I went on the 9 day Cuba tour from 7/25 - 8/2 with a friend and it was amazing! Jodie was great with answering all of our pre-trip questions and even answered our 9pm phone call the night we were first seriously considering the trip. We didn't necessarily expect to get anyone at that time. We just saw that there was a number to call so we tried it. While I wasn't able to attend my friend was able to attend a trip FAQ/meet and greet session being held just two days after that phone call. We booked the tour the next day. The tour price and size were both pluses for us. We also liked that there was a bit of free time every day since neither of us normally go on group tours. And we liked that the tour included beach stops and an organic farm. Once in Cuba the group size was small (just 8 of us), we all got along really well, and David our tour guide was fabulous! His English was excellent and he cracked us up with his jokes the whole time. He was also very knowledgeable and willing to answer all of the many questions we threw at him during our trip. Plus he would go out dancing with us at night! (I missed the night where everyone went to the cave disco - Disco Ayala in Trinidad together, but ended up going with his tour guide friend Roger the next night.) Another plus for David: My friend and I are vegan and while David had never come across a vegan before he very quickly learned what we could and couldn't eat and made sure we were taken care of everywhere we went. This resulted in three restaurants making us vegan paella along with all of the other tasty food we encountered. Highlights of the tour were Las Terrazas (and especially meeting the local artists there), pretty much everything in Trinidad, all of the fabulous old cars in Havana and taking convertible cab rides, the two farms we went to in Vinales, and the beach picnic just outside of Trinidad on the second to last night of the trip. But really the whole trip was amazing! So fun and educational! One tip: If you can, drink your mojito at Hotel Nacional at the outdoor restaurant closest to the water and the Cuban flag instead of in the indoor bar. The views are amazing there and it feels less touristy. (Although the plaques of all the famous people that have stayed at the hotel in the bar are pretty amusing.) Tip 2: If you can, make friends with a local in Havana, We did and ended up going to an amazing art and dance space (Fabrica del Arte) that we never would have found on our own. Every where we went when we talked to locals they were all very happy to meet us. Tip 3:...?: Message me. I'd love to talk more about Cuba! :) read more

I took the two-week trip to Thailand (not the scooter trip) in December 2016 and was 100% glad that I did. It truly was an amazing experience and adventure ! Our group consisted of only 3 people, including Jodie from Globe Drifters. From the very beginning, when I signed up for the trip, (9 months in advance) Jodie was very responsive and addressed all of my questions and concerns. I had limited international travel experience and had never flown such a long distance. However, after talking to Jodie, reading Yelp reviews, and reading all of the detailed trip information on the web site, I was sold. Particularly helpful to me were the excellent notes on getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to the Ad Lib Hotel. I followed them to the letter and had absolutely no problems ! The pre-departure checklist, info on preventing jet lag, and the details of the trip itself were all top- notch. I really enjoyed the mix of environments and activities that we encountered. These included starting and ending in Bangkok (Khao San Road, Nana Plaza, drinks on a rooftop bar downtown, the awesome Ad Lib Hotel), Elephants World sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, a night in a jungle house, a night in a treehouse hotel, a stay in a floating hut in Khao Sok National Park, a few nights on Railay Beach, and a stay in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Ed, the trek leader at Khao Sok was very informative, fun to chat with, and had eyes like a hawk when it came to spotting, monkeys, scorpions, tarantulas and other jungle creatures. The itinerary was mostly defined, but I liked that we had also had the freedom to pick and choose some events as well. Jodie was amazing as a guide and knew all the ins and outs of Thailand, how to get around, and how to barter with the locals. Everything went as planned regarding transportation, schedule etc, except for 1 driver that was late meeting us at the airport in Chiang Mai. No worries, Jodie simply got us another driver ! She is also a blast to hang with, laugh, and have a few drinks with ! It was great meeting and hanging with her friends Mandy at the Jungle House, and Firzt, a Thai native, in Bangkok. Myself, Jodie, and Tom really had a blast and I consider them both friends now. I absolutely would take another Globe Drifters trip and highly recommend that you do as well ! The entire experience was fantastic; the beautiful scenery of Thailand, friendly and polite locals, amazing and inexpensive food and goods, all of it had a strong impact on me. I fell in love with Chiang Mai and can see myself living and/or retiring there. :) read more

