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Steven,
We had a most memorable time in Africa. Thanks for all of the work in arranging things. The tours and transfer were all well organized which made all the travel much more bearable. Unreal natural beauty, animals and people. I'm playing catch up with week, I will take some time and send you a full testimonial in the next couple of days. Truly amazing country.
Best.
---mg
This is a e mail sent by this client to another client who wants to do a trip with me: Hi Matthew,
I was given your email address by Steven Abelsohn.
I am part of a group who is putting together a trip to South Africa in September. We have been talking to Steven and putting together an itinerary. Before we book with Steven, I'd like to know about your experience having him as your travel agent.
If you are willing, would you let me know about your experience with Steven. What are his strengths and weaknesses? Would you use him again? And anything else you can pass along.
Thank you,
Lisa
Lisa,
Happy to comply. Steven arranged a custom trip for me to South Africa (CapeTown and J-Bay), Zambia (Livingston and Vic Falls) and Botswana (Chobe). I wanted a custom trip that included surfing and safari and was not interested in the pre-packaged, bus style tours offered on the internet. In many areas of the world I may have organized this myself but in Africa, I wanted someone who knew the lay of the land.
I chose Steven because of his local knowledge of the area. He had personally been to most or all of the placed I was interested in and was able to arrange for tours with locals who provided some insight into the local cultures.
His strengths are certainly first hand knowledge of the places is southern Africa and connections to the local people. He arranged first class accommodations and transfers, which were especially important given that I was traveling with my girlfriend. He was attentive to our needs and worked with us to maintain both price and the variety of experiences we wanted within a fairly tight deadline.
Like many I was somewhat hesitant to wire ten thousand dollars for a trip to someone I had not met "in person". But those concerns were assuaged with his personable nature, quick responses to inquiries and the fact that you can confirm most accommodations and payments over the internet.
In the end we had a wonderful trip. Saw an abundance of animals, surfed some great waves and met some interesting people. It was definitely an experience of the decade. We had 11 flights in 13 days and 6 transfers without issue. Had personable and local guides, fine accommodations and most of our experience was private, rather than being herded around as many tourist are with larger companies.
I would certainly use Steven again. Be firm about your timeframes and expectations regarding the level of service you require (keep in mind that you are going to be in Africa) and let him take care of the details.
I am happy to speak to you about specifics but rest assured that South Africa makes for a wonderful vacation.
Regards,
Matthew
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