We went on the Peru & Galapagos trip in Nov, 2007 and loved it. The guides were teriffic, the hotels were top notch, exceeding my expectations. The boat in the Galapagos had lovely large staterooms, good food, great naturalist guides, and was an overall excellent experience. I would do the trip again in a minute!

Pat Atkins, Fort McMurray, Alberta

We were recently on a tour of yours to Thailand, and I just want to commend you for providing us with a great tour. It was wonderful, interesting, stimulating, and well done. But I want to single out our Tour Director for praise. He was constantly seeking out interesting things of particular interest to our group. He was amusing, thoughtful, and resourceful.

Joanne Weston, Baldwinsville, NY

A great experience! It was our first time with a tour and it was such a positive experience that we would definitely do another trip with you. The hotels were nice, the guides very helpful and the people in the group were very easy going. We truly enjoyed the balance between guided tours and free time to explore on our own. We have recommended you to many of our friends who are enthusiastic travelers. Thank you for a great trip! Margarita and Luis San juan, Puerto Rico

Margarita Wilson, Guaynabo, PR

It was a wonderful trip and the accomodations are very nice and clean. The Thai massages were wonderful and a great bargain! Jerry, our guide, was the best. He combined his friendliness with an in-depth knowledge of local cultures and lore; he shared with us many local delicacies (sticky rice, green mangoes, fresh papaya salad), some out of his own pocket; extra side trips such as day and night markets; showing a historic movie about the legend of princess Suriyothai; visit to the rice paddies etc, making us more appreciative of the Thai culture. He was an excellent guide, but more importantly he treated us as his personal friends. Kudos to Jerry and Friendly Planet.

Rosie Te-Frey, Yonkers, New York

It was wonderful to see the history of these wonderful cities. Everything was well-planned, the food and hotels were great. I'd travel with you again in a heartbeat.

Ann Moreton, Cincinnati, OH

This world traveler gives Friendly Planet's Pyramids & Nile Cruise excursion 2 very enthusiastic thumbs up! Truth be told, given the low cost of this tour, we expected a mid-grade vacation. What we received was first class all the way! Every minute was packed with amazing sights, sounds and adventures. We couldn't believe the level of service, the caliber of our tour guides, the variety of activities and the quality of our accomodations. Friendly Planet exceeded our expectations in every way. Since this was our first "group tour," we were concerned being stuck with a group. Again, we were pleasantly surprised. The folks on our tour were fun, friendly and with similar adventurous spirit. With the small group size, we never felt "crowded." Plus, my husband and I received plenty of downtime to feel reenergized and enough "alone time" to still find romance. A big thank you to Friendly Planet for making ours a remarkable experience that will be remembered forever! We look forward to taking another trip with you soon!

Annabel Eyrick, St. Louis, MO

Great value for the price! Especially the 4 day cruise on the Via Australis. It was everything that was described and more! The naturalists were outstanding in their knowledge.

Mary B, Leesburg, VA

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

Sharon Hughes, Corinth, MS

Had a wonderful time on a very nice ship. Food was excellent.Tour leaders had so much knowledge to share. It was very hot in July, but we had great guides to find shade and respite! The following coach tour contained so many places, beautiful hotels, just enough free time, and wonderful historic sites. I highly recommend this tour!

June Powell, Canterbury, CT

Wonderful tour, knowlegeable and helpful guides and a great bargain. Friends couldn't beleive that I was getting air, luxury hotel, airport transfers and breakfast buffet daily for normally the price of just the airline ticket! Marrakesh was so special and to get an insider's view of the city and surrounding area was truly a memorable experience.

Sondra Carpenter, Philadelphia, PA

Dear Friendly Planet, I just returned from your Treasures of Thailand tour. I wanted to let you know that I was so impressed with every aspect of this trip! When I booked this tour I was honestly apprehensive. The price was so good it seemed too good to be true. I really expected to have problems along the way, but there were none! Our tour guide, Ms. Atchara, was outstanding! She took a personal interest in everyone on the tour. There were many times she stopped and bought small presents for our group, like local food to sample or tiger balm for sore feet. The one thing that I really felt was over and above was the fact that she personally picked me up from the airport on my return from Phuket! I expected a private car for a transfer, but she came along just to see me again and to make sure I had a good time in Phuket! I feel like I've left a friend behind in Thailand, and I wanted to make sure you know what outstanding people you have working for you there! I can definitely say after this wonderful experience that I would highly recomend Friendly Planet Travel to anyone looking to see the world at a great price. I will absolutely be traveling with you in the future! Thank you again!

