Reviews

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

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14242 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2011

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A great summer walking holiday–some really fabulous walks. Long days though, and weather a bit variable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Suddenly seeing a colony of goldfinches flitting about the conifers...Waking up to the rugged snow capped peaks outside the chalet window with snow and sunlight sparkling on them.Lying in the hot tub after a long walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A classic!Very funny, a master of puns, and a truly warm and sociable character. Lots of laughs all week, and some loud groans too. (We hope the nuns enjoy the Spencer Tracey moments). Elaine's cakes are legendary, and there were generous slices in the mega packed lunches. We were all sad to say goodbye to Oliver and Elaine

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have all the gear, weather can be changeable from cold to v.hot or simply pouring! The walks are great though, so don't be put off.Lose weight before you go, they feed you well and you will GAIN weight despite all the exercise.

Reviewed August 2011

CYCLING VIETNAM

This is an action packed holiday and anyone that likes cycling can have a great time. I had only been on small wheel fold up bike before cycling in London and found this holiday was a fantastic way to see the people and the country. Anyone reasonable fit can do this trip because you have good group staff and support.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Saigon you must visit the War Renmants museum and for me cycling the 103 km from Dalat past villages and forests was just out of this world. Meeting the local ethnic people along the way made this a great bike ride. To finish up with a 30 km down hill fast ride in the forest made a great way to end the day after some up hill climbs. Every day was different with other good cycling days and I was please to cycle up the Hai Van Pass even if it was not that easy I made it to the top and then it was all down hill. The food in Vietnam was good and very cheap in the places where we stayed. The beaches with golden sands and deep blue water are some of the best I have seen in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Lam and his staff helped out to made this a real great cycling holiday. Lam made the holiday and with his staff we had good stops for rest every 15 to 20 km. So it was not so hard to ride 100 km in one day and after the fist few days you got use to longer days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best take good cycling cloths like pedded shorts as you will need them. A must is a long sleeved cycling shirt if you are not used to the sun you will burn and plentry of good sun protection and after sun. Gel cvover for the bike saddle can be of use.

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

I organised a trip with Exodus for 3 dads to climb Kilimanjaro with their 18 year old sons / daughters. All 6 of us had a fantastic time and have some great memories – and we all got to the summit. It is a hard slog to get to the top but it is all worth it. The support crew were fantastic – supportive, encouraging, professional and reassuring.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part was getting first to Giolman's Point when we really doubted whether we would all make it and then to Uhuru Peak. The final section was really tiring but it was amazing how one's energy returned when one made the summit - however it is a long way down!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader (Simon) and all the guides were great and I could not fault anything they did. Special mention goes to Milton, our cook, who managed to conjure up 3 course meals each night from a mess tent - it was all very welcome!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to have a reasonable level of fitness - but one really cannot tell how the altitude will affect each person. None of our group took Diamox (altitude sickness pill) but other groups did. I would rather know what was happening to my body rather than it being masked (but it is a personal choice).3 golden rules to get to the top: Go slowly (pole pole in Swaheli), drink enough water (I have to say that got more difficult on summit day as my stomach could not face the chemical tasting water) and have a positive mental attitude (absolutely critical).

Reviewed August 2011

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

These are lovely walks but the accommodation is too cramped.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk on the second day to Lac Blanc was probably the best and the weather was at its kindest then.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver did work hard considering that he met us from the airport, did all the driving, helped with evening meals and did the guiding of walks. We were unlucky with weather. I did find the pace too slow, particularly on the wet days, although I accept that on group holidays you need to adapt your pace to that of the group. Oliver made good recommendations about activities for the day off and for eating places. In particular Hotel Eden was a great place for dinner on the night off.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is very leisurely, which would be fine in good weather. On the whole the mountain refuges were good about us eating our packed lunches out of the rain in their premises and just buying a coffee. The Chalet Savoy is best described as adequate. Rooms are small and bathrooms tiny. The dining room is cramped. Breakfast was disappointing with only a choice of 2 over sweet cereals and hard boiled eggs every day. I would have liked the option of porridge or at least a sugar free museli and an alternetive to the hard boiled eggs such as cheese and continental meats. The picnic lunches were good and the daily cakes were wonderful. Evening meals were hearty rather than exciting, though the tarteflette on the last night was best I have tasted. So food a bit mixed. Considering our poor weather and need for hot showers, we never ran out of hot water (that has happened to me in the past) Also the drying room was excellent.

