Canyon Calling review: Bad service 21

G.k. J ... Haven't proved it.

I went on a tour with Cheryl of Canyon Calling in 2014. What I say here must be weighed against the fact that Canyon Calling has a new owner. One of the best things the new owner could do would be to reach out to all previous clients and emphasize the fact that Cheryl no longer leads tours. Our group was de facto divided into the “newbies” and those who were repeat customers. These repeat ladies and Cheryl made a cozy group, and the repeaters were quick to report things to Cheryl that we newbies said to each other about the situation. I (a newbie) was never targeted directly by Cheryl (why she “liked” me was as inexplicable as to why she bullied and picked unrelentingly on one of the other ladies), but I got caught in the crossfire. She berated all of us and treated us (paying customers who were not causing problems) in a generally unprofessional manner. She publicly disrespected our local tour guide and constantly told the driver how to drive. She acted in a petulant manner when she didn’t get her way. Where we went, and the local people we met, were worth the trip to me but I told my fellow travelers that I would never use Canyon Calling again. (Which is lost business for them because I do have a tour lined up for this year with another women’s-only tour company.)

I've been on 3 canyon calling trips and all of the comments above are correct. If Cheryl liked you and your politics, you could laugh and tell jokes and enjoy the trip. If she didn't like you, don't dare ask what the clothes are required for the next day will be or say that's a great picture, because she will bite your head off and not necessarily where everyone else can hear. She packs a lot into the trips and you
see a lot and do a lot, but you need to be physically fit and probably a Democrat. She preaches a lot about customer service to waiters and tour guides, but she doesn't necessarily follow her own advise. After all, we are customers too. I think she is out of the travel business now so it probably doesn't matter. I admire that she built a company doing what she loved. It was my first all women traveling and it was great and what I needed. I am just sorry that somewhere she lost the enjoyment she got from the business. I will be going on trips in the future that are less active.

I couldn't have been any happier on my trips with Cheryl. She puts so much effort into planning these trips. I've traveled three times with her and many other women have returned on additional trips with Cheryl. I now will expect a fun packed trip in the future from any other tour company I might try out but wonder if I will be able to live in the moment as I did on all the trips with Cheryl. The memories will be cherished forever!

Cheryl don't take no doo-doo. She's a great leader, very experienced. When you are in the wild you have to suck it up!

I have just completed the New Zealand trip with Cheryl Fleet/Canyon Calling and it was fantastic! This was my second trip with her and Canyon Calling. The last trip I took with her was back in 2000 the Yellowstone and Tetons which was wonderful as well. I do not understand the negative reviews. I found them not to be the case in my two tours. I can confirm and agree with the positive comments. Cheryl goes out of her way to give you the full experience of travel, shows care and concern, responsive, many restroom breaks and communicates the daily itinerary.

I read these complaints before my first trip with Cheryl and Canyon Calling. I also read the positive comments and responses to the complaints. I looked at them all and decided to trust my gut that the positive comments were closer to the truth. I was so right! Cheryl is a marvelous tour leader. She is very good at doing her in-country homework so that each trip seems to flow seamlessly for the participant. She is up front in her trip descriptions so that you know what to expect in terms of food and lodging. She is careful each evening to prepare you for what will be happening the following day. Cheryl pays attention to both the emotional and physical state of each of her clients at all times and works hard to make sure everyone has a successful experience.
I would suspect that the complaints registered on this site are less complaints about Cheryl (who is very good at her job) and more a reflection of the immaturity and inflexibility of the complainants. With Canyon Calling there are no hidden agendas. All expectations are laid out in advance. If you are unhappy with the experience I suspect the fault lies within yourself and not with the trip or with the leader. I have travelled extensively both by myself and with groups. With Canyon Calling I have been able to relax and enjoy the experience each time in the full knowledge that Cheryl had everything under control. Fantastic trips!

