myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

We reserved this vehicle via Yes Tourism for Thrifty. It turned out to be 2 door vehicle and is completely unsuitable for use with three people or couple and child. If you put a child seat in back, there is no space to put the luggage! Not to mention the hassle of entering and exiting with baby..

Thanks to Thrifty we were able to exchange this vehicle for Mitsubishi Lancer.

Yes Toursim was nowhere to be seen - they didn't seem to add any value. Also we asked if cars have cd player and they don't know the answer except saying most don't. The lancer that we got had cd player.

Also although Yes Tourism claims that one won't pay higher price going through them - I am not so sure. At our hotel, we specifically got a discount because we came "directly". The hotel didn't advertise this rate on its web page.

Kalpak

And the price a day

I am wondering ... I do not mean to undermine Kalpak's complaint by this ... I simply feel that there is a slight misunderstanding of who is the service provider and who is the product provider.

Did Kalpak advise that he required a car for 3 people plus luggage or did Kalpak assume that any 'jeep' would be suitable?

From my recollection, the website describes all the cars and even shows pictures of them as well.

Also ... Yes Tourism, as far as I am aware, act as agents and simply 'find the car' or the 'best deal' and therefore any queries or problems regarding 'the car' would be dealt with by the hire car company ... obviously, if this fails, then I am sure that feedback to Yes Tourism would lead to a review of their recommended suppliers.

And ... if agents, such as Yes Tourism, are instructed to 'broke' around for the best deal then surely they should receive a cut of the money ... whether this be through an extra fee for their work or by benefiting from the discounts they negotiate with suppliers that they have vetted.

Accordingly, Thrifty provided a good service by the look of it and therefore Yes Tourism deserve some credit for securing a deal with a reputable car hire supplier.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Hello Mr Kalpak,
If our description of rental vehicles on our we site is not clear enough I would like to apologize for that. All Suzuki Jimnys have 2 doors and are relatively compact cars, that was the vehicle that you chose to book through us.
Why didn't you contact us right away to have it exchanged for another vehicle? It is unfortunate that I have to find out about your dissatisfaction through the forum. One phone call from you would have solved your problems.
Thrifty has a fleet of more than 75 vehicles and when we ask them about CD players in specific cars they tell us that they cannot guarantee a CD player, because some models have them and most don't.
It is not our policy to be physically present when you receive your vehicle from the car rental company, we hope that you can forgive us, it is simply not feasable, of course we are available any time of the day if there are problems, all our cell numbers are published and I answer my phone even after midnight for my clients.
May I assure you that all rental companies we deal with must sign a declaration that they don't offer cheaper rates to direct customers, this would make our services obsolete and if we should find out that this happens we will terminate the cooperation with that company immediately.
Once again, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience and hope that you still enjoyed your holiday in Tobago.
Best regards

I would urge new visitors to Tobago not to expect the same standard of service that you expect in the U.S. or the U.K. I hope this statement is not taken as a putdown of anybody in Tobago.
In six trips to Tobago, I can't recall one instance in which I've gotten hyper about some perceived lack of service (OK, I remember a disagreement with the hostess at a particular restaurant and another time involving a traffic accident, however ...). It's their country; I'm a visitor looking for relaxation. I appreciate almost every moment I'm there. Go with the flow ... For me and my husband, Tobago is our yearly big treat. Once in Uruguay, we rented a car with a gasline leak. We didn't smell it until several miles out of town. Consider yourself lucky. Gasoline there was US$8 a gallon way back then and we had minimal Spanish.
Overwhelmingly, Tobago is a great experience. Slow down. Don't expect people to intuit what you need. You're having an adventure.

Words fail me. Why does the term "only an American" spring to mind?

How can ANYBODY not know how small the Suzuki Jimmys are? I have been extremely happy with Yes Tourism and used them for car hire and tours on both our last visits. I just checked their website and it clearly shows the Jimmy as a 3-door vehicle.

Cornelia, I agree with everything you say but I do not see how anybody involved fell down on service here. It looks to me like Kojak got excellent service. It seems that he ordered and received a Jimmy. Surely it was his own fault that he ordered the wrong vehicle? It sounds like it was changed without fuss, so full credit to everyone involved. Why bitch about YT not being involved if they weren't even aware of his dissatisfaction? Did he seriously expect them to be travelling around with him?

God, this forum gets me angry at times!!!!

Oh, Anthony,
Oh, those Americans, indeed. Tell me about it. I'm surrounded by them every day, except when I go to Tobago and am surrounded by British people.
Anyway, I probably am wrong, but I don't think Suzuki Jimmys are sold in the U.S. If they are, they may have another name, so there may be some basis for confusion about what to expect.

Don't wish to nit-pick, but aren't they Suzuki JIMNY's?

