Overseas Adventure Travel www.oattravel.com

Wife's trip to Japan was scheduled and paid for in April, 2019. Everything on track until her trip was canceled due to COVID19. She has had three calls with OAT including two with supervisors. In each case, she was told that she could travel anytime until 2022 and that her money would not be refunded. During the latest conversation, she was told no refund due to "Force Majeure". My wife has been laid off and OAT has $8,000 of our money that they are refusing to refund. There is no way to plan a trip in 2021 or 2022 and we need the money for our monthly bills. This is unconscionable behavior. I have filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office and the BBB. Using Force Majeure is particularly troubling since this is not a question of them being protected for canceling our trip (which they did), but about getting our money back. Force Majeure clearly protects them from canceling due to acts of God but has nothing to due with giving them the right to keep our money. Check around: many, many reviews are being written with similar issues. This is clearly taking advantage of seniors during a global pandemic. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE.

Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared, while the total price remained the same. In contacting the Travel Relations Manager, we were asked basically to take care of it ourselves! Upon pressing her, she agreed to handle it, but she evidently did no follow up. In finding the problem hadn’t been solved, I left messages for her, but she never called back.

Therefore, we contacted the home office management and received a call back in which the flights were rectified, with the promise they’d call back to verify. They never called back, and the records remained wrong. After another email to a different home office address, outlining a complete log of everything that had transpired, we received no response. We canceled the trip and have decided to never use them again.

My husband and I recently (June 2016) returned from a European vacation which included three segments in Italy offered and organized by Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT): Sicily (main trip) plus a pre-trip in Puglia and a post-trip in Calabria. We were very satisfied with the OAT segments in terms of the itineraries, accommodations and content of the various days. But, we are very, very disappointed with the fact that OAT billed us an additional $800 for an “adjustment for Internal Flights,” apparently because we booked our own flights from the USA to and from Italy. This is despite the fact that OAT’s pre-trip brochure stated clearly that Airfare is included for the flight from Puglia to Sicily, independent of how we got to Italy. We wrote and spoke to OAT representatives at length about this issue but they have refused to refund these fees, each time citing a different reason why they “had” to charge us these fees. We doubt that we will ever use OAT again because of these added “hidden” fees. We advise anybody planning to use OAT as an organizer for their trip to carefully inquire about these additional fees for “airfare included” before they book a pre- or post-trip. If you don’t use their air booking services for the main trip, you will be ripped off. BUYER BEWARE. If you do use their flights, beware of poor departure and connection times. And don’t buy their travel insurance. It’s not very good.

In Jan 2016 i went on the Chile & Argentina: Andes to Patagonia trip.

We had some currency issues which I would like to relate. In some of the pre trip info it was stated that some banks in Buenos Aires may not accept your ATM or credit cards. What we found was that most banks will not accept your cards and those that will are randomly closed or out of money so getting money was a real money. Some fellow travelers brought thousands of U.S. dollars but even for them finding a money exchange was sometimes difficult and sometimes even they were short of local cash. (I usually get local currency before leaving the U.S. but this time my bank didn't even handle Argentine pesos.

Near the end of the trip upon returning to Buenos Aires I was out of pesos and went to the ATM. My wife withdrew 1000 pesos and I withdrew 700 pesos as we were nearly out of money. We then took a taxi to the art museum and upon paying the 60 pesos taxi fee I was told that the bills I gave him-a fifty and a 10 pesos bill were counterfit. I handed the driver a 100 peso bill and he said that two was bad. My wife took some 100 peso bills from her wallet and he grabbed them out of her hand. She immediately demanded that he return the bills which he did. I think that I saw his hands at all times. We finally found a "good" peso bill to pay with and left the cab. We immediately sat down and counted our money and seemed to have the correct amount of cash. Later we related the incident to our guide, and she asked to see our money. Practically all of our 100 peso bills were counterfit bills. She told us that the taxi driver had ripped us off and exchanged bad bills for good ones. She said it sometimes happens and that they are very slick at pulling that off. In thinking about it I realized that the taxi driver never touched my money and many of my 100 peso bills were also bad which has to mean that I got bad bills from the ATM. I have two kinds of advice: 1. It is very easy to spot bad bills; have your trip leader show you how to spot good ones. 2. When taking a taxi lean up and take a photo of the drivers license with your smart phone and let him see you do. He would then be traceable if he made a shady deal.

