Reviewed December 2019 Sue Pemberton Trip: Discover Costa Rica Pura Vida This was a 'special treat' holiday for me, I had been looking forward to it for 9 months and had very high expectations. These were more than met. Costa Rica is a fascinating country which we could learn a lot from. This tour gives you a really good introduction to the country, staying at 6 different locations all completely different. Wildlife was amazing. The journey was shared with a wonderful group of people - so much fun and friendship. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to choose, there were so many - a wonderful close view of a sloth on our way to Tortuguero, staying at Esqinas Lodge, the monkeys at Manuel Antonio, the scarlet macaws. What did you think of your group leader? It's easy to see why Johnny is an award-winning leader. His knowledge of and passion for his country was impressive and he taught us so much in his gentle way. He knew the best places and times to find wildlife, which always seemed to appear bang on cue! His organisational skills were exemplarary and he always had 'a plan'. We also came home ardent supporters of the Herediano football team! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go prepared for a wide variety of weather and remember to take your camera and binocluars with you wherever you go!
Reviewed December 2019 Anne Morden Brilliant tour which lived up to all my expectations This was the only tour I could find that delivered everything I wanted from a tour of Indochina. However, I could not have expected that everything would go so well. The itinerary was comprehensive and covered all the most important sites and sights. The hotels were, overall, the best I have had on an Exodus holiday and the boat trip on the Mekong was excellent. All the guides were great and not only made sure we saw some fabulous sights but were also very caring and concerned for our safety. They all looked after me, with my knee problems, and others who needed help at various times. Their advice on where to eat was spot on and we had some wonderful meals. I would have preferred to have a flight that went direct to Bangkok, rather than having to go via Singapore each way, and would book a land only tour if I did the tour again but that was a minor detail. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The overnight boat trip in Halong Bay and seeing Angkor Wat were the two main reasons for doing the tour and both were absolute highlights but Hoi An was wonderful and the sobering sights in Cambodia such as the Killing Fields and S21 (the torture prison) were important to see to remind us of the evil that people are capable of doing. It was inspiring to see how Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are coming back from the ravages of war and I was amazed to see the incredible nightlife in Siem Reap after the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. What did you think of your group leader? We had 3 group leaders who were all excellent. They all had great local knowledge and went out of their way to ensure everyone had a good time. Their advice regarding activities, food and other aspects of the trip was always spot on. Their concern for our welfare and enjoyment was first class. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Consider doing the land only option if the flights included in the all inclusive option don't go direct to Bangkok. Bring insect repellent especially for Cambodia. Is there anything else you would like to add? Dollars are the only really practical currency to use in Cambodia but the Yip in Lao and Dong in Vietnam and worth having. Currency exchange rates are best in the relevant countries than back home BUT make sure that the money you bring to change into the local currency is in pristine condition, especially in Lao and Cambodia. Every tiny mark, crease or tear will result in the money being rejected. Try to get notes in TOTALLY mint condition from your bank. It's a bit more relaxed in Vietnam where we also got the best rates in our hotels without any quibbles over the notes.
Reviewed December 2019 David and Lesley Knass Trip: Spice Trails of Kerala A Great Experience This was a very varied trip and we took part in all the activities as did the rest of the party. The overall pace over the 14 days was very good and the only early start was at Periyar which is necessary to catch the wildlife and we were lucky to see an elephant whilst on the walk. We experienced some mist at the peak so that restricted our views but coming from England we're used to that at much lower levels! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is difficult to pick out one thing but seeing the Western Ghats for the first time and the houseboat were up there. Also all our party really enjoyed the visit to the spice plantation and preparing a meal, Kerala style. And seeing some endemic birds species plus tahr, gaur, giant squirrel and elephant. What did you think of your group leader? First rate. The 10 of us and Santo James clicked right away. He ensured everything ran smoothly and was likeable, good fun and everything needed from a trip leader. He organised all the activities perfectly and anticipated all our needs. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trek is the central part of the tour and don't underestimate it. If you are a regular walker at the distances covered it will be fine but otherwise do some preparation. November is the end of the rainy season so don't be surprised if you get the odd shower. Take wet overtrousers with you not just in case it rains but for walking through the Shola grasslands if it has been wet eg on walking down from the peak. One or two walking poles should be used even though we don't always use them ourselves when walking at home. Also leech socks were needed on our walk after it had rained overnight but these are provided and don't be put off by coming across these creatures! Is there anything else you would like to add? We were lucky in that the rest of our party were a delight to be with and everyone was very positive and enjoyed all the activities. The trip met all our expectations.
