Client Testimonials
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"Our guide for our 18-day trip to Japan was far and away the best we've ever had – resourceful, quick-thinking, extremely knowledgeable, with a great sense of humor – she even found us a high-quality dentist in Hiroshima when I needed some emergency work done on very short notice! We are a well-traveled, very demanding couple and were extremely pleased. The geisha performance in Kyoto that Remote Lands surprised us with tickets to was an unexpected treat in our itinerary, and the Miho Museum, where we received special access to parts normally off-limits to visitors, was another highlight of our holiday. The beautiful Iya Valley was a great change of pace and well worth the trip, and we only wish we had more time on Naoshima Island. Tokyo was the biggest surprise. We originally did not want to spend much time in the city but found it incredible, you need a good five days there. The food is just unbelievable. We are extremely demanding and we don't give 'perfect 10s' but this trip was close."
- Peter and Maria from London
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"Our family's trip to Japan was extremely well planned and well executed, on very short notice. Our guides in Kyoto and Tokyo were very impressive and opened doors for us to art experiences and restaurants that wouldn't otherwise have been possible, and our driver in Tokyo was adorable! Remote Lands made great suggestions, from excellent restaurants in Kyoto to taking the bullet train to the Izu Peninsula for hiking. The bound itinerary and destination guide provided before the trip and the thorough bon-voyage phone call were very helpful as well. Hats off to you!"
- Family from Minneapolis
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"We learned so much about Indian history, art, architecture, and customs. We are wiser now. In Jaipur, we loved watching film in a local cinema - the quality is fantastic! Bravo Bollywood. Our guide in Jodhpur was fantastic and very funny, and our dinner with the Maharaja's uncle was a very familiar and pleasant meal. Near Jodhpur there is a little village named Palasni where we were welcome like kings. We visited a school for the poorest childrent there, and donated a water cooler and a filter to them. We wrote to them, "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. For the School of Palasni." They are going to inscribe it on a plaque. This was a very moving experience."
Our private jet was a very important part of our trip. Most of the legs were less than 30 minutes, compared to six to 10 hours if we traveled by road. We had the same crew all the time, with a nice young hostess who was very pleased to fly with us. Overall, we had a fantastic trip to a new country for us. Remote Lands never fails!
- Couple from Madrid
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"Our trip to India with Remote Lands was interesting, well organized and very unique. We loved the diversity of the people and their attitudes. We were constantly fascinated by the brilliant colors, sounds and fragrances. Our guide was amazing, very polite and had endless knowledge and good connections - certainly the right person to escort your clients. The dinner and the puja in his home was a great experience, and our visit to the "golden city" of Jaisalmer and its fort was a highlight of our trip. Thank you for everything! "
- Zippy from Tel Aviv
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"We had a wonderful time on our trip to Sri Lanka. The accomodations were fabulous, our guide a real expert and a pleasure to be with, and we definitely had numerous experiences that would not have occurred had we just used one of the bigger travel companies. A unique vacation that we totally enjoyed."
- Marge & Julie, London
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"Everything about our honeymoon was planned perfectly, and we had the time of our lives. You could not have done a better job. Your connections in Asia are incredible, and we had a lot of amazing experiences. Your guides are phenomenal, and in particular your guide on Flores was so knowledgeable about the whole region, including every fish and every inch of the area. You really know what you are doing and you put a great trip together for us. We will definitely recommend you to our friends, many of whom are getting engaged now and will be getting married soon. Our family will be doing an Asia trip soon and we will absolutely use Remote Lands again."
- Manhattan couple on honeymoon in Singapore, Bali & Komodo
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"Cambodia--we knew we wanted to visit, and we contacted Remote Lands and asked, "Can you make this happen in a couple of days?" The answer was a firm yes. We took off, guided at nearly every step along the way; yet, we always felt completely independent. The suggestions of what we might like to do were tailored to our interests and preferences - this was our second trip with Remote Lands - and there was not a moment that felt disappointing in the least. From the sincerity of our guide to the comfortable eloquence of our lodging and cultural forays into Khmer history, our trip unfolded perfectly. If we were to do it again, we'd only wish for more time. Thank you, Remote Lands."
