Why did you choose this program?
I actually wasn’t originally on this program. I was booked onto a 4 day full moon party trip which I had chosen to do for my birthday; however it was with TruTravels, as well.
This program joined us at the same hostel, we ended up going on a boat party together and I saw how much fun everyone was having & how friendly everyone on the trip was. I went over to Dean, one of the program leaders, and discussed what the rest of the program involved and whether it was possible for me to join on half way through. They made it really easy for me and I just needed to do an online payment and then I was part of the group.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Tru Travels are a really well organized company. Organized the trip literally just took me speaking to a group leader; I was then added to a Facebook chat with the team back in England who sent me a payment link. So I could do everything online through a few clicks on my phone.
Having done a few trips with them now, they make it so easy for you: they send you a form to fill out with dietary requirements and insurance details and organise airport pick ups for you when you arrive into the countries. They give you a full itinerary of the trip before you go on it and also tell you what’s included. They are very honest with what’s actually included and make the trip well worth your money.
They also gave me so much help with organizing my onward travel; my team leader organized my transport to another part of Thailand and then booked my diving SSI course and accommodation.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
The main piece of advice I'd give to anyone going on a Tru Travels trip is just be ready to have fun! This trip is all about being in a group and enjoying yourself. Be ready to socialize and make friends because it’s the best part of the experience. All the trips have so many activities that are great fun and also great for making friends as you do things together, so definitely go in with a positive attitude and a smile.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
As I joined this trip later, I can only really describe what I got up to from that point on. But it was everything it said on the tin and more.
The trip for me started off by heading to Koh Tao (this is my favorite island in Thailand; it’s absolutely stunning!). This included a boat trip round the islands, snorkeling & visiting the Japanese garden view point. Then headed to the famous Koh Tao Pub Crawl.
With very sore heads, the next day we chilled by the pool, then got the overnight ferry to Phi Phi Islands. Again, absolutely stunning. This also included a boat trip round the islands, visiting the famous Maya Bay.
The final end to the trip was Phuket...also known as party town. Phuket’s nightlife is certainly something to experience.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Travelling on your own is a very daunting experience, so I think for me this was a massive thing for me to do, especially as I used to be a very shy person. The thought of getting on a plane and flying to the other side of the world, knowing that you don’t know anybody there, is pretty scary.
Being on the group trips put me as ease massively. It’s so easy to make friends with everyone and the group leaders made it even easier by introducing me to everyone. Having a group chat in which everyone posts their photos and let’s everyone know what they are up to is such a good idea. The group ends up with nicknames and personal jokes; it’s great.
I soon learnt that everybody is pretty much in the same boat and nearly everybody on the trips were travelling alone. It’s just about putting that fear behind you and doing the opposite of what your parents once told you...talking to strangers. All it takes is a hello and you could potentially have a friend for life.
Would you book another trip with Tru Travels?
Tru Travels actually have really good deals on booking future trips. Whilst in Thailand, I booked onto one of their other trips in Vietnam and that’s been amazing too! They give you discount on your next trip, but also, if you want to book multi trips to begin with, they give you discounts too.
