Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Whales at Wilhelmina Bay.  We set off in our Zodiac boat and went for a cruise.  Within minutes we were encircled by Humpback and Minke Whales!  For around 3 hours we were treated to whales fluting, spyhoping and bubble feeding, within meters of the bow of our boat.  The most amazing wildlife experience of my life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

  Jonathan Chester......well lets start with his redeeming features.  He appeared to be very familiar with Antarctica and had encyclopaedic knowledge of the area, a sound Antarctic pedigree and good working knowledge of maritime travel.  Unfortunately, I did not find him passenger focused, personable, caring, interested or inspiring.  He seemed to be preoccupied with the Jonathan show, constant reminders of the films he's assisted with, 15 books he'd written and who he knows. I expected the tour leader to lead by example and to show an interest in passenger satisfaction.  On one occasion (following a request to submit photos for a slide show) I informed him that one of the ship PCs had a virus.  He corrected me stating that there was only 1 PC.  I advised him that my memory stick had been corrupted and that I had lost photos.  I also advised him that another passenger had lost work and photos.  Our glorious leader's response?  "Go tell Dana" (another member of staff) thereafter turning his back and sauntering off.  No apology, offer of help or solution, he couldn't even be bothered to pass the message on to the relevant person. On the last evening there was a photographic slide show.  Jonathan gave an overview and thereafter introduce the photo slideshow.  Following this me and another passenger created slideshows with video footage.  The other passenger asked if we could show them as they only lasted 3/4 minutes and some of the footage was pretty good.  Yet again, our glorious leader was as much help and a chocolate teapot.  He declined and stated that there wasn't enough time.  Following the show there was happy hour within the bar.  Me and the other passenger then sowed our videos in the bar area, a resounding success, people were asking for copies of our shows and buying us drinks.  Thanks for the encouragement. At one point he told a passenger that was in his 20's, that he was part of "generation X" and wouldn't amount to much.  That's really appropriate.All in all I was underwhelmed by Jonathan Chester and will be avoiding any future trips that he will be leading. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get a Gopro Camera with a pole attachment.  There's so much to see and do and this will help you capture every moment.As much as it looks crazy, bring a ski mask.  An absolute must when out on a cruise in the Zodiac.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting watching penguin colonies for hours. They had chicks who were very high maintenance indeed, constantly pestering their parents for food. They are compelling birds and it is impossible not to fall in love with them.Wilhelmina Bay was easily the trip highlight for me. Owing to certain currents, vast quantities of krill are forced into quite a restricted area which creates whale foodie heaven and therefore paradise for mere mortals like me who love watching wildlife. Blue skies and calm seas with deftly carved icebergs, the scene punctuated by whale tails wherever I looked. The humpback whales were bubble net feeding inches from the zodiac - reminded me of a certain overused quote from Jaws.....It really was moving to be so close to these gentle leviathans. I can't understand how any country can justify their scandalous slaughter. Our zodiac guide couldn't contain his whoops of excitement, what a job!As an added treat we got to bivvy camp on a small snowy island in a sheltered cove. This involved digging a shallow hole (grave?) then sleeping in a bivvy bag. I was toastie warm and it was fun trying to sleep listening to nearby glaciers moaning and groaning all night. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The expedition I was part of was on the Akademik Sergey Vavlilov which is operated by One Ocean. The leader was Jonathan Chester. Putting it diplomatically, I have found other trip leaders to be more inspiring and charismatic and he didn't seem especially fussed with customer service.The stand out staff members for me were Derek who was a biologist and Zodiac driver. He was obviously genuinely interested in the wildlife we were interacting with and very sensitive to avoiding wildlife harassment at all costs. Katie the historian was knowledgeable, personable and made everything she talked about interesting with offbeat quirky facts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Aerolineas Argentinas are a law unto themselves regarding scheduling changes, don't rely on them for time critical connections and make sure to arrive in Ushuaia the day before the trip. I'd recommend the Hotel Albatros which is across the road from the pick up point to get on the boat. Luggage can be collected by boat crew directly from here. Don't book flights prior to 12pm on disembarkation day in case of delays.Antarctica is obviously prone to extreme weather and you should come prepared but remember it is summer there and I've been colder at home in Scotland to be honest!  A balaclava is handy for Zodiac excursions as the wind really nips your cheeks. High factor sunscreen is essential. Get seasickness meds before going as the ship has limited supply. I found promethazine the best ( unfortunately I have had occasion to try lots of others.........) . You can buy this over the counter marketed as Sominex - sold as a sleep aid but the same drug. The Vavilov is a lovely ship. It was quiet and very stable. The lounge/bar area is fantastic. It is on deck 6 and has panoramic views and a viewing deck out the back. For someone like me who gets seasick on a duck pond and especially when shut into windowless rooms, the lounge was a godsend. Bear this in mind when booking as the sister ship the Ioffe does not have this facility apparently.Take up the offer of wet weather gear, penguin crap is stinky and better on hire gear than your own!There were a sizeable party of travellers from China on this trip. I think partly owing to it being Chinese New Year and also owing to increasing interest in travel from the expanding middle class. Unfortunately, I found this group to be probably the worst behaved I have had the misfortune to encounter. Everyone on the ship has to go to a compulsory briefing on how to behave around the wildlife and on the Zodiacs which is provided in different languages if necessary. Despite this, I witnessed members of this group tramping directly through the middle of penguin colonies, disregarding the 5 metre rule, repeatedly failing to follow instructions to safely behave in a Zodiac and generally behaving in a rude, noisy and selfish manner. If I have the good fortune to repeat a trip such as this in the future I will be enquiring as to the make up of the passenger complement and would seek to avoid repeating having to put up with foul behaviour.