Jane

Yes, Jane, Jimny's and they are not available in the US. Corneila, yes, I'm surrounded too ! (originally from Trinidad)

No Jane, they're not just Jimney's, they're crushed baked-bean cans. In fact, it's just a pity they didn't leave some of the baked beans in the vehicle during manufacture - it might have given them a softer ride.

Mind you, to be fair and balanced, I have to say that I would take a Jimny rather than one of the Indian Maruti Gypsy apologies that some agencies will fob you off with. Truly horrible!

No, on second thoughts. I'd hire a bicycle.

Steve,

Is the Gypsy truly that bad? Was considering renting one on my next visit, as there are six of us and none of the cars hold that many people. Any suggestions?

Hi SJ

I guess it depends upon what you are used to. If you normally drive a 20 year-old Skoda (if there is such a thing) or Trabant, then you might be well-pleased with a Maruti. The good news is that with six in your party, you will at least have lots of people to push.

One thing you should know. Based on all the Gypsy's I've seen, you must accept that the rear seating is probably bench-style, running down the sides and facing inward. Not a great configuration for sightseeing. Mind you, the suspension is so bad that you'll be jiggling about too much to see anything anyway.

To be honest, you've got a problem with 6 passengers as I've found to my cost and discomfort on previous visits. The cheapest viable solution is a Suzuki Carry - but they are built of the baked bean cans that were rejected as too poor to build a Jimny. I'm only joking, of course, but all these vehicles are fine for 5-10 minute journeys around Crown Point but will seriously compromise the party's good humour for longer journeys. I would suggest a Nissan Serena as the very smallest vehicle for a party of 6. Bite the bullet and pay the extra - it will reap dividends.

Wow! Lots of responses. Just to be clear I have tried to post a factual
account of what happened so that others may benefit.

And guys please relax a bit. I am an Indian working in silicon valley. I have travelled to lot of lonely planet destinations. I have never seen a Suzuki Jimmy until I hit Tobago. But I am well aware of Maruti Gypsies since they are made in India. Thanks to this forum for helping us plan this vacation. I am trying to give back to the community by making some stuff that is obvious to "repeat visitors" more accessible to first-timers.

I did not ask anyone for what is an appropriate vehicle. But Yes Tourism was aware that I have child with me since I booked a car seat. I used forums on this website, Yes Tourism website and my experience from costa rica roads, I thought Suzuki Jimmy would be right vehicle. My intention is NOT to highlight anyone's lack of service but my surprise at seeing a 2 dr SUV.

And yes - yes-tourism site does have info that it is 3 dr vehicle but it is easy to miss that info since the main vehicle listing page has info on a/c, auto etc and THEN you have to click on image of vehicle to get the door info. Sorry I missed that. Maybe that page might need to be redesigned.

Marko C: The price was $60/day or $360/week + $20 insurance supplement.

Paul Tallet:

And ... if agents, such as Yes Tourism, are instructed to 'broke' around for the best deal then surely they should receive a cut of the money ... whether this be through an extra fee for their work or by benefiting from the discounts they negotiate with suppliers that they have vetted.

Yes and that's fine. But I was led to believe either by posters on this site, or by Yes Tourism that I won't be paying extra - that the lowest prices I could get from the operators would be same that Yes-Tourism got for me. Clearly this is not true.

Also To Patrick from [Yes-Tourism], I am not dissatisfied with your service. You did what you told me - which was to reserve a vehicle at Thrifty. Thifty was swift and service top class in changing vehicles. Thanks for clarifying your policy on receiving visitors at the airport - some posters on this site claimed that you received them and I assumed that you would do the same for us.

What I do wonder is - whether I really needed Yes-Tourism ?

Kalpak

With respect, you must accept this sort of reaction if you fail to do your research and then start criticising Tobago and/or good and well-respected Tobago businesses. I'm not here to defend Yes Tourism, but it seems they did everything required of them. Why did you use them in the first place? Where else could you have got so much information about the rental vehicles available on Tobago and booked it all fully online?

Personally, I don't feel that your ignorance of international vehicles is a defence. That's what holiday research is about. ALL these small 4x4 vehicles are 3-door (just like those apologies for a vehicle - the Marutis). The YT site clearly shows a photograph against every vehicle on their list. How can you fail to see that they are only 2-doors? It’s totally obvious how small they are. Where the heck would they put an extra set of doors?

If you had done your research properly and read our article on car hire, you would know that Suzuki jeeps are the most popular vehicle with tourists. Do you seriously believe that visitors only come in couples and that any rental agency on the island would seriously raise an eyebrow just because someone with a child orders a Jimny or any other 2-door?

Kalpak

I am trying my hardest to see things from your point of view.

Firstly ... you registered with myTobago on the 14th December, that is 2 days ago and, need I add, after your holiday to Tobago ... i.e.; there is no evidence that you have used the myTobago site to research your holiday even though you refer to it.