Jenny Gontz, Chambersburg, PA

Just returned from Thailand, full to the brim! This was an exceptional tour -- pace, activities, options, hotels, all exceeded expectations. Our guide, Lek, was outstanding -- sensitive to our wants and needs, knowledgable and instructive, generous in providing "tastes" of Thailand on our excursion and arranging optional visits to places close to her heart that we otherwise would have missed. Our days were full; hers seemed to never stop. Cambodia too was an amazing experience, again with our guide Long catering to the special travel needs of our group. This trip changed my bias against directed tours...Thank you, Friendly Planet!

Kristi McKenzie, Bingham Farms, MI

In June, 2007, I took the "Best of China" trip with an extention to Tibet with Friendly Planet. The tour was awesome, not to mention the very best accomodations. 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 extention to Istanbul. I give Friendly Planet the very highest recommendation.

Jacqueline Ledbetter, Topsail Beach, NC

Many Thanks for your wonderful Tours! I can say I can't imagine better trips for the money. Such an awesome experience each time. I tell everyone who plans to travel about Friendly Planet. Keep up the good work!

Jan Riske, Chehalis, WA

Exceeded our expectations in every respect. The tour guide was WONDERFUL, the accommodations were much better then we expected, and we saw far more on the tour then we could ever have seen on our own. Our tour guide did so many little things and surprise additions to make sure we got a good experience learning the culture, the foods, and sampling this and that. Definitely will be taking another Friendly Planet tour in the future. Thanks for everything.

Lil Doody, Chicago, Il

At the price, I thought we would fly on the outside of the airplane, and get around Thailand by goat cart. Instead, China Air was a new plane, we got around by a new bus, in the best hotels in town, and had a guide who was an absolute joy. I could not recommend the trip more highly. We took the extension to Angkor Wat, which was marvelous. Only problem was the 23 hour ride getting home, but short of having one's own jet, that is life for the traveler

John Wright, Granada Hills, CA

My companion and I have never taken a guided tour; we always freelance it. We were amazed at the quality of the tour, food, and hotels. This was one of the best experiences of our travels in the past few years. The guide Zhu was unbelievable. She made the tour interesting, fun and extremely exciting. Your tour offered us a memory we won't soon forget. Thank you for the time of our life.

Larry Copenhagen, Nogales, Arizona

What a wonderful time we had on the Treasures of Thailand tour. My partner even got to be the elephant mahout for a day. I celebrated my birthday on the tour and our guide Tajma had a cake locally baked to celebrate the occasion - delicious coconut cake! We will definitely travel with Friendly Planet again! Thank you Friendly Planet for making it all seem so seamless and convenient!

Peter Escajeda, Long Beach, California

Just wanted to drop a note that this was a wonderful trip [Japan Panorama]. My wife and I really enjoyed the group we were with and the hotels you selected were outstanding. The two different tour guides we had were top notch. We are traveling with you next to Israel and than South Africa. You give very good value for the dollar spent.

David Imel, Sarasota, Florida

Meena and I immensely enjoyed the tour, guide and the company of many friends. The hotel accommodations and the meals were superb. The Lake Crossings to Argentina and the Iguassu Falls were spectacular views. We plan to take China and Egypt tours with Friendly Planet soon. We have been talking to many of our friends to join us in 2008 vacation adventure with Friendly Planet, who makes exciting excellent arrangements, worry-free. Looking forward to the companionship and friendship during our 2008 vacation

— Ram and Meena Ramachandran, Richmond, Virginia

Great trip. Loved every minute of it (even the early mornings). We had a very knowledgeable guide, great hotels, great ship and great people. Great value for the money. I will travel again with Friendly Planet. I never thought I would see the Pyramids and sail up the Nile, but thanks to your company I did.

The Newtons/Overtons, Virginia Beach, VA

Excellent—a great overview of China, left me wanting to see more. Our tour guide, Sam Liu, was the ultimate professional, able to meet the many different needs of all the passengers. Sam is knowledgeable and willing to share and answer numerous questions. The food and hotels were outstanding value. I will use Friendly Planet again. Looking for my next affordable Friendly Planet adventure.

M.E. Frederick, New York, NY

Your trip was exciting, informative, interesting, and personal attention was given for individual needs. I loved China and the way it was presented. I have two more trips booked...Thailand and Pyramids & Petra. I cannot wait. You're the best!

