How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Fantastic.
Enthusiastic, well informed, fun."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"nice way to see some of the Caribbean islands and all are different.
Take EC dollars.
Take plug in mosquito repellant.
Good walking shoes.
Accommodation was variable."

Do you have anything else to add?

"An excellent trip"

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Friendly, competent, particularly good organisational skills. Made sure hotel kitchens didn't forget my gluten free diet!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Be aware that travelling time aside, more than half your time on this trip will be 'free' time. Which means, of course, that you'll be paying for lots of extras. Being in Cruise Ship Territory, these are priced in US$ and at rates Americans are willing to pay (ie not cheap). Also note that you'll be paying for all your lunches and dinners on this trip and that can add up too.

Do you have anything else to add?

A fascinating intro to three very different islands. If you want a taste of the Caribbean but wouldn't pick a beach holiday, then this could be for you. Only real down side was the large group size (18) which felt unwieldy on occasions and forced the use of some below par hotel 'annexe' accommodation.

This trip really surpassed my expectations. The islands were all interesting and St Lucia and Dominica were both very beautiful. The local hikes really showed off the unspoilt nature of Dominica in particular. Walking through the mountain rain forest to Boiling Lake was the highlight of our stay in that country. The accomodation included some lovely mountain settings, and the view of the Pitons from the hotel in Soufriere was breathtaking. We even had humming birds fluttering all over the Cashew tree just beyond the veranda on our last morning - what a sight! Our tour leader, Jackie, was very knowledgeable and organised, with a great sense of humour, and the cohesiveness of our small group added to the fun. I would definitely recommend this trip.

A good balance of adventure and relaxation. Stunning scenery on all 3 islands- each with their own identity and beauty. Dominica was unsurpassed for it's ' green' reputation- in every sense of the word. Our stay in the mountain retreat and the 'challenging' walk to the Boiling Lake remains an indelible memory for me. Sulphur springs- almost lunar landscape in places- and the enormous bubbling crater, together with wondrous rain forests teaming with wild life and exotic fruits and flowers, as well as white beaches with crystal seas in which to swim and snorkel. Oh and then there was the whale spotting trip (so many photos of the fins breeching out of the water!). The group was a good mixture of ages and people from all sorts of walks of life and interests. Had loads of laughs and shared many emails and photos after we came home. Our leader, Max, looked after us well and with great patience (despite our foibles and eccentricities!). An amazing holiday which I would highly recommend to anyone who wants a holiday in the sun which offers more than dozing on a beach. (WI- 24th Januray 2010)