Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the full moon rising, and appearing to roll up the side of a distant mountain as the moon's path followed the same angle.Being above the tree line with views of the Dolomites and the other mountain ranges.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was excellent - always encouraging, and supportive, with a good sense of humour, lots of patience and plenty of sweets!She went  to a lot of trouble to get me information about travelling to Bolsano on my day off to see the Iceman (Otzi), and gave me some photocopies of Geology info when she found I was interested.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit - it's hard work, not just walking in snowshoes, but there's quite a bit of height gain involved - over 1500 feet on 3 of the days.  On the Exodus website there is (fairly well hidden - didn't find it until I got back) a suggested schedule of fitness training for a grade B which would give an idea of the level of training that would be useful.  A bit more help than the "reasonable fitness" in the part of the brochure I found.I took my own travel kettle as suggested in an earlier review- the hotel charges for filling a flask - possibly 2 Euros. (My favourite drink for cold walking is lemon and ginger tea, easily made from teabags, no milk required - you might like to try it). They also charge 75c for tapwater at the evening meal so it's worth either having a drink from your room before going down, or taking your own bottle.On the free day I went to see Otzi, the Iceman, a 5,300 year old well preserved body found in the ice in 1991 with all his clothing and travelling equipment, a lot of it very well preserved.  A unique find.  He is now in a purpose built museum in Bolsano, a 2 hour fairly scenic railway journey away.  Entry to the Museum 11 euros I think.  I was in there 3 hours, but 2 might be more normnal.  I'd read about him years ago and one of the reasons I selected this trip was to go and see him.  Google it, if you haven't heard of him.  It gives your legs a day off too, which mine appreciated more than they would have appreciated trying cross country skiing......  Your leader will I'm sure be able to provide you with info.  Trains every 30 mins.  One change at Fortessa.  If you go when the ticket office is open (after 9.15 am I think) you can get a return for 15 euros, otherwise 30 from the ticket machine.  But if on the cheaper ticket beware Eurocity  trains (Ec in the timetable) as you will pay a supplement on board.  Also beware the small print in the timetable for one of the return trains from Fortessa -can't remember the time but around 5 pm, written in pale brown with a H at the top of the column - it's Bank Holiday Fridays only. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Favourite tours were the tunnels, watching food being made in the Mekong Delta, home stay in the MeKong Delta, Marble Mountain's astonishing natural 'cathedral' and the magnificent giant Buddha hiding around the corner in a secluded magical sunbathed grotto. Most inspirational were the wonderful scenes of Vietnamese people going about their business, giving us lip in the markets, and dealing with traffic. The winner on that score was the woman crossing the street in HCM City while about 15 motorbikes, cars, trucks and buses moved abreast in a wave toward her, while she carefully counted a wad of cash, a tiny baby sleeping on her shoulder, not even glancing at the traffic, instead letting it weave its way around her. SO Vietnam. Another favorite moment was when Anh performed a song in the middle of a field, inspired by a flower there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above. Wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is impossible to pick one thing. The sense of achievement that came from mastering (in even the loosest sense of the word) a wide range of new activities was addictive, the fresh clean air was exhilerating and the sense of peace in the surroundings as well as the complete lack of light pollution was completely relaxing. The perfect package.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, helpful, fun. Outstanding

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too many clothes, for the daytime activities everything is provided.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was packed full of great activities which we will never forget. Our first daylight experience of Finland was the Husky Sled experience. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, the dogs amazing and friendly and capped off with hot drinks in a Teepee. This activity blew us away right at the beginning of our holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the leaders at Basecamp Oulanka were superb, accommodating, helpful and friendly. The family group leader Tessa was brilliant with all the children. She managed to support the whole group through new activities while educating us in Finnish traditions. Tessa was always smiling! Our boys loved making an Igloo with her.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was an excellent introduction to winter activities. This holiday was varied, fun-packed and energetic. Our boys (aged 6 and 8) really enjoyed trying new activities and are keen to have another winter holiday!The food was good, and although there were times when we were not keen on the main option - there was plenty of bread and salad, and the kitchen was keen to accommodate and no-one ever went hungry.Basecamp Oulanka was well stocked with equipment and clothing which was accessible throughout. With temperatures reaching minus 29C we were grateful of the quality clothing available. Take swimming costumes to make use of the sauna and the hot tub - a great way to relax before supper!

Most Inspirational Moment

The gently relaxed state induced by walking in the sun high-up in the Atlas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, a credit to the company, ensured all the groups needs were met with care and consideration; shared his lifelong knowledge of the area in a very accessable way and added greatly to our enjoyment, whislt keeping a good pace up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was January so be prepared for coldnights and going to bed early to keep warm, whilst needing a sun hat during the day!