I have been on two trips with Canyon Calling and have also tried other tour groups. Cheryl provides personalized and informative services... She strives to offer magical and memorable experiences and the tours I took with Canyon Calling were wonderful and rewarding, with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Sometimes, the criticism says more about the critic.

I have traveled with Canyon Calling on five different occasions, both internationally and domestically. Each and every trip has been filled with activities and adventures in amazing destinations. I have also traveled to many destinations with other travel companies, as well as for business travel. One thing I have learned is that travel (like life) is what you make it. If you expect 5 star hotels, 3-hour meals and days spent lounging by the pool, then Canyon Calling may not be for you. However, if you're open to new experiences in out-of-the-ordinary places then I would highly recommend traveling with Cheryl. It is wonderful to travel with a group of women and with a well informed guide who works hard to see that you get value for your money. One other thing ... every trip I have taken with Canyon Calling has included return customers. I think that says more than a couple of 'bad eggs' who feel they need to air their complaints anonymously.

The web is a great tool but unfortunately it has become a megaphone for intolerance and unkindness.

I have traveled on 5 trips with Canyon Calling and very much enjoyed each one. After being a successful type A professional for 35 years I have needed to learn a few things to be a “happy traveler” on tours. I’m not in charge, and my needs/wants are not the only ones the tour guide is trying to fill. The women I have met on trips are mostly wonderful, fun, interesting people. I have sadly also met women with negative outlooks on just about everything – they rarely enjoy their trips. Did I like everyone, agree with all their opinions or musical tastes – no of course not but this is all a part to doing new and different things.

I need to comment on some of the specifics listed in the above post. I much prefer the casual approach to lunch on the move. I suppose you have a choice of considering food on the road as “cooler food” or a fabulous picnic in the Denali wilderness! I enjoyed the tour’s relaxing dinners and the Sultry Restaurant in Alaska was really fantastic. I understand Canyon Callings approach to booking moderately priced housing to keep total trip prices down. I loved the sometimes more rugged cabins and unique places we stayed. They are a part of the adventure experience. I found the equipment lists helpful in my trip planning. I knew I would have what I needed in any situation. I also appreciated the list of all the places we would be staying.

Was the schedule full and were the activities challenging? You bet, that is what I paid for. I want Canyon Calling to take me to places and do things I can’t do on my own. All of us did our best with encouragement from each other and Cheryl. We all didn’t always reach our goals but we tried. I have heard so many say “I never thought I could do that but I did!” I on the other hand made a mental note to loose 40 lbs. so I can make it next time!

I have found Cheryl to be a highly competent and skilled guide. She kept me safe as I tried new things and addressed service providers politely. I have also learned to see the world differently, be more accepting of others and judge less by traveling with Canyon Calling.

BEWARE! My experience was eerily like other posters described for Hawaii. After my first and last trip with Canyon Calling, I have come up a list of expectations for a Canyon Calling trip. In the future I’ll spend my money with adventure travel groups that really care about me and my experiences.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CANYON CALLING TRIP

You will stay in places such as very, very low-end hotels, cabins without plumbing facilities, and bunk beds. The itinerary will be very vague about this and you will not find out the places you are staying or the types of facilities beforehand.

You will be rushed through dinner. In fact, there will often be rushing during the trip with no need.

Your lunches will be deli meat out of the cooler, or sandwiches from grocery stores or fast food restaurants.

You will be subjected to constant political discussions and ranting from Cheryl. There will be no doubt where her politics lie despite it being inappropriate for the guide to discuss politics at all.

Your guide hates men and will make sure you know this, including treating male service people rudely.

She won’t use a GPS so you can expect to get lost.

The time to meet in the morning is not really the time. You should be there at least 10 minutes before the stated time.

You will constantly be on the go with no free time.

There will no scheduled bathroom breaks while driving. Cheryl will stop only when she needs to go.

You will be subject to Cheryl’s extensive collection of “easy listening” tunes while riding in the van and it will be hard to hear others’ conversation.

Your guide will text and take photographs while driving.