- Kristi & Paul, Tokyo, Japan
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"I have had trouble writing a short commentary about the amazing month long trip to Asia that Remote Lands recently organized for us. My head is full of words of praise. Our trip was seamless and unique. We were awed at every sight and delighted with every new experience. So many conversations with interesting people and knowledgeable guides and so many faces of people will stay with us ( and change us ) forever. The details were all very well arranged. I am a detail person and I notice and appreciate all those tiny details that Remote Lands took care of. A thousand thanks to the people of Remote Lands. You were lovely to work with and fulfilled with excellence every promise you made."
- Dan & Jeannine, Buffalo, NY
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"This was the single GREATEST travel experience of my LIFE, in which REMOTE LANDS gave me a chance to enjoy EVERYTHING, and experience NONE of the usual travel stress.
I LOOKED AND LOOKED for a fault in the trip. Damn it!! Cant find one!!! Congratulations, you have me speechless!
The guides were superb. Made me feel as if I were in the inner workings of each territory. The food I will remember, and mourn over, for the rest of my life. Memories that I will tell my grandchildren....I'm 32! A personal, expertly researched, stunningly delivered, hassle free, adventure, made JUST for me. My only regret is that the trip ENDED."
Watch Dominic talk about his trip on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, broadcast on April 29, 2009
- Dominic, Los Angeles
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"One of the things that makes you, Remote Lands, different is that you introduce us to very interesting people: noted artists, princes, brahmins, royalty, important business leaders, special hotel managers, and of course simple local people. It is impossible to meet these people on your own so this allows us, thanks to you, to get a deeper understanding of the country. Well done and good job!!! This time we have felt, again, like "VVVVVVVIP's". So everything has been outstanding and nearly perfect (perfection is for God only), and if there was anything wrong, we have already forgotten it! We must say again that one of the advantages in this kind of travel is to have your own private jet: everything is easier, especially in countries where the airports may close because a minister or someone of the Government will land in the same airport: e.g. Tambolaka, Sumba Airport.
We were emailing you while we were travelling to let you know what was going on, and we felt that you were with us all the time. We know that you were always in touch with all the people, guides and hotels in the places we were going. It was so convenient to be able to call Jay in the Bangkok Office with questions, changes and special requests. Bravo!!! We are again so very happy to travel with you!!! Let's start planning the third holiday now!
- 3 friends from Madrid
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"We had a great experience working with Remote Lands. You were immensely responsive and tried very hard to please us and tailor the trip to our own needs and tastes. We would definitely work with you again and recommend you to our friends. Overall we loved Cambodia the most, staying in Amansara, taking the helicopter over Angkor Wat and having our wedding vows renewed for our anniversary. One evening at Amankila in Bali we had one of the most romantic dinners of our lives in a special location overlooking the hills, ocean and rice fields at sunset and then we star watched. Wow!
- New York family
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"Remote Lands helped us create the ultimate journey to seven countries in Asia in three and a half weeks. We were exposed to incredible mix of culture, history, and excitement. The countries we knew the least about ended up being the most interesting and enjoyable. Bhutan's scenery and symmetrical, colorful architecture are incredibly breathtaking. The people are friendly and very peaceful. Remote Lands gave us the opportunity to explore nature and mesh into a new culture as one of only a few tourists are endless in Bhutan. Here, one only hears about Myanmar in conjunction with its political instability, but it should really be known for its wealth of accessible cultural and historical sites. Inle Lake is really gorgeous and being able to talk to the people who live there and feel welcome into their community is one of our fondest memories. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is definitely a site that no one should miss in Southeast Asia; it just as beautiful as any religious site in the region. Laos is a quiet and peaceful safe haven in contrast with its busier neighbors. The streets of Luang Prabang are charming and a trip through time. The outskirts are stunning as well: green hills wrapped around the Mekong River, dotted with Buddhas and infused with unique tribal history. Remote Lands certainly adds an amount of comfort and ease that cannot be rivaled in terms of transitioning locations and feeling safe. They definitely know where to send the traveler."
