1. WHAT IS A TRAILFINDERS’ PRIVATE JOURNEY?

Each year, TrailFinders offers a small number of travellers the opportunity to join us on one or more special voyages of discovery through some of the world's most interesting regions including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Peru, South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, Jordan, Argentina, Chile and Mali.

TrailFinders designs these journeys so as to ensure that each guest is given the opportunity to visit all major highlights in all countries visited without having to worry about the logistics of doing so. This form of travel maximizes efficiency and value. The pre-planning allows us to visit more locations in less time without being rushed and the small group approach ensures that the total cost of the journey is less than each guest would have had to pay had they done it themselves on their own. The hassle factor is low and the satisfaction level is very high.

On each journey we travel together as a small group - never more than 16 guests. For the Ecuador and Galapagos Journey the maximum group size is reduced to 14 and for Mali to ten. Even though we travel as a group we do not spend all our time together. Guests are encouraged to set off on their own during periods of unscheduled activity and to participate in independent discovery whenever they wish.

Each group is accompanied by at least one, and often two TrailFinders’ experienced tour leaders, generally chosen from our own staff. Local guides join us in every location as well to provide cultural, historical and social insight.

It would be impossible to follow such an itinerary for the same duration and at the same cost while travelling independently - either the total cost or the duration would have to be increased to visit the same sites in the same way.

2. WHY HAS TRAILFINDERS CREATED THEIR OWN JOURNEYS WHEN SO MANY OTHER COMPANIES ALREADY OFFER SEVERAL CHOICES?

Our clients made us do it! They were searching for specific kinds of journeys and couldn’t find them anywhere, so they asked us to create them with all the required elements. They wanted the following: a high-value itinerary that included all major sites visited in the optimum order with no backtracking; unique, interesting accommodation with character having above-average comfort levels (but not necessarily deluxe) and situated in excellent locations; no camping; many diverse types of local transport including aircraft, mini-buses, boats and in some countries elephants, camels and others; colourful local markets; hand-picked guides and drivers; a high level of safety and security; delicious and safe food; a knowledgeable tour leader who has recently visited the area, hotels, sites and restaurants; and, some free time to explore on their own.

It is with these objectives in mind that we created our Private Journeys.

3. IS YOUR PRIVATE JOURNEY DESIGNED FOR ME?

We generally design our Private Journeys for those who are travelling to the designated area for the first or second time. Our journeys are carefully designed to ensure that we encounter new sites, sounds and experiences every few days.

The itineraries provide a comprehensive selection of the diversities of the area in a short time and consequently we do not dwell in any one place for lengthy periods. We do however stay in each place long enough to get the ‘feel’ of it and we move on before we can tire of it.

If this philosophy appeals to you, our journey may be just what you’re looking for.

4. ARE YOUR JOURNEYS IN THE “BUDGET” CATEGORY?

No. We generally design our small-group journeys with a high degree of comfort built in. We aim for accommodation around the 4-star category on average throughout most of our trips with the exception of Mali, where we use the best available hotels en-route. We try to select unique hotels with local character whenever possible.  

The food is always wonderful and safe. We don’t cut corners in order to save a dollar and potentially jeopardize an otherwise enjoyable experience.

Having said this, you will find that the journey delivers very high value for each dollar spent. Guests on our previous trips have consistently told us that they were very satisfied with the cost of the trip and the value they received. 

5. WHY NOT OFFER SOME ALTERNATE PRIVATE JOURNEYS WITH LOWER COMFORT LEVELS?

The philosophy of our Private Journeys does not support the use of a lower comfort level in the locations where we travel. However, for those who prefer to travel at the mid-range or budget level, we have many other products available from some of our regular suppliers that make use of simpler hotels and guesthouses. The experience and feel of such products will not be the same as those of our Private Journeys.

6. DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL AIR BETWEEN CANADA AND THE STARTING LOCATION?

No. The cost of our Private Journey includes all hotels, transportation, guides, drivers, admission fees, sightseeing and many meals from the time the trip starts in the joining location until the final day, but the cost of the international flights from Canada is not included. We do this so our guests are free to choose whichever airline, routing and schedule they wish and to choose to purchase tickets or use points from their frequent flyer accounts. For those wishing to purchase airline tickets we would be pleased to provide suggested schedules, options and prices for your consideration. We are experts in international airfares.

7. DO I NEED TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY DURING THE TRIP?  

No. Since we include most of the major tour items in the price, additional costs en-route are kept to a minimum. You will need to spend some money on personal expenses including, but not limited to items such as laundry, drinks, extra meals and shopping. In order to help you plan for this, TrailFinders has prepared an estimate of all extra costs associated with each of our Private Journey itineraries. This summary is included in our information packages and on our website. 

8. HOW ACTIVE AND MOBILE DO I HAVE TO BE?

Our journeys have a cultural and historical focus and are not endurance races. They are not about white-water rafting, bungee jumping and long-distance trekking. They are generally moderately-paced, however you should be prepared for a reasonable amount of walking, standing, stair climbing, some uphill walks and the occasional stroll across uneven ground. We suggest that prior to departure you should be comfortable walking at least two or three kilometres at a stretch, some of it uphill.

We would like to point out that some countries may have relatively poor safety standards and consequently our guests will not necessarily find the same degree of support that they may be used to at home. For example, very few hotels in Asia will offer safety bars in bathrooms or showers. As well, street conditions may present challenges including open holes, uneven pavement and other hazards. Marble floors may be slippery and stairs may be poorly illuminated.

In general, if you are relatively healthy and reasonably active you will do just fine on one of our journeys. We have had guests with some mobility problems with us on many of our departures. If you are in doubt, please discuss this with us and we can help you decide if a specific journey is right for you.