You seem to have registered with the myTobago forum to make criticisms against establishments and local services without having firstly taken these issues up with the service providers themselves.

I have noted the following:-


1. You instructed Yes Tourism to supply you with a Suzuki Jimney ... you were unhappy with it ... you later acknowledge that Yes Tourism did what you asked of them but you feel that they should revise their website to make it easier for you to read.

2. You complained about the Arnos Vale beach in another thread (i.e.; unsuitable for children) and about hot pipes (i.e.; unsuitable for children).

3. The remarks you have made about Trinidad (in another thread) are questionable (and unrepeatable) to say the least and possibly offensive to those that reside there.

In your defence, I find it difficult to agree with comments made by Anthony earlier in this thread because I have met some really nice people from the USA and I personally believe that it would be wrong to believe that they are any worse than the British, Dutch, Germans or any other country for that matter ... 'choose your poison' is possibly the best tactful way to distinguish any difference between any culture depending on your point of view ... in fact ... it need not be mentioned at all because people from the USA have just as much right to contribute to this forum as any other person anywhere in the world.

However, I am not sure whether to say you are brave or brash ...

I think you owe an apology to Yes Tourism for posting such criticism about their services when it seems clear that they delivered what you asked for in the first place AND were unaware of your issues raised with the hire care provider.

I believe you should confirm that you have given an unbalanced view of Arnos Vale and, particularly, the beach, from the perspective of a child's needs ... and confirm that this is, in fact, suitable for adults (and young children under supervision).

You should portray a fairer depiction of the way of life in Trinidad (assuming you feel qualified or suitably informed to do so).

This forum is independent and unbiased and relies on objective feedback ... consequently this can give the forum the power to make or break local businesses and influence the expectations of those that plan to visit Tobago (and Trinidad).

You seem to have benefitted from this forum (at no cost to yourself) and the least you can do is to contribute objectively and with substance, whether your issues are positive or negative.

Some clarification of the above points would be appreciated from you.

Otherwise ... just say that Tobago is not for you and accept it.

Regards.

Paul - Two word's - Well Said - now I'm off to se wwhat he said about Trinidad
Roger.

I feel compelled to write in defence of Kalpak and his right to post what he sees as a factual account of his Tobago holiday experience on this site.

As a seasoned visitor to Tobago, nearly twenty trips in the past twelve years, I find the mytobago site an invaluable and often entertaining resource.

However, I find it somewhat difficult to understand the almost vitriolic response that many perceived negative posts attract. The reason that sites and forums such as this one work so well is that the user is able to obtain a balanced and informative view of the subject being researched.

I for one appreciate the kind of post that Kalak has submitted. Taken with all the other positive posts about the subject matter, it allows me to make my own mind up and provides useful balance.

Much as we would all love to see Tobago as some kind of tropical Utopia, experience tells us that this is not the case. The positives in Tobago far outweigh the negatives, but lets not just ignore the fact that for some visitors, bad experiences do happen.

Apologies if this is viewed as a bit of a rant, it's not meant to be.

Keep up the great work Steve,

Colin

I think we all need a stag followed by a swift rum punch!!

In fairness, Kalpak thought he was getting a big Suzuki Jimmy what he actually got was a small suzuki jimny And as soon as he realised that he needed more room the problem was sorted by Thrifty... END OF STORY

I got a well done steak instead of a medium rare one last night, that doesn't mean that the sky is falling in....

Kalpaks point of view is typical of someone who has never worked in a service industry, mistakes happen, and as Patrick has said, if the problems had been highlighted at the time they would have been dealt with.

Right I'm away for a pint, its Friday and it 4.30!!

Joe

Thank you, Paul, for this:

I have met some really nice people from the USA and I personally believe that it would be wrong to believe that they are any worse than the British, Dutch, Germans or any other country for that matter ... 'choose your poison' is possibly the best tactful way to distinguish any difference between any culture depending on your point of view ... in fact ... it need not be mentioned at all because people from the USA have just as much right to contribute to this forum as any other person anywhere in the world.

I wonder if Kalpak thought everybody would be easier on him if he explained that although he lives in the U.S., he's an Indian citizen. It can be hard being an American these days. But some of us have virtues.

I also feel compelled to respond in defence of Kalpak's right to express his view of his Trinidad & Tobago experience, and I'm amazed and shocked at the almost vitriolic, rude and disrepectful response that he has elicited from contributors to this thread, and to the Trinidad Accomodation thread, which can only serve to discourage MyTobago users from writing on anything amiss with their Tobago experience, and from expressing their frank opinions.

There seems to be a growing lack of respect in the MyTobago forum, not just for different opinions, but more importantly, for the people who express them.

Alan CB