Follow Alice
BackWhen choosing an adventure travel company, discerning travelers often look for a combination of expertise, safety, and a genuine connection to the destination. Follow Alice, a travel agency with a New York contact address but a global footprint, positions itself as a specialist for those seeking physically demanding, high-altitude expeditions. With a perfect 5-star rating across dozens of reviews, the company has cultivated a reputation for excellence, particularly in leading challenging guided treks to iconic destinations like Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp.
The Follow Alice Experience: What Sets Them Apart
Unlike many large-scale tour operators, Follow Alice focuses on a curated portfolio of challenging adventures, allowing them to develop deep expertise in each location. Their offerings extend beyond the two famous peaks to include destinations like the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, and explorations of Patagonia and Iceland. This specialization is a core strength, appealing to clients who want an operator that truly understands the complexities of their chosen challenge.
Unwavering Focus on Crew and Guides
A recurring theme in virtually every client testimonial is the exceptional quality of the local crews. Travelers consistently praise the guides, porters, and cooks for their professionalism, experience, and motivational support. On grueling summit nights on Kilimanjaro or during challenging ascents in the Himalayas, clients report feeling safe and encouraged every step of the way. Guides like Bwenji and Florence on Kilimanjaro and Sonam in Nepal are mentioned by name for their calm leadership and deep knowledge. This human element appears to be the cornerstone of the company's success, turning a difficult trek into a deeply personal and positive experience.
Crucially, this support extends to the ethical treatment of their staff. Several reviews highlight that Follow Alice is known for taking excellent care of its porters and guides, ensuring they have proper equipment and fair wages. This is a significant factor for conscientious travelers. The company is a partner of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an organization that advocates for the fair treatment of porters. This commitment not only ensures a happier and more motivated crew but also contributes positively to the local economy, with the company stating that over 70% of the trip price remains in the host country.
Meticulous Planning and On-the-Ground Comfort
Organizing complex international travel to remote locations requires flawless logistics, and this is another area where Follow Alice excels. Clients receive comprehensive pre-trip information, from packing lists to training advice, ensuring they arrive well-prepared. On the trail, small details make a significant difference. Reviewers fondly recall touches like being woken with a hot drink of their choice in their tent, the surprising cleanliness of portable toilets, and porters who meet them at the end of a long day's hike to offer encouragement and carry their daypacks for the final stretch to camp. This high level of service demonstrates a deep understanding of the physical and mental toll these adventures can take, and a commitment to making the journey as comfortable as possible.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, potential customers should understand the specific nature of Follow Alice's services to determine if it's the right fit. It's less a case of finding flaws and more about aligning expectations.
Specialized and Physically Demanding Trips
This is not a travel agency for those seeking relaxing vacation packages. Follow Alice's core product is strenuous, high-altitude adventure. Trips are designed to be challenging, and clients are expected to have a solid level of physical fitness. As one traveler noted after trekking to Everest Base Camp, getting there was a struggle, and mild altitude sickness was a factor. This is the reality of such expeditions, and while the company provides world-class support, the effort must come from the traveler.
Premium Service Comes at a Price
The level of detailed planning, expert guidance, and ethical employment practices is reflected in the cost. Follow Alice positions itself in the mid-range to premium segment of the adventure travel market and explicitly states they do not offer budget tours. A Kilimanjaro climb, for example, represents a significant financial investment. While clients unanimously agree that the value is exceptional, travelers on a tight budget may find the prices prohibitive. The cost should be viewed as an all-inclusive investment in safety, success, and a high-quality experience.
The Group Travel Dynamic
The company's model is centered on small group travel. This fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, with many travelers highlighting the bonds formed with their fellow hikers. The agency even facilitates this by having groups stay together at a lodge before a climb begins. This is ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking for a shared experience. However, adventurers who are staunchly independent and prefer to set their own pace without a group might find this model restrictive. It's worth noting that even a self-described "DIY adventurer" was won over by the experience, suggesting the company strikes a good balance.
Conclusion: Who Should Book with Follow Alice?
Follow Alice has carved out a stellar reputation as a premier operator for high-stakes adventure travel. Their perfect review score appears well-earned through a combination of expert local teams, meticulous logistical planning, and a strong ethical foundation. This is the ideal choice for:
- First-time high-altitude trekkers who want the highest level of safety and support.
- Solo travelers looking to join a group of like-minded individuals.
- Experienced adventurers who appreciate the value of a well-organized trip and ethically treated local crews.
- Individuals celebrating a milestone who are looking for a truly transformative travel experience.
Conversely, those looking for budget-friendly options, relaxed holidays, or completely independent, self-guided trips would be better served by other tour operators. For its target audience, however, Follow Alice stands out as a company that not only delivers on its promises but consistently exceeds expectations, making life-long dreams a successful and memorable reality.
