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Michele & Don
“We were introduced to Nepal and the Smiling Albino philosophy of travel with the Nepal Grand Slam in 2007. We have since been back three times and are planning our fourth visit. We love the way Smiling Albino keeps you out of the usual tourist scene and always surprises you with the next adventure, stunning accommodation or exciting mode of transportation. Whether it’s being whisked around Kathmandu on the back of a Royal Enfield motorcycle, mountain biking, rafting or riding elephants it is always exciting. We have trekked little used routes, so the local villagers are happy and excited to greet and welcome us, not jaded by another group descending on their homes. Interacting with the kids and families in the villages is so cool. They have made it so easy to travel in comfort and style in a country that could be a nightmare to get around in. All the logistics are organized but you never feel like you are on a ‘group tour’. They have included the must see sites but in a different way, and found experiences that most visitors miss. The ability to design custom trips has kept us coming back.”
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Victoria
“For me, the fundamental difference between being a traveller and being a tourist is the degree of connection with a place; its inhabitants, its history, its culture. Its about being a participant rather than an observer. Whether a gesture of kindness from an elderly villager or a timid “hello” from a small child, clambering down a Himalayan hillside to shyly greet you. It’s an acknowledgement of shared humanity with someone who’s reality differs so radically from your own. It touches your heart and stays with you long after your travels are over. My adventure with Smiling Albino was full of these moments. It was a magical and intense immersion into the wonders of Nepal. A unique and authentic travel experience from which I hope never to recover.”
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Mark & Deb
“We have taken three trips with Smiling Albino and plan on taking many more. If you want a traditional ‘tour’, look elsewhere. If you want a small-group ‘adventure’, with a perfect mix of scenery, history, physical challenge, camaraderie, fun (we never laughed so hard on a trip), and local flavor, Smiling Albino should be your choice. We recommend them highly and regard Scott and Dan as not only the quintessential adventure hosts, but good friends.”
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Alan & Maryann
“Two once-in-a-lifetime trips may not be enough. The first was with three teenage children, who 10 years later still talk about adventure after adventure and think their parents are geniuses for having found Smiling Albino. Our second trip was with another couple — a three country custom adventure wrapped in a 5-star package covering Thailand, Cambodia and North and South Vietnam. Successfully organizing a cultural adventure with so many moving parts in third world countries requires an intimate knowledge of the cultures and languages, great people connections and the experience to anticipate and deal with the unexpected and Smiling Albino over delivered on all fronts. Organization was seamless, guides were wonderful and professional. The trip was creatively planned, delightfully on the edge of our comfort zone but always safe. And damn we had fun!”
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Jeff
“So many great and memorable experiences thanks to the team at SA! Since 2004 I have been booking annual trips to travel with the Best Travel Company in the world. Adventure taken to the enjoyable limit! So many magnificent places seen and to see. Thanks team!!”
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Cindy & Dave
“My husband Dave and I have experienced 3 extraordinary adventures with Smiling Albino — Thailand, Nepal, and Vietnam/Cambodia. And we hope to take a 4th trip in the near future. What keeps us returning is the Smiling Albino travel philosophy and attention to detail. When booking a trip with SA, one is always ensured an amazing experience and complete immersion in the culture and fabric of the destination. You don’t feel like tourists but rather like travelers visiting friends who take you around and share their favorite unique spots, foods, and activities. We love the small group dynamic, the variety of activities, and the opportunity to really connect with the local people. We are frequent travelers and have experienced various travel companies and highly recommend a Smiling Albino adventure!!”
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Kozy Family
“We were introduced to Nepal and the Smiling Albino philosophy of travel with the Nepal Grand Slam in 2007. We have since been back three times and are planning our fourth visit. We love the way Smiling Albino keeps you out of the usual tourist scene and always surprises you with the next adventure, stunning accommodation or exciting mode of transportation. Whether it’s being whisked around Kathmandu on the back of a Royal Enfield motorcycle, mountain biking, rafting or riding elephants it is always exciting. We have trekked little used routes, so the local villagers are happy and excited to greet and welcome us, not jaded by another group descending on their homes. Interacting with the kids and families in the villages is so cool. They have made it so easy to travel in comfort and style in a country that could be a nightmare to get around in. All the logistics are organized but you never feel like you are on a ‘group tour’. They have included the must see sites but in a different way, and found experiences that most visitors miss. The ability to design custom trips has kept us coming back.”
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Gwen & Jerry
“A quick line to let you know what a wonderful time we had in SE Asia and how glad we were that we chose Smiling Albino to organize our adventure. And what an adventure it was! Everything was just great. We loved each guide, we loved our hotels and the food was yummy and less spicy as we went along. And you were right about any surprises being only good ones. They are too numerous to list but a few were: the backpacks, the T-shirts, the scarves, the chopsticks, riding on motorbikes in Saigon, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, the drinks, the birthday cake, the wine, the drinks, the other birthday cake…”
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Leigh-Ann & Patrick
“My husband and I travel extensively and we’ve used many tours companies. We’ve found Smiling Albino to be the best of the best! We used their services for a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. What we love about their company is that you get to run, jump and play all day long in non-touristy settings all the while experiencing amazing culture, scenery and fabulous, yummy food. They anticipate all your needs and are knowledgeable, relaxed and flexible to the needs of your small group. Whether you are 18 or 70 years old you will love, love, love this tour company!! We will definitely be using their services again in the near future.”
