I want to say how much I enjoyed the above trip in September 2022. The variety of wildlife we saw (over 70 different species!); the fascinating people and cultures we encountered in the countries we visited; it was an experience I will always remember with fond memories.
As a representative of PTM (Personal Travel Management), the way you organised the logistics of what was a very complicated tour involving a change of hotel almost every day for 26 days, and three local tour operators, was very impressive. And in advance of the trip, you regularly provided us with updates on the progress you were making with organising the tour and its costs. I encountered a problem in obtaining visas and the help you offered in resolving the issue was above and beyond anything I could have expected. In fact, without your help I may have had to withdraw from the tour. I told friends about the level of service you provided and they were amazed. PTM are very lucky to have you working for them!
During the tour itself everything went according to plan; the transport vehicles were exactly right for the job of exploring the more inaccessible parts of the places we visited; the local guides were friendly and enthusiastic, and the hotels were in great locations and with excellent amenities. The comprehensive background information provided by PTM in advance of the trip was also much appreciated. Every day brought new and memorable experiences of encountering local people whose cultures were so different from our own, and the excitement of seeing such a variety of animals and birds in such abundance. I could never risk being far from my camera!
I can’t recommend Robyn Bentley highly enough and if I get another opportunity to join a PTM tour I know I wouldn’t hesitate.
Patrick Davies
The Intrepid Premium Egypt & Jordan tour along with the private Alexandria itinerary were outstanding experiences that far exceeded our expectations. Our guides were exceptional and our tour groups were small and, as result, we were steeped in the history and culture of Egypt and Jordan. Exploring the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, viewing the Abu Simbel Temple of Ramses II, sharing traditional meals with Egyptian families in their homes and hiking throughout the Petra UNESCO World Heritage site were only a few of the many experiences that have provided memories that will last a lifetime. Special thanks to our travel agent, Robyn Bentley with Personal Travel Management for making us aware of this opportunity and for arranging all of the aspects of the trip. With Robyn working for us we didn’t have to worry about a thing.
David Dairon
First of all a huge thank you to Robyn and the andbeyond team, the level of service and attention was absolutely first class – we are looking forward to many more travel experiences with andbeyond!
This trip was 2 years in the making – we were meant to go in 2020 to celebrate 20 year anniversary but Covid had other plans. Rather than cancel the trip altogether we postponed to 2021 and I am so glad we did.
In all honesty, even with the additional Covid protocols, this was probably the most stress free trip we have taken. We flew from Canada to Amsterdam, upon arrival we were met by a representative who escorted us to the departure area and made sure all of our documentation was in order. When we landed in Johannesburg, we were met by another representative who got us to our airport hotel – we arrived at 9 pm, in time for our PCR tests that andbeyond had arranged for us.
Our departure to Botswana was very smooth – the transfer guide met us at the hotel and took us through departures. When we arrived at the Muan airport, we had to take a smaller plane to get to our lodge – it all went off without a hitch.
The guide met us at landing strip and that is when the real fun began! On our way back to Sandibe our guide took us on mini game drive and before we even got to the lodge we saw a pride of lions including cubs, a leopard and many other animals. It was surreal!
The lodge itself is beautiful and we were so taken care of – everything was absolutely perfect, everyone really goes out of their way to ensure the guests are having an amazing time.
As far as Covid goes, it was really a non issue. The same measures are in place around masking and hand sanitizing as they are at home and the lodge is the perfect place to social distance. On our game drives, we were usually the only guests so we didn’t wear our masks but it’s really personal preference.
Our time in Capetown and Tengile River was equally spectacular – I could go on and on talking about this experience, it was absolutely the best trip we have ever been on.
The PCR test requirements were really the only additional steps we had to take and hopefully that requirement will be eliminated for vaccinated travellers at some point.
To anyone that is hesitant about travelling now to Africa, I would say that this is a perfect time to consider going. Things are just opening up so it’s not overly busy. Not once did we ever feel unsafe with COVID – everyone is taking the proper measures and taking it seriously.
Andbeyond and Robyn were a dream to work with😊
Jen Bean
Robyn was an absolute lifesaver when we were in Vietnam and the Canadian government directed us to come home. She booked us flights when we could not get through either online or on the phone. It was so reassuring to know that we could turn to her in our time of need.
