Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Who owns the company?

Quantum Tours, is solely owned by its founders, Todd Vogel, DDS , and his lifetime touring companion and lovely wife, Pattie Mullane-Vogel, RDH.

How long have you been touring Ireland, and New Zealand?

We have been touring Ireland since the early 1990's, while the New Zealand tours were new in 2001. We're very excited about this "other land-down-under," a good complement to our other tours.  And new in 2003 were our "Best of the Northwest" Garden Tours.  Be sure and check out our complete itineraries on line.

What do your tour prices include?

Our prices all include:

•  All lodgings with private baths (en-suite) in mostly 3-4 star quaint hotels and small guest houses, chosen specifically for their location, historical interest, and charm.     This means of course, that some of them WON'T have elevators!
•  All breakfasts and lunch or dinner nearly every day, so you'll have the opportunity to sample the local fare on your own for at least one                 (sometimes two ) meal(s) daily.
•  Fun snacks on the coach
•  The expertise and services of two experienced tour leaders: Todd and Pattie Vogel, with additional guides and experts from the specific locations
•  Private tours at museums, wineries, historic sites and other selected attractions.
•  Special events, such as wine-tastings in New Zealand, ghost-hunting in Ireland
•  Pre-trip travel planner so that you will know just what to bring along, and how and where to meet, what to expect.
•  Pre-trip travel consultations to make your trip safe and under control
•  All entry fees, coach transportation, boat journeys, train journeys, normal tips and gratuities at inns and restaurants

What's not included?

Your airfare, travel insurance, (call our knowledgeable travel agent, Kathy Lambert at: 1- 800 648-6502), and all personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, taxi fares, phone calls, discretionary gratuities, moving expenses, adoption expenses, bribes, tips for small Gypsy children, etc.

What about the dreaded "single supplement?"

For our single guests traveling, we suggest you try to bring along a friend or relative to share a twin room. We will also try and help put two single guests together, if they both wish to do so, to avoid the single supplement. Since most hotels charge us an additional fee for single- occupied rooms, we reluctantly must pass on that fee to you, but we find that it only amounts to about $35 to $50 per night. Well worth it if you want your privacy!

How do we know that we're getting a good value with Quantum Tours?

We believe that price is only one small component of value. Value is a feeling that you received more benefits than you expected, for the price that you paid. And, isn't it true that value is what drives all our purchase decisions. While you may find tours that are less expensive, (and many which are more) we're confident that you will get no better value than with Quantum Tours.  You must compare apples with apples. Where else can you travel with TWO experienced tour leaders, have all the individual attention that you deserve, enjoy the meals and camaraderie of a small group of like-minded individuals (generally 10-20), and all at a reasonable cost?

I've always traveled independently, why would I want to go on a group tour now?

We (Todd and Pattie) felt the same way years ago, but found that with all of the preparation work; the uncertainties about where to go, where to stay, where to eat, what to see and how to drive on the opposite side with a stick-shifted small car were far outweighed by the benefits of traveling with a small group of similar-minded individuals. We know that many of the places that we will take you could never be found on your own in Ireland, or New Zealand without unlimited time, and unlimited money. We've done all the hard work for you. All you need to do is enjoy our discoveries.

How come you don't accept credit cards?

We know, we know; you can get beaucoup airline mileage if you charge up a trip or two, so why don't we accept credit cards?  Very simple really:

                                      THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH!

In order to accept credit cards we would need to set up a merchants account and get a machine (usually around $1000.00) and pay a fixed monthly fee in addition to 3-4 % of the total charged.  But, in order to do that we would need to raise the price of our tours equivalently.  But what of the people who didn't use credit cards; should they pay the extra cost also?  According to the credit card agreements, you can't charge extra for credit card use; so everyone has to pay.  We think that's unfair!  And just to get 1 mile per dollar towards a plane trip?  Of course it's a gimmick, and we all know it, but it's hard to resist the perception of getting "something for nothing".

We may in the future have to succumb to market pressures, but for now...

What will I need to bring?

Ireland, and New Zealand are primarily maritime climates, so we think of them as similar to the Pacific Northwest, where we live. Our first and foremost rule is:  Pack light! When in doubt, leave it out. We suggest bringing ONE medium sized bag and ONE carry-on. Since you'll be carrying your own luggage much of the time, it's best to keep it light. Also, remember to dress in layers, i.e. t-shirt, shirt, sweater (fleece), waterproof coat. Well, you get the picture. We will send you a travel planner about 60 days prior to your tour which will answer most all of your questions, and we can answer any others via e-mail or telephone. We try to leave little to chance. Just enough to keep it interesting!