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Knoepfel Family
“We went to Nepal with Smiling Albino this year, our second trip with them. We chose Nepal as a destination specifically to travel with Smiling Albino, as our first trip with them, to Thailand, was such a hit with our family (with teenage kids). The things we did and places we stayed were unique and interesting, but the home run (again) was the guide we had, who made the trip fantastic. Being in a country where we could not speak the language and were unfamiliar with the culture, our guide took care of all the details, adjusting things as we travelled, answering every question, generally enhancing every part of the trip. With just under two weeks, travelling on a custom itinerary with SA, with our great guide, we made very efficient use of our time. SA was great to work with both in planning our trip, and then being on the trip.”
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Keith
“Seven years in a row I have travelled with Smiling Albino and each trip is unique and unforgettable. Each year I have added another friend to our trips with SA, not an easy task to convince someone to book a two week holiday far from their comfort zone but I have the utmost confidence in SA delivering a once in a lifetime trip and they do every year! From the founders to the support staff, this is the most knowledgeable, organized and professional adventure travel company in SE Asia. A trip with SA should be on everyone’s bucket list.”
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Kelly & Craig
“We have traveled with Smiling Albino a couple of times now, and I know we will be traveling with them again soon. They are hands down our favorite travel outfitter. Our last trip was to Vietnam where SA submersed us into its culture so that we got to know the country and its people on an intimate level. We ate what they ate, went into their homes and shopped at their markets. I don’t feel like a tourist with SA. I feel like Jacques Cousteau…..an explorer. It’s individual and it’s personal. Smiling Albino delivers that memorable adventure that stays with you forever.”
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Lynette
“Thank you for the wonderful memories this past decade. From Thailand, to Nepal, to Cambodia, Smiling Allbino has offered unforgettable travel experiences. It is the gold standard to compare all other tour companies by. Each trip has always felt like an adventure with good friends. I would highly recommend Smiling Albino to anyone who wants to see Asia in an amazingly fun and unique way!”
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Rob
“Having recently completed a hat-trick of trips with Smiling Albino, I can honestly say that these guys offer a truly unique and memorable travel experience. Each itinerary was individually crafted to suit our needs, tastes and demand for adventure. From high-end restaurants to eating with locals on the side of streets, our palates enjoyed the wonderful variety of Asian spices and dishes. Our guides provided not only a wonderful insight to the history, culture and sights of their countries but did it in such a way that we felt we were travelling with a new friend and experiencing things from a local perspective. The attention to detail in each trip and the flexibility to cater for special requests and changes was where Smiling Albino really excelled. The experiences we enjoyed will continue to live long in the memory and we’re looking forward to our 4th Smiling Albino adventure.”
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Dave C
“I have traveled all over the world in many different ways, but none come close to the excitement, fulfillment, and just plain FUN of your Smiling Albino Adventure. Easily, hands down, the BEST trip I have ever taken, and I fear may ever take. All future travels will be weighed against this incredible benchmark. Throughout the trip, we felt more like we were traveling with good friends, than with a guide. Your knowledge and insight into Thai culture allowed us to come home knowing so much more about that part of the world, and thus I appreciated my holiday more! Your constant tailoring of the holiday to the needs and whims of our group sets you apart from any others. Cheers and many happy travels.”
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Silverstein Family
“Our family has been on numerous adventures to many parts of the world. Our Smiling Albino experience set a new standard for excellence in virtually every respect. Our guide in the north would be defined as no less than exceptional. We would not hesitate to give a glowing recommendation to anyone considering using Smiling Albino’s services.”
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Elaine & Roger
“After travelling extensively in Asia, Africa and the Middle East both on our own and with other travel companies, we have to say SA knows how to do it right! It is the best travel experience we have had. They offer trips that keep you active and on the move while providing different perspectives and insights on a new culture. We squeezed more into a day with SA than you could ever do on your own – riding bikes to a long-tailed boat, putting the bikes on the boat for a ride down the river with stops to some small local temples, to a camp for an elephant ride, to ride your bikes home at the end of the day for a delicious dinner! SA takes you off-the-beaten-track but with such great attention to detail, comfort and safety that you have the opportunity to try things that you may otherwise never do. You come home feeling that you have experienced a new place in a very special way.”
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Ron & Moira
“We cannot say enough about you and the trip — you are the perfect host. Right from taking us to some of the best restaurants in Thailand (best restaurant meaning ‘quality of food’, not tourist decorated or catered to) to tea tasting in Mae Salong, you taught and showed us much more about the Thai’s traditions and culture than we could have ever learned on our own.”
