AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Experience Travel Group

Experience Travel Group Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Experience Travel Group

Overall Company Rating
99%
Excellent 744
Good 33
Average 2
Poor 3
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 782
Reviews Accepted: 781
Reviews Rejected: 1
781 reviews
Sort by:
Sri Lanka Laid Back - Deluxe by WendyS, 25 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

Amazing from start to finish

We were able to travel through Sri Lanka with our own driver/guide on an itinerary covering the main highlights of the country. The hotels that Experience Travel picked for us were exceptional and we were able to relax and know that each stop would be as good as the last. From climbing Sigiriya Fortress, to safaris in Kaudulla and Yala National Parks, massages to melt you, different foods to enjoy, whale and dolphin watching, the elephant orphanage ...

We were able to travel through Sri Lanka with our own driver/guide on an itinerary covering the main highlights of the country. The hotels that Experience Travel picked for us were exceptional and we were able to relax and know that each stop would be as good as the last. From climbing Sigiriya Fortress, to safaris in Kaudulla and Yala National Parks, massages to melt you, different foods to enjoy, whale and dolphin watching, the elephant orphanage (not Pinnawala on Experience Travel's advice), a visit to The Tea Trails where we learnt so much, to relaxing at Cape Weligama for 5 blissful days. A marvellous experience.

Rating for tour operator:

ALthough an online company, Experience Travel provide such a personalised service. They remembered us from 2 years ago with a trip to Vietnam and there was no need to explain our requirements, they remembered it all. They provide such fulsome information prior to your trip, taking all the anxiety out of the build up. Moving constantly from hotel to hotel can be stressful but I have faith that each hotel will be of a high standard. I like that, although I want 5 star, they are ethical in their choices and genuinely care about each country in which they operate. This trip they provided the Vamoos app which was brilliant. My next holiday choice will begin with the question, "Which other countries do Experience Travel cover?"

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 25 Nov 2015:

Dear Wendy,

Wow! What a wonderful review. We're so happy to receive reviews like this as that is everything that we aim for. What lovely comments. We're certainly remember you a third time too!

We all really appreciate your taking the time to write this for the benefit of people considering whether to use us.

Regards,

Sam (ETG Co-founder)

Wild Sri Lanka by malnut123, 23 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

Making the most of our first trip to Asia - Sri Lanka

This was our first trip to Asia - Sri Lanka. We expected we probably would not return there and so we wanted to squeeze the best out of the fortnight. Believing we could not see all the island without compromising the vacation we opted for the centre to north and stayed 1 to 3 nights in 6 locations. The 2 weeks incorporated a great variety of sights and experiences which will never be forgotten. They included: a stay on a coconut plantation, ...

This was our first trip to Asia - Sri Lanka. We expected we probably would not return there and so we wanted to squeeze the best out of the fortnight. Believing we could not see all the island without compromising the vacation we opted for the centre to north and stayed 1 to 3 nights in 6 locations. The 2 weeks incorporated a great variety of sights and experiences which will never be forgotten. They included: a stay on a coconut plantation, idyllic beaches, Buddhist and Hindu temple visits, ancient kingdoms, an elephant safari, staying on a tea plantation, village walks, dawn cycle rides, snorkelling amongst amazing fish, an elephant ride, Sigiriya rock fortress of course, tennis and croquet, and the unexpected highlight of dawn birdwatching in the jungle.

Rating for tour operator:

Our first trip to Asia, Sri Lanka, we chose Experience out of 3 companies we first contacted. They exceeded our expectations in every department. And, offering very good value. The hotels provided a very varied accommodation experience and were all better than expected. A great selection. Pre-booking, we went through numerous iterations of our itinerary and in all cases our Consultant "got it" straight away and developed our perfect vacation. All the pieces of the process and our time away worked so well and our chauffeur/guide was perfect for us. Keeping the right balance of affording us suitable privacy and being beside us for advice and assistance he could not be faulted. Experience's knowledge of the locations was very good and their ability to match their clients' needs and desires with what is available appears very strong. Well done and thank you to all at Experience (especially Consultant - Nick Clark, and Guide Sri Murali)

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 23 Nov 2015:

Dear Malcolm,

We're so pleased to get such a positive review. That's exactly what we'd hope people would say - everything that you were looking for and more besides! Thank you for taking the time and effort to post this review and I'll be sure to mention this to Murali and Nick and commend them both personally.

Kind regards,

Sam Clark (ETG Co-founder)

Experience Travel Group by Nicole, 20 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

Fantastic experience and one we will truly remember for a lifetime.

We flown to Bangkok and learnt about the history of Thailand, as well as understanding Buddhism and Thai culture visiting the grand palace and the reclining buddha and even had a tuk tuk adventure. We took a river tour through Bangkok to see old parts of Thailand before we flew to Chang Mai and visited an elephant sanctuary and learnt about their mission in looking after elephants and then being involved feeding, washing them, health checking etc...

