Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's impossible to choose one moment from this trip. Every day was different and we enjoyed the whole experience. Walking in the jungle, cruising Halong bay, crazy cycling through Hue, relaxing in Hoi an, playing volleyball with villagers on Women's day and experiencing the home stays.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Binh was amazing. He always had a smile and worked tirelessly to organise everything to ensure we had the best holiday possible. He provided us with an insight to the country its people and its history. We couldn't have asked for more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a 2l camel-bak or similar for the walking and cycling. Don't expect any spare time - our books returned with us unopened - relax and enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

going to the fairy land like riisitunturin kansallispuisto national park with the most amazing snowy trees and great lake views

Thoughts on Group Leader

one of the best i have had - effiencent , polite ,nothing was too much trouble and he was very enthusisatic

Advice for Potential Travellers

do go , it was a lovely trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Havana and seeing the Spanish influence in day to day life and all the beautiful buildings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledge of Cuba. One small point that could be improved: The group did not introduce themselves at the start of the tour. I felt slightly embarrassed when asking others their names a few days into the tour. Also I had know idea where they were from.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to be aware the Casas can be basic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Panama was a big unknown and I loved the stunning scenery and the contrasts of each part of the country: The laid back Caribbean feel of Bocas del Toro; jungle and mountains taking you from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast; stunning beaches on the Pacific coast; glittering cityscape and old town of Panama city. My favourite moment was criss-crossing on zip wires down the side of the Arenal volcano! I can’t forget the visit to the local school either. There’s no need to bring supplies with you as there’s a chance to buy some locally.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is a really nice guy and very professional. He always talked us through keeping safe and discussed any potential issues, say where traffic would be a little heavier. We could tell he works really hard and he even mucked in serving breakfast when the hotels were a bit slow! He was very passionate about his native Costa Rica. He was also adaptable and changed the route if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Several things: 1. Make sure you’re fit. Whilst the distances aren't huge, the hills are tough, especially in the intense heat. 2. Take your own water bottle with mouthpiece cover as they got pretty filthy in Nicaragua. 3. The short cut for transit passengers in Houston airport is really badly signposted. Keep your eyes peeled as you get through immigration.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two things stick in my mind - the realisation on the first evening that we were actually going to get to see the Northern Lights. That had almost everyone jumping up and down with excitement. And the optional husky sledding on the last day - swooshing along through the beautiful landscape with a team of enthusiastic and friendly dogs. Wonderful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti is a great guy with an endearing sense of humour. He spent 15 minutes on the first day earnestly describing how we should behave if we came across a hibernating bear in the forest, only then to confess that he had never actually seen one himself. He also managed to get the whole group hugging trees...! I also felt by the end of the week that I had learned a lot about Finland.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As previous reviewers have mentioned, the physical activity side of this holiday was a little less intensive than we have previously experienced on snowshoeing holidays, so go prepared either to strike out on your own or just chill at Base Camp. Having said that, the walks undertaken were varied and very scenic, so well worthwhile. There are also a number of optional activities (see above re Husky Sledding) that can really be recommended, even though they are on the expensive side!

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing off piste on untouched snow and reaching high spots with breathtaking views. Simply amazing. Every day I thought it could not get better but it did! Thinking already to return next year!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Learned a lot in a week from both leaders. Different teaching styles but both Ilse and Mary clearly have a passion for what they do every day. Contagious!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow trip notes. I had everything with me and I was glad! Drinks are not that more expensive and in a week I spent very little as all else is included.

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional snowshoe trip to Riisituntiri - we were probably the last group of the year to see the snow-covered trees in all their glory, as high winds blew the snow off shortly after, but the walk up the hill among all the strange troll-shapes was fabulous. The full day dogsled was well worth it; the husky farm was so welcoming and well-run, and the lunch provided was absolutely delicious and very welcome on a cold day! And of course the Northern Lights, though the great display meant we never quite got to finish our game of Cluedo...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jukka was a great group leader, very personable and knowledgeable with a great sense of humour, we were all sad to say goodbye to him at the end of the week. All the other lodge staff were also really fun and friendly and had some great stories to tell about their own adventures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On the free day, you can buy a pack of sausages from the kitchen and take some logs and kindling, then cook yourself some lunch at one of the firepits along the woodland trails (there are also logs provided at all the woodland huts, but the ones from Basecamp are drier and more reliable). There are also toilets en route so you don't have to drop your kecks in the arctic wind!

Most Inspirational Moment

See above

Thoughts on Group Leader

Afshahr was extremely competent with a good command of English and not too heavy an accent. He was very co-operative and interesting and helped well with any individual needs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was great. The land, the people, the sites. Particularly loved being in Hoi An during the Lantern Festival.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Mao was enthusiastic, friendly, charming, and very knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay were cool. Saigon very hot. So pack accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crawling along 25m of the tunnel at Cu Chi complex brought it home to me how difficult this war must have been. No wonder the Vietnamese were able to defeat the mighty US military if they could live in these conditions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sign up now, fascinating trip.