On previous OAT trips they have been wonderful about providing abundant bottled water for their travelers. None was provided on this trip as they said the water was all good to drink. We went on the post trip to Iguazzu falls. We spent a couple of days in a remote jungle eco-lodge and no bottled water was available. Later we moved to town to a nice hotel. Unfortunately the day of the trip to see the falls I had some serious GI issues and was unable to go see the falls. The morning we were leaving to return to Buenos Aires I was shaving and the water out of the tap was red like the mud outside and the hand towel I was using was stained red. My wife accused me of cleaning my shoes with the towel which I had not done. It's hard for me to have much confidence in drinking water that can look like that. The bus did make stops at convenience stores before going to the jungle lodge. I would strongly advise getting stocking up on bottled water before going there and continuing to drink it even after you return to the city.

In spite of these two negative things I will say that it was a great trip with wonderful guides.

First eight days in Peru were generally ok. Altitude was a definite problem. Not everyone able to take the recommended medication but most were able to complete the journey. Those with issues simply stayed back. The climb through the ruins was disorganized with too many ups and downs. Worse yet we did not leave the site when rain clouds appeared making the climbing treacherous. No rest rooms inside the site--only at entrance where they were crowded and dirty. Hotels were two or three star. The park itself was amazing. Guide was about 4 star--did her best to give us a good experience in Cousco and Sacred Valley. She was quite organized except at MP where exhaustion for us was the outcome.

Second eight days in Galapogos on a boat. Food and service crude but ok. Sights very lacking. Only went to two islands. Guide blamed government for restricting travel. Doubt that very much or no tourists would ever come there again--including me. Climbs and nature walks reserved for hottest time of morning--why not 8am when it is cool?

Post trip in Ecuador was great. Enjoyed Quito with great guide. National park just ok. Good naturalist but not much to see that was truly exciting. Could skip it and spend more time in city or just doing laundry which is a must in this climate. Food was very good.

All transportation was two or three star. Buses were small and we were packed in Drivers not always drove with our safety in mind

China Overview trip with OAT

The Journey of China, in 22 days ends successful with an enriched educational and cultural enlightenment of the highest level. Attaining that wasn’t easy due to the physical challenges and a demanding schedule where hours of walking, on the go, and climbing steps was a constant. In order to maximize the day and attain the activities planned, the group needed to be timely, flexible, run efficiently and have an excellent trip leader and we did.

Once the group personnel got to know each other, it made it easier, we had fun together and just more pleasant as we were touring, eating and being together 24/7. Caring, getting along, and supporting each other in a friendly way while dining, going through airports, riding on the bus, hotels, and participating in events for 22 days made the entire trip more pleasurable and enjoyable. Even though we were having fun, the first couple days were very difficult because we were not organized. Being away for the first time on an OAT trip, just being away from home and learning to readjust to traveling took an effort. Being organized was very essential and that took time to develop. We were on hectic pace, in small confinements, up the bus, down the bus, up stairs, down stairs, carrying bags, adjusting to culture differences, correct currency, preparing for the day, learning to eat with chopsticks, eating everywhere, having enough water, enough memory cards, charged batteries, wipes, medication, toilet paper, and just being alert and organized. Another important item that attributed to the success and one less thing to worry about is the hotel accommodations with the utmost amenities at the highest level. The issues of adaptors, water, toiletry items or any home item was a not an issue. We had carried throughout the trip toiletry or electric items that were supplied freely and abundantly or was easily available in most places. We threw away many items we carried throughout the trip due to overweight baggage issues and we just did not need to carry. Knowing that in advance would have been very helpful, and would have made things much easier. The issue of squat down toilets, carrying tissue papers, hand sanitizers, water, stomach issues, and adapters was a concern, but turned out to be overhyped. The OAT pre handouts does a terrible job in addressing these issues for the OAT traveler or a first time OAT traveler. The premium hotel accommodation, a trained OAT trip leader and previous OAT travelers made many of these issues none existing or easy to deal with.

Our tour guide leader, was the eyes, mother, watchdog, teacher, teller of tales, translator, database, and administer 24/7 for 22 days at the highest level for group of 16. He acted as ambassador and diplomat between the OAT agency, OAT travelers, Chinese civilians and government to make things run unproblematic and effortlessly. The local OAT guides were a waste, because it was temporary and for the most part out trip leader covered for them. I saw them as a nuisance, mostly lack of knowledge, none committed and another person to tip. We traveled 8 cities, attended 50 plus restaurants, 25 or more small/large attractions, 5 internal flights, sleeper train, family homes, 3 night onboard cruise, traveled on many buses, attended entertainment shows, and most of all these activities were performed on time, seamlessly and without any problems. So what made this trip successful to us and the group? The harmony of the group and the knowledge of our passionate leader was the key. China to me because of her lovely and friendly people throughout the cities, neighborhoods and villages was the vital reason for making our trip so enjoyable and meaningful. The rich Chinese history, people, and culture with the fast growing modernization through Capitalism is what is attracting business and tourism to China and has led to the boom and the making of our trip.

