Customer Testimonials

It was a wonderful trip! As usual, FP had everything planned and very carefully handled. Our accommodations and transportation was great. I have to say that our guide was the best and most knowledgeable leader. I will definitely travel with FP again.

— Sharon Hughes, Corinth, MS

My husband and I went on this trip for our honeymoon and it truly was nothing short of incredible. Thailand is a such a gorgeous country, rich in color, architecture, ancient wonders and cultural marvels. I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering visiting Thailand. The temples (or wats) were breathtaking. The palaces and Buddhas were on a level of grandeur I have never experienced anywhere else. Thailand is full of treasures! The time we spent with the people, monkeys and elephants, the food, the night markets- everything was spectacular! Our guide Lek was amazing and was truly one of the high points of the trip! She took time to get to know each one of us individually, and always found a way to make each and everyone one of us feel happy and special. She was wonderfully polite and sensitive, as well as incredibly knowledgeable. She went out of her way on many occasions to accommodate our individual needs, from stopping at the convenience store or the bank, to confirming our return flights. Her pride for Thailand's rich history really came across in all that she shared with the group and added real meaning to our experience. All the hotels were wonderful. We were very lucky to have a great group and we were all very sad to part ways. It was a wonderful experience!

— Melisa Oepen, Dallas, TX

We have just finished watching our Movies taken on our tour to Thailand. What a incredible time we had. Our tour guide "Lek" was the best part of the tour. She made sure we had a wonderful time. She went above and beyond what was expected to make us feel welcome and enjoy her country. After spending hours with us she would make herself available at night to answer any question or help with any concerns. She was a delight to travel with and was very informative about the areas and sights we saw. She recommended restaurants and places to shop and see on the little off tour time we had. The entire trip was excellent and we are looking forward to perhaps India or Africa with friendly Planet in the near future.

— Dana Rice, Sandy, Utah

We took the trip to Ecuador in October. Absolutely fabulous trip, planning, lodging, food, transportation. Our tour guide, Patricio, could not have been a better guide. I would take the trip again in a minute!

— Ann Ritchie, Midland, TX

Good value, great adventure, superb guide and driver, sign me up for the next trip.

— Amanda Mccullough

The trip of a lifetime! Friendly Planet did everything it promised and more. I have never seen such beautiful scenery and dealt with such wonderful people. I felt very safe and would even venture to go on one of your tours alone. Everything was taken care of. Our tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and spoke very good English. One of our guides even arranged for another extension after the trip. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FRIENDLY PLANET TOURS! I tell everyone who is interested in an exotic trip to be sure to check Friendly Planet out. I will definitely go with Friendly Planet again.

— June Garst, Conroe, TX

We had never taken a Friendly Planet tour before and everything exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Wael, was just the best, but the ship was a close second. The staff provided service beyond measure -- great food, a spacious room, warm washcloths and hot mint tea when we'd return to the ship each day, no hassle shopping in the jewelry store on board, and a full upper deck where you could send your time visiting with new friends or just watching people go about their everyday work on the shore. We were on the ship for 7 nights and it was such a leisurely trip because we weren't having to move from place to place every couple of days. This was a trip of a life time!

— Bob and Mary Chase

We weren't sure what to expect (especially at this price), and quite honestly, we were thoroughly impressed. The tour guides were not only knowledgeable but very friendly. The accommodations were pristine and the adventure well, enough cannot be said for all that Egypt has to offer. We were a little concerned about any anti-American feelings that could be present there. On the contrary, the locals seemed to be warm, wonderful people who opened themselves up to us so very easily. We felt completely safe every step of the way! I highly recommend this trip to anyone who may have an interest in seeing Egypt.

— Scott Hebert, Gardner, MA

I had a wonderful time, and think Friendly Planet did a fantastic job with coordination of flights, bus transfers, and our hotel in Athens. I was also pleasantly surprised by the included housekeeping aboard easyCruise Life. The literature provided by both easyCruise and Friendly Planet gave an exceptionally accurate description of the ship, its amenities (which were actually nicer than we anticipated), the islands, and the amount of time spent on each island. This cruise line is designed to allow maximum enjoyment of the islands at a budget price—and it delivered on that promise. I could not have been happier with the ship, its staff, or the excursions. Thank you for providing such a comprehensive package. I will definitely be recommending both easyCruise and Friendly Planet to my friends!

