown bored of it. I wonder if those who did not like it just didn't see the right spots. To me it is as charming as a big city can be. Place Plumereau is a gem. The gare and the Hotel de Ville are architectural delights and the St. Gatien cathedral is my favorite cathedral in the world. Not to mention, their Beaux-Arts museum is fantastic and there is no shortage of parks or restaurants. What's not to love? It now is even more convenient with its tramway and dont forget to visit the Ginguette on the Loire.

If I was allowed to move to France, it would be my number one pick of city. I have never understood Rick Steves' disdain for this gem of a city and like the above poster said, people who don't have first-hand information chime in when they shouldn't,

It is the perfect place for a Loire Valley trip, especially if you are taking the minivan excursions.

My personal experience is riding a bicycle through Tours heading from Villandry to Amboise. I was following my GPS, set on bike mode, and it took me on a hellish ride through narrow roads with heavy traffic. I didn't die but I can't say I found a single thing charming about the Tours I went through. I was on the bike trail along the Loire until I came into Tours but didn't find the trail again until I got to the other end of the urban area. My GPS, which worked great in a car, didn't seem to know a bike trail existed.

It is a pretty good sized city. I imagine cycling through most big cities wouldn’t be fun.

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to respond! It’s good to read some balanced comments to hear both very positive aspects of Tours along with less positive comments. I liked that Tours had several options of things to see in town, along with being a good city to catch some mini-van tours. And, I really enjoy taking early morning unique photos which tend to make any location look wonderful.

I didn’t see any safety or sleeping issues, so it sounds like Tours would still be a great stop.

Tours is a larger City and as mentioned above it is a transportation hub,we liked Amboise because it is more Quaint with lots to see and it does get crowded.As for the Poster that Said there are only two Restaurants in town,if you go to Amboise there is a Small Restaurant called La Fourchette,country French and Reservation required. Mike

As a travel professional based in the Loire Valley I am of course obliged to say that Tours is lovely.

The truth is - Tours is lovely, but not all of it. Like any medium sized city there are some areas that are less picturesque, but the area around the Cathedral, Place Plumerau, and Les Halles (the market hall) really are pretty. It's quite a buzzy city because of all the students, but it's a quiet buzz in an area full of medieval buildings. In any area you are likely to be in you will never feel unsafe or threatened, but some parts are less picturesque due to the number of buildings destroyed in the allied bombing of world war 2.

L'addresse is a great hotel - we have had family stay there, as well as clients. It is an old (probably 15th or 16th century) building right in middle of the most appealing part of central Tours, near many restaurant and a few pleasant bars. I would recommend it without hesitation.

Thank you, Simon, for your local insight! It sounds perfect for what I would like. I’m in my early 60’s but enjoy being in a university town, and my initial research looks like there’s nice options of things to see and places to wander in town. Appreciate hearing that the Hotel L’Adresse will be a good choice.

Well Jean I did finally locate the "bad Tours" thread. None of the complaints matched with my experiences in Tours. I should highlight that we walked from the friendly Irish pub "The Pale" through Place Plum onto our hotel the far side of the station. We did this at 10 pm on a Saturday night and felt very safe and comfortable.

One of the most unique and interesting museums I have ever seen is in Tours: Musée du Compagnonnage http://www.museecompagnonnage.fr/page-accueil-an.html . We spent several hours admiring the masterpieces and the tools used by the craftspeople.

I realize that you asked about the city of Tours. But I would note that if you are seeing the Loire without a car, you need to book your van excursions in time to get a seat - especially in high season. I am not a fiend about renting a car, but the Loire is one place where it enhances your options. Exact dates are also important for garden displays and occasional Chateau "Illuminations" and "Son et Lumiere." In lettuce season (cooler weather), I remember a help-yourself vegetable bin at Villandry!

Edit: If you can get there from Tours, the very short trip to Chateau de la Bourdasiere might fill a hole in your schedule. You can't view the entire Chateau because it has been converted to a hotel. But it has substantial modern gardens, specializing in multiple species of tomatoes, and dahilias! I'd call it a garden-destination, not so much a history-destination. Also cooler shadowy forest walks.

Thanks, Tim, for your comments about the excursions. I created a spreadsheet with several different mini-van tour options and was waiting until early January to solidify the dates at Tours before reserving in case I wanted to slide the itinerary by one day in that area. My time in Tours will be the final days of August/1st of Sept. so hopefully beautiful weather to explore the chateaux & gardens.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Union County fairground's solar eclipse viewing offers fun, fundraises for community

by Sarah Converse

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Many fairgrounds will open on April 8 for residents and visitors to experience the total solar eclipse.

Counties like Hardin, Logan, Delaware, Murrow, Crawford, Wyandot and Union will be hosting an event or opening up their campgrounds.

The Union County fairgrounds is hosting a two-day event called the Route 4 Eclipse Tour . The event starts on Sunday and continues into Monday.

Union County Fair Board Director Jessica Wells says there will be “...a lot of different vendors out at the fairgrounds: food trucks, cornhole, face painting for the kids, bounce houses. Everything for a family-fun type of weekend.”

Not only will you get to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event, part of the proceeds will go to the Hope Center, which is a crucial resource center for the community. They provide all kinds of resources from food, clothing, legal, housing, employment and transportation assistance.

ALSO | Solar eclipse safe-driving tips

Unfortunately, certain resources are not in the same building, says Executive Director Becky Bolt.

We're having this event and having this fundraiser because we need to bring us all back under one roof. We need to have a one-stop-shop so that we can help our people more consistently and optimally," Bolt shared.

That project is called Build A Home for Hope .

The other half of the proceeds will go into upgrading the bathrooms at the Union County Fairgrounds .

So, if you are not sure where to watch the solar eclipse, head over to the Union County Fairgrounds. Tickets will be available on the Hope Center's website .

