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.

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14517 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Dave Rushton

Reviewed February 2018

Classic Vietnam and Angkor Wat

We’d never visited South East Asia before so everything was new to us. We weren’t disappointed. Although there are the classic high spots like Halong Bay and the Angkor Wat complex, the overwhelming emotion we came away with was all about the people. Given the recent histories of Vietnam and Cambodia it was amazing to find the people so happy, friendly and, apparently, without resentment towards Westerners. (Even making allowances for the fact that tourism is so important)

Most Inspirational Moment

Although Angkor Wat itself was amazing, particularly watching sunrise over the temple, in some ways, some of the other temples, Banteay Srai, Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom and the Bayon were just as impressive, if slightly more modest. Thought we might get "templed-out" but ended up wanting more. Also, the photo journalism exhibition in the War Remnants Museum in Saigon will live in the memory for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Thanh in Vietnam and Sokhom in Cambodia were amazing. Very thoughtful when it came to helping everyone in our group whilst always being thoroughly informed and organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do as many of the optional trips as you can manage/afford. They are all good and we particularly enjoyed cycling in the countryside near Hoi An. It felt like we were getting closer to a different aspect of Vietnam. The markets are great fun with haggling an art form. The stuff is cheap (if you haggle) and 3 months later no quality disasters yet!! So leave a bit of room in your suitcases.

Charlotte F

Reviewed January 2018

Inspirational Vietnam

This trip is wonderful and is up there as one of my best holidays, ever. It is suited for people that are willing to go with the flow – we were lucky that all 18 of us were of similar ability, like-minded and happy to have a go. You need to have reached a base level of fitness and be comfortable with road traffic but most of the cycling is on country roads, with some hills and breath-taking scenery. The trip is structured to gradually build up your fitness and miles so by the end, I felt I was achieving far more than I had ever expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all inspirational, but the highlight was cycling up the Hai Van Pass, then down, past exotic beaches and lagoons. The Vietnamese are so welcoming and all ages shout “Hello” as you cycle pass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long Li, our guide was fantastic at keeping the energy levels high. His sense of humour, encouragement, attentiveness, even during meal times meant that we couldn’t have been in better hands. His historical knowledge meant that all the visits came alive. Even losing my luggage on the way there, between Kuala Lumpur and HCMC didn’t spoil the holiday as Long contacted the airline and ensured that it was delivered to the hotel just a few hours later. He organised the best karaoke on the overnight train to Hanoi which will go down as an epic evening. Also Sow, our driver was always there with coconut sweets, fresh water melon, fresh mango, nuts, dried fruit and many other luxuries, and the fresh cold lime juice hit the spot every time. Len, our truck driver and Suel our sweeper/back stop, were so supportive and even ran around re-filling our water bottles during our breaks !

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a very busy trip and there is a lot of packing and unpacking so travel lighter than I did ! There are opportunities to do laundry. If you’d like more time in HCMC or Hanoi, it’s worth having 1-2 days extra at the beginning or the end. The weather is changeable so you need both T-shirts/shorts as well as a wet weather jacket. It can also be cool so you need a sweatshirt and long trousers. Some people brought their own saddle but I found just a gel cover was sufficient. It was useful to have a small handlebar bag and to learn to take photos on the move as there is not a lot of time for stopping.

Kathleen Ramsey

Reviewed January 2018

Snowshoeing in Transylvania

This trip provides a varied programme of walking/snowshoeing in beautiful scenery, with visits to a bat cave, a bear sanctuary, Bran Castle, a fortified church and the medieval town of Brasov. Physically, two of the longer days were quite demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. We stayed in a very comfortable and remote guesthouse in the mountains; the food was excellent and plentiful, special diets were accommodated and our hosts were friendly and spoke excellent English. We were part of a very sociable and well-travelled group, and came back with plenty of ideas for other trips. Romania has a fascinating if troubled history and our guide, Holger, was very knowledgeable and provided a good insight into both ancient and more recent periods.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky to have plenty of snow, so the snowshoeing was a delight, especially on the clear bright days. The scenery was beautiful, although we did have one day when in snowed throughout and so views were minimal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Holger, was capable and considerate, with a good dry sense of humour. He took a while to get used to the group, but became more sociable as the week went on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you haven't snowshoed before, make sure that you are confident that your showshoes fit correctly and have no defects before you set off. Although plenty of bread and a variety of fillings are provided for packed lunches, there are no snacks, so I would recommend that you take some, as we definitely needed extra calories between meals, especially on the two longer days. A travel kettle could be useful too. The temperatures were well below freezing, and the roads around the guesthouse and in the towns were very icy. We found our instep crampons very useful; other members of the group used Yaktrax or similar.

