Rydges

In some circumstances it transpires that ‘eclipse tours’ can compare unfavourably with independent travel. I am compelled to write about it.

The astronomy travel trade has expanded remarkably in the past few years. The companies have been expert in going to remote, hostile and difficult to get to places which can charge a premium rate and be forgiven if the accommodation is less than luxurious. I have seen seven TSEs so far and marvelled at the planning and effort. The 2012 eclipse in Cairns is not one of those deals.
In consulting Australian friends I get a sense of indignation that there should be any sense that visitors there will require ‘expert assistance’. It is possible to be charged a small fortune to stay in a hotel open to other tourists at a fraction of the price. For example www.astro-trails.com is asking for £595 for 4 nights at a Rydges hotel in Cairns. This is charged per person so two people (£1,190) will occupy a double room which I obtained direct from the hotel at 138AUD per night. 552AUD converts to £358 (as of 1 Nov 2011). If I get an explanation for this I will post it.
Even having forfeited the (substantial) deposit one can still (1 Nov) book a room guaranteeing an ocean view for four nights and still have enough cash left over to buy a decent laptop, hire a car, use the broadband connection and get all the eclipse-briefing you could possibly need. I urge any current customers of this deal to do just that or put an extra £350 into their pockets. Customers in the tour party may be jealous of the eclipse view from one’s balcony.
Note as of 27 Nov: Most hotels (not all) are fully booked. Some tour companies are taking to tents for the night before the eclipse. Local Australian visitors will depart after the eclipse (they did in Ceduna 2002) and the hotel room prices will revert to normal almost immediately. Funny old world.
Links:
http://www.astro-trails.com
http://www.rydges.com