Myanmar with Big Five

I just returned from a month long travel adventure that began with 11 days in Myanmar with Big Five.  Thanks to our fabulous travel agent, who contacted you when our first booking with (another company) fell through this summer, we were able to book a customized trip with Big Five and squeeze it into very specific dates.   As (Agent) told me at the time, “this could end up being a good thing.”  It was!  Every aspect of our trip was fabulous–beyond expectations.  I wanted to personally thank YOU for the extra effort involved in putting together such a wonderful itinerary at the last moment.  I know you and (Agent) both jumped through hoops, and we are most appreciative.

All of the Big Five guides we worked with were top notch, and our hotel accommodations were breathtaking, especially the Governor’s Residence in Yangon and the Inle Lake Princess Resort.  We loved our time with Thet Thet San at Inle Lake and Kakku.  She was so passionate and knowledgeable; an absolute delight to work with. (We were still talking about her when we got to Uzbekistan at the end of our travels.)  She maximized every moment without ever making us feel that we were rushed.  Her personal touch with the villagers, from the lotus weavers to the boat makers, the paper makers and  the silk weavers, was very authentic.  They were all so happy to see her and greeted us with incredible hospitality and big smiles.  Inle Lake was the highlight of our entire month of traveling!

I also want to comment on how much we appreciated the White Glove Service® that we received.  To give you little background: the Irrawaddy Cruise on the Kindat Pandaw was a dream in every aspect, EXCEPT for the fact that the guides that they had hired for the week long trip were very substandard.  There were two, and both of them were incredibly difficult to understand–their English was very poor–and their ability to tell a good story, put it into historical context, and keep a large group engaged and moving together was non-existent.  As a result, we didn’t get nearly as much as we would have liked to out of the Bagan portion of our cruise.  After that first disastrous excursion I shared my frustrations and concerns with the Purser, and asked if there was a possibility of getting better guides.  While he was understanding, his hands were tied to do anything about it.  He heard the same complaints many times over from the other passengers, who were from the UK, Australia, Tasmania, and Canada. Other than that, the river cruise was fantastic.

After the first day’s disastrous excursion with the Kindat Pandaw guides, I emailed the WGS hotline and explained our concerns.  They responded immediately and arranged for private guides to work with us in the major cities and attractions for the rest of the cruise.  Your WGS® team communicated closely with the Purser, and we were extremely well taken care of for the remaining itinerary.  (Guide) in Mandalay provided an excellent finale to our trip to Myanmar.  We were very grateful to be able to experience the sights there with a guide that was so efficient, knowledgeable, and personable.

We probably will never have the opportunity to return to Myanmar, so it was terribly important to get the most out of our experience while there.  Your 24-Hour White Glove Service® Guest Assistance team made that happen.  I wanted you to know that Big Five delivered Big Time on their WGS brand promise.

Thank you for everything!

R.W

South Africa Safari – Tailor made each drive

Guests) had a spectacular stay filled with many amazing sighting, walks and runs in the bush which (Guest) loved as this was her daily exercise. They experienced a wonderful picnic in the bush, a boma dinner, bush dinner, tapas evening and a wonderful wine & food pairing menu. (Guests) both enjoyed a few treatments at the spa. Every morning, (Guest) had her favorite scrambled egg sandwich before heading out on drive and then mid-morning they all enjoyed a peanut butter, honey & banana sandwich. The sommelier spent some time speaking to them about different wine choices but in the end they were so happy with the Paul Cluver Riesling that they enjoyed this every night with dinner. On a few evenings they enjoyed a private dinner on the deck. Their Guide & Given their tracker made the stay extra special for (Guests) as they tailor made each drive. The guide even managed to find an African wild cat for them, which is an extremely rare sighting. They have already informed us that they will go back for the same stay next year and are already planning everything.

Morocco – Thanks to Big Five

We had an awesome time at Greece, thanks to Big Five. The hotels provided excellent accommodation & the local guides were very co-operative. There is but one observation that we would like to make. We did not have a very good experience with one of our airlines, Ryanair (Santorini to Athens). Though we did not book these tickets via Big Five but we strongly recommend that you discourage all your clients against flying through this airline in future.

A special thanks to (Destination Specialist) for her valuable assistance & efficient co-ordination in all aspects of the trip.

D.J

PERU – Very white glove!!

The airplane/train/car transfers in Lima and Cusco were seamless and very efficient. The agents who met us were proficient in English and helped us through the hotel reservation process, airline check-in, train check-in, all the way to the gates. Very white glove!! Our guide was very knowledgeable, concerned about our welfare, and very versed in the history, national culture, current events of the region. He lead all the hikes in Machu Picchu with gusto, reference pictures, and great local stories. Overall, this was a no worries trip in a very beautiful country on a tight schedule. Nothing went wrong, so kudos to Big Five.

