North America holidays

Memorable parts? Watching the polar bears playing and posing for us. Tips? Have a good camera. Local benefits? Yes. Overall rating? Great experience. (more)Mary-Laure Bollini

Memorable parts? Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks, walking amoungst the Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon and sleeping under the stars in the Navajo Tribal Lands. The children had the most wonderful time paddling in rivers, playing in the sand, climbing up rocks at the Kodachrome campsite, riding bikes in Yosemite and following the geology time-line in the Grand Canyon. Tips? Mostly don't bother to pitch the tent - just sleep under the stars! Take as little baggage as possible - you... (more)Helen Perry

Memorable parts? There were numerous memorable moments during the whole two week holiday due to the ever changing landscape covered by the trip.We covered nearly 2000 miles in the comfortable people carrier and the views,scenery and walks we superb and not too taxing.The first view of the Grand Canyon was of course stunning but for me the mountain views in Yosemite were breathtakingly beautiful ,the walk along the Panorama trail back to Curry village was awe inspiringly spectacular and the... (more)John Baines

The most memorable part was the optional extra activity of kayaking among icebergs off the Columbia glacier out of Valdez, Alaska. (more)Mary Jane Mahony

Go! Beautiful landscape, glaciers, range of outdoor activities, whales, grizzly bears and salmon galore (latter to eat) way more than make up for long drives and changeable weather. Would love to go back. (more)Karen Bennett

Memorable parts? We travelled a great distance, saw tons of great scenery and was able to do a variety of activities so I can't really say that one thing stands out however Dawson City (both times) was great. Tips? Bring a bug hat/jacket and some good bug spray. Bring a variety of warm clothes (e.g. mitts, wool hat...) even in the summer months - you never know what the temperature will be like. It really is an active tour and to be ready for this. You do no have to be an athlete... (more)Mary Ellen Ruddell

The two day one night walk in Mount Aspiring national park. It was a very enjoyable walk and the sun, mountains, river and scenery was just stunning!...Honestly the best holiday I have ever been on. There was a good level of 'comfort' as well, not a hardcore trip in that sense. (more)Asif abbas

Lots of excitement - whitewater rafting, canoeing on Clearwater, glacier walking - too many and individual to pinpoint just one!...A fantastic experience with a lovely, caring company, who 'went the extra mile'. (more)Fran Turner

We loved the overnight canoe trip at clear water. The scenery, lakes and canyons are breath taking but....... Seeing a black bear with her cubs eating dandelions and playing up a tree at the side of the highway was unforgettable!! (more)Jennie Brown

Memorable parts? The most memorable part was meeting up with 11 other like minded people to enjoy the whole experience, a real once in a lifetime holiday. Tips? Be prepare to open your imagination, experience new challenges everyday, and leave with some incredible memories. Local benefits? Yes absolutely, from the trekking with local guides, and use of individual campsites. To the style of group activities chosen, and group involvement with meals, cooking and cleaning. Overall... (more)Iain Buchanan

Memorable parts? Each new place visited on the itinerary. The variety was brilliant. Tips? Check the age range of your fellow travellers, if you are not among the first to book. I was with an excellent group ranging from 23 to 63! Local benefits? Yes, certainly. Recycling was handled extremely well and local people were used in the one place where it was possible and mattered, i.e. Monument Valley and the Navajo Indians. Overall rating? Excellent. (more)Audrey Nice

Memorable parts? The horse sides up to the bluffs were great, with excellent views of the surrounding countryside, and the atmosphere in the ranch was very friendly, making you feel as though you fit in almost straight away. Tips? Book for longer than the 4 day trip, at the end I regretted not going for longer. And bring your camera. Local benefits? Yeah, all of their facilities are close together, so apart from the drive there, you don't use cars or anything. They use horses... (more)John Grogan

Memorable parts? Gentle paddling during the day enjoying incredibly vast skies, calm blue water and forests of white pines. And lying back on sun-warmed rocks in the evening watching the Milky Way emerge and listening to the loons calling across the lakes. Learning how to track animals, brew pine needle tea, make rope out of bark, start a fire in the rain and read weather patterns. Tips? The camp sites are simply a natural clearing in the forest near the water, with some rocks for... (more)Jane Lucken

