Why YOLO trips?

[parhicks]

I think the problem some have outlined, of trips they were interested in being now offered as only YOLO,is a real concern.Particularly if it is cutting out a lot of intending travellers because of age.
Hopefully GAP will remedy this by offering the same at the previous Basic level.
I'll get Customer Service to comment.

Well, I guess after 2.5 months we can assume that Customer Service is not going to comment!

I have to say that I was very disappointed when I found out that the trip I had my heart set on was now unavailable because I was considered an old fart. I considered other companies but relented this time and booked an alternative trip with GAP. Hopefully GAP will come to the realization that they need to offer alternating dates so that those that want to be surrounded by like aged travellers can do that while the rest of us can mix it up.

[jimshu]

I think there was a good response over in this thread that addresses the question-
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=12297&start=15#p52273
Plenty been said on the matter already.And we oldies are very adept at adjusting to those wee problems in our life.
But good to see you've found a great alternative.

[IncaTrail50]

Yup, Customer Service has responded to this in another forum. It's reared its ugly head in more than one forum, you know. I think Customer Service is filled with YOLOs. Us "older than dirt" members can keep on top of things and respond in more than one forum because we wander around at night unable to sleep or having to pee or some such and are magically drawn to our computers.

OOowwwwieeee! I think that dead horse kicked me again, Jim! Maybe we need to draw this all into one big thread, like the Inca Trail FAQ? Anything YOLO gets moved to one thread?

[parhicks]

Thanks for pointing that out Jim.
I guess in my old age I missed that one.
Interesting, and a little surprising, that GAP found 99% of previous visitors on these trips were under 39.

[ExplorerWannaBe]

I'm not surprised a very large majority are under 39 but I would think that would tell them nearly everyone they get who is older has the right mental attitude for GAP. We choose GAP on purpose, for the adventure and to NOT sit around the pool playing bridge with the blue hairs. I wish I had these opportunities when I was 20-something but I didn't. Now I do but GAP doesn't want my business on certain tours ...

[jimshu]

I don't think we need to take it that way Explorerwannabe.GAP is growing and perhaps needs to rebrand areas of it's operations.And as there are many more tours added every year, there seems little chance of the diversity and sheer amount of choices we have, being compromised.Don't worry,I'm sure they have got the eye on the ball that "Grow Older with GAP" or ''Destination in Depth'' tours is an area that will be developed over time.
I'm sure they want us.After all, we're the generation with the time and the money....and if companies don't offer the experiences we're looking for, we'll all end up going cruising in our later years.And that's what I see is the biggest challenge to many tour operators, especially those that specialise in bus touring.

[ExplorerWannaBe]

Nah, when I get to that age, I'll probably do like I saw in Africa --- buy a Land Rover, equip it to the nines and just run from campsite to campsite. I may not be in the shape Bear Grylls is but I don't mind roughing it and can camp with the best of them. Come to think of it, that would be a GREAT way to see most of the continents if you could afford to ship the vehicle from place to place.

[jimshu]

Want a co-driver?

[JaliscoJudy]

Nah, when I get to that age, I'll probably do like I saw in Africa --- buy a Land Rover, equip it to the nines and just run from campsite to campsite. I may not be in the shape Bear Grylls is but I don't mind roughing it and can camp with the best of them. Come to think of it, that would be a GREAT way to see most of the continents if you could afford to ship the vehicle from place to place.

In Ecuador we encountered an American couple who had just such a vehicle (1988 Toyota), which prompted us to ask them what they were doing. They got sponsors to equip them to drive from the US to South America. They had been on the road for 5 months or so already. They were writing a travel adventure blog about it. I can't remember the details now, except that it sounded like a great deal to me. They said that when they were done that they'd b e selling the truck. My husband really wants it.

Here's their website: http://www.ramblewriter.com. Oh dang, I see that the truck sold. It was a deal for $10k.

[parhicks]

Back, a long-long time ago, as a teenager, I chipped in with some friends and bought a Land Rover at an army auction. It had previously been used for parachute jumps and consequently had a bent chassis so we got a great deal. After some hasty repairs we drove to London, registered it and set off for Morocco. 5 weeks later we returned without a major breakdown. Not quite what Explorerwannabe was referring to but great fun all the same.

Best feature was the dual 24v batteries that allowed us to run campsite flood lights for most of the night.

[ExplorerWannaBe]

jimshu --

As a longtime Boy Scout and believer in the buddy system, I'd welcome a codriver. I'd probably prefer someone who looked better in a bikini than you though ... no offense and not intending any hanky panky but after 20+ years in military and technology pursuits, I'm a little tired of being in an overly male environment

[DanielBMe]

jimshu --

As a longtime Boy Scout and believer in the buddy system, I'd welcome a codriver. I'd probably prefer someone who looked better in a bikini than you though ... no offense and not intending any hanky panky but after 20+ years in military and technology pursuits, I'm a little tired of being in an overly male environment

LMAO! Way too funny!

...and Jim, please don't feel the need to share a pic of yourself in a speedo...