- Clate and Philip, Greenwich CT
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"Remote Lands arranged an absolutely flawless trip for me to Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan where I stayed in some of the world's finest hotels - Amanbagh, Taj Rambagh Palace, Oberoi Amarvilas and the Imperial. My guides were superbly knowledgeable on history, architecture and culture, and also quite adept at taking me to the most reputable shops and galleries to indulge my passion for art collecting. I met some fascinating and influential local people and was invited to dine in private homes and clubs. I had instant insider access to the real India, and the trip had a level of depth that turned me from a tourist into a traveler. The terrorist attacks on Bombay occurred while I was in Rajasthan, but I was totally unaffected, fortunately, and Remote Lands made me feel very comfortable and kept me informed of the latest events."
- Peter, Litchfield, CT
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"We are very seasoned travellers and Remote Lands certainly delivered on our recent trip to Indochina. Their guidance on which particular sites to visit was spot on, as were the accommodations. My wife and I particularly enjoyed some of the off the beaten track experiences including a fascinating evening spent in the home of a Laotian peasant farmer and his (extended) family. We also appreciated Remote Lands' ability to deal with a problem that we encountered and make the necessary adjustments on a real time basis."
- Peter & Maria, London
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"We are intrepid travelers who love to get off the beaten track to explore. Remote Lands did a great job of arranging our trip to some of the less trodden parts of Indonesia. Our expert local guides shared their intimate knowledge of their locales with us and kept us far away from the typical tourist itineraries."
We trekked through the magnificent rice paddies of Torajaland, where each mountain valley brought us to a new tiny village of unique Torajan houses with roofs the shape of buffalo horns, where we were the only "outsiders". We dined under a star filled sky on a deserted island in the waters off Komodo National Park after a day of tracking the komodo dragon in the wild and snorkeling in the spectacular coral filled waters.
We saw some of the more visited sites as well, just not when anyone else was there! Thank you, Remote Lands."
- Peter & Bryna, New Jersey
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"We are having an incredible journey. Everything is fantastic. When we arrived [by private jet] at Hanoi, they welcomed us like prime ministers. Our Spanish-speaking guide, Lino, is superb; he is very clever, sharp and funny, so we are very happy with him. The staff was fantastic, smiled all the time, and knew in advance what we needed. Did you phone them everyday to let them know our wishes? Halong Bay is so wonderful. The crew and the chef on the junk are unsurpassable. The decoration for yesterday's dinner - I have no words. We are having one of the best trips of our lives!"
For the party's more in-depth, on-the-road testimonial, click here.
- 4 friends from Madrid and Monaco
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"Remote Lands procured superb seats for us as requested and promised along with the best hotel rooms in town. They showed us a side of Asia we wouldn't have discovered on our own - we climbed the Great Wall of China in a remote section with nobody else around for miles. Perhaps more importantly, when changes were needed ... a typhoon heading for Hong Kong, our decision to spend more time in Beijing, the need for private transport at midnight after the Singapore Grand Prix ... one phone call from us, and Remote Lands made the changes flawlessly. First Class Service, exactly as advertised ... time to start planning next year's trip!"
Two Couples from Dallas and Denver
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"What a magical experience, especially for the kids who learned to make kites and then got to fly them on the beach. During a spectacular lunch the Prince told us about his love for ballroom dancing. We couldn't resist getting up right then and there and teaching him the "Swing"."
"Our favorite days were the ones where Remote Lands planned unique "out of the box" experiences for us - the magical "Golden Hour" walk at dawn through the rice terraces and hidden temples near Ubud, horseback riding on the beach and the lunch we shared in preparing with a local Balinese family in their village home. It was a truly special holiday and we had a great time."
A Connecticut family
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"Remote Lands gave us access to people, places and things we would have never experienced otherwise. Our Southeast Asian journey was exciting, fun, educational and extraordinarily profound. There was an authenticity to the type of experience set up for us that made every city we visited special and gave us countless moments we will never forget. From the most luxurious settings and hotels, to experiencing the true culture and lifestyle of the people, WITH the people, we had the complete range put together for us. We felt like there was nothing we were missing. The door has been opened and we can't wait to go back now for more."
