Feb 4, 2008
Paul Laifer has retired and closed his company, leaving a big gap in the operation of affordable packages to Central and Eastern Europe
For years, whenever a reader sought help for a trip to Prague or Budapest, I immediately referred them to Paul Laifer Tours, of Parsippany, New Jersey. Specializing in central Europe, and pricing his services at breathtaking low levels ($599 for air-and-land to Prague, was a recent offer), Paul Laifer was the model for a sensitive, well-motivated tour operator. He loved his work, he enjoyed sending cost-conscious people to cities he loved, and tens of thousands of Americans have enjoyed well-organized, low-cost trips to Prague, Budapest and Vienna because of him.
Paul Laifer, unknown to most of his customers, is in his 80s, and yet remained hard at work into those years, often answering the phone at his office, staying up late to handle emergencies, giving his tour passengers every advantage and edge.
Last week, Paul called me to announce that he is at last retiring and closing his company -- and sure enough, the website has gone down and the phone is no longer being answered. It's a disappointing development, but of course we all wish him well. Looking for a replacement, I would suggest you look up the offerings of Tatra Travel, of Brooklyn, New York (www.tatratravel.com or www.czechvacations.com), whose owner is from the Czech Republic. His specialty is all things Czech, but he also offers combined tours of Prague and Budapest; Prague, Budapest and Vienna; and numerous other city pairings in that area, at competitive prices. I've had good vibes about Tatra from several readers.
Incidentally, a customer of Paul Laifer from maritime part of eastern Canada, Carmel Healey, has sent me the following, touching e-mail about the closing of Laifer Tours:
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Paul Laifer, unknown to most of his customers, is in his 80s, and yet remained hard at work into those years, often answering the phone at his office, staying up late to handle emergencies, giving his tour passengers every advantage and edge.
Last week, Paul called me to announce that he is at last retiring and closing his company -- and sure enough, the website has gone down and the phone is no longer being answered. It's a disappointing development, but of course we all wish him well. Looking for a replacement, I would suggest you look up the offerings of Tatra Travel, of Brooklyn, New York (www.tatratravel.com or www.czechvacations.com), whose owner is from the Czech Republic. His specialty is all things Czech, but he also offers combined tours of Prague and Budapest; Prague, Budapest and Vienna; and numerous other city pairings in that area, at competitive prices. I've had good vibes about Tatra from several readers.
Incidentally, a customer of Paul Laifer from maritime part of eastern Canada, Carmel Healey, has sent me the following, touching e-mail about the closing of Laifer Tours:
While the retirement of Mr. Laifer is indeed disappointing, I am sure he has brought a great deal of adventure to the many travellers who have availed of his service over the years. What a gift!
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Labels: eastern europe, tour companies
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