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"Richard is an excellent travel host. I have been on many adventures with him over the last 10 years, and his ability to find little gems of places to stay, and seek out value for money experiences, constantly amazes me. Most importantly in the counties we have visited, he has always made me feel safe and secure, and he has been able to point me in the right direction to indulge my interests and hobbies".
Dr Mike Auckland GP. Bali 2013 /2014 & 2015 Bali 2014
"I enjoyed a great weeks holiday in Bali with Richard and OTS. I felt really safe in a new culture travelling with Richard who had researched Bali and was able to introduce me to some gems away from the usual tourist traps. Richard has a good understanding of local prices and there are great value experiences to be discovered especially treating myself to amazing food and relaxing massage." Dr Mike Auckland GP (My second Bali trip 2014) Routeburn track New Zealand 2014 Richard has great experience as a world traveller and has a a great way of sharing his knowledge and has easy going manner. He is a thoughtful host and goes out of his way for the benefit of his fellow travellers. I have no hesitation in recommending Richard and OTS for all you folks wishing to take the road less travelled. Joe UK (Routeburn track 2015) Routeburn track New Zealand 2014 This trip is one that the five of us will not easily forget. The walk has amazing views all along, we had fine weather and the huts were warm and comfortable at night. Highlights were: vertical walls of the Darran valleys going up for 1,000 sheer metres swimming in Lake Marian directly below Mt Christina and Crosscut sunbathing on the lawns and rocks at Lake Mackenzie Brisbane's hottest gay young man found lurking at Mackenzie Hut, whetting our appetites, the anti-stoat fervour of "Trapper" Evan, who looks after the stoat traps numbered from 1 to 199 all along the track,the bellbirds which sang and the cutest rifleman birds which played around us as a result of Evan's stoat traps, the family from Utah with 2 boys of about 8 who walked the track with us and were also cycling New Zealand on 2 tandems. So many bright and friendly people from all over the world to talk to climbing the smooth granite slabs up to Gertrude Saddle by holding the steel cables and looking over the edge, 1,400 metres straight down.. With the Israeli party brewing up in the shelter of a big rock under some keas. the comfort of Kinloch Lodge on the last night with fine food, lakehead views and rain heavy on the roof at last after so much golden sunshine. Richard had pre-arranged and organised everything,so that all we had to do was Go Hard! at enjoying a great week. Thanks Richard! Graham A Christchurch NZ (Routeburn track 2015) Cambodia July 2015 Travelling through this country was a truly wonderful experience. It was however the unique concept of “Outside the Square” and our guide Richard that made it brilliant. OTS carefully blends the feel of independent travel with all the advantages that only an organised tour can offer. Well managed centrally located accommodation, Minivan with driver for stress (mostly) free travel between various locations and of course the joy getting to know other fellow travellers. All off the positives without any of the hassles. I very much look forward to joining OTS and Richard on my future travels. Peter New Zealand South Africa Gay Tour 2017 "The perfect balance of camaraderie in the sophisticated Cape Town ,set where the mountains meet the sea in glorious weather; visits to vineyards in dramatic mountains and green valleys. Then Kruger, saturated with all the free roaming wild animals to delight and excite. A great trip all round." Dr Mike New Zealand Portugal 2022 It was a truly delightful trip with many memories. I was left with a desire to go back to Portugal as well as go on another OTS tour. And what a great group of guys. I know we were lucky in that sense. I loved the lunches and dinners together with lots of great food and wine and laughs and conversation. Of course, the Douro river boat cruise...heavenly. The cemetery at the end of Tram 28...was so beautiful and serene. The farmers market (i love them). Tomar is a hidden gem. DOUG. USA |
"I have had several holidays with Richard and OTS,(Tongariro, Waiheke, Takamatua and Le Bons Bay(Banks Peninsula) Westport, Ngakawau) and I like his flexibility and willingness to fit in with others’ ideas for the day . I would be happy to take a tour organised by him as while I know he enjoys simple pleasures like I do, and knows how to find value-for-money, I know that if I had a special request , he would happily arrange it . He would enjoy travellers’ company as much as travellers’ would enjoy his organisation skills, travel industry experience and flexibility. This is not an enhanced review done for a friend, call me to confirm! Better still, come and stay! Bruce Morrison Christchurch Gaystay founder of the popular NZ gaystay web site "I had way more fun and spent far less than any holiday I have done on my own". I never felt like I was on a structured tour which was my initial fear, it felt far more like a well planned holiday organised by friends, plenty of time free to explore and yet company over dinner, I will be back again! Tom UK "What I liked most about our adventures in Asia was Richard's easy going leadership style and high attention to detail. Great times had by everyone. Thanks". Paul Auckland NZ Bali, Burma and Cambodia 2015 Burma 2014 ''I loved not having to plan hotels, transport, worry about bookings or arriving on time, not having to worry about travelling alone, being able at times to travel without the group knowing can meet up when need company. Wonderful people with great generosity of spirit. Loved Inle lake Jackie NY USA, Burma 2015 "'Loved our own air conditioned minibus and drivers, don't ever change that, we got to see so much more than could have ever seen doing it alone on public transport. The river trip was a delight and the food and resturants way better than I expected. Liked the variety of hotels there were some real gems'. Only wish we had more time did not want to leave!"' Jane UK, Burma 2015 "Have nothing but praise for Richard and the itinerary, accommodations, food, etc. The only possible "negative" if you could even call it that were so many temples'' David Christchurch New Zealand, Burma 2015 Cambodia 2015 Have been on tours where the pace is just hectic, and you end up always tired, Richards trip was very well paced, we saw all the sights, and yet had time to chill, the hotels were delightful as were the variety and choice of restaurants we visited. Keep up the good work. Ian and Leigh New Zealand Tango 2016 What makes Outside the Square different from other tour groups is the thought and care Richard puts into his planning. He clearly has a great deal of travelling experience. My partner and I recently chose to travel with Richard on the Gay ‘Argentina Tango’ tour. An eight-day tour that started and ended in Buenos Aries. The trip was well planned with the right mix of time to your self and group activities. I have always shied away from group tours but Richard never has more than 10 people in a group. Never having never been to South America it was a great way to experience Argentina and Uruguay in a short space of time. We managed to see and enjoy sites of these countries we never would have found on our own. I would highly recommend travelling with Outside the Square and I’m certain we will again. Mark and William Australia Portugal May 2022 Thank you Richard for a great trip. We enjoyed the hilarious group and mostly everything we experienced. You handled all the challenges with great aplomb and somehow kept your humor going. You are a real pro. Warmly, Francis & Jack Sri Lanka 2019 Here’s my feedback. I can’t reiterate enough what a wonderful time I had, thank you so much. You’ve asked for feedback, and I’ve answered, but my overwhelming view is you did a fantastic job. The itinerary was excellent, and so varied. I won’t hesitate to recommend you and OTS – I’m already spreading the word! David NZ |