Cindy Bookman, Beverly, MA

We had a fabulous time. We could not have seen so much and in such an efficient manner had we not gone on your tour. Friendly Planet delivers!!

Nancy Cousins, Winnipeg, Canada

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

I've been on six tours with Friendly Planet so far, and I have to say that those tours have opened up my understanding of the world. The thing about travel to foreign countries is that it changes you, leaving you with a much better understanding of the world, long after you've returned. Each tour I've been on has been exciting and different, even repeat tours to the same destination. One of the great things about the FP tours has been the amazing diversity of people on each tour; I've met everyone from newlyweds to retirees, all looking for adventure. Most of my fellow travelers on FP tours have tended to be well-read, well-traveled, and not fussy at all. They've come to taste the amazing foods and walk the amazing streets, not to buy trinkets and eat at McDonalds. Not surprisingly, many of us keep in touch long after the tours are over, and I've met more than one "repeater" on the trips to China. And I'm always surprised to find how nice the hotels are. One more thing is that going on these tours is really a good use of your time overseas, since you don't have to waste time with paperwork, check-ins, deposits, etc. You just go have a drink or walk around the block and come back to pick up your room key. The guides are always funny, helpful, and go out of their way to make sure you have a good time. And there's always plenty of time to explore on your own. Thanks again for the great experiences. I'll be back in April to re-visit Thailand!

Jeff Jenkins, Boca Raton, FL

Had a wonderful time in India (9/24-10/1). Our tour guide was excellent and even paid for a few incidentals to entertain the tour group that were not included on the tour. The elephant and rickshaw rides were worth the price of the tour!

Camille Lauer, New York, NY

The tour (Pyramids and Nile Cruise) was great. Petra was dazzling. All the guides made our trip so easy and interesting. The hotel was great, food was good. Wings made sure that we had the best all around. I would recommend this trip to anyone.

Lillie Bavendam, Dunwoody, GA

Excellent trip. Over two years ago I went with a pastor and his wife on a Friendly Planet tour of Israel. About half way through the tour, I fell and broke my ankle. Friendly Planet and their associates really went out of their way to take care of me and to coordinate my care in Israel and to orchestrate my trip home. I highly recommend taking any tour arranged by Friendly Planet and, also, purchasing the very reasonable trip insurance. I am definitely planning on returning to The Land this next spring and seeing that which I missed.

Gene Haury, Simi Valley, CA

Trip was outstanding. Cost reasonable, planning excellent and guide outstanding.

Bill & Becky Jackson, Tulsa, OK

We are very happy with the entire experience of the tour. Well organized. I forgot my camera in the bus in Luxor and remembered it in Cairo! The tour guide located it and the camera was sent to me! All I had to do is make one phone call! Great job!

Pragnya Purohit, Hillsborough, NJ

Much, much more than I expected. Very complete, excellent hotels and the guide was a 12 on a scale of 1-10!

Jim Falconer, La Jolla, CA

Thailand, China, India…all great! I went alone. I am a 44 year-old woman and felt safe and learned so much! The guides take such good care of you. Lek in Thailand was amazing! Even the hotels were really nice! I look forward to travel again with this tour group!

Kim Barcardi, Miami, FL

The trip of a lifetime [Athens & 4-Day Greek Islands Cruise]! 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 to Santorini (transportation and hotel) 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

What a wonderful trip [Best of China & Yangtze River Cruise]. The tour guide, Vivian, was especially great. She found people who got lost, helped replace lost tickets, helped with disabled tourists (pushed wheelchairs, etc.), carried people's purchases, and generally became a good friend to everyone.

Carol Arnold, Kirkland, WA

Trip [Best of China & Yangtze River Cruise] was outstanding. Cost reasonable, planning excellent, and guide outstanding.

Bill & Becky Jackson, Tulsa, OK

Just to let you know, we had the time of our life on our recent trip [Best of the Orient]. The Hotels looked great and very clean, the guides we had at every location, couldn't have been better. Great trip at a great price. Thank you, again and keep the bargains coming.

Barbara Zwirner-Winbush, Harbor City, CA

I saw your story about building wells in Cambodia. I just wanted to let you know that thanks to our trip to Cambodia last January, my wife and I have donated for 2 wells and I am raising money for a large well for a village. I hope to have that done by the time we go back in February 08. We stay in touch with our tour guide, Theap Bunthin. We love Friendly Planet and the experiences we have.

