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

14274 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed February 2013

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

This was my first photographic trip with Paul and my first trip to Kenya in over 20 years. On the whole it was an excellent holiday and I hope that I’ll be back one day soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many. Being met off the plane and taken straight to see four male lions feeding on a hippo which they'd taken down the previous night. Seeing Pink Nose, the very chilled leopard who was happy to let us take photos of him. Following a cheetah and her cubs whilst they played and stalked. We were lucky enough to see three cheetah kills. Watching the pygmy kingfishers and trying to get photos of them in flight returning to the branch. Witnessing two giraffes mating, a process which can apparently go on for days. The most memorable occasions for me though were the storms, the light just before the downpour and the amazing drives back to camp in torrential rain through mud and washed-away river crossings. Huge respect to James, Patrick and Charles for their driving skills (as well as their knowledge and animal spotting skills).

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was my first trip with Paul. I read all the reviews beforehand and was a little afraid! I'd had my DSLR camera for about 6 months, didn't know how to use it and struggled to remember the relationship between F stop, shutter speed and ISO. By the end of the week, thanks to Paul, I was confidently changing the settings and getting the exposures mainly correct. I have a huge respect for someone who works as tirelessly as Paul did to ensure we got the best opportunities. His own photographs are breath-taking. Previous courses I'd done presented Photoshop as the answer to getting good photos and were run by an instructor who spent the day in a coffee shop leaving you to fend for yourself. Paul is the complete opposite and a breath of fresh air in comparison. He may shout at you for messing up an opportunity but it is in no way personal or bullying. Get over it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The facilities at camp are excellent. Eco-friendly soap, shampoo and shower gel are provided, as is washing powder (the laundry service doesn't cover smalls). There are water flasks in the tent for you to take out on game drives. The game drives are bumpier than any high impact sport though - ladies, come prepared!One of the other people on the trip kindly leant me an L series zoom occasionally and the improvement in photo quality is marked. Next time I would definitely hire an L series lens. I would also bring the fastest memory cards I could buy. Missing the cheetah catch her prey because your card is buffering is frustrating. I wish I'd turned my camera off and on more frequently to initiate the sensor cleaning process (despite Paul being exasperated at me for turning it off) as there are dust spots on some of my photos.

Reviewed February 2013

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Great trip through such an amazing country, packed into an area filled with thousands of years of history. The sights, smells and sounds were amazing, Jordan is a gem of a place to visit. The cycling element was equally great, I don’t know if I’ll ever forget cycling down from Mt. Nebo in the warm sun, whizzing around hairpins and check points.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on top of Mt. Nebo, and looking out over the valley of the River Jordan, an area with thousands of years of history. In the far distance one can make out Jerusalem, and below it Jericho. I'd only heard of Wadi Rum and Petra before embarking on the trip, but found Jerash to be mind blowing. So much well preserved, and you can almost imagine life back in Roman times.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khalid was great, funny, witty and well informed. He can also just about ride a bike.

Advice for Potential Travellers

February can be cold, apart from the Red Sea/Dead Sea. I wore long sleeve quick wick fabric t-shirts for most of the riding, and a wind-proof raincoat for most of the rest of the time. The desert was bitterly cold around sunset, and you will need a torch, preferably a head torch. Most hotel rooms had British and European plug sockets and free wifi in the rooms or reception areas. There were all ages on the trip, from mid 20s up to 70s. Apart from a few hills, everyone completed all the cycling with no accidents. You're heavily advised to wear a helmet, but I hate them and signed a piece of paper to the effect I absolve the tour company of any liability due to absence of helmet. So you have the option.

Reviewed February 2013

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

This trip far exceeded my expectations; it was remote and beautiful, passing through stunning and hugely varied landscapes. The walking was pitched just right, demanding but not too hard. I enjoyed this whole trip from start to finish, and the fact that there were no other groups trekking this route enhanced things for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking at the stars on a freezing cold night, sitting on the rocks high above a series of rock pools cutting down through a gorge, walking through the last wadi surrounded by high pink cliffs, and trees covered in almond blossom.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was brilliant! Friendly, professional, knowledgable, funny and kind-hearted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy it! Don't take any excess baggage as you can't leave a bag at the start hotel (the trip starts and finishes in different towns).

Reviewed February 2013

FINNISH WINTER ADVENTURE - FAMILY HOLIDAY

Fantastic

Most Inspirational Moment

The dog sledding day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the all day dog safari

Reviewed February 2013

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

An excellent holiday providing an introduction to a whole range of snowy activities in a stunning location. The only problem is it ends too soon and then you have to go back to the real world.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to pick from. I loved the variety of activities and the scenery and surroundings were just out of this world. It really is a magical location, whether you're walking through the forest on snow shoes, x-country skiing over the lake or hanging on as the huskies or reindeer take you on an adventure.I didn't expect to have so much fun shovelling snow all day to build a quinzee, but it was great fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Teddy/Bjorn was an excellent group leader, very enthusiastic about his job and all the activities. He was always friendly and helpful, as were all the staff at Basecamp. You couldn't ask for better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

After spending a whole day building your quinzee you really should stay the night in it - when will you get another chance to sleep in a snow cave? Be prepared to spend some money on the optional activities - it might seem expensive but it's worth it. And make use of all the equipment in your free afternoons. The 'Little Bear Trail' is a lovely walk to do on snow-shoes with some great views.

