Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We were unfortunate in that it was cloudy when we reached ABC but the following morning the sunrise was stunning and made it difficult leave the views and start the long trek home. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prasant Subedi was a superb leader in that he quietly got on with his job of keeping everybody informed as to what we were seeing and what lay ahead which together with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the area made the trip. His support staff were again well organised and very attentive whilst we were on the trail looking after our safety and welfare. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a few long days especially especially when the weather turns damp and windy as it did on our trip at the end of October. The good thing was that by then we were well aclimatised and arrived at our nightly destination tired and damp but contented. Follow the pre-trip instructions and you won't go far wrong. Whilst you can charge your batteries (Camera and mobile) at the lodges it is recommended that you carry spares as the cold can drain them quite quickly. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The first glimpse of Angkor Wat

Thoughts on Group Leader

In Vitnam the group leader made the trip and literally went the extra mile every day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light and take as few clothes as possible. Plenty of laundry opportunities

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along that long-long shore barefooted on the sand and in the sea. Adoring the trees in the woods.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ros is great.  She knew everything about everything. And she is very good company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry, be happy!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, reaching to Gilman’s Point at sunrise was probably the most emotional moment, even more than Uhuru. It’s hard work getting there and the sense of achievement coupled with the sunrise and the sight of actually seeing the curvature of the earth can be pretty overwhelming! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

When I asked how many times he’d been to the summit of Kilimanjaro, he looked me square in the eyes and told me he'd never done it before  (!) – fortunately he was joking, he’d actually done it over 100 times and his knowledge and expertise were fantastic. The guides too were wonderful, with loads of experience and we had complete confidence in them. They regularly checked everyone for symptoms of AMS, and kept a close eye on those who were feeling it more than others.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t worry too much about it. The vast majority of the walking is not too hard, there’s no rush and and there’s plenty of time to rest and get your strength back each night. However, the summit night is extremely difficult, but do-able – it’s just a case of keeping your head down and keep going. It won’t be the physical exhaustion that gets you – but the altitude might, and you can’t do anything about that! Remember, everyone in the group will be fighting their own internal battles, the slowest people will go at the front and you’re unlikely to hear anyone complaining about that! You only need to be ‘reasonably’ fit – if you don't make it to the top due to altitude sickness (which is the most likely cause), the disappointment is only going to be made worse if you’ve trained as if it’s the Olympics! Also, don't believe all the urban myths surrounding Diamox - some people swear by it and others say it's totally unnecessary - each to thier own. Do your own research regarding pros & cons and make your own mind up.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through back paths on the Mekong delta, where kids rushed out to see us, (as they don't see tourists there), showed us the contrasts of the country, but also how naturally friendly the people are, even those not trying to make a living out of tourists.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Never without a smile, efficient and solicitous, he gave us confidence, and his knowledge of the whole country and its history made the necesary long distances interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cold in the North, very hot in the South. Tell the guide if you get a dicky tummy, ancient ginger will fix it better than our drugs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in the volcanic hot pools drinking cocktails.....  And of course some of the cycling....!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was great.  Always aware of the needs of the group and always approachable.  The trip passed flawlessly.  The local guides provided sound support throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some moisture if your trip is anything like our second week.  It might be worth having an extra set of gear over what you might expect.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moments for me were when walking on our own on a trail at Manual Antonio NP where we got to watch a troop of Capuchin monkeys crossing the path in the trees and then were rewarded for climbing further with a group of Squirrel monkeys very close to us as well. The NP here was very beautiful but each place was different and inspirational in it's own right.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was great! He had a good sense of humour and good knowledge of the wildlife, history and diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera with good zoom lens for wildlife shots.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk we did on Christmas day had the most outstanding views and our fabulous guide suprised us with a glass of sparkly and a slab of Italian cake at the top.  A fantastic memory. Thank you.The afternoon spent sledging - we laughed out loud for many days afterwards!  The Hotel Adler makes the best apple strudel in the world!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Olly Townsend has to be the most committed guide in the world. He was pretty much on duty 24 - 7. He was extremely accommodating, highly professional, well organised and very patient. He had thought carefully about the week and planned the walks accordingly. He also happens to be a keen photographer and spent what free time he had  (very little), editing film and photos that he had taken of us each day. We spent the last night watching the video he had made and enjoying the photos he had taken. An absolutely top bloke who goes well and truly beyond the call of duty.  Oh and he hasn't got a bad sense of humour either! The next guide has a lot to live upto!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - it should be on everyone's list of things to do before they die!Enjoy the stunning scenery  - you'll miss it when you return. Have a reasonable level of fitness - some of the climbs are real lung busters! Hard work but a great sense of achievement when you reach the top.  If you have a decent appetite you'll enjoy the five course dinner each night. Drink lots of water.Smile and enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the two days in Siberia the most; as well as Milford Sound and around Holyford.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were guided by exhuberant Kath and wise and understanding Graham. Both were gregarious, and gave of themselves fully.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Homestay in the Mekong Delta was wonderful, and gave the chance to meet some of the locals and experience life away from the hussle and bussle of the cities.  I loved the Imperial city of Hue, and also relaxed Hoi An - unfortunately we had fairly wet weather whilst we were in the middle of the country, so maybe didn't see them quite at their best - we were lucky to get out on bikes in Hoi An which allowed us to experience the motorbikes and scooters at a different pace than just trying to cross the road - which really is an experience (check out some videos on Youtube before you go).  We also got the chance to visit an orphanage in Hoi An which was quite moving, as was the War Remnants museum in Saigon. Halong Bay is stunning, and it was lovely to get out kayaking amongst the limestone karsts and the overnight boat trip was great.  The train journey from Danang to Nha Trang, whilst long and perhaps a little uncomfortable allowed you to see much more scenery than you ever do in a coach, so great for photo opportunities. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai was extremely well organised, so all his arrangements went without a hitch and he was really keen to ensure that we all got to experience as much of Vietnam as we could in this busy trip.  He was really knowledgeable, and had some great anecdotes to tell about all the places we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, but be prepared that it might well rain a lot whilst you are there.  Leave plenty of space for shopping as there are loads of opportunities through the trip to buy some great things.  You can get washing done easily in Hoi An.  If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, this might not be the trip for you, be prepared for some long days.  As others have mentioned, be really careful of your possessions when you are out and about - it is very difficult for Vietnamese to leave the country, so our passports are very valuable to them as well as to us.  Keep your wits about you in the big cities, but do visit the markets and bargain, you can get some fantastic deals.  If you want to get clothes made in Hoi An, take some pictures with you to give ideas to the tailors, and be prepared to go for two or three fittings - persevere and as long as you have gone to a recommended tailor (ask your guide, they will know the good places) you will get a great result at the end.