Flash Pack Omdömen 1 520

I traveled for the second time with Flash Pack on their Secret Vietnam tour in March and had a lovely time! Our guide, Hoang Lee, did an excellent job explaining cultural and historic moments, ensuring we arrived at our destinations safely (STICKY RICE!!!!), and keeping the overall mood positive on long travel days.

The trip's itinerary was great too. From spa days in our free time, to sidewalk pho after a long travel day, I felt our days were always organized. My favorite day was our first in Ho Chi Mihn when we rode the vespas - I even teared up on the back of that bike - it was such a cool pinch me moment.

My only small critique and the main difference between my first trip with FP and this one was there weren't as many solo travelers on the Vietnam trip. I had a great time getting to know everyone but the vibe changes when 50% of the group enters with some sort of friendship. Everyone was nice and friendly still!

Already looking forward to my next FP trip :)

Last year, I booked the Spectacular Peru trip with very little research. I was planning a different solo vacation but could already tell it was going to feel a bit the same as trips I had gone on before. I booked with Flash Pack in an act of ‘spontaneous planning’ and never looked back.

I was surprised with how much I enjoyed the food tour in Lima and it was the perfect intro to my fellow Flash Packers. Our 2 days in the Amazon was quite the experience. Despite the intense humidity, I think the whole group enjoyed our time there with the amazing local guides. The Sacred Valley portion of the trip was the highlight. As an avid biker, I really enjoyed the bike day-trip through the Andes landscape. Our climb at Machu Picchu was an intense challenge but we were rewarded with stunning views as the fog cleared and a real sense of accomplishment as the whole group made it to the top. Our final days in Cusco were a great cap to the trip as we explored a beautiful, historic city and enjoyed a few more meals together.

One of the reasons I was drawn to Flash Pack was their confidence that their trips really bring solo travellers together. And now having completed my first trip with Flash Pack, I completely agree. Travelling with other people in a similar stage of life as me was so rewarding. Our time enjoying nights out and experiencing (& sometimes struggling through) the many activities created such intense bonds. I am shocked by the types of conversations and experiences that I shared with a group of people I had only known for 9 days. It was this social experience that I was hoping to have with Flash Pack and I absolutely got what I was looking for.

Julio, our pack leader, was absolutely amazing! He was always upbeat and kept everyone organized. He made it a mission to keep us hydrated as we moved from the Lima heat to the jungle humidity and finally the elevation of the Sacred Valley. Julio clearly loves Peru and wanted to pass all his knowledge along to us. Julio was always prepared to make suggestions of other activities and restaurants in Cusco. And the best part, Julio was a part of the group enjoying all of our activities right along with us.

The Philippines delivered the complete package, in a world of chaos and uncertainty, it’s a paradise. The Filipino people are so kind, hard-working and welcoming to all.
Everyone went above and beyond the standard expectations to ensure a good time was had by all.
We were fortunate to have Rupert as our pack leader, he dedicated so much time behind the scenes to allow the smooth ruining of the trip, from filming drone shots and uploading pictures, to checking the weather and flight transfers, I honestly don’t think I’ll cope without him I my day to day life
The food was delicious, often too much of a selection and it’s all too irresistible that I think my clothes has shrunk (I’ve obviously gained weight here)
Chef Paul and Wren deserve Michelin stars
The housekeeping staff always making sure everything is clean, often challenging dealing in sand during camping on the beachfront.
The massage staff making the trip relaxing in a tranquil background of nature
The sailing crew bring us from one island to another and ensuring the snorkelling equipment was cleaned and ready to explore the amazing colourful corals and fish
The party boys Bert, Albert, Ian & Lio with their ‘decent’ (heavy handed portions) of rum and mango juice. They’re a bad influence but in the best way.
We were very fortunate with good weather which also helped, the activities were a highlight including the SUP, quad biking, the cycling to a swimming cave, the kayaking.

With 7641 islands it’s just a shame we only explored a few of them. The Philippines has so much to offer, I can’t wait to explore more. It would be great if some of the mountains of waterfalls were included in the itinerary, for example the canyoneering in Badian

Trip & Experience Summary:

The highlight of the "Alternative Thailand" trip was undoubtedly the group dynamic. I was fortunate to be with an amazing group of people; we got along better over those 9–10 days than I do with some of my closest friends on weekend trips. Sharing these experiences with people at a similar stage of life makes the memories so much more impactful than the surface-level interactions you get from solo travel. While I enjoy a truly solo trip from time to time, meeting people "in the wild" is much easier said than done. You can try local meetups or Airbnb experiences, but those are often quick and "one-and-done." In contrast, sharing numerous experiences with the same group over an extended period creates friendships that are very challenging, if not impossible, to replicate on your own. I also learned from seasoned Flashpackers that the group 'ratio' can have a noticeable impact on the overall flow & vibe. Our balance of 5 men and 9 women felt like a sweet spot for group cohesiveness, so if you’re someone who values that social balance, it’s worth checking the group makeup before you hit the book button (if possible).

