We have been on several tours with different companies and different tour managers. Gareth is one of the most professional and knowledgeable managers we have had the pleasure of meeting. Not only was he attentive to the administrative details; he provided us with informative and entertaining commentary about New Zealand and its history and culture. He is a great storyteller! He provided us with several options for free time that would appeal to different interests and always made himself available for any questions or concerns we might have. I was particularly impressed with the respect he showed for the Maori culture and his use of the language. He obviously enjoys his work, shared with us his love of rugby and his Highlanders (we saw a televised game with him!) and is an excellent ambassador for his country. Thank you for this opportunity.

Sarah was truly an exceptional guide. Her wit, knowledge, leadership and daily positive attitude was wonderful. She's a great asset to your organization. One in a million!!

We have taken 20 or so trips with Gate1 and we can honestly say that no tour manager has been as knowledgeable and passionate about their home country as Jairaj is about his. He simply loves talking about India and its proud history and we learned so much from him. Plus, he was able to resolve many travel problems that we and our fellow travelers experienced along the way. And he always maintained a pleasant and courteous manner about him. 10/10! We can't imagine a better tour manager. Do whatever you can to keep him!

I had the greatest time. The places that we visited are beautiful. The services of our tour manager and the local tour guides are very impressive, knowledgeable people. My experience went beyond my expectations. Thank you.

My husband and I just returned from the Sri Lankan trip. We have completed the survey but would like to make an additional comment regarding the Tour Manager, Richard, the Driver Aravinda, and the assistant, Janaka. My husband and I are seasoned travelers, so we are very aware of the impact the manager, driver and where applicable, on the day-to-day operations of the trip. On this journey we were blessed to have this trio of fine men. We were greeted each day with genuine smiles. Janaka handed each woman a different flower every day. The driver and assistant worked very well together and became part of our group. All three should be commended.

I had an excellent time. The Steven the guide was wonderful,! He made sure we were prepared for every next adventure., helping us to get through airport security. Visa readiness , flight schedules changes etc. The meals were delicious, entertainment great , as were the accommodations ! The other guides through the individual towns were great too! The history is fascinating! Thank you for a great trip!

Another great trip from Gate 1! Sri Lanka exceeded our expectations with beautiful scenery, great foods, and friendly people. Can't wait to join Gate1 for Sri Lanka northern adventure. Thank you, Shyam, Liya, and Rowan for the superb job in taking care of our group!

My wife and I just completed your 13 Day Philippines Culture & Adventure tour. Great job Gate 1 - what an amazing trip! We not only experienced a beautiful nation, we also basked in the warmth and good cheer of the Filipino people. The sights, the structures, and the various islands & adventures Gate 1 guided us through were well worth the long trip from Indiana, but what we will remember most was the people - the wonderful travel mates we were fortunate to be paired with, the outstandingly welcoming Filipinos we encountered everywhere, the excellent local guides, and our Best-in-Class Tour Manager, Mellany. To say that Lany was superb would be an understatement. This was our 15th Gate 1 tour, and all our Tour Managers have been very good to excellent, not a clinker in the bunch - but Lany wins the Best-in-Class prize. Each member of our group was presented with a small gift bag as they arrived, along with a printed booklet, complete with pictures, of all the activities of every day of our tour. This booklet should become a best practice for all Tour Managers. But a booklet cannot convey the ongoing warmth and care that Lany delivered every day of our adventure. I believe that her attitude and her leadership, along with her infectious kindness and that of her fellow Filipinos, was a significant contributor to how well our travel group got along with each other. Gate 1 is very fortunate to have her leading some of its first tours in this wonderful country, and we were most fortunate to have Lany guiding us on our journey through the Philippine Islands - she even sings!

Our guide, Shyam, was outstanding. He did a wonderful job of blending historical information with personal anecdotes that made Sri Lanka come alive. He was reassuring when necessary, safety conscious as needed, communicative and supportive. It was a pleasure to get to know him.

Our tour guide, Indika, was perhaps the most knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful guide we have ever had on any tour.

