Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed November 2014

A Great Trip

This is a fantastic trip. It is really varied and you see so much of the country and experience so many different things that you feel like you have been away for a lot longer than 8 days

Most Inspirational Moment

The first glimpse of the Treasury in Petra Climbing to The Monastery in Petra Climbing the The High Place in Petra The Dead Sea- fun Spending the night in the Wadi Rum Relaxing boat trip on Red Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saleh was an excellent exceptional leader. He has a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for his country. He is kind, caring and approachable and really there was nothing that he didn't do for us. Anything that was aked of him he did and more. He also was extreamly quick, efficient and compassionate in getting a member of the group beck to the UK when she had to return due to a family crisis.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good walking shoes for Petra (boots in my opinion not necessary) - you have two full days of walking and if you choose to two climbs up 900 odd steps. Make sure you drink enough water in Petra. Maybe bring a packed lunch with you into Petra - there are places to eat available but not a lot of choice and not cheap either. You can get a packed lunch in there but it's not great. It is cold in the Wadi Rum but amazing - you can ask for a sleeping bag but the blankets are warm- I brough a liner and pillow case and thermals and was fine. Surprisingly there were showers there too. I spent about Â£300 and did not buy anything but did do the optional boat ride and Petra by Night add ons. Most people brought currency with them but ATM's are available in some places

Reviewed November 2014

Essential Peru

AMAZING! This has been a fabulous trip encompassing all of the best parts of Southern Peru in a great order, giving time to acclimatise to the altitude. It was a hectic, tiring but exciting whirlwind of a trip as we did so much in two weeks, particularly the first week and everything was well organised. We even managed a few nights out! After initial nervousness about going on my first group adventure on my own and my first Exodus trip, I would definitely go again – right now!

Most Inspirational Moment

I chose this trip to see Machu Picchu as I have always wanted to go and regarded the rest a bonus. However having now been, it was all amazing, the constantly changing dramatic scenery, flying over the Nazca lines, dune buggying, volcanoes, condors, Cusco and of course Machu Picchu - which didn't disappoint at all. I have been to some amazing places in the world and this is definitely one of the best of them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader (Leo) was great. His English, range of vocabulary, knowledge and support throughout the trip was brilliant. We had a couple of other local guides, one on Amantani Island and the other in the Colca Canyon, but he could easily have covered everything himself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go, it's fabulous! We even experienced an earthquake, 5.1.. Have plenty of rest before you go as once you arrive, there was no time to get over the jet-lag! It's straight into it for a full-on whirlwind of a trip, I loved it. (A little more time in Lima at the end of the trip would have been good though). The notes are correct there are several long drives but you don't even notice them as the scenery is so majestic, different and seemed to change every 30mins, and several stops are made. We did pay one or two additional entrance fees which I wasn't expecting, but everything is pretty cheap. Different to the advice in the notes, I just took Nuevo soles and no dollars with me and spent about the equivalent of Â£450-500 over the two weeks including the Nazca flight (being a girl I did buy lots of bits and bobs along the way though....) The only time dollars were requested was for the Nazca flight but you could still use soles. There are a few 'essential items' I would add to the list for this trip; lip balm, lots of tissues for the toilet stops, baby wipes, thin light waterproof trousers, anti bacterial hand gel, lots of face moisturiser, hair dryer, cold and flu tablets and a thin light packable down jacket (and thin light packable shell waterproof) were invaluable. Packing clothes for this trip wasn't easy but take several thin, light layers, such as, jeans, walking trousers, short sleeved T-shirts, fleece, thin wool tops, thin down jacket, thin light waterproof, light walking boots/shoes, pumps and flip flops. In my opinion these were the basic items. No one 'dressed up' there really, maybe just a nicer top for an evening. A wheeled bag or suitcase was best too.

Reviewed November 2014

Cycle Indochina and Angkor

I found the first there days a little tedious with not much to see and little in the way of cultural experience but if you want to get some cycling miles in then it works! But I went on this trip to see the Angkor Wat temples which did not disappoint. The short bike ride on arrival in Siam Reap to the local market was great fun as this was the first time we came across any real traffic on this trip. The support teams in all three countries were very good and especially in Thailand provided some great snacks at rest breaks. But Vietnam offered the best cultural experience
and the best cycling through backstreets and along the canals

Most Inspirational Moment

The temples at Angkor Wat. The home stay in Vietnam and cycling the back roads of Vietnam which were the most scenic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee our trip leader was very good at organising all 18 people on our trip (not such a small group holiday!) The local teams were all very good and Channi in Cambodia was an excellent and enthusiatic guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We forgot to take photos for the Cambodia visa but just had to pay a 100 baht fine.