The activities and pacing were mostly what I expected; I enjoyed some activities more than others. We traveled ~800 total miles in just 9 days by train, taxi, and boat. I especially loved the variety of the itinerary; we did things I never would have made the effort to do on my own, like the floating raft house. The pacing was well-thought-out, starting with the big-city energy of Bangkok and finishing at Kamala Beach. It’s important to know that if you are looking for "downtime," this is NOT the trip for it. You have to be able to push through when the weather is not ideal and you’re tired, but the reward is a truly immersive experience that covers an impressive amount of ground.

Regarding lodging, the rooms were 'good enough' for my needs, though I can see why some travelers might find the 'semi-luxury' price point a bit at odds with the actual quality of the lodging. The rooms were definitely tight at times, which was my only real complaint, and we did encounter some minor A/C issues. However, the hotels were incredibly responsive and fixed things quickly. For me, I’d much rather be in a functional hotel that keeps the whole group together than be spread out across a massive luxury resort just for the sake of having a "luxury" stay (with a heftier luxury price tag). Even the overnight sleeper train, which was rough for some, was very typical of what you’d find on any overnight rail journey in Europe or Asia (and I had no problems with). While the last hotel in Kamala felt a bit sleepy and had an older clientele (like a retirement community feel), I understood the choice after visiting Patong; Kamala is the perfect place to actually relax before heading home instead of the chaotic nature of Patong.

The absolute glue of this trip, however, was our Pack Leader, Oat. On a scale of 1–10, I give him a 100. Flash Pack, if you are reading this, he deserves a raise!!! He was unbelievably professional and dealt with every curveball with grace and dignity. He has a zest for life that is hard to put into words and ensured every person was as comfortable as possible at all times. He went far above and beyond the call of duty; he could have just "phoned it in," but he did the complete opposite. His adaptability for certain travel segments and his pleasant demeanor made all the difference. If you go on a Thailand trip, see if you can make a special request for him—you won't regret it!

Recommendations and Things to Consider for First-Timers:

When deciding if Flash Pack is right for you, be honest about your budget and travel style. There is undeniably a "Flash Pack tax," but for me, the peace of mind was worth it. Navigating spotty logistics and avoiding taxi scams in a country where you don’t speak the language is stressful; having a guide like Oat handle those hurdles saved me dozens of hours of planning and let me just relax and enjoy the trip. If you view travel as a life experience rather than just a transaction, the convenience is a win.

Just be sure to temper your expectations. This is essentially a "grown-up hostel" experience—better lodging, but the same need for a flexible mindset. You can’t control your roommate dynamic or minor inconveniences like tight rooms, so if you feel "too old" for that, you can spring for a solo room or use a different tour company. Ultimately, if you can roll with the punches and embrace the group vibe, you’ll have a fantastic experience!!

I've just returned from my fourth holiday with FP. I've had three great experiences with the company (in Vietnam, Colombia and Jordan) plus one which was a bit mediocre (FP apologised and gave me a partial refund). If you can live with the price (and understand what you're getting for the money) then I can only recommend them.

+: Patty really set the bar high as our tour guide in Thailand! She shared history, culture, and provided us with great food. Patty has a gift of capturing beautiful photos, which provided a memorable timeline of our trip together. She really is a special person!
The adventures were planned generally well in terms of exploring and variety. I loved being on and in the warm turquoise waters.
Flash Pack surprised us all with gifts of massage after an unexpectedly wild adventure on the water, super nice.
The accommodations were spacious and clean, with great amenities and the staff were all lovely.
-: Didn’t love being in a hotel that was an hour away from Old Town Phuket. More time to explore old town would have been appreciated.
A/C transportation as advertised was not always provided and it was hot!
Nearly half of the group came on the trip with someone. Since it is advertised as solo travel, that was my expectation for the group dynamic. Everyone got along well but I am curious how a 100% solo adventurer group experience would be.
All in all, I would take another flash pack trip.
I am providing my honest feedback because reading the feedback is why I chose Flash Pack and I do believe the company cares about our experiences!

