I like to think of a these tours as TerraFirma Travel which means, I like to keep my feet on the ground most of the time. For me the best thing about a small group tour is that it is organized to benefit the traveler. You can be assured of seeing the best sights, and even with places you didn't have any prior knowledge of, they always prove to be just so very interesting and fascinating. These tours always provide so much innovation and diversity.
The presence of a western tour guide in a foreign country is reassuring and the glue that holds the tour together. The added benefit of a local guide to fill you in on the history, and culture your witnessing, as well as the ethnic groups and villages you visit; all this adds to an amazing holiday on a small group tour.
Food tasting at various markets and dining at local restaurants is always vetted with advice and recommendations from your western and local guide. Dinners at night are a great time to talk together about the wonderful sights and experiences we have shared and enjoyed during the day. The different ethnic food menus and beverages are all part of an unforgettable experience.
There is a lot of walking on these tours and it is always good to know you will have a hot shower and comfortable bed to fall into at night.
I have found that there are always some nice surprises, just when you need them. On a couple of these tours, after a couple of lengthy days of walking, our guide said "I'm going off for a foot massage, would anyone else like to come?" I think we all said yes! No regrets there. A cup of green tea while you have a foot massage, wonderful, relaxing and very cheap too!
I enjoy having conversations with my fellow travelers, and it is great to talk about those 'once in a lifetime' experiences we have just shared, especially over dinner in the evening. The interest over who had acquired the best bargains during the day and what had been acquired provides much conversation and laughter!
One in the orange jacket organizes offbeat group tours for young adults and high altitude treks across North India, Nepal, Bali, Vietnam, Russia, and Kazakhstan.