Reply from Exodus

In the trip notes the Chalet Savoy is described as homely. The bathrooms are small because it is an Alpine Chalet and not a purpose built hotel. However, unlike a hotel the Exodus group has exclusive use of the property and with a lounge, fireplace room and dining room, we feel there is sufficient space for our groups. As mentioned in this review there are great facilities in the chalet including drying room, plentiful hot water and guests love the views from the chalet, the relaxed atmosphere and the free coffee and tea and internet. As mentioned in the trip notes a cooked breakfast is not offered and porridge is rare in French hotels, however the breakfast does include a good selection of cereals, yoghurt, eggs and croissants. Many of the reviews on this page comment on Elaine’s delicious cooking, in particular her filling cakes and packed lunches.

We are sorry to hear that Ms Coutts experienced folliculitis. The hot tub at the Chalet Savoy has been installed for 5 years now. Chemical levels are checked on a daily basis, the water frequently changed and guests urged to have a shower before using it. This is the first instance of someone registering a problem from it. We have been advised that Folliculitis is quite a common skin disorder and there are many causes other than from a hot tub. You will see from the reviews below it is very popular as guests enjoy relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of the Chamonix Valley at the same time.

Reviewed August 2011

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina are stunning countries with plenty of history, lots to do and see, friendly people and beautiful outdoor landscapes. Make sure you can cope with the summer heat (the hat & gloves were misnomers in the trip notes) and be aware that the design of the trip does not lend itself to the most active of holidays – so the age group is likely to be an older profile (although the outdoor activities and opportunities in both countries are fab so Exodus are missing a trick here!).

Most Inspirational Moment

Rafting the waters of the Tara River (not included in trip but I did this anyway!), finding out the ins and outs of the Balkans history (both new and old history) and the stunning scenery throughout.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Passionate, well-informed and thoughtful, with a fun personality.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its very hot in July and August - even in the mountains! Be prepared...Don't expect a huge amount of activity - the walks are all "gentle" and there are some long bus journeys. But you can go rafting independently in Zabljak, very easy to arrange.

Reviewed August 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOTSWANA

This holiday is an absolute ‘must’ for anybody who enjoys plenty of variety. It really does offer something for everyone. I would rank this as one of the best holidays I have had – and that is saying a lot!

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunset cruise on the Chobe River. I have never seen so much wildlife in one place at the same time anywhere. Bush camping on the Okavango Delta and the mokoro rides to view the sunset.The various game drives in Moremi and Savuti. Again, wildlife was abundant, and we were lucky enough to have several sightings of leopards and cubs at very close range.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was an excellent leader, and also great fun. He was also a very good cook.Our local guide, Jamie, was also first rate. He was an excellent tracker, and as a result we saw much that was unusual as well as all the more common species. He was extremely knowledgable about wild life and went to a lot of trouble to answer our questions in great detail

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in July, and the nights were bitterly cold. If you have a metal water bottle I recommend filling it with hot water last thing at night. Not only do you then have a lovely warm hot water bottle (do wrap it in something to avoid burns!), but you have an extra supply of drinking water to use the following day. Bed socks are a great idea too, and I found those supplied by the airline on the flight out to be perfectly adequate. Dry shampoo is a good idea, although there are plenty of opportunities to wash your hair in most places. I was delighted to discover that it could also be used to great effect to de-pong training shoes!

