In episode 128 of the UK Journey Planning Podcast, Tracy once more welcomes John Hadwin from Boutique Excursions of North Wales.
Recognized for his distinctive non-public excursions round North Wales, John shares his insights and experience in catering to cruise passengers trying to discover past the ship’s choices.
On this participating episode, John discusses his background in tourism, together with his time with Cunard and the way he developed a distinct segment in offering tailor-made tour experiences for cruise passengers. Be taught in regards to the number of itineraries accessible at ports like Holyhead and Liverpool, every providing distinctive insights into Wales’s native tradition and hidden gems and past.
John additionally addresses widespread issues about non-public excursions versus cruise ship excursions, explaining the advantages of smaller, personalised experiences and plan the proper day ashore.
For these thinking about reserving, John shares tips about securing a tour and profiting from your time in port.
Click on the blue button beneath to hear:
This submit might include compensated hyperlinks. Please seek advice from my disclosure right here for extra info.
Episode 128 – Present Notes
Key Subjects
Visitor Introduction and Companies
- Introduction of John Hadwin and his affiliation with cruise excursions
- Dialogue of cruise calendar with scheduled slots
- Tailoring non-public excursions based mostly on customer preferences
Tour Planning and Customization
- Detailed planning course of contemplating timeframes, locations, and logistics
- Use of communication instruments (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet) for plan finalization
- Making certain a stress-free expertise for friends
Dealing with Cruise Cancellations
- Excessive success charge with just one cancellation since 2009
- Affords full refunds within the occasion of cancellations as a result of climate
Reserving and Contact Data
- Encouragement to ebook early, particularly throughout peak months (December to February)
- John Hadwin is responsive through emails, cellphone, FaceTime, or WhatsApp
Reserving Ideas
- Significance of early reserving as a result of diminishing availability
- Excessive demand with over 100 inquiries from a single ship’s passengers
Unique Availability
- John is likely one of the few full-time driver guides in Holyhead
Visitor Background and Expertise
- John’s work with Cunard cruise line on creating itineraries
- Profitable affect on a transatlantic cruise itinerary
- Historical past of personal tour enterprise began in 2009
Development of Holyhead as a Cruise Vacation spot
- Collaboration with the native council to draw extra cruise ships since 2009
- Development from internet hosting 5-6 cruise ships to an anticipated 90 ships
Excursions Provided by John Hadwin
- Boutique excursions for cruise passengers out of Holyhead and Liverpool
- Distinctive and differing itineraries for every port
Tour Choices and Market Dynamics
- Comparability of mass coach excursions vs. non-public cruise excursions
- Market technique of cruise traces to retain friends with packaged excursions
Pricing of Excursions
- Value of shared coach excursions (~£150 per particular person)
- Non-public excursions with impartial guides (~£650 to £750)
- Non-public excursions with cruise traces (as much as £1,500)
Various Value-Sharing Mannequin
- Reserving non-public excursions and sharing prices by way of platform promotions (like Cruise Critic)
- Rising recognition post-COVID
Host Endorsement
- Tracy Collins endorses John Hadwin as a most well-liked tour companion
- Optimistic opinions and private vetting
Comfort and Effectivity
- Benefits of personal excursions: avoiding delays and fewer stress
Private Interplay and Flexibility
- Company can suggest itineraries or depend on John’s experience
Holyhead Excursions
- “North Wales in a Nutshell” tour together with a loop by way of nationwide park, castles, and cultural experiences
- Excursions guided by John, generally known as a “strolling encyclopedia”
- Choice for Anglesey tour, that includes medieval castles and tales about St. Patrick
Liverpool Excursions
- Deal with the Beatles, soccer, and historic websites
- Cross-city tour capturing tradition, historical past, and sports activities
- Sights like Wrexham, with soccer (soccer) membership owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
- Consists of stadium excursions and historic websites
Customizable Excursions
- Customized based mostly on particular person preferences
- “Story of Two Cities” tour to Liverpool and Chester
- Distinctive countryside experiences
Repute and Expertise
- Advantages of respected non-public excursions: private experiences and well timed returns to the ship
- Cruise traces’ discouragement of personal excursions vs. reliability of respected non-public excursions
Click on right here to obtain a PDF Transcript of Episode 128
Helpful assets – Podcasts & Articles
🎧 Podcasts
- Episode #89 – Unforgettable Adventures: Boutique Excursions of Wales with John Hadwin
- Episode #52 – Exploring North Wales with Doug Collins
- Episode #32 – Journey Report: A month highway journey across the UK
📖 Articles
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