Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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This was a great trip and organised brilliantly by Alejandro
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildlife was a definite highlight. But I also learned so much about Costa Rica from our guide, Alejandro. He was so informative and encouraged us to ask questions. I had really wanted to see a sloth in the wild and achieved this on our second day
Thoughts on Group Leader
I thought Alejandro was a superb guide. His knowledge was extensive. He was able to answer all our questions and we learned such a lot about Costa Rica. He was also very caring. Nothing was too much trouble and he looked after us. He worked so hard to make this trip a memorable experience.
This trip was the best Exodus tip we have done and I highly recommend it.
The accommodation we stayed in was of a high standard and the different parts we saw of Sri Lanka were very varied and I feel we saw so much of this special country during this trip.
The food was absolutely outstanding on this trip and we went to some amazing off the beaten track restaurants. One of our favorites was the ladies who cooked the vegetable curries, the dinner at a locals house, and another was the buffet at the old colonial hotel, you may burn 2000 calories cycling but you will eat 3000 calories of amazing food if you want too. Suresh has a saying ‘do maximum damage’ at the buffet and that we did! wait till you try the egg hoppers you will be hooked!
A bit of detail about the cycling: my husband and i were the youngest on the trip at 44 and 52 but we decided to go for the e bikes as it was our first cycle holiday. I highly recommend this option, whilst we had a good level of fitness, and I had trained for this trip doing 100km cycles. Even though we had done level 4 graded Exodus hiking trips before,we wanted to make sure we enjoyed the big climb days and did not slow everyone down, not that it is ever an issue with a lovely exodus group! We also didn’t know if everyone would be super amazing club cyclists and we would be the slow ones, but we had a complete mix of lovely people and we didn’t have anything to worry about. We have just booked our next Exodus cycle trip and have gone for normal bikes.
We had the e bikes turned off most of the time and actually felt after a couple of days we should of gone for normal bikes but it did mean we could enjoy the big climbs and not worry at all, but the van is close behind you on those days and very easy to jump into, so if you are worried you are not fit enough for this trip or not a super keen cyclist i highly recommend going for the ebike option as the trip is definitely worth it and an amazing experience, the ebikes were a very good standard and brand new. At the time of the trip I was a modest cyclist and cycled mainly during the summer months at home, I did properly train for the trip and made sure i had done the 100km distance on a few occasions but this was just to give myself confidence and I just wanted to make sue i was well prepared, don’t think you have to do a lot of training for this trip, the pace is good and no one was ever left behind, it is a level 4 so you do need some fitness but with a good level of fitness you could do it, if you are worried definitely go for the e bike option.
I would agree with some of the other comments that it wasn’t aways back roads and sometimes the traffic was crazy but we always felt safe with Suresh at the front another guide at the back and the bike mechanics were often following us, i really cant thank the whole crew enough just an amazing team who were brilliant and everything was seamless.
It can be hot and I recommend bringing some electrolytes with you, the crew carry more water and food than you could ever need so nothing to worry about there. Have cold gear for the mountains in the evening as it does get cold.
I felt there was also a good amount of things organised outside of the cycling and it felt we always had plenty of things organised in and out of the saddle, the tea plantation visits were amazing also the jewelry factory, the visit to the gardens in Kandy also really great mix of things to see and do outside of the saddle. Finishing the trip at the beach was fabulous as well, there are so many different sides to Sri Lanka I felt we saw them all.
We had a totally amazing group of people in the group who shared this adventure with us, and we all got on so well it was wonderful to get to know them all, we have always had great groups with Exodus. but this was the best group yet, so thank you also to all of them who made the trip so memorable.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many to choose from but for me the most memorable moment was always the little kids running out of their houses to say hi, they loved it when we said hi back.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was brilliant and always on hand to give us history about the country and we were very well looked after by him and the crew. A huge mention goes to the bus drivers and the bike mechanics who were always on hand with water and food and i felt like every time we cycled round the corner they would just appear with snacks and water, they even stopped the traffic for us a busy junctions. Everything was seamlessly organised and we felt very well looked after. Our bikes were always clean and ready the next morning for us and nothing was too much trouble.
I felt that the choice of locations and the expertise of the guide gave me a realistic and broad insight into the culture, economy , politics and religion of Kerala. Avery enjoyable and sociable experience with an interesting group.
Most Inspirational Moment
The tea plantation day, walking in the early morning, the tea factory and tea tasting. The early morning boat trip visiting the rope makers, and the other families along the river. My partner and I walked to a local park in Kochi and had a lovely time, sitting under the trees, chatting to a local family.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic in all respects. Vinod made the trip the marvellous experience that it was. So patient and kind, and such a warm personality, he is a delight to talk to. He got to know the individuals in the group amazingly quickly, and showed much care and thoughtfulness, looking out for those in the group who needed support on any particular occasion, and in such a subtle, tactful manner. He was ever present in ensuring our trip ran smoothly and we never saw him switch off for the full fortnight.