This review is a bit late but I went on Jodi's trip to Thailand in 2015 and I have to say it was probably one of the best trips I have ever been on. I had a bit of trepidation signing up as she mentioned at the group meeting she held in SF that these were going to be her first guided trips to Thailand. I signed up for the trip anyways because at the informational meet-up she held she had such passion for the country and her trips and I also I liked the idea of being able to pick what you wanted to do each day which was how the trip was set up. I am glad I did not let my trepidation get the better of me because this trip was a once in a lifetime experience! The hotels that she chose were attractions in and of themselves. During the trip Jodi was very transparent about her business and you can really tell she has such passion in wanting people to see the country from a non-tourist side. I have taken a couple guided trips in the past and although I did enjoy them, this trip offers more of a 'experience' and I think one of the selling points of the trip was you got to pick what you wanted to do each day and it worked really well in our group. I am a pretty active person so I wanted to do some hikes and skip the templew and so it worked out great being able to choose. I had 2 girlfriends go to Thailand the year prior and they were not impressed with the country mentioning it was quite touristy and after coming back from my trip and showing them pictures of where I had went they were so disappointed they did not get to do and see the things I got to see on the trip. A couple notes that I wish I was pre-warned about is that at the tree house hotel and jungle bungalows there will be bugs that get in your room, although I am fine with that as you have a mosquito net around your bed I think she should pre-warn people more about this. Both hotels were extremely nice but at night time it was a bit scary as I was in room by myself in the jungle. The other hotels were 5 star boutique hotels with infinity pools and really amazing. Also, if you go to the floating hotel on the trip the bed is hard as a rock but it was one of the most fantastic experiences and the view made up for the bed. I will sign-up for her trips in the future and I am very impressed with the effort put into the trip, it is nothing like any other tour I have been. Thanks Milky Milk and Jodi for one of the most amazing trips ever! read more

I am an experienced traveler, but I never thought I was a "tour person." Which is to say, I never wanted to hop on a bus with 50 strangers and take pictures out of the windows, or get rushed through attractions without any sense of culture or history. Globe Drifters redefined for me what a tour could be in the best possible way. My mom and I recently went on the Turkey trip with Jodie. I had started to map out a vacation there a few years ago, but it was a daunting task due to the size of the country and time limitations. Globe Drifters made planning and traveling effortless, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much more fun it was to discover a new country with 11 new friends. First of all, the pre-trip communication was excellent. We were given a daily itinerary, a clear list of what we needed to provide the company for internal flights and hotels, a checklist of important items to bring, and reminders to obtain visas, etc. Globe Drifters also set up a private group chat and Facebook page so we could get to know each other, and to ensure we could communicate easily overseas. Then, in 3 regions of Turkey over a mere 10 days, we hiked, swam in pools and mineral baths, explored ruins and underground caves, made bread, visited mosques and churches and museums, went boating and hot air ballooning, ate amazing food, straddled 2 continents, and strayed from the beaten path with excellent local guides. There was a good amount of free time as well. Because we were a small group, we really got to know each other and always had people to hang out with. We had enough structure that we had time to see everything, and enough flexibility that we were able to choose between several optional stops and go back to areas we liked. The hotels were thoughtfully chosen, and a couple were downright spectacular. I can now say that I am a very enthusiastic "tour person," at least if Globe Drifters is doing the planning. Thanks from me and my mom for the trip of a lifetime! read more

Globe Drifter's provided me with the most awesome and exciting vacation adventure I've ever been on. I went on the 2016 February Northern Thailand motor scooter trip headed by Jodie. My adventure started in Bangkok where Jodie took the time to show us around as well as the ins and outs of the large busy city and also granted us the time to rest off any jetlag. The real treat was the motor scooter portion of the trip which started and commenced in Chiang Mai. Prior to the trip, Jodie had hand picked everything from the route to the hotels and the scooters which made for a pretty perfect combination. One of my favorite parts of the trip included going through the small northern town of Phu Chi Fa during their local flower festival. We rode our scooters through this all while watching the locals gather together to hang out and relax. It was a great way to see the culture while observing. The freedom of riding on the scooters themselves allowed us that several times over, as well. Jodie also researched many beautiful vistas along the way to rest while we rolled through the gentle slopes and fields. Jodie is also really rad. She puts all efforts into planning the trips to make sure everyone that is along will enjoy and get the most out of it. She's very conscious of physical abilities and food allergens as well. Together with Jodie and translator, Firzt, I was able to hike to the top of an overlook to watch the sunrise over Laos and also keep my sugar allergy in check. I very much enjoyed my time in Thailand with Globe Drifter's and will definitely base my future vacations on a Globe Drifter's adventure. I very much recommend Globe Drifter's and all they provide. Jodie goes above and way beyond for each one of the people on her trip. I totally and absolutely recommend Globe Drifter's! read more