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't know if it is inspirational as such, but amidst the beautiful scenery and exceptionally varied history, the thing which struck me the most was the modern history, particularly the no-man's-land visible in Famagusta. It's a shame that such a beautiful country is tinged with division and sadness, with the ongoing political and diplomatic struggles trapping the local people in the middle. Struggles and change throughout history are evident across the island, showcased by the visits to the castles, mosques, abbeys, monasteries and both ancient and modern ruins, in which the influence of Roman, Crusader, Arab and Turk can be seen. Not to mention the British...The natural landscape of the Karpaz is a fantastic contrast. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roz was friendly, knowledgeable and very funny. I hadn't realised from reading previous reviews that she was British and so I was doubly impressed by her spoken Turkish language skills! She was able to advise on just about everything, including suggesting places to eat and drink and even passing on a list of North Cyprus-related literature for anyone interested in learning a bit more.With her at the head and a great group of fellow travellers, I spent a hearty proportion of every day laughing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Say "yes" to everything! Say yes to the optional day trip to Famagusta, say yes to the evening dinner cruise, say yes to the chance to swim in the sea, say yes to the delicious barbecue...However, in amongst saying "yes" to everything... Consider packing a snack or two (ensuring it is not something that melts) in case the lunch food is not to your taste (it's freshly-prepared local food and I thought it was delicious!). Also, be prepared for a scratch or two on the leg on the forest walk. I loved the walk but some of the shrubs are hardy and unforgiving!The only definite thing which should be remembered? If flying with Pegasus from Stansted via Istanbul to Ercan, take food onto the plane for your journey!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many it's hard to decide. Each day I would wake up knowing I would be experience something new and that's a very cool feeling! The laughter and chat around the campfire. Finally reaching the top of the second highest peak, didn't think I would make it, but a lot of encouragement I did it. Was a good feeling! As soon as Ajthi brought the chocolate out, we knew we would be climbing uphill. Watching the group play cricket with local kids.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajthi was fantastic, he really made the trip for everyone. He had boundless energy and enthusiasm. His knowledge was incredible making this not only a fun trip but absolutely fascinating. I'll never look at tea and spices in the same way!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will not be disappointed. go for the penthouse suite (top tent), as Lady Laura can vouch for it:-) Always have some small change for public loos and tips. Take your own loo roll

Most Inspirational Moment

So many memorable moments but the vibrancy of the Cuban music which emanates from every corner of the island has to be a big plus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mirta, was inspriational and certainly made the trip very special.  She gave us great insight into the life of everyday Cuban people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for long travel days and a packed itinerary, but the many interesting stops make this wonderful tour well worth experiencing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our visit to Che Guevara's mausoleum and memorial site was definitely one of my favourite moments of the trip. The Cubans are rightly proud of their history and heritage, even those who aren't 'culture vultures' will find this place really interesting.I also enjoyed our day trip to Vinales, which is very different to the east of the island (lots of photo opp's of the lush landscape!) and included a surprise boat ride inside one of the caves - wish I'd had an umbrella (only joking) because you get soaked!! Certainly one of my highlights though. And of course Havana....everything you hope the city will be like and more. Our walking tour of the 'old city' was excellent, you get a real feel for a place far more when you're on foot than from taking snaps from a bus window.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mirta (which I've probably spelt wrong, sorry) was great at story telling and gave our group a real insight into what life is currently like for working Cubans, including her views on how tourism has impacted on (and will continue to change) the country. I found her (and our very jovial bus driver Thomas) to be friendly, laid-back, and knowledgable; they also dealt with our myriad 'photo stop' requests (and some random weather issues during long journeys!) with patience and good humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As detailed in the Exodus trip notes, you don't go to Cuba for the cuisine!! Although some places were well-catered and quite forward-thinking in their approach to creative menus, they are few and far between. Also bear in mind that a wide selection of foods are simply unavailable, even to resident Cubans, through no fault of their own. I have to say though that as the only vegetarian in my group (there were around 18 of us), I found the places we stayed over in (and stopped en-route at) to be very accomodating and easy-going towards everyone's food requests. In all honesty, I survived quite happily on fried rice with black beans, cheese sandwiches and cocktails for most of the week!! The fried rice/black bean combo is a staple dish in the Cuban diet, it's cheap and tasty - so you can easily save more of your spending money for shopping/partying :)

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking to a high point in South Georgia and watching this sea of king penguins intertwined with a sea of king penguin chicks was incredible!! So beautiful and such an incredible moment that you are finally here living this trip! Also, seeing a humpback whale emerge from under the boat and seeng its whole body just underneath the surface of the water was the most beautiful experience...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Woody is incredible - very knowledgable, charismatic and has an infectious enthusiasm for everything which just makes it even more exciting!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst it's not the cheapest of trips (it took me years of saving!) - if seeing colder climates, whales, penguins...etc. is your thing - this trip is a must and it is well worth the wait! The beauty of colder climates never ceases to amaze me - especially the colours. Dont think the peninsular is just whte, you will be amazed at the colours you see...Good camera is obviously a must! For the ocean diamond, you need a european two round pin plug. Quark give you a thick waterproof/fleece lined jacket for the zodiac excursions/landings - you don´t need to bring your own equivilant!!! Camera batteries/video camera batteries - buy spare ones - cant emphasise this enough. The cold zaps the battery's life and nothing worse than your camera dying when a penguin chick comes over to inspect your ruksack! Spare batteries - keep them somewhere warm to get the maximum out of them!!! Dry bags for inside the rucksack are a must (spray from zodiacs) and also waterproof covers for cameras - whilst its summer in that side of the world, it's still Antarctica and you can literally get 4 seasons in one day.