Who We Are - And FAQ's25 years experience, slow, relaxed pace, 12 guests
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| Rick's Café, Casablanca |
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After years as a journalist and editor, Andy Fraser decided it
would be more satisfying to take people with him to see these places he
loved and cared about rather than to just write about them as he had been doing. So in 1986 Andy set up the first small group journey of Fraser Connection Tours.
From the beginning the idea was to create a personal exploration, not a 'bus tour'. These journeys are relaxed and slow paced designed to give guests the chance to 'feel' the places they visit.
Andy and his wife Beverley organize and escort all of their journeys. They choose the hotels and approve all aspects of every tour. Bev comes by her travel after being a former Wardair flight attendant and having lived in various countries around the world.
This is a small company; Andy & Bev with daughter Heather filling in when they're on the road so when you call or email you are always in communication with one of the principals of the operation.
The groups are small - 12 only; the pace is relaxed with two, three and four nights in each location - always. Start time for the day is nine or 9:30 a.m. with a return to the hotel at four or 4:30 p.m. Free time is built in and there is no following the lady with the red umbrella! Compare this with any other company. No Group mentality! A Land Cruise without all the people.
We like to tell our guests that this is their tour - feel free to take a day off if you are enjoying the hotel or just want to do something on your own.
The Company is registered and licensed by the Consumer Protection Branch of British Columbia (#1772). The fact that the company has existed for 25 years speaks volumes in this day and climate. If you want to know more, e-mail Andy and Bev at andy-bev@shaw.ca or telephone 1 800 773 7093.
Countries and regions visited: Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales, Channel Islands, Northern France, Provence and South of France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, Germany, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Morocco, Turkey, the Maritimes of Canada, West Coast of Canada. This year: Scotland, Portugal, South of France, The Balkans, Turkey, Arizona and Texas.
Join us & experience the most relaxed, slow paced small group tour on the market.
More
questions? Want to talk to Andy or Bev Fraser about this or any tour?
Give us a call at 1 800 773 7093 or e-mail: andy-bev@shaw.ca.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I have booked with you?
It all works smoothly: 1. We get a receipt to you immediately. 2. We send you a background kit with all kinds of "stuff" to help you prepare for the tour. 3. When final payment has been made we send you the final letter with last minute instructions, including a) when and where we will meet you on the first morning of the tour b) a letter for you to hand to reception at the hotel confirming you have been booked in and paid for by Fraser Connection Tours, c) a list of traveling companions d) a luggage tag - along with any other bits of information you may need. It's all simple and straightforward and remember, we are never further away then the end of your telephone or email.
Why are your prices higher than many big companies?
Simply put, quality and service. We have better hotels and smaller groups; we have more all inclusives including all full breakfasts and dinners, we cover all entries and specials with no 'optional' visits where you have to put your hand in your pockets. You have two escorts (owners Andy & Bev Fraser). Our stays in each of our four and five star hotels are for more nights than most other tours. It's quality all the way. And our prices are comparative if not lower than equivalent companies.
Who can I talk to about you?
We can give you many references and emails and/or phone numbers of previous guests, some of whom have been for usp to 15 tours. You can also check with the British Columbia Consumer Protection Authority.
Is our money protected?
Yes. Your money is placed in a trust account. We are registered and licensed by the British Columbia Consumer Protection Authority (formerly the Registrar of Travel).
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance for cancellation and medical. Over the years we've seen a few accidents and illnesses crop up and in all cases, the travel insurance has kicked in and taken care of everything. We also suggest if you have a policy through your employer, or retirement plan or credit card, that you check it our carefully to make sure it is comprehensive. Insurance taken at the time of booking protects your deposit and any other money paid us for the tour in case you become ill and have to cancel.
What kind of hotels do you use?
The best we can find. Four and five star whenever possible and all personally selected. They are not, generally speaking, used by tour groups - and if they are, we make sure the hotel accepts our 'not wanting to be treated like a group' philosophy. All our hotels have won numerous awards for the hotel as well as for their restaurant.
How much time do we spend on the coach?
As little as possible. Our days generally begin at 9:30 a.m. and we return about four or 4:30 p.m. We're never on the coach more than an hour to an hour and a half without a break, even on a moving day between hotels. Unlike big companies we don't show you "15 cities in 10 days" or whatever. We would rather you have more time in fewer places so you can enjoy, get the "feel" of a place and have time to meet the people of that place.
Am I always going to be stuck with the group?
No. We don't like the 'group' idea which is why we run our tours the way we do. For example, mornings. Come down for breakfast when you want. No group times. When we arrive at a visitor site, we allow you a fair amount of time for the visit then set you loose. We give you the background on the place then give you the freedom to take your time in the castle, or the gardens, or the book shop, or the cafeteria, whatever. Lunch is usually in a small town and we give a time when we're leaving then leave to explore either with a sandwich or baguette in hand while you walk, or a great looking cafe, or whatever. Your time to do as you wish. At dinner we have smaller tables rather than the big noisy group table.
Is there much free time?
As much as you want. With two and three nights in each location, we encourage our guests to use these times as they wish. A number of our guests have specific things or places they wish to see and they will take the time when we are in that area. In each major City we arrange a completely free day. It is your holiday and we want you to enjoy it your way.
Why don't you include air or insurance in your pricing?
With guests from all corners of North America as well as from Bermuda, South America, and Britai, it is impossible to do either group departures or a group air package. We find many of our guests have airline points, or specific preferences for airlines, or differing desires as to arrival before the tour begins or staying on later. Insurances are so specifically geared for individuals depending on age, health, length of stay, and other factors. Also, we have found that many of our guests have their own insurance programs through work or retirement packages, etc.
Are there any hidden costs I should worry about?
No. There are no surprises. There are no hidden charges, no taxes, no 'optional' visits for which you will be asked to pay.
Why are single supplements so high?
Single supplements are major frustrations for us and our clients.Hotels give us a quote per person based on two persons per room. They also add on an extra figure for a person occupying a room on their own. The hotels thinking is that they make more money with two people in a room and if there is to be one, they will have to pay extra to make up for the revenue charged. Some hotels charge a flat rate for the room regardless of whether there are one or two people in the room. If two people, we, of course, divide that rate by two to get the cost per person. Incidentally, we do not charge anything extra on the singles. The rate we charge is what the hotel adds on.
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Small group, personally escorted Land Cruise tours.
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| Bev & Andy in Ephesus, 2010 |
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