Q. Why should we
consider having a chauffeur-guide when we are could hire a car?
A. Mainly because you will be able to see and do more in the time
available, by not having to worry about driving, navigating and
parking. Also, unless you have done much research and are
prepared to take the narrowest of country lanes, you will miss
the hidden treasures off the main tourist routes.
Q.Your charges are
more than the price of an average hire car?
A.True, but you are getting a personal service and the cost of
fuel is included in our daily rate. Plus you will see more in a
day travelling at a relaxed pace with Senator Travel, than you
probably would driving yourselves in two days. Our executive car
is also larger than the average hire car, and it is extremely
difficult to hire a self-drive luxury car. You may not be aware
that fuel prices are Britain are very dear, due to tax. Also,
there is the specialist public liability insurance for carrying
passengers.
Q.What other
advantages are there compared with hire cars?
A. 1. There are frequently extra charges for road tax and
insurance with hire cars, even when you think you have paid
everything 'upfront'.
2. Hire cars are almost impossible to get for one day at the
weekend.
3. The time involved in actually collecting and returning the
car.
4. Companies will charge for delivering the car to your hotel.
5. Many hire cars still have a stick shift, ie. manual gears.
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Q. What don't your
daily charges cover?
A.Entry fees to museums and other attractions, and for parking in
the same way you would do if you had your own car. Very
occasionally one encounters bridge tolls. For touring in France,
there is the cross-channel ferry charge.
It is not obligatory, but it is appreciated to invite the driver
to join you for lunch, or cover his meal expense should you wish
to be private. In return he will have found you an eating
establishment, which suits your requirements, and will have been
looking after your interests and needs.
Q.What are the
costs for extended touring away from the Cotswolds?
A.Besides the normal daily touring rate, you will be asked to
cover your driver's meal and lodging expenses for each night at
modest B&Bs nearby your hotel.
Q.Is there Sales
Tax to add to your fees?
A.No. We have opted not to be registered for VAT (17.5%), so
there is none to be added to our charge. It means that we cannot
claim back the VAT element of our fuel charges, but our aim was
to keep our charges to a minimum for our mainly tourism based
clientele. Some other larger chauffeur companies, who mainly deal
with British businesses, do have to add this tax to your bill.
Q.What forms of
payment do you accept?
A. We are now able
to accept credit card payments for the deposit, using PayPal ( an
eBay subsidiary ), a fast , free and secure method. However, cash
and travellers cheques ( checks ) in GB Pounds are fine. Dollars
and Euro notes will also suffice, subject to an agreed exchange
rate. It is also possible to make a direct electronic transfer
between accounts, remembering that the sum should be net of any
bank charges.
Q.Would it be
possible to put together a complete package for us, including
flights and hotels?
A.Yes, for American clients, we can liaise with travel agencies
in the States, with whom we have worked for many years. You will
then be able to pay the agent by credit card.
Q.You advertize
your drivers as 'Advanced Motorists'. Does this mean they are
very old?
A.No! It means that they have passed a special driving exam,
which tests them on their hazard awareness, safety and technical
driving skills. In theory, this should translate as a smooth,
safe ride.
You will find other guide services advertizing in magazines and
on the Internet. When making comparisons, please check whether or
not their drivers have this skill.
Q.My husband is
disabled, and travels with a collapsable wheel chair. Can you
help?
A.Yes, all the more reason to have a chauffeur service to help
you. The wheel chair will fit in the boot (trunk), but please
bear this in mind when planning the luggage. Remember to bring
the disabled parking badge with you.
Q. We are
travelling on a low budget. Can you still help us?
A. Yes, consider travelling as a group of four, sharing the cost.
Also, have a look at our Special Offers section for
accommodation and travel deals.