Most Inspirational Moment

An amazing trip that lived up to my expectations. A great group consisting of singles and couples aged 20's to 70's.Vinales was beautiful and I could have stayed there longer. The Casa check in here is unique-your name and guest house hand written on A4 paper and waved at coach.Being in Trinidad for the 500th anniversary and surrounded by music and dance in the streets.Lots of rum-preferably dark and at least 7 years old.Being given a friendship bracelet by the landlady in Trinidad and the welcome in all of the casa's. Welcoming but not intrusive.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was brilliant with unending patience and diplomacy. Any problems were sorted and  always helpful with ideas when having free time. I hope he is enjoying the union jack umbrella I gifted to him, we never lost him on the tours as we could spot him a mile away.Alex was an excellent driver who drove the comfortable Chinese bus safely. Jorge tells us China have donated about 2,000 buses. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly as this is the first holiday I have been on when I have never unpacked my case.If doing the optional catamaran trip from Trinidad which I would highly recommend, you need beach shoes as there are sea urchins in the area you swim.A beach extension for a few days would have been good as a hectic but fulfilling schedule.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the rural areas in particular.  We enjoyed learning about the different crops like rice, rubber plantations, and how people make their living, and the culture.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was a great leader.  She made the trip very enjoyable and we felt very safe.  She is knowledgable, friendly, and she made sure we all had a good experience.  She worked well with the other local guides and kept us on time so we wouldn't miss out on anything.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the cycling is in fairly heavy traffic so you should be comfortable riding in traffic.  The group used hand signals to indicate potholes, obstacles, etc. for the rider behind which was very helpful.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit in the home stay and the biking in the Mekong Delta was the best part.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very plesent expirience, we had the best guide you could give us. She was very aware about our securety and very paitent with everybody. She also had a great knowledge of how people lived in the different countries and how one ought to behave.

Most Inspirational Moment

The tiger painting I purchased at the local art studio in Ranthambore National Park!!!  It is incredible, a life long memory and to see the artists at work and view their work was absolutely fantastic.  The money paid is used to train young future artists, support tiger rehabilitation and the remainder to the artist.   The Taj Mahal was spectacular but so was the opportunity to view a tiger on safari and I particularly liked the insight into countryside India.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very presentable and knowledgeable young man.  However as we travelled there was not much interaction or description of buildings, areas and sights along the route, particularly noticeable as we drove out of Delhi and passed some incredible buildings without knowing what they were.  If asked about a particular thing he was quite forthcoming.  On previous holidays we have had leaders who would forewarn us of sights about to come into view.  This was something that would have added to long hours of travel in buses.