(866) 421-9364

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• Disneyland® Resort
• Universal Resorts™
• SeaWorld™ Parks
• Other Destinations

Is Undercover Tourist Legit?

Most summers, around 48 percent of all Americans opt to skip out on summer vacations because they can’t afford it. In summer 2021, that number may climb even higher, thanks to the layoffs and other side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For most families, taking a summer vacation, and particularly a dream Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando vacation takes a lot of careful planning, hard work, and often months or even years of saving.

Finding great deals on hotels, food, and even tickets can go a long way towards making that next dream vacation more affordable. Unfortunately, there are lots of ticket scams lurking on the web, promising cheap tickets that either don’t exist or that come with lengthy timeshare presentations.

That’s where Undercover Tourist comes in.

Is this site legit, or are their ticket savings too good to be true? Keep reading to find out.

Beware of Ticket Deals That Seem Too Good to be True

A quick web search for discount tickets to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando will turn up hundreds of reviews and horror stories about ticket scams.

Some individuals buy tickets online from unreputable sellers, only to receive nothing in return. Others receive tickets that seem legit, but won’t get them in the gate once they arrive in Orlando.

Either way, these scams can cost buyers hundreds of dollars or more. For families planning a vacation on a tight budget, this can bring a quick end to that dream vacation.

Finding out that your tickets weren’t legit once you’re already on vacation is even worse. You’ll be faced with a big decision; disappoint little ones who were expecting to see the Mickey Mouse or experience Hogwarts in person, or shell out even more money on last-minute tickets.

Right now, Walt Disney World is requiring all guests to make a reservation for the day and park that they plan to visit. While capacity numbers are being increased as local health regulations allow, reservations are still limited, especially on popular days of the week and holidays.

If you’ve purchased tickets that are not legit, you won’t be able to make those crucial reservations. Fail to purchase real tickets right away, and you might miss the window on making a reservation, and will have to adjust your plans.

Even legitimate hacks for getting discounted park tickets aren’t always reliable. For instance, while Costco was once a great way to save a few dollars on Disney World tickets, many locations now no longer carry these tickets.

Common Theme Park Ticket Scams

There are a number of common ticket scams out there.

Fake Ticket Websites

Perhaps the easiest to fall for are websites that look legitimate, but that are selling fake tickets. If you fail to notice major warning signs, like the site not being an authorized ticket seller for common theme parks, you might wind up with tickets that look real, but won’t allow you to make a park reservation or get through the gate.

Ticket Resales From Individuals

Another common ticket scam is individuals peddling tickets on websites like Craigslist and eBay. Some may advertise unused tickets. Occasionally sellers will claim to be offering up leftover tickets that they didn’t use on their own vacation packages.

The latter is impossible to do. When you buy and use a ticket, that ticket is registered to your name. You can’t transfer these tickets, even to members of your only family. So buying these tickets from someone on the web is always a scam.

Never, ever buy tickets from an individual on any resale site or through social media.

Timeshare Presentations

A final popular ticket scam that will actually get you legitimate tickets is a timeshare presentation. While this will land you real tickets to get into theme parks like Universal Studios Orlando, Legoland, and Disney World, there’s a big catch.

In order to get your hands on your tickets, you’ll first have to sit through a timeshare presentation. These can last anywhere from an hour to several hours. During this time, you’ll be bombarded by a salesman trying to get you to sign the dotted line on a multi-thousand dollar timeshare.

Besides taking time out of your vacation, this can also put a damper on a good day. In most cases, you won’t receive your ticket until after you sit through the presentation during your vacation. This can make it impossible to make a park reservation if necessary, which may limit which parks or days you can visit.

What is Undercover Tourist?

Now that you know a few common ticket scams, it’s time to find out why Undercover Tourist is different.

Unlike a resale on Craigslist or a fake website, Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of tickets from popular theme parks across the country.

This means that companies like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, Legoland, and more have chosen to trust Undercover Tourist. These companies allow the site to sell real tickets at a discount.

Because Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of theme park tickets, you might be wondering whether it’s worth booking your tickets from them. After all, if you get the same benefits, why not book directly through the park instead?

So is Undercover Tourist legit? The answer is yes, it’s a legitimate site offering discount tickets to popular destinations.

While Undercover Tourist sells real tickets, they’re actually selling wholesale tickets.

That means that the website has purchased large batches of tickets from the theme parks that they partner with. By doing so, they are able to score a discount on these tickets.

These discounts are then passed on to their customers. Depending on the parks that you choose and the number of days on your ticket, you can save anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars on your vacation. All by simply switching from the theme park’s website to Undercover Tourist.

When you buy these tickets, you’ll receive most of the same benefits as buying directly from the theme park that you’re planning to visit.

For instance, when you buy a Disney World ticket from Undercover Tourist, you can still add your ticket to the My Disney app. This allows you to make advance park reservations, add dining reservations, and more. You can also purchase Genie + to get to the front of the lines on most rides.

If you’re staying at an on-site Walt Disney World resort, you can still purchase your park tickets through Undercover Tourist. You’ll be able to book Genie + the same day that you visit the park, so no need to worry about purchasing the Genie + feature in advance.

What Tickets Can You Purchase Through Undercover Tourist?

Undercover Tourist offers tickets to the most popular theme parks and other destinations in Orlando, Florida. Some of the most popular parks that you can purchase tickets for include:

• Walt Disney World
• Universal Orlando
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Fun Spot America Theme Park
• LEGOLAND Florida

But Undercover Tourist offers tickets to destinations outside of Orlando, and for far more attractions than just theme parks.

You can also purchase Undercover Tourist Disneyland tickets for the parks in California, book shows and tours in cities like New York and Chicago, and make hotel reservations in cities across the country.  You can even get discount tickets to ski resorts !