We flown to Bangkok and learnt about the history of Thailand, as well as understanding Buddhism and Thai culture visiting the grand palace and the reclining buddha and even had a tuk tuk adventure. We took a river tour through Bangkok to see old parts of Thailand before we flew to Chang Mai and visited an elephant sanctuary and learnt about their mission in looking after elephants and then being involved feeding, washing them, health checking etc.later we trekked with the elephants down to a waterfall and there I proposed to my girlfriend with my elephant and me holding a proposal sign, where thankfully she said YES! The next day we went to a yearly festival where monks come down from the mountain and we offered them food and we received a blessing from them. In our spare time, our guide took us to a flower garden and tried more Thai food including a few extra spices. We travelled to an eco lodge in tribe village where we trekked through through the jungle before receiving a traditional Thai massage and watching the locals do a traditional Thai dance. our last few days we went to Phuket, where we went scuba diving, hopped on a boat to phi phi island to do a bit of snorkelling and relaxing in the beach. We visited more of Chang Mai, trying the street food before we watched some traditional muay Thai fighting. and cuisine, even trying some unusual foods we would of never tried before

Rating for tour operator:

Friendly, very knowledgeable and offered great activities or areas worth seeing

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 23 Nov 2015:

Dear Nicole,

We've already heard the great news - everyone was very excited in the office! Looking forward to posting some pictures on our facebook page too. So glad you had a great holiday as well!
All the best,

The ETG Team.

Cambodia and Vietnam Classic by DavidandMandy, 20 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

A wonderful experience from start to finish

We had never been to Cambodia and Vietnam before and Experience Travel put together a balanced itinerary for us with a great mix of hotels and experiences. All arrangements went to plan, all guides and drivers were first class and the various experiences, trips and tours arranged for us were fantastic. Being a private tour meant we had the freedom to be flexible and our guides were very accommodating, adjusting times and visits to suit. A marvellous ...

We had never been to Cambodia and Vietnam before and Experience Travel put together a balanced itinerary for us with a great mix of hotels and experiences. All arrangements went to plan, all guides and drivers were first class and the various experiences, trips and tours arranged for us were fantastic. Being a private tour meant we had the freedom to be flexible and our guides were very accommodating, adjusting times and visits to suit. A marvellous holiday which was smoothly organised before and during our trip. We visited Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia and in Vietnam, we went to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Hotels were fabulous in all places.

Rating for tour operator:

First class organisation from start to finish. All pre holiday communications were clear, concise and informative (their mobile app Vamoos was also good) and our holiday consultant was very helpful. All arrangements on our holiday were faultless - I have no hesitation in recommending Experience Travel.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 23 Nov 2015:

Dear David,

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It really is much appreciated. We're very glad you enjoyed Cambodia and Vietnam as much as we do and that everything went smoothly. We hope to hear from you again!

All the best,

The ETG Team.

Essential Laos by Granty66, 19 Oct 2015
Holiday Rating:

Laos & Cambodia

We have just returned form an excellent holiday to Laos and Cambodia which Experience Travel put together for us. We were based in six different locations on the tour which was put together for us. It was a wonderful trip and we were delighted with the overall service.

We have just returned form an excellent holiday to Laos and Cambodia which Experience Travel put together for us. We were based in six different locations on the tour which was put together for us. It was a wonderful trip and we were delighted with the overall service.

Rating for tour operator:

Experience Travel are brilliant. We had previously used them for a trip to Vietnam. The transfers worked liked clockwork and the guides we had were excellent. The choice of hotels was great.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 19 Oct 2015:

Dear Grant,

We're so pleased you had a great time. Thank you so much for taking the time t0 write this review. We very much hope we can arrange a third holiday some time down the track!

Kind regards,

Sam Clark

Experience Travel Group by GeoffZ, 5 Oct 2015
Holiday Rating:

Sri Lanka and the Maldives

We had a two week driving tour of Sri Lanka, followed by a week in the Maldives with the aim of getting to know and see much of both the country and the people.

We had a two week driving tour of Sri Lanka, followed by a week in the Maldives with the aim of getting to know and see much of both the country and the people.

Rating for tour operator:

We had our first holiday without children for 25 years and the Experience Travel team's knowledge of the country and people were matched up with what we enjoyed doing to ensure that the whole vacation was even better than we had hoped. We could not have had a more memorable holiday; just fitted for us.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 06 Oct 2015:

Dear Geoffrey,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review - it really does mean a great deal to us. We're so pleased you had an excellent holiday and enjoyed Sri Lanka and the Maldives as much as we do.