Advice for Potential Travellers

India was enjoyable and would advise travelling light as there were so many different hotels and long hours on buses.

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional trip to a waterfall from Trinidad involves a 3 hours walk through a forest but it is absolutely amazing. And you get to have a dip in a refreshing lake :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, patient and knowledgeable group leader; with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is Worth extending your stay to relax on the beach at Varadero as the tour Taste of Cuba can be a little tiring as we are constantly moving and visiting different places.

Most Inspirational Moment

The increasingly charmimg Berber villages -- the last 2 villages and the last campsite were delightful;The contrast between the rugged sandstone desert rock and slate scree with the beautiful oasis villages, irrigated fields, crops and palm trees; Climbing into remote mountain spaces and looking back down to the valleys;The exhilaration of the height and the exertion to get there --and then to look back, and down and across.To wake into a frosty morning, but be trekking in bright warm susnshine in t-shirts a couple of hours later; and then to lay in the sun for a lunch-time kip by mid day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was attentive, and caring -- very athletic ( could sprint across the mountains), but not forthcoming with information -- he did answer all questions but did not offer any information at any point. When I had a slight knee injury and was unable walk for a short time, he dealt with it brilliantly -- had the first aid kit to hand, bandaged my knee and then arranged a donkey ride for the rest of the afternoon.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the winter  - my trip was in January - don't under-estimate the cold and frosty nigths. You need a 4 season cocoon sleeping bag and lots of layers of really warm and light weight clothes -- wool and cashmere did it for me. I was cosy at night with a thermal vest and leggins, a merino jumper, a flanelette night shirt, a cashmere polo neck jumper, and thermal socks -- all inside my duck down cocoon sleeping bag!  I could then sleep cosy and open the door of my tent and sleep under the magical star-filled sky. Fantastic!Take a small plasic jug or large beaker; it has multiple uses --eg use it to take some hot water from the kettle to wash your face once or twice a day; us it as a tooth brushing mug .....Take lots of thick quality tissues and anti-bacterial wipes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to count, swimming at sunset in deadsea, walk to high sacrifice in Petra, candle evening in Petra, amazing feeling of peace just relaxing at Monestry and Urn Tomb in Petra and 'the view' in Little Petra, boat trip and snorkling in Red Sea. Great happiness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Super Sami - fun and very knowledgeable. Great company. Big thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes or boots as ground at Petra is rocky and loose cobbles. 4 Seasons sleeping bag for desert stop over enabled me to sleep outside under the stars. I loved it.  

Most Inspirational Moment

So many:cycling on road and off road by quiet plantations, jungle, forests, rivers, canals, deserted hamlets, markets, and also through busy towns and exciting local traffic. Friendly waves everywhere. The highly impressive Angkor Wat, but also rest stops at ordinary local Buddhist temples.Homestay and boat trips in the Mekon DeltaVisiting the haunting Killing Fields and the S 21 detention centre, as well as exploring the Vietcong tunnels. Distressing, but important to experience.Saigon by day and night- a beautifu, vibrant cityGood accommodation and outstanding food at great value . At lunches and evening meals we experienced a range of truly delicious local dishes. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was outstanding in every way: kind, considerate, attentive to the needs both of the group and of individuals, funny and so well informed. Definitely one of the very best leaders ever. She led a very good, supportive team of guides, drivers, mechanics and cyclists.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes were very good, but I was glad I brought my own saddle and pedals: having clip-on shoes was an advantage. I also brought a small saddlebag to fix on my saddle, so I did not have to carry anything on my back in the heat. But then you can access your things from the support bus every 10-20K.No need to bring cycle snacks- the provisions at every rest stop were amazing. There was water, electrolyte sachets, iced tea and coffee, coke. To eat we had many delicious fruit, nuts, biscuits and local delicacies to try.