DECADES Avis 

In case you don’t make it to the end, “Reader, I booked again.”.

I normally travel independently, but with limited knowledge of SE Asia, I chose DECADES, and I’m very pleased that I did. It saved me a lot of time in research and organising logistics, travel & accommodation. But it left the decisions about how to spend my time firmly with me. That said, there was a knowledgeable and helpful host on hand if needed. Sometimes the small group would do things together outside the adventure days, but more often than not, I’d head out solo hiking or exploring by cycle or scooter further afield.

Accommodation was generally of a higher standard than I was expecting it. The Adventure Days were well-chosen and curated. There was a good mix of travel styles between our stops from the Mekong Slow Boat to flights, motorbike and overnight sleeper trains; these added to the overall experience.

The Decades team would check in after each location for feedback and were impressive in how pragmatic and responsive they were if an issue arose and to ideas raised in situ. It truly felt like the trip was organised around us rather than for the benefit of the company. A very impressive performance from such a young business. They even went so far as to prepare an “after trip report” setting out their learnings, what they would change and equally importantly, what would stay the same.

Based on this first experience, I have just booked to join their next adventure in South America later this year. I can’t think of any better accolade to the DECADES offering.

I visited Vietnam with Decades picking up the latter weeks of the three-month tour.
I've travelled a great deal independently, for work and adventure, but, as I am in my seventh decade, I wanted just a bit more security than being entirely independent.
The Decades offer of a supporting structure and in-country host if needed to sort any problems but with independent travel was, for me, the ideal soloution. I'm not into organised tours, coach trips or cruises and Decades proved to be an excellent choice.
Pre-sales responses were excellent. The host not just very competent but also a very pleasant young lady in complete empathy with slightly older travellers.
Communication throughout was very good and post trip communication excellent. I fully expect to join another segment of a future adventure with Decades.

Previously, I have planned my own trips and travelled solo, alongside, signing up for the more typical group/ tour travel itineraries.
I wanted something different and longer. After 3 months, in South Asia with Decades, I know I’ve found it. I will absolutely travel with them again at some point…

It was a wonderful experience and I am so thrilled I did it. There were numerous experiences I would never have done if travelling on my own; a hot air balloon in Laos and a pillion motorbike ride through Vietnam. I absolutely loved them and truly appreciated those opportunities.
The logistics of the trip were also impressive with everything going perfectly to plan.

Decades gave me the balance between being independent and in a group and I loved being longer in places and actually unpacking!
I liked having time to create my own pace and to relax and not, follow a group for a night here, and another immediately, somewhere else.

Decades gave me an opportunity;
- to travel and explore in depth without having to organise it all myself
- to mix and socialise with others when I wanted to and to be independent
- to experience unique and amazing Adventure Days
- to have support, through our “host”, when and if needed. Initially, I wondered if a host was necessary, but the support was invaluable and not at all intrusive
- to stay in some amazing accommodation and have my own room
- to experience so many different ways of travelling. I will never forget the wonderful 2 day slow boat to Thailand.

It is what I want in retirement and I feel very lucky to have had this experience with Decades.

South East Asia for 3 months with a new, innovative and exciting company - Decades. I loved the idea of a gap year for retirees and it didn’t disappoint. The trip contained the perfect combination of adventure, relaxing down time, fun, culture and learning about the countries we visited and people we met. I loved that we stayed in lovely hotels and villas and travelled by slow boat, overnight train, plane and motorbike. There was never a dull moment and everything was so well organised and ran smoothly. I have gained greater confidence about travelling solo but this company arranged an itinerary that gave me the very best of both solo travel and organised itinerary. It was awesome and given that life is so short I would recommend it to anyone who is retired and wants adventure - just go for it!