Reviewed December 2019 Dougie Gray Trip: Walking The Amalfi Coast Stunning views What more can we say,,, fabulous walks, great hotel with great staff. Our guide Vania is fantastic making everyone feel welcome right from the beginning! Her bright breezy funny chat was great and very informative. She always had an answer for all our dumb questions! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views along the coast from the higher view points on our walks! What did you think of your group leader? Vania couldn't have been better! Very knowledgeable, welcoming, great English,, I could go on and on!
Reviewed December 2019 Nigel Chapman Trip: Classic Patagonia Treks Awesome trek with a great leader Having seen the Trango Towers on a K2 bae camp trek many years ago I always had an ambition to see the Torres del Paine and the didn't disappoint. Firzroy is also stunning.We were lucky with the weather which helped and all local guides were excellent.As said in other reviews Tomas our leader is a legend through his enthusiasm, knowledge and caring attitude. Would recommend. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Leaving th Paine NP on the catamaran with cloudless skies across an azure blue lake with stunning mountain scenery all around- it doesn't get much better than that. What did you think of your group leader? Where do I start.....Tomas was just brilliant.As someone who came land only to the group so joined later he made it easy to integrate.He was knowledgeable, kind, diplomatic and above all very very funny. He looked after everyone individually and his work rate was phenomenal. As others have said, a legend. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I'd reiterate a few of the previous comments: -there's a lot of bus travel (but necessary to see Fitzroy and Paine) -it's expensive to use ATMs in Argentina so take plenty of USD. -probably not as challenging as I was expecting (although all these ratings are subjective) -take a 30-40 litre pack as well as main bag for W trek in Paine NP. -don't forget earplugs (to aid sleep whilst in dorms on trek) and sink plug (most hosterias etc don't provide them) -enjoy.....
Reviewed December 2019 Peter Gomes Trip: Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina Cycle Lake District of Chile & Argentina : Great trip through stunning scenery Another terrific Exodus cycle trip comprising a mix of on & off road riding, flat & hilly sections in scenery that is simply beautiful. Enthusiastically led by Tai, ably assisted by his younger brother Yal, & side-kick Mattieu (the quiet one), our group of 16 bonded on the first evening, were buddies by lunch on the second day and firm friends thereafter. Excellent sea food and of course, steaks to be had and at bargain prices in Argentina due to the devaluation of their peso. Chile was more UK priced. Turquoise lakes & snow capped volcanoes were the centrepiece, topped off with the two day stay at the Eco lodge in the Conguillo National Park. We simply did not want to leave. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? As ever there were so many. Day 1: the view from the plane window as we flew alongside the Andes in the final run into Santiago. Day 2 : The sight of not one but three snow capped volcanoes from the lake shore by our first night's hotel set the tone for the superb scenery to come : a mix of Norwegian fjord, Scottish loch & English Lake with added volcano. Day 4: the first ferry ride and the discovery of an excellent hotel in the wilderness close to the frontier post - we were expecting a youth hostel given the remote location. Day 5: the off road climb to the frontier, and the supportive way in which all those at the top cheered on those further back as they arrived. Plus the rapid downhill that followed. Day 6 : The coastal ride round to Bariloche, passing Tai & Yal's house en route. Day 7 : the largest & tastiest steaks ever at Don Alberto's in Bariloche - not to be missed, plus lunch atop the view point at Cerro Campanario. Day 8: Racing along the downhill section of Route 40 (Argentina's Route 66) into San Martin. Day 10: the impromptu detour to spend the afternoon at the Termas (hot springs) en route to Pucon. Days 11 & 12 riding into and through the landscapes of the Conguillo National Park (volcano on my left, emerald lake on my right, monkey puzzle forest ahead of me - where do I look ?). What did you think of your group leader? With perfect English, Tai & Yal (despite their youth - mid twenties) were experienced, enthusiastic and capable leaders. Tai, in particular, managed well the different personalities on the trip which comprised five couples, three pals and three singles aged from late thirties to early seventies. He made sure everyone was comfortable riding their way depending on fitness, terrain & general inclination. His restaurant & even individual dish recommendations were consistently excellent. He was confident in his role and thus able to flex the itinerary as circumstances (weather or indeed our whims) dictated. As a strong cyclist he readily earned the respect of those who tried to take him on. Fortunately, his skills as a qualified paramedic did not need to be tested. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The November weather was mixed - Take layers so as to be able to cater for hot, cold & in between - plus rain. On some days there was much adding and removing of kit, with Yal or Mati magically on hand at the right moment to deliver to or collect it from you. This is also true off the bike with cool winds from Patagonia belying bright sunshine at times. The road sections are straightforward with drivers polite, separate cycle tracks on larger roads and wide verges to ride on minor ones. Off road sections are not particularly technical (I'm no mountain biker) and, taken at whatever pace you feel comfortable, readily ridden on the new Specialized hard-tail mountain bikes supplied. Food-wise the emphasis is meat and fish with pasta/pizza available but vegetarian food is a bit limited. Good range of beer and wine to be had and we rekindled our love of Pisco Sour developed on last year's Peru trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? My slowest ride was the final eight miles back to the eco-lodge on the final afternoon. It took well over an hour. Why ? Because I simply didn't want it to end. I was not alone - it was practically a competition to see who could ride the slowest. I guess that's a pretty decent endorsement of the trip overall. If you seek a well led trip with excellent company, good food (& drink), fabulous scenery, and varied (and thus interesting) cycling then sign up.
Reviewed December 2019 Mark Billington Trip: Cycle Indochina & Angkor Trying something new in S.E Asia I’ve previously been on several exodus trips either hiking or sightseeing ones or a mixture of the two. I thought I’d give cycling a go, I’m not a cyclist at home but keep myself fit. The trip was amazing, the cycling tough in the heat, but you get looked after so well, the bike teams manage the traffic so well and look after your hydration and energy levels. This trip isn’t just about the cycling though, the combination of 3 different countries, with different cultures and foods and fantastic sights and cities you get to see, make this a very memorable holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? You can’t fail to be amazed with the temples around Angkor, it’s staggering to think these masterpieces were put together centuries ago and to see them by bicycle is the perfect way to absorb them. What did you think of your group leader? We couldn’t of asked for a better group leader than IS, so knowledgeable, so helpful, so approachable and within a very short time became one of us, part of the team, a friend to us all. In my experiences all Exodus leaders have been great but a couple have gone above and beyond to ensure your holiday is a memorable one, IS definitely went above and beyond and was much loved and respected by us all. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you build up your fitness, preferably with time on your bike, I did a couple of 40 mile cycles just prior to going on the trip, if possible cycle in some traffic as although the roads rarely get very busy, some of the towns have moderate traffic. Take a towel and swimwear, there’s plenty of opportunities to swim and if it’s as warm as it was when we visited you’ll be grateful of the cooling off in the pool. Definitely use the rooftop hot tub in the hotel in Phnom Penh. Is there anything else you would like to add? Not really, just to say this holiday takes in so much, there’s never a dull moment or quiet moment so if you like your holidays full on and fun packed, it’s definitely for you.
Reviewed December 2019 Pamela Peers Trip: Walking in Madeira Great walking in a beautiful island This is a great week's walking with a lot of variety in the walks covered. The hotels are generally of a good standard and the food was good and varied, with plenty of fresh fish and salads. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit of Pico Ruivo, and looking down through the clouds through which we had walked to reach the summit. What did you think of your group leader? Andre was brilliant! A great guide and excellent company. He's clearly a very experienced guide and was diligent in ensuring that all members of our large group were comfortable with the walking pace, and provided supported when anyone needed it. He always found excellent places for us to eat and we were particularly grateful for his guidance on things to do in Funchal on our free day Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a great trip ... book it!