Roger Loveys

Reviewed January 2018

Does what it says in the notes

A trip full of variety which moves at a good pace. Definitely feel we know more about Chile on return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each section of the trip provided its own highlight. The dramatic scenery, flora and fauna of Patagonia left a lasting impression.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Robert was an excellent leader being both exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Chile. He was full of anecdotes which kept the group amused during the longer bus journeys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Money changing available during the introductory walk around Santiago - better rates than at the Airport. As Chile is 'the longest country' in the world there is inevitably a lot of travelling.

Hazel Edwards

Reviewed January 2018

South Africa Walking and Wildlife

Well, what a trip! Soaking up the sights and sounds of South Africa and Swaziland was truly an amazing experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many unexpected inspirational moments for me. These included spotting both the white and black rhino and, at night in my tent, listening to hippos and other animals snorting and grunting close by. It was also a delight interacting with local shepherds in the mountains, and star-gazing at night. The vast dark sky made it easy to see the Milky Way. All fabulous!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing was too much trouble for Colly. He clearly enjoys what he does and was proud to show us South Africa and share with us his extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, local history and culture. He and Joe the driver made a great team. Both men were very kind, patient and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're looking to do a 'big' holiday and can't quite make up your mind which one, then go for this trip. It offers incredible variety and an unforgettable experience.

Jennifer Carter

Reviewed January 2018

A truly life enhancing experience

This was an intensive two weeks of exploration, adventure, learning and physical challenge. As the holiday approached, I had begun to feel some apprehension as to whether I (aged 65 )was fit enough for all the activities, especially the longer cycle rides. From the first day, on arrival in Hanoi, we fell in love with Vietnam. The expertise, knowledge and support of our fantastic guide, Bac, helped us to meet all the challenges, including the 40+ km cycle ride on tracks along the Mekong Delta. All the members of our group ‘gelled’ very quickly. This was fortunate as the day after arrival we were off to our first home-stay with hill-tribe families where we all shared sleeping quarters and limited washing/toilet facilities in a traditional long house!

This was supposed to be the dry season. We expected it to be a little cool in the North but it was really quite cold and damp with unseasonable amounts of rain. In the south it was warm but also wet. Nevertheless, we found the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Vietnam to be thoroughly alluring even if the more distant mountain views on our hill treks were shrouded in mist – still very atmospheric!

Don’t expect to have much time for relaxation – the schedule is pretty tight. This tour gives you a really good taste of the country, from North to South and also perhaps, a desire to return to spend more time exploring in greater depth and at greater leisure!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the opportunity to meet with the hill-tribe families and get to know a little about their lives was a great privilege and education. We also took an optional morning's cycle tour on the island Cam Kim near Hoi An where we met local villagers in their homes doing their work such as weaving sleeping mats from reeds, making rice wine and making rice noodles. We had the privilege of being able to try our hand at reed weaving and at making rice noodles. We spent time with Mr Do, the rice wine maker and learnt about his struggles to build a new life after he had lost his leg to a landmine during the war with Cambodia. He was truly inspirational! Everywhere we went, especially in the rural areas, we were greeted with great enthusiasm and the children, particularly, would run out shouting, 'Hallo!' and waving. The warmth and friendliness of the people was a joy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were so lucky to have had Bac as our group leader. he worked 24/7 to make our experience very special, including recommending and organising group meals in local restaurants and also in a family home. He managed to keep us all, more or less to schedule, organised to have our laundry done by local workers etc etc. He was an extremely knowledgeable and effective tour guide both during our visits to historic sites and our treks and other pursuits. He never seemed to get tired or lose his enthusiasm for what he was doing. No request was too much trouble for him. He is a true asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not already a moderately experienced cyclist, I would recommend some regular practice prior to the holiday. I was very pleased that I had spent time building up a bit of stamina before the holiday as I had not been on a bike for 12 years and would never have referred to myself as a cyclist! We found our silk sleeping bag liners extremely useful for the home-stays and overnight sleeper train. Padded cycling shorts are to be highly recommended! Even with them we couldn't avoid getting somewhat saddle-sore! Don't be put off though because the experience is really so worth-while and ample compensation for a temporally sore bottom! This is a full-on experience , not a relaxing holiday. At times you may feel you would like to spend longer in certain places, but that will have to be on another trip!

