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[BluesTraveler]

Thanks for the mentions of Austin Adventures - I ordered their catalog and wow their trips look great.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Hi Everyone, Just back from my South East Asia trip to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with Nat Geo. I'm still dealing with the jetlag and am starting to work on the blog. I hope to get the first posts up within the next week or so. This trip was AMAZING! It only just scratched the surface of Vietnam though but still gave a good introduction to the country. I will let you know when the blog starts going up. If you have any questions before it starts feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. Just be warned though, that I'm still on Laotian time. Our guide told us that in Laos, the P.D.R. which officially stands for People's Democratic Republic (even though they are Communist), stands for "People Don't Rush" and thanks to the jetlag, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now.

 

[RebelHawk]

Hi Everyone, Just back from my South East Asia trip to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with Nat Geo. I'm still dealing with the jetlag and am starting to work on the blog. I hope to get the first posts up within the next week or so. This trip was AMAZING! It only just scratched the surface of Vietnam though but still gave a good introduction to the country. I will let you know when the blog starts going up. If you have any questions before it starts feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. Just be warned though, that I'm still on Laotian time. Our guide told us that in Laos, the P.D.R. which officially stands for People's Democratic Republic (even though they are Communist), stands for "People Don't Rush" and thanks to the jetlag, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now.

I can't wait to read this report. My wife and I have gone back and forth on ABD vs Nat Geo trips and this one is high on our trip lists.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I can't wait to read this report. My wife and I have gone back and forth on ABD vs Nat Geo trips and this one is high on our trip lists.

I can't speak to the ABD SE Asia trip but I can speak from having just been to the Angkor Archeological park that I cannot possibly figure out how ABD does a tuk-tuk (pronounced "took-took") scavenger hunt through the temples. The grounds themselves are 400 square kilometers and the main temples cannot be approached except on foot so no idea how Disney does this, especially since this is after they visit Angkor Wat and it's just a single morning. If you want to see any of the temples beyond Angkor Wat, then Nat Geo is the way to go. We even had a picnic lunch at a temple that is not open to the public. The only way you can see this temple is with a permit.

My mom is of the opinion that everyone needs to visit Vietnam at least once in their lifetime. We loved it there. Now it's deciding what to do for our next trip in 2018. Back to Vietnam to continue exploring (it was our favourite of the 3), Ireland, Australia or Morocco.

One thing we learned on this trip though was that group travel was not really our thing. We will be doing private trips from now on. Our guides gave us an in-country operator that will create a custom tailor-made itinerary for us in Vietnam that will come with local guides and everything.

 

[Rapunzellover]

So, I called Thompson family adventures today to discuss the Azores trip. I'll be damned if I didn't get a somewhat positive response. Beth, the woman I talked to, said while it's not common, they would not prevent a solo traveler, provided I know and am okay with what I'm getting into. I explained to her that I am fully aware. Looks like I may be doing the Azores after all with them. I do wish ABD would create such an itinerary though. I'll be thinking of this for 2018/19.

 

[Calfan]

So, I called Thompson family adventures today to discuss the Azores trip. I'll be damned if I didn't get a somewhat positive response. Beth, the woman I talked to, said while it's not common, they would not prevent a solo traveler, provided I know and am okay with what I'm getting into. I explained to her that I am fully aware. Looks like I may be doing the Azores after all with them. I do wish ABD would create such an itinerary though. I'll be thinking of this for 2018/19.

Very glad to hear that, Rapunzellover!

 

[acndis]

Will definitely let you know what we think. We are going late Dec. to early Jan. You are going to love Scotland.

Love the itinerary for the trip you are going on (Winter Yellowstone). We went on the ABD version and loved it (our son was very young). This one looks even better to me! Can't wait to hear about your experience. There are about 4 itineraries that I would book tomorrow on their site. Hope the reality is as good as the pitch!

 

[Calfan]

Love the itinerary for the trip you are going on (Winter Yellowstone). We went on the ABD version and loved it (our son was very young). This one looks even better to me! Can't wait to hear about your experience. There are about 4 itineraries that I would book tomorrow on their site. Hope the reality is as good as the pitch!

I hope so too! I'm super excited about the Winter Yellowstone trip. I've been looking at the ABD version longingly for years now. But I agree with you that the Austin Adventures itinerary actually looks a little better to me, which is why I decided not to wait until ABD release dates for their trip. Plus the dates of the trip we booked with Austin are perfect in terms of starting a few days after Christmas (which will allow us to spend Christmas at home and still arrive in Bozeman a couple of days before the start of our trip, to give a cushion for winter travel issues) and still giving my kids a weekend to end their winter break before going back to school.

 

[carpenta]

You'll love Bozeman. Tiny airport but very nice. A little bit of a ride to the town proper. Nice local brewery / eats place with great burgers and food. I will get the name for you Calfan when I dig through my files.

 

[Calfan]

You'll love Bozeman. Tiny airport but very nice. A little bit of a ride to the town proper. Nice local brewery / eats place with great burgers and food. I will get the name for you Calfan when I dig through my files.

That would be great! Thank you.