Reviewed July 2011

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

This was a fantastic trek, taking in 3 countries in a week. The scenery was stunning and varied, as was the weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to the highest pass, looking back at what we had already covered and looking ahead into Italy.The flowers were fantastic all along the route, but especially at his point which made it all the more stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alison was fantastic; appeared very laid back but was very skilled at managing the group. She demonstrated what was in her rucksack at the beginning of the trip. As a result most people carried a lot less, making the trip much more manageable and enjoyable..you really do NOT need lots of changes of clothing, when staying mainly in mountain huts.She was also clearly very fit and experinced in the mountains, and always cheerful and positive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have a good level of fitness and have walked in mountains beforehand; it makes it much more enjoyable.Do not take too much stuff; quick drying gear which can be washed out and dry overnight is ideal, but be prepared for rain/sleet/snow.

Reviewed July 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

An outstanding trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything.............the trip was so diverse, couldn't mention one thing that we didn't like. This trip has something for everyone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom was fantastic and such good company too. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for us. He went far beyond the expectations of your normal travel rep.

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't take too many clothes, or pack lightweight clothes. Plenty of places to buy more and there are two places to do laundry, one in Hoi an the other in Nha Trang. You don't really need Dollars, we took some and if you do take any exchange it to Dong as soon as you arrive in the airport in Hanoi ATM's everywhere so as long as you have a visa/debit you can use that but remember all the charges.....you can draw out normally 2,000,000 dong a time........about £60 ish plus your bank charges, their bank charges and the exchange rate but its still a handy option. If you are on the group flight and go via Malaysia get some local currency or Dollars for drinks and food.Take Malaria tablets, Deet 50 or 100 spray and long sleeved shirt and long trousers for the mekong delta as there are loads of mosquitos oh and a sleeping bag liner although the lodge is very good quality.(the only dodgy accommodation on this trip is the sleeper train although you aren't in it overnight, the journey is about 10 hours and you are in a 4 berth sleeper)a fantastic trip, well planned with no hassel........the guides are fantastic.....only negative, vietnam is poorer than thailand and tourism is in its infancy, near some of the hotels and sights there are the usual postcard, fruit sellers shirt sellers etc....they can be quite pushy but just be polite and patient and walk past them and they won't cause you any issues you will love it....enjoy

Reviewed July 2011

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

This was a trip that I was expecting to be good, after reading reviews and after personal recommendations from friends, but it still exceeded our expectations, and was a fantastic holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a hard question to answer because although great views are expected in the Alps, there were inspirational views and sights virtually every step of the way. Our guide, Mel, was inspirational, in her love and passion for the mountains and her knowledge of the local landscape, and particularly the flowers and plants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I have said above, our group leader Mel was inspirational. It was obviously not just a holiday for her, it was a lifestyle. She was very encouraging and accommodating, and found ways to coax us up the huge mountains, even in the face of pain and injury. She managed to distract us from the pain by giving us botany 'lessons' as we were going along, and these little talks also enabled her to make the whole group stop and rest to allow the slower members to catch up and rest also. In the end, the whole group were orchid spotting and this gave us a completely new perspective on the Alps, and a depth of experience, which other trekkers walking by at top speed did not get.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a pair of trekking poles, as they were invaluable, since the majority of the trip is either up or down, and you need them for both! Don't rely on being able to wash, and particularly dry clothes. There are washers and dryers at several of the campsites, but the dryers did not appear to work well, and the weather is not stable enough to rely on hanging clothes out to dry. Just take a fresh pair of socks for each day and don't mind wearing other clothes for a few days each.

Reviewed July 2011

CROATIA: ISLANDS & MOUNTAINS

Stunning scenery. Brilliant guide. Great walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Jumping into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic to cool off after the day's walking on the island of Krk.Chilling out with a gorgeous sunset out over the islands and sea, at the Zavižan mountain hut.The peace and tranquility of the Premuziceva Trail, with its stunning scenery, fabulous flowers and plants, and crazy rock formations.Exploring the ancient towns of Krk and Trogir, and seeing the Venetian history of Croatia first hand.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant - one of the best I've ever had. Incredibly knowledgeable, on subjects from history to flowers - and great fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy day hikes and love mountains and/or islands, then this is a great trip - especially if you'd also like to know more about the history of this part of the world.Don't forget your swimming togs! Or your camera....Don't bother buying a map.

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