Client Feedback on our Luxury Voluntourism Adventures

“It is hard to know where to start, as the whole trip was filled with such great experiences. First of all, I must commend your local associates, Hassan and Abdellah, who went above and beyond, and then further still, to try to make our vacation enjoyable and fulfilling. What a pleasure it was to spend time with such interesting people. We talked about everything from Algerian politics to the poetry of Baudelaire. They always treated us more like friends than clients. To see Morocco with them was a truly enriching experience that would be hard to replicate, even on the most expensive tour. Despite the fact that we were there for such a short time, they found a way to take us up into the mountains and on an overnight trip to the coast. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing these areas.

Working on the project and staying with the local family was an equally wonderful experience. The family was so hospitable and made us welcome in every way. It was fascinating to be part of such a different way of life. Our host, Abderrahim, tried to make sure that we felt included in every stage of the work. It was great fun to interact with the teachers and the children, and we only wished that we could have stayed longer with them. It was so sad to leave, but I am trying to get together a large box of school supplies to send to them. I think of the village and the school every day. The riad in Marrakech was wonderful, full of charm and atmosphere, and ideally located. The riad in Essaouira was also very comfortable, and we loved looking out at the beach.

There were absolutely no negative elements in this trip, and we thank you for creating an organization that does so much to enrich the lives of both your clients and the communities that they help. Hope you enjoy the photo. We have so many more!”

Isabelle Bradley – traveled to Morocco in July 2010 with her son, from the USA

“When I talk to friends (and strangers) about my wonderful experience, everyone asks me how I arranged such a trip.  I have probably told over 100 people to check out your website- so I hope that you will soon have more customers than you can handle.  Keep up the good work !!” Jennifer Holt and Mark Welch, travelled to Kenya from England
	"Working with Hands Up Holidays to coordinate our TOMS volunteer trip in South Africa was a great experience. They were very attentive to our particular needs for transportation, lodging, and scheduling. It was with their logistical help that TOMS volunteers were able to personally give shoes to children in need and learn all about South Africa's history and culture! Great local guide and great agency support!" - Ana Maria Programs Manager TOMS Shoes
	We had a fantastic volunteering experience thanks and felt that when we were at the project we were well looked after. We thought it was a great project and fell in love with the children, they’re adorable.” Mel Lakin, July 10, travelled to India with her family, from the UK
"Sunderbans Smiles was an amazing holiday. Everyone at Jungle camp in Sunderbans was welcoming and it was a humbling experience to live and undertake voluntary work along side the villagers.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and had an infectious enthusiasm for the wildlife, which we saw plenty of.” Joanne Carlin and Simon Gordon, traveled to India, from the UK
	"Our trip was fabulous and we will have memories to cherish forever.  We saw more animals and from much closer proximity than any of us anticipated and our expectations were far exceeded.  However what was even more impressive than the animals was the kindness and warmness of the people we met.  The Masai community made us feel like old friends and when we left we felt we were leaving “home.”  The teachers at the school were very welcoming and gave us all plenty of opportunity to teach. … and the school children were amazing and wonderful.  We came away with a strong desire to do more for the school and we truly miss the children we worked with." Kenneth Gordon – traveled to Kenya with his family, July 10, from the USA
	"We had the most amazing time in Bali, everything was perfect, best month of our life! Sorry we haven't been in touch, everything has been quite hectic since we've been back but thank you very much for everything. We will keep in touch." Lily Brown, traveled to Bali with three friends, from the UK
"I absolutely loved the orphanage and the kids. I had the time of my life and that was one of the highlights of my trip :) I wish I could have stayed longer and was very sad to leave them. The coordinators are great women and the kids are magical.  Everyone was so genuine and warm hearted.I was given a warm welcome from the second I got there and became very attached to the kids. I tried to get to know almost all of them but it was difficult since they were at school during the day and there are so many of them.  All they want is attention and love.   I can't wait to go back to SE Asia...it holds a special place in my heart." Kristina Marzec, traveled to Thailand, in June 2009, from the USA	"We had wanted to give back in some way and rather than take just another wonderful trip, we contacted Hands Up Holidays about mixing vacation with volunteering.  We had no idea at the start where we wanted to go or what we wanted to do. Our planner at Hands Up gave our family endless options.  He was patient and helpful and created the perfect trip for our family.  When we finally selected a destination, Guatemala, he put the whole thing together for us.   We spent a week building a home for an indigenous Mayan family, yet we also got to see and experience Guatemala --  thanks to Hands Up’s planning.   When traveling in areas that are perhaps not as comfortable as what we are all used to, it was reassuring to know that we were in good hands." Jody Gardner, traveled to Guatemala with her family, in March 2009, from the USA
"Our trip to Costa Rica was the perfect mix of rewarding hard work and exciting good times. We were honored to be the first group to work to get the site in Bambu ready for the new farmer's market, and we also were proud to accomplish a complete redecoration of the game room at the nearby retirement home. The rafting trip on the Pacuare was the perfect finale to a perfect trip." Barbara Huckabay, teacher, from a school trip to Costa Rica in May 2009, from the USA
'Hands Up Holidays' gave us the perfect opportunity we needed at a time in our lives when it was absolutely necessary to escape the trappings of the UK (& the West in general!). To be able to immerse oneself into the lives of the underprivileged, to help them out in whatever capacity you choose, offers a unique glimpse into the 'unidealised' cultures of the world. In turn, to then lie on a beach in that same country becomes so much more of a fulfilling, and earned experience, and one that we will revisit whenever possible with the distinct & bespoke services that this company provides." Jim & Sarah Murray, traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam, in March 2009, from the UK