Hiking up to Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, horse-back riding in Utah, seeing my eleven year olds hike 9 miles in 35 degrees without complaining were the most memorable moments. (more)Rebecca Hill

One of the best holidays I have ever had!! It was a worry wondering how we were going to get on with our travelling companions but in fact they enhanced the entire holiday experience. (more)Amanda Taylor

The National Parks are very well managed - and quite spectacular - but the best bit was the horse riding at the 'mountain ranch' - good horses, well looked after and an excellent evening ride catered for all abilities. (more)Christopher Hawker

Our vacation was a dream come true. Owner, Keith has built the whole place by hand with logs he found on the nearby beaches. What he has done is remarkable and his wife Randi adds the special touches that make the place really feel like being home. (more)Lynn Kelly

Our cabin was comfortable, the view from our bed was to die for!!! Snow covered mountains on each side, ocean in between, dolphins and otters playing in the cove, islands and a steaming volcano in the distance. (more)Phyllis Sarayusa

The dogs are just incredible... athletic, fascinating to watch, and beautiful. Our guide Laird was fantastic as were all the other people at the ranch... I had a fabulous time. Pushed my limits... this has been 'one' of the best holidays I have been on. (more)Helen Weir

Fantastic. I have always wanted to try sledding and finally did. Now I just need to convince my other half to go again next winter! (more)Lee Unsworth

The bond that generated with both the people and the dogs at the ranch is also something I carry in my heart as a very sweet memory... A truly amazing experience: I have been back for three weeks now, but I still dream about it! (more)Alessandra Badino

Memorable parts? It is so hard to pinpoint the best part; it was all a fabulous experience. This is a place where you can completely relax and refresh your mind, body and soul. You can mix with other guests, the family/staff that run it or just 'do your own thing'. The welcome is perfect and they seem to expertly gauge the level of contact each guest wants. It is set in a beautiful, natural environment and they have a deep knowledge of the area and everything that lives there, whether... (more)Sarah Smith

There were lots!! But Yellowstone NP does stands out...Great: best locations of the West US. (more)Theresa Farrugia

There were so many highlights! Perhaps the most memorable was the sunset in Monument Valley, the light made the rock glow. The tour leader was also excellent - knowledgeable, enthusiastic, but reactive to the views and wishes of the travellers, anticipating our preferences. (more)Ian Roberts

The most memorable part was walking over a snow wall and then sliding down an avalanche slope all in tea shirts with the sun blazing down on us, followed by a sighting of a grizzly bear. (more)Ian Halliwell

Rob, Marilyn and Troy were wonderful hosts, as were the whole team. The location is stunning, nestled in the mountains with a river running through the centre of it....We all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and recommend it to families and couples alike. (more)Susan Brooks

I enjoyed every moment, every story the guides told, every view we climbed to. The Patenaudes are wonderful and knowledgeable hosts, and yet they remain relaxed and easy around their guests (more)Jo Homewood

Memorable parts? The most memorable part of our holiday were the views that we experienced. They were breath taking. Sitting on top of Tangle Peak after having just climbed up it was amazing. Robert was a very good guide on this trail and told us a lot about the history of the land with the First Nations. The other trails that we went on were guided by Troy who was the most amazing person. He knew so much and was very encouraging as this was our first hiking holiday. He set a good pace and... (more)Joanne Barnas

Memorable parts? Seeing polar bears so close Tips? When packing layers for this trip keep them as lightweight as possible Local benefits? Yes - we had talks from indigenous people talking about how life had been for them. We had talks from the parks people on archaeology - visited the museum and supported several eating places and shops Overall rating? Fantastic (more)SUSIE BARRETT

Learning of the culture of the people of Haida Gwaai was the most exciting part. (more)Jill Brasch

Another highlight was the incredible smell of food each time we returned to our mother boat: of superb quality and variety. And believe me, that kayaking makes you real hungry! (more)Sue Lorraine

