We are looking out a couple of years at some "Land Based Tours." Potential candidates include Ker & Downey of course. But looking at some less expensive alternatives might include:

• REI
• National Geographic
• Abercrombie and Kent
• Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Does anyone have any good, bad or inddifferent comments about any of these?


Greg

We treked in Nepal with OAT - there were about 12 of us and most, if not all, services were provided by Ker and Downey.

It was a great experience - one complaint was they advised not to wear shorts or t-shirts.

The Anapurna range is same latitude as northern Florida so, not one who always follows orders,I wore shorts and T-shirts.

Good thing: first day of trek it was 90 and HUMID! Others cut off trousers to make shorts.

Food was barely OK but all drinks included - I did lose 15 pounds
.
We went in April of 1999 and I think clothing advice wss for cooler months and they didn't change when they added later dates for popular journey.

The Maoists were acting up at the time and we sometimes were guarded by police or army with long guns from WW!

We did an Alaska trip with REI. Food and accomodations were the best available (in Alaska, sometimes choices are limited). There were maybe 12-15 in our group. Guide was very nice and organized. I would go with them again. Tour was exactly as described on the website.

If you are looking at Italy, highly rec Girasole. They do mostly private tours, but are reasonably priced. We have done 3 different trips with them.

In South America, recommend Tropical Nature Travel and Southern Explorations. Both are great, delivered what they promised plus more.