Wow..... This trip to Cuba is one of the top 3 trips in my life. It's like having a time machine and a 2nd chance to live it all over again.... Run to sign up with Jodie at Globe Drifter Tours and take advantage of this preserved in time country called Cuba. I've been to 52 countries around the world and Cuba is the friendliest, most interesting and laid back in time place I've been to. Get to Cuba before it is ruined by big American Business.... Jodie is the owner and she personally traveled to all these places before putting this awesome itinerary together. She showed up and picked the neatest things to do and coolest places to go. Besides spending a few days in Havana we visited an organic farm for a dinner of stuff right out of the field, Swam in a wild river, Cooking Class, Swimming in underground Cave with a waterfall, Wowza! Horseback riding, Cool Coconut drinks in coconuts, Snorkeled in a sink hole in Trinidad, Dance lessons, Live music everywhere, BBQ, Beaches Bonfires and more. You can choose to do everything or nothing, All of it's included.... The guide Roger is like a Cuban Encyclopedia and speaks perfect English. We had 10 in our group on our own bus so it was quite quaint. One of the nicest guides I've ever encountered and funny too..... There is a Vietnam trip coming up that you can pick out add on countries like Thailand etc that I'll be in line for when they are announced..... F~ read more

This is a very long overdue review. My trip to Thailand was in November 2015. I had an absolutely wonderful time in Thailand with Jodie and the group of women I had the pleasure of traveling with. Jodie was an excellent tour guide who knew all of the ins and outs of how to travel smartly. Every stop we made and every local tour we went on was exciting. I was so happy that we went to an elephant sancutary instead of a place you took rides on top of an Elephant. I'm 57 years old and thoroughly enjoyed Zip Lining for hours in the jungle. Took my breath away (due to the beauty and freeness, and not due to my age.). LOL The extra tour guides that Jodie had selected were high class tourist guides who knew how to speak the native language and English. Milkey was one of the guides that went everywhere with us as we traveled, along with Jodie. Milkey was awesome!!! She was extremely sweet, knowledgeable, great translator and had a wonderful sense of humor. All of the different tour guides were very knowledgeable and confident in talking about the history and the people of Thailand. I plan on taking more trips with Jodie and Globe Drifter's!! I plan on going to Romania via Globe Drifter's. Anyone wanting a great trip and awesome guides....Globe Drifters is the way to go. Xtc read more

It takes a lot for me to take time out to write a review, and I'm already a bit overdue. But I have to share my thoughts about my recent trip to Thailand with Globe-Drifters. I've traveled extensively but this trip was absolutely amazing! And let me add, this was the first 'group tour' trip so I was a bit skeptical. It wasn't just the beauty of Thailand, but every aspect of the trip was so well planned and executed flawlessly and it was an adventure! Jodie planned just enough time in every place and while we did a lot, it never felt stressful or pressure. We had plenty of time to do whatever we wanted and she kept our agenda fluid and non-rigid which really facilitated everyone being able to do/go where they wanted when they wanted! There were so many highlights of this trip that I'm planning to go back in 2018 with my family. Every aspect of this trip from the moment I booked til I landed back home after 20 days in Thailand was truly on point! Her local relationships, the hotels we stayed in (were amazing) the food, activities, touristy and local experiences, local guides made for a perfect trip! I'll take another trip with Globe-Drifter's in a heartbeat! And s go anywhere as long as they are managing the trip! Love them!! read more

