written by larsentravel on 01/02/2015
We just completed the Overseas Adventure Travel trip, Route of the Mayan, starting January 1, 2015. We knew we would enjoy the historical aspect of seeing Mayan ruins and learning about this ancient civilization. We were unsure of the safety we would feel in the cities of Central America, especially the gangs and drug cartels. Our guide acknowledged that these are issues, but with his knowledge and common sense planning, we felt completely safe, and would urge anyone with similar concerns to take this trip. Instead of worrying about our safety, we totally enjoyed the people we met in the cities and the villages. We had the opportunity to see Central America as it is now. we would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys historical sites and to learn how a culture preserves their heritage and how the people live today. We both were excited about seeing active volcanoes and the beauty of nature as we walked through the jungle trails.
written by Bradyh225 on 09/08/2014
We have taken six trips with Overseas Adventure Travel and really have nothing but praise. What we like best: smaller groups (never more than 16 makes it much more comfortable than big buses); the guides really are excellent (even the worst have been very good); they try to do more than just show you the tourist sights. Now, here's what you need to understand. The word Adventure is in their name. Some hotels and lodges have been OUTSTANDING and you'll be blown away. Most are average, comfortable but nothing fancy. Same for the meal choices (we often don't take optional meals and go off on our own). 2 Tips: First, read all the reviews posted by prior travelers. You'll find much more helpful info there on what to bring and what to leave at home (than in the guide they'll send you). Second, you can argue with them about the flight itinerary (you especially get more clout as a frequent traveler). 1 Discount: Their business is based on referrals. Any first time traveler who says they were referred by a prior traveler saves $100-per-person (sometimes the amount increases). If no one has recommended you, feel free to use my name (Jesse Slome) and my number 932019).
written by Ernestx229 on 22/03/2014
We have traveled 100's of times, 10 times with Grand Circle/OAT. We can't say enough about them compared to others. We have never had a bad trip nor a bad guide. The Maya trip was better than we anticipated, same was said by several well traveled people in our group. The ruins were spectacular. Other high lights--Beautiful Antigua, Lake Atitlan [and villages] Walter, our guide, is the best. Traveling with GC/OAT is so much more reasonable than comparables, we are able to go more places.
written by mwasano on 06/02/2014
I went solo, and it was one fantastic tour. I had been in northern India a number of times, and the friendly people, the rural countryside, the choice of places we visited and stayed while on this particular tour was well thought out, and fascinating. It was lovely to be along the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. Dec./Jan. a time of pilgrimages, tropical climate, fresh fruits and vegetables, and flowers. The people embraced us in love, and service. I had a good time. Go while you can. Mitsu Wasano
written by Hougard on 05/02/2014
Thailand & Cambodia - 2013-2014. Every think promised and more. The guides and drivers were exceptional. Food provided was worth taking the trip again. I have booked another trip with Oat based on this experience.
written by deaton on 13/06/2013
This was our 3rd trip with OAT/Grand Circle. So far we are batting 100% with them. We just returned from the Imperial China adventure and it was by far the best trip we have ever been on. We lucked out with a small group of 9 people, who with the help of an extremely competent group leader, jelled into a fun group that genuinely enjoyed each other's company. We cannot say enough for how well all aspects of this trip were handled by OAT, including the planning, the execution, and the follow-up. We feel we really were given the opportunity to see China at the ground level. It was truly eye-opening what has happened to China in the past 30 years and all the mis-conceptions I had that remained to the Mao era were replaced by what we saw on this trip. Our tour leader was exceptional which certainly helped make this the adventure of a lifetime. We will be taking many more trips with OAT and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Dave and Robyn Eaton Warwick, NY
written by Rayon-ion on 30/04/2013
The prices were reasonable. The guides were generally knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The accommodations were good to excellent. We were in Australia when the big earthquake hit Christchurch, where we were headed. The NZ tour was greatly re-worked in a couple of days and turned out very well. We asked our guide at the last minute to get us opera tickets in Sydney and he did that with aplomb - Carmen was great fun. In Croatia we were hit by the worst snowstorm in 50 years and one excursion was cancelled; instead we visited out guide's fig farm and had a wonderful time. The home hosted events were always great. In France on a canal trip we had a so-so guide, but it didn't make any difference - we could make our way around the chateaux without his spiel and everything else was pre-arranged and worked well. We are planning several more trips and the staff in Boston has been very cooperative and helpful.