rachel wright

Reviewed January 2018

Cycling Vietnam

This trip exceeded all expectations. It is a very busy trip but the organisation and planning is exceptional. Everything happened on time and exactly as described in the trip notes. Our trip was full and had an interesting balance of 16 ladies and 2 gentlemen! The group was delightful and gelled immediately and our cycling abilities were of a similar standard.
The cycling was excellent and was planned to prepare us for the final day ascent of the Hai Van Pass. I was slightly nervous before the trip wondering whether I was fit and enough and would I be lagging behind. It turns out we all had similar fears but they were ill founded. Each day the cycling was either longer or mote challenging so building up our confidence and fitness.
We are all delighted to make the 100k day – despite a full on coastal head wind all day.
Our leader Long and his support team were exceptional. Every 15-20 k we were meet with wonderful snacks and fresh fruit and whilst we grazed they filled up our water bottles.
Vietnam is a fascinating country and you really do get to see so much of it and learn so much about its history. The people are very friendly and welcoming. Hotels were much better than expected .

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the peak of the Hai Van pass after an hours grind. We are felt pretty emotional as we had all supported and encouraged each other on this challenge,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!. Long was amazing from start to finish. How he kept up his constant enthusiasm and energy over 14 days I do not know. Nothing was too much trouble. Every meal he always checked that we were happy with our choices, often served us and would be in the kitchen checking everything. His knowledge of the country and its history was superb. He organised karoke and a party on the overnight train journey and always was keen to ensure we were having a good time. I left some jewellery behind on Whale island and he saw to its safe return to me in Hanoi.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very full on trip so don't expect much downtime. Travel light ( I didn't!) as there is a lot of unpacking and repacking - most nights. Travel pillow is usefully on the bus . Travel soap and portable washing line are useful. Take a small handlebar bag for carrying suncream, jacket and toilet paper. Tailors in Hoi An are superb so do take some clothes you may wish to have copied. Look into your own flights. The Malaysian Airlines route is long and slightly out of the way.

Irena Rattray

Reviewed January 2018

A unique and fabulous experience

We have done several Exodus trekking trips and this caught our eye as an opportunity for a completely new experience and we were not disappointed. I have been raving about this trip to all who will listen ever since I came back. The scenery was beautiful and the environment offered a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city working life. We got to try some new experiences in a relaxed way with Basecamp Oulanka staff who you could feel safe with and made some like-minded friends within the group. If you enjoy adventure and new experiences, I cannot recommend this trip enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had so many new experiences that it is difficult to pick just one but snowshoeing was so enjoyable and took us to places I have never seen before and that you could not normally access. I have never hugged a tree in my life and would have been sceptical beforehand but snowshoeing deep into the trees and hugging a tree and the absolute complete silence this gave us was truly magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were looked after by the whole team at Basecamp to make our stay comfortable but Teddy was our primary contact and took such good care of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It may sound obvious but it really is so very cold there in winter. You are very well equipped when you get there but if you have bad circulation, I would recommend arthritis gloves and knee high woolen socks - the group were great and rallied around with these things for me when it became apparent that my digits were struggling with the cold and it sorted the issue out splendidly.

Dave Hyslop

Reviewed January 2018

Cycling Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

Would class myself as a ‘veteran’ having been on many previous cycling adventures but this is the first trip I have ever left feedback on. I realise that when you return from holidays you are on a high but I can honestly say this is one of the best, maybe even the best cycling trip I have done. The whole thing gels completely. The cycling, the views, the rafting, the different cultures, the wildlife, all brought together by a fantastic support team makes this a 5 star trip. Breakfasts are early, sometimes 6-30am, to get you cycling before it gets too hot, but this means you have downtime at the end of the day to relax, and take everything in before dinner. It’s a full on trip with always things to do, then bang, a day off on a pacific beach before going at it again. Brilliant planning. Loved every minute of it. Thanks.

