Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were inspiring moments every day: spotting the first iceberg on the horizon, whales surfacing next to the zodiacs and boat, being served hot chocolate on a zodiac in the middle of an ice choked bay, stepping inside the time capsule of a historic hut, crossing the circle. I could come up with many more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The experts on board really contributed to the pleasure of the voyage. They gave illuminating and interesting lectures during the sea days and then worked hard to ensure that excursions were a memorable experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good quality down jacket will keep you comfortable when standing on deck while wildlife watching. Also a pair of binoculars is essential. They don't have to be expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt, to visit a country which is so wholeheartedly committed to conservation, environmental responsibility and sustainability. Experiencing the rich wildlife, from sloth to golden orb spider and from quetzal to iguana, there was a surprise around every corner. Staying at the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and being looked after by the people from the village of La Gamba. Meeting the delightful children at La Trinidad School followed by a delicious lunch prepared by a local lady Aurora, who was so welcoming and friendly to us all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky enough to enjoy the expertise and professionalism of Gio (Giovanni). His passion was wildlife, in particular birds, and you couldn't help but be swept along by it. I would describe Gio as quite shy, patient, kind hearted and genuine. He was very concerned for our safety and was also helpful and attentive. I was particulary impressed by Gio's support and enthusiasm for the local community, such as the school we visited and the local lady who we had lunch with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an extra pair of closed walking shoes as they are essential. There are extra optional trips such as the Mangrove tour at the Bay of Golfito so save some dollars! Consider travel sickness pills if you are likely to suffer. Our guide suggested some excellent restaurants to eat when food was not included. It is well worth taking his advice. If flying United Airlines eat at the airports as food is a bit scarce when in flight!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sunrise over the mountains from the terrace in the morning and eating our breakfast there as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

How simple the lives of people outside of the  big cities are. When we visited the farmer for coffee and saw how he and his family lived, in a very basic farm house. Old American cars all over the island are wonderful to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellant group leader, very knowledgable and good sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its very warm and humid, even in January.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day only 2 falls and a great day skiing thanks Bob

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dave and Bob were great group leaders Especially Bob he was very helpful and friendly making my cross country skiing more enjoyable he gave me lots of tuition and was very supportive of the group.Bob gave lots of useful information about local cuisine at lunchtimes with his knowledge of the local languages a great leader thanks Bob

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit before you go

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling up the hills to get to Khumblagargh Fort! Seeing the children running down the hills smiling and shouting 'tata'. Mr Singh the bus driver taking the bus through the chaotic Agra city centre. These are just a few of the moments that come to mind.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was brilliant. His love for his home country and in particular Rajasthan was evident. So knowledgable which he shared with simplicity. He was ably supported by Sanjay who matched his love for his country, proud of his home and family values. He was great to cycle with and showed his strength and ability to help everyone along the challenging routes. Great team supported them in bringing up the food and drink et al. It was a privilege to be such a great group and this was down to the group leaders and the support team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just make sure you read up on the trip notes and bring the gear you need to do the trip comfortably. The checklist on the website was invaluable. Given the time of the year the early morning starts can be very chilly to start off so make sure you do have something warmer than t shirts for the first hour or so. Cycling through chilly air can make it colder than you think India could be!

Most Inspirational Moment

That both the Vietnamese and the Cambodians (we did the Angkor Wat extension) were the most dignified, welcoming and happy people you could imagine. There is no shirking of their recent tumultuous past, but the way they have dealt with the past is an object lesson in forgiveness and was deeply moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long absolutely made the Vietnam trip as special as it was. Happy, funny, informative and incredibly welcoming and helpful. It was an honour to meet him. Our Pnomh Penh guide Smeay was funny and dignified too. His personal account of the killing fields was intensely moving and will stay with me forever.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All of it was special but we may go back to Vietnam with empty suitcases to buy made to measure clothes in Hoi An and top up with prescription spectacles and sunglasses - don't miss out! The food is excellent, and very good for the libido (or so we were told!)

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding 2,200m down a mountain to reach the coast of Kerala.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tour leader was supportive and knowledgeable, and for the support staff nothing was a problem and they were always encouraging, enthusiastic, positive and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not a regular bike rider, like me, do some training, but the team and other riders were very supportive.

Most Inspirational Moment

I went back to Kvitavatn for a second time to try and get myself properly mobile on cross country skis.  Last year I spent most of my time sitting in snow drifts or crashing, but this year I found my feet from day one and just grew in confidence.  I have 4 inspirational moments - the first time we completed the 5km Orange Track including the terrifying "vertical" downhill without crashing; a similar moment with a bigger hill on the red 15km track; Finally mastering the art of herring boning and being upwardly mobile as well as downwardly; and last but not least climbing and successfully descending Mount Ornenipa on skis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert (first 3 days) was really helpful and gave me space  to find my feet and explore technique a bit in a way that I wasn't confident enough to do last year.  Ilse (last 3 days) was as brilliant as ever.  In particular in letting me go up Ornenipa and supporting me physically and emotionally getting down again with an injury. She knows exactly when to praise and when to push, and the evening stretching and talks were great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be as fit as you can before you go, you'll have much more fun if you aren't huffing and puffing.  Also be honest about what you can and can't do, but throw yourself in.  I was useless first time but comfortable in the grade 2 group second time even though I really struggled throughout last time.Be prepared to be gregarious - you may be sharing a room with 3 total strangers in close (though comfortable) quarters, and the showers are communal too.   Kvitavatn is very quiet so not the place to go if you are looking for a lot of nightlife, but the skiing both in tracks and off track is brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had lovely clear skies for a lot of the trip so the sunrises over the different landscapes were incredible. Although seeing the Taj Mahal and Everest will remain with me forever, it was spending time on the ghats and on the water at Varanasi that took my breath away. Drifting along the river in the Chitwan National Park came a close second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Badam Sing made all of us feel instantly at ease. He shared a lot of information about his life, childhood and religion with us which gave a very personal insight into India. He dealt with schedule changes calmly and efficiently, changed things around to make the best use of our time, and did his best to arrange things to suit the requests of different members of the group. I was really grateful that Badam didn't bombard us with information on the long journeys - allowing us time and peace to watch the scenery as we drove. I really can't praise him highly enough!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do as many of the optional trips as you can. Don't miss the Everest flight. Bring an iPod for the long journeys and several memory cards. january/February was a great time to travel.