Canyon Calling states: “No experience is required for the fun things we do.” However, a pre-trip exercise regime should have been recommended as some activities were far beyond most travelers’ skill set.

Your guide will do anything to get the cheapest activity or meal for you, including feeding you dinner at 4PM so she doesn’t have to buy lunch, and getting a smaller vehicle that what is really needed.

The equipment and clothes you are told to bring for activities are not the appropriate ones and are likely needed at all.

You will be dropped off at the airport as soon as possible without even a thank you or goodbye.

I totally agree with RDAZ - I traveled with Cheryl and Canyon Calling to Hawaii in 2010. It was just as awful as RDAZ described... I had many of the same experiences with Cheryl's rudeness and unprofessionalism. She's embarrassing to be around in public. The only thing that made the trip enjoyable was the other 4 girls that I was traveling with. In spite of the crappy, abrasive, rude tour guide, we banded together and made it fun for ourselves. I can tell you flat out that none of the girls I was on the trip with would EVER take another trip with Canyon Calling. We'd discussed the other women's tour groups that we'd used, and what we went through with Cheryl was completely outrageous and inexcusable for someone running a business. There's plenty of competition out there, so if you are considering a women's tour group, look elsewhere. Matter of fact, I was looking for a trip to take when I came across this review and decided to share my experiences. I frankly thought she'd be out of business by now! You've been warned.

I have been on two Canyon Calling trips, including the very first one! Both trips were in the U.S. I have thoroughly enjoyed the trips, her enthusiasm, her sense of humor, and the wonderful places she has taken us. We would have done more trips with her, but my partner is just not able to. If you want to have an active vacation, Cheryl is definitely the gal to contact. For those who haven't enjoyed their trips, as another commented, I'm sure there is more to the story! Cheryl is a delightful host, and provides as well thought out, interesting trip.

I have been on two Canyon Calling trips and had a wonderful time on both. The trips were very well organised - it was such a pleasure to be able to just enjoy the experience, to know what to expect for each day and be prepared for that particular days adventure. I was fortunate to enjoy the company of awesome travel companions. Cheryl's tireless efforts to ensure we all got the most out of each new day, her knowledge of the areas we travelled through and her ability to handle those unforeseen problems that inevitably crop up was much appreciated. That she is passionate about her tour company is obvious. Leading a tour group requires a fine balancing act of wants and needs and I think Cheryl does an admirable job.
I would not hesitate to go on another Canyon Calling Adventure tour. Thanks Cheryl.

I was on that trip and LOVED Hawaii. It's my second Canyon Calling trip and Iam planning another one. It is a pleasure traveling with Cheryl as she provides what she promises. My Canadian Rockies trip was more enjoyable because everyone gave more in terms of conversation and interest in each other. For the price I didn't expect to be staying in resorts as this was an "adventure trip". Our three nights in Kawaii at a beautiful Lodge was spectacular- we were in an awesome seven room house with fabulous views. Our hosts left us a very large welcome basket with fruits, nuts, bread/cookies, candies and granola. We even had a laundry room and were well stocked with amenities. I feel I saw the real Hawaii, Mango Hotel, for example, I know is used by Backroads, the huge bicycle tour company. Canyon Calling website states appetizers and desserts are not included. Cheryl reminded us of this on the first night. I think it's great that we get to choose any main course. There are tours that limit the amount you can order for a main course.. I was there when the misspelling of the name was discovered and I heard Cheryl apologize for her error saying she'd make it right. I was also there when the Hawaiian Airlines agent gave instructions to go on ahead to security and to come back to get the ticket changed. Cheryl didn't make anyone do anything. I was actually surprised the inter-island flight was included in the price of the tour as most trips would make you pay for that yourself. How refreshing to have a smart, articulate tour leader who can carry on a conversation when no one else is contributing. I enjoyed her asking what we all thought of current events and I lliked hearing everyone's opinions. People make the trip and conversation is a two way exchange. Cheryl did talk about Hawaii and I applaud her efforts to engage everyone as difficult as it was. Colorful language? Sure, but not at all offensive. I have never found Cheryl to be rude to waiters or anyone elser, in fact, just the opposite. She is well organized, direct and up front--that I do not find offensive. She makes sure she provides exactly what she promises. When one of our group mocked a muscian for playing Hawaiian music, Cheryl later went up and bought one of his CDs to support his talent. I thought that was a nice gesture. My friend was the person who struggled with the Na Pali hike. Cheryl was totally supportive stopping often so she could rest. My friend was afraid of the water, could not swim and came unprepared. Cheryl accomodated for her needs and offered valuable tips. As lava wasn't flowing, Cheryl made frequent calls to the Park Service until she was able to get a favorable response. As a result we were able to view a volcano at night with a hube bright orang glow. Cheryl has pride in her business and goes out of her way to provide what she says she will...that's professionalism We ended our trip by receiving beautiful pictures of our adventure on a CD produced by Cheryl.

