Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Antarctica itself surprised in more ways than one – I was expecting rough weather through the Drake passage, but instead we had calm seas and smooth sailing, so we reached Antarctica half a day early, and had our first zodiac trip before sceduled! The amazing weather stayed with us for the rest of the trip, so amazing blue skies and sun every day was really a treat! The wildlife was every were! Once we reached the continent, every time we looked out, we had penguins on almost every iceberg floating by the ship or a whale showing off in the water close by. And the landings on Antarctica itself, with seals lying around and thousands of penguins all around you, just doing what penguins do was so serene and magical. We even had an afternoon where around 50 Orcas were gathering and swimming around the boat for almost 3 hours, so we could just observe. In the zodiacs we got to experience icebergs calving, get close up with leopard seals floating by on an iceflake, and even had some curious humpback whales, so close to the zodiac that we could almost touch them. Not to mention the beautifull icebergs and surroundings that would take your breath away for sure!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of my trip was Adam's Peak. The amount of pilgrims going up there carrying elderly or disabled relatives or friends was amazing. Lots of young people too, and different religious beliefs. Truly inspiring!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was a very good guide. Very informative, and helpful. He was always there with us, and kept an eye on the slower members of our group. He arranged many little treats with our kitty, too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have adequate mozzie spray. I had taken plenty, but still got bitten.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill at Thekkady!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader didn't communicate plans very clearly and didn't always do what he said we would do. For example he promised a stop near a lake in three kilometres which I looked forward to as I'm a keen bird watcher, we didn't stop. He described a morning ride as undulating, it was a 12 kilometre climb. The deputy, Abi, was absolutely excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy! Take plenty of money, the costs add up, tipping kitty is a substantial sum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the bear sanctuary was the highlight but the whole trip was quite something. The scenery is breathtaking and the mix of ancient and modern is really interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Traian was very engaged with the group, friendly and entertaining. He was very knowledgeable about the history of Romania and was a good guide on the visit to Brasov.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think we all agreed that this was a more moderate than leisurely trip. We didn't always need the snowshoes and YakTraks were very useful. You do need a decent torch for the bat cave.

Most Inspirational Moment

One particular tiger sighting where we came upon a huge male tiger lying in a stream just beside a bridge. It was also inspiring and very encouraging to see the dedication of most of the drivers and guides, and the evident pride they take in sharing the sights and sounds of their fantastic workplaces with visitors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was a really good tour leader. He was fun to be with and has a great knowledge of the wildlife. I think some of our best wildlife encounters were as a result of him and the guides working together to decide where we should go.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more clothes than you think you will need, at least in January. It was freezing, especially on the morning drives. Don't expect to see the number of animals you would see on an African safari

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Adam's Peak in time for sunrise (notwithstanding that the clouds had gathered).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was excellent throughout and provided good local knowledge and background information - all with a nice sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's worth doing some homework on Sri Lankan birdlife before you leave, and take a good pair of binoculars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Happy Cubans! Despite its troubled history and obvious deprivation it is a land full of fun and welcome. Whether cycling through rural villages or in towns we were always greeted with cheerful "Holas!" and waves from smiling adults and children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lenay was an excellent group leader and tour guide. She speaks very good English, has an extensive knowledge of her country's history and culture and is thoughtful, witty and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and embrace their vibrant world of sun and salsa and have plenty of Cuban currency. Although it is not the land of plenty and the food is bland the facilities are very clean!

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight for me was Patagonia. It reminded me of the better parts of New Zealand, Alaska and the remote northern parts of Canada. We were lucky to have good weather in Torres del Paine National Park so I got some good photographs. The optional boat trip back to Puerto Natales was exciting and, although quite expensive, was well worth the additional cost.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive. He was a pleasure to talk to and gave sufficient information to enhance the travel experience without overloading us with lots of facts that we probably wouldn't have retained. Occasional problems were sorted out quickly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although not physically demanding, this is an intensive trip with a lot of travelling, so best suits those with sufficient energy to really enjoy the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved all of it but especially esquinas rainforest lodge, so fantastic to stay in rainforest with all the wildlife. The food is good and plentiful everywhere, most of the accommodation is great. Lots of wildlife to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable about wildlife and ecosystems, clearly loved his country and was keen to share all aspects of costa rica

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some journeys are long , audiobook and headphones would be worth taking. Do take binoculars even if you are not a bitd watcher, those without missed out. Lots of wildlife to be seen just sitting still in hotel grounds.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the day spent on the boat - such a relaxing and fun time just watching the world go by, culminating in a group meal in the evening with music - and the men dressed in Keralan Lungis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was brilliant - nothing was too much trouble and he gave time to every member of the group helping us to change money, buy drink and advising on all sorts of things - even helping me phone my partner in the UK.. When the tour schedule was affected by a 3 day strike in Madurai he improvised and changed the plans so that we got the most out of our time. He helped the group gel together and always smiled.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great intro to India. Advice for women - sleeveless tops are ok providing you bring something to cover up when needed - like a shawl or thin cover - sometimes you get stares for wearing different things!