Swain Destinations Reviews 171

Swain went above and beyond in exceeding our expectations! They did a phenomenal job arranging flights, tours, guides, and accommodations. They listened to what we wanted in our trip, were easy to work with, flexible (including when a medical emergency delayed our trip by a year), and very reachable--they quickly responded when we had questions or needed assistance (which was close to never because of how perfectly they had our trip planned!). This was the trip of a lifetime for my little family, and I appreciate all of the thought and effort that was put into planning our trip. Thank you!

Date of experience: June 19, 2025

From the early days of planning our trip to So Africa & Zimbabwe, Swain Destinations was meticulous, responsive and incredibly knowledgeable. All of their recommendations were spot on, from accommodations to tours to activities, and their “on the ground” staff was stellar. One of our group members unfortunately suffered an injury during the trip and Swain’s help was invaluable in getting care for her and following up daily regarding her progress. The entire trip exceeded our expectations but the Safari portion itself was the highlight, and the lodge where we stayed for that portion was one of the most extraordinary places we have ever experienced. We would highly recommend Swain Destinations.

Date of experience: May 09, 2025

I appreciated the recommendations that Swain made - everything was very smooth. Every day I received a text message with information for the next day's excusions. They were always available if I needed them (e.g., weather cancellation).

Date of experience: June 01, 2025

Swain Destinations really did a great job for us. They worked with me to create the perfect Australia itinerary, answered all my questions, and then managed the logistics to make the plan workable and efficient. All the hotels Garry selected were excellent, and our airport and hotel pickups were always prompt. George was great about staying in touch via text during our trip and dealing with any minor issues that popped up. I can't recommend Swain enough, and I will use them again when I plan my bucket-list trip to New Zealand.

Date of experience: May 01, 2025

Swain did a great job for us from beginning to end. They helped to create a personalized itinerary with great recommendations and were with us every step of the way, including daily texts as to who, when and where we should meet for tours. It was a highly memorable trip and we would strongly recommend Swain to others who are visiting Australia.

Date of experience: May 15, 2025

Kathryn and the entire team at Swain did a great job providing a professional and seamless experience! Thank you!

Date of experience: May 20, 2025

It started with the trip planning. Swain recommended Tswalu which was an incredible experience. All our transfers were seamless and in roomy, clean, well appointed sedans. All our accommodations were wonderful. Our tour guide for the Cradle of Humankind (also recommended by Swain) was friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. He offered a driving tour of Pretoria which was also interesting and informative. Without question, we’d use Swain again.

Date of experience: May 10, 2025

While our itinerary, hotels, guides, transfers and experiences have been priceless throughout our month of travels it was the care and compassion received during a family health emergency that really exceeded expectations. Here’s an example ;
*we cannot imagine the emotional rollercoaster you have been through during your trip. We are so happy to hear that your daughter-in-law is due to make a full recovery. We'd love to help provide a little extra relaxation to let you know we are all thinking of you and your family.

Date of experience: April 30, 2025

Felt like George Swain was watching over us the whole time. Did a great job of easing us over the hurdles of weather related complications. All our hotels and guides were wonderful.

Date of experience: May 07, 2025

Very efficient and well thought out itinerary. My family, of 19 members with multi-generation needs and expectations, had so much fun and bonding moments, while immerse in New Zealand's best sceneries. Hats off to Georege and his team. Kudos 👏

Date of experience: April 12, 2025

Swain Destinations put together a wonderful experience in New, Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. With 9 flights and 8 hotels over approximately 3.5 weeks, this was incredible. The tours booked (small & private tours) made all of the difference and the hotels were fantastic! George Swain provided daily text messages on the drivers or tour operators for the next day. This was very much appreciated as it can be difficult to keep track with so much movement! I would highly recommend Swain Destinations for your travel to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji!

Date of experience: March 17, 2025

This was my first trip booking through Swain. My best friend and I did 2 weeks in AUS and NZ. It was our first time in both places. Swain did an immaculate job, from helping craft our itinerary to arranging all our transportation and activities (and we did A LOT of activities). We had a total of 8 flights and traveled to a total of 5 places, yet we were completely at ease the entire time. Accommodations were first class. Once we boarded our first flight we knew we’d be in great hands and just sit back and enjoy the trip. Belkys worked with us directly to tailor this trip and she was very responsive and did a phenomenal job. I will 100% come back to Swain for future trips and particularly would love to work with Belkys again. Can’t thank them enough for the trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience: March 25, 2025

Everything was arranged ahead of time and the staff was always giving us a heads up to make sure pickup times and locations were set the day prior. All of our daily trips were well thought out and extremely enjoyable! The value for what we paid was fantastic

Date of experience: April 08, 2025

Having never been to Australia or New Zealand we wanted a trusted professional to help plan our trip. Grant from Swain Destinations designed an amazing trip for me and my family. With just 10 days to spend on the South Island we saw and did so many fabulous things!

Date of experience: March 14, 2025

Everyone of SWAIN’s drivers, guides and online team were excellent. All very professional, informative and accommodating. All activities were top notch. Learned very much about Australia and New Zealand, and nature that they so loving care for in every city. The constant internet communication concerning pick up times and activities helped calm this Senior couple’s anxiety about travel issues. Highly recommend!

Date of experience: March 19, 2025

I could not be any happier with our Australia/New Zealand trip booked with Swain Destinations. The detailed itinerary that Grant put together based on our conversations, and having the flexibility of making adjustments where needed was fantastic. Then, to be on our travels and have constant communication from George Swain with any new contact information for drivers and/or tour guides the day before was just the icing on the cake. It was a huge trip for us to take and not only having the detailed itinerary to refer to but then the additional communication that ensured we never had to worry about a thing just made the trip that much better. Thank you for helping us have the trip of a lifetime!!

Date of experience: March 04, 2025

Swain is the premier travel agent for Australia and New Zealand. From their awesome selections of hotels and resorts to their spotless choices of destinations like Tasmania and Kangaroo Island in Australia, and Bay of Many Coves on the South Island of New Zealand, we were expertly guided by local guides who were invariably the best ones available. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed , making our trip perfect in every way. Kudos to Grant St Clair and George Swain in Australia!

Date of experience: February 17, 2025

A big Shout out Kudos to Swain Destination team.
Ian , George , Heather , Ann , Would like to express our utmost gratitude for very professional arrangements for Sydney - The world's best City.
All the arrangements were meticulous.
A big thank you to the suppliers.
George at- InStyle Chauffeured Limousines
All the Arrangements at the Four seasons hotel .
Bridge Climb team.
Derek at Sydney In Style
Diamond tours guide- Scott
Opera house guide
Captain Cook cruise .

We had a blessed trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience: January 13, 2025

Grant St. Clair planned my recent 3 week trip to Australia and did an absolutely fantastic job. The woman who planned my previous trip, Jan Miur, provided some additional insight and help also. The highlights would be the Murray River cruise (3 nights), the Ghan Train (Darwin to Adelaide), the Irwin Family Zoo, and my time in Melbourne and Brisbane…two beautiful cities with so much to do! I was totally spoiled and would recommend their trips to anyone!

Date of experience: September 18, 2024

We are mostly "roll your own" vacation planners, but realized we needed help to plan two "bucket list" trips, to Australia/New Zealand in 2022 and to South Africa/Victoria Falls in 2024. Kathryn is fantastic at figuring out what itineraries are "our speed" and setting up the level of support (drivers/tours/greeters) we need, which differed significantly in the two trips. The Swain organization provides great background information and support. Highly recommend!

Date of experience: September 16, 2024