Globe Drifters tour of Cuba was probably the most interesting trip of a lifetime. The timing of Castro's death and his significance to the Cuban people are the opposite to what American propaganda reports.Several South American and African leaders including Nelson Mandela have stated that Castro is the most important man in the 20th century because he was indirectly instrumental in ending apartheid. The Globe Drifter's tour guide Olexis was incredibly intelligent by informing our group of Cuba's history including the Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs) and the Cuban Missile Crisis from the Cuban point of view which actually was very similar to the facts that American novelists have stated. The bus driver, Lassero was very friendly and always alert behind the wheel. The families I met hosting the casa particulars were alway friendly and helpful and the rooms were alway clean. Our group was comprised of 8 people so we were always able to secure tables in the restaurants where other tour agencies found that difficult with larger groups. Kudos to Globe Drifters coordinators Jodie and Rebecca's organizational skills, knowledge and friendliness are top rated. read more

OMG! Cuba was unforgettable! Kudos again to Jodi for doing such an outstanding job. I booked this trip on a leap of faith, knowing this would be her first chartered tour I had some reservations. Let me say she blew my mind! Globe Drifter's delivered what they promised and more... Our group was far more intimate than other larger US tour groups going to Cuba, the cost was very competitive, and our experience was complete. We visited more sites and cities in 9 days than any other tour group I met while in Cuba. Quite frankly I had a little swag when speaking to other US tourist because we had been so many places and had visited so many really cool sites, both traditional and untraditional tourist sites. The casas we stayed in were safe, clean and very nice. Overall the food, which 99% of our meals were included, ranged from good to outstanding. Our Cuban tour guide, Roger, was extremely informative, energetic and patient. Equally cool was our bus driver Lorenzo. If you're thinking of traveling to Cuba not only do I say GO, definitely book through Globe Drifter's. I can't wait to join them on another excursion. read more

I spent two weeks in Thailand over the December holidays on a Globe Drifters trip. I have traveled in many different formats, to perhaps 50 countries. i chose this group for Thailand because my previous trip with them to Cuba last summer was one of the best trips I have ever been on. They specialize in small groups, well thought out itinerary and planning; organized, consumer-oriented, and flexible. I had high expectations based on the Cuba experience, and they came through again! They try to keep the group size to less than ten. On this trip, there was only two of us, led by the owner of Globe Drifters, Jodie. !t was almost like a private tour! I was delighted they did not cancel due to the low turnout (probably due to the holiday time period). Thailand is indeed the land of smiles, and John and I were pretty much smiling the whole time. The country is far more diverse than I had imagined and Jodie had planned it out right again. Thanks Ladies. You provide the experiences of a lifetime in your trips. I will travel with you again. I hope to see you soon! read more

Just returned from the Scuba/Snorkel in Cuba trip with Globe Drifters and I wish I could go back 6 more times this year. Rebecca was so helpful with answering all questions I had about the trip in the months before we left. The process of preparing for the trip was easy based on all the good advice. The trip itself was fabulous. We knew what to expect at the airport based on guidance from Globe Drifters. Our tour guide in Havana was very knowledgeable. The group size (8) was perfect. I felt safe and cared for by our casa hosts. This was my first time scuba diving (after initial certification) and it was fabulous. I've heard from experienced divers, that I've now seen the very best. The coral is pristine. The dive masters are wonderful people, and they made sure that everyone was comfortable, no matter their experience level. They made us all feel like we were family. I can't say enough about how grateful I am that I found Globe Drifters and I decided to make the investment in the trip. Was a life changing experience. read more

I recently went on the trip to Cuba with Globe Drifters. It was well organized and we were able to communicate with our fellow travelers ahead of time by email. The country of Cuba, well, all the parts we saw (Havana, Vinales, Trinidad, Santa Clara) were awesome. The citizens of Cuba were all very friendly and welcoming as well. We always felt safe. We got to stay in casa particulares, which are like B and Bs, in people's homes. What a neat experience. Much better than a hotel. The food in the country is starting to come alive, but it is still pretty one note. I am vegan, so I was worried, but I was ok. The best part about our tour was our tour guide Mickel. He really opened up Cuba and himself to us. He was so insightful as to the past and future of his country. We learned and got to see things that you just don't get to do on standard tours. Great job to Jodie and Rebecca for planning such a great trip with an amazing tour guide. I am very interested in Globe Drifters other trips now! read more

