Globotours flexibility

My husband, Foster, and I returned on May 6, ’06, from a 5-night trip with Globotours’ (18725 East Gale Ave., Ste. 209, City of Industry, CA 91748; 800/988-4833 or www.globotours.com) to Singapore and Cambodia (for Angkor Wat), with a 3-­day extension to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We also added one extra night in Singapore, bringing the total hotel nights to nine.

This tour was unguided except for two day-tours in Angkor Wat and a one-day tour in Ho Chi Minh City in private vehicles with our own driver and guide, plus a half-day group tour in Singapore. The six airport/hotel transfers also were provided.

The total cost to us was under $3,500, and we spent very little out-of-pocket on the trip except for airport exit fees and visa fees (which totaled about $210 for two travelers). Entrance fees to temples and attractions were included. We did each have to provide four passport photos for a Vietnam visa, a Cambodian visa and Angkor Wat entry, which we were advised of in advance.

Every aspect of this trip was handled flawlessly. We were met as scheduled, documents were provided exactly as promised, and day guides and transport guides were knowledgeable and fluent in English and went out of their way to make sure all was going as promised.

All flights were on Singapore Air, except for one leg on Silk Air, an affiliate, and service was first-rate (though, of course, not roomy in economy class).

Hotels were 4-­star and well located, and all included the very extensive breakfast we’ve come to expect from Asian hotels.

We usually travel independently, but this trip was excellent value, gave a good overview and still left us on our own except for the described activities.

The tour was exceptionally flexible. Any departure date could be chosen, dependent solely on aircraft seat availability, and nights could be added as desired. There was also a choice of class of hotel.

We would definitely recommend this tour arrangement, as we would Globotours, generally for their organization and follow-through.

GALE POOLE
Vallejo, CA