Most Inspirational Moment

In no particular order.....Masaya volcano....... The rafting where the wildlife was awesome, Iguanas, crocs, lizards, monkeys, beautiful birds (saw more Ospreys in 2 hours than I have seen in my entire life!).... Seeing a Toucan.....Working hard to get up the hills.....Those awesome views....... Chino's obvious love for his country and the whole area.... The children shouting hello as you cycle past.... the anticipation of that first cold beer after a hot day in the saddle knowing that the weather is cold and miserable back in the UK!!!!!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The luggage of some of our group did not arrive so Chino took on the responsibility to chase it up and was brilliant at keeping everybody informed at what was happening. When the weather deteriorated in Costa Rica (and boy did it deteriorate!) he took the decision to change the itinerary and move us over from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast, that included changing cycling routes and hotels. All this done with the minimum of fuss and just presented to us and off we went! So much work done behind the scenes. He was of course supported by his team of Albarro (Nicaragua), Paul and Ronaldo. Special mention here for Ronaldo who after the changes in Costa Rica must have spent around 8 hours driving in sections to get across Costa Rica and Panama, and we still got two cycle rides in that day. Viva Ronaldo! Pura vida guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy cycling and wildlife this trip is for you! All 3 countries accept US dollars so you don't need to change any money on arrival in Nicaragua. Food is good and plenty throughout, standard of cleanliness is also good in the soda's and restaurants. Bike quality is also good and we had very little maintenance problems (3 punctures and 1 broken chain I think across 16 of us). Biscuits, fruit, water and hydrating powders are always available.

Rachael Johnson

Reviewed January 2018

Jolly Hockey Bikes

What a fantastic way to see 3 fantastic countries. This trip however is not for the faint hearted – expect to be on the go 24/7 from the moment you land in Nicaragua. Despite this trip being focused around cycling it was so much more than that with plenty of activities off the bike. If you are looking for a real adventure with lots of laughs along the way then this is the trip for you.

Cycling – There was a real mix of cycling from tarmac roads to gravel tracks. There were some challenging hills that required a decent level of cycling fitness to complete especially in the heat that reached over 100 on some days. The views were spectacular and wildlife was spotted along the way. We averaged around 30 miles a day and our group was fairly fast so this was usually completed within 3-4 hours. The approach to the cycling was pretty relaxed so if you wanted to stop at any point for a rest or to take photos you were free to do so. The cycling catered for everyone and it was up to you if you wanted to race or just relax at the back! We had our guide along with 2 support cyclists (mechanics) in Nicaragua – Roberto Aguilar (aka Chino), Albaro and Paul and then for Costa Rica and Panama there was just Chino and Paul. The support vehicle, driven by the very safe driver Ronal, was always on hand to assist anyone who may have been struggling, to provide water, rest-bite or even extra fuel (fruit & biscuits).

Other Activities – One of the trip highlights for me was going up to the top of the Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua at night and actually looking into the top of it – looking into the top of a live volcano was something that I never thought I would have the opportunity to do – breath-taking!
Volcanic Spa at La Fortuna (Costa Rica) – a great way to relax in the evening after a days cycling. It was like being in heaven with Cocktails on hand! River Rafting (Nicaragua) – our guide spotted all kinds of wildlife that unless you have the eye for you would have never seen. Crocodiles, Toucans, Iguanas and much more. Nature trail on Ometepe, natural Spa…….. There is just too many things to mention.

A special mention has to go out to our tour guide Chino and his support staff who were exceptional.

If you are considering this trip – DO IT!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views Wildlife Masaya Volcana Natural Spa on Ometepe Island Volcanic Spa - La Fortuna River Rafting Meal in Panama Old Town at Las Bovedas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto Aguilar AKA Chino - Fantastic. His local knowledge was exceptional and he was fluent in English. Really couldn't have asked for a more helpful guide who by the end of the trip had become a friend. He couldn't do enough for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The support vehicle is always on hand so you always have access to your day bags. There is no need to carry anything on your bike with you apart from cameras etc.

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