Joanna Wyatt & Ian Harrison
Last year while traveling in Portugal I made a spur of the moment decision to include Morocco on my trip. Although I often choose to make my own travel arrangements, I didn’t have lot of time and decided to contact Robyn who I had used in the past to make the arrangements for me. She suggested and then booked an awesome 15 day tour for me in Morocco and made all my necessary flight arrangements to get from Lisbon to Casablanca and then return to Malaga.
Once again Robyn came through with a tour that was exactly what I wanted. Robyn continues to provide me with prompt service, arrangements that are targeted to my needs and more importantly suited to my budget.
She is very good at listening to what I am looking for and making a perfect match. When I have had any questions or concerns about any aspect of my trip she addresses them quickly and efficiently.
As a result, I have no hesitation in highly recommending Robyn and the great travel service that she provides.
Prompt, knowledgeable, efficient, practical and a good listener.
Diane Smith
I have had the pleasure of working with Robyn on several extensive European and Asian vacations and I would like to thank her for her exceptional efforts. Robyn is professional, dedicated, knowledgeable and always manages to exceed my expectations. She possesses an extensive understanding of global travel and always crafts an itinerary perfectly suited to my tastes.
More importantly, Robyn has always been there for me during those rare moments when plans go awry. I would recommend Robyn without hesitation and look forward to working with her again in the future.
Betty McDougall
We would just like to pass along how happy we were with the service and attention we received from Robyn while arranging our trip to Africa this year. As we gave fairly short notice for a 5 week trip we were not sure it would be able to be arranged. Robyn was great to work with, easy to get hold of and very prompt at responding to our questions. She did a fabulous job with flights, accommodation and so many helpful suggestions. We had one of our best trips ever with multiple stops, safari, island stay and self drive. Everything went beautifully and exceeded our expectations. We will definitely use Robyn again and would highly recommend her services. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!!
Keith and Rennie Furlotte
"Robyn's experience, contacts, attention to detail, quick responses and check-backs - and sense of humour - have provided us with many great trips. Starting with adventure travel packages and European cycling, we moved on to complex tailor-made trips to places as Brazil, Colombia, Panama, and just recently 4 weeks in India (my 5th visit). As we age, she knows how to make the right recommendations and gets right on to the many details required. We love dealing with her - and the physical distance between us in Vancouver, and Robyn in New Zealand is seamless, and time differences never a problem."
Juanita and Jim Tupper, 2016
I met Robyn in March of 2006 when she was an agent for a newly formed Nepal adventure company called Sherpa Encounters. At that time I was interested in trekking mountains worldwide but was frustrated with conventional travel companies. Since that time Robyn, through Personal Travel Management, has sent me to the four corners of the globe. Adventure treks, adventure trips, cruising, flights, hotels and everything in between, Robyn has been able to accommodate my wife's and my travel needs. Along with her expertise in planning our trips, she has been there for travel support. Circumstances arise on world adventures and Robyn with her network and expertise has been able to aid in any situation we've encountered along the way to a happy resolve. Without Robyn's expertise on world travel, we would not have been able to fulfill our travel dreams. We both give Robyn and Personal Travel Management our personal stamp of approval for any individual or group our personal stamp of approval for all travel needs. Whether it is trekking some of the highest mountains such as Mt. Everest or cruising to the bottom of the world around Cape Horn, Robyn gets us there and back efficiently and safely.
Austin & Terri Trasolini
My name is Eoin White and I am the founder of Sherpaencounters. I been taking groups to Nepal and this year marks my 25th trip to Everest base camp, and my 30th Himalayan trek. Robyn has been my travel agent for all 30 treks. Over the years I have had my friends and clients who have accompanied me use Robyn as their preferred agent. She takes care of their flight bookings and additional travels in conjunction with their Nepal adventure. She also provides bombproof travel insurance. I have had 6 helicopter evacuations over the past 14 years, and not one claim was ever disputed. Here's why I always encourage those traveling with me to use Robyn: 1. She can find even better prices and routes 2. If you want to change your flight while in a third world country or if things go sour, it can be almost impossible to get anything changed or done. Of the 240 people who have traveled with me, dozens of them for various reasons have needed her help. She is always there for you and can get what seems to be impossible done. 3. She has become the preferred and most trusted travel agent of all of my friends. If you book with her you will see why.
