Thursday, November 27, 2014

Some client feedback


In a previous post I wrote about what makes a good travel agent.  I am blessed to have a loyal following of clients. Here is some of the feedback I received this past year. 

We have dealt in the past with various travel agents. I can state without any hesitation that Tom is one of the best, if not the best agent we have encountered so far, extremely efficient, helpful, a true professional.  Anonymous

Tom Gehrels was great!   He highly recommended the tour we selected........and it fully met our expectations.   He is very knowledgeable and addressed all of our questions.   He was most helpful and we hope to work with him on future trips. Jane - Laguna Beach, California

Tom was fantastic and extremely helpful with every step of the process. I would not hesitate to recommend Adventure Center and Tom to friends and family that are interested in travel. Adrian - New Westminster, BC

Related posts

Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos
Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014

Feedback from South Africa & Botswana

The following feedback is from a group of 20 passengers for whom I had organized a private trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe abd Botswana.

As far as the trip - it was absolutely amazing!!!! Everyone agreed that it has been a trip of a lifetime and I can't think you enough for organizing our journey. I also want to commend your local office as everything was seamless, the hotels we were booked into - all fantastic; the tours were superb; and all pick-ups, buses, etc. all right on time.

We began with the Cape Milner Hotel in Cape Town - a lovely place with great rooms. Although we started with some rainy days we were able to juggle our schedule and visit a couple of the museums - which were very worthwhile visiting. The sun came out for our Robben Island and Cape Peninsula tour - which were definite highlights. Our stop and lunch at La Petite Ferme on the way to Tulbagh was exceptional. And, although we didn't really get to spend much time in Tulbagh, it was a interesting town to see. Knysna Hollow was again great and with the schedule change we were able to have a free morning and afternoon to just relax - something I think we all needed. Really enjoyed the Featherbed Tour (even in the rain!).

Our next major stop was the Kapama Game Reserve and the Buffalo Camp - an outstanding experience and I think probably the highlight of the trip for everyone. I would not hesitate to recommend that camp - the rooms, the staff, the game drives - all absolutely wonderful and having the entire place to ourselves made it even more special. We all got to see the "Big Five" and countless other animals.

The drive back to Johannesburg was another very interesting trip - seeing the countryside and our guide for this part - Marshall was very informative and gave us a good talk on the country.  We were caught in another downpour while visiting Soweto, but the rain did stop after our dinner and we were able to walk around and see some of the township and learn a bit of its history.

Flying into Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe was as expected - but at least now they give out water while you wait at immigration!!! Since we were late getting there, it was about 4ish when we toured the Falls and subsequently almost had the place to ourselves. The water is at the low point, but still it is a spectacular place.

Again, our transport into Botswana was smooth and we arrived at the Chobe Bush Lodge in Botswana. Our rooms there were superb, but he lodge definitely showed that they are still very newly opened and have a fair number of "service bugs" to work out. The river cruise was very enjoyable and the game drives exciting - although a totally different feel compared to the S.African private game drives.

Twelve of our group were transported back to Vic Falls for their trip home and the 8 of us continued onto the Okavango via small 5 seater airplanes. I must admit the delta is certainly so worthwhile seeing - you feel like you are truly in the heart of Africa! The water, the birds and animals, the amazing scenery and beautiful skies and sunsets were magical. Gunn's Camp was much more basic than the Kapama Lodge, but very comfortable, the food was good and the staff very friendly.

I am hoping to get into Toronto sometime in the next few weeks and will definitely try to stop by and discuss the trip in more detail and bring some photos (if I can get them down to a manageable number!!).

Thanks again for giving all of us a tremendous holiday.

Take care, Jane - Woodstock, ON, October 2014

Related posts:
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos
Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014
South Africa Travel Blog

Top 10 movies that make you want to travel

Some movies just make you want to pack your bags and go - here is my top 10 movies that make you want to travel.

1) Into the Wild
After graduating from university, Christopher McCandless abandons his privileged life and possessions and hitchhikes through the USA.  Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life, before ending up in the wilderness in Alaska.   Watch the trailer.

2) Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
An Inuit legend of an evil spirit causing strife in the community brought to the big screen.   Watch the trailer.

3) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
When his job is threatened, Walter takes action embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.   The story line is so-so, but this movie has some spectacular footage of Iceland.  Watch the trailer.

4) Motorcycle Diaries
The dramatization of a motorcycle road trip across Latin America which Cuban revolutionairy Che Guevara took in his youth and which showed him his life's calling. Watch the trailer.