Beijing Summary

Starting with Beijing the ongoing construction ,economic boom and quick quest for modernization is ubiquitously; including none stop traffic, new cars, healthy trends, new and old integration, western influence, large bill boards, and full chic stores and restaurants. But the rich Chinese history and culture is preserved and present everywhere via Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Hutongs. The Dynasties and the long history of China are not forgotten, just see the huge Chinese and worldly crowds present throughout these treasures. It’s impressive and very energetic. Now comes the Great Wall, that’s on everyone list and it’s something even more in person, the hugeness, the continuous segments of bricks and watch towers snaking through the hillsides for miles. The tallness, the mountains around it and healthy air including making it to the top and seeing others doing the same is precious. The enormity and the fact that the Great Wall was built 2200 years ago and still stands is a monumental feat that connects man to it and wanting to see.

The local neighborhood walks and school visits where we interacted with children, store vendors and common street folks is what I enjoyed enormously and has left me with many fund memories.

Xian Summary

Before going on a sleeper train to Xian the group celebrated my birthday in Beijing

which was very touching and fun. Arriving in Xian and walking around the old city wall, viewing the modern reconstruction, malls and none stop traffic of old and new is present everywhere and appears to be the theme for China today.

The Terracotta Army visit, an archeological treasure of the 20th century and it is something of a wonder. You are made to think that you are living 2200 years ago.

At night there was a major display of water shows where there were thousands of young adults, orderly, people dancing and just having fun in the Xian square. The next day we got the opportunity to live and observe a country side farm community and primary school children. This is where you get to personally interact with Chinese families and school children. The over night house stay was good but difficult due to language barriers, but definitely an experience how people live. They are like every family, but very poor, but are happy and proud. The visit to the school was touching due to the reception we received, the kindness and warmth was something I was caught by surprise. I didn’t know how to react to such a humbling reception. I had a lot of fun of playing and singing with the children. I think the entire group was taken by the warmth and joyfulness of the children.

Chengdu

Chengdu – We quickly recognized that Chengdu is more layback, numerous tea houses, and saw the known opera changing faces, visited a community of Tibet activities and the famous Panda’s sanctuary.

Lijiang Summary

Lijiang , (the old town) named Dayan in southwest China was perhaps the surprise and unique where an ancient city is set in a picturesque valley with stunning mountain backdrop, and marvelous building architecture , and preserved livable old Naxi villages. The 800 year old town is a cobweb of narrow cobbled alleyways, crisscrossed with at canals and free of traffic. And run with today’s modern facilities while preserving the old. In addition, one of my favorite places was the towns market that houses alleys and rows of fruits, vegetables, herbals and a variety of live meat from donkey’s, chickens to pork. Walking and touring the black dragon pool park and the various Baishua villages gave us a chance to converse with the towns’ people, visiting their stores, houses and farms, especially the Naxi tribal minority. Just walking in the Lijiang valley against the pristine Jade Spring Mountains was refreshing and gave me a glimpse of how beautiful a place can be.

Kunming

Next we visited Kunming, Southwest of Lijiang and 200 miles north of Vietnam. Another big city that is rapidly growing ,modern-high risers, heavy with traffic , people, tea houses and major construction present all over including a new subway system. As we arrive we are rushed to see a prime show, Shangrila-Dynamic-Yuhann. No one know what to expect, except for a show. It was a live and dynamic dancing show of tribal minorities folks imitating actual life on stage. It was radiating and entrainment show at the highest level and at a bargain price. To me it was entrainment at a Las Vegas or Broadway level. Everyone loved it and couldn’t get enough. The next day we traveled to see a natural wonder of the world, Stone Forest. I never know such a place existed and I am sure that the group did not either. It was created by years of natural erosion processes bringing different rock shapes, pillars of limestone to make the area look like a forest of stones and it does. On the way back, we stopped at a tea house and were privileged to a demo on the varieties of many Chinese teas, their benefits and how to brew them. It was a learning experience and cultural learning of teas and what goes on and in a Chinese Tea House. Aside drinking tea, people come to socialize, play mahjong, and have a message for medical and relaxation purposes. It appears to be a common practice and appears throughout.

