Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult - I think probably the the evening walk to the fishing harbour at Kovalam with the sun setting behind the mosque. But the optional boat trip on Periyar Lake in the evening was a close runner up when we were fortunate to see wild elephants, otters, large turtles, many kingfishers, monkeys, deer, bison and wild boar. Actually perhaps this was the best. But then there was the morning boat trip with sun rising behind the chinese fish traps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was an excellent group leader and was able to provide much interesting background on all the places visited as well as the normal information you would expect. The group as a whole got on very well and I'm sure that this was in part thanks to him. Very humorous and diplomatic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the party stayed on at the end for a few relaxing days at the beach - we could not manage it on this occasion but it was a very good idea and would definitely try to do it on a future trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed all that we saw and did. We visited a school on request to give pens and paper. Thought seeing sun rise on the Ganges and sending a light down the river very moving. Loved staying at Chitsan another chances to flot on the water and seeing all the animals. Didn't see the tigers though.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gajraj was very good with information and helped us to understand his country. He was full of fun to that helped us all to get on together. Pleased that he fixed for us to visit a school.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Water in Nepal is readily available no need for water purifying stuff. Lot of dust a face mask is a good idea to have if you suffer with a bad chest.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up a 10k hill from sea level and then looking at the view over the sea and mountains at the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was the most exceptional man I have ever encountered. He looked after us without nannying us, gave us a fantastic overview of the country from North to South and kept us entertained daily with all sorts of interesting anecdotes. He deserves a prize!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some warm clothes, Hanoi and Halong Bay were cold. Have fun in Hoi An and take some clothese that you might like to have copied.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the tea plantations. We never thought an agricultural area could be so lovely with waves of tea bushes stretching to the horizon. The trek section of the trip was good and not too arduous. The highest point was worth the climb for the views. The national park was scenic and plenty of wildlife incuding wild elephants. The houseboat cruise was a lovely relaxing way to wind down before a day in Fort Cochin and the journey home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Umed was an excellent leader and very personable. Always on the ball and full of interesting anecdotes about the areas we visited. Umed made sure we were all looked after and well fed even in the remote camps. The local guides were also good and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not a hard trek, but we had good weather throughout. Can get a little cold at top station, so take a thermal.

Most Inspirational Moment

The long ski at the end of the week where we were able to put what we had learnt into practice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely good at providing instruction that met the needs of the whole group. He was good company and in good humour the whole week. Was aware of health and safety but did not let this interfere with our enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Challenge yourself. The leader will support you and know when to encourage you to extend yourself. Watch out for the penguins!

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the peace and serenity of three remote valleys in the Catalonian Pyrenees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel proved to be a good and knowledgeable mountain guide, and was unhesitant in helping and taking trouble with arrangements. He also arranged several additional activities for after the walks: food- and wine-tasting, visits to a small artisan cheesemaker and the local wool craft association. On our free day (his nominal 'rest day'), Miguel suggested and willingly took part in an attractive walk to the next village, where we had a tapas lunch and he acted as translator during a tour of the folk museum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose one. Highlights for me included the beautiful coast paths and beaches of Abel Tasman, helicopter to Siberia hut. The challenge of hiking to lake Crucible. Fantastic cruise on Milford Sound seeing dolphins swimming around the boat. The amazing Mount Cook National Park and everything in between

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kath on North Island is an experienced, professional guide with an easygoing style. She was ably assisted by Anne who was an intern. Chai on South Island is younger with a very different leadership style. To begin with felt he was at a slight disadvantage as we had all bonded well as a group and he had to get to know us. I definitely warmed to Chai as time went by. He is extremely passionate about New Zealand, its history and flora and fauna. Especially enjoyed his stories and his legendary "Hakka"

Advice for Potential Travellers

As previously documented this is a full on trip and you have to be organised with packing. Using several sizes of dry bags within your luggage helps. Get yourself fit as possible, preferably with plenty of hill climbing and descending practice. Breaking the outward journey in Dubai and extra night in Auckland helped with jet lag.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks were all worthwhile although the views were better on the higher (and hence longer) ones. The visit to the Catalan wool collective was my favourite cultural activity as we learnt about how local people are keeping traditions alive while adapting to changing fashions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Miguel is passionate about his work and goes out of his way to ensure his clients have an enjoyable and interesting visit. As well as taking us on a variety of walks with great views, he entertained us with stories and music (from his phone). I've never come across a guide before who accompanies clients on what should be his day off.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have an adequate rucksack with a means to attach snowshoes. At the beginning and end of some walks there may not be much snow at lower levels (though we had plenty at higher levels).

Most Inspirational Moment

Aside from the chilling poignancy and reflective moments of the killing fields in Phnom Phenh, cycling around the Battanbang countryside, meeting farmers, strolling around local market and trying bamboo rice on the roadside as well as enjoying a delicious homestay lunch. In the evening watching millions of bats leaving their cave was a natural wonder. Although Angkor Wat was impressive because of its size, Banteay Srey Wat's amazing intricate stone carvings, Ta Prohm and Banyon were astounding. Don't miss the $20 day trip to Koh Kong island's deserted tropical beach with an amazing lunch cooked by the boat crew.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lee was a very knowledgeable, patient, easy going and a fun leader who took our group to excellent restaurants allowing us to sample delicious Cambodian food. During the course of the trip he shared his culture and told us much about the ancient and recent history of his country and some of the experiences of his family. A perfect combination of efficiency and cool!

Advice for Potential Travellers

For an easy life, don't bring cash Pounds or Euro's. Almost everything is priced in US dollars, and most cash machines dispense US dollars. Shops and restaurants all have lots of small denomination dollars, or will give small amounts of change in Riels.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose. I think the amazing light and colour in the almost three dimensional sky ,reflected in waterholes with wildlife and flora to offset contrasts. Truly breathtakingly beautiful. The desert and petrified forest were also awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was just perfect. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable without being intrusive. Jonas was an excellent cook and also friendly/helpful , but a bit more reserved as his language was not as fluent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took a trip in the small plane over the skeleton coast going north. This was enjoyable, but going south over the sand dunes going into the sea would have been a better choice. Both have shipwrecks and I would choose differently another time.