Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

After a few days struggling with cross country skis it started to come together and get more enjoyable - the views down over Ryukan and from the higher points on the skiing routes were stunning. Also great were the off-piste routes weaving in and out of the trees in the deep snow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mary was superb - very patient and great instructor. The slide show of photos taken throughout the week on the last day was very interesting!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cross country skis are a different animal to downhill skis and more tricky to master - I spent the Monday and Tuesday falling over a lot and trying to re-acquaint myself with skills I thought I already had on downhill skis such as snowplough turns and traversing an incline. Level 2 on cross country skis with no previous experience is doable but hard work for the first few days although it did did start to come together after that. Also as mentioned in other reviews do buy wine or beer at the huge duty-free on arrivals at Oslo airport as it costs more at the lodge. Bear in mind you cannot drink your own alcohol in communal areas - only stuff you have bought at reception which at the time was cans of Tuborg, cans of a sweet Norwegian cider, a few local beers and various wine bottles between 200-300 Kroner.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had hopes of seeing Toucans, Macaws and Quetzals, we saw them all, but our best moments were watching the hummingbirds buzz around the feeders and even have them perch on our hands whilst they fed - truly amazing little creatures and fun to photograph.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andreas was just excellent, like having a fully fledged naturalist on the trip with us, he knew everything about everything. The trip was well organised and we got all the right advice along the way. A big thank you to John the bus driver too, who did an amazing job of getting our bus up and down the hairpin bends and through some tight gaps.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make the most of any free time by wandering around the grounds of the lodges, I saw so much more by slowly looking around and investigating rustling sounds or bird calls. Be prepared for very hot and humid weather on the Pacific side and keep drinking lots of water. Ear plugs might help at night as the constant chirping of crickets and frogs can be quite loud and some lodges don't have glass in the windows, just mesh, so it's like you're outside.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variety of activities really made the trip special. I loved the high places walk at Petra, the time spent in the Wadi Rum desert, snorkeling in the red sea and of course the delicious Jordanian food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khalid was great: very knowledgeable and keen to ensure that everyone got the most from their trip. Nothing was too much trouble. He was passionate about his country and always happy to answer our many questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! Don't be put off by Jordan's location - the people are incredibly welcoming and our whole group felt incredibly safe during the trip. This is the time to visit Jordan!

Most Inspirational Moment

The view across Havana from the Ambos Mundos hotel roof-top terrace.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. She was able to fill in all the background information required with plenty of local knowledge and a sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be flexible if accommodation changes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two fantastic experiences (among many) - seeing the Northern Lights three times! and spending a day driving a husky sled across the magnificent Finnish landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jukka was fantastic - patient, professional, a good teacher and with a sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For outdoot activities take good under layers - merino or similar. The top layers are provided by the centre. Although the temperatures can drop very low, the Basecamp rooms are lovely and warm due to underfloor heating and a log fire in the main block.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well some might say completing the 36 hairpin climb which was a sense of enormous personal achievement however 2 things stand out for me....seeing and managing to get some really good photos of a leopard, truly amazing to see this amazing creature in the wild. Also the ride after leaving Ooty where you have a long downhill, the bit before this as you pass through the tea plantations, the peace and array of colours did it for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Safi, an experienced rider who has done this trip 70+ times I believe. He was organised, friendly and sorted out any issue or request we had. He was well supported by Vipen our other biker and Maneesh who was our water and banana man along with being the driver of the bus in which all our bags went. They were a really good team together. They joined in our fun and made the trip so much better for it. I felt safety was high on the agenda and always felt so at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera, one with a zoom lens and one you can carry on the bike, also get a cheap handle bar bag to carry it in too. Handy for phone, hand gel, sun protection etc. Padded shorts are essential and a gel seat or seat cover will help too. Hand gel/wipes at every opportunity! Travel light, don't take any super smart clothes, you won't need them! Buy clothes and haggle but be reasonable.Take cash £ to change, its easier as sometimes an ATM is not always available. India is cheap for most things so your money will go a long way. Do the kitty the notes advise, makes for much less hassle and is in fact good value on reflection. Don't delay..book it!!!

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.