Eoin White [email protected] www.sherpaencounters.com
As the name implies, PTM & Robyn Bentley provides me with individualized and customized service, she makes recommendations based on her knowledge of my preferences and their knowledge. I have been a satisfied client of hers since 1998. On one trip, bad weather necessitated changes to my travel itinerary and Robyn rebooked me and got me to my destination the next day, whereas a fellow traveler who had booked his own travel had to buy a new plane ticket. Regardless of how convenient it is to book my own travel on line, I ask Robyn to do it for me so someone knows where I am throughout my travel.
Sheila Page
My wife and I were referred to Robyn Bentley by a friend who was also referred by one their friends. I have worked with other travel agents but none have been more qualified or professional than Robyn. One of Robyn's special qualities is that not only does she respond to queries promptly but more often than not Robyn anticipated problems and issues relating to our trip and dealt with them early on in the planning process. This can only come from experience. We have worked with Robyn in planning an African trip and can say without reservation that she is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects in travel to Africa. We have been totally impressed with Robyn's handling of our travel requirements and would recommend her services to anyone.
Wayne and Kathleen Kennedy
I have been dealing with Robyn Bentley since 2005 as a leisure travel planner. She has now grown into being both my business and personal travel guru. Her knowledge of connecting from one city to another is second to none. I have a lot of complicated business itineraries and she did it with the most efficient and effective way. She is fast, no nonsense, and she will only give me the best advice. Without her arranging my travel, I would be lost. I highly recommend Ms. Bentley, hands down.
Juliana Yu, VP Finance Reliable Controls
We were very impressed with the work that Robyn did for us. She was very thorough and paid close attention to our travel requests (both budget and tours). She was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and her recommendations were all on the money. We had many components to this trip that involved hotels, transfers, flights & boats. In all cases everything was taken care of to the ninth degree and went off without a hitch. We wouldn't hesitate to use work with Robyn again or to recommend her to our friends and family. Thanks Robyn for helping make it a truly memorable vacation!
May & Dave Nicol
I could give no higher endorsement to friends than to recommend they seek out the same travel service provider we found to be so exceptional. This was exactly the case with Robyn Bentley of Personal Travel Management . Advised, planned and carefully tended by Robyn, our family trip to Africa two years ago was a lifetime highlight. My husband I had no hesitation whatsoever in passing our friends into her attentive, knowledgeable and very delightful hands for their own safari adventure.
Wayne and Claire Powell
For years Robyn Bentley, of Personal Travel Management, has arranged my overseas trips. She is very professional and constantly keeps in touch, sending me the most current information re the trip. The key with Robyn is she is "personal". She is so genial to deal with, either by phone or email. With Robyn managing my travels, I trust that there will be no surprises on the other end. Her connections make sure of this. Robyn has always been flexible and very responsive to my needs, such as keeping to my budget on our last trip and arranging mid-range hotels at my request in Vietnam and Cambodia. Despite required changes in our available dates, she willingly adjusted arrangements accordingly. We were pleased with all our tourist guides, the tours, hotels, the flights and ground transportation throughout. Robyn's bottom line is obviously her customers satisfaction!
Nancy Carson
"Where in the World? Where indeed? Just ask Robyn Bentley and chances are she has been there, and if she hasn’t she has profound and intimate knowledge of every corner of the globe. She works with great tour companies and guarantees a level of adventure that fits our needs. And we have had some amazing ones! We are lucky enough to have traveled to every continent thanks to arrangements made by Robyn, and her predecessor Mona Hubinette (who sadly died in early 2017). Every trip was a life-changer, every plan meticulous, every piece of advice top notch. Robyn is brilliant and knowledgeable - and a wonderful person as well. For a verbal recommendation feel free to contact us via PTM."
Clive and Carol-Ann Jackson
My husband and I recently used the services of Robyn Bentley of Personal Travel Management, and thanks to her in-depth knowledge and understanding of Africa, we enjoyed the trip of a lifetime. The itinerary she arranged, including lodges, day trips and a 10-night mobile safari, was all top-notch -- exceeding expectations. We were especially pleased with her recommendation of Harkness Safaris. Andrew Harkness intuitively knows how to anticipate the actions of the animals you want to see. He has an uncanny knack for being in exactly the right place at the right time. Andrew’s genuine love of Botswana’s wildlife, flowers and trees is irresistible and his knowledge is comparable to someone with a PhD. What makes Andrew unique is his playful sense of adventure combined with an eye to safety, so his guests can experience memorable moments but never be in harm’s way. Andrew and his team are also very attentive in attending to the needs of his guests, and his chef prepares food over an open fire that would rival some of the best restaurants in the world.
Susan Danard & James Buck