I went on a 9 day Cuba tour in November 2015. I can honestly say this was one of the best trips I have ever taken. I usually shy away from tours as I like to be spontaneous and flexible when I'm travelling. The small size of the tour group (11) made it possible to have a structure (still necessary when Americans are travelling to Cuba) and yet be flexible. The tour was planned perfectly with just the right amount of free time and scheduled time. I have to say however, what made this tour so exceptional was the amazing tour guide Mickel who was a magician in making things happen, intuitively knowing what would suit our group and having the know all to execute it and by sharing his heart and life stories with us which gave me a glimpse of the real Cuba I may not have known otherwise. A big shout out to Mickel...request him as your tour leader and I can guarantee you will have an excellent trip read more

My wife, 22 year old son and I went to Vietnam and Cambodia with Globe Drifters in January, 2017. We really had a great time and have no complaints about the trip, the locations, the accomodations or the experience - it was really terrific. Because Vietnam is pretty big, we did spend a fair amount of time traveling from place to place, but the logistics worked beautifully and were just part of the experience. This is a great trip for people who want to see Southeast Asia but may be reluctant to try it on their own. The food experience alone is worth it but the sights and sounds are so exotic, the culture is so different, it is just really awesome. All of our accomodations were great. Jodi and team did a great job. I had been on a Cuba trip too with Globe Drifters. That one also was very well done. I personally preferred Vietnam/Cambodia but both trips were reasonably priced and well done. read more

I just returned from a two weeks Thailand trip with Globe Drifters and still can not believe how amazing the trip was. I am a well travelled individual but I have to say, Jodi, exceeded all my expectation in organizing and managing this trip. It was an adventure every day, relaxation everyday, amazing sceneries everyday, fun everyday, experiencing something new everyday,... I can not say enough. The highlight, lantern festival, was just breathtaking. One of those experiences you will never forget. This was my second trip with Globe Drifters and I am already planning my next trip with them for next year. The other amazing part was the group of people I got to meet on this trip, the coolest and nicest travel mates. We truly had an amazing time and I highly recommend you try it. Kop Koon Ka Jodie and Rebecca for such an amazing experience. read more

I recommend Globedrifters to anyone who wants to get an up-close-and-personal view of Cuba. Jodie is the consummate traveler and her main priority is ensuring a rich, cultural (yet comfortable) experience for her fellow travelers. There only 9 days, we felt like we got a great overview of this small, little island--from Old Havana and its amazingly evocative architecture to the green pastures of Vinales to the vibrant, bustling town of Trinidad. I had wanted to go to Cuba for years and was worried that my experience while there would not live up to my expectations. Quite the opposite--the trip exceeded my expectations and I left Cuba with a much richer, deeper understanding of Cuba--as our guide Roger called it--a country of contradictions. Cuba is definitiely the most beautiful, unique place that I've ever been. A trip of a lifetime! read more

I have taken two trips with Globe Drifter's so far. The first trip was to Cuba in the Summer of 2015 and the second was to Thailand that fall. Both trips were small groups of under ten people. This allowed us to travel by mini bus and blend into the local culture without causing the disruption of a larger tour group. In both cases I also scheduled additional time in the country to travel after the tour ended. I think this is the best of both worlds. The tour part allowed me to get a quick and economical overview of the country without having the hassle of making my own reservations. Then after the tour portion ended I had a base of knowledge about each country to continue traveling on my own. If you have always dreamed of being a world traveler but didn't know where to start - Globe Drifter's is the place. read more

I went on an all-women trip to Cuba, and I had a fantastic time! Globe Drifter's planning and organizing were impeccable, and they have the crucial quality of knowing how to pick their guides. Our guide Mickel made us feel like queens; he was just all-around incredible!!! Not only did we see/do wonderful things with him, but he always dealt quickly and appropriately with any problem he encountered. One recurring problem was the reservation for casas. Mickel would always call in advance to confirm the reservations but a few times 1 or several casas were not available for different reasons. He scrambled to find replacement casas and we never ended up having to sleep in a park, like some tourists had to do in Trinidad, from what we heard. Bravo Globe Drifter's for a wonderful trip! read more