Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many! Sunrise on Fitzroy; walking on the Viedma Glacier (don't be put off by warnings of a difficult approach- it's very well supervised and very well worth doing); the 'wild frontier' feel of El Chalten; the remoteness of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel...... Pretty much the whole trip is inspirational. And we were so lucky with the weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Xavier is informative, funny, hard-working and attentive. Excellent inter-personal skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some details in the trip notes are awry: The optional boat trip from El Calafate to see icebergs and glaciers does not include a visit to the Perito Moreno glacier. There is an over-emphasis on taking dollars - we could have paid for pretty much all of it in pesos. The dollar costs of options are rather out-of-date - they cost quite a bit more. On reading previous reviews it's clear that some travellers need to take on board that this trip does involve two long walking days that cover rough, steep terrain - be prepared!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many of these. For me cycling into Hoi Ann city at the end of the day cycling through the bustling streets soaking up the atmosphere. The route that took us through backwater lanes where children rushed out to shout hello. The big descent down the mountain. The vegetable market in Delat. Having a leader who just oozed fun and motivated each one of us to keep cycling when the rain and wind lashed down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I said we could not have had anyone who could have done more, he made our trip, he made every day memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own saddle? Cleats would also be good. Bring warm clothes for Hanoi? Stay on for a few days in Hanoi it's a great place to spend time. Also try and have a day in Ho Chin Minh before the ride.

Most Inspirational Moment

Close encounters with whales; the sound of ice calving from glaciers and ice bergs popping; BBQ on deck surrounded by the beauty of Antarctica.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's warm on the ship - take some t-shirts and cooler clothes and maybe something a little dressier for dinner on the last night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the cycle without using the bus! Learning about Cuban history and feeling sad that the West has misunderstood Cuba all these years. They have done a great job of surviving and thriving despite all the difficulties. Our guide, Alex, who was full of surprises, knowledge, variety and went out of his way to organise every detail for individuals in the group ensuring we all had the best holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was great. He easily interacted with all members of the group. He was our interpreter for language and events. He worked hard behind the scenes, cultivating good relationships with Casa owners etc, organising travel details for group members coming and leaving at different times, dealing with all the tipping, giving clear instructions and direction and just generally making sure everything was hassle free for us. He worked patriotically and with sincerity - very catching! There was never any pressure. A great holiday because of him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A universal plug ( for sinks, baths etc) would be useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

I personally loved cycling in Vietnam. We were out in the villages more and every kid and some of the parents would say hello. The kids would even line up to get "moving hand slaps". It was all great fun and we felt incredibly welcome. The Angkor wat temple complex was amazing too and cycling around it was a great way to see it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Is was one of the best tour leaders I've every had on a group trip. All of the bike teams in the three countries were superb too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First off, do not take Stirling currency. Take usd instead. In terms of fitness preparation, I'd recommend at least doing 4-6 spin classes but ideally do some cycling too to get your butt used to the miles! I'd also recommend cycling shorts - which are acceptable to wear - and a gel saddle. You'll also need a pair of "temple shorts" which are below the knee to put over the top and shoulders will need to be able to be covered for temples too. If you have very fair skin like me, get used to be adding suncream very regularly. Alternatively, take long sleeved tops or separate "cycling sleeves".

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved all the snorkelling. My favourites were santa fe and floreana. There was a mix up with bookings - at the end of the trip we went to santa fe instead of bartholome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian was knowledgable and very patient. There were also galapagos guides who were good. You just had to turn up and everything happened.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took my own snorkel and mask. I was glad i did as i could make sure it fitted properly before i went. You can hire them though. The water was cold and some days you did need a wet suit. I hired one. For the hike i had walking boots and a walking pole. I carried the pole like an ornament most of time. However i think it could get very muddy on the trail. If it is muddy, A walking pole would be handy. The trail down to the suphur mine was steep. You don't need to buy much water. All the hotels had water fountains with filtered water. Souvenirs were more expensive than i thought they would be. I waited until santa cruz to buy things. I got a few bits from darwin research centre. The bus ride from the airport to the hotel can take ages. Sometimes the traffic was horrendous.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sailing around Halong Bay on a great boat (with an amazing cook!) surrounded by spectacular views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trung was a great leader; absolutely committed to giving us the best possible experience, and always with a smile and with genuine enthusiasm.

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing 26 KM

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant - he is exceptional - he is knowledgeable, experienced, creative in his teaching method, informative, fun but also made sure we were safe at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you do level 3 make sure you are fit enough for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

viewing tiger's and the Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was excellent and went out of his way to make this trip enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

depending when you go take warm clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day walk at Munnar was stunning; the houseboat on the backwaters was idyllic as was the Deshadan resort; the Gandhi museum was very moving; the final 2 days on Kovalam beach was delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lucose was an absolute joy: very knowledgeable about the history, culture and politics of the region, very well organised, ready to go the extra mile to ensure we were all contented, always courteous, friendly and helpful. Our driver Santosh and his assistant Venky were likewise extremely helpful at all times and we felt we were in safe hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes supplied all the information needed however I would suggest that there is no need to take a towel with you as all the hotels provided them and those with a pool provided further towels at the poolside.