Besides ticket sales, hotel reservations, and car rentals, Undercover Tourist also offers a variety of features to help you plan your next vacation. The Undercover Tourist crowd calendar makes it easy to find the best dates for your next visit.

Planning Your Next Visit to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and More

Planning a family vacation to Disney World, Universal Studios, or LEGOLAND can be expensive. But sifting through the many ticket scams on the web can make saving money feel impossible.

Luckily, Undercover Tourist offers a great alternative. Whether you’re looking for discounted Undercover Tourist Disney tickets or want to save on your hotel stay, the website offers real, legitimate savings that can help your family enjoy more vacation fun for less money.

Another great way to save on your next vacation is by working with a travel agent.

While this method often gets a bad rep, working with an agent won’t actually cost you any money. Instead, your agent can help you plan the perfect trip for your family while also saving you big bucks on your Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando vacation.

Check out this link next to learn how to find the best Disney travel agent and why you should use one to plan your next vacation.

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9 amazing things to do in east tennessee.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For a family-friendly destination that has it all, look no further than east Tennessee. Nature lovers can celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80 th birthday with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , thrill seekers can ride rollercoasters at Dollywood or challenge themselves to a round of laser tag, and multi-generational comrades can play mini golf, try duckpin bowling, visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies , or ride a chairlift to the top of a mountain for panoramic views. Keep reading to learn about top attractions and sites in the beautiful mountain towns of Gatlinburg , Sevierville , and Pigeon Forge , which are all chock-full of exciting adventures and good ole family fun.

The Cherokee people called this area the “Place of Blue Smoke” and it’s easy to see why when you’re on an early morning hike featuring a blueish mist surrounding the mountain tops. Top nature hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops. Home to more than 1,500 black bears, waterfalls, historic architecture, and beautifully twisting roads, this forest-covered playground is definitely worth a visit.

Pro Tip: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the U.S. so it would behoove you to visit in the off season. Plan to hike at first light when possible. Also, while there’s no fee to enter the park, parking passes must be purchased at the visitor center.

American black bear cub in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

Pink Jeep Tour

Let someone else navigate and drive while you join a Pink Jeep Tour , leaders in guided excursions in east Tennessee. If this company sounds familiar, it’s because they also operate excursions in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Branson. Rest assured that you’ll be in good hands while on your Smoky Mountain adventure. You’ll buckle up and ride in the back of a custom-built Jeep Wrangler while a knowledgeable guide fills you in on the region's history as well as the flora and fauna of the area’s natural landscapes. And, yes, you’ll do a little off-roading as well to see what those Jeeps can really do!

Pro Tip: Popular tours in the Smoky Mountains include Newfound Gap, Foothills Parkway, Elkmont Ghost Town, and Roaring Fork.

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For an award-winning experience that offers a little bit of everything, make time for one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions. Anakeesta is home to live country music, plenty of food and beverage options, souvenir shopping, two mountain coasters—Rail Runner and Hellbender, a 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk, and incredible bird's-eye views atop the Anavista Tower. Your adventure begins with the Condola, a scenic chairlift ride to the summit, where you should keep your eyes out for black bears and other wildlife. The Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle is great for those who prefer wheeled transportation to the top.

Pro Tip: Make sure you visit when the park opens, as early as your schedule allows, to avoid crowds. This is a popular attraction and will likely have many tourists, especially in the high season.

The popular resort town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee nestled in the shadows of the Great Smoky ... [+] Mountains.

Amazing Mirror Maze

Fun for everyone, Gatlinburg’s largest maze, Amazing Mirror Maze , is located right on the Parkway. You’ll wander through each section while the lights, music, and designs of this wild labyrinth aim to lob you off track. When you’ve finished you can play a round of Circus Golf in Blacklight 3D.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the area on foot. There’s a trolly that operates every day of the year, which makes it easy and fun to get around.

Hillbilly Golf

Choose your lucky golf ball and hop on the funicular that will take you 300 feet straight up to the top of the mountain, above the hustle and bustle of the city below. Pick from two different 18-hole mini golf courses at Hillbilly Golf and try not to lose your ball on one of the mountaineer hazards. Billed as the world’s most unusual golf course, you’re likely to log some fun memories here.

Pro Tip: Make sure you use the bathroom before heading up the mountain—there are no restrooms at the top.

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

While exploring the area, you’ll see that dinner shows are quite the event here. Treat your family to the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show where you’ll see the most amazing acrobatics and theatrics while being entertained by Blackbeard and Calico Jack. Enjoy a four-course meal at this pirate-themed outing that has many immersive opportunities to join in on the fun.

Pro Tip: Other dinner shows in the area include Dolly Parton’s Stampede , Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, and The Comedy Barn Theater .

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Skyland Ranch

For good ole family fun, visit Skyland Ranch . Situated on a 100-acre farm in Sevierville, this serene enclave is a bit of a respite from all of the buzzing action in Gatlinburg. Ride the Horizon Skyride chairlift to the top, where you’ll find bunnies, miniature horses, and fluffy calves. Dance to live music; ride the Wild Stallion, the longest mountain coaster in the area; and pick up a new cowboy hat from the Williford Mercantile.

Pro Tip: Come hungry and sample delights from the food trucks or the café and bakery.

If you’re a Dolly Parton fan, you can’t visit east Tennessee without making a stop at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, just seven miles north of Gatlinburg. From live shows and musical entertainment to incredible thrills for all ages to great food and shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone here. Top rides include Big Bear Mountain, FireChaser Express, Lighting Rod, and Tennessee Tornado. Be sure to see the Calico Falls Schoolhouse, a replica of Dolly Parton’s mountain home, and the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. The Dollywood Express, a 110-ton coal-fired steam engine, takes passengers on a journey along the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the famous cinnamon bread at The Grist Mill.

