Overlanding

Tucan Travel is seeking an experienced driver/mechanic to become our fleet co-ordinator based in Cuzco, Peru, commencing training on 01 September 2009.

Tucan Travel has a fleet of 14 Mercedes Benz vehicles of varying ages and models in South America and the fleet co-ordinator will be responsible for all fleet management. The role reports to Tucan Travel’s Latin American based destination manager and will work closely with the crew co-ordinator.

The role involves (more…)

On all Discovery Tours, Adventure Tours and Overland Expeditions departing from 1 June 2009. Tucan Travel place the blame on the currency fluctuations as reported back in January. They have or are making all those affected aware of the price increases either directly or through your travel agent. More details.

This is a great opportunity to relocate to fascinating and very interesting parts of the world, to gain some fantastic travel experience and have a great adventure.

Applicants MUST:
* Have proven tour leading experience, especially on Trans-Mongolian rail crossing.
* Be able to take initiative to make decisions and work with a broad range of people.
* Be able to commit from June 09 to October 09
* Be able to provide at least two recent relevant references from previous places of employment and by doing so, give their consent for reference verification with these companies
* Be of Russian nationality or possess a Russian visa for multiple border entry and departures
* Be self motivated and enthusiastic
(more…)

Budget Expeditions and Discovery Tours in Europe have been discontinued by Tucan Travel due to the current economic climate. However they will continue to operate all other itineraries as published at present.
The deposit or full payment held against their Europe booking can be used towards an alternative tour otherwise a full refund will be issued. Tucan have asked clients to contact their travel agent or their reservations team to arrange these payments/alternative tours.

Tucan Travel are the latest to adjust prices due to currency fluctuation. However there will be no increases for clients who have already booked. The Australian Dollar prices have been increased by 15% whilst the US Dollar prices have decreased by 10% from Thursday 18 December 2008. For more detailed information click here. This follows Intrepid who at the end of November had warned of currency surcharges.

Update:

Tucan Travel are advising passengers to book by the 31st of Jan 2009 to avoid a price hike. ” Due to current exchange rates, Tucan Travel may need to increase our Group Tour prices by 10% or more in most currencies including GBP, CAD, AUD and NZD. We will be reviewing and publishing these increases at the end of January 2009 “

There are reports of no injures aboard the Ushuaia which was carrying 122 passengers on this Antarctic Expedition. The ship is operated by Antarpply Expeditions, based in Ushuaia. Many overland companies sell these trips as optional extras. A year ago, G.A.P Adventures Explorer cruise ship hit ice off Antarctica and sank.

Update: Kumuka Have provided information on how the situation has affected their tours.

Tucan Have also provided information on how the situation has affected their tours.

Tucan are recruiting for a new Latin America Destination Manager You can download the job description PDF here. Entries for the position can be sent to Bec [@] tucantravel.com by 5 December 2008.

Other overlanding employment opportunties can be found under our Industry Insider section.

Let us know your experience when booking so far we have had fuel surcharges and exchange rate fluctuation.

This is sound advise from the community.

“PS Do please make sure you only travel with a fully bonded overland company otherwise you could stand to loose all your money. It’s a legal requirement for all travel companies to be properly bonded and to provide a 100% financial guarantee, so please check before you buy.” overland advice.

Unfortunately 2009 may be a year where the potential for tour operators to go bust is high. If your operator has an ATOL bond, you’ll be flown home if it goes bust, but you won’t get a refund. ABTA bonding means that in most cases your holiday will be protected, but this is not the case for all members. Tour operators that are members of AITO offer 100% financial protection.

If you book with a credit card you will normally be refunded in the event of a bankruptcy, but the credit card company will not get you back home.

Please check with your operator and clarify with them if you have any doubts on their level of protection.

What else has cropped up we would love to hear your experiences.

Up to 25% have been knocked of the price of many overlanding trips by Tucan and Dragoman at the moment. Maybe the credit crunch is having an affect on passenger numbers, however if you have the money it could be a good time to snap up a deal. Overlanding Discounts. Other companies are also running discounts on new brochures, such as GAP offering 10% of new trips.

Whilst generously African Trails have offered to our readership an extra £50 off any trip cost if you mention Overlanding Community when you enquire for a 15th December trip this also includes the current Specials. ( Please check with AfricanTrails for Terms and Conditions)

Tucan advise that the transfer shuttles to Antigua are not operating as of 30 September 2008. “The best alternative option presently available is to take a taxi which should cost about $25-$28.” Tucan
will advise on their website once the shuttle services have been restored.