GREAT JOB!!

B.B

Kenya – My grandson was interested in everything around him

I just wanted to thank you again for helping us plan our trip. Everything was wonderful and went without any problems. We were well taken care of in Nairobi and all of the staff at the camps we visited…. Service was awesome, our driver was very knowledgeable and personable. The (camp staff) always took the time to ask what we had seen and done. I can’t stress enough how much we enjoyed our time. Our guide is the best. He shares in our laughter, helped keep my grandson interested in everything around him, and helped us come up with quizzes every day! He has become my friend through these trips and we keep in touch. Without Big Five, I never would have made friends with two families halfway around the world in Kenya! I can never thank you enough for your help through the last six trips I have made to Kenya. I will be starting to plan my next trip for 2017 with my daughter, her two girls and my son. As always, Big Five will be our tour company!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

S.F

White Glove Service – “It’s quite a feature”

Hello BigFive,

 Many thanks for the update.  It’s been a pleasure having you keep in contact with us regarding this client.

I know they are being loved graciously by Big Five for their entire journey.  It’s quite a feat to find a company such as yours that we can entrust our clients.

 Much regards and thank you’s are just not enough.

 Sincerely,

M.E B-A

Morocco – “Start to Finish to a Wonderful Destination”

This was a wonderful trip, start to finish to a wonderful destination. Everything was perfectly planned and executed without a single glitch.

Our guides and drivers were extraordinary and the night camping in sanctuary in the Sahara, a life highlight experience!

Sincerely,

K&CH

India – “The Graciousness of The Indian People”

Somos muy felices! ( we are so happy!)

Just returned from our trip to India.

As before, Big Five met &/exceeded all of our expectations.

A big KUDOS & THANK YOU & to ALL the crew at Big Five.

Everything went flawlessly (as with our last year’s trip to Ecuador, the Galapagos & Peru)– a great comfort – very much appreciated & contributing much to our enjoyment!

 Most important was the graciousness (courtesy, kindness & pleasant attitude) of the Indian people.

Additionally, to repeat an old adage- it’s all about location, location, location—–the Sanctuary Inn at Machu Picchu last year, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, etc. etc….

Our guides were very pleasant & even personally accompanied us for a portion of our trip.

My wife’s foot injury (fractured calcaneous & torn peroneus tendon) was taken into account & properly cared for.

 Loved every portion of our trip—-without exception!!!

May go back to Varanasi for our cremations. Varanasi was really a highlight. A Holy place for Hindus where they go to die/must make a pilgrimage during their lifetime (like Mecca/Jerusalem). The Holy River Ganges—bathers brushing their teeth, bathing, washing their hair, submerging for blessings next to a guy washing his dirty kitchen pots & dishes next to somebody doing their laundry (with detergents)–the water is absolutely filthy!!!!–but who cares: it is the sacred River Ganges, Gangrithi!

Walked through very narrow streets amongst the tens of thousands of people & cows & cars & motor scooters & bicycles. Cacophony of sounds including the ever-present blaring car-horns! Saw lepers for the first time in my life. And of course the ritual cremations on the Ghats – 11 going on at the same time on this occasion- great flaming & smoking pyres, lots of family members, goats, cows, dogs everywhere! 

Also loved the ever-present cows everywhere, the Taj Mahal (the most beautiful, magnificent edifice we have ever seen, “heaven on earth”), and Mihir Garh. … Our driver, Balram, often quoted that in order to drive in India you must have “a loud horn, good brakes, and much luck!”

My wife was almost attacked by a cobra at Jawai; and we repeatedly spotted many leopards, rare birds, crocs, & other wild life as well as the other 9 couples at this camp. Met a nice Welshman, now a businessman in Vietnam, & his wife (Australian).

A Brahmin priest in a remote village invited me to partake in an opium ceremony to Lord Vishnu (of course)….. but they sure were looped on opium… when I correctly diagnosed his L5-S1 radiculopathy; he even showed me his MRI.  I was instantly promoted from my status as third caste to first caste (Brahmin status) for telling him he did not require surgery & would most likely benefit from an epidural steroid injection.

We were invited to an Indian wedding in Jaipur–about 2,000 guests…  (the bride) was bedecked in a gorgeous golden sari & he in a similar golden outfit with matching turban & large golden scimitar & jeebs for shoes (you know, the Aladdin type). We watched them circle the ceremonial fire 7 times, sang our blessings & then danced (Bollywood-style). Everywhere blazing colored lights, garlands of flowers, gorgeous saris—-the whole works!

The food everywhere was magnificent!!! Fantastic curries & spices & yummy Tandoori-baked buttered Nan with saffron. Dinners on gorgeously lit terraces with accompanying musicians & classical Indian dancers. At the hotel in Delhi, ate at their restaurant – best meal we have had in years!