Located in Sevierville, The Pines Theater is full of history and charm. Once the go-to locale for live entertainment, including the musical stylings of Roy Acuff, June Carter Cash, Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell, and hometown hero Dolly Parton—she had her first-ever paid performance here at the age of 10, The Pines is now the place to go for good food, quality time with friends and family, and fun activities like duckpin bowling.

Pro Tip: Be sure to see other highlights in historic downtown Sevierville like the Reds Café mural, Sevier County Courthouse, Dolly Parton statue, Birdie the Birddog sculpture, and Old Kilpatrick’s Drug Store (located next to the Sevier County Heritage Museum). Sevierville restaurant recommendations include Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ , The Appalachian , and Roma Table Italian Kitchen.

Scenic Drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Where to Stay

Well located to all of the action in east Tennessee, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge is perfect for kids and multi-generational families. Whether you’re traveling with an RV or staying at The Lodge, you’ll love the amenities like the Fin City Entertainment Center, complete with an arcade, billiards, duckpin bowling, and darts. Splash around in the swimming pool or relax in the Lazy River or hot tub, play a round of pickleball, and have a relaxed morning with the Fins Breakfast Buffet. Here, there’s something for everyone.

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What to do when your own number appears to ring your home phone

I f you are like me and refuse to give up your home landline, you're probably no stranger to... well, strange calls. Landlines are more prone to spam calls than cellphones, which offer better call-blocking options . 

If you're used to getting the occasional spam call on your landline, you likely already have a system in place to handle it. Perhaps you just hang up the call as soon as you see a number you don't recognize (or, maybe you recognize it at this point because they call so much!). Or, maybe you even pick up the line and give them a piece of your mind. However, is this the right thing to do?

And what happens when your landline rings and the caller ID lists your number? Strange, right? This is what happened to one of our CyberGuy Report subscribers, who reached out to ask us about it. Crazy as it sounds, this person said the scammer got a hold of their home phone number and used it to call the same number they were spoofing. This is obviously a bit more of a cause for concern than ordinary scammers.

Now, if the scammer you're seeing on your caller ID seems like they are calling from your own landline phone number, you'll want to do the steps above in addition to the three steps below:

1) Alert your phone provider: If your number has been spoofed, you should inform your phone company as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they may be able to guide you on the best way to proceed.

2) Get your personal information offline: There are several ways that phone spoofers can hijack your phone number, but it's most likely because they can easily find personal information online. There are several tools you can use to find where your personal information is lurking online and get it offline, away from scammers who want to steal your information and exploit that information, whether to commit identity theft or something else.

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While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

3) Change your number: If all else fails and your phone company is not really able to help, a good idea is to change your home phone number altogether. While you may not want to do this, it may be the only solution, especially if the scammer continues to call you on your same number and if friends and family are getting those calls as well.

HOW TO STOP PHONE NUMBER SPOOFING AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMMERS

Now, let’s shift our focus to why it’s best not to engage with scammers who call you, regardless of whether they’re using your own phone number or another one. Here are a few reasons why: 

1) Safety : Engaging with unknown callers can potentially expose you to scams or other forms of fraud.

2) Privacy : Even if you’re giving them a hard time, they might still be gathering information about you in the meantime. And, now, with AI voice scams, these scammers can clone your voice to use for other types of scams.

3) Encouragement : Responding to these calls, even negatively, can signal to the caller that your number is active, which might lead to more calls.

END OF ANNOYING ROBOCALLS? FTC CRACKS DOWN ON DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

Of course, nobody wants to continue to get scam calls. So, there are a few recommended steps you can take instead:

1) Let the answering machine answer or go to voicemail. This allows you to screen calls without directly engaging with potential scammers. You can avoid direct interaction with them and listen to the message at your convenience to determine if it’s legitimate.

2) Block the numbers : If you notice certain numbers repeatedly calling, you can block them. Take a look at our best landing call-blocking devices. These are especially helpful in blocking robocalls but can also help block individual scammers.

• Use Star Codes: Many landline phones allow you to block calls by using star codes. For example, you can dial *60 to block specific numbers.
• Call-Blocking Devices : Devices can be attached to your landline to block unwanted calls. These devices can come preloaded with known spam numbers and allow you to add numbers manually. Check out my favorite call-blocking devices for landlines by clicking here .
• Service Provider Features: Contact your landline service provider to inquire about any call-blocking features they offer. Some providers have services that can help manage unwanted calls.

3) Report the calls : If you’re in the U.S., you can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission .

4) Add yourself to the no-call list: Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry , which can help stop some of the scam and telemarketing calls you're getting.

Remember, while these methods can significantly reduce unwanted calls, it may not be possible to block all spam calls completely. Always exercise caution and avoid sharing personal information over the phone with unknown callers. My rule of thumb involves asking yourself one simple question: "Did I ask for this call?" If the answer is no, then hang up.

HOW TO AVOID BEING DUPED BY ROBOCALLS NOW AND FOREVER

Getting spam calls on your landline is no fun, and even more so when those calls are coming from your own number. Remember, it’s important to protect your personal information and privacy and always to be cautious when dealing with unknown callers. Using the techniques above can help ensure you're not only using best practices when dealing with scammers but also protecting yourself in the long run from future ones.

How do you think phone companies should address scam calls and caller ID spoofing? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover .

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

• What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked?
• What is the best way to stay private, secure, and anonymous while browsing the web?
• How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services?

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Original article source: What to do when your own number appears to ring your home phone

"Mary & George" may be shallow, but it's also a lusty, wickedly fun gallop through history

Julianne moore and nicholas galitzine are a delicious double act in this period drama set in king james' court, by melanie mcfarland.

Mary Villiers wasn’t born to power. She had to scheme her way there from the dirt, learning what she was up against on the way up. An early episode of “Mary & George” shows how vicious those lessons could be as Julianne Moore ’s Mary first stares into the face of Lady Elizabeth Hatton (a scene-stealing Nicola Walker ).

