|
Booking Tours |
|
|
|
ECOSOUTHWEST.COM specializes in ECO (the ecology, the environment), CULTURAL (the native people of the Southwest), and HISTORICAL (the "what", "why", "how" and "when" facts of the land). Our staff is comprised of professional educators, not just guides. This is why our educationally based tours are different from most other touring companies. We also put our guests in touch what they are seeing and experiencing in a proactive, hands-on way.
Thus, through the medium of education through practical experience we provide our guests with very tangible and enjoyable excursions. We also believe there is a need to avail our guests of the kinds of topical issues that affect the welfare of our planet, including humanity's role in it.
 |
|
|
|
|
This summary may help some of you who may want to know the gist of who we are and what we have to offer. HOWEVER, we're still hoping you will browse our web site and find out more about us because we have a lot to offer, including very useful information that's posted throughout our web site.
HOW TO BOOK A TOUR WITH ECOSOUTHWEST.COM:
Send
us an e-mail, folks. That's the best and quickest way to go about
it.
Our phone number
(928) 635 4932 is mainly used as a backup and for specific
needs and requests not otherwise covered by our web site information on display.
We are
a 100% Internet-based company and prefer e-mail overall. We're just plugged
into the system most of the time which is
probably how you found us in the first place.
If you're looking for a brochure,
please feel free to print off anything you find on our huge web site. It's also
current and we're making changes to our web site all the time.
When you do get in touch with us, here is what we really need to know about your request:
HOW many there are in your party, if more than yourself;
WHICH tour you are interested
in (if you know it) and
WHAT date(s) you have in mind to come and join us for a tour.
KINDLY NOTE: we now book tours for groups, large and small. We therefore have a minimum number of guests per tour; that is, before we can book any tour we need to meet this quota. If you are a single, or perhaps a twosome, looking for tour, however, please inquire, as we may find room for you on an existing tour.
Also, we usually require booking any tour at least three months out from the scheduled departure of your preferred date(s). However, sometimes we can make an exception. Please contact us anyway and let's see what kind of luck or grace that might work for you and for us.
Our MULTI-DAY TOURS (MD), ADVENTURE
TRAVEL (AT), and other tours are listed elsewhere on our web
page (i.e., ADVENTURE CHALLENGE and STRESS MANAGEMENT
AND WELLNESS tours). You will also find helpful hyper links throughout
the web page. If you are shopping for tour ideas and prices, please take a look
at what we have to offer and figure on something that'll delight you as well
as meet your budget. Then let us know.
If you are merely inquiring about other tour information and essentials, however, we feel our web site is among the most informative, and certainly easier, sites to navigate. On our site you will find a lot of useful information that may already answer some of your questions or address the concerns you may have. For example, on each of the MD tours (at the bottom) you will find a handy mileage chart for all the places we tour, and then some.
Incidentally, when booking any tour with us let us know if you have any physical limitations, health disabilities or special dietary needs. Guests may choose not to go on the some of the walks or hikes that are sometimes available on our tours.
Other pertinent questions you may be concerned about will therefore be presented herein as well as on each of the Multiple Day (MD) main pages.
ABOUT RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, AND REFUND POLICY:
All prices quoted
are in U. S. Dollars. Each MD tour is priced accordingly
and includes all taxes. We accept all major credit cards (and prefer Mastercard
or Visa, by the way); personal and cashier's checks, and money orders.
A 20%
deposit per guest is necessary when booking any tour with us (with personal
checks gladly accepted; otherwise credit cards will suffice). The
balance is due 30 days prior to departure. If a tour is scheduled before
this time period other arrangements will be made at the time of booking - we'll
let you know.
KINDLY NOTE: rates will be adjusted to reflect double vs. single occupancy where applicable. Special group rates and custom tour pricing is also available. Please inquire.
For most of our MD tours a full refund (or credit toward another tour) is given with
a 30-day advanced notice. Otherwise:
- all but 20% will be refunded if within this period (unless the tour is booked
on sooner notice, in which case special considerations will be granted);
- a 70% refund will be given if within a 72-hour period;
- mea culpa, but no refunds are given for no shows.
Dollar for dollar, the
cost of our tours works out to be a better rate for our guests than were he
or she to separately arrange for their own meals, lodging, and transportation,
etc. We invite you to shop and compare given what other commercial companies
offer, and keep in mind we are offering QUALITY tours with PERSONABLE
service. We feel if our guests are eating, sleeping, and traveling well, then
they're happier and more content.
