First time Flashpacker here and I am already searching for my next trip. I loved every minute of it and I’m so glad I chose Bali and the Gili Islands as my first adventure. From the moment I met Wayan at the airport to the last day that I said goodbye to Yogi, I felt safe and taken care of. I have been wanting to visit Bali for over a decade and after raising my babies and establishing stability, I decided that I was going to do something big for my 40th and Bali was where I wanted to be to welcome in a new decade. Who would have thought that spending my 40th with strangers was going to be hands down the BEST birthday I have ever had? Not me, that’s for sure. My travel mates and Yogi made it unforgettable and I felt so loved even after just meeting these wonderful people. From Day 2 being welcomed into another Wayans family house and sharing a meal and a blessing with them til day Day 11 at surf lessons and an amazing city tour in a VW Thing (yes that’s what the car is called) was the best planned and executed trip ever. Multiple beautiful temple visits, meditation and prayer, swimming in the waterfall with a picnics lunch and the best sambal tomat, learning the culture, aerial yoga, village cooking class, annihilating Mt. Batur, amazing pictures at Heavens Gate, snorkeling on Gili Island, BBQ seafood dinner, and our farewell dinner was amazing. I came to Bali looking for a nice balance of activities and connecting to my spiritual side and learning to accept, flow, and smile and that is EXACTLY what I received. The purification ceremony is so near and dear to my heart and was such an amazing way to let go of the sadness and connect with my ancestors to know I was on the right path. This trip was my first big trip since my dad was killed by a drunk driver and it was exactly what I needed to work on finding forgiveness and accepting my grief. The Balinese people are amazing, kind, and are connected to their spirituality and have taught me so much about myself and being a better person. I can’t recommend this trip enough to anyone wanting to experience a little bit of everything that Bali has to offer.
And Yogi Bear 😊 don’t get me started on what an amazing man and guide he really is. He is so knowledgeable about Balinese culture, answers all of your questions, he’s passionate about Flashpack and takes the best care of all of his flashpackers like family. And his photo taking skills are unmatched….I have some of the best photos I’ve ever taken because of him. He’s funny, caring, thoughtful and really has a heart of gold (he quietly bought ice cream for two little girls selling fans on the street without being asked and we wouldn’t have known had we not glanced over at him and saw, now that is a caring man). No offense to any other guides but I think Yogi will always have a special place in my heart. His soul is beautiful and I’m very grateful for him and how safe he made us all feel. You NEED to come to Bali just to meet Yogi honestly. You won’t be disappointed. He made sure we got to do all the things we wanted to while here and even found us a healer and palm reader for a few of us to partake in.
And Coman (not sure if it’s how you spell his name) was the best driver EVER! That man is an expert and can maneuver that van like a pro. I have PTSD from a bad car accident and not once did I feel unsafe as his passenger and there’s not many people that I can and will say that about.
I really can’t say enough good things about my experience and I leave with no regrets. I will definitely be back to Bali as I’m sure I’ve left a piece of my heart here. If you’re hesitant about being a first timer, do the Bali and Gili Islands and let Yogi and Coman take care of you. You won’t be disappointed…and honestly if you are disappointed then YOU probably did something wrong and didn’t embrace the opportunities that Bali has for you.
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Craving adventure but your friends are too busy to join? I’ve been there. In my 30s, I wanted to travel but everyone around me was settling down. Every group trip I found felt too young, too old, or just not me. I wanted to go solo without feeling alone. That’s why I started Flash Pack: to bring like-minded people together for epic, feel-good adventures around the world. We create premium social adventures for solo travelers in their 30s, 40s and 50s. 90% of people join solo, and everyone’s at a similar life stage. Our groups are capped at 16 - no coach-loads, ever. The experiences are things you couldn’t easily do alone, like glamping in converted Land Rovers on the Serengeti or sailing to a secret island in the Philippines with a private chef. Each trip features handpicked, stylish hotels - from rooftop pools to off-grid jungle lodges. Our local guides are the best you’ll meet: warm, expert, and brilliant at building group chemistry. And unlike other group travel companies, everything’s included - so all you have to do is show up. I hope you’ll join us.
– Radha Vyas, Co-founder of Flash PackSee more
