Review of "Prime Intensity - Tour 4 - 10 Days" by Tornadic Expeditions

• Review by: Straya2019
• Tour Operator: Tornadic Expeditions
• Tour: Prime Intensity - Tour 4 - 10 Days
• Year: 2019
• Validated: This review has been validated.

General review

I have now toured with Tornadic Expeditions and Erik Burns 3 times. I did a 10 day tour in 2018 and two 10 day tours in 2019 (Tour 4 and Tour 7). In fact, I booked my 2019 tour on the third day of my 2018 tour (as did all the other guests) which says it all - what better advertising is there. Erik is an excellent communicator. He keeps in regular contact in the lead up to the tour starting so you know all the logistical details and makes sure all the arrival arrangements are handled smoothly with no fuss. Once you are on tour, you would struggle to find someone more passionate about giving his guests a great experience. Erik is a patient teacher who is keen to share his amazing knowledge about weather, tornadoes (and local points of historical interest). He always enthusiastically answers guests' questions. Erik is absolutely committed to finding severe weather for his guests. He thinks nothing of driving 5000 miles in 10 days (across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana) to ensure that his guests have the best chance of witnessing tornadoes/severe weather/amazing super-cells/structure. There have been multiple occasions touring with Tornadic Expeditions when we were the only tour company on a tornado (often when it was the only tornado in the USA). If there is a tornado to see, rest assured Erik will find it. Not once have I missed a tornado or even been out of the best viewing position in 30 days of chasing with Erik. In 4 years touring with another company I saw 1 tornado. In 2 years touring with Tornadic Expeditions and Erik, I have seen 30 tornadoes including breathtaking tornados in Waldo Kansas and Golden City Missouri (tour 4 2019). The other company I toured with, does not get reviewed by stormchasing usa and probably for good reason. Having toured with another company, I can now properly appreciate just how fantastic Erik and Tornadic Expeditions are.

Vehicle review:

The tour van is very comfortable - I would know as I have done around 15,000 miles in it on three 10 day tours over the past 2 years. It is easy and quick to get in and out of (even when you are tall) and every guest has a good view. Erik ensures that all guests rotate seats to make sure that everyone gets to have the same experience. The van is equipped with WiFi (unlimited) so you can stay in touch with those at home. Erik also has the van equipped with multiple cameras and provides his guests with his best of the tour photos and a video of all the season's highlights. The video is amazing and a great reminder of a fantastic experience.

Tour guide review:

Erik sets the standard right from his first email communication. All of his emails are clear and professional (and engaging). Once booked, Erik makes sure you know all of the details you will need before arriving - what to pack, when to arrive, how to contact him when the plane lands, how to arrange transport from the airport to the arrival hotel, etc. He then arranges an orientation and dinner on the first night before chasing so that the guests can get to know one another. The orientation presentation (a little over an hour in length) is comprehensive and provides a great basis for understanding for what you will see on tour. During the tour, Erik always keeps his guests informed about where you are headed to chase and what to expect. You will not be left in any doubt about Erik's enthusiasm. He loves chasing and genuinely loves making his tour guests dreams come true. He is genuinely thrilled to see the look of joy on his guests' faces when they see severe weather and tornadoes. Erik, unlike other operators I have encountered, also does not stop once he has found tornado for his guests. There have been multiple chase days where I have witnessed a tornado following which Erik has kept chasing until very late into the evening always looking for more. Erik wants his guests to have every opportunity to see tornadoes and will chase into the late evening without hesitating. I can't speak highly enough of Erik's customer service and commitment to his guests. He ensures the tour is an amazing experience (even on down days where there is no weather to chase - which has been a rarity in my time touring with him).

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