written by on 06/04/2013
THe pre trip to Mt Kilamajara-KambiYa Tembo Sinya-camp was great. The lodge was beautiful with spectacular views great food,luxurious tents great staff perfect weather.Could have stayed there much longer Before our pre trip we stayed in Arusha at Olasiti lodge one night. Lodge was nice But the noise from a Mosque and a church was a bit much coming to us thru load speakers. I recommended OAT try to find another lodge. Nest stop was Lake Burlunge. This was a lovely area and the cabins were fine. Next stop was Toloma Lodge. It was a lush green Oasis . They did laundry for you and food was fine. PLENTY OF ICE as you do not get it much in other places or not at all. Good stop before we went to Serengeti At Serengeti you are now really camping out in tents with great views,5 gallon water buckets for showers and leather pouches out side for sinks. This was great fun and of course what you would expect. Staff there were great and fun. Ok Now I recommend you bring fast drying clothes 3 pants and 5 or 6 tops and one nice top for evenings. and one warm top and of course hat sunscreen and deet and what else OAT recommends. I say this as I over packed. You are not at the Ritz. You will be dusty and dirty after all your drives to sight animals,so do wash each night and clothes will be dry. Each day was an adventure. Saw so many animals and all the big 5 and more . The land is so vast and open it is hard to describe. Our trip leader Zablon was fabulous,well informed great tracker, had a good sense of humor. As we knew it was a learning trip to teach us about the Maasai and the life they lead. Zablon knew all about them and we visited 2 villages. You will be shocked at the flies on the children and adults in one but they are happy and you will dance with them. The other village was cleaner and no flies. Their Chief was well educated and more modern. Both very interesting. We were a group of 15 so had 3 vehicles. are other 2 drivers Samson & Fadhilli were also very good,and very well informed about all the animals. We were lucky to have such good men. We truly learned that on our drives why they call it the African massage. You bump up and down a lot. Count on $400.00 dollars more or less for tipping. I also recommened to OAT that it be included in the cost of the trip. You will see so much poverty so be prepared, But understand most of the people know nothing else. I ate a lot of vegetables and fruit (all safe to eat) very little meat and was fine with that. I could go on and on but you must take this trip. It is just as you see it in pictures and the movies. Oats does a fine job and of course there are always some downers BUT after a long day tracking the animals it was great fun to get back to camp and enjoy a glass of wine or beer. We went at a perfect time just before the rainy season Feb 19th - March 7th.
written by Gordonandvickimacaulay on 02/01/2013
Soul of India: The Colorful South trip was a unending adventure and immersion into the culture of incredible India. My husband and I have visited northern India with OAT and knew we would return. The itinerary is so well paced with great opportunities to interact with the Indian people - the best part of all. Murali, our extraordinary Trip Leader, provided multiple learning experiences. He continued to delight and astonish us every day with amazing surprises including attending a huge Indian wedding ceremony and banquet, local village celebrations, an early morning visit to the Cochin fish market, many stops along the roads and villages in south India to observe local life and multiple adventures in various (we counted 15 I think!) methods of transportation (water taxi, elephant, bicycle rickshaw, auto rickshaw, ox cart, etc, etc). We were so fortunate to be in south India during the time that thousands of pilgrims travel to the many glorious temples in the south. Observing the practices and traditions of the devotees is truly an experience of a life time. We highly recommend this fantastic trip. Gordon and Vicki Macaulay Albuquerque, New Mexico
written by on 02/08/2010
I have traveled three times with OAT -- 2006 to Peru & the Amazon; 2008 to Thailand and Cambodia; May 2010 to Tanzania on Safari. For the price I do not know how they do it. Peru was great, Tanzania was fabulous. Thailand was OK -- Cambodia great. My only major complaint was most of the lodging in Thailand, pretty standard tourist fare. But, they have to balance those who want to rough it with those who want CNN or BBC every day. Guides have always been very good to outstanding. OAT hires local operators in country to provide guides and much of the logistics. If it is their regional staff (such as in Thailand) things are not quite as good. I have had airline connectons rearranged (went to Africa a day early, returned a day late), but there was no extra charge to me. No real beef. highly recommend
written by on 01/03/2010
I am a 7 continent traveler and have enjoyed many fantastic trips with some very expensive companies. In July I took my grand daughter on the Ultimate Africa trip and rate it the very best trip I have ever taken. Not only did we see more animals than we ever expected but also a huge variety of them. From 300 elephants in one afternoon to leopards, cheetahs, sable antelope, lions and giraffes, lion and leopard 'kills' it was glorious from beginning to end. Wilderness camps provided us an up close and personal game viewing experience while never sacrificing creature comforts and delicious food. Our small group of 15 became a 'family' of excited, appreciative travelers who couldn't wait for each new day to begin. Our tour manager, Ndaba Ncube, couldn't have been more personable, knowledgeable or accomodating. I will definitely travel with OAT again. The cost including airfare is the most reasonable one in the business yet doesn't skimp on details.
Our last full day included a 'walk with the lions', a ride on an elephant, a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, a walk across from the falls and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. I shall never again in my entire life experience such a jam packed, fabulous day. I'll never pay those huge prices again.
written by wtravlr1 on 03/09/2008
I have travelled with Overseas Adventure Travel 4 times, and while on this type of trip some problems came up but were solved. I think that a company that does thousands of trips a year and employs local guides, that you can get a bad one. So far I have been to Peru, China, Ult. Africa, Morocco and in Sept. 08 will be doing Australia and NZ. Today is two weeks before the trip and we had a long distance call from our guide in Australia, going over where we would meet and some requirements the Aussie Gov'r. is strong on. He called to introduce him self and to see if we had any questions about the trip or packing etc. So I thought this was a nice touch, he also called my travel partner and is sending us a follow-up email to make sure things go smoothly at the airport. So far with OAT we have had some mishaps, airlines problems, but OAT has worked them out. I cant talk for anyone else but my self, but many times there are two sides, and people usually like to write complaints more than good comments. I have done a lot of other travelling both independent and with other tour companies.
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