Reviewed December 2019 Kevin Adrian Fingleton Trip: Highlights of Northern India An amazing, enthralling, full-on trip. This trip is not for the faint-hearted. Despite various lengths being quoted, the traveler is effectively on the road in India for 8 days, and flies home on day 9. But in the 8 days you pack in an incredible number of beautiful, memorable sights. You will (hopefully, like we did) meet a smallish group of nice, decent, funny people that you are happy to travel, eat and drink with, and who look out for one another. Transport is effective and comfortable. You'll struggle to take in the volume of sights, sounds and smells that India will provide. The food is wonderful, hotels are comfortable and all in all, it's hard to avoid the 'trip of a lifetime' cliche. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Varanasi - both the night-time 'blessing of the Ganges' ceremony, and about 7 hours later, the dawn boat ride on the Ganges to see the sun rise thru the mists and float past the cremation ghats (at a distance). And in between, the chaotic tuk tuk ride. There were many other highlights, but that one just took my breath away. What did you think of your group leader? Ajay was truly excellent. Easy company, informed, patient at explaining the culture, history, politics and so on. He was very organised, because this trip is a mini-military-operation. It has to be, to see that many amazing things in 8 days. And he added little touches to enhance the trip (eg flowers to scatter on the Ganges). I wanted to see a step well (If I could) so I asked early on, and we got to see one in Jaipur that was not a tourist sight, by making a short detour. That was another highlight for me. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to get tired. But you can sleep on the bus, the hotel beds are comfortable. And you have the post-trip period back home to look forward to, looking at your (way too many) photographs. It really is full-on, but in a great way. And it seems to match the pace of the places you are seeing - it's not a place to dawdle. Finally, if you are into photography, you'll probably never be somewhere with so many photos 'waiting to be taken'. Bring less clothes - this is not a dressing up holiday - and more camera gear. Last thing, as I think of it. Pollution in Delhi is quite bad - it's just a fact of life. But you are only there for about 48 hours, and even if you get a short term sore throat you recover quickly once you exit the city. It's worth it, I think. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was my first ever trip to India. I utterly loved it, from beginning to end. If you want a chill out holiday, look elsewhere. If you want a safe, well-organised, short sharp trip around some of the key parts of India, this is the one for you. Enjoy
Reviewed December 2019 Sharon GRAHAM Trip: A Week in Jordan Team Jordon 23 Nov-1 Dec An amazing week with a fabulous group of people and great guide. The trip is planned to take you through that gentle build up of activity on the first and second day to the much more strenuous exertion of days 4,5 & to a lesser degree day 6, before bringing you back down to the more restful experience of swimming/snorkelling in the Red Sea then floating and mud bathing at the Dead Sea. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra came high up on the list but there was something everywhere (don't do a trip with only one day at Petra if you can avoid you will miss so much). The most fun was had with the mud at the Dead Sea (an experience never to forget)! What did you think of your group leader? Nidal is full of knowledge about his country that he is more than happy to share with all to enhance our understanding and help appreciate what we were seeing. He took care when needed and I am sure did more behind the scenes to keep the trip flowing smoothly but also gave us that bit of space. I am sure he knows everyone in Jordon personally and knows all of us in the group too after our week! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In late November it goes from comfortably warm during the day to quite cold at night, because of the sudden drop in temperature when the sun goes down (still warmer than UK!), so don't forget to bring warm clothes, for those who feel the cold, gloves, hat, maybe even a hot water bottle for Wadi Rum Camp (plus Jeep and camel ride). Is there anything else you would like to add? For those thinking of this trip the walking in Petra can be a little tricky for those with a fear of heights or steep drops to the side of you. Be prepared to have to put in some serious strenuous effort to the climbs in Petra if you want to see some of the most spectacular views down on the hidden city. My thanks to all those who were on this trip for being great company.