Our trip to Thailand and Bali, and my opinion on what matters for an enjoyable experience.
Before booking our family trip to Thailand and Bali with UME, I considered two other agencies as references. From the start, UME Travel and its advisor, Dan Li, impressed me as highly capable and attentive. He responded promptly to all my questions, addressed my concerns, and offered various options for our itinerary. We wanted a blend of culture, history, adventure, and two full days (two nights) at the beach. The key was to find activities that would be enjoyable and engaging for an active 10-year-old. All these aspects were covered, and I appreciated Dan's quick responses at every step. The strong partnership persisted throughout the trip, especially when things went slightly awry, which I consider the best indicator of a company's true value. We started in Thailand, and that segment went as smoothly as possible. Our local guide, Tanny L., with whom we immediately connected, and the private driver were both outstanding. Everything—from hotels, transportation, airport pickups and drop-offs, food, activities, and sites visited—was excellent, making the experience enjoyable. When we traveled to Bali, Indonesia, we encountered a minor issue with our hotel bed arrangement. However, it was swiftly fixed to our complete satisfaction. The problem stemmed from a clerical error in the paperwork issued by the local agent, not negligence. I contacted Dan Li at UME, who responded within minutes and resolved the issue promptly. Additionally, the hotel staff were very cooperative and made us feel welcome. Our second challenge after arriving in Bali was quite sensitive. Our airport pickup guide was friendly and professional, but my 10-year-old grandson and his mom couldn't understand his English, as it’s also a second language for them. I apologize to our initial guide for having to make that request, as his conduct was otherwise appropriate. When I spoke with Dan Li, I asked if a different guide could be assigned, and he handled this request. The next morning, we met our new guide, Puja, and the rest of our trip in Bali went smoothly. I am unsure if "Puja" is the correct spelling of his name. We thoroughly enjoyed both Thailand and Bali and plan to choose UME Travel for our upcoming trips. They are an excellent agency that truly understands how to create a memorable travel experience and handle any issues that may occur. Thanks to the excellent support from travel agent Dan Li, we never felt alone or neglected. We appreciate your effort and dedication in organizing our trip. The only change I would make to this trip is the location of our second hotel in Bali. Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua is a nice hotel, but I would prefer one closer to a sandy beach. I take responsibility for this mistake; I should have researched the hotel's location more thoroughly.