So after last year's experience with ABD (London/Paris), we traveled this summer with Backroads. I'm not comparing the trips, but what struck me last year (and was confirmed in comparison with BR) was the ABD hubris. Backroads--and every other travel company we've been with--always solicits customer feedback. Not Disney. Not after we booked, not at the end of the trip, and not at any point afterwards. BR, in contrast, sent us surveys right after we booked and even before we arrived home.
When we traveled with ABD, the guides were telling us about how "envious" all the other travelers were of Disney. There may be some truth to it, but it seemed the entire trip that our guides (and particularly Frencesc) favored arrogance over action, and felt the Disney "magic" made up any sloppiness or inattention on their part. I just can't believe that after spending, what, $10,000 for three people, that ABD can't even be bothered (or more likely, doesn't really care) to ask how the trip was or how it can be improved. I think that tells you all you need to know.
There was a lot to like on our original ABD trip, but after a summer with Backroads, there are lots of options and it's nice to be with a company (and I'm sure Thomson and Tauck are similar) that respects their clients. ABD made it clear that they don't have the slightest interest in the client experience, and that they make enough money that they don't need to. If someone has had a different experience--that is that ABD actually asked for your opinion after a trip--please post.
When we traveled with ABD, the guides were telling us about how "envious" all the other travelers were of Disney. There may be some truth to it, but it seemed the entire trip that our guides (and particularly Frencesc) favored arrogance over action, and felt the Disney "magic" made up any sloppiness or inattention on their part. I just can't believe that after spending, what, $10,000 for three people, that ABD can't even be bothered (or more likely, doesn't really care) to ask how the trip was or how it can be improved. I think that tells you all you need to know.
There was a lot to like on our original ABD trip, but after a summer with Backroads, there are lots of options and it's nice to be with a company (and I'm sure Thomson and Tauck are similar) that respects their clients. ABD made it clear that they don't have the slightest interest in the client experience, and that they make enough money that they don't need to. If someone has had a different experience--that is that ABD actually asked for your opinion after a trip--please post.