Mary hasn’t a clue who she’s tangling with, assuming manners and etiquette will get her by. Then the good “lady” opens her mouth to offer her thoughts on the late “virgin” queen with whom she shares a name.

“Why must she be touted as some magic hymen savior of all mankind?” Elizabeth says, adding she still would've achieved everything all the same “if she’d eased onto the old coil of flesh.”

“’Coil of flesh’?” Mary repeats with a lilt of admiring intimidation that fails to win over her guest.

“Whatever  nomenclature  you prefer,” Elizabeth offers, accentuating her speech with oozing hauteur. With that, the good lady drops her act to make it clear in so many words, some with four letters, that she only showed up to shred Mary and her family in person.

History well told is rarely dry, yet so many tales of court intrigue either conflate seriousness with the stiffness of starched collars or bloat the action with too many anachronisms. Like ice cubes melted in white wine, they water down the narrative and probably didn’t belong there in the first place. When they do, that means you’re probably watching “ Bridgerton ” or another show styled by history rather than mapping it.

This is as much Mary’s story as George’s – more hers, truth be told.

“Mary & George” strikes a desirable balance, delivering a little of the unexpected and uncouth in welcome spots, especially where the randy bits are concerned. The dramatization of George and Mary Villiers’ rise in King James the VI and I’s court calls for it, along with its leads' flawlessly pitched portrayals. That’s expected from Julianne Moore and acclaimed Scottish actor Tony Curran .

But Galitzine’s ownership of George may be something of a surprise to those who know him mainly as the closeted prince in "Red, White & Royal Blue," the pretty prize in Amazon’s “Cinderella” or “ Bottoms ”’ vain football star. A relative newcomer, he establishes his brightness has a place in the same section of their sky.

Still, this is as much Mary’s story as George’s – more hers, truth be told. Although Galitzine pulls the light from his first scenes, the first few hours are a growth process as George speedily evolves from an insecure young man doing his mother’s bidding to a pleaser to a player at court.

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This is also a love story, in case the ample nudity wasn't enough of a clue, although one less concerned with romance than status, along with the agency and impunity that comes with having a royal’s favor.

She announces her intentions for George the moment he’s born by refusing to cut him free of her, and that bond holds throughout their lives except in the moments whenever politics hint distance is the better path.

This is also a love story, in case the ample nudity wasn't enough of a clue, although one less concerned with romance than status.

Tradition dictates that George, her second born boy, inherits nothing. But George is blessed with angelic looks, and that changes her calculus. Mary funds a trip to France where George’s mentors train him to speak well, dance and be a top-shelf, sexually adaptable courtier. Soon he and Mary become a threat to the Earl of Somerset (Laurie Davidson), the king’s current favorite.

But if you’ve seen the poster, you already know George eventually makes headway with King James (Curran) in bed and mood, imposing his and his mother’s influence on society and England by extension.

Previews of “Mary & George” push its spiciness, as any drama casting Galitzine as a libidinous figure would. Moore’s Mary gets to enjoy herself too instead of being limited to grimacing through political marriages to boring wealthy men, which is refreshing.  She takes pleasure and comfort with a sex worker named Sandie (Niamh Algar) who recognizes Mary’s capabilities and hitches her fortunes to hers while eventually recoiling at her inhumanity.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter , Crash Course.

Yet their relationship, such as it is, is one of the most genuine and stable in “Mary & George.” It’s also an example of the plot’s relative shallowness and scripts more concerned with verbal blood sport than teasing out its characters’ interiority.

Moore fills in those blanks, as does Curran, whose James explodes with lust in one moment only to deflate into a lonely pathos at a second’s notice. His is the most agile and unrestrained performance in a cast tasked with binding their moods in etiquette. (This also makes a scene where Moore’s Mary blows her composure in polite company simultaneously agonizing and hysterical.)

The real selling point, aside from the sensuality, is Mary’s caustic quickness. By the time her final husband of convenience realizes his role is vestigial, he can’t muster enough ire to make her flinch. “This whole family belongs in Sodom,” he says angrily, to which Mary replies, unbothered, “I don’t fancy another move.”

Moore bathes the story’s sentiment in Mary’s worldview, an alluring combination of libertine and pragmatic with little desire to win friends, only influence – the type of woman Bravo’s Andy Cohen would kill to cast if she didn’t arrange for his end first. Don’t scoff — stripped of its velvet and luster this is that type of pleasure, only guilt-free, as the woman who inspired it would claim to be.

"Mary & George" premieres at 9 p.m. Friday, April 5 on Starz.

about Starz dramas

• The seduction of “Dangerous Liaisons"
• "Serpent Queen" is a wicked good time
• The lovely con of "The Luminaries"

Melanie McFarland is Salon's award-winning senior culture critic. Follow her on Twitter: @McTelevision

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Canyon Tours   Reviews

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Bad Customer Service. Headache Tour Company

The company was really rude, and their customer service was terrible. Talking to them was stressful, and they sounded condescending. Even though they only show 5-star reviews on their website, it seems fake or carefully chosen. While their prices might be a bit lower, they add extra fees like fuel surcharge. It's better to save your time and money by booking somewhere else for a better experience.

Date of experience : January 03, 2024

Fraud/Scam canyontours.com

Don't buy tours at canyontours.com. This is a fraudulent company. They never showed up to pick us up and said we were not in the right location, which was absolutely not true. They deceive people in the modality of non-providing the service ordered online. They also treated us very badly by phone and just ignored us, and did not want to provide a refund. Of course, this is the way they operate to scam people.

Date of experience : August 20, 2023

Spent ages booking only to find…

Spent ages booking only to find afterwards there wasnt availability at the price we booked at but there is if you paid allot more. Thats convenient…..cancelled

Date of experience : September 10, 2023

Not a helpful company

Not a helpful company, emails not responded to, phone operator i spoke to rude. Over a thousand pounds spent and couldn't even bother to reply to simple questions. Plenty of other companies to use, papillon were fantastic go straight to the source and book with them direct.