Kind regards,

Sam Clark
Cofounder and MD - ETG

Sri Lanka Laid Back - Deluxe by Freda, 1 Oct 2015
Holiday Rating:

We went on the Sri Lanka/ Maldives holiday for 2 weeks, it was amazing, from the online chat through to every detail of the holiday when in these amazing places, seamless, did what it said on the in and then some. we have some amazing memories m

We had an amazing two weeks in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. relaxing, effortless, due to the amazing organisation of 'Experience Travel'. From the minute we were picked up at the airport by our driver, ISHARA, who was amazing, we couldn't have asked for a better driver/guide, who absolutely made our time in Sri Lanka memorable, we were sorry to say goodbye. If I was to go back to Sri Lanka (which I would love to) I would ask for him ...

We had an amazing two weeks in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. relaxing, effortless, due to the amazing organisation of 'Experience Travel'. From the minute we were picked up at the airport by our driver, ISHARA, who was amazing, we couldn't have asked for a better driver/guide, who absolutely made our time in Sri Lanka memorable, we were sorry to say goodbye. If I was to go back to Sri Lanka (which I would love to) I would ask for him to be our driver and guide again. The country is beautiful and serene, the people, welcoming and very proud of their country. Customer service second to none. All the hotels were amazing, clean and in stunning surroundings. In particular the 'Rosyth Estate' in the hill country, amazing service and food in stunning jungle and tea plantation surroundings. After 9 days of seeing temples, elephants, local villages, riding bullock carts, tuk tuks and catarmarans across lakes and eating some wonderful curries we moved to the Maldives. Amazing Atolls, stunning beaches and snorkelling, with Turtles and Mantarays as well as all the other stunning sealife. a lovely relaxing end to an amazing holiday.

Rating for tour operator:

I was originally booked to go on a nile cruise which was cancelled by the FCO. it was 8 weeks before departure and had to look for an alternative holiday. I was looking at Sri Lanka and came across 'Experience Travel' the online chat facility was great and from then on seamless, Lucy Reeves tailored the itinerary, and from then on until the minute we arrived home from our holiday it was seamless, infact so seamless, I was sure there was something I must have forgotten to do. Cant praise them enough, would definitely use again and recommend.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 01 Oct 2015:

Dear Ruth,

Wow! What a lovely review. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this - I'll pass on your comments to Lucy, Ishara and all the team who worked on your holiday. It really makes it all worthwhile for us when we get comments like this.

Kind regards,

Sam
Co-founder - Experience Travel Group

Experience Travel Group by Chris, 24 Sep 2015
Holiday Rating:

Sri Lankan experience

First visit to Sri Lanka and we were amazed by the sights, sounds and wildlife. A very diverse island.

First visit to Sri Lanka and we were amazed by the sights, sounds and wildlife. A very diverse island.

Rating for tour operator:

Good advice given

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 24 Sep 2015:

Hi Christine,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and we're really glad you had a good time. We're very sorry though, that we didn't get an excellent rating from you and so we'll contact you separately to find out why and to see what we could better next time.

Kind regards,

Sam (Co-founder and MD)

Sri Lankan Family Adventure by Brian, 9 Sep 2015
Holiday Rating:

Great experience of a diverse cultural location

We had a two week trip to Sri Lanka covering the cultural sites as well as seeing elements of the wildlife and still having some downtime by the pool to recharge the batteries. Our three children said it was the best holiday we have had and my wife and I would agree.

We had a two week trip to Sri Lanka covering the cultural sites as well as seeing elements of the wildlife and still having some downtime by the pool to recharge the batteries. Our three children said it was the best holiday we have had and my wife and I would agree.

Rating for tour operator:

Experience Travel Group was very helpful in planning the holiday with suggestions and advice on how to structure the two weeks to get the most out of the trip in a child friendly manner. When we asked for changes and possible other features they would very accommodating and the knowledge of the location was great to build the programme to our liking.

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 09 Sep 2015:

Dear Brian,

That's great to hear. Thank you for taking the time to post this review - it really means alot to us. We'd love to hear from you guys again of course and if you have any friends or family thinking of travelling to Asia, please introduce us!

Kind regards,

Sam
Co-founder and MD

Experience Travel Group by JaneyS, 1 Sep 2015
Holiday Rating:

Sri Lanka rour of the south

Galle, Sinharaja, Kitulgala, Yala, Marissa over 2 weeks. Plenty of wildlife as hoped for. Hotels were excellent, organisation was great -pre-holiday communication great

Galle, Sinharaja, Kitulgala, Yala, Marissa over 2 weeks. Plenty of wildlife as hoped for. Hotels were excellent, organisation was great -pre-holiday communication great

Rating for tour operator:

Great organisation and advice. The advisor devised the whole trip based on a very high level brief, delivering to all the criteria (and more)

Experience Travel Group responded to this review on 03 Sep 2015:

Dear Jane,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write the review and we're very glad you had such a good time. We'd love to hear from you again!

Kind regards,

Sam Clark