Singles Travel Connections

Would not go again – I would not go on a trip with this company again unless perhaps it was somewhere I desperately wanted to go AND there was no Brian. I do not think I am really their target market though. You will be if you like to do everything - absolutely everything - with the group, if you never ever want to be on your own, if you enjoy every meal in company with The Group, preceded by and accompanied with copious amounts of alcohol with The Group before every meal, if you think anything that happens is all ‘just part of the travel experience’ and don’t mind any even mild criticism being brushed off by the tour leaders, and you find Brian’s constant self-promoting and attention hogging amusing or at least tolerable. I thought he had all the manners and charm of a warthog. Customer service skills? Nil. Judith is very nice and her organisation is very good. If you don’t mind that often the guide or bus driver gets a better room than you (“just the luck of the draw”), that the restaurants and accommodation overall are mostly rather average with the occasional gem, and that The Group you have to eat with is so loud and completely oblivious to the comfort of anyone else in a dining room, look no further. If it were led by Judith and husband Brian stayed home, my score would be somewhat different. One of the weaknesses of family businesses is that a family member often holds a position they do not have the skills for, and are not suited to. This one is no exception.

Another great trip – Went to Myanmar in September 2018 and it was another great trip. I missed my original flight (my fault) but when I woke and realized found phone calls and messages from Tour guides, Judith & Brian, wondering what happened to me. A phone call to them and I was on plane late that afternoon. Myanmar itself was great , accommodation was fantastic, especially Villa Inle Resort. River Cruise was also outstanding. Google Sanctuary Ananda Myanmar. Some suggested the cruise was a little long, but I could have easy spent another two or three days on board.

It's not easy for some, going on holidays when you don't know others, but I find it is what you make of it yourself.

Thank you once again Singles Travel Connection

A little p.s.

I was on that trip to Cuba in November 2015. The one and only time Singles Travel have ever been there and

while there were a lot of issues, I felt Singles Travel did their best to sort them out, but most times it was out of their control

Think thrice – I generally avoid group travel companies. As I was going to Cuba and had two friends who had been there I was wary of travelling alone. I am also well past the backpacker stage of travel. I was therefore attracted by the advertising of this company which offered a 5-star hotel all the way itinerary on a non-share basis. They had not taken a group to Cuba previously and the organisation was appalling. Throughout they blamed the Cuban government but there was no rebate for the fact than not a single hotel was of the promised standard. In fact, 3 nights were spent billeted with 'families'. We were expected to enjoy this as a more authentic experience even though none of the families were interested in socialising with their guests - just getting the $US20 per head. Most of the private accommodation was like airbnb - a room in a house. The hotels which we did stay in were, at best, 3-star. On the last night I had water dripping on me from the bathroom above whenever I sat on the toilet. Still, I fared better than one of our party who had a windowless cupboard at the hotel in Havana because they had overbooked the rooms. The accommodation component charged for the trip was well over $350 per night.

The guide engaged usually accompanied German tourists. His English was not great and very difficult to understand. Worse still, he did not take us to any of the places most guide books recommend. For example, we did not go to a cigar factory but to a shop run by his friends who charged more for cigars than they cost in any retail store. We did not visit Hotel Nacional in Havana! Most of my travelling companions picked up their knowledge of Cuba from Lonely Planet books passed around during the interminable bus journeys.

To get to Cuba and back we flew from Miami to Cayman Islands - had a long wait then flew in the opposite direction back to Cuba. This was reversed on the way back, allegedly because there were no direct flights Miami-Cuba. But alas, our travel company had not kept up to date. As we waited in the Cayman Island airport for hours, we watched several planes leave and arrive directly to/from Miami. So much time was wasted in a tiny airport getting to and from.

They did mention a low level of fitness was required for the tour but happily took the money of wheel-chair bound travellers who were left outside when we ate at restaurants above street level with no lift access.

When charging so much and advertising a luxury tour I think some responsibility falls on the organisers to do a little bit of ground work first. Nothing was their fault. It was the communist government. They didn't tip out tour guide and refunded us $20 each for that component only - another opportunity to shift the blame and try and look good. Unlike countries I have travelled to alone or with family, I have no real memories of Cuba apart from time spent with other Australians and a large amount of time on a bus. Almost none of the fascinating history and few genuine interactions with Cubans. This was my first and last trip with Singles Travel Connections.

Perfect! – This company came highly recommended by a friend who had made several trips with them and thought it would suit me too. I usually travel alone however found I was missing the social aspect of travelling in a group but didn’t want to be part of a group made up mainly of couples. I’ve now made 7 trips with this company and have 2 more planned. Either one or both of the owners travel with each tour and ensure everyone in the group is looked after and no-one ever feels left out. The groups are small – usually around 12-15 and the majority on each trip I’ve done have been repeat clients. By the end of the first day everyone feels comfortable with each other and by the end of the second it feels like travelling with a group of friends.

Each trip I have been on has had excellent guides in each country who provide the local knowledge. The coaches have been large enough for everyone to have a window seat, the hotels are all first class and always in excellent locations so you can wander on your own if you want during free time. Meals are usually included on the first night at any new place and then everyone is encouraged – but not obligated - to eat together at new restaurants on the remaining nights. Most people join in as sharing a meal and social camaraderie is one of the joys of travelling. I highly recommend this company for any solo traveller who likes nice hotels, small groups and relaxed sociable company.

Disappointing – This is a small South Australian based firm run by a husband and wife team who divide responsibilities for escorting tours between them. The firm targets the solo traveller market. As a traveller unused to organised tours I selected this firm because of their "small groups" offering, and the fact that the travel dates for the tour to my desired destination suited me. Back of house pre-departure organisation and service was fine, but the actual tour experience was disappointing. The principal escorting the tour I went on lacked a customer service approach, and his knowledge and general understanding of the destination was also lacking. The advertised itinerary was altered several times without consultation and in some cases this was not justified by circumstances and appeared more for the convenience and comfort of the escort. Instances of injury or unwellness amongst the group seemed to be disregarded, and in one instance the whole group was diverted and then left waiting in the tour vehicle while he attended to his own personal business (shopping). Overall I felt customers' needs and expectations were secondary to the escort's personal holiday plans and own comfort and wishes. Fortunately the destination itself was wonderful but I would have enjoyed the experience much more with a different, more knowledgeable and professional tour escort. I would not use them again. Efficient booking and office services The tour escort's level of professionalism and customer service