Susan Zimmerman
GBMy recent experience with Big Round… My recent experience with Big Round World was very satisfactory. We had a small group with enough health precautions to keep Covid worries to a minimum. The trip was both educational and fun. The food was excellent! It was disappointing that the trip had to be modified for both weather and Covid. There were alternatives offered although a few times it was unclear if we would have had enough time for either the original activity or the substitute. In cases where time was tight it would have been helpful to know in advance what part of a museum we should focus on such as the paintings at the Coronado State Museum. And to have a clear time limit set. The hiking was all that I could have asked for. I was expertly guided over challenging parts and satisfied with the length of the hikes. One suggestion would be to leave the Santa Fe and Taos city experiences to the end of the hike and go first to Bandolier. It was a bit disappointing to do so much van travel and city walking at the beginning of the trip but it would have been a nice way to wind down at the end. I learned a great deal about the Chaco Phenomena and I am interested enough to continue reading on the topic. Our guide was knowledgeable and stimulated our interest. I might suggest a audio system in the van to hear the leader better. It might also have been used to facilitate a group discussion about our experience while we were driving. The van was comfortable and I appreciated the suggestion to rotate seats. Anyone taking this trip should know there are long distances to cover and some rough back country roads. Overall this was a very good trip and I would highly recommend to anyone interested in spending time in the Four Corners
Sara Blake
GBFantastic trip! Fantastic trip! I'm a repeat traveler with BIG ROUND WORLD for good reason. Deirdre and Phillippe worked together to provide a truly enjoyable trip including historical facts of the areas, current fun events like wine tasting, art immersion in a real quarry, and tasting the regional specialties of local foods. The daily walks/hikes are designed to enhance the views and cultural sites of the areas. The small group size allows for individual attention while also promoting group experiences and new friendships. In addition they use great hotels, and wonderful local restaurants. I have the highest regards for this travel company and look forward to traveling with them again!
Robin Taylor
GBHiking in the Heart of the Dolomites The Italian Dolomites are stunning, and BRW is such an easy, happy way to experience them: a lovely breakfast at a nice hotel, a cab ride all lined up to the trailhead of a well chosen trek, a cab to meet you at the end of a good strenuous hike, and a nice local dinner at a well chosen restaurant. What could be better? The trains in Italy are fantastic, so if you throw in a trip to, say, Milan, afterward, you have the best of all (hiking/city) worlds. Bolzano was a great place for our BRW meet-up and to get over jet lag, and the Cortina Express back to Venice was excellent. I would happily take this trip all over again, and isn't THAT the measure of a great time?
James Willett
GBOur trip with BigRoundWorld was Outstanding! Our trip with BigRoundWorld was outstanding. Throughout our trip we were provided a level of personal experiences that can rarely be found with larger travel companies. If you are looking for “top shelf” care and enjoyment BigRoundWorld is the boutique company you should travel with!
Anne
GBThe 4 Corners trip with Big Round World… The 4 Corners trip with Big Round World was a cultural and environmental eye-opener, in addition to being great fun. The itinerary was comprehensive and helped to ingrain the extent and complexity of our early Native American culture and architecture as well as the modern Southwest vibe. Our group of 7 wanderers was extremely convivial as were our two leaders. The meal/restaurant selections were delicious and in keeping with our immediate environs. Unfortunately, some of the places that were on our original itinerary, were closed to visitors due to Covid. The substitutions were good but I was a little disappointed. Accommodations were very comfortable and clean, especially our inn in Santa Fe. Top notch for friendliness, atmosphere, and location. Again the only downside was the breakfasts that were to be included as part of our room price, were not prepared because of Covid. This was my first trip with BRW although I have been on earlier trips with one of the leaders prior to inception of BRW. I think they did a commendable job in making the trip as fun as it was while still balancing the complexities and vagaries of dealing with Covid. Their Covid protocols enabled the group to remain healthy yet feel at ease in our pod. That was a monumental achievement during this pandemic and it contributed to a relaxing, informative, fun and delicious trip. I would definitely participate with another BRW trip in the future!