Hinoki TravelsReviews of hinokitravels.com

After contemplating this trip for four years!, taking the leap with Bethany at Hinoki Travels was everything I hoped for and more. Exploring East Greenland with a group of 6 women was one of the most beautiful and transformative journeys of my life. We trekked glaciers, mountains, and enjoyed a slow, sustainable, human-powered pace. A major highlight was spotting an arctic fox during bear watch and observing an iceberg from up close! We feasted on foraged mussels, freshly caught cod, and delicious arctic char. Our incredible guides, John and Jukku, kept us safe, shared deep insights into Inuit culture, fueled our awe for the landscape and answered all our questions while having a good laugh. Traveling to East Greenland is not a small journey and you made sure every detail was cared for. We were confortable every day and every night. Bethany, thank you for an incredible, deeply inspiring adventure. You created something far beyond what I ever imagined. Assembling this group of adventurers was a gift, but your vision, warmth, and calm presence are what made it truly extraordinary. Thank you for making this unforgettable.

From the moment I signed up to the day I arrived home, Hinoki Travels made sure I was well informed, well taken care of, and had a beautiful itinerary planned that truly expanded my interpersonal and worldly connections. The accommodations and food were above expectations, but it was the friendliness and knowledge of the group leaders that made the trip what it was. I hope to take another Hinoki Travels workshop in the near future.

Exploring Bhutan with Hinoki granted us incredible access to a variety of spiritual leaders, environmental educators and medical practitioners, individuals whom would have been impossible to assemble without Hinoki's contacts and close personal relationships in the country. From discussing prayer, rebirth and beliefs with Reincarnate Khandro Dorje Phagmo, the highest ranking female leader in Tibetan Buddhism, to staying overnight in a remote monastery not normally open to guests, to accompanying Dr. Sanga to go behind the scenes at his Sowa Rigpa practice, to our exceptional hosts and guides, Kencho and Kuenga, it was a warm, frank and remarkable invitation to explore Bhutanese culture, country and spirituality through the lens of Reverence. I so appreciated the thoughtfulness of the theme of the trip, the respectful curiosity that it encouraged and Hinoki's commitment to community-led tourism and authentic engagement without pretense.

This was such an incredible trip. Bhutan is majestic and filled with such warm and genuine people. Exploring sacred spaces and the culture and traditions of Bhutan and its people was truly magical. I still find it difficult to put into words the powerful experiences I had. It was the most present I have been for that stretch of time, what a gift. Being able to explore reverence in a deeply spiritual place with a group of heart centered people is unforgettable and will resonate with me forever. So much gratitude for Hinoki Travels, Bethany, and our guides Keunga and Kencho.

I traveled with Hinoki in Japan in October 2024. This experience felt life-changing. The way the tour was organized provided the building blocks for me to understand Japan (and myself) in a way that was encouraging but also a bit challenging. I appreciate the extreme thoughtfulness with which the journey was designed. It felt spacious, focused, and fun. I think Hinoki has something special and I can't wait to travel with them again.

This was my first trip with Hinoki Travels - and to Japan! I am incredibly pleased with my experience - from the accommodations to the warm people and unique (delicious!) food. I would never have experienced this part of Japan had I not booked this. My connection with this place and the memories I now have with beautifully kind locals is so beyond special. Thank you, Hinoki team ~ Bethany! Can’t wait to book another one.

Visiting Albania with Hinoki was my third trip with them and it was another enjoyable experience. I had no knowledge of the place or culture beforehand, but the interesting and engaging guides we had did a great job sharing personal stories and their experiences living there. We definitely enjoyed a lot of amazing food and hospitality, and many good hikes with wonderful vistas of all the mountain ranges that border the land. I especially enjoyed visiting the small village where this family produces honey from their apiary, and definitely had my fill of Raki!

I’ve done 2 tours with Hinoki so far, and I can’t wait to do more! In visiting these locations, there’s no way I could have come up with these activities and locations on my own. I feel like I get to see and experience the real local culture and way of life with these tours.