Best of Munich, Salzburg & Vienna Tour Nov 26

Posted by travlrmel on 09/14/24 10:40 PM

Hi,

I have scheduled my first Rick Steves tour for November. I have followed Rick for years, and met him once while I was on solo travel in Switzerland.

In the last six years or so, I have been on several cruises (especially Disney). We often find Disney cruise groups on Facebook. Are there tour groups in the forum, or Facebook or other location? it would be great to meet our fellow tour group prior to the trip. On the cruises we have made life long friends.

Any suggestions, tips or tricks -- just let me know. I just got into the tour yesterday (originally was on a waitlist). I am exploring the forum today.

Thanks!
Melody
near Orlando, FL

Posted by KD

09/14/24 10:49 PM

751 posts

The Munich, Salzburg & Vienna tour was our first Rick Steves' tour about 10 years ago. and we took our third RS tour a few months ago. You'll love the MSV tour. The short answer is no. Keep checking your portal. A few weeks before departure, a list of folks (first names only, and city they are from) will show up in your portal. Rick rightly protects the privacy of his travelers. (Many years ago, it used to have full names, but no longer.)

What inevitably happens is someone on the tour (A traveler, perhaps you? Absolutely not the guide) will suggest passing around a paper for people to have the option to put their contact info on it (for those who are interested). Then those who opted to do so, can set up a group facebook or email if so desired.

Anyway, the only thing you can do prior to the tour is post the exact date of your tour departure on here and see if anyone responds. You might get one or two.

Posted by travlrmel OP

09/14/24 10:56 PM

2 posts

Thanks KD for the reply. I truly appreciate your response and the security that RS does for the tour participants.

Posted by Nancy

Corvallis OR

09/14/24 10:58 PM

7118 posts

Anyway, the only thing you can do prior to the tour is post the exact date of your tour departure on here and see if anyone responds. You might get one or two.

Yes, do this. But be sure you post it in the Rick Steves Tours sub forum, not in the Germany or General Europe one. That's the best way to try to connect with those on the same tour, but no guarantee that someone on that same tour will be checking that forum. You'll find that forum under Tips and Tour Reports. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tours

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

09/14/24 11:41 PM

20940 posts

With thousands on any given Disney Cruise vs 24 to 28 on a typical RS tour, there is a slight difference in scale.

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

09/14/24 11:56 PM

14544 posts

Welcome to the forum Melody! You may also find that a good number of people on your tour will have never heard of the forum!

Let us know if you need any packing or clothing advice! Layers will be the key for a Florida gal to keep warm at the Christmas Markets!

I hope you are able to go a day or so ahead of the tour start date. Thanksgiving is Nov 28 so if you can get out early and miss the holiday travel nonsense it might be a good idea.

Posted by Kim

Washington, DC

09/16/24 08:51 PM

238 posts

I was on this tour in 2017. It snowed several times during the tour. It wasn’t enough to disrupt the tour, just enough to make things magical. It was perfect weather for enjoying gluhwein from the Advent Markets. I was very glad that I had waterproof shoes with treads with me.