Jessika and David, Los Angeles
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"Thank you for planning a journey we will never forget. Sri Lanka is a beautiful, exotic and most interesting country. The people are wonderful - especially our guide nonpareil, who has led an incredible life and shared his experiences so openly with us. We loved the variety of of activities and locations. Some of the hotels were so fabulous that our only regret was not having more time to stay in these incredible places. We hated for our trip to end and hope to return someday. We'll definitely recommend Sri Lanka to friends and we certainly look forward to working with you again in the future. Thanks for your professional assistance that made all the difference in a truly exceptional experience. In summary, we would definitely recommend your company to friends and as a matter of fact, we have already done so".
Janet and Tim, Colorado
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"Our trip to China went beyond our expectations. We truly got a sense of the culture. Rather than the hop-off-the-bus, click-the-camera, get-back-aboard experience that so many well-intentioned companies provide, we had dinner with local students, hiked through fields with village farmers, and walked the city streets with experienced guides who talked about daily life. Of course, we saw many of the important sites in the places we visited, but we were always relaxed and in control of our schedule. Our trip was made exciting with the Macau Tower Jump, enriching with the opportunity to learn about ancient Asian art from experts in Hong Kong, challenging with a variety of unique and spicy Sichuan foods, and amazing with eight cuddly panda bears in Wolong. Meeting the head abbot of a Lhasa monastery was an experience no regular tour would think to provide.
We were well looked after - one of our guides even stepped into a restaurant's kitchen and prepared a dish just for us! We hesitate to say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience - we will travel with Remote Lands again and look forward to those new, exclusive adventures."
Mark & Lee - Austin, TX
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"I had a GREAT time on the trip. I feel completely culturally enriched. We saw a part of the world I had never seen, and did things few Westerners ever do in their lifetimes (like eating with a local Lao family in their home; having a Buddhist marriage renewal ceremony in Cambodia; seeing grubs for sale from street vendors). I met people who live in a culture completely different from my own. Thanks for everything, it was definitely a trip of a lifetime and something I'll never forget. We really had a great time and I would definitely do another trip in the future, without question."
Ken & Corrie - Los Angeles, CA
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"Bhutan was an unforgettable experience; We especially enjoyed meeting the business people in Kathmandu and the professor in Paro which we could never have done on a regular tour. Both were very special glimpses into real life in Bhutan and Nepal. Besides being a lot of fun, we were able to ask a lot of questions which were answered in detail and with patience. The wedding was also a very special memory; being dressed in the same clothes as our hosts made us feel part of the village life. (Eating and drinking the traditional wedding treats - most of which were completely unidentifiable to us - was challenging, but will make the memory stick!) Thanks again for helping us to create such special memories."
Three Couples - Montreal, Canada
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"We had a lovely and highly interesting trip to India, Nepal and Bhutan. Highlights were numerous but among them, we will never forget the Humayan Tomb in Delhi, the breathtaking Amber Fort in Jaipur and the Jain temple complex in Ranakpur. We stayed in extraordinary hotels such as the Lake Palace in Udaipur, Amanbagh in Alwar and the Imperial in New Delhi where the service and atmosphere were superb. Remote Lands arranged for us to renew our marriage vows in an authentic and moving ceremony at a local Bhutanese farmhouse outside Paro. Buddhist monks chanted, traditional blessings were offered, and symbolic foods and wines were shared. All in all an unforgettable journey."