9. WHAT KINDS OF PEOPLE TRAVEL WITH YOU ON THESE JOURNEYS?

We usually have quite a diverse group and yet everyone generally fits in well. Our guests often tend to be retired or close to retirement however we do have some guests who are in mid-career. About 80% of our guests are travelling with their spouse, about 15% with a friend or relative and we sometimes have single travellers with us as well. Our guests bring with them an interesting variety of backgrounds and interests.

10. DO I HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TRAVEL WITH?

We highly recommend it. Single accommodation is very expensive. While we try our best to keep the single supplement cost as low as possible, the reality is that accommodation can be a significant part of the trip cost and the single traveller who occupies a room on their own will have to pay the entire cost of the other half of the room. As well, tour companies and ground handlers often add even more to this amount due to other costs associated with single occupancy including reduced group size and lost revenue.

In Galapagos, for example, the yachts generally have eight cabins. Consequently the occupants of each cabin would pay roughly one-eighth of the total cost of the yacht or about one-sixteenth per person in a twin-share. A single guest who occupies one cabin would be required to pay one-eighth of the cost of the yacht or about twice as much as those who are sharing. This makes the trip very expensive for the single traveller. We have no control over these costs and we must pass them on to the single guest.

In order to keep costs reasonable for single guests we have experimented with the concept of matching up those who wish to share, but this has not been a particularly successful undertaking and we no longer offer this. Instead, we prefer that singles who wish to travel on our Private Journeys attempt to encourage a friend or relative to come along with them. This not only lowers their cost but generally results in a much more enjoyable experience.

Finally, on some of our journeys we are not able to obtain single accommodation at all due to the limited number of rooms available in some of the smaller hotels and lodges.

11. CAN I READ WHAT A FEW OF YOUR CLIENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT YOUR RECENT JOURNEYS?

Certainly. We collect and analyse written feedback from every guest after every journey.

Here are a few comments sent to us…

I count my experience with you one of my great travel experiences ( and you may quote me) and shall be watching future ads with great interest.

D.M. Port Carling ON 

Robi and I want to thank you very much for providing us with such a terrific historic trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Thanks to your great leadership and care this was the most enjoyable trip – you took care of everything. We want you to know how much we appreciated it. 

D.F. Ottawa

Murray and I had a sensational trip. It was all we expected and more! Your ground handlers were efficient, knowledgeable and lovely people to deal with. Everything went off without a hitch. Your choice of hotels was flawless. Our only regret was that we had too little time to enjoy the beautiful Legend Hotel in Chiang Rai. You advised us correctly when you thought that we would or would not need a guide. We loved Luang Prabang and the Three Nagas; the trip on the Mekong and Angkor.

E.B. Toronto

I've never been on a trip where daily I learned so much about current affairs, history, cultural diversity, flora and fauna... I'm still on a high from this trip!

L.V. Victoria

Thank-you so much for all your concern and assistance in helping us. Receiving the cheque from you to cover the additional expenses we incurred is a benefit over and above and is much appreciated. You are an exceptional agency in every way. This compensation is further evidence of your first-rate service. Thank-you again.

G.G. Ottawa

For service above and beyond the call of duty! Thanks.

L.B. Ottawa

With respect to planning, integrating and implementing itinerary items on our Private Journey… “It was this that made the whole tour worthwhile – I could not have come anywhere near achieving such a trip myself.”

C.O. Ottawa

Your execution was excellent. Having planned a number of holidays on our own in the past, we realize the difficulty in planning and executing a trip with this number of different connections. We were pleased with how smooth it was delivered, given all the things that could go wrong.

P.H. Ottawa

We've already talked to a number of people about our trip and about your organization. It was a wonderful experience with a wonderful group of people.

J.B. Toronto

All in all, it was a great trip, Rick. I keep re-living it through my photos. The planning you did for our safety, comfort and enjoyment was very much appreciated. Thank you.

A.B. Ottawa

12. CAN I SPEAK WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS RECENTLY TRAVELLED ON ONE OF YOUR PRIVATE JOURNEYS?

Absolutely. Many of our former guests volunteer to make themselves available to discuss their experiences with prospective travellers.

13. WHAT WRITTEN INFORMATION CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE?

We provide a significant amount of written information both prior to departure and en-route in order to prepare our guests for their journey.

A few months before departure we issue a comprehensive Trip Planning Guide containing information such as geographical, cultural and site data, packing recommendations, discussions on money, customs, air & land travel and much more.

Just prior to departure we issue a package containing the final trip itinerary, hotel contact numbers to leave with friends and/or relatives, an update on money, final packing recommendations, in-transit instructions, arrival instructions and trip documents including air tickets, insurance policies, and so on.

During the trip we often have a series of simple handouts and maps related to sites being visited.

14. WILL I TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES?

Our journeys are designed with the “avid amateur photographer” in mind. Every day, all day we will introduce you to a steady stream of enticing and photogenic human, historical, architectural and scenic subjects. Based on the experience of previous groups we would estimate that you are likely to take twice as many pictures as you would on a normal vacation. Some of the guests have taken over 100 photos per day. There is a new photographic subject around every corner.

15. I'M STILL NOT SURE YOUR JOURNEYS ARE FOR ME. CAN I TALK TO YOU ABOUT THEM? DO YOU HAVE PICTURES?

Absolutely! In fact we highly encourage everyone who is considering booking one of our Private Journeys to spend an hour or two with us, either in our office or on the phone and if possible, to attend one of our slide shows. We want to make sure you know what you are getting into. If you aren’t located in Ottawa we can sometimes make arrangements to do our slide presentations in your community, but if not, we can certainly spend lots of time with you on the phone. We have a toll-free number so our prospective guests can call us anytime they need information or advice.