Memorable parts? The entire holiday was memorable. The Alert Bay Lodge has wonderful accommodations and the proprietors, Marvin and Kathy are wonderful. The orca and grizzly viewing expedition were great. The operators were extraordinary. In fact, the operator of the orca viewing invited me for a second day's expedition as compensation for not viewing orcas on the scheduled expedition. On the second expedition a pod of orcas was located and the viewing opportunities were fantastic. Also,... (more)Robert Roberto

Memorable parts? The whole trip was outstanding from start to finish. The boat was great - large enough to give everyone space but small enough to be personal. The crew were exception and had the holiday, Brian the very experience skipper who had time to talk to everyone and was extremely knowledgeable, Steve nothing was too much trouble, Annie the cook who provided first class food made fresh everyday and Danny the naturalist who was knowledgeable and great fun. And finally the wildlife... (more)Sarah Taylor

Seeing the bears in their natural habitat is fantastic. The operators are great and the food was wonderful. (more)Susan Shedda

The most exciting part of our holiday was viewing the (many) grizzly bears in a natural environment without any interference with nature. Specifically, it was thrilling to see several mothers with cubs! (more)Suzanne Wafer

Memorable parts? Getting to watch grizzly bears in their natural environment. Tips? Make the most of the bear-experts on the holiday - ask them lots and lots of questions! Local benefits? Absolutely. Local guides/experts, eco-friendly cabins (composting toilets, low-energy bulbs, recycling etc). Overall rating? Superb! Julius and Krisin were fabulous hosts, who helped to make a great end to my month in British Columbia. (more)Simon Davies

All the hikes were fabulous! Our guide, Ryan was excellent...Excellent! (more)Anne Marie Benouville

Most memorable? Grand Canyon... Excellent itinerary. Excellent and enthusiastic tour leader. (more)Rod Buttle

Fantastic, really enjoyable - largely due to an excellent group leader who was very knowledgeable and really cared that we all had a good time. (more)Helen Clarkson

The most memorable parts were my first view of Bryce Canyon; trekking down to Cedar Ridge in the Grand Canyon. (more)DC Gibson

Hiking through Bryce Canyon with snow capping the rocks. One group member said as we hiked down amongst the structures "We need to invent new superlatives". It was stunning...Fantastic, recommended. Great tour guide from this tour operator. (more)Melanie Atkins

Memorable parts? The grand canyon and the camping and the group; the contrast between Las Vegas and the national parks. Tips? Need to be fairly fit and not too fussy on food. Local benefits? To a certain extent. Overall rating? The holiday was basically as indicated in the information sent. However, we felt the guide with us had rather too much to do. We felt that it would have been better for us and him if someone had shared the driving and other duties of his... (more)Catherine Hughes

An incredible experience. The countryside is simply stunning. The horses were happy and healthy, and being able to ride for hours a day around the Chilcotin Mountains was such a wonderful freedom. (more)Jess Ritchie

Most memorable was watching a grizzly bear playing with her cubs, we had decided to go out with the horses for an early morning ride to see if we could spot any grizzly bears. (more)Alison Reid

The most memorable part was the helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon! Seeing the national parks. (more)Dave Freer

A very exciting experience which pushed me out of my comfort zone (I was by far the oldest on the holiday) and was all the more worthwhile for this...I think the most memorable moment was of the group lying against a natural cave wall open to the sky at night, with our eyes closed, being played to by a Navajo on a flute-type instrument. (more)Christine Cox

The whole experience and the variety of where we went and what we did was mosst memorable...excellent! (more)Jacinta McHale

Memorable parts? The location, hosts and the routes they planned. Tips? The routes / hikes are challenging, the lodge is very comfortable but remote. Very eco-conscious....so be mindful of that. Be ready for all types of weather..from hot sun to snow. Local benefits? Yes - very much so. (more)Jane Cayley

Overall my holiday exceeded all of my expectations and I did expect it to be amazing. Travel, accommodation, riding requirements were organised to perfection, no detail was overlooked. (more)Patricia Bowerbank

The horses were great and the riding was just amazing and Larry & Corrina are just very nice down to earth people. I learnt an awful lot about farming, horses, wildlife etc. and came away feeling part of the family. I certainly fell in love with the place and people and really didn't want to come back to England. (more)Gesa Paulfeierborn