I’m just back from my 3rd Flashpack trip and whilst I didn’t think it was possible, they keep getting better! Escapism in the Philippines is clearly a well worn track given the popularity of the trip and it was just exceptional - our group bonded so well and very quickly and we all had the best time together! The itinerary allowed a perfect balance of seeing the beaches and the islands as well as the more inland areas of the Philippines and the hotels selected were wonderful.

Rupert as a pack leader was so brilliant - he made everyone in the group feel welcome and was very inclusive. He spent his free time during the trip to give us additional experiences, and was consistently offering options to go above and beyond what was in the planned agenda.

Thank you once again to the whole Flashpack team for everything you do in order to offer solo travellers these life experiences and opportunities. I couldn’t be more of a supporter of the Flashpack team / brand and can’t wait to book more trips in the future!

I had the best time on this trip!! All of the people I met, the fellow travelers and our guide, were so nice and I had a great time spending time with all of them! I felt like the trip was the perfect mix of activities. I had a blast and would definitely recommend to a friend!

Chile: Santiago to Patagonia was my 4th Flashpack adventure and the stunning beauty of the country exceeded my expectations. The trip itinerary provide the right balance of culture based activities, and challenging physical activity that allowed us to explore the various regions of Chile that each have something unique to offer. Francisco is definitely the best pack leader I’ve experienced. He listened to the group, and offered moments tailored to us! From coffee stops in the morning for the “coffee snobs”, to adding in different stops for pictures, creating separate tour options for injured travelers, and even scheduled a full day excursion for those of us who were staying in the area after the tour ended. Francisco is hilarious, personable and incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history and culture of Chile. If you get Francisco as your guide, be prepared for an amazing trip!!

I just experienced my second Flash Pack, this time in Sri Lanka, and it was absolutely amazing in every way.

Each hotel was beautiful and thoughtfully chosen, offering everything you could need while fully immersing us in Sri Lankan culture. The activities were incredibly varied. We dined with a local Sri Lankan family, cooked our own meal, hiked breathtaking landscapes, toured vibrant fish markets, explored rich cultural sites, and connected with an amazing group of people from around the world.

The true success of the trip, however, was our pack leader, Ash. He was the perfect combination of fun, kind, knowledgeable, and organized. Anyone lucky enough to have Ash as their leader is in for an unforgettable experience.

I am already looking forward to my next adventure. A huge thank you to Flash Pack for continuing to create such well organized, thoughtful, and joyful experiences around the world.

I did the vibrant Colombia tour recently. Our tour guide Yohan was fantastic, along with Pablo who was with us for a couple of days in Medellin.

Unfortunately we had a small group, only five of us. Was hopeful more would join, and only knew it was a small group post booking. Couldn’t be helped, and we all still made it a fun trip but I think a bigger group would have seen more nights out/higher vibes etc.

I’ve done two Flash Pack trips, Moab and Iceland.

Iceland was magical. We went north of the Wall, saw black sand beaches, and hiked on glaciers.

Moab was red rocks, big skies, desert silence.

One of my fellow Flashpackers said it best: it’s summer camp for adults.

The people on both trips were excellent. You’re paying a premium for a curated experience, but you get driven everywhere and the guides are best in class.

This was my first experience with Flashpack.
I picked untamed Costa Rica and was extremely happy with the holiday.
We white water rafted, swam in waterfalls, rapelled, visited the Cacao farm saw lots of the amazing wildlife.
I booked an extra Wildlife tour which I would highly recommend. We saw several Sloths 'up close' through the telescope, Toucans and Iguanas. Those guys were amazing how they spotted the wildlife for us so quickly

Our Flashpack tour guide was Joe. He was so friendly and knowledgeable and made everything easy. The group was fairly small with only 5 of us but it made it easy to get to know everyone.
I loved staying in the Rainforest lodge and the white water rafting guys doubled as our chefs and cooked the most delicious meals.
Thoroughly recommend this trip if you're thinking about doing it.

traveled solo and left with some of the most amazing friends. The group dynamic truly made the experience, kind, supportive, fun, and adventurous in all the right ways.

Every hotel was fantastic, and the recommendations provided by our trip leader at each stop made everything seamless. Oat went above and beyond to make sure we were well looked after and having the best time, going above and beyond to organize extra experiences for us, making navigating the Phuket traffic fun, and keeping the energy high.

The excursions were incredible and unique, the kind of experiences I wouldn’t have been able to organize on my own if I had traveled solo. The addition of local guides at different stops was such a thoughtful touch. I learned so much about each location while still getting that perfect balance of adventure.

Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, beautifully curated by Oat and Flash Pack. I couldn’t recommend it more.

This was my first flashpack adventure. The island hoping and excursion was truly spectacular. I am truly amazed and impressed with Rupert’s kindness, hospitality and sincere self. His crew also exceeded my expectations. He made sure all the pack members had a wonderful and safe adventure. I am truly blessed because he gave me the best Valentine’s Day ever!! Rupert help set up a candle light beach dinner for me a so I can propose to my fiance. It was truly magical. I cannot ask for a better pack leader. I hope I take him with me to my next adventure

From the moment when I arrived to the Philippines and to the very the last second until my departure-Rupert has given my fiancée and I a memorable adventure. His hospitality exceeds beyond my expectations. He is such a wonderful caring host. He made sure all the flashback member’s needs were met. It was my first time traveling to the east and I was very nervous. He made the trip seamless. He has entertained us with his this beautiful experiences and showed us how magical the Phillipines is.
My fiancé propose to me on Valentine day and Rupert helped him made it possible. I am truly grateful . We were also feeling under the weather at one point during our trip and Rupert made sure we were well taken care of. Rupert is truly a wonderful pack leader

The Flashback Chile/Patagonia trip was an overall amazing experience. The activities were well planned and offered a good variety. Numerous hikes, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, a vineyard visit, and group dinners/outings were very fun. Accommodations were excellent. Francisco was an outstanding guide and provided all with a great trip. He had a great personality, was knowledgeable, helpful and provided great advice, funny, very approachable, and is highly recommended! Highly recommend this trip and Francisco made it even more amazing!

I want to begin by saying that my expectations for Flash Pack were set extremely high after traveling with Yohan as my first guide on the Vibrant Colombia trip. I’m not sure anyone could surpass that experience, but I can honestly say that both tour guides for Vietnam and Cambodia (Hai and Chenda) came very close in their own distinct ways. Both guides are extremely knowledgeable and highly experienced. Each brought unique strengths to the trip. Hai is exceptionally thoughtful and proactive—he seems to anticipate everything in advance, which allows guests to relax and think less. Chenda was warm, considerate, and worked very hard to ensure everyone had a great experience throughout the trip.
This trip was jam-packed, but in the best possible way. I truly felt that I saw a great deal of Vietnam and a meaningful portion of Cambodia, with the highlights continuing to build as the days went on. I absolutely loved the overnight hotel experience in the bay, the Vespa food tour in Saigon, and the sunset gondola ride in Cambodia. I’m sure there are additional moments that will stand out as I continue to process the experience.

I’ve just finished my second Flashback tour (Vietnam & Cambodia) and loved every minute of it! Our guides, Hai and Chenda, were truly outstanding — always available, helpful, approachable, and incredibly personable. They consistently went the extra mile and made sure everyone felt cared for and supported throughout the journey. I recommend them 100%.

Hai (Vietnam) added a wonderful personal touch by filming our experiences and creating a video at the end — such a thoughtful gesture and beautiful memories to take home.

Chenda (Cambodia) continued to support me even after the tour ended, as I stayed on longer. She helped organise and recommend a guide for further exploration — she was an absolute gem

I have recently returned from the 12 day Escapism in the Philippines tour, which was my first with Flash Pack. It was an incredible, 10/10 experience, and one I will never forget. I can’t recommend this trip enough- it was a dream come true.

Our pack leader Rupert Andres was absolutely fantastic and cannot be faulted. Having been on group tours with other companies, Rupert stood out as someone who is truly excellent at his job. He went above and beyond at all times to make sure that that we all had the best time, dealing with any issues (such as a cancelled internal flight) calmly and always with confidence. We felt in the safest of hands with Rupert.

Rupert’s knowledge and passion for Filipino culture and food stood were the cherry on the top of a really well thought-out itinerary. Rupert took the time to get to know each of us, and was very happy to help us all with travel plans after the organised tour had ended. A real gent. All of the local guides we met along the way were equally fantastic, and it was a pleasure to meet them all.

Our group of 8 really jelled, and it felt like the perfect sized group for a 12 day trip. The trip itself was a perfect mixture of exploring tropical islands and adventurous activities. I was particularly impressed by the food (thanks to Rupert’s recommendations, which were always spot on). Highlights for me were camping under the stars in Ginto Island and stand up paddle boarding in Bohol.

I would recommend this trip to anyone, and will cherish the memories of it forever.