ABOUT SUDDEN OR UNEXPECTED CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES:
Sometimes nature throws down a gauntlet we can't quite step over. But we can
at least try to match it with something else. If for any reason the weather
or a concessionaire causes us to cancel a scheduled helicopter flight, rafting
adventure, or horseback riding event, we will substitute another tour of equal
value (that is, whenever it's permissible to do so). On the other hand, if the
weather conditions are inclement enough to the point dangerous road conditions
arise (very rare during our usual operating season and in our neck of the canyon-desert
country), then we will find an alternate site(s) for that particular day. There's
always a better window of weather somewhere close by and the Southwest offers
an abundance of scenic attractions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HOW WE MANAGE OUR TOURS:
In case you're new to
our web site or if you have previously seen what we have to offer in the way
of our tours, this year we have added some new tours, including some important changes in when we schedule our
tours. Although we are not yet able to accommodate the physically impaired,
we feel our tours are easy and ideal for most people to enjoy.
Generally, our
MD tours offer minimal walking with optional hiking along the way. There
is plenty of adventure and excitement for everyone, each according to how much
he or she wants to do. For other tours that cater to such activities as backpacking
or rafting, please see our Adventure Tours
tours. They're for those of you who seek alternative adventure tours and are
geared, like all of our tours, for most ages. Great things to do in these outstanding
tour packages we offer.
Most of our tours are based
on an ALL-INCLUSIVE tour price. We call these tours EZ CIRKLE TOURS
because each begins in one place and ends up in the same place, either on the
same day, or else about a week later. In between you'll discover the very best
of what the Southwest and West has to offer. We also offer an international
touring market, specifically Mexico, Central, and South America.
We operate our tours so that
they are convenient for our guests, where most everything is done for them without
any of the usual hassles or traveling headaches.
We do this by consolidating all the basic travel expenses such as choice accommodations
(for our MD tours only), all meals (for our MD tours only), including snacks and refreshments,
all park and special entry fees where applicable, and modern, safe transportation
to and from the place where we first meet and greet our guests. Occasionally,
we hire special guest entertainers and speakers (i.e., step-on guides and hosts)
along the way. We feel their input to our tours will another nice touch to the
educational theme we provide.
(*) Although it's not likely, please note that some of our tour prices are subject to change. Please inquire at time of booking for the final price of the tour with tax included.
As for your escorts and hosts, all of our tours are professionally escorted
by people-friendly staff educators and guides who value your safety and enjoyment
above all else.
ABOUT OUR LODGINGS, FOOD, AND MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION:
For our guests (for
our MD tours),
we reserve climate controlled rooms in choice hotels that offer spacious rooms
for total comfort, quiet, and privacy. We strive to find the best quality places
in the regions we visit; also the kind of facilities that are not considered
extravagant as far as excessive pricing goes. Some of these facilities include
continental breakfast, heated pool, cable TV/HBO, in-house laundry as well as
convenient shops; some may also include spa and exercise rooms.
We consider these same high standards when it comes to the places we dine,
and where our guests always have the entire menu to choose from. (Kindly
note that alcoholic beverages are NOT included in the price of the
tour but may be purchased separately.)
All menus accommodate
vegetarian preferences; for special dietary needs we ask that you inquire when
booking your tour. Upon request, we will gladly furnish you with the names of
all the facilities we have come to rely on as well as any other information
you may wish to know.
As for transportation, we only use modern, safe vehicles to escort our guests.
Most of our tours operate from either 8- or 15-passenger vans. For special custom
groups of larger size we charter comfortable mini buses or coaches.
ABOUT OUR TOUR SCHEDULE:
Due to our scheduling these tours in advance, which we feel is necessary
for the purposes of securing the best concessionaires as well as the best accommodation
places and rates, we regret we cannot change these set itineraries. However,
we will be happy to book a custom tour based on other days, even out of season,
for special groups of similar or larger size. Please inquire
for more details. We can also make some of the custom tour requests longer or
shorter, depending on the needs and interests of our guests.
KINDLY NOTE: our Adventure Tours (AT),
ACTION CHALLENGE tours and WELLNESS
& STRESS MANAGEMENT workshops that we offer are listed on our web
site. The AT line of our tours features such activities as Yoga
and T'ai Chi workshops, City Slicker outings, rafting, hiking
and mountain biking tours are considered our "hard adventure" tours vs. our
"soft adventure" MD tours.
We book our AT tours for custom group requests only, which must also
meet our minimum number of guests per tour (usually 7 and sometimes we can get
by with just 5). Our AT tours are also for guests who are 14 years and
older.
The ACTION CHALLENGE tours are ideal for raising capitol for same through
such hiking or biking tours. As for the WELLNESS & STRESS MANAGEMENT
workshops, what better way is there for organizations, companies, and the like
to get their people out into the field and improve the quality of life through
the great outdoors? You'll find helpful information about all of these SPECIALITY
or NICHE MARKETING tours on the web site.
