Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We had a 2 hour (?) Huskie sledging trip as part of planned activities and we enjoyed it so much we booked the optional day sledging trip. It was absolutely magical and I can honestly say it was one of the best holiday days I have ever had. Beautiful scenery, lovely dogs, well organised and a very tasty lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bjorn (Teddy) was lovely. He was very chilled but organised and very knowledgeable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sight of Halong Bay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bac was brilliant, so much so we wrote a song saying so,and sung it at the final dinner

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are reasonably fit. If you haven't cycled for a while have a practice before you go otherwise sitting on a saddle for a few hours can be a bit sore.Take waterproofs for the occasional downpour

Most Inspirational Moment

Tortugueres is beautiful. Due to the nature of its location and style of accommodation, it felt largely undiscovered, unspoilt and remote. The windswept beaches in this area are also stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo was exceptionally knowledgeable on the variety of Costa Rican botany and wildlife. He was also very professional, had a great breadth and depth of guide experience and had great organisation skills. BUT, Guillermo also kept a professional distance and took a supervisory position rather than make many efforts to be fun and share our holiday or be friendly with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a decent poncho to cover you and your rucksack - it'll rain/pour at regular points - a poncho will be cooler than a waterproof jacket. Drying clothes was tricky in many locations due to the humidity. Pack a large travel towel for use at the Fortuna waterfall and the Manuel Antonio beach. Due to the exchange rate in the Brexit era and proximity to the USA, expect optional trip prices, food and drink prices to be high. Add additional day or so in San Jose so you have time to acclimatise as well as visit the city museums.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me and my travel partner the cycling and swimming in the Pacific were among the best moments as we like to be active.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both the group leader as well as the other guides and driver were all amazingly friendly and knowledgeable. They definitely made sure to take good care of us and that we were never bored.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a relatively easy and relaxed active trip. If you have more than two weeks available, this trip is a good option to visit other countries in the region either before or after the group trip if you don't go on the group flights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking a helicopter ride over the mountains on Christmas Day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima Sherpa was a outstanding guy, he was quick in his feet with solutions to group problems, he was an absolute bundle of laughs! He kept me and the group smiling the entire trip! Certainly made the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put your wet wipes in your sleeping bag and it's like a warm shower in the morning!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several great moments therefore I am inclined not to nominate one

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh Bandara is possibly the most accomplished bike tour guide I have traveled with who was very instrumental in adding numerous special touches to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sri Lanka is a great journey by bike however it is perhaps the most expensive I have traveled in Asia so far.

Most Inspirational Moment

Etosha was the highlight together with the wildlife that came to visit,including hearing a lion roar by night. Dune 45 and the petrified acacias were also great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was approachable & friendly but occasionally overloaded us with too much info,for too many days ahead. Would have been nice if he had been a little more informative at times on the flora & fauna. Happy and Nathaniel made amazing food,especially 'Happy Bread'.They were amazingly helpful when early rains caused flooded tents but it all added to the experience!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take something warm,as in layers for the early mornings on the truck and game drives in the early eve. In December I used just a sleeping bag liner for half the trip as was so warm at night but did use my sleeping bag. It's possible to buy cheap sleeping bags in Windhoek as one of our group did. Take a neck scarf to place over your nose and mouth when climbing Dune 45 & very useful if you encounter a sandstorm! Do the plane ride over the Skeleton Coast. Take a dark coloured travel bag as the red sand gets everywhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing into the Red Crater at the top of the Tongarairo Crossing. The photographs just do not do it justice at all. Plus, you then get to run down the scree which is a lot of fun....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna, I know more about NZ wildlife that that in the UK.... He also took us on numerous little walks to break up the long coach trips, many weren't listed on the trip notes but he knew them any way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even in summer, weather is variable. Actually, you are guaranteed rain in Westland... I used my light down jacket more than I thought. You need DEET On the south island, sandflies are evil

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course the Taj Mahal is an obvious answer, but I particularly valued an unscheduled stop at Chittorgarh Fort, on the initiative of our Tour Leader - full marks! This is an astonishingly large complex, and I recommend it for formal inclusion in future trips, as it broke the long journey. Consequently, we could only spare a couple of hours, but I hope to return and spend several days there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

GAJRAJ - is a first class professional, completely on top of his game. He has excellent command of English (not his language!) and has a good sense of our British humour. I am sure there must have been admin. issues along the way, that Gaj dealt with quietly and efficiently on his mobile phone. In particular, there was a 'Cash Crisis', which Gaj went to exceptional lengths to manage around, for example, touring one town on the back of someone's motorbike to find a working ATM - thank you very much - it took much of the stress out of a difficult situation. Gaj also facilitated three of us visiting Ranthambore Fort during some free time, which is tantalisingly visible from the National Park, with many temples and buildings. We greatly appreciated this, and felt it was better use of our time than a second Game Drive, so we recommend it should become an optional alternative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware, there are some long journeys. Also that it was very cold, doing the early morning Ranthambore safari, so take plenty of warm clothes (e.g. layers, hats and gloves.)

Most Inspirational Moment

Well I really loved the off road cycling sections as we went through some of the areas away from the City's, beaches and tourist places and you see exactly how the "ordinary" people live. Its a real eye opener. That said.......... learning Salsa dancing on a roof top in Trinidad will live long in my mind as well!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Angel Lopes was a local man who had been to Europe so had travelling experience himself. He also had a great balance of local knowledge, humour, and leadership when needed. He looked after us well and I thought actually handled a couple of difficult situations with good customer face. Our group was a real mix of young and old from all over the world, and I think he sized up our personal characters fairly quickly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind. Things don't always go to plan so be prepared to think on your feet and go with the flow. The Casa Particulares, (the "bed and breakfast" home lodgings) are variable standard but apart form one slight issue, all of ours were totally acceptable. The ones at the Bay of Pigs and Trinidad were especially good. But they are people homes so have that in mind. Take hand gel and Toilet paper!!...sounds odd but gives you a bit of personal protection especially when you are totally away from the city's.