Oh yes, and lastly, you must bring a good attitude. With apologies to Oscar, grouches are not welcome!  :-)

What about laundry?

New Zealand hotels nearly all have washing machines and dryers. In Ireland we'll have a laundry drop off sometime during the tour, or you can always send it through the hotel laundries.  We do not encourage washing clothes in your bathroom, (in an emergency a few undies, maybe) as many of our quaint, older hotels are not suitable for this. Sadly, they've experienced damage to their beautiful furnishings in the past and we become personas non grata.

What kind of shape do I need to be in? (Physically, Mentally)

Physically, you don't need to be an Olympic athlete, but we do need for you to be in good health, able to walk a reasonable distance, sometimes over uneven ground, climb stairs, and be able to schlepp your own luggage up a flight or two of stairs when an elevator isn't available.  We've had many guests with physical challenges that did just fine, but each guests application will be  evaluated on its own merits. 

Mentally, you need to bring an attitude of curiosity, flexibility and wonder.  Travel always involves the unexpected, and you must be able to adapt without being a grouch (or you'll be asked to ride outside the coach), spoiling not only your own experiences but those of other tour guests.

What's the size of the group?

Our groups range in size from about 10 to 24 people, averaging around 15. We aren't like the large tour groups that pack 50+ on a large bus, one small seat for each person. Our coaches are sized for the group and always have extra seats so that you can move around, and get away from your snoring spouse or a querulous acquaintance.

Are children welcome on Quantum Tours?

Sure. Although our tours are focused for adult tastes, well-behaved and supervised children age 14+ have traveled and contributed much to the enjoyment of the tour.

How are Quantum Tours different than the "big bus" tours?

Firstly, we're not as cheap as most of them and we never hope to be so.  It always costs less to herd 50+ people around than it does to provide a quality touring experience for 10-24 guests.  With so many people it's impossible to experience spontaneity, like stopping for fresh roadside strawberries in Wexford, Ireland or stopping to photograph the fields of Lupine on the way to Milford Sound in NZ.  And how long do you think it takes for a "necessary break" for 50+ people?  Of necessity, they must adhere to rigid schedules, with little room for variations.  Many of these large tour companies own their own buses and hotels where you will be staying, regardless if they are the best!  How much more comfortable would you imagine yourself to be in a coach with an average of

2+ seats for every guest, rather than one?   How much more personal attention would you receive fromTWO tour guides and a driver/guide for 10-24 guests vs. one for 50+ people?  Can you imagine trying to squeeze a Greyhound-size bus down a narrow Irish lane?  Please, form your own conclusions.

What about tipping?

This is an area which is always a concern for every guest. Quantum Tours provides the normal gratuities for all coach drivers, boat people, train people, restaurant people, and many others (including an occasional small Gypsy child). Completely at your own discretion, you may choose to provide an additional gratuity for some service that you feel was "above and beyond."  While nothing is expected, it is reasonable to assume that all these people helping you aren't getting rich. We have always found them, outside of the US especially, to be very appreciative. Bottom line:  Your additional tipping is not required. Please, use your own discretion.

What about Jet Lag?

Jet lag is really all about resetting your "biological clock." As Ireland is 7-8 hours ahead of PST, and New Zealand is about 20 hrs behind, we really find the best way for us to deal with jet lag is to arrive a day or two early whenever possible.  We can't stress this too highly.  Many guests think that they can just hop off the plane and begin touring.  Not usually true.  Why beat yourself up anymore than you must?  This is supposed to be fun!  We can help you make arrangements to do that (that is, pretour hotel accom, not beating you up)  if you wish.

Other anti-jet lag suggestions are:

• Get plenty of rest before you leave
• Sleep on the plane.  You may even consider a sleeping aid
• Avoid lots of food, any alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee.  We know... what's left?
• Try melatonin tablets, if you wish
• Take a walk after you arrive to energize yourself, increase your metabolism
• And try to avoid going to bed at your destination until normal bed time

How far in advance should I reserve a space?

It would seem self-serving to say: "As soon as you can" but as you can see, we usually only travel once a year to our destinations, and we only take small groups, so we recommend booking your reservation "As soon as you can."

All right, I'm convinced. How do I sign up?

We hoped that you would be. To reserve your space, all you need to do is contact us by phone, e-mail, or snail-mail. Our web site provides all the necessary forms for you to complete and return. Follow the instructions on our reservations page, and you'll be on your way to the time of your life.

If you have other questions, call or e-mail us! We are happy to respond to all inquires, and help you feel more secure in your travel plans.