Our Gate 1 "16 GEMS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA" journey from January-February 2026 was made truly exceptional because of our remarkable tour manager. From the very first day to the final farewell, he demonstrated a rare combination of professionalism, warmth, and genuine care that elevated the entire experience for every traveler in our group. What stood out most was his extraordinary kindness and attentiveness. He never treated the tour as a crowd - he treated it as a collection of individuals. Whether someone needed assistance navigating a busy airport, extra time boarding, help with dietary needs, or simply reassurance in a new environment, he anticipated concerns before they were even spoken. Every guest felt seen, respected, and safe, which is no small accomplishment on a multi-country journey. His depth of knowledge across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand was equally impressive. He shared history, cultural context, language nuances, and local traditions in a way that was engaging rather than overwhelming. Temples, markets, and historic sites came alive through his storytelling - explaining not just what we were seeing, but why it mattered. His familiarity with local customs helped us interact respectfully with the communities we visited, deepening our appreciation for each country. Another defining strength was his strong relationships and connections throughout the region. At every hotel and tour location, it was clear he was known and trusted. Check-ins were seamless, special requests were handled gracefully, and small touches - preferred rooms, thoughtful pacing, insider tips - made us feel like welcomed guests rather than passing tourists. These relationships added a level of ease and authenticity that cannot be replicated by logistics alone. Above all, he created a spirit of camaraderie and confidence within the group. Long travel days felt organized and calm, unexpected changes were handled smoothly, and laughter was never far away. His leadership blended efficiency with heart - a balance that transformed a well-planned itinerary into a truly memorable experience. In short, he wasn't just a tour manager; he was the steady, compassionate presence that tied together the "16 Gems" of Southeast Asia and made the journey unforgettable for all of us.

Lindsay was a fantastic tour manager. His vast knowledge base about NZ is large, and he has an encyclopedic knowledge about NZ's history and the Morai culture. He willingly shared with us facts, stories, and interesting information throughout the tour which made the longer drives on the coach more tolerable. I'm always one to find at least one recommendation for a TM, but I really do not have any for Lindsay. His experience as a TM shows. I always pride myself on trying to stump the TM with a question, but with Lindsay but I could not as he had an answer for all questions. He added much value to our trip by recommending certain vendors for souvenirs along the way, restaurants depending on your desires, and always asked us if we had any questions that he could answer. He kept informing us by posting the next day's itinerary, and reminded us of upcoming events, their timing, and when we needed to be ready, all of which necessitated very few questions from the group. I would go out of my way to take a tour with Lindsay again, if that tells you anything.

My trip to Southern India...A Spiritual Culture was the best trip ever. This trip has an outstanding itinerary that allowed me to understand the way of life of the people who live there. All the sites, activities, food, and accommodations were great. Our tour manager, Raj, was outstanding and added to our experience. He went out of his way to make sure that all of us had personal experiences with the people and the culture. I have had some great tour managers before, but Raj was the best. He went above and beyond with all activities. Our driver Roger and assistant Gopi were also wonderful. Thank you Gate 1 for this wonderful experience. It was truly outstanding!

We loved our 47th amazing trip with Gate 1 to Sri Lanka! Our excellent tour manager, Eranga, was very organized and extremely patient with all of us and kept everyone on time. The highlights of our tour for me was the visit to the local school sponsored by Gate 1 Foundation and listening to the students sing and even a bonus dance number by the little girls, plus the climb up to Sigiriya where the top view was simply superb but listening to the history made it feel alive to be in such a wonderful place. Overall, another beautiful experience and memorable adventure courtesy of Gate 1.

The tour exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was perfect, the hotels were great and experience was very memorable. The local guides were knowledgeable and very professional. We have had very good tour directors on previous trips, but Tick was the best ever! He was consistently organized while always being upbeat and caring. He made his job look easy, while constantly smiling. We will definitely consider Gate 1 for future tours.

We enjoyed our trip of a lifetime to Southeast Asia. The itinerary was set at a perfect pace; the hotels were stunning and so much was included in enhancing the day with included tours and wonderful food. A big thank you to our Tour Manager, oh who was professional, organized and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble and his kindness showed through!

My New Zealand trip has been my favorite of all my Gate 1 journeys. The itinerary covered both the North and South Islands and lasted more than 15 days, yet it felt much shorter thanks to our outstanding guide, Kevin. His humor, quick wit, and warm personality made every day enjoyable. It was truly a pleasure to have him leading our group.

Best vacation EVER!! My family was thrilled with every aspect of the vacation. Our guide/docent, Kevin, was attentive, informative, professional yet personable and a ton of fun! We will be returning to Gate 1 in the future.

5 star experience Nu was the best guide I have ever experienced in my 50 years of travel. He did his job with style and grace where others would have crumbled under the circumstances at times. I will book my tours with Gate1 for Asia based on when and where Nu is guiding.

