I took two trips with Feel Free Travel in 2025, and I regret spending so much money on a culturally insensitive company. If you are BIPOC, pick another travel company.
The concept of these tours has real potential, and many *local* guides and certain accommodations were excellent. But the execution varies dramatically depending on leadership. If you happen to get a strong leader, the trip can be amazing. If not, the same itinerary can feel disorganized and unsupported.
In August 2025, I did a 15-day Thailand tour with Emmy, which was excellent — organized, communicative, and genuinely supportive. This trip immediately followed a 15-day Vietnam & Cambodia tour in September 2025. Unfortunately, the second trip was the opposite.
From the start, logistics were inconsistent: airport pickup confusion, changing hotel information, activity schedules shifting without notice, and transportation that was sometimes too small for luggage. Some hotels were great, while others had issues like black mold. These constant surprises created unnecessary stress instead of the supported group experience I expected.
The biggest issue was leadership. On the Vietnam/Cambodia trip, the leaders often seemed inexperienced in problem-solving and communication. At times it felt more like an all-expenses-paid vacation for them — taking photos of each other at sites while the group waited. A manager was also present for part of the trip, which unfortunately didn’t noticeably improve organization or responsiveness. What took me out was when MY GROUP LEADER ASKED ME IF I ATE DOG because I told her I had authentic Vietnamese food with a group of locals. This was one of MANY CULTURALLY INSENSITIVE COMMENTS made by the leaders.
It’s worth noting that Cambodia was a new route for the company, and many moments felt untested, as if travelers were guinea pigs rather than guests on a refined itinerary. Four of us had extended directly from the Thailand trip, and all of us felt especially disappointed because we had just experienced how strong leadership *can* elevate the entire journey.
As a person of color and someone not from the UK, I often felt isolated within a largely European traveler demographic. This may not affect everyone, but it’s something potential travelers should consider if representation and sensitivity matter to you. From reading other reviews, I noticed this is a common issue. If you're not from the UK, you will be discriminated.
The itinerary isn’t the problem — leadership and preparation are. Your experience will likely depend less on the destination and more on who is running your tour.
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