Date of experience : September 13, 2019

TERRIBLE experience!!!

Terrible, terrible, terrible experience with this company! I booked the GC 4 in 1 Voyager tour of the West Rim online several weeks before my family’s trip. 1 day before our scheduled tour, they called me and cancelled. I decided to give them a 2nd chance and rebooked for the next available date (which was our last day in Vegas) instead of going with another company. BIG MISTAKE!!! The day before our rescheduled tour I called and reconfirmed our reservations. The morning of our tour we were waiting outside our hotel waiting to be picked up as instructed but the driver didn’t show up. Thinking they were just running late, I called to make sure and was told our tour was CANCELLED AGAIN!!! I did not receive a call or text informing me of this. I had to call to even find out! Because of that, by the time we found out, it was too late to rebook with another tour company (and it was the last day of our trip).I would NEVER recommend this tour company. They are completely unreliable, unprofessional, and do not care about providing even basic customer service. I would give them ZERO stars if I could!

Date of experience : June 20, 2023

Our tour guide was amazing but there…

Our tour guide was amazing but there was just way to many rest stop breaks and to much time spent on the bus. The Grand Canyon was amazing but not enough time was spend there a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes the rest of the time was spent on the bus. Definitely not worth the price or the time. I could have done other things the day felt like a waste to us.

Date of experience : September 20, 2023

In one word bad in two words very bad. If you want to see the Grand Canyon, you will not see it with this company!! They didn’t pick us from the pick up point!! First at reservation they told us they will pick us from the hotel this was my reason to choose them, then they gave another pick up, we came at 06:15 but nobody came!! There were a lot of buses but not them, when I call them at 06:50 they told us that the driver left!! All the guides from other companies ask and search for the people, but they nothing!! Didn’t call or text us just make accuses.Unprofessional!! And after all of this they didn’t want to return our money!!!!

Date of experience : July 26, 2023

Grand Canyon VIP Tour by Adam & Michael

Superb tour by Adam & Michael, worth every penny and back in time for a relaxing evening, very Informative and fun , will definitely use again, thank you both for an amazing day!

Date of experience : April 01, 2019

The tour guide was rude and a poor…

The tour guide was rude and a poor communicator and the tour was rushed.

Date of experience : September 03, 2023

We booked this canyon bus tour from Las…

We booked this canyon bus tour from Las vegas to South rim a month ago and paid $85 per person. On day before travel date we got a call and they said due to technical problem we can't run south rim instead you can take west rim with extra $25 per head. As we already planned this date for canyon tour so we said ok. On next day when we waiting for board west rim bus infront of our hotel we identified they were operating South rim bus , not sure why they lied to us. And then we waiting for west rim bus and it came late and this is not bus that we expected .This is not a bus..not convenient seats..kind of small size van.. This tour started around 8.45AM and they dropped us on white tent around 11.30AM. They gave only 3 hours time to finish eagle and Guano point. Buses are operating from white tent to eagle and Guano point for every 10 mins..but so much crowd in the line and took around 1 hour to board eagle point. They gave ticket with free meal either eagle or Quano point but it was long queue in eagle point and we decided to go quano point and got the food but we don't have enough time to eat as well. We rush to catch the bus from quano point to white tent..reached around 2.30 PM.. This is really not bus tour...this is RUSH tour... The place is worth but not worth with this bus tour.. better plan with rental car and visit these places..relax and enjoy..

Date of experience : May 09, 2022

Grand Canyon Sunset Tour with Limo pickup

We were on the sunset tour with limo pickup/drop off and Canyon floor landing. Firstly, the Limo which had an arranged/scheduled collection point and time was around 45mins late - which is frustrating given we were told to be at the collection point 10mins before the scheduled pick up time, resulting in us wasting almost an hour of our day waiting for collection. I have to say credit to Alex our Pilot - he was fantastic from start to finish. There are two issues I have with the overall experience; there was no air conditioning in the limo and more importantly there was no air conditioning in the helicopter. Whilst the Company cannot dictate what the outside temperature is, they operate in the desert and should be well equipped to deliver this type of service/comfort. The lack of air conditioning meant the tour was a challenge and did spoil the overall experience due to the inability to deal with the outside temperatures. There was no escaping the heat for the entire journey, so much so it made me feel a little unwell. Whilst I understand Company can only run the available aircraft I am disappointed that we were not prior warned about the poor air conditioning. We only arrived in Vegas the night before so had not acclimatised and given the extreme heat, neither vehicle was suitable to keep us comfortable. Learning that the other two aircraft had appropriate air conditioning only added to our discomfort, I thought back to my original booking and I am convinced the package we chose was to fly on the 'upgraded EC-130'! We paid a good $1000 for this and we expected a service which would match this spend. The excellent image and experience the pilot gave us has saved the Company from a total disaster but I still consider this well below acceptable. After the trip I sent two emails to two of the Company's email addresses, neither emails were responded to - extremely poor after service. We would not go with this Company again, having done this before with Maverick I would recommend you go with them.

