Matt M

Posted on 5/14/09

On 1/30/09, Angelo wrote:
> I think I agree with that lady who said: "if you
> don't want to put up with
> problems, then don't travel with these company."
> And in fact...I WONT.
>
> Like many of you I traveled with many of these
> companies and they are pretty much run by a bunch of
> kids. Their knowledge of the traveling industry is very
> minimal and so is their interest in what they do. And
> their professionalism is way basic. Just imagine if the
> Airline industry were run in the same way. In no time
> they'll be out of business.
>
> I used to be one of those tour directors. Yes, I got
> paid by my company and no I was not relying on tips to
> make a living. It's not in the European culture, as you
> may know, to make a living based on tips. It's not like
> in the U.S. And when I don't leave a tip to a bus
> driver or a TD I don't feel a bit remorseful, and
> that's maybe because I am European.
>
> I am actually happy about the sloppynes of these
> companies. To me it means that there is a market for
> real professionals. All of you would love to become
> customers of a real professional traveling company. And
> that's why I started my own company. With all my
> traveling experience as a professional in the sector, I
> am going to take the lunch away from those kids. Why
> bringing TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to these
> companies when you only get the tiny little crumbs of
> the big pie. Yes you travel for free. So what? Should
> you pay? I don't know you, but I did not organize all
> these trips because I traveled for free. I have been to
> those places a billion times. I did it for my own
> students. And what bothers me is seeing all my people
> spending their hard earned money and receiving a crappy
> service in exchange. And no, the disservice is not due
> to the fate. In many cases it's due to their negligence
> and lack of professionlaism.
>
> So, I am done getting mad with these companies and I
> already have created my own network of hotels, etc. and
> I am loving it. Do the same. There is plenty of
> opportunities for everyone. Angelo.
>
>
>
> On 1/21/09, James wrote:
>> ny kids are on tour of Italy and they really are all
>> not happy at all wiht explorica.
>>
>> On 11/26/08, Robert wrote:
>>> From my experience, Explorica and EF basically use
>>> the same Tour Reps/Directors, at least that's what
>>> the reps told me anyway. It's not a bidding war as
>>> such but you see the point. And also, I believe the
>>> training given by both companies is exactly the
>>> same.
>>>
>>> On 10/08/08, shelly wrote:
>>>> We are going to do a picture calendar fundraiser
>>>> K-12... I'm looking for someone who has used
>>>> Explorica for the London and Countryside tour.
>>>> Any recommended tour guides? Also, how was your
>>>> experience? Thanks! Shelly
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 9/15/08, Mina wrote:
>>>>> Hi Rosy, I am a middle school Spanish teacher
>>>>> and am interested in taking a trip abroad. I
>>>>> went to the explorica website but was curious
>>>>> with your trips, do you do fundraisers or take
>>>>> donations or are the children responsible for
>>>>> funding thier trip? Ill take any suggestions.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you, MMA
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 9/06/08, Rosy wrote:
>>>>>> Yep, sounds like an ef rep wrote it.
>>>>>
>>>>>> I back up the person that said the explorica
>>>>>> tour directors are the best, because I too
>>>>>> have traveled with ef before and have first
>>>>>> hand knowledge that ef-ers do the minimum...
>>>>>> The explorica tour directors I have worked
>>>>>> with are more giving of themselves. By the
>>>>>> way, one even took one of my students and
>>>>>> myself to the hospital "urgencias"
>>>>>> in Barcelona when the Boy fell ill. The TD
>>>>>> was with me until the early morning-the boy's
>>>>>> parents were pleased the TD new what to do,
>>>>>> and who to call. I continue to work with
>>>>>> explorica, their tour consultants, and tour
>>>>>> directors. I've requested certain TD's again
>>>>>> and again. They are very professional! PS: I
>>>>>> have 2 tours set for 2009, and more to come
>>>>>> in the future! PPS: I don't know how much
>>>>>> they make, but I always tip the max and
>>>>>> more-they deserve it!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 7/01/08, Derrick T. wrote:
>>>>>>> Hmm. An EF TD in Europe reviewing posts on
>>>>>>> teachers.net? Seems unlikely.. An EF in
>>>>>>> Boston rep perhaps?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>

On behalf of Explorica, I greatly appreciate all of the
feedback!

We check these forums occasionally, but do so to ensure that
our customers have the best experience possible. In fact,
90% of our tours are rated excellent by our teachers, and
many have positive things to say about us. You can read some
testimonials at http://www.explorica.com/CustomerTestimonials

If you have had a negative experience with us in the past, I
sincerely apologize, and would be very interested in hearing
more so we might prevent this experience from happening
again. We greatly value all of our customers and their
comments, so please feel free to contact me anytime to
discuss them.

Thanks and happy travels!

Matt M
online@explorica.com

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