 

[sayhello]

So, I called Thompson family adventures today to discuss the Azores trip. I'll be damned if I didn't get a somewhat positive response. Beth, the woman I talked to, said while it's not common, they would not prevent a solo traveler, provided I know and am okay with what I'm getting into. I explained to her that I am fully aware. Looks like I may be doing the Azores after all with them. I do wish ABD would create such an itinerary though. I'll be thinking of this for 2018/19.

Well, that's encouraging!! I guess the person I'd been corresponding with needs to talk to Beth!

Sayhello

 

[Rapunzellover]

Well, that's encouraging!! I guess the person I'd been corresponding with needs to talk to Beth!

Sayhello

Indeed! I am pleased with my communication with them so far. She also gave me the name of a sister company, adventurewomen. com, which does single women tours, and had no single supplement if you let them pair you up with a fellow single traveler.

 

[carpenta]

That would be great! Thank you.

It was called the Montana Brewing Company and located on the main drag across from the old railroad freight station. There is a free bus service that takes you from the outskirts to the downtown street and the hotel desk has the time schedule. We used it and it was those trolley type buses and for us it was easy-peasy. Our hotel was a new hotel a little outside a walking distance from the "downtown".

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Hi Everyone, Just back from my South East Asia trip to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with Nat Geo. I'm still dealing with the jetlag and am starting to work on the blog. I hope to get the first posts up within the next week or so. This trip was AMAZING! It only just scratched the surface of Vietnam though but still gave a good introduction to the country. I will let you know when the blog starts going up. If you have any questions before it starts feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. Just be warned though, that I'm still on Laotian time. Our guide told us that in Laos, the P.D.R. which officially stands for People's Democratic Republic (even though they are Communist), stands for "People Don't Rush" and thanks to the jetlag, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now.

Wonderful! Really looking forward to reading about the trip. Southeast Asia is definitely on my list.

 

[Calfan]

It was called the Montana Brewing Company and located on the main drag across from the old railroad freight station. There is a free bus service that takes you from the outskirts to the downtown street and the hotel desk has the time schedule. We used it and it was those trolley type buses and for us it was easy-peasy. Our hotel was a new hotel a little outside a walking distance from the "downtown".

Thanks!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Has anyone used Backroads? This thread has gotten so long I honestly can't recall if they've been mentioned.

They have a trip to the Galapagos in April, 2018, that matches my teenage daughter's spring break that I am considering. Since she doesn't want to take a summer vacation with me (apparently camp and working ahead in math are more important ), we will have to make do with whatever tour we can find that matches our schedule and interest. Would LOVE to visit SE Asia but I don't think 9 days is enough (at least for me).

I have 2 friends who have used them and speak very highly of them (one does the camping-style family trips every summer and the other the Premiere Inns).

Would appreciate any feedback!

 

[sayhello]

Has anyone used Backroads? This thread has gotten so long I honestly can't recall if they've been mentioned.

They have a trip to the Galapagos in April, 2018, that matches my teenage daughter's spring break that I am considering. Since she doesn't want to take a summer vacation with me (apparently camp and working ahead in math are more important ), we will have to make do with whatever tour we can find that matches our schedule and interest. Would LOVE to visit SE Asia but I don't think 9 days is enough (at least for me).

I have 2 friends who have used them and speak very highly of them (one does the camping-style family trips every summer and the other the Premiere Inns).

Would appreciate any feedback!

I have taken Backroads, but it was YEARS ago. (1996) - In fact, it was my first "adventure" group trip. I imagine they're still as great as they were back then. They are pretty active trips - a lot of hiking/biking/etc, depending on the trip you take. Their trips also tend to be fairly short (5 or 6 nights). But they do wonderful itineraries, and their Guides are very personable and great. We had 3 for my trip. Most of them were locals (I did Nova Scotia). Chris Brown, who is a fabulous Adventure Guide told me he Guided for Backroads, and felt that ABD based a lot of their business model after Backroads (at least back in 2008). I'd say you'd be in good hands with Backroads if you find an itinerary you like!

Sayhello

 

[BluesTraveler]

Has anyone here traveled with Austin Adventures before?

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Hi Everyone, Just back from my South East Asia trip to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia with Nat Geo. I'm still dealing with the jetlag and am starting to work on the blog. I hope to get the first posts up within the next week or so. This trip was AMAZING! It only just scratched the surface of Vietnam though but still gave a good introduction to the country. I will let you know when the blog starts going up. If you have any questions before it starts feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. Just be warned though, that I'm still on Laotian time. Our guide told us that in Laos, the P.D.R. which officially stands for People's Democratic Republic (even though they are Communist), stands for "People Don't Rush" and thanks to the jetlag, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now.

When are you starting up your review? I am looking forward to reading. SE Asia is very high on our list -- my daughter and I will likely go in December, 2018.

Can you share the name of the local tour company you were given? Which Nat Geo tour did you take? We would also like to visit Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. A lot of tour companies seem to skip Laos.

 

[nordkin]

It was called the Montana Brewing Company and located on the main drag across from the old railroad freight station. There is a free bus service that takes you from the outskirts to the downtown street and the hotel desk has the time schedule. We used it and it was those trolley type buses and for us it was easy-peasy. Our hotel was a new hotel a little outside a walking distance from the "downtown".

We also loved the Western Café. They are on Main St and at times donate 10% of their proceeds to the Museum of the Rockies. Wonderful museum that is a must see.