Date of experience : September 06, 2022

A Moving Sweat Box

When I went to the grand canyon for my fiancee's birthday, we were both very excited because this is something she's wanted to do for a long time. We got the package that includes the skywalk and lunch for $154 with Canyon Tours. The day was going to be 100° day in Las Vegas, and my pick-up location was at the MGM Grand. As we headed to the grand canyon, the weather was a steamy 90° heading towards an 80° day at the grand canyon. The Bus ride was an extremely uncomfortable one. It was a 30-passenger bus, and the headrest on the seats were angeled in a way that you'd have to be intentional to lean your head all the way back just rest your head. Still, it's so uncomfortable it ended up causing more harm than help to trying to get comfortable for the two-and-a-half-hour ride. If not being able to get comfortable wasn't enough, the AC wasn't working correctly. Heading to the grand canyon wasn't as bad as the way back because it wasn't as hot since it was only 90° transitioning to 80°. My back and chest were only slightly perspiring, and I'm usually a little warmer than most people, so I didn't complain, thinking it was just me. Once we got to the grand canyon, it was really fun. Seeing this landmark was everything we hoped for. I don't feel paying for the food was necessary because what Canyon Tours charges you to add the lunch is the same price they'd charge you at the location. If you plan on doing the skywalk, be prepared to spend $65 on the pictures. It's not mandatory, but you might as well pay it since you can't bring cameras, phones, or any personal items on the skywalk. If you just saw one picture you liked, it's $25 per picture... This is why it's best to pay the $65 and chalk it up to support our Native American brethren. They will give you three options to eat, and when we went, only two were available. The driver told us it was authentic Native American food and that Guano Point was the best option out of all 3. When we arrived at Guano point, the options were: Grilled chicken. Pulled Pork BBQ. A regular hamburger with Mashed potatoes and gravy. Corn on the cob. A roll. We were a bit disappointed, considering we got excited about trying a different culture's food, but it wasn't bad, so there is not much to complain about here. Once we checked out all three locations the west rim had to offer, we had time to spare, so we just rode around on the shuttle bus because it was hot and there was not much to do with an hour to spare during the 4-hour tour of the grand canyon. Grand Canyon tours boast that they have a 4-hour tour vs. other companies three hour tour, and my honest opinion is that 4 hours is hugely unnecessary. Now it's time to go, and we are going to stop by the Hoover Dam. As we head that way, several of us are starting to get cranky because the AC isn't working, and it is more than noticeable. We notify the driver, and she makes excuses as if we are not supposed to complain and just deal with it. She told us the bus is used every day and it just happens sometimes. My rebuttal was that I paid to be comfortable too, and from my ride to the grand canyon, and if I expected to be comfortable, I could have rented a car in Las Vegas to make the trip a lot cheaper than what I spent. Since I wasn't happy with the defensive exchange with the driver, who just ignored me and started talking to someone else, I immediately sent a message to canyon tours, who didn't respond to me even after a week had passed. This lets me know they really don't care about the customers, which prompted me to write this very detailed review of this company that I would advise you all to avoid.

Date of experience : May 20, 2022

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Four days of Cleveland fun - women’s NCAA finals, Guardians home opener and a total solar eclipse: editorial

• Updated: Apr. 05, 2024, 5:53 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 05, 2024, 5:52 a.m.

During the total solar eclipse that the Cleveland area will experience Monday afternoon, the Sun’s corona, only visible during a total eclipse, is shown as a crown of white flares from the surface. The red spots called Bailey's beads occur where the moon grazes by the Sun and the rugged lunar limb topography allows beads of sunlight to shine through in some areas, as photographed from NASA Armstrong’s Gulfstream III. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Thomas) (NASA/Carla Thomas )

• Editorial Board, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer

The mojo is with us, or so all of Cleveland hopes. As of this writing, the weather forecast for 3:15 p.m. Monday, the moment of maximum totality for our once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse smack-dab above often-cloudy Cleveland, is for partly sunny and in the high 50s. Sweet, but fingers crossed. Just remember the eclipse glasses and to allow plenty of time to get to your destination in light of street closings and other safety measures. Cleveland and Cuyahoga County are treating the day as a public holiday.

City Hall gives this timeline above Cleveland: Eclipse starts at 1:59 p.m. Totality begins at 3:13 p.m. Maximum totality is at 3:15 p.m. Totality ends at 3:17 p.m. The eclipse will be over by 4:28 p.m.

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Harvard Staff Writer

Lab, telescope specialist details Harvard eclipse-viewing party, offers safety tips

Those who miss this one could need to wait 20 years to get another chance.

A total solar eclipse will cross Mexico, the U.S., and Canada on April 8, bringing millions of North Americans a striking celestial spectacle. The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. will be in 2044.

Allyson Bieryla , astronomy lab and telescope manager at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), tells us what to expect, and how to view this natural wonder safely.

What should local eclipse-viewers expect?

Cambridge is not in the path of totality, but locally people will experience close to a 93 percent partial eclipse, which will start at 2:16 p.m. and end at 4:39 p.m., with maximum coverage occurring at 3:29 p.m.

During maximum, you will see just a sliver of the sun remaining. It won’t get completely dark like it would in a total eclipse, but it will still be a spectacular sight.

Over the course of the event, you will see a “bite” of the sun being eclipsed by the moon that will grow to cover most, but not all, of the sun. And then it will wane away.

And what is actually happening?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. The shadow only falls on a small portion of the Earth, so you are very lucky if it happens to fall where you live.

The “total” part is when the sun is completely blocked by the moon. For those that are able, whether it is this one or a future eclipse, traveling to the path of totality is worth every effort it takes. It is the most unnatural natural experience.  

What opportunities for scientific discovery does a total solar eclipse offer?

A total solar eclipse allows people to view the corona, or the sun’s outermost atmosphere. Because the sun’s surface is so bright, we don’t normally get to see the corona because it is so much dimmer. There is still a lot that astronomers would like to learn about the corona. 

What activities is the CfA hosting for local eclipse-viewing?

There will be a public event taking place in the Science Center Plaza from 2-5 p.m. There will be solar telescopes, free eclipse glasses, and a bunch of activities, including pinhole cameras, cyanotype prints of the sun, and a live feed of the totality.

We will also have LightSound devices converting the brightness of the sun into sound as the light dims, providing a nonvisual way for people to experience the eclipse. 

Rules for safe eclipse-viewing?