— Conrad & Nancy Knab

Not only is a Friendly Planet tour, fun, well-organized and very fairly priced—you really stick behind your customers. That's pretty rare these days. Thank you.

— Angela Whitehill, Island Heights, NJ

Ms. Zhu [tour guide] made it the best! She was the door to China. She put her group of tourists first and did what she could for us to see the best of China! Kudos to your prices and your quality! You are the best! Other online agencies will have a very very hard time selling me a trip without us (17 friends who travel together) checking with you first!

— Marta Velazquez Loescher & Nancy Velazquez,
West Chester, PA

Just wanted to let you know the trip (Pyramids Express) was amazing. I already recommended Friendy Planet tours to a couple of friends. I'm very impressed, and I'm so glad I came across your service on Travelzoo. It was excellent. Thank you so much.

— Josephine Castillo,
West New York, NJ

My friend and I just returned from your Taste of China tour. First of all, I must state that this was the first time we have ever been on a tour. We generally head off by ourselves but thought that China would be best seen on a tour. We were not disappointed. Your guides in China were great, especially Zhu in Beijing, who stayed with us throughout our 10 days in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Everything was on time and well organized. Each guide was extremely well versed in the history of the country and in the specifics of the area we were visiting. The hotels were great and Air China was excellent. All in all, a memorable experience and one made more so but your excellent organization and planning. We will highly recommend you to our friends and associates.

— Paul Caouette & Sergio Mares, Dana Point, California

We had the most wonderful time of our life! The tour was well organized and the people in the group friendly. The tour director was very helpful and the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. This was a very well planned tour that we would definitely recommend to our friends. A job well done indeed by your staff!

— Mike and Meena Saujani, Barrington, IL

I went to Egypt with you last year and just got back from the Morocco trip. Both were fantastic. I love Friendly Planet's service. It is outstanding. I couldn't say enough good things about the hotels, how well organized everything is, the guides, the whole works!!

— Anna Schmidt, La Grange, TX

Just returned from a wonderful vacation with friendly planet through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand (March 2007). Wonderful accommodations, non-stop touring, friendly people were noted through all countries. Thank you for making this a smooth and memorable vacation. Never have I gone on a group trip with such kind people and intense sightseeing.

— Patrick Rommel, Philadelphia, PA

We recently returned from the Thailand tour. We want to say that this was really a wonderful experience in observing the culture of this country. It consisted of day after day of new and exciting experiences. We especially want you to know what a great job our tour guide, Tajma Earkanna, did on this tour. She worked very hard to make sure every one on the tour got the most they possibly could from it. She epitomizes the warmth and gentleness of this country. We have traveled with Friendly Planet before and plan to do so in the future.

— Betty and George Jansen, Viera, FL

We took Treasures of Thailand with Phuket Island Extension. Outstanding tour. From beginning to end, everything went according to plan. We really enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended. The tour guide Panu was wonderful and very helpful.

— Alice and Walter Lagun, Round Lake, IL

Thank you for a wonderful honeymoon experience! The Treasures of Thailand tour was very well organized. Our tour guide Matthew was a delight. He was very knowledgable and enthusiastically helpful. We had a wonderful time getting to know our fellow tour participants. We're definitely very happy we chose the Friendly Planet Tours as our honeymoon vacation. And as you can see from the pictures, we had quite an adventurous time! P.S. Thank you, Friendly Planet, for the extra-special treatment, for us honeymooners, at all of the beautiful hotels we stayed at.

— Kunal & Leena Bhojawala, Jersey City, NJ

Just a short word about how WONDERFUL our trip was recently to Thailand!!! It was awesome and our tour guide, Jerry, was the best we've ever encountered.

— Doris Pecorino-Tzimolis, Los Angeles, CA

Thank you guys for allowing us to spend a nice Thanksgiving on the Concordia. It was a great trip and cruise and you did a fantastic job.

— Carlos & Gloria Vargas, Chicago, IL

Our guides Patty and Nan were just great. The highlight of the trip for me and many others was riding elephants on the optional tour in Chiang Rai.

— Cindy Schultz, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

I got back recently from the Taj Mahal Express tour. Amazing trip at an incredible price. I will definitely use Friendly Planet again. Our tour guide in India, Vishal, was the best I've ever encountered on a group tour. He did a fantastic job and really went out of his way to ensure we had a great time.

