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

14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed April 2013

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A sensational, well balanced and well thought-out trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the starry skies in the desert. I know that will sound odd on a trip that took it the magnificent sights of Petra but, most of all, I enjoyed the quiet peacefulness of the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Zuhair and he was very good. He kept everything running smoothly and possesses a wealth of knowledge about his country and the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

(1) Because a lot of other reviewers had pointed out that sand gets in your boots I took and wore gaiters every day and that was very effective in preventing that particular problem. (2) Even if you're somewhat afraid of heights (as I am), make the effort to steel yourself to walk across the the natural rock bridge at Jebel Burdah ("the arch of Burdah"). (3) Learn some short stories! If you are fortunate enough to have Zuhair as your group leader he will regale you with stories and folk tales over the camp fire. It would have been nice if we could have returned the favour but we couldn't come up with anything remotely as in-depth or entertaining.

Reviewed April 2013

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

The overall organisation of the trip was really good. It is a scenic route, our team of porters were amazing, as were the assistant guides. A character building experience!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me was looking back at the pictures once back in England. It all seemed so surreal during the trip for one reason and another!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say about our group leader?? He lacked compassion, and lacked the ability to communicate effectively with the group. He was rude on a number of occassions and was insensitive to our individual needs. Not the best person to have alongside you in a challenging environment unfortunately.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To make sure you take poles, shorts, and a sun hat. You gear up for the cold - but make sure you are equiped for the sunshine!

Reviewed April 2013

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

A fairly intense itinerary that enables you to see stunning scenery and magnificent waterfalls and if you are lucky, some fantastic northern lights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the immense and beautiful Skogarfoss waterfall. The dramatic landscape is amazing. Just watching the amount of water pouring over the edge was so incredible. Hearing the noise and standing in the spray from the water was awesome.We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on two nights. Worth going just to see the thousands of stars as well. So pretty.A trip to the blue lagoon was a relaxing end to the holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petur was well organised and was able to tell us a lot about the geography, geology and cultural history of Iceland.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take enough warm clothing as night viewing was extremely cold. We wore ski gear and thermals at night.Practice your night photography before the journey as trying to familiarise yourself with manual settings is not ideal in the dark whilst trying to watch the Northern Lights.

Reviewed April 2013

COLOURS OF RAJASTHAN

A wonderful trip which covers a huge area in a relatively short time. There are long journeys in the coach but it is well worth it as there are lots of magnificent sights and experiences packed into the fortnight and there is always something to see out of the coach window. You could not do this trip in the time span without the experience of Exodus and an excellent group leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many! But probably the first close up sight of the Taj Mahal just on dawn with nobody else around except our group as our tour leader had 'encouraged' us to run as soon as we entered the gates! An experience never to be forgotten. Closely followed by seeing six tigers in one day on our safari visit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chandra was a star! He looked after us as if we were his own family and his knowledge of Indian and Rajasthani culture which he imparted to us made our trip more interesting and meaningful. He often stopped the coach to show us different aspects of Indian life which we would not have seen without him. He had a super sense of humour and dealt with any problems efficiently. He was ever mindful of our safety and comfort and we could not have wished for a better group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a restful, relaxing holiday then this trip is not for you. However, if you want to see and experience a totally different culture and way of life in an exciting country with lovely people and come home with fantastic memories and a smile on your face then this is definitely one for you!

Reviewed April 2013

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

This was one of the best holidays, it was action packed and lots of travelling but I enjoyed everything. I even tried things I was not sure I could do and was surprised how much I could acheive. I came home feeling quite exhilerated and full of energy.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many things during this trip that inspired me, Cycling by a small river, waving to the locals seeing the wildlife, stopping for fresh coconut and a wonderful curry made by the locals served on a banana leaf. The local people were friendly and smile so much they make you feel so welcome. The safari was amazing we saw so many wonderful birds. My trip to the elephant orphanage was a great highlight, we were so close to these fabulous animals and so loved watching them coming down to the river to play and wash.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, he had so much experience and being local meant he knew exactly the best things to do, he was discreet, but always available. I enjoyed the history he gave when we were on our long coach rides, it was good to hear about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do have to be pretty fit, but you do not have to do things if you don't want to. It is worth giving things a try as it adds to the enjoyment and memories of the trip. You must like curry!!

Reviewed April 2013

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA & PANAMA

Ridiculously amazing! If you want to see Central America off the beaten track, be refreshed by the wonders of the animals, birds, volcanos, amazing cycling and a perfect end every day with a body of water and cocktail waiting, then this is the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day, every moment. I think I woke up with a smile plastered to my face and ended with one as well. Hiking through the tropical forest over rope bridges that extend across the expanses. Riding 48 mph down a volcano. Sipping pina coladas in the hot springs. Rafting along the river to see iguanas, monkeys, birds, bats and the list goes on. Doing the zipline tour in La Fortuna. Fresh papaya, pinneapple, guava and coconut on the roadside stand. Taking a leisurely dip in the ocean, gulf or pool at the end of every day. Watching the sunset at the base of the volcano while floating in the lake. Giving soccer balls to some very appreciative little ones. All the smiling faces along the route both young and old, giving us encouragement and letting us see a bit into the wonderful countries that are theirs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best ever! Kevin kept us well infomed, made sure we were safe, well taken care of and basically spoiled us for any other potential guide we may have in the future. Paul was an incredible guide, both on and off the bike, pointing out the sights and animals so that nothing was to be missed by our untrained eyes. Taking great care of our bikes and us along the route during any mishaps with tires, chains etc. Luis, Eugenio and Ronaldo kept us safe on the roads. Amazing team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get some cycling in before you come. If the terrain is too rough or the heat gets to you, you can always get on the bus. However you really don't want to miss a day of riding, cause there is nothing like seeing these countries from the saddle.