The trip was awesome. Guide Phil was great and our bus driver Josh was the best. NZ is a wonderful country with the friendliest people. Thank you!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Southern India trip. Srini, our Tour Manager, was very knowledgeable, organized, patient, and accommodating throughout the tour. He even gave us a short recap of the past day's activities before informing us of what to expect of the current day. I learned so much about India's history, culture and religion. He made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout our travels. Sultan, our driver, and Raheem, the assistant, were very helpful and friendly. Srini was a multitasker - guiding throughout, taking pictures, and organizing all the accommodations. and always present in answering all our needs. He even had a Laughing Yoga to start our day. It also helped that everyone in the group was very nice! This tour is one trip I will treasure for a long time!

Just got home from Southern India trip! It was amazing. Raj was an amazing tour guide! He was spot on. We did so much and he was so knowledgeable and kind. My 10th- gate 1 and never disappoints!

Hide was our TM. He was the best I have ever had. His instructions were clear, every detail was covered. He went above and beyond on several occasions especially offering extra evening tours to acclimate us to each hotel area. I was so impressed by Hide's organization skills, patience and compassion.

Our tour manager, Tracey, was incredible. I was traveling with three others, and typically I am the one who manages the details of the trip, and makes sure things go smoothly for us. With Tracey, I was able to fully relax and enjoy myself without worrying. I felt taken care of, and that I wasn't missing out on anything as she had done the research and provided us with a plethora of information ahead of time, even providing a well-thought-out list of activities to do in our free time. This is my fourth Gate 1 trip, and I can confidently say that Tracey is an absolute gem and elevated our vacation experience like no other. Her thoughtfulness and thoroughness towards each travelers' needs, goals, and priorities was remarkable. If it were possible, I would wish that Tracey could be our tour manager for all of future tours.

Our vacation to New Zealand was spectacular! From the moment we arrived until we walked through security to fly home, we were well looked after. Another trip of a life time, another great Gate 1 tour. We are already booked to go to Australia next year with Gate 1! Thank you, thank you, thank you! My mom and I will talk about this trip for the rest of our lives.

It was fabulous!!! I cannot say enough about our Chinese tour manager, Maggie!! She was so helpful, informative and just the best!! I would recommend this tour highly.

Hiroko our guide on our Japan Discovery tour was awesome! Her knowledge, communication skills, personal stories and just everything she did was top notch.

I wanted to say how much I enjoyed our Uzbekistan itinerary. It was an amazing country and I learned a lot. I would like to specifically mention our Tour Manager Kamola. Her knowledge of the history of Uzbekistan and the subject matter were excellent, and her youthful energy was refreshing. She worked hard to make sure we had a great experience. This was our 13th Gate 1 and obviously won't be our last. Thanks again for another great trip.

Our trip was even more adventurous and enjoyable than we ever imagined it could be. Our guide, Mark was the best guide we have ever had on any trip with any company. Mark taught us about Uzbekistan culture, climate, ecology, education, medical care, history, people, religion and more. Also, assisting Mark was Fax, who was so knowledgeable and prepared and both Mark and Fax spoke from their kind hearts.

The trip was fantastic. Great tour guide: Indika. Terrific group. Highly enjoyed this trip and I am looking forward to my next adventures with G1 and Discovery

Fantastic trip! I had a wonderful time travelling with G1 to Sri Lanka. G1 made sure that I had a safe, yet exciting experience. Indika was an amazing tour guide, and he brought positive energy. I appreciated Indika's sense of humor, knowledge, and passion. I would gladly travel with G1 again!

Tom has been an amazing tour manager and he made our first visit to China and our first tour with Gate 1 an amazing experience. He was very attentive to our needs and did all the "little things" that made the experience so much better. Please thank him again for us and we look forward to our next Gate 1 tour!

Just wanted to give extra kudos to our tour manager: Raj. He went over the top to assure our tour was excellent. I know Gate 1 doesn't let who are the tour guides when booking, but if you did, I'd be signing up for everything he offers! Our drive Deva and assistant Prince were also excellent and made sure we safe and well cared for.

Our trip was amazing!! Eka was a fabulous tour manager. Everything went seamlessly from my perspective. Our group of 19 connected and became close knit early in the tour which added to the enjoyment. Again, Eka went above and beyond and we were all grateful for all of the knowledge she shared about the history and life in Indonesia.

I wanted to commend our Tour Manager/Director Davron. Knowledgeable and excellent leader. A great problem solver and adjusts whatever the needs may be. the other staff of Gate1 who assisted us are excellent. Xavier has been very helpful in so many ways, from picking us up in the airport to assisting in orientation. Hotels are excellent, one suggestion for Panarams hotel is more selection on breakfast menus. Those restaurants were selected and food is amazing. The tours and places selected are mesmerizing. The drivers are excellent. Thank you. Keep up the great work!