Throughout the city I sensed that people were engaging in Buddha prayer all over and folk dancing in the street. Kunming is vibrant with happy people and is experiencing a renaissance.

The Yangtze River Cruise

The Yangtze River cruise came in time after two weeks of continuous on go without a

Break. Getting on the cruise ship was an adventure; it was teaming, dark, the bus was far from the ship’s docking entrance, hundreds of steps to walk down and a very long shaky ramp and with heavy carryon. But with the use of bum-bums, man carrying the bags and assisting with the walking, the walk down to the ship was made easier and enjoyable.

Once on the cruise ship, for the first time in two weeks we felt we were on a vacation. We were able to relax on the ship’s facilities and on our own balcony. While on the cruise we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the magnificent and famous Gorges, the unique Yangtze River vistas, bake in the sun, privilege to a message, talk on the balcony for hours, eat well, and be nightly entertained by a talented ship crew. During the day we had an opportunity to visit and talk with local relocated farmers and explore a local market interacting with the vendors, adult and children. On another day we were able to board a smaller river craft and take an excursion to see the various spectacular vistas and beauty the Yangtze River tributaries water and lagoons had to offer. We also had to the opportunity to be pulled by trackers using a sampan boat down a river and back. I enjoyed the scenery down the river, but the pulling of the boat was archaic and pretty gruesome for the trackers. If we had performed the paddling that would have been fine with me. The last day was a visit and lecture of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world.

Hong Kong

After an overnight stay at Wuhan, we ended our trip with a tour of Hong Kong, the capitalist part of China. Hong Kong is bustling, rich, English speaking everywhere, very congested; high risers building, skyscrapers, double-deckers bus everywhere, beautiful harbors, ferries, and none ending shopping centers and malls. To sum it up, Hong Kong is chic shopping to you drop, top international culinary, business juggernaut, very populated, and scenic night viewing of skyscrapers and harbors. It’s a beautiful and leisurely way to end such an enriching China trip.

We didn’t want the trip to end, because of the fun, cultural learning, education, our wonderful group, and constantly participating in many activities and meeting many people.

We just completed the Overseas Adventure Travel trip, Route of the Mayan, starting January 1, 2015. We knew we would enjoy the historical aspect of seeing Mayan ruins and learning about this ancient civilization. We were unsure of the safety we would feel in the cities of Central America, especially the gangs and drug cartels. Our guide acknowledged that these are issues, but with his knowledge and common sense planning, we felt completely safe, and would urge anyone with similar concerns to take this trip. Instead of worrying about our safety, we totally enjoyed the people we met in the cities and the villages. We had the opportunity to see Central America as it is now. we would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys historical sites and to learn how a culture preserves their heritage and how the people live today. We both were excited about seeing active volcanoes and the beauty of nature as we walked through the jungle trails.

We have taken six trips with Overseas Adventure Travel and really have nothing but praise. What we like best: smaller groups (never more than 16 makes it much more comfortable than big buses); the guides really are excellent (even the worst have been very good); they try to do more than just show you the tourist sights.

Now, here's what you need to understand. The word Adventure is in their name. Some hotels and lodges have been OUTSTANDING and you'll be blown away. Most are average, comfortable but nothing fancy. Same for the meal choices (we often don't take optional meals and go off on our own).

2 Tips: First, read all the reviews posted by prior travelers. You'll find much more helpful info there on what to bring and what to leave at home (than in the guide they'll send you). Second, you can argue with them about the flight itinerary (you especially get more clout as a frequent traveler).

1 Discount: Their business is based on referrals. Any first time traveler who says they were referred by a prior traveler saves $100-per-person (sometimes the amount increases). If no one has recommended you, feel free to use my name (Jesse Slome) and my number 932019).

I traveled with my daughters and ALL of our seats were separated in all six flights we had to take to get to our destination. Two flights of eleven hours each way (more than 24 hours of flight). AS per OAT representatives this is just the way it is, no guarantees of flying together. BUYER BRWARE!!! DO NOT choose airline part with OAT!

We have traveled 100's of times, 10 times with Grand Circle/OAT. We can't say enough about them compared to others. We have never had a bad trip nor a bad guide. The Maya trip was better than we anticipated, same was said by several well traveled people in our group. The ruins were spectacular. Other high lights--Beautiful Antigua, Lake Atitlan [and villages] Walter, our guide, is the best. Traveling with GC/OAT is so much more reasonable than comparables, we are able to go more places.