Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights, including seeing a variety of birds and wildlife in both the cloud forest and the Amazon basin, visiting local markets and learning about indigenous communities. The walks at Cuicocha and Cajas National Park were both excellent (and we were lucky with the weather!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Service in some hotels / restaurants in Ecuador can be variable and he quickly resolved any difficulties when these arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. Pack layers of clothing as the temperatures across the trip vary greatly. If you are taking dollars, make sure they are in small denominations, as changing $50 dollar notes is very difficult.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our favourites: scenery: ascent to Ooty hill station and the dramatic descent through the hills and tea plantations sight: tiger in the wild in Bandipur National Park town: exploring Cochin relaxation: night and day on the houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole support team were great company and worked hard to ensure that everyone in our group had a fabulous trip. What they may have lacked in detailed "technical knowledge" about the history, geography and culture of our surroundings they more than made up for with their friendly manner, determination to protect us all from the madness of the indian traffic and their delightful company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip (although the Ooty climb is the only really challenging ride so hop on the bus for the scenic drive or walk if you wish to avoid it). Leave your cleated cycling shoes at home - the traffic in towns is very challenging and we felt safer unclipped. Keep really well hydrated (salt and sugar - not just water). we avoided all meat for the duration of the trip and remained fit and well. Be prepared for very basic accommodation and if you can do upgrade to the premium trip for a bit more comfort. if you get chance take an extra few days at the end to rest and reflect on the experience - we opted for a beautiful spa resort further south along the coast - never has luxury felt so welcome!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Uhuru peak, the early morning sun shining on the glaciers, the comradeship and youthfullness of the team in a different way the Saturday morning tour of the Marangu village sites

Thoughts on Group Leader

Makake was very good, a detailed briefing followed by concern for all participants and good team leadership (supported by a good team)

Advice for Potential Travellers

travel in the drier times of the year, March was good to us

Most Inspirational Moment

The stay in the Monastery was a wonderful experience. The walks from there provided great views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwardo is a very good walk leader with a very good knowledge of the island, its history and customs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Leaving a place with a male lion very close and out in the open, to drive quickly to a female leopard and cub which had just lost a kill to a hyena, that was still eating!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The two guides were exceptional. Very knowledgeable, helpful and humorous.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera and some wildlife reference books.

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!