Observing the sun is safe if you have the correct equipment. It is never safe to look directly at the sun without proper eclipse glasses or filters, unless you are in the path of totality and in the brief moments of totality. Then, and only then, can you safely look at the sun without protection.

Cambridge is not in the path of totality, so it will never be safe to look at the sun without your eclipse glasses. It is also not okay to point a telescope, binoculars, or a camera at the sun without proper filters.

We will have all the proper equipment and experts on site at the Science Center to guide you safely looking at the sun during the eclipse. Trust me, it is worth it!

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Flying during the solar eclipse? These airports could see delays, FAA says

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

March 28, 2024 / 7:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Air travel was already expected to pick up next week because of Spring Break, but Federal Aviation Administration officials  said  now until mid-April will be increasingly busy due to "the Great North American Eclipse."

Many Americans are planning on flying on April 8, the day when the U.S. will experience a total solar eclipse that will track across the sky from Texas to Maine. While some eclipse chasers will be heading toward states in its main path, others are timing flights to view it while airborne.

The eclipse "will likely mean crowded parking lots at airports and long lines at security checkpoints," Marisa Garcia, a senior contributor at Forbes,  told  CBS News. 

"It's going to be hectic but fun," she added. "Go with the mindset that it's going to be busy and pack light and pack carefully. Be patient and pleasant with everyone."

Passengers on the day of the eclipse should expect air traffic delays and an unusually high number of drones in the skies, FAA Senior Technical Advisor Kevin Morris said in an advisory  video . 

According to the FAA, these airports could see delays on April 8:

• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Toledo, Ohio
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Austin, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
• Burlington, Vermont

Garcia said American Airlines could see the biggest delays at Dallas-Fort Worth, the airline's main hub, which is squarely within the eclipse's path of totality  — where it can be seen in full. 

Officials in Erie, Pennsylvania, said they expect roughly 250,000 people to flock to the area for the eclipse. Meanwhile, tourism for the big event is expected to bring $1 billion to Texas . 

• Federal Aviation Administration

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Latest look at what could be a cloudy forecast for Monday

T-minus 4 days.

On  Monday afternoon , a  total eclipse of the sun  will cross over a dozen states as it traverses from Texas to Maine.  Millions of people are expected to travel  to see it.

Indeed, for just the  second time in seven years , day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along  a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent .

But where will clouds ruin the spectacle?

Here's the latest 'bad news' weather forecast

AccuWeather long-range expert Joe Lundberg said places along or near the path of totality that will have poor viewing conditions appear to be from Missouri and Kansas southward into central and east Texas, where it is likely to be rather cloudy with showers and perhaps some thunderstorms.

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC), a branch of the National Weather Service, agrees, predicting that "cloud cover in the path of totality continues to look most likely from Texas through southern Arkansas, as well as for portions of the Ohio Valley, including Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania."

In addition to the clouds, the WPC also forecasts stormy weather: "Rain showers and thunderstorms are becoming more likely across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Some of the storms may become severe Monday night."

The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio, Texas , said Wednesday that "this is generally a bad news event for stargazers, or um, eclipse watchers."

Where are clear skies expected?

Clear skies in the path of totality are most likely in northern New England and upstate New York and have become more likely from southern Missouri into central Indiana, the Weather Prediction Center said.

Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman predicts that "northern New England could have some of the best weather in the country for viewing."

The National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont is also on board with the good forecast, saying that "dry conditions and mostly sunny skies in the Northeast will make for favorable conditions for viewing the total solar eclipse."

Vermont braces for the expected onslaught of visitors

On Monday, itty-bitty Vermont is going to feel much more crowded .

Leading up to the solar eclipse, nearly a quarter million visitors are expected to swarm the Green Mountain State because of its position within the path of totality.

To avoid the heavy traffic and overall chaos of the day, the Vermont Agency of Transportation advises Vermonters to “hunker down” and forego driving on April 8 if they can help it.  Many northern Vermont schools  and some businesses, for instance, are taking heed and closing for the eclipse.

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky . AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

And if you're looking to snap a photo of the eclipse, make sure to follow these tips to photograph the eclipse with your phone .

Why don't eclipses happen every month?

Why don't eclipses happen more often − perhaps every month as a part of the lunar cycle? There's a simple answer: The orbits of the Earth and the moon are out-of-sync and they only briefly align to form occasional eclipses, according to  NASA .

Specifically, the moon’s orbit is tilted about 5 degrees compared to the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun. Because of this tilt, the moon − as seen from Earth’s perspective − usually appears to pass above or below the sun, NASA said.

More: Solar eclipse cloud forecast means anxiety for totality tourists hoping for clear skies

Survey highlights eclipse risks and superstitions

A new survey released this week by  The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center  finds nearly 1 in 3 Americans are unaware of the risks of eye damage during a solar eclipse, and as a result, may not take the proper precaution to protect themselves from the potential of severe eye injury. The survey also found more than 10% of Americans believe in superstitions such as eclipses causing sleep disruptions (14%), psychological issues (11%) or natural disasters (11%), none of which are real dangers of an eclipse.

“The survey results highlight the need for more community education about the true dangers associated with a total eclipse,” said  Nicholas Kman , emergency medicine physician at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and clinical professor of emergency medicine at  The Ohio State University College of Medicine . “We can’t stress enough the importance of proper eye protection, but people also need to have a plan for emergencies.”

Kman also encourages those who plan to view the eclipse to prepare like you would for a potential disaster, since the eclipse is expected to draw a surge of visitors to cities, towns and remote areas in the path of totality that may not have the infrastructure to accommodate large crowds.

“People should expect long waits in traffic and bring essential supplies with them," he said.

Solar eclipse for kids: Fun guide on what to expect

Hey kids (and adults too)! Check out this illustrated guide to help you understand what the  April 8 total solar eclipse  means, where it will be visible and how you can watch it safely.

The guide also explains how you can create fun ways to view the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.