Visited several villages, meeting many villagers & actually seeing how they live without any staging whatsoever. All spontaneous & natural. People in India however were the real highlight—-very friendly, genuinely, & interested in foreigners. Bunches of families invited us to their homes for tea, etc (we graciously declined) & to take photographs with them. The kids are amazing & very inquisitive–education is highly stressed.

Thankfully we remained in good health throughout. The weather was perfect during the entire sojourn.

 So…….

We are now ready to plan our next trip: JAPAN.

We have decided on an EXTENDED visit to Japan, especially KYOTO. We would like to be there as long as necessary with several days- at least- in each locale; best for the proper rest, absorption & enjoyment of the entire visit!

We will skip other locales, for now, on this trip. NATURALLY we want to go at the best times for weather & events there. Staying in some ryokans while there would be interesting. As usual meeting the people and learning about their culture is most important. A priority would also be a visit to the most important sites, gardens, celebrations as appropriate So start planning for us!

C&CG

Quito and Galapagos -“This is our first trip with BigFive Tours and Expeditions”

We first found you through Conde Nast, and this is our first trip with BigFive Tours and Expeditions.

You have met all of our expectations. We worked with your Destination Specialist, and she was very helpful in planning the perfect itinerary.

In addition, our guide in Quito were excellent, and the room was GREAT!  All accommodations were superb as were the meals, and all guides.

Overall, our trip was excellent. We definitely see ourselves traveling again with Big Five.

Thank you.

D&TB

COSTA RICA – “Memorable and Exciting Family Experiences!!!”

 We are back from Costa Rica and again it was a great trip with a lot of exciting adventures!!! 

We really enjoyed the River Rafting and the Rappel activity!!! Thanks again for helping us create memorable and exciting family experiences!!! 

Believe it or not we are ready for the next one- South Africa!!!

Thanks again,

G/S.A

Tibet, Nepal & Bhutan

All of our guides were Excellent!

Including dinner the first night in Lhasa. Although would have been nice at the hotel just because of being tired from traveling.

Our overall trip was wonderful. Next time we would like to travel Asia or Africa in the future.

Thank you!

T, R & K.M

Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands – Exactly what the client was looking for

Peru – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Lovely Time

Dear Big Five,

Both my husband and I were VERY pleased with this Big Five Tour – Our guide was super – He truly made our experience as the rest of your team with our pick up / drop off at the airport.  All drivers were excellent, the hotel very good.

Just lovely.

We would RECOMMEND your company.

Thank you

N & L. P

Wine Country , Krueger, Victoria Falls

Dear Big Five Tours,

Our guide in Cape Town was great!

We have NEVER had such a trerifict and knowledgble guide – and we have traveled EXTENSIVELY!

Everything was simply Excellent and we would like to travel again with Big Five to Thailand, Russia & Israel in t he future.

Thank you for a wonderful time.

R & K. B

South Africa –

Hi Bigfive – short and sweet but great comments back from my clients/South Africa 

Thanks for taking such great care of them on this trip. I was a bit nervous as I get the sense her two older siblings on the trip are not in the best shape to be traveling such a far distance, but everything obviously worked out with no issues.

Thank you again.

NR/S.L

South America – Ecuador

Hello Big Five,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU again for the my clients trip. They had a really good time. Here’s what they said: “Had a great time in Ecuador/Galapagos. The hotels were wonderful.”

Best regards,
H/ MJ.C.M

Kenya, Zambia & South Africa

I had a very lengthy chat with my clients last night!   They had a marvelous time and one fun experience after another!  

Thanks!

P. / DL.W

Private tour in Manuel Antonio National Park

Dear Big Five,

Just few minutes ago I spoke with My Clients  at their Hotel. They are very happy and they enjoyed a lot their private tour in Manuel Antonio National Park yesterday. They saw monkeys and they had an amazing morning in the beach.

My client told me that they did a ATV tour today and it was very funny. The staff, the restaurant, their room and the services at the property are fantastic.

I checked with him their pick up time for tomorrow and he told me in a future they can come back and visit other regions of Costa Rica.

Best Regards,

CS/L&S.R

Tanzania, Cape Town, & Madagascar

My clients were extremely happy. They only had great things to say and enjoyed the journey so much that they are considering coming back to do the Namibia tour next.

Thank you

wf/ MM J.S

lucky to see the crossing twice in Serengeti

We  had a fabulous trip and we couldn’t ask for more. All the lodges were great , good food and everybody was friendly. Our guides were a perfect match for us.  We were even lucky to see the crossing twice in Serengeti,  I believe we saw more than expected.  In all, we had a memorable safari.

kind regards,

C.C.W