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR:
The Southwest is a land of beautiful topographical contrasts, where weather
and temperature extremes can sometimes vary. Many places that we visit are also
high in elevation above sea level. We therefore suggest that you bring appropriate
clothing to suit your comfort, including a decent pair of walking or hiking
shoes, RAIN GEAR, and a waterproof windbreaker, just in case. If you're doing
whitewater rafting, we suggest Tevas (or similar) or appropriate footwear that
won't get damaged. Plus a poncho (or similar) to keep you warm and dry - the
water's sometimes cold. The same applies for riding horses and bikes: wear the
appropriate shoes and pants. Camera, film, and spare batteries should also be
considered as standard items to bring with you. And when you book your tour
we will gladly supply you with a recommended list of what to bring along with
you as well as directions on where to meet us.
Kindly note that the price of any tour does not include gratuities to your host and guide along the way. That's up to you. The rest we'll take care of, such as gratuities paid to the restaurants and similar enterprises.
For more background information about ECOSOUTHWEST.COM, please ask. While we feel this part of our web page takes care of most of the usual questions and concerns you may still require more information and we're good for it. Again, please ask.
SPECIAL STIPULATIONS:
Please let us know if you have any physical limitations, health disabilities
or special dietary needs. Guests may choose not to go on the some of the walks
or hikes that are sometimes available on our MDAT tours. Although our tours do not pose
any serious stress or demands on our guest's physical abilities, we are not
yet geared for the seriously impaired or physically handicapped. Not yet, anyway
If you require certain vitamins, herbs or medications on a daily basis, please
remember to bring them along.
FOR THE LEGAL END OF THINGS (the Fine Print Stuff
You Need To Read and Understand prior to booking any tour with us):
We are fully insured
by a major commercial insurance carrier (i.e., a one million dollar per person
policy that covers the kind of things we avoid like the plague - accidents and
such). This kind of legal information, as well as recommendations from former
guests and further credentials will gladly be supplied upon request.
ECOSOUTHWEST.COM is
responsible to our guests in handling all arrangements for the tour services
offered in our web site. Our recommended hotel vendors, restaurants, and concessionaires
are separate contractors and are not agents, employees, or servants of, or joint
ventures with ECOSOUTHWEST.COM. If the services included in the tour
cannot be supplied, or if there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond
the control of ECOSOUTHWEST.COM (i.e., inclement weather, mechanical
breakdown, or not enough participants booked on the tour), ECOSOUTHWEST.COM
will refund the full price of the tour; or may substitute the tour with another
tour (if available). The guest may also arrange comparable services at no added
expense (i.e., choose a similar or the same tour at a later time). Further:
ECOSOUTHWEST.COM reserves the right to accept or reject any guest as
a tour participant, to expel any tour participant from the tour; or make changes
in the itinerary whenever ECOSOUTHWEST.COM deems it necessary for the
safety of our tour participants. Although ECOSOUTHWEST.COM is fully covered
by commercial (general) liability insurance, guests should provide their own
accident, health and medical coverage, especially when not on tour with ECOSOUTHWEST.COM.
The guest further agrees that ECOSOUTHWEST.COM shall not be liable for
any damage, loss, including personal injury, death and property loss, or expense
occasioned by any act or omission of any subcontractor providing additional
tour services, or of any other person. Legal proceedings against ECOSOUTHWEST.COM
may be instituted only in a state or federal court within the State of Nevada,
and any claim involved in such proceedings shall be decided in accordance with
the laws of the State of Arizona. Any legal proceedings against ECOSOUTHWEST.COM
must also be commenced within one month following the date of tour completion.
No guest is authorized to vary, add, or waive any term or condition to any of
the above, including any term or condition set forth in the proceeding provisions.
Unless otherwise noted, this advance notice acts as our waiver and the guest's
agreement, at the time of booking his or her tour, to all of the terms set forth
herein. Amen and A-women. Lux Aeterna and here's to safe journeys and the avoidance
of all things litigation, for all the barristers truly ever win.
We hope this overview of ECOSOUTHWEST.COM's touring policy has helped you and we further hope you will continue to look over our web site, because we have a lot of great things to offer as well as informative "stuff" to share with you that's not yet the norm of the industry (although it is with us). This is why we are proud to say our treks are truly beyond the ordinary. Come see why and join us for a tour anywhere in the Southwest.
Oh, and be sure to click on the many hyper links we've added to the web site, such as the Archeological Rules of the Road, the essentials of the Art of Backpacking, the Geology of the Grand Canyon, and so many more. We feel these informative mini pages will really expand your awareness about the kind of things some of you may be interested in. Let us know if you want other hyper links of similar information added.
Happy trails wherever you roam and wander,
Rich Holtzin
(Owner ECOSOUTHWEST.COM & ARIZONA
ED-VENTURE TOURS)
1407 W Romney Ave
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-8859
Phone number (928) 635 4932
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2001 © by ECOSOUTHWEST.COM