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

An excellent holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending the big hill and riding through Kandy university. It was such a contrast to the busy traffic outside the campus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh did an excellent job. He worked hard to make every moment memorable and his attention to detail was admirable. I recommend him highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in January which is the coolest time of the year however I struggled with the heat at times. I suggest you bring Gatorade powder or similar to replace body salts etc.

Reviewed February 2013

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Just back from a fantastic trip. I’d not been cross country skiing before and found the variety of this trip exceeded my expectations. Although the accommodation is described as basic as it is a youth hostel, it was very comfortable, warm and clean. The food was consistently excellent and plentiful with a hot 3 course dinnner every evening, being just what was needed after a day out in the cold.

Most Inspirational Moment

For a first timer zooming along the tracks, just trusting the ski's to do the work was amazing.Also climbing high up onto the hillside to look across at Gausta without too much effort was surprising. The scenery from up there was spectacular and the sense of achievement having got to the top and back down again safely will stay with me for some time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders were outstanding! Ilse knew exactly how to approach each individual to encourage and motivate them. If she said we could ski down a slope then we knew we could trust her judgement as to our level and ability and each time she was right. Also she made the warm up sessions fun and a great way to start the day, and the stretching at the end of the day was a welcome release of the tension from our aching muscles.The talks and videos in the evening were informative and helpful particularly to a first timer.Ilse and Mary took literally hundreds of photos during the week which meant I actually have pictures of myself rather than just scenery! Also I didn't need to worry about dropping or losing my camera as they took better shots than I could. Unfortunately my friends particularly love the photos of me face down in the snow!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just try it! It was a laugh a minute and I can't imagine getting such variety with better tuition and guidance anywhere else.

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

This was a fantastic tour: a reasonably amount of cycling (329miles), some amazing scenery and some cultural highlights. The Vietnamese people were very friendly – even getting invited to sing at a wedding which we declined – and the food was great. Hotels were in the main pretty good and the boat around Halong Bay far better than expected. Organisation of the tour first class and couldn’t be faulted.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 30Km decent down the mountain from Delat and achieving 103.1 KM that daySwimming in the surf in the South China sea in Mui Ne as the sun setThe fishing village at Ngn Trang where very few tourists go. Also passing through the villages off the beaten track.Hoi An lit up at night, the rice cakes being crisped up and the hand made shoes being madeThe Mausoleum to Tu Doc in Hue and the Citadel. Learning about the history of Vietnam and something of the culture. The lagoon at Halong Bay.Local Markets The reviving lemon drink!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble to sort out. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The organisation of the tour went like clockwork. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is worth seeeing this tour as a tour of Vietnam with some cycling, although some days are quite hard. I think we had 3 days over 80km which is quite hard on a mountain bike with pretty thick tyres. I took clip-on pedals and cycling shoes - which certainly helped me although only 2 us did in a party of 19.There are quite a few long session on the coach but this is more than main up by seeing the main cultural highlights of the country. There are stops every 20km but it is really too hot to wear a back pack (although some did). I brought a small carrier that can fit on the back of the bike a take a compact camera, my glasses and an energy bar which I found useful. A couple of 'wicking' tops were good.