5) Lawrence of Arabia
The 1962 classic of larger-than-life T.E. Lawrence, a flamboyant and controversial British military figure.  The movie portrays his conflicted loyalties during his World War I service in the Middle East.  Filmed on location in Morocco and Jordan among others.  Watch the trailer.

6) Nowhere in Africa
A German Jewish refugee family moves to and adjusts to a farm life in 1930's Kenya. Watch the trailer.


7) The God's must be Crazy
A comedy with somewhat of a cult-status about a traveling Bushman who encounters modern civilization and its stranger aspects.  Watch the trailer.

8) Close to Eden (Urga)
A wonderful movie about a Mongolian shepherd who strikes up a friendship with a Russian truck driver and the huge cultural gap between the two. Watch the trailer.

9) Slumdog Millionaire
A teen from the slums in Mumbai slums, becomes a contestant on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is suspected of cheating, and while being interrogated, flashbacks of his life show why he knows the answers.  Watch the trailer.

10) Indochine
Towards the end of French colonial rule in Indochina, an unmarried French plantation owner, raises a Vietnamese princess as if she were her own daughter. She, and her daughter both fall in love with a young French army officer, which will drastically change both their lives. Watch the trailer.

Related post
Top 10 books that make you want to travel

Monday, November 17, 2014

Feedback from SE Asia, Hong Kong and New Zealand

Some more feedback from South East Asia, Hong Kong and New Zealand - all these are from tailor-made trips and each client e-mailed me while they were on the trip.

From Phnom Penh:
The guy who picked us up from the airport and who will guide us tomorrow (...) told us lots of personal stories, provided first class service re restaurants (making and changing reservations), prepared us for tomorrow and is just a decent man who wants to do a good job. Refreshing.  We are looking forward to tomorrow.
Mel - Toronto

From Hong Kong:
In the category of praiseworthy, the Hotel Icon in HK is terrific. Lends a smartphone with free long distance (yes, free calls to Canada) and local and free internet and free cell service and free minibar and shuttle to downtown. And great meals and very modern place. Highly recommend.
Mel - Toronto

From New Zealand:
We wanted to thank you for all the work you did in getting us sorted out for this trip.  We had a wonderful time and everything went according to plan. (...)  Attaching a picture of us at Fox Glacier.  That had to be the highlight of our trip!
Melanie & Rob - Toronto


Related posts:
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos

Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Feedback from Galapagos

From a group of four clients for whom I had designed an Ecuador and Galapagos trip, I received the following feedback:

We just got back from Quito and the Galapagos. It was wonderful! The boat was terrific despite some seasickness and traveller's diarrhea - we were prepared. The guided tours of the individual islands were wonderful. The snorkelling was fantastic!  We saw so many fish,sea lions, sea turtles and 5 sharks! The tortoise and iguanas were amazing! The variety of birds was amazing! Quito was very interesting. We did lots of walking , even rode the local trolley system and bus. The National Museum was excellent, giving us the history Ecuador from the early peoples to the Spanish. The people were friendly and helpful.
We appreciated numerous aspects, for example, your booking our airline seats as A/C or D/F so that twice we had an empty seat between us.We will certainly contact you when we consider future trips.
Thanks so much for organizing our trip! Everything worked as planned!
Mabel-Anne, Alan, Doug, Ellie - Toronto, ON, fall 2014

Feedback from South Africa

Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Hiking offer for 2015

Book any Exodus hiking adventure between November 1 to November 30, 2014 and you will save $150 off the price of your trip.

Term & Conditions
1.  When booking an Exodus Hiking holiday with Adventure.com between 1 November and 30 November 2014 customers will be entitled to $150 off. 
2.  Offer is not combinable with any other discount except for loyalty discounts.
3.  Valid for new bookings only and cannot be backdated prior to 1 November 2014.
4.  Valid for departures between 1st January 2015 – 31st December 2015.
5.  Please quote '1648' when booking to receive discount. Discount will be applied after online booking is made, and at time of invoicing.
6.  A booking is deemed to have been made once the deposit payment has been received.
7.  Offer is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.
8.  Offer is valid for customers who book with Adventure.com
9.  We reserve the right to limit, change or cancel the offer at any time without notice.
10. No correspondence will be entered into regarding this offer.

New hiking trips for 2015

Walking, hiking, trekking - all different ways to explore the world on foot.  It gives you time to smell the roses, take photos, chat with people and appreciate your surroundings.  Instead of a spectator you become a participant.  Here is our line-up of new hiking trips for 2015.

Italy - Walking in the Dolomites
The enormous pinnacles and towers of the majestic Dolomites are a fairyland where lush meadows nestle against towering limestone peaks, of all different colours. Small family run hotels and comfortable ‘rifugi’ (mountain huts) welcome grateful hikers with delectable cuisine, the ubiquitous grappa and steaming cappuccino. Drink in this dramatic limestone setting as we make our way through the different parts of this beautiful mountain range.

