Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments that it is hard to select just one. Seeing elephants, making it to the top of the second highest peak in So. India, walking through the colorful markets, visiting a rural school, and meeting amazing fellow travelers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santos Kumar was wonderful! He was so knowledgeable, patient, and fun. I can't imagine a better group leader, and would love to take another trip that he leads. Since getting home, I have told everyone I know to go on this trip, and hope that they get Santosh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for a couple days of challenging hiking! The walks were very fun and rewarding, but for some people, they might be difficult. Also, pack lightly, and bring walking sticks. Light weight long sleeve shirts are recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding the coastal road through false bay, just stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bevin consistently went above and beyond to make the holiday a success. A big thanks to Trish and Ende too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

ATMs were plentiful, no need to take cash with you, generally things were of excellent value.

Most Inspirational Moment

The morning walk to see the wildlife at Peryar. The cooking lesson was great fun and the whole group got involved

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lukose was exceptional. What more can I say?

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Adam's Peak for sunrise, hiking in the remote Knuckles mountain range, and seeing about 8 blue whales on the optional coastal excursion - definitely a 'must-do' option for anyone travelling in the right season.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was an excellent leader, full of local knowledge of all aspects of local culture, food, flora and fauna. He kept everything running smoothly at all times, was always available, and always patient even when asked the same questions many times. Also a friendly guy with a sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Really varied bird life, so worth taking a small pair of binoculars and a bird book. Take the optional whale watching trip if there in migration season. The first 3 months of the year seem a great time to visit for whales, weather and pilgrimage season up Adam's Peal