Swain DestinationsReviews of swaindestinations.com

Our travel agent worked with Swain to plan an extension to Australia's Northern Territory after our cruise to Fiji. Using our own hotel reservations, all the details were made including air travel from Fiji through Australia. They selected the boutique Ventures North Safaris for our trip to the Coburg Peninsula where we were off grid in a beautiful camp setting overlooking the water. Our Venture North's guide, Luke, was fabulous! The best guide we have had to date. Luke was tuned to our group, always vigilant about our safety and well being, had a keen eye to spot wildlife, and pointed out significant landmarks. His knowledge of the regional ecology was on point. Luke possessed the unique skill and ability to tell stories relating to aboriginal culture. Making the trip through Kakadu National Park very special. He was also a great conversationalist and most important he was funny and a pleasure to be with. We can not say enough about our experience with Venture North Safaris and how fortunate we were to have had Luke as our guide. By the way, he is also a great cook. We will be going back for sure! Thank you Swain Destinations for making this adventure possible and stress free.

Swain Destinations facilitated our family vacation to Australia and New Zealand with exceptional care and precision, creating an experience that felt both seamless and deeply personal. In Australia, our guides Derek and Rick were extraordinary—thoughtful in their planning, attentive to every detail, and incredibly knowledgeable about the landscapes, history, and culture of their home country. They didn’t just show us Australia; they helped us understand it. Our time in New Zealand was equally unforgettable. Kristie and Ceillhe, our Māori guides and sisters, were outstanding in every way. They shared the stories, traditions, and living culture of the Māori people with a warmth and authenticity that made every moment meaningful. Through them, we gained a deeper appreciation for the heart of Aotearoa—its people, its heritage, and its spirit. Thanks to all four guides, the sights, sounds, and soul of both countries came alive for us. Their passion and expertise transformed our trip into an experience we will carry with us for years to come.

We had an extraordinary experience with Swain Destinations, who took care of every detail of our visit. Everything was on point and perfectly coordinated. The guides were extremely knowledgeable, fascinating, personable and tailored our excursions to our interests. Swain Destinations and their guides allowed us to appreciate the meaning of what we were experiencing and gave us a private window into glorious New Zealand. Highly recommended.

Swain did a fabulous itinerary for our 3 nation African adventure. The camp venues and the tours, particularly in Capetown SA were superb. Our guides and transfers all went seemlessly, as arranged by Donna Blumeris and her Swain team. The length of the trip was perfect, although the 2 night stay in Victoria Falls required one additional day. That is only a minor issue as we packed in all we could in Zimbabwe. The 4 nights in Sabi Sabi game reserve was a truly great crescendo to a fabulous trip. I recommend Swain highly.

From the very beginning, we were thrilled with Swain Destinations. Rehana asked many questions and listen to our own outlined desires. She personalized a trip of a lifetime and accommodated our needs perfectly. She was in constant communication throughout the months of planning. The Swain app was a valuable resource and laid out our day by day itinerary. Throughout the trip, this was followed up daily by George Swain with the next day’s activities, pick up times, and meeting places within walking distances of our hotels (if not on site). Our three accommodations were centrally located, with beautiful views and luxury amenities. Each guide, whether it be private tour or small group, was knowledgeable and engaging, and kept our interest in a relevant manner. Changes of plans were handled seamlessly and quickly. Jan provided reassuring and enjoyable banter with any questions or concerns that we had. Flights between cities were seamlessly planned and executed. We honestly had not one negative experience in the entire three weeks. We definitely would recommend Swain as the only way to travel to a far away destination.

What a great trip! Swain took care of us from the minute we arrived to the minute we landed back in the US. We never worried about any excursions, connections or lodging. Their choice of guides and adventures fit our life style and age perfectly. We hope to use Swain again in the near future.

True to Swain's word, this truly was "The Trip of a Lifetime". From the very beginning of planning our trip with my husband and another couple to New Zealand and Australia, Swain was absolutely fabulous every step of the way. Our travel specialist, Rehana, really listened to us and put together an epic trip based upon our interests and passions. She was so responsive and her guidance will be forever appreciated. The whole trip I kept thinking, 'wow, she really got us!" Everything we experienced was superior, including the many guides and drivers we met throughout our journey. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was so evident and the four of us learned more than we ever expected to. The Swain app was extremely helpful and was enhanced by George who personally checked in at every turn from Australia which added an additional level of comfort. Every accommodation was outstanding, be it a wilderness lodge or a city hotel. The hospitality of those we met in both countries was warm and welcoming. I thought this trip would take care of my New Zealand/Australia bucket list but now that I have had this experience, all I want to do is to go back! When and if we do, it will be with Swain all the way. We can't thank you enough!

This is the second time our travel agent has used Swain for us. Swain was top notch in every aspect. We did a 2+ week trip and safari to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Every step of the way, we had a contact that reached out. From accommodations to drivers to guides, everything was fantastic. Travel between cities was easy and well planned out. Even though we had a weather related issue in Cape Town that cancelled a tour, the guide suggested other activities and made sure that he knew what funds were available for the new activities. When we had a weather delayed flight issue on our departure (our own arrangements), Swain reached out to us to see how they could assist. We highly recommend Swain!