I have recently been on the trip to North Korea. Having never been on an Explore trip previously, I was a little apprehensive about how the trip would pan out. We had a wonderful holiday full of jam-packed interesting days. The tour programme was excellent and there was a lot of variety in the itinerary, hotels and meals. Our tour manager, Rich Beal, was a tremendous fount of knowledge. I was a little concerned about the security arrangements in North Korea but from the outset Rich re-assured us that he had been there several times previously and was able to pass on his knowledge about what was and what wasn’t permitted. He was extremely helpful throughout the tour, giving us pointers on the culture and helpfully fore-warning us about what to expect when we arrived at the airport, departure by train and what to expect from the customs officials, and helping us fill in a variety of forms. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he certainly went the extra mile repairing spectacles, diagnosing camera problems and offering medical advice on minor ailments. He even had a welcome supply of coffee and cups for the long train journey when there was no restaurant car. As well as seeing the major sights and monuments in Pyongyang, the North Korean hosts were generous in allowing us to travel additional stops on the Metro, meeting children in the nursery on the co-operative farm, and participating in May Day celebrations in Wonsan. I found your advance information very helpful, especially taking a torch which was essential in some of the more remote areas where the power supply was limited. I was surprised that all the hotel rooms had a supply of hot drinking water, and had I known, I would have taken supplies of tea and coffee especially as coffee isn’t readily available in North Korea. We had a lot of wonderful experiences and I would rate it as one of my most interesting holidays.

Sitting at Beijing Airport waiting for our flight, it dawned upon me that some of the people dotted around the departure lounge wore matching red pin badges. That was when it finally sunk in that I was on the way to North Korea.

Pyongyang was as I imagined, with tower blocks and huge communist statues, best viewed from the 31st floor of our hotel on an island (which also boasted a revolving restaurant). I found the DMZ not nearly as tense as I expected and the countryside beautiful and mountainous - travelling through it involved many tunnels and bridges. A fascinating tour, topped off with brilliant tour leader and lovely, knowledgable local guides. However many guide books you read, this trip will surprise you, so just go with an open mind and open eyes, and respect for the local people. (KO -19th September 2011)