TruTravels

I came to the tour with my friend Katie, and we could instantly tell rich was an amazing tour guide due to helping us out before the tour had even started when we accidentally booked ourselves into a bit of a dodgy hotel. Rich got us a transfer and a hotel room in manila and helped us right away, which we were both very grateful for - especially as we are both only 19 and it was our first time ever travelling alone. This instantly reassured me that he was going to be a great tour guide as he was looking out for us and helping us before the tour had even began.

We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. Rich took the time to get to know us individually which was really nice. He was great fun, chatty, engaging and organised. Rich made sure to always let us know the day plan in advance which was good as it allowed us to get organised for the day ahead.
He is such a fun character, who was always making the group laugh. Whilst maintaining professionalism, Rich was also able to let loose and have fun with the group which is great, as before arriving I was worried about having a tour guide who wouldn’t be interested in having fun with us.

We unfortunately had a few issues with my friends health, where we needed to be driven in an emergency ambulance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa in the night. This was a 5hr journey and we had to leave all our bags and belongings behind at the hotel in El Nido, and stay at the hospital for a few day with nothing on us (no food, clothes or money). We understand this would have caused a HUGE deal of stress for Rich, especially as this was his first tour, and I was so grateful for how he responded to the situation.

Before being ambulanced, he came to see us at the el nido hospital to drop of a bag of snacks that he had bought from the shop for us as we had barely eaten that day which was really kind. Whilst in the ambulance and hospital, Rich was constantly texting / calling me to check in and ask for updates as my friend had become pretty out of it and was unable to respond. Rich was constantly reassuring me and answering any questions I had. This meant a great deal to me as I found the experience really frightening, especially having to leave 5hrs away from everyone without any belongings. I am very thankful for how kind and helpful he was throughout this.

During the trip, I was quite nervous on a few occasions. I can become quite anxious about flying (ironic that I booked myself onto a trip with loads of flights, I know!). I was also nervous during the zip line and canyoneering due to the heights, but Rich reassured me the whole time and was encouraging me to do it, which really helped me and I did end up doing it all. It was nice to have someone encouraging me so positively.

Overall, I had an amazing time in the Philippines with Richard and I am very sad to say goodbye to him. Over the past 17 days, we have become great friends and I really hope to see him again one day. Thank you rich and TruTravels for an amazing experience that I will never forget.

I’ve been on two amazing tours with TruTravels. One with Jurgen as our ninja and one with Josh. Had a great time on both tours, loads of fun activities and like minded travellers. The admin team were so helpful and accommodating with changes that needed to be made because of the pandemic. Thank you to the TruTravels team and my two fantastic ninjas for making my adventures so great 😊

I had the most amazing time on the 18 day Bali and Beyond trip. We were very fortunate to have 2 WONDERFUL travel ninjas. Andre and Marta. They were both organised, fun and friendly (and now my life long friends!) If I were to pick my favourite part of the trip it would be the 2 nights on the boat. I can honestly say I have NEVER seen the stars look so beautiful! I tried to take a photo and couldn't! I'm actually now saving money up so I can do it again.

Just completed the Total Thailand 27 day tour and I would 100% recommend to everyone!! The North was full of activities and action. Highlights were definitely the hill tribe, elephant sanctuary and the waterpark. Chiang Mai was definitely my top location as it is super chill, with great places for street food, and easy to navigate. Max and Minty were amazing tour guides and made sure everything was organised, safe and fun!!

From Chiang Mai we got the overnight train back to Bangkok and the southern part of the tour started. The floating bungalows were stunning and a great start to the tour. Then we visited island after island of white sandy beaches thinking they next can't be as beautiful - but each time we were wrong! Highlights were definitely bottle beach, snorkeling and Maya Bay. Arthur was a really fun tour guide and there was never a boring moment around him! He can also play guitar, sing, and is up for a jam! Sonny was really kind and helpful and taught me how to count in Thai. All of the tru travel guides have been amazing and the trips wouldn't have been the same without them.

If you are unsure about booking this trip then go for it! I've made friends for life, countless memories and will never forget my time in Thailand 🇹🇭❤

I just completed my Greece IH tour and wanted to shout out to our amazing ninja Maddy! This is my second TruTravels tour after I completed my first earlier this year so my expectations were high! I honestly think Maddy did a brilliant job leading our group around the Greece Island Hopper trip. She immediately made us feel welcome and her kind demeanour meant I felt in safe hands. Thank you Maddy for making our trip super special and filled with love ❤️

I’m currently contemplating even going home, after three tours with TruTravels. Bali, Cambodia and The Philippines i officially have the bug! The tours have been incredible, ticking off everything on your bucket list. You meet the most amazing people on the tours who will remain friends for life. TruTravels isn’t your arrange travel company, it’s a family. The travel ninjas are insane, they are always on hand prior to the trip, on the tour and after you leave. Nothing is ever an issue, which takes away all your the stress and anxieties. Shout out to the travel ninjas Marta, Hull and Chris (aka Crystal) these tours wouldn’t have been the same without them, the tours are great but I personally feel it’s made by the tour guide as they take you to all the great local spots to really experience the places you’re in. I would highly recommend TruTravels!!

Philippines 17 day island hopper:

Honestly where do I begin! I can confidently say the tour wouldn’t of been the same without Chris. Always there if we needed help, guidance, shoulder to cry on or even a drinking partner. Every single person in the group felt so comfortable around him and he is extremely down to earth which is a great attribute to hold - I’ve never been so close to wetting myself from laughing on multiple occasions before.

From the late nights dancing to the early morning boat trips I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I may be walking away with a new tattoo, sleep deprived, ear infection and messed up liver from the alcohol but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What a way to get my travel bug back, ready to start planning the next trip and explore more of the islands.

10/10

I did the Vietnam Explorer tour and our tour guide Lucas was amazing! So funny and great at recommending things to do and see before during and after the tour. Another guide Kevin joined us mid way through the was good too and I’m sure he will be a fab guide in future groups.

The best part of the trip was Hoi An, it was beautiful and we had such brilliant food there. The Jeeps out of Hoi An were incredible too and I felt very lucky to do it surrounded by such a lovely group of people!