Asia

“We can’t believe that the trip is over either… 106 days went so fast!

It really was a great trip, and the kids were superstars! It’s impossible to summarise what it did for us all. On reflection, I realised that we had the time and space to see the kids’ unique qualities and more of their best bits – which was a wonderful gift. Hopefully they also got to see the better bits of us as their parents too?

We laughed a lot and had some fun times but also we were scared and tired at times too, but going through it together was a really rich experience. It’s making me tear up a bit writing this and realising that it’s all over, but it’s also made S. and I more determined to do more adventuring – not sure what that looks like at the moment!

We were better versions of ourselves while away and we have wonderful memories, which we retell on a daily basis. We also have our little trip ‘catch phrases’ that make us all giggle… especially when we try out our Creole! And this we can keep for ever.

So thank you Steve for getting us there! I remember the first call we had while up in the Highlands… when it was really just a dream. Thank goodness you convinced us to do it and you and Laura helped us pull the jigsaw together and support us while away.“

“Hi Steve, I wanted to drop a quick note to say how wonderful and smooth everything has been for us on the trip. Most of our experience centred around the trek so I want to emphasize how wonderful Raj and his crew have been. We are so pleased and impressed with what they have accomplished and would highly recommend them.“

We spent 10 days on a trip to Sri Lanka, seamlessly organised by Linger. An eye-opening variety of tours and activities suitable for the whole family, all of which gave an insight into the culture and history of an extraordinary country.

“Linger Travel organised our family holiday to India in Christmas 2022. The itinerary that Steve put together worked perfectly; we saw so many different places but without feeling like we were rushed or constantly on the road and the hotels we stayed in were full of charm. LiNGER’s local partners made sure that we were always in the right place at the right time and the guides, without exception, went the extra mile so that we got the most out of every day. It really was the holiday of a lifetime.”

“Thank you so much for everything. We have had a truly memorable trip. We have had such a range of great experiences during the past few weeks and have stayed in places we would never have found ourselves. The support on the ground has been excellent – really good guides and excellent drivers (always leaving us feeling safe in their hands). All in all, we have absolutely loved Indonesia. And Sumba really was the perfect finale – and thank you for keeping us well clear from the more obvious bits of Bali we would no doubt have ended up in if we hadn’t had your guidance!”

It has been a wonderful trip! We love Japan! We are so taken by the friendliness of the people. They go out of their way to help you. My husband left his phone the other night in the restaurant. We were heading back to pick it up but the owner arrived at our hotel … on her bicycle with her grandson (who was maybe 2 years old) on the back with the phone. She wouldn’t take any money. Lots of bowing on our part! Who does that?? Just amazing.

The other thing we love is the food! We only eat Japanese! And of course, it is a feast for your eyes as well as your palate! Funny thing there … we often see Japanese people taking pictures of their food alongside us!!

Kyoto is a lovely city and we’ve enjoyed the temples and gardens. And our guide knew we liked temples etc so he made a schedule change to visit a beautiful temple that was first built in the year 897!! Amazing!

We are now in Tokyo and our trip is fast coming to a close … it has been quite the experience. One we will not soon forget. We have to ask … how did you find Sasayuri-Ann? The owner, Tetsu, is a most amazing individual. An incredibly deep thinker and inspiration to talk with. And the Fire Ritual he performs is something we will never forget. What I loved about him also is his great sense of humour! That stay was a highlight!

“Thank you for planning such an incredible trip and for the gift. We are still talking regularly about what a great time we had.  Japan is truly an amazing place.

Matsumoto was the perfect inclusion in the itinerary; it just shows you a different side of Japan than the cities. It was exhausting cycling followed by 2 days of hiking but the days allowed us some down time in the evenings back at the Villa to enjoy a quiet dinner together as a family and rest up at night.  Definitely, my favourite part of the trip. The villa was INCREDIBLE!  Such a great experience.  So unique.  Food was delicious.  Service was incredible.  We absolutely loved it.”

“I am recalling so many wonderful images and experiences from what I can summarize as a fantastic trip. Everything went very smoothly, and we really did cover an enormous amount. We particularly enjoyed the Bizen encounter with the ceramist, it was a very special day. Naoshima was also a highlight and so contrasting to the rest of our explorations. The planning of the trip in terms of travel, pickups, was seamless and hotels were really very special. We thank you so much for helping us enjoy a really fantastic trip.”

“We had an amazing time and the itinerary worked brilliantly for us. We really enjoyed Delhi – especially exploring the spice markets and old city. A great intro to India and loved the Imperial hotel too. Jaipur and Jodhpur both fantastic cities – all of the experiences were brilliant including the observatory and flower/veg market. Again great hotels and guides. Onto the more rural part of the trip…. Mihir Garh was a beautiful hotel and we loved our time there. The village tour seeing the pottery was fun and the horse riding was one of the best experiences. Jawai – again an amazing place and one we loved. Definitely the right call to do leopards over tigers. To Ramathra Fort was amazing – stunning views, beautiful room, great food and the team there were brilliant. Then on to Agra – we were upgraded in the Oberoi to a balcony room overlooking the Taj Mahal and what a great experience and super hotel. And finally the driver – Vikram – was with us from Delhi to the train at Agra and was a star. Polite, helpful, always on time and safe. We had a wonderful time and loved it. We really felt as though we saw so much and the itinerary and hotels suited us perfectly.”

“We are now fully settled back into our London lives with work, family and friends. However, I keep having such wonderful reflections and memories of our tour. It truly was a beautifully curated road trip. Absolutely wonderful hotels, with my favourite being the Avana Retreat. Starting our more rural tour in Tam Coc was ideal and I just loved the people there. Such  relaxed and courteous people. An unbelievable picnic we were treated to. We started to feel we had travelled back to colonial times after our first trek and then being served a beautiful picnic surrounded by mountains before our cave boat journey back. Just magical.

As the journey continued we experienced more remote villages and it felt like going back in time, until I noticed the old women tending the buffalo herds high up in the mountains, were holding their smartphones and watching the Bafta Awards!! The connectivity was amazing. My husband mentioned that he doubts these villages will remain like this for much longer. I’m not so sure.

We all very much appreciated the regular treks too. A great way to see the terrain and meet with the various tribal groups.

Our guide, Hung was just great. We learnt so much from him about the history, geography, tribes, the American war and politics. He was very measured in his comments, but was also very informative and amusing.

We wish to thank you for such a wonderful and very memorable trip. It was so special to share this with our two friends who accompanied us, and they too had a wonderful time.

Special thanks for arranging our flights out. “