Hinoki TravelsReviews of hinokitravels.com

Through Hinoki, I’ve been able to forge friendships with amazing people I never would have met in Albania, my favorite part of traveling, while also enjoy the many other aspects of Albanian culture, the food, the raki, textiles, and countless more without effort. A style of trip where I can be myself, relax, but also exert myself whether it be with hiking or learning Albanian depending on how I feel. Hinoki just made the transition of entering an entirely different world somehow easy, yet with all the challenges I like available. An experience that was made, yet one I got to make.

As a travel journalist, I’ve been lucky to visit some magnificent places on all seven continents, and exploring East Greenland with Hinoki Travels was one of the most beautiful, transformative journeys I’ve ever been on. I was blown away by the majesty and grandeur of this wild, remote place and felt completely immersed in the landscape. We trekked across glaciers and explored ice caves, camped on the edges of a fjord, feasted on foraged mussels and freshly caught cod, and kayaked through blue waters surrounded by breaching humpback whales—and we shared these experiences with only our small group. I was also looking for a sustainable way to visit the destination, and the hyper-local, human-powered itinerary delivered on that. Whether it was traveling by kayak or on foot, the slow, contemplative nature of the journey not only had a light environmental footprint but left me with a deeper connection to and reverence for the land. This is a place where time slows down and you can begin to hear the things that matter most again. Hinoki Travels did a wonderful job with the pacing and dynamic mix of experiences included, and every detail was considered. Our guides, Matt and Jukku, not only made sure we felt safe and well cared for but shared fascinating insights into the history of East Greenland and its Inuit culture. Their love and awe for this place was evident every day. Nights were cozy and communal, gathering around an open fire with tea at camp—one night the ribboning aurora lit up the sky—or tucking into delicious food at the lodge in Kulusuk. East Greenland was so rich in stories and inspiration, about the land, the Inuit way of life, and the shifting climate. I left with wonderful memories as well as new friends, and I hope to return one day. Truly wild places and thoughtfully curated, immersive travel experiences like this are rare.

It's difficult to express just how amazing this trip was. We traveled to the edge of east Greenland, by far the most remote and wild destination I've ever seen. And we were so thoroughly supported and so thoughtfully guided at every turn that I was able to be completely present and just experience all that the trip had to offer. In our short time on the ground in Greenland, we got a crash course in the local culture, history, and way of life. On our exhilarating trek (you know: up a fjord, through an ice cave, and across a glacier, no big deal) we were given the resources to continually engage with the land and appreciate the rugged beauty of this breathtaking place. And throughout the entire trip, we built a remarkable bond with both our guides and our fellow travelers—through free-flowing conversation, softer reflective moments, and SO many bits. And quite literally none of it would have been possible without Hinoki. If you're looking for a unique and experiential way to discover a fascinating place, then I can't recommend this trip—and Hinoki Travels—strongly enough.

It's always been a dream of mine to visit the Arctic, especially in an active and sustainable way. For instance by traveling on foot or by boat with local people and scientists, versus passing through as a sightseer on a cruise. I want to travel deeper and more meaningfully. Hinoki brings this in spades, and our trip to East Greenland exceeded my expectations. We kayaked amongst icebergs in the company of humpback whales. We caught arctic cod and foraged mussels amongst the rocks to create our own 'sea to table' dinners. We trekked across glaciers and rugged mountains, and camped in surprising comfort each night in the wilderness. One night we were treated to the eerily beautiful display of the aurora borealis pulsating in vivid colours across the cold night sky. Another time we sheltered in a snug cabin as stormy weather rolled in, the contrast between the vast elemental landscape outside and the warm hygge feeling within reminiscent of Christmas as we ate and drank, told jokes and stories. This theme of being surrounded by dramatic wild nature, contrasted with warmth and coziness around camp or in the Kulusuk lodge was one of the highlights of my trip. Another unexpected highlight was the people and community. Our knowledgable guides Matt and Jukku were phenomenal, looking after us and keeping us safe throughout our journey. The opportunity to stay in Kulusuk village in Matt and Helen's welcoming home was also a treat. We ate great food and got to meet local people, while soaking up the unique atmosphere of a small, traditional Inuit village. This included the many Greenlandic dogs, and puppies, that are reared here to pull sleds for hunting and travel in the winter. And despite knowing only one person in our group on arrival, it soon felt like I was with old friends having some epic reunion of sorts. I appreciated the shared sense of camaraderie amongst our team, and how much fun we all had. I've left this trip with many memories and many new friends that I hope to see again, hopefully on another Hinoki trip soon!

During my exhilarating adventure with Hinoki Travels in East Greenland, I had the unique opportunity to fully immerse myself in the grandeur of the unspoiled wilderness. With the invaluable assistance of Hinoki and their local partners, I was able to delve into the rich tapestry of the country's history and culture, uncovering captivating stories and engaging in enlightening conversations that offered me a profound insight into the local way of life. It was their unwavering passion, extensive knowledge, and far-reaching connections that truly made my experience extraordinary and unforgettable. The meticulously crafted itinerary, featuring camping and trekking on foot and by kayak, provided a perfect balance of exhilarating adventure and contemplative moments, thereby allowing me to gain a deeper appreciation for the country and its people. As I ventured through East Greenland, I found that these firsthand experiences not only deepened my admiration and understanding of the country but also gave me a more profound awareness of how my travels can impact the local community. Moreover, the thoughtfulness and dedication of Bethany from Hinoki truly enhanced the meaningfulness and memorability of my journey. Her genuine care and meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the trip was enriching and rewarding.

It is me any my husband’s 50th birthday and we wanted to go somewhere not that common and with a teenager and a 10 year old. Bethany took the time to listen to what we wanted to do right from the start. We then had a brochure with detailed planning and description. That was very useful ! Although we were a little unsure and not clear what to expect, Bethany was always there to answer our questions, even, advising us what to pack etc. Knowing that she is always there to keep track of things was reassuring . The day we landed in Bhutan, we were met by our guide, Kuenga. He is very knowledgeable, calm yet fun and full of interesting stories. We felt safe and we just followed his lead and didn’t have to worry anymore. Although we covered the “must see” places, Bethany also covered some not so touristy places, like the farm house and some simple hiking . We could have just taken the easy bus guided routes to these destinations but I am so glad we didn’t. We got to meet the most amazing people that those who follow the normal tourist circuits would not get . The hotels that we got were amazing . Food was amazing! During the whole trip, There was no rush and no stress. It’s been a while that we could sit down and eat a meal slowly as a family, coming from stressful city Singapore. Having been through guided tours in other places, this is definitely different and the best I have experienced. We look forward to another trip with Hinoki soon.

We loved traveling with Hinoki through northern Thailand! We came looking for a different kind of travel experience, one that we could never create on our own and that would expand our horizons... mission accomplished! The trip was curated beautifully and was nicely paced. Everything was well-thought out, unique and the coordination was seamless. The guides were amazing as were all the people involved in the trip who were so warm and welcoming. There were always fun surprises that turned into special moments and memories we'll have forever.

We are not frequent travelers and this trip was beyond our expectations on every level. Immediately we felt the stress leaving as soon as we met with our guides. The personal service and professionalism were impressive. They continually catered to our wishes and one guide even went "off script" to accommodate my wish to experience the thermal baths in Albania. I am very frugal and may have been able to save money by planning it myself but it would have taken me weeks and I doubt I would have had the experiences that Hinoki Travels created for us. Plus, it was so relaxing knowing that our needs would be met with a simple request. Highly Recommend!