Jordan is brilliant, the culture, the landscape, the people and the food are fascinating. A safe place where we felt very welcomed.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many!!! Petra, the desert & our group.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amer is so passionate about Jordan, the history and the culture, and his passion brought everything to life. He managed the delicate balance of including everyone, addressing individual interests and keeping us all on track without us feeling rushed or ignored. Even people not interested in history were interested in how Amer brought ancient civilisations to life. He set us up for our free time really well as we went armed with information that allowed us to engage with what we were seeing. Top guide!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book this trip, you will be delighted! We felt so safe and welcomed.
Bring hiking shoes/boots. I brought trainers and will bring light hiking boots next time.
Bring a sleeping bag liner & pillowcase for the night in the desert.
A water bottle on a cross body strap is really practical.
We went a day early and Exodus arranged for us to be collected at the airport by the lovely Nasr. We really enjoyed our day in Amman, walking around the old town and the Jordan museum. Also have lunch at Shams El Balad, delicious food in a lovely conservatory restaurant.
Excellent guide/leader and team Nice hotels Good snacks and water supplies Price
Most Inspirational Moment
Great guide and team. Nice hotels
Thoughts on Group Leader
I have been on several cycling trips and Tien Truong was by far the best leader. He: contacted us before we got there: organised our hotels ahead of time so we didn't have to check in: organised the tips ahead of time: informed us about Vietnamese history and his English was excellent Tien's organisation skills were stellar
I joined this itinerary as an observing Exodus Staff Member – on it’s first ever departure which was very exciting.
The leader was exceptional, many little surprises and getting to see local customs and experiences we would never had seen if it was not for the leader. The itinerary was well organised, with a great mixture of downtime and walking various locations. No drives over 3 hours and were always split up nicely with little experiences along the way.
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up early to hike Temple Four at Tikal. The peace and wildlife sounds in the early morning light was beautiful, with the climb to the top of the temple being met with an awe inspiring view of the other temples poking out from the jungle treeline.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exceptional, very organised, friendly and full of knowledge. Dealt with challenges promptly and effectively, ensuring we knew what was happening and using whatsapp group to the best of his ability to help us. He recommended restaurants, looked after those with dietary needs and those who were struggling in any way. He knew so many secret spots which meant that we saw much more than what was advertised just because of his local knowledge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring long trousers and shirts for Tikal due to the Mosquitos, and make sure you take on plenty of water on the walks. Some areas are quite uneven so good walking boots is a must!
The group dynamics and the leader made the holiday what it was, fabulous!
Most Inspirational Moment
No one highlight but if I had to choose maybe the walks on day 3 and 5 were my favourite as they were the most challenging and they had some fantastic views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He really made the trip very enjoyable. He looked after us very well and even cooked cakes for us on a daily basis. He was very encouraging and had us laughing regularly.
Fantastic destination, well-planned itinerary, expert guide, great home cooking.
Most Inspirational Moment
Great views, great company, perfect hiking weather, unspoilt landscape with few people around. Watching the sunrise from my bedroom window.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Highly organised and knowledgeable about the local area. Took level of fitness of group into account to adjust walks/ provide alternatives so that everyone enjoyed themselves. Had clear expectations from the outset and set the pace. Very hard working, accommodating, good fun and made wonderful cakes.
Excellent guide, great itinerary with plenty to do and see; likeminded travellers who were great company and easy going.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having time to explore Petra at leisure. Snorkelling in Red Sea
Thoughts on Group Leader
Passionate and informed guide who cared deeply about the welfare of the group and made a huge effort to ensure everyone was included and catered for. Led by example e.g. Picking up litter and supporting traders who were selling is less accessible areas of Petra.
From beginning to end this was a fabulous holiday! The ship and its crew were amazing. Spotlessly clean and always attentive 5 days aboard this ship was a great pleasure. The food was 5* all the way, delicious and plentiful, with frequent snacks and creative juices at every break. The tour was well paced with loads of activities, hiking and snorkeling and informative talks. The naturalist guide, Carlos, was one of the best. Enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable, he is passionate about the Galapagos and maintaining it pristine qualities. Wild life was abundant and snorkelling with fish, turtles and even penguins.. it was a trip of a life time. The chef was very attentive to my restrictive diet, being celiac. Did I mention the food??? First class all the way!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose… the snorkelling, the wildlife, the food, the information…
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic. Carlos was enthusiastic , knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating. He worked well with the children aboard and with all the adults, skillfully keeping everyone happy in his positive upbeat way
Advice for Potential Travellers
I was concerned about motion sickness, but travelling in February and seas were very calm, and I surprised myself with out experiencing it once…