Jacques & Yvonne - Mexico & Paris
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"Remote Lands planned our family's three week vacation [by private jet]. Our very detailed itinerary included 13 towns in 9 different countries, focusing on Indochina and Thailand. Remote Lands did such a wonderful job planning the trip. They were excellent in preparation, detail and in selection of important places to go and see. The logistics were very well planned and executed - everyone was on time as scheduled. Our guides were thoughtful, flexible, always punctual and helpful. Our Hanoi guide was especially capable, open, straightforward and articulate. We stayed in touch with Catherine and Jay by Blackberry throughout the trip and emailed them at least once a day with feedback, last minute changes and additional requests, and they responded rapidly to the issues"
American Family
We had been to Siem Reap before ... but this trip was truly one-of-a-kind, an insiders look into the life and culture of the Cambodian people, truly a trip of a lifetime. |
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"Remote Lands arranged an extraordinary Cambodian journey for us. We traveled with a private guide and experienced adventures we never dreamed of: Angkor Wat at sunrise, bicycling on the walls of Angor Thom, exploring a jungle temple few visitors have ever seen, watching the sunset from a private boat on Tonle Sap Lake and being blessed by an old Buddhist Monk at his village pagoda. At the end of each day we returned to our hidden gem of a hotel and enjoyed a fabulous gourmet dinner. We had been to Siem Reap before, but the program Remote Lands put together was truly one-of-a-kind, leaving us with an insiders look into the life and culture of the Cambodian people, truly a trip of a lifetime."
Marion & Carl - Austin, TX
Having travelled quite intrepidly, we wanted a trip that wouldn't fall into the traditional category of 'honeymoon' -- so we decided on Papua New Guinea. |
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"We stayed with local tribes in their villages and in their huts...the Asaro Mudman tribal people took us where no tourists had been before, down through their lands to the source of the clay they use to make their tribal masks. this was the type of experience that summed up the way in which Remote Lands operates - encounters you wouldn't have heard about, you wouldn't know how to arrange it if you had and no-one else (and by that I mean tourists) has ever done before.
Every guest house or lodge that we stayed in during the trip was either a) the best PNG had to offer - do bear in mind this is relative, or b) splendidly atmospheric and indigenous to the local people and their way of life. We were off to the Maldives for the final leg of our honeymoon so we had informed Catherine and Jay that, predominantly, we wanted option b. We got it and though not affording you the perfect night's sleep on every occasion, you couldn't have found accommodation that allowed you greater in-depth access and visibility to the country and the people. Catherine and Jay were spot on in their knowledge of what we should expect."
For a complete description of their amazing journey in PNG, please click here.
Mark & Katherine - London, UK
Sixteen days, four countries, eight flights, and six hotels without a hitch. |
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"Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand in sixteen days ... Six hotels, eight flights, three boats, two elephants and an oxcart, all smoothly arranged and without a hitch. Years ago, in our youth, we could arrive somewhere exotic and spend a week or two reconnoitering. Today, leisure time is the resource we lack. Remote Lands makes the most of every moment and exceeded our expectations."
Ralph & Orn - New York, NY
It was individual and authentic. And I was treated like a family friend, not a paying guest. |
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As she recounted to indagare.com, on her recent solo Remote Lands trip to India, Alyssa Duncan stayed with the Maharajah of Burdwan and his wife in their palace overlooking Mt. Katchenjunga. But Duncan also visited Hayden Hall in Darjeeling, a non-profit foundation that teaches poor women to be self-sufficient; a working tea plantation; and a Tibetan refugee center where she heard tales of fleeing from Chinese rule. "I met people I never would have met before on a regular luxury vacation," says Duncan. "It was individual and authentic. And I was treated like a family friend, not a paying guest." She added "I had an absolutely wonderful time! Everyone was so nice and took such good care of me. I didn't have time to feel the least bit lonely!"
Alyssa - Ulysses, KS
I did not initially have any desire to meet local people, much less visit their homes, but my wife pushed me to, and it turned out to be the best part of the trip by far. |
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"My wife and I took a two week trip to Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) with Remote Lands. I did not initially have any desire to meet local people, much less visit their homes, but my wife pushed me to, and it turned out to be the best part of the trip by far. In Laos, we drove to the very remote tribal area of Luang Namtha in the far north, where we attended a New Year's celebration in a small farming village. We had a delicious dinner with our host family in their home, eating the sticky rice they farm. We topped off the evening with shots of locally made rice whiskey, which certainly cleared the palate! Even though we did not speak the same language, we were able to communicate with each other. Everyone was so warm and nice to us and they really made us feel part of their community. It was an unforgettable experience."
George & Eleanor - New York, NY