I recently completed Gate One's Spiritual Tour of South India, and I want to express my deep appreciation for the excellent way in which Stalin and his crew treated our group with such professionalism and sincere care. He is the consummate tour guide, effectively educating and entertaining the group while also keeping us comfortable and safe -- a most formidable task that he does with such grace that he makes it look easy! My three travel friends and I greatly enjoyed and appreciated his many entertaining and enlightening stories about India. Stalin gave me a greater understanding and appreciation of India, and for that I am so grateful. I also appreciate how he created a harmonious and committed atmosphere within the group that made the whole trip such an enjoyable, enlightening experience!

My wife Elyse and I want to take this opportunity to share our experience with Tracey, our Tour Manager: This was our fourth trip with Gate1, and by far Tracey was the best Tour Manager we've had. She was always there for everyone, and helped us experience New Zealand in ways we couldn't have imagined. We are back home now and already miss her.

The trip to China was wonderful. We had an excellent Tour Manager Susan. Her leadership skills are superior and she is very attentive to the various needs of the tour participants. She kept a solid team harmony with tour group and always look out for our safety. The vacation experience was excellent because of the help and guidance from Susan.

We just finished our 14-day Japan w/ Hiroshima trip. It was fantastic and one of the top trips we have taken. Our guide Nobuko was attentive, though and went out of her way to make our trip exceptional. Nobuko had extra evening city walks, not schedules on the agenda, to give us the full flavor of Japan. We got a chance to see the stores, city life, restaurants and hidden eating establishments that had the best food smells. One of our guest travelers was looking for a certain doll to bring home and Nobuko called around the city to locate it. Nobuko handed out pamphlets and marked maps showing our activities and walking routes for the day. They were very much appreciated and helped us to stay on task. She strived to make all of our wishes come true... I recommend everyone put this trip on your bucket list. You will not regret it.

I wanted to highlight that while our Japan vacation was exceptional, what truly made it unforgettable was our tour guide, Akane. I hardly know where to begin-she was warm, kind, respectful, thoughtful, incredibly organized, and made us feel as though we were part of her own family. She was absolutely outstanding and has likely set our expectations far too high for any future tours. Simply amazing.

This is my 16th Gate1 tour and I have always experienced wonderful tour directors. However, the tour director, Gloria, for this 15 Day Amazing China tour is by far the BEST tour director I have ever had. Her competence, positive spirit and timely follow-through skills are exceptional. Every detail was perfectly administered. Just wanted you to know your tour directors are very good but Gloria is GREAT!

Had a fantastic trip to Nepal and Bhutan. Outstanding tour guides. We all fell in love with Bhutan and how Arun shared his love for his country and life in the Buddhist country. We met school children over dinner. Our time was cut by one day due to weather conditions. Arun made every effort to make sure we didn't miss out on our itinerary . We didn't want to leave this beautiful country of peace and harmony.

I just want to extend my raving review of our Japanese tour guide, Hiroko. I have yet to meet a person as dedicated, kind, generous, compassionate and hard working as she is. Her attention to detail is impeccable. Her in-depth knowledge of Japanese culture and history is inspiring. We were very lucky to have had her as our guide. She made our trip unforgettable and she is the epitome of Japanese hospitality. SHE IS A GREAT GATE1 ASSET!

This was our 13th Gate 1 Travel trip. We had a wonderful time visiting South Korea! We saw many of its important sites and learned about the country's history. We enjoyed meeting many Koreans and eating the Korean food. Darren, our Tour Manager, was excellent, as have been all the other Gate 1 tour managers in the past.

Our recent SE Asia trip was outstanding. Vit was exceptional as the tour manager as he worked very hard to ensure we had a great experience. I would also want to point out Hoan, our Vietnam guide as being excellent and offered us the opportunity to ask tough questions and he provided us with the history of Vietnam. Both Vit and Hoan had excellent English skills and great sense of humor. In fact, all of our local guides provided us with tremendous knowledge and excellent service. A special shoutout to the bus drivers for their excellent skills too. I was thoroughly impressed with the hotel arrangements and Baya Classic boat in Halong Bay. This is our second Gate 1 trip and won't be the last. Thank you to the team at Gate 1 for making our Gems of SE Asia the most memorable, educational and culturally exceptional trip. We have a new outlook on the people of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Please know that without Vit and our guides, this would not have been possible.