Reviewed November 2014

Everest Base Camp Trek

I’ve traveled extensively on mountaineering expeditions in the past. The Everest Base Camp trip was one of the hardest and most enjoyable. The Exodus team throughout was fantastic. Our trip leader Lhakpa Lama was by far the best leader I have traveled with. His team of Kami Sherpa, Endeva Sunvwar and R.B Sunvwar were superb. We were a team of 16 trekkers and they looked after each of us like we were family.

However, you don’t really know how good your leaders are until you run into trouble. I’ve climbed all over the world and had been over 6,000 meters in the past with never any problems. On this trek, right below Base Camp, I developed pneumonia. The care I received and the medical skills demonstrated by Lhakpa were unforgettable and life saving. It was decided that I should be evacuated by horse to the emergency medical facility in Periche. It took us over 3 hours down those steep mountain trails to get there and every step of the way I was accompanied by Kami who was always looking out for my condition on that horse, helped me walk when I needed to and was by my side until we regrouped with the rest of the team. I recovered and was able to rejoin my team on our trek down and have made it safely back home.

I will never forget my team but especially our team leader who has now become “little brother” to me.

Exodus does so much in that part of the world and they are recognized as one of the best. And, I fully agree. I would not take that trek with anyone else. The Exodus team has earned my highest level of trust and respect.

If there is a bit of adventure in your heart, go. But go with Exodus, you will not regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. Nepal is stunning and we received so much information on the people, the culture and the mountains from our guides. Those are moments I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lhakpa Lama in my opinion is one of the best in the world. Compassionate, caring, knowledgeable and downright fun to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get in shape because its a hard climb ( do a lot of stairs or steep hills with a 10 kilo pack), drink 2 to 4 litters of water a day ( you can buy bottled water at the tea houses along the way so no need to carry water purification tablets, etc.). Bring along Cipro and Diamox just in case. Travel LIGHT.

Reviewed November 2014

A ride of two halves

Having completed both this & the ‘Kerela & Tropical India’ trips the concept of a coast to coast ride has instant armchair appeal. However the reality of this trip is that the riding in the first few days is rather repetitive & flat & would benefit from a re-think of the route to take in more hills – perhaps commencing further South? Once in the hills the riding is excellent with a great variety of accommodation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying in fantastic manor houses & homestays.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good organisational skills but lacking the ability to always understand the desires of the group. Fluency of English adequate but the cause of some frustration in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare to be in the saddle for 7 hours per day - particularly in the first week. With the best will in the world there are not cold beers available after each ride. If it is a choice of this trip or Kerela & Tropical India I would book the latter first.

Reviewed November 2014

SIERRA DE AITANA - AN UNEXPECTED SPANISH TREASURE

Great walking, stunning scenery and plenty of wine and beer – what more could you want!

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is amazing and really unexpected so close to the cultural graveyard of the Costa Blanca. There are impressive limestone peaks and ridges stretching into the distance. Views from the tops are amazing - even Benidorm takes on a certain grandeur when spied from afar! The trip also offers a good dose of rural Spanish culture. The village of Sella is a delight, there is nothing better than coming off the hills after a great day of walking and retiring to one of the village bars for beer and tapas!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose is a fantastic leader - knowledgeable, great company and a pleasure to be with on the hills. His enthusiasm for the area is infectious and I shall certainly go back.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A pair of walking poles is useful particularly for some of the steeper downhill sections. The trip starts on a Sunday so consider spending Saturday night in Alicante, which is just a short 3.75 Euro bus ride from the airport. The old town is worth a look and a fun way to spend a Saturday night - very Spanish with not a rowdy Brit in sight. It also means there is no stress with linking in to the group transfer should your low cost regional flight be delayed.

Reviewed November 2014

Essential Peru

This holiday covered all the main visitor attractions of Peru. It was very well organised and the guide (Aleks) was excellent. It was all that the brochure said it would be (apart from the Condors not showing themselves at Colca Canyon – but it was a very cold morning, they were probably waiting for thermals, or weren't hungry!!) We had been very fortunate in seeing Condors in the wild a few days before.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu; the wildlife, particularly seeing the Condors in the wild. The textiles. The people, especially in the mountains. The Home Stay, our hosts were such wonderfully warm people. The spectacular scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aleks was very professional, kind and attentive. He was very well organised and good humoured, especially when briefing us about the next day and the early start! He was very careful in advising us about personal care, especially keeping hydrated, using sunblock, sunglasses and wearing a hat, especially at altitude. Also dressing for "four seasons" as he put it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, read the travel notes carefully and take note of their contents; follow the advice of your Guide. All the members of our party had consulted the internet regarding expected temperatures but it was much hotter than we had expected, so pack with a view to wearing layers, especially when in the mountains.