— Dr. Karen Thomas, Baltimore, MD

Simply put, Friendly Planet delivers. Everything promised on the tour was delivered. The tour ran smoothly. I appreciate going to local restaurants rather than just eating in the hotel. The quality of the restaurants were excellent.

— Robert Grove

The tour was well worth the money spent. I would definitely go with your company again! Everything was beyond our expectations. Thanks for a very well organized tour!!

— June Dimalanta, Pensacola, FL

When we saw the price of this trip I booked it as a joke. My wife and I had never done an organized trip like this. Well, we were blown away by the whole experience. The guide Panu was wonderful and the trip was the best value I have ever had in my many travel experiences. We have two more trips booked with you and are really looking forward to them. Your company is the best kept secret around and we are glad that we tried you.

— Brian & Marilyn Goldman, Toronto, Canada

This was the trip of a lifetime and was a phenomenal deal. I will definitely go on another Friendly Planet tour.

— Stephanie Palmer, Studio City, CA

It had always been a dream of mine to visit India and see the Taj Mahal. I never thought I would be able to afford such an exotic trip, but Friendly Planet's great package deals made my dream a reality! And to top it all off the tour was extremely well organized, the accommodations were wonderful. I was a bit apprehensive before departing because I had never taken an organized tour. But once we arrived and saw how smoothly everything was running, my mom and I were glad we chose Friendly Planet. We highly recommend Friendly Planet to all our friends and family and my mom and I are planning to take a tour of Japan and China next year. Thanks for making our experience one we will never forget!!

— Miriam Martinez, Miama, FL

Just returned from my first trip with Friendly Planet and was so impressed that I had to write this note. You have a lot of choices in travel and I have found my tour company at last. Everything about my trip was amazing—our guide, Ibrahim, was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also patient and very funny. Hotels, transportation, meals, added excursions were all superb. Everything went off without a hitch—I felt safe and cared for every minute and could spend ALL of my time enjoying the trip instead of worrying about the travel details. Turkey, its people, scenery, food, monuments and parks are just wonderful. I can't wait for my next trip. So little time, so much to see...

— Ann Ott, Cedar City, Utah

My friends couldn't believe the price. The hotels were top of the line, and our guide was great. He was very knowledgeable, had a super sense of humor and was very organized. I would be happy to travel with Friendly Planet again.

— Suzanne Blair, South Haven, MI

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for our wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a wonderful time. Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations, including our tour guide Audi. Without a doubt Audi was the most qualified and attentive tour guide we have ever had. He made what would have been a wonderful trip into a spectacular trip. We can't thank Friendly Planet and Audi enough for our trip of a lifetime.

— Emily Brown, North Pembroke, MA

Wayne and I (the token Canadians) wanted to let you know that every detail of our "A Taste of Vietnam" trip was fantastic!!!! Departing early in the morning for this trip helped with the jet lag plus the weather was cooler. Our hosts ("Long" in HCMC and "Phong" in Hanoi) were enthusiastic, professional and extremely knowledgeable. They were very patient with our group and repeated themselves on occasion. It was a pleasure listen to the historical/cultural information while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The hotels were excellent and the pool at Equatorial was fantastic. The transportation was on time, comfortable and the drivers were awesome. Food in Vietnam for this Jewish, chicken-intolerant diet was the best ever! The variety was amazing! Beth, the flights on CI were excellent and service on board was attentive and gracious (says this standard airline employee!). No issues with Asian vegetarian meals (though congee was the staple for breakfast) Wayne's wheelchair service was spot on at every city (other than HCMC. He was dropped off at an empty "Gate 6"...it was more comical than anything). The guest profile on our trip was well versed and well traveled. Loved, loved, loved this trip! We can't wait to book another (but I promised some home renos first). Can't wait to plan our next trip with all of you! It was just great! (and yes!!! We will book excursions in advance!!!!) (((((hug))))

— Wayne and Charlie, Canada

We were pleased with the accommodations, included and optional tours, and all arrangements. The guides were superior. Peter was the BEST. We will travel with Friendly Planet again. One couple in our group had travelled with [Friendly Planet] repeatedly, and we understand why. It's a great travel company.

