If you read no further than this paragraph, know this: MY X/O Adventures is the best tour company you will experience in South Dakota. Owner Daniel Milks is a consummate guide and tour operator, who possesses exceptional knowledge and expertise of the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, and the Black Hills. If you are also lucky enough to be with his tour guide Ashley be glad. She is brilliant and charming (holds a PHD, is an Air Force Vet and a practicing Veterinarian ) and she is bastion of geological knowledge.
During the first week of June, we were a group of 7 people who booked three days with My X/O Adventures to visit the Black Hills, the Badlands, and Mount Rushmore. From the very start, Daniel assisted with hotel recommendations, and tour ideas to make the three days special. Our tours included lunch, and Daniel took special effort to ensure special diets were accommodated. We enjoyed a picnic lunch, so filling and delicious, none of us had dinner that night.
What makes Daniel so good at what he does, is that he places the customer’s interests first. It is clear he is passionate about what he does and loves the beauty and wonder of the area. He does everything to share that passion with his customers and succeeds in doing so. He does not make you feel he is on the clock, nor does he rush to get to the next stop. When we spotted a herd of Bison in Custer National Park, we lingered and watched them graze and the prairie dogs play until we said it was time to move on. Unlike many tour operators who leave you at the entrance of a museum or site, Daniel enters with you and becomes your docent. His knowledge is fantastic, and he comes totally prepared. As an example, at Mt Rushmore, he knew the best place to sit away from the crowds but with the best view of the sculpture. We sat totally mesmerized as he explained to us its background and history. Daniel is a great teacher and constantly uses his storytelling ability to educate and inform. With him, you gain a new appreciation of every site you see.
His curiosity is unbounded. When he didn’t know the name of a wildflower found on the road, he made sure to stop and photograph it so he could identify it for us on an app on his phone. He always led us to the best photo spots and every day took us to an unplanned surprise lookout.
We can’t wait to experience an international tour with Daniel. His integrity, his professionalism, his knowledge, and the ultimate care he takes of his customers is why YOU want to travel with MY X/O Adventures.
THANKS DANIEL FOR AN AMAZING 3 DAYS
Réponse de l'hôte
Jun 2022
Laurel, you and the group are as amazing as this review. I knew from the moment I met everyone we were going to have a great day. I love taking my time telling the story of different places from a well rounded point of view, and leaving time to spark questions in your minds. Part of every tour is a continuation for the guides to push our boundaries as well. This way we all become explorers and learn something new. I find that part fun, because it’s exciting for us all!
As far as Ashley goes, we’ll she keeps me on my toes. When I hired her I knew she was a perfect fit and one I’d have to keep up with. I like that a lot. I think we make a great team and I’m so happy you felt the same way. It was a great pleasure to host you in South Dakota and I look forward to our international vacation as well! Let’s see what happens and make a custom tour that everyone will love. This is a very kind review and we both appreciate it very much. Thank you and see you again soon!