Reviewed November 2014

Best holiday of my life! Book it!!!

Words can’t really encapsulate why this trip is so so brilliant …. Vietnam is an amazing country! From lush green countryside to stunning white sandy beaches, the scenery is breathtaking. And what better way to see it than on the back of a bike?! Everybody travels by two wheels in Vietnam, including us! But it’s not just the scenery that makes this a special country.. It’s really the people. Happy happy people who love to see you cycling through their villages (i think really they think we’re all bonkers cycling in the heat!) – the kids run out of their homes to shout hello and try to catch a high five! I knew it was going to be a special trip from the get go when a Vietnamese lady who’d been sitting near me on the plane came over at the baggage carousel to give me a hug goodbye! That’s typical of the Vietnamese people – full of joy. And that really was probably my favourite bit of the trip, the people. Of course, Halong Bay is stunning, and riding 30km downhill through a beautiful valley, have also been imprinted on my memory too! In fact, I wish I could experience it all again right now!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of 4 giant undulations (hills, but I think the leaders think undulations sound less scary!) without getting off my bike. My gears were on 1-1 and I was puffing and panting and sweating but I made it to the top without walking. Gave a little sob amongst the gasps for air when I got there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say about Danh apart from amazing, amazing, amazing! The very best tour leader we could have wishes for - we wanted for nothing. The bikes were brilliantly looked after, snacks and drinks on offer at stops, water bottles mysteriously refilled etc etc, and all of this organised by Danh. His knowledge of Vietnam was brilliant and I really think he showed us the real Vietnam. He avoided tourist trap restaurants and took us to local places which were brilliant. I can't say enough about Danh really, he's a credit to Exodus and a credit to Vietnam.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Start training!! This is a fitness holiday, not a mooch on flat backroads. The trip notes need to be updated, on one day we cycled 114km, which is no mean feat! Vietnam is not flat, it's hilly, and you will be cycling sometimes on main roads with trucks flying past you. Exodus have given this trip a moderate rating but I'm reasonably fit and I'd say it's more than moderate. But don't let this put you off, just get on your bike before you go and do some uphill rides! And don't forget a padded gel seat cover or your own saddle!

Reviewed November 2014

A great week away walking

This was my first walking holiday with Exodus and the itinerary for the week was fantastic. The walks were varied with diverse scenery from mountain peaks to coastal walks. I particularly enjoyed the Mallorcan picnics during our walks. Eduard, our local tour leader, had a lot of knowledge which he shared with us enthusiastically.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Puig d'en Galileu on day 7. It was a steep but rapid ascent and I thought it was a suitable and rewarding way of ending the trip on a high peak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduard is a highly experienced, genuine and caring tour leader. He was dedicated to providing the best experience he can whilst we were on the trip. His light-hearted humour made the trip very enjoyable!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring loose change with you for freshly squeezed orange/lemon juice served at farmhouses. Sa Fonda restaurant, 5 minutes from Lluc monastery serves excellent food. The restaurant provides free wi-fi (wi-fi access is payable at the monastery).Buy 5L of water from nearby shops around Puerto Soller. It is much cheaper (approximately 1 euro) then buying small bottles and more environmentally friendly.

Reviewed November 2014

Japan Ancient and Modern

Good trip to get a taste of Japan.We’ll definitely be going back to explore more.Apart from a day of rain,we were very lucky with the weather which was warm and sunny. The trip involves a lot of journeys by trains and it’s essential that all group members are punctual. Food was varied. Hotels etc of a good standard and comfortable. The trip covers busy cities and visits to small villages.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiroshima! Would have liked to spend longer here as was a little rushed. Watching the bathing snow monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayuko Terao was an excellent guide-ensured that the group worked together well and everything ran very efficiently. She tweaked our itinerary as typoon Phon-Phon was due t hit and knew we were all looking forward to seeing the snow monkeys which we did. She also managed to get us in to see a morning training session at Sumo stables!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take comfortable footwear and travel light. If you forget anything, you should be able to buy in Kyoto. Have an idea before you go what you may want to do on your free days. Can decide at the last minute but if you want to do or visit something specific it's good to plan ahead.

Prev 1 … 1,005 1,006 1,007 1,008 1,009 … 1,444 Next