Iceland - Walking & Nature
Skaftafell National Park, known as one of Iceland's gems, boasts wonderful hiking trails, Europe’s biggest glacier, incomparable views of Iceland’s highest peaks, extensive sand flats and the country’s most varied flora.  Throw in the legendary Vestmannaeyjar and you have a trip that is hard to beat.

Spain & France - Highlights of the Basque Country
The sparkling coastline with sweeping golden beaches, colourful fishing ports and dramatic Atlantic surf form a perfect backdrop for a week of relaxed walking. Explore cosmopolitan resorts and the the lush mountain pathways of the Pyrenees, while spending evenings relaxing in a comfortable hotel.

Italy - Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
On inspirational walks through hills, woodland and coastal villages you will discover why these areas have earned names such as the Gulf of the Poets. The iconic trails, the temperate climate, ample opportunities for walking, relaxing and sampling delicious food and wine, make this trip a great introduction to Italy.

France - Chablis Vineyards Walk
This gentle paced self-guided ramble takes you through picture-postcard Burgundy - towpaths, river valleys and wheat fields - as you head to the fortified mediaeval town of Vezelay. En route, pass through vineyards, flower-filled hillsides, woods teeming with wildlife and pretty riverside villages.

Austria - Lakes Walk
The Austrian Lakes area offers a glorious mix of spectacular scenic views, wooded forest trails, picture-perfect 'chocolate box' villages and swimming opportunities galore! The self-guided walks are relaxed, following mainly well marked routes, with options to extend most days.

Indonesia - Volcanoes Trek
Sitting firmly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia boasts more active volcanoes than anywhere else on Earth. The result is a lush and fertile land which has developed a rich and diverse culture. Journey through the islands of Java, Bali and Lombok and explore ancient temples, wander through villages and rice paddies and hike up active volcanoes with fumaroles, calderas and sulphuric lakes.

China - Everest North Col Expedition
This expedition allows you to experience the Everest only ever seen by those who dare to venture further than the comfort of Everest Base Camp; and the rewards are enormous. Follow in the footsteps of explorers Mallory and Irvine on the ascent of the North Col of Everest (7,066m).

Nepal - Mera Peak Expedition
A tough but rewarding expedition through a beautiful high alpine environment, where Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal at 6476m, towers over the valley. With good acclimatisation and plenty of willpower, you can reach the summit of this beautiful Himalayan peak.

Nepal - Mini Annapurna Circuit
The perfect trek for those who would like to experience Nepal’s classic Annapurna Circuit trek in just two weeks. Enjoy superb views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri and the chance to cross the formidable Thorong La Pass.

Active sightseeing trips

New this year is a series of trips which let you try your hand at different activities, while exploring a country or region in depth.

Thailand - Hike, bike & kayak
Fancy some outdoor activity in a tropical paradise? Now's your chance as we launch into the remote highlands of Northern Thailand from Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Travel into steamy rainforests on foot to visit colourful hilltribes, cruise down the River Kwai on kayaks and explore the lesser-known side of Chiang Mai from a bicycle. The diversity of exciting outdoor options makes Thailand a haven for adventurers.

Cambodia - Hike, bike & kayak
Cambodia’s incredible beauty, fantastic food and unique culture are even better when combined with some serious outdoor adventure. Explore Phnom Penh and visit haunting monuments to Cambodia’s tragic past, take to the Mekong for an island homestay, get up close with Irrawaddy dolphins and kayak through spectacular flooded forests, then discover the ancient temple ruins of the incredible Angkor complex by foot and mountain bike before winding up in Siem Reap.

Turkey - Hike, Bike & Kayak
Experience Turkey from a different perspective. Abandon well-worn routes to forge a path through unexplored terrain, deep into the historical heart of Turkey. Travel from the minarets of Istanbul city, visiting Turkey’s holiest sites, cycling breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines, hiking the Lycian Way and kayaking over sunken cities. Take up the challenge and be amazed by all that this active travel adventure has to offer.

Arctic Watch Lodge: Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N
Head to the Canadian Arctic for a unique view of the wildlife and scenery of this spellbinding region. Based in the Arctic Watch Lodge on Somerset Island, witness beluga whales playing in the waters outside the lodge; hike to waterfalls and across colourful tundra; take to the water in kayaks to get up close to icebergs, seals and whales; and witness an epic history in towering canyons, prehistoric fossils and Thule ruins. This up close and personal trip to the Arctic is a truly unforgettable adventure.