I'm very surprised to see the posts about being unhappy with Canyon Calling Tours. I have traveled in the US and internationally on her trips and always had a wonderful time.

I recently returned from the Hawaii Trip with Canyon Calling and Cheryl Fleet, and it was horrible. There was only four of us on the tour, and three of us were very disappointed and vowed to never use her service again. She was rude, and very unprofessional. She was constantly swearing, and was very pushy. Instead of talking about Hawaii, she was constantly talking about politics, government, and shoving her political views down our throats. The living accommodations were very, very modest. Three out of the four places we stayed were roach infested, and one was so musty, that the carpet felt wet. It was disgusting to say the least. She spelt my last name wrong when booking the inter-island flight, and made me try to go through security anyway. She was very rude to security, and then got mad at me because I was honest and up front with the security guy. We had to go back to the ticket counter, and luckily they were able to correct it, but it was with a great deal of difficulty. One of the girls had difficulty with the amount of activity we did, and she was inpatient with her and could be mean. She was rude to the waiters and waitresses, and it was embarrassing to be with her. She would always rush us through dinner, never allowing us to order dessert, and she was rude about it. One time, we sat down and right away she told the waiter we were ready to order. I said to her, "we are?" and she said "yes, we are" with rudeness and force. I will never travel with Cheryl Fleet or Canyon Calling again. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii, and unfortunately I could not wait for the trip to be over. I have barely scratched the service when trying to explain how miserable this trip was. I would not recommend canyon calling to anyone.

I couldn't disagree more! Cheryl is VERY accommodating. I've been on 5 trips with her. Let me admit: I'm fussy. I need quality service. I need fun, flexibility, good people, value for money. In my view, she is the glue and acts like a mother bear caring for her cubs. However, she can't control everything, and there is a range of folks in any group. I'll add 3 tidbits if I may: (i) if you want a great adventure trip with excellent preparation, experiences and the "real" thing, try Canyon Calling yourself.; (ii) in my view, there is a lot more to this "story" and (ii) life is what you make it!

I am sorry you feel this way. I have been on several trips with Canyon Calling and have had excellent service from her trips. One trip we had two people with health issues and she accommodated the trips to their needs as best she could. For example- we were to hike down the Grand Canyon and two people could not handle the 6 mile hike. She arranged for those two to meet us at the lodge that evening. You have to realize that these are adventure trips so you are out in the middle of nowhere if you decide the trip is not for you. I love her trips and think that they are the best way to see our world.

Correction to statement made by lillmermaid I had to beg people for a ride not bed people for a ride. Typo.

Yes Cheryl Fleet did try to accommodate me up to a point. I was scarred that I had high altitude sickness again because I had it on the 4th of July. It was awful having that. I am also plagued with Migraines, nausea and fibyromalgia which Cheryl new about. Cheryl new that I had health issues. I had my doubts about going to begin with but she talked me into going. I just thought that if I had a day to rest then I could continue on the trip. How would you like it if she kicked you out of the trip in the middle of nowhere and you had to bed people for a ride?