Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The sounds and smell of a penguin colony.Visiting Shackleton's grave.Kayaking amongst the ice with seals and penguins alongside.Icebergs.The total lack of fear of humans shown by the wildlife.The clear air.Watching the albatrosses following the ship.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was a charismatic and dynamic leader. His daily roundups of the day's happenings and the next day's programme were inspiring and amusing. He was well supported by a team of knowledgable and enthusiastic expedition staff. The educational programme covered a wide variety of topics and was superbly delivered.

Most Inspirational Moment

The bike ride was a highlight, as it gave us a chance to get close to the locals. The train journey was great fun, the elephant ride was worth every penny but the most inspiring was seeing an elephant in the wild, not even in a park, just ambling across the road, it was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was fantastic with "maximum tolerance"! He was very patient, helpful and knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour, which he needed, with 16 of us!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Missing a night's sleep to climb Adam's Peak was hard but well worth it. However, it's very cold at the top, so wear trousers and take a fleece... or two!Mosi repellant is definitely needed, especially by the coast.I think it's important to know that the Whale watching costs an extra £50.00. Perhaps a little pricey but I was glad went, I got to see humpback whales and dolphins.  

Most Inspirational Moment

- Seeing three tigers in Bandipur- The descent from Ooty- The friendly, smiling & accommodating people; we here in the UK really could learn so much - The South Asian drivers - on the whole surprisingly respectful to the two wheeler- Kerala Backwaters- Varkala chill out over New Year post tour end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Attentive, caring, courteous, GSOH, intelligent, flexible, informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One does require a good level of fitness to get the most out of this trip.  The climb up Ooty is, of course, character building and testicle breaks are obligatory even with the best cycle shorts.  There are other days too which say even on the flat are pretty full on due to the heat of the day very evident even in South Asia's winter and also, quite simply, the distances being covered.The application of sense on the roads is required but do not fear.  Cycle defensively, use your eyes to the max and above all watch out for pedestrians too who often just step into the road at will.  But also remiember, it is only for a minority of the time that highways are actually used. The accommodation is, on the whole, very good and I understand the first hotel I had the misfortune of staying at in Mysore with Exodus has now been changed due to consistently very bad reviews & experiences.If possible, as well as staying in Varkala at the end for a few extra days, perhaps also consider coming a day or two earlier to Mysore.  It is a lovely city to walk around in - how often can one say that about a large settlement in India?!  I can recommend the Hotel Metropole if you are prepared to pay a bit more.  Also you will be fresher for those early cycle days.

Most Inspirational Moment

too many to mention! perhaps the train journey from Hue to Hanoi on the overnight express train! the drinks, the singsong, the pizza! the toilets haha.. anyone one reading this from our group will know exactly what i mean!cycling down from Dalat in the fog!! the descent from 1500m to 200ft, fog, landslides, pot holes, incredible scenery..A WOW! Hoi An was fabulous, could have spent longer there.. we did the Cambodia extension to this cycling vietnam trip -well worth doing, Siam Reap is amazing - the temples at Angkor breathtaking, Phomn Penh was disturbing, exciting, so very sad, the history of the kymer rouge still so very raw, we owe it to the millions that died to know more about what happened there..So, for me the most memorable moments were in Cambodia 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was fantastic!!! how it is possible for someone to be SO happy, super organised, freindly, knowledgeable, such an amazing guide with a fabulous team for support, i dont know, but he did it, commendable! no request was ever too much

Advice for Potential Travellers

check the weather carefully before you go. Saigon was so hot which i was prepared for..Hanoi was so cold, from Dalat onwards the weather changed -  Halong bay, damp, misty, cold, (nearly spooky) - was not prepared for the cold, i only brought a light rain jacket which was inadequate! had to buy jacket, trousers etc,  which given the full on schedule, was not easy to find the time once you realised how cold it was going to be!you find your level of cycling easily and for those that find it more challenging, the bus and support team are great! you can do as much or as little of the cycling as you wishbring imodium and rehyration drinks. (thats normal advice thou) bring a silk liner for the train, althou you can buy in Hoi An, they tend to be a bit short if you are tall! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk up Mt Piano with wind chill it was about -35!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was very professional and sociable with the group - watch out for the stories and jokes though.......:-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes do not specify details of the walks which i think would have been useful.  The pace is dictated by the group which was a little slow for me and I got quite cold at times waiting around so wrap up.  The paths are well marked in most cases, so it was a shame there was not more opportunities to go at your own pace so that fitter members do not feel frustrated by the pace and slower members don't feel hurried.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog sledging was a real joy and snow shoeing through Riisitunturi National Park was quite literally out of this world.  Spending the night sleeping out in an igloo was a real challenge but certainly worth the effort. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki (Erkki Ollila) was a real gem.  His enthusiasm for his local area was contagious - he found something "new" around every corner.  A great guide who really brought the day's excursions to life for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Evenings are long in basecamp which as yet does not have a lounge area. Time is spent sitting on hard, wooden chairs - not very relaxing.  This was the only downside to this trip - don't let it put you off but be prepared.  Husky sledging trip is very expensive but I wouldn't have missed it. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The night on the homestay was a highlight. We got to prepare some of our own food and had the best meal of the entire holiday. The boat trip along the Mekong Delta wasn't bad either!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was inexperienced having completed this trip only once before. Although friendly and helpful this lack of knowledge was evident and contributed to the less than satisfactory experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are considering this trip i would advise you to wait until the local tour operator has gained more experience otherwise the trip may not meet, never mind exceed, your expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

I know everyone said this but it's really hard to pick out particular moments.  The trip is so varied that every night you go to bed thinking "wow what a great day!"  The mock charge by a bull elephant was memorable as was arriving at Wild Haven for a cold beer after a long ride.  The absolute highlight for me has to be the cycling - fantastic!  Even getting through the manic traffic in Mysore was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Safi.  We couldn't have asked for more from him - friendly, attentive and informative.  He showed us what India is really all about rather than seeing the tourist side of things.  He had us all well trained jumping on our bikes ready to go as soon as he rang his bell!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To really enjoy the trip I think you need a reasonable level of fitness.  Bring a hair dryer if you need one (there won't be one in your accommodation).  Ideally bring clothes that you can wash and won't need ironing i.e. sports clothes.  That way you can stay on top of your laundry by washing things out each night.  Be prepared to eat lots of lovely curries!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the local people and of course the small children. You have the opportunity to ride on a camel into a small village where you can see the small homes and meet the people. Absolutley brilliant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yeah she was good, had good knowledge of the area and the local people which came in very handy. Got the impression towards the back end of the trip that she gave up a little. On the whole very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book the trip.......its brilliant and a once in a life time opportunity.