Reviewed February 2013

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

An incredibly enjoyable and captivating trip along the length of this spectacular country.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved every day of this trip, but highlights included:Hanoi - the remains of Hoa Lo Prison (dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton") and getting lost wandering the streets of the Old Quarter taking in the sights and sounds of everyday street lifeHalong Bay - sailing among the picturesque limestone peaks and the fantastic seafood on boardReunification Express - no trip would have been complete without riding on this train which unites North and SouthHue - dragon boat ride along the pefume river stopping to see the stunning mausoleum of Tu Duc, and to see the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda. The Imperial Citadel tour was also a highlight. An optional King and Queen night allowed you to dress up and dine with traditional music played whilst eating - completely tourist-driven, but memorable nonethelessHai Van Pass - stunning views to the oceanDanang - walking on China Beach and dipping a toe in the sea, and walking up the steps to Marble Mountain to see the impressive caves used as a hospital by the Viet Cong during the warHoi An - beautiful small town with historic buildings and oodles of charm. Apparently nicknamed the culinary capital with a buzzing riverside market. Each shop-front is also obliged to have lanterns hanging, which look beautiful come evenings.Ho Chi Minh City - vibrant metropolis with lots to see and do. I enjoyed sitting in the cafes watching the world go by, the crowds at the Ben Than Market, and Saigon Skydeck (Bitexco Tower) watching the city from the 49th floor. I particularly enjoyed the Reunification Palace whose architecture and interiors were pure 1970s kitsch, along with the basement's military command centre, still equipped with old rotary-dial phones and radio equipment. The War Remnants Museum had some haunting photographs. I would strongly advise taking a walk to the Old Post Office (designed by Monsieur Eiffel), Notre Dame Cathedral, and if you get chance wander to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and Fine Art Museums which are housed in grand old colonial buildings. Although you can't enter the Hotel De Ville, it is certainly worth viewing from the exterior. The Municipality Building (Opera House) although only open for twice-monthly performances is also worth viewing from the outside. The Sri Thendayyutthapani Temple is also well-worth visiting with a very interesting rooftop tower.Try to make time to enjoy the rooftop garden at The Rex Hotel, The Saigon-Saigon Rooftop Bar at The Caravelle Hotel, and Level 23 at The Sheraton Hotel, which all have great views.Cu Chi - tunnels are a must-see with interesting demonstrations of the traps the Viet Cong used to set, a shooting range and, although widened for Westerners, a very claustrophobic and humid short-section of tunnel to crawl throughMekong Delta - riding in a traditional wooden sampan and an enjoyable homestay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Thuy, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and approachable. He was also passionate about Vietnam, it's history and people. Most importantly his English language was excellent and he had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this trip is marked as Moderate, I have been on Exodus trips labelled as Leisurely which have been more exertional, so fear not.There is a great balance of sight-seeing and free-time. I booked this trip for January as although I knew the weather may not be perfect in the North - Hanoi and Halong Bay - (10-15 degrees C with some drizzle and clouds), I was aware that in the South it would be warm (30 degrees plus). Rainy season in the South is from April, although I hear it only rains for short bursts each day, but is incredibly humid.Internet availability was excellent throughout Vietnam and wifi is freely available in all the hotels.Take a bunch of $1 bills for buying mementos, and try and get smaller notes of Dong prior to going to Vietnam - 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 should be fine. The ATM will only let you withdraw £60 at a time, although this does equate to 2,000,000 Dong. Aside from Ho Chi Minh City - you can eat and drink well for very little.You don't need walking boots for Marble Mountain

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This was a fantastic trip – well organised and supported; a great introduction to culture and landscapes of three countries; easy-moderate cycling and a wonderful group of people for company. If you are thinking trying to get a feel for this part of the world in a short time, I’d recommend this trip – you even get exercise to burn off some of those rice and noodles!

Most Inspirational Moment

It's not possible to select one - every day there was something new and exciting! Seeing the everyday life of Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese people - along the roadsides, on the rivers, in Temples, in rural villages and teeming cities - and having the chance to visit homes through the kindness of our guides' families was a stimulating (and humbling) experience. Learning to cross the road in Ho Chi Minh City (with your eyes closed) has to be a bonus! Visits to temples, palaces, and markets as well as war-related sites, all contributed to my introduction to these countries. Not to mention tarantulas, hornbills and catfish! And seeing everyone in the group achieve their cycling and travel goals was a great ending!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leaders - Nee, Dykka, Lam and the support teams in each country were all excellent - as were the local guides. Well-organised, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Mr Black's photos are awesome!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light - you spend a lot of time in bike clothes so don't need many different day/evening things. The laundry in Siem Reap is excellent/cheap. Padded bike pants are essential - and do take your own saddle/pedals if you are a regular cyclist. Getting them on/off bikes is no problem at all thanks to great support.Take - small bottle hand sanitiser (most comfort stops are fine but just occasionally....); US$$ for Cambodia and Viet Nam in small denominations - almost everything costs $1 and any note over $20 is difficult to change; pens, pencils, small notebooks as gifts for children - you spend a lot of this trip feeling privileged, and so often you want to give something and these are much better than sweets; go for the single room option - I had a great room-mate but this is a non-stop holiday and if you like some quiet time, a single room could give that.Odds and ends: insurance - you will be asked if you are covered for helicopter evacuation - most of us didn't know, so you might want to check that out before you leave. Wifi - every hotel we stayed in had free Wifi - so contact home is possible daily (as long as things work!). Cycling snacks - huge amounts of wonderful fruit, iced water, electrolytes were provided by support team so you may not need as many from home as you think.The trip description/notes are accurate in relation to cycling times, conditions etc - slightly over estimate difficulty, hills, if anything, for a regular cyclist. But try to do some practice/cycling in preparation - if you are saddle-fit it makes the cycling easy and you will enjoy the holiday so much more.

Prev 1 … 1,160 1,161 1,162 1,163 1,164 … 1,428 Next