Reviewed April 2013

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Stunning views ! Hard work but worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to ABC.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Keisher was excellent. Very knowledgeable and very supportive when it got tough (which it did).

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are more steps on this trip than the trip notes say - so bear that in mind. Its VERY cold at MBC and ABC so don't underestimate the quality of sleeping bag you need. Take any medications you need as you will not be able to get them in the mountains. Showers are limited - take lots of wet wipes.

Reviewed April 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

A wonderful trip – truly a Taste of Cuba, well paced and informative, fun and inspiring. Friendly people and great weather! A great group of travelling companions made it so much more – we all connected well. Can’t wait to go back again and see more of this fast changing country, especially the glorious capitol, Havana.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick one thing as we saw and experienced so much. Trinidad is amazing - explored independently on our 2nd day there rather than take the catamaran trip - even took a classic car taxi from the hotel to the city.Visiting Casa de la Trova in the evening to hear the salsa bands in the open air and watch the dancing was great. A classic open car tour of Havana followed by lunch at the National Hotel in Havana was memorable.Staying in the nature reserve in Guajimico and visiting the organic farm followed by a superlative lunch which included whole suckling pig!Eating in the privately owned paladares either when on tour or in the tiny backstreets of Havana was a very different experience.Going to the Tropicana (much better than expected - a really slick & classy show) and also to the Buena Vista Social Club where the old timers really know how to party will be part of my lasting memories.Music everywhere - being serenaded in every restaurant and on many street corners too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was the ideal tour leader. His knowledge of the history of his country was excellent. He was well organised, putual and went the extra mile to help us all in what we wanted to do. He had a great sense of humour and although at first he thought some of our group were a bit 'eccentric' he took our behaviour in good part and I will always remember singing 'Highway To Hell' on the drive back from Trinidad' after our visit to Casa del Trovas :-)One of our party had her 40th birthday on Easter Sunday and the meal that Tony organised was amazing right down to the band of musicians that played throughout the meal & the HUGE birthday cake which we all shared at the end. If you go on this tour and have Tony as your group leader you are sure to have a great trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hand gel, wet wipes and your own toilet paper - be warned many toilets outside of hotels have NO seat! There are usually attendants who will hand out a few sheets of toilet paper but will expect you to pay for this or tip them. Change money at the airport and remember to keep 25CUC for departure tax. Be careful when changing CUC back in the airport before departure home as I was short changed by £50 and didn't realise it until I got home and worked out what the rate for buying back was! I also bought a CD of Cuban music from the group who were playing in La Bodiguita del Medio where the group had lunch. It cost 10CUC and was shrink wrapped. When I listened to it at home, the first track was ok, then it deteriorated into hissing & crackles and finally silence. So I was ripped off - beware!Sorry about the negative comments but I'm just forewarning you and these are only minor annoyances.

Reviewed April 2013

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

Excellent holiday. Busy with early starts and alot of travelling- but no alternative if you want to see as much as we did.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whale trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, with great sense of humour and very good at managing any difficulties. Could not have been better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an info/ sight seeing trip and gives vgd overall view of country. But our guide prefers the walking trip, so suggest you look at that if the outdoor type.

Reviewed April 2013

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This was quite probably the best holiday of my life so far. The countries were so beautiful and interesting, even more so than I’d hoped, and the people were wonderful too and really made the trip. The whole trip was incredibly well-organised and while expensive, worth every penny.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many amazing and inspirational moments, but for me the standout moment was visiting a school that Exodus supported in a rural village in Cambodia. The community had so little materially but it was amazing to meet the children and the man trying to help them learn against all of the odds.It was also very special and a real privilege to be shown around the temples of Angkor Wat by our wonderful guide, who had lost his father and other family members under the Khmer Rouge regime. He gave us a true sense of the bloody history of Cambodia but also demonstrated a huge pride in the wonderful country that it is, and the capacity of the Cambodians to forgive and move on into the future.Other standout moments including racing on wonderful roads in Thailand in 38 degree heat and enoying competing with other people in the trip. I loved it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Nee was really great. She was a real discplinarian but with 16 or 17 people all wanting to do things their own way, that was definitely needed. She whipped us all into shape in terms of timekeeping and was really good at working out what worked for different people in the group. She was funny and interesting and I would definitely recommend her. The other team leaders were also fantastic, in particular Fila, who was team leader in Cambodia. Again he was really knowledgeable, passionate about his country and ensuring that we all learnt more about it, but in a really accessible, fun and entertaining way. I think Exodus has chosen some really brilliant team leaders on this particular trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be open to the new experiences you are going to have and don't presume anything. It is good to try everything - though maybe not the fried tarantulas in Cambodia! - and just to enjoy every moment. In retrospect, I would have taken more snacks and pencils etc to give to the children in Cambodia. Also stick to dollars rather than worrying about other currencies, each of the countries accepts dollars and it saves you wandering around with pockets stuffed with huge amounts of foreign currency worth about 30pence.Other than that, use lots of sunscreen, take lots of pictures and just have an amazing time.

Prev 1 … 1,162 1,163 1,164 1,165 1,166 … 1,444 Next