Sri Lanka – dream vacation made even better thanks to Frank

Before we arrived, Sri Lanka was a beautiful mystery. Frank helped us discover and unlock the country’s secrets far better than what our guidebooks could. It was the first time I’ve ever had a driver – or chauffeur – as I normally like the adventure of conducting the road trip myself. But in Sri Lanka that would be impossible for several reasons: 1) The crazy buses that run you off the road; 2) The lack of road signs; 3) The driving habits; 4) The chaos of traffic, and so on. I arrived in Sri Lanka loathing the idea of having to get a driver, but when I left I felt very grateful and lucky to have found Frank. He was recommended to my girlfriend and me by our friends – a family of four with little children. Perhaps one way to think of Frank is as a travel planner or aide. He does so much more than just shuttle you around. He knows so many places that are not listed in guides: temples, restaurants and accommodation. The latter being of particular help – you just tell him what you’re looking – high class, nice, normal, or saving money, – he knows it all and it’s often cheaper than what is in the book and he takes care of the reservation. We never booked anything in advance that way we could remain flexible as to our itinerary and budget and it was effortless and we stayed in great places, stopped at hidden beaches, ate some of the best meals of my life. My only complaint is so many of the gems he took us to are not in our guidebooks, and I cannot recommend them to other friends going to Sri Lanka, all I can say is choose Frank. He’s more than a driver, more than a guide, he’s a buddy on the road.