— Nancy Riess and Melvin Rappaport

I just returned and wanted to let you know that this trip was absolutely wonderful. It was very well put together, had a great itinerary, involved no surprises, and was a great value. The hotels were outstanding. I truly enjoyed the variety of activities especially in the Amazon Region. Based upon this great experience, I will definitely consider Friendly Planet again.

— Theodore Lattanzio, New York, NY

Excellent trip - friendly, knowledgeable tour guides, beautiful hotels, close attention to details. It was a terrific experience.

— Ruth Trump, Schenectady, NY

We just returned from your Best of Turkey trip. It was our first tour trip and we were not disappointed. Our tour guide, Isa, was extremely knowledgeable, funny, and absolutely made the trip. The landscape was stunning, especially Cappadocia. I can't stop talking about it!

— Angela Gholson, New York, NY

We just came back from your tour to Athens and the Greek Islands cruise, where we had an absolutely wonderful time. We didn't know what to expect since we had never used Friendly Planet before and didn't know anyone who did, but we were very pleasantly surprised. The tour was very well organized, everything was covered, the hotel in Athens was beautiful and centrally located, the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly, and the food was incredibly delicious. We will certainly book our future trips with Friendly Planet again.

— Lewis Saltiel, New York, NY

Again you have surpassed our expectations with the perfect trip. All of our hotels were top of the line. They alone are worth the price of the trip but you threw in the airfare and two experienced guides to make the perfect vacation. Nok and Mona were really wonderful. They made sure that we were able to learn about the Thai people and culture. I still do not know how you offer such great packages at so low of a price.

— Laura & Cory Jurica, Florida

In June, 2007, I took the "Best of China" trip with an extension to Tibet with Friendly Planet. The tour was awesome, not to mention the very best accommodations. The tour guides were well prepared and friendly. I had such a wonderful time that I am now planning a trip with Friendly Planet to "Classical Greece by Sea" with the extension to Istanbul. I give Friendly Planet the very highest recommendation.

— Jacqueline Ledbetter, Topsail Beach, NC

Simply put, Outstanding. Far exceeded our expectations on every level. The staff, accommodations and most of all the game drives, were terrific. Couldn't recommend it more.

— Bill B, Seattle, WA

The trip to Japan was a wonderful trip. Took it 3 weeks ago and both the trip and the Friendly Planet service will make you want to travel with them again! Great trip with great service.

— Gaylene Weathers, Wichita, KS

Clearly the Egypt trip was the BEST value in traveling we've ever had, and, believe me, I search all over. I would heartily recommend that trip and, based on it, Friendly Planet for exceptional travel organization and service. Looking forward to traveling with you again.

— Jean McGlaughlin, McClure, PA

“We had a wonderful vacation and would book through you again. I really loved that this was an 'at your own pace tour', but all of the details were taken care of…I am over all very pleased. The islands are an amazing place to visit. I would love to go back again. I really enjoyed not having to worry about getting to and from everywhere. Everyone on the front end was also fantastic. “

— Sarah J. Payne

Awesome! Booking was easy. All our pre-trip questions were answered in a professional and timely manner. The trip far exceeded my expectations. The country was a pleasure to visit, and made even better by our guide's intimate knowledge of the people and culture. I have no idea how you provide this kind of trip for the price as the tours, food, accommodations and guides (including assistants and drivers) were fantastic. Our guide gave us such a wide variety of experiences -- including tourist and non-tourist type excursions. You [Friendly Planet] are doing a great job. Keep it up so that we can continue to see the world on our budget!

— Julie Fischer