— Melissa Waterfield, Columbus, Ohio

Just a short note to tell you I enjoyed an excellent trip to South Africa. The scenery, food, accommodations, bus transportation, guide service and schedule were all outstanding. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone.

— Robert Johnson, Seattle, WA

We really had a marvelous time in Egypt. I have told everyone about this tour. I kept thinking that there must be a catch for you to offer this package at such a wonderful price. There was no catch and I can't believe it! I have no idea how you are able to afford to offer such inexpensive packages. The food was great, the accommodations terrific and the sights amazing.

— Laura & Cory Jurica, Florida

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

I travel frequently and recently took your amazing Thailand trip. I must say how impressed I was...I had a trip without a glitch. You guys are the best! I will definitely do business with you again, guaranteed. I seldom take the time to rate a trip; however, this exceptional trip deserves an exceptional review.

— Andy Anspaugh, Palm Springs, CA

I think you guys provide a wonderful tour package for a very affordable price...Your staff is very responsive, friendly and attentive. Keep up the great work. I look forward to my next tour with you.

— Fredilyn Sison, Reno, NV

...the best trip we ever took ... was your Beijing Express tour. Thank you. Our trip to China was PERFECT; a real 'peak' experience. Looking forward to going on your Athens Express trip as soon as we can.

— Sterling Keck, Los Osos, CA

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

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

Just a note to thank you for the wonderful tour we took to China. You even remembered my birthday, which our group celebrated on our last night over a Peking Duck dinner. I have recommended you to all my friends and co-workers. As an airline employee myself, I know a good thing when I see it. Many thanks to your staff for putting together such an excellent package.

— Angel Murray, Kissimmee, FL

I have no idea how you put this together for the price that we got. Everyting was top-notch. I hope you guys are around for a long time, because I have finally found someone I can trust to give me the best experience for my money. It's like having a family member in the travel industry.

— Dee Putnam, Kansas, UT

One of the best travel deals for the dollar I've ever purchased, and I love to travel.

— Michele Wallace, New York, NY

To Peggy & Staff, thanks so much for your professional and timely service. We really enjoyed the tour.

— Gloria Jaquez, Camarillo, CA

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

Best bang for the buck! New buses, great (and safe) driver. This was the first tour we've been on that actually stopped the bus for unplanned but interesting sights along the road.

— Paul & Audrey Belleci, Antioch, CA

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

Our tour was excellent, and everyting was handled very professionally. Friendly Planet is the best travel service that I've ever used. You really differentiate yourselves from other travel companies by giving attention to detail, personal service and discretionary effort.

— The Crittendon Family, San Ramon, CA

I just wanted to pass of a quick comment to you about your Pyramids Tour. 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

[The Vietnam Discovery] tour was a terrific and inexpensive way to see the beauty and history of Southeast Asia. There was a very good balance of group and leisure time, and the accommodations were excellent.

— Jennifer Rumain, Philadelphia, PA

I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our "Borneo Adventure". The hotels were way more then we expected as was the food. And our tour guide, Thomas, was absolutely fabulous! I'd recomend this tour to anyone.

— Kathleen Wulff, Bensalem, PA

It's not very often these days that you get more than promised but that's what we got from Treasures of Thailand. The whole trip including hotels, the tour guide, the food, and the sights seen exceeded our expectations. The days were planned out very well; even the longer travel days included plenty of interesting stops to break up the trip. Others in our group who had toured elsewhere were very impressed with the quality compared to much more expensive tours. I was a little worried about doing a tour bus trip based on stories I heard about them being rigid and too touristy, but this trip included great flexibility, wonderful optional add-ons, and focused on both highlight sights and everyday, local culture. I can't imagine a better way to see so much of Thailand in such an enjoyable way. We loved out tour guide Lucky (Ms. Pensri). She was very knowledgeable, funny, kind, well-organized, and went out of her way to ensure we saw and experienced as much as possible. She was always looking out for us, to the point of going into one hotel's kitchen to get the chef to cook faster and hitching a ride on a local salesman's motorcycle to find a wayward tourer lost at a temple ruins. She was frequently buying local foods for us to sample and making sure we got good deals on local products and services. The second we looked like we had lost something, or we starting looking around for a bathroom, or we looked like we needed second helpings at a dinner, she'd run over to us to see how she could help. I am back at your website posting these comments because I am about to book my next Friendly Planet Tour. Thanks for a great trip.

— Karen Nelson, St. Paul, MN