My understanding of Tour prices and rates charged is that the rates are set in the previous September - October e.g. Summer 2010 will be priced on the September-October 2009 US$ exchange rates.

Therefore the rates in vogue at the moment probably reflect the exchange rates back in September - October 2008. This information is certainly shown in the two pages of small print shown in the back of the Insight brochures as published for the European consumer...not sure about US & Aus...NZ versions. Now I have not done the maths but it may go some way to explaining what appear to be anomalies if you use today's exchange rates....hope this helps!

Hi Galway Bay,

Now I am totally confused.

You seem to be saying .... although I paraphrase

Summer 2010 holidays will be priced at the Sept/Oct 2009 US$ exchange rates.

We are going on a holiday in, or even after, the summer of 2010 and we now happen to be in the period covering Sept/Oct 2009.

So why are the 2008 rates of significance.

I doubt that we will ever know the actual calculations used to determine rates as it probably is proprietary information. However, as an experiment, I wondered what would happen if I assumed that they calculated a base using either british pounds or euros, and then applied some exchange rate. My theory is that the base would then be the same regardless of the country/exchange rate. Using Cat's exchange table from her post...Pounds v. USD is $3079 x .63287 = 1949 pounds...pounds v. Aus is 3542 x .57406 = 2033 pounds...pounds v. Can is 3121 x .61178 = 1910 pounds. Doing the same calculations using the euro as the base I get: US = E2084; Aus = E2174; and Can = E2042. I think I've simplified things considerably, but it was an interesting exercise. And, I've probably thoroughly fogged the issue even more.
I guess it comes down to whether or not you feel the rate is a good value for such a unique tour. And, I do. So, I will signing up after the first of the year, God willing and the creek don't rise.

Well said John. We agree and intend to book as well.

If you change the Can$ tour price to 3221 instead of Can$ 3121 the relative amount for the supplement looks better, also the relative tour price compared to the US and the Australian tour prices -- which is why I wondered in the Canadian tour price was a typo.

Bill and Diane, I look forward to meeting you. Kathryn, John confirmed that the Canadian rate is $3121 pp. However, If you would like to pay an additional 100, I'll let Insight know...lol

johninwa

An excellent posting, that even I can understand

You project that the UK prices could be £1910 so it will be interesting to see how close you are.

Message to Insight .... if your UK price is lower than this right now then please take no notice of JW's incoherent ramblings.

Hi Hornet & Others

The reason I used the 2008 figures as an example is that we do not yet have 2010 brochures or prices (with the exception of USA Tours and Oberammagau). On the other hand we do have 2009 brochures/prices and 2008 Sep-Oct US$ exchange rates having and analysing this data may provide the answers you're trying to get. You can look back over the years if you have kept the brochures either hard copy or electronic and see how the Insight Group calculate their prices. As previously stated if we use the published policy which in the European version of the brochure clearly states that the exchange rate used is not the current one then we can arrive at what appears to be the actual or expected price for next year fairly accurately.

Key to all of this is clearly the US$ and maybe just maybe hidden fuel surcharges that may or may not apply. Whilst I fully appreciate it can be confusing I for one value the style of Insight's tours and believe them to be great value for money...planning my 6th tour with them as I write.

I happen to have the Australian 2008 brochure notice how prices are based US$ 12th September 2007 against the AUS$ it follows therefore that this policy prevails when designing tours and prices each year....in each global area against the US$...Stg...Can$...€...see quote from the fine print in the back of the brochure below:

Tour Prices: Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as at 12thSeptember 2007 Should any of these costs change a surcharge may be made on the price of your vacation. If the total tour price increases by more than 10%, passengers will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment for the deposit of your land tour is received. This guarantee does not apply to pre-registered bookings, or departures where prices are still subject to confirmation.This guarantee also excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or
levies imposed by any government or its agencies. In exchange for these guarantees no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Prices include the Goods and Services Tax where applicable. All prices are in Australian Dollars, unless otherwise specified.

quote:

planning my 6th tour with them as I write.

The Presidents 2010 tour I hope Galway Bay??