Business ProfileforHidden Links, Inc.

We went to Ireland in August 2022. The trip had been postponed twice and, like the other reviewers mentioned, we were charged additional rescheduling fees. Whether they were real or just built in, I couldn't say but I was just so excited to get to Ireland after our original booking in 2019, I did not care.The first part of our trip was great. Courses were great, we had a nice bus and the driver was good. Funny, too.Then Covid struck. I had no symptoms but one member of our 8 person group did and 3 of us tested positive, including me. And this is where my one star comes in. If it wasn't for the great beginning of the trip, it would be zero stars. Because Hidden Links dropped us like a Hot Potato. We were not allowed on the bus, the rest of the golf trip for the 3 of us was over. Because we were not allowed on the bus and taxi drivers would not take us to a doctor, my insurance claim for trip disruption was denied as all I had to show was a picture of my positive test.The three of us were totally abandoned by Hidden Links and had to rent a car for the two hour drive to the airport to get home. Luckily, one of my friends not only had driven on the other side of the road before but was able to work with a manual transmission from the left side.In short, Hidden Links left us to fend for ourselves in a foreign country and I think that is shameful. No recommendation here. And not surprised that Hidden Links did not ask me to review my trip.

First, thank you so much for your patience during the pandemic. We were just delighted that you finally got to travel to Ireland. As part of your tour being delayed 2 years, the rebooking fee covered our obligations to the suppliers and the time involved to manage your tour over a 2 year time-span.  We were doing the best we could to work together through what was an economic calamity for the courses, hotels, transportation companies, and tour operators. 

In regards to your comments about once covid struck and what occurred from that point forward. We of course were very sorry to hear that you and other group members tested positive. We did have interaction with your group leader who informed our Ireland team (at that time) that two people were positive and they were handling their travel arrangements themselves, and that they did not need any assistance.  We took the group leader at his word that everything was okay.  We never heard from yourself or the other positive clients on a direct basis. If we had we would have done all we could. 

As far as being allowed or not allowed on the coach. For those that were covid positive they were unfortunately not allowed to travel on the coach as to avoid the possible infection of other group members, and critically the drivers. The decision on this was made by ***************** for all passengers throughout the 2022 season.  The drivers continue onto other groups and it is paramount that their health be in good standing. This also extends to taxis as well at that time, where the drivers needed to be protected as much as possible. As for the car rental you organized, if you had contacted us we would have ended up recommending this as your best option for transportation.  With it being a last minute booking full payment is required, hence it would have needed to be done direct with the consumer, which is what you ended up doing. We understand the car rental was not ideal, but covid created many disruptions throughout the 2022 season.  We definitely understand your frustration with this situation. In the end we are just delighted you enjoyed the tour of Ireland, recovered from covid and were able to get home safely. We would be happy to review this further with you if that helped, and please let us know the best number to reach you on and we will gladly reach out.

With kind regards,