Reviews

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

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14294 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed February 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was our first lengthy cycling trip and it has inspired us to book another next year. The long distances, level of difficulty and heat were perfectly manageable ( my husband and I are reasonably fit leisure cyclists in our early 60s ). I did decide however to walk rather than ride up the 37 hairpin bends which was no problem. Everyone was buoyed along by the great group camaraderie and the prospect of a shower and good meal at the end of the day. In my opinion this is the perfect way to see parts of India not on the normal tourist trail. Highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

The houseboat was unforgettable - like something out of the days of the Raj. The visit to the orphanage was sobering and inspiring - wonderful work being achieved . We were lucky to meet the remarkable Swiss lady who has spent her life raising funds to keep the place going.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was competent, professional and always attentive to the group's needs and diverse requestsAbi with his ready smile was always there to give support , checking the bikes daily and ensuring we had a good supply of water.Vipin did a great job shepherding the stragglers. We always felt we were in safe hands.It was also very thoughtful of the team to arrange a surprise cake and poppers for me on my birthday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a plentiful supply of pens to give to the many children who greet you along the route. They love them !Take a can of insect spray to blast your room before bedtime . Some hotels provided smoke coils , nets and socket inserts , but not all. In Ooty take the opportunity to travel by train on the small gauge rail from Coonoor ( as featured on a BBC programme about the old steam engines of southern India). Also an evening at the Kathakali theatre in Cochin is fascinating ( booking made with proprietor of Ann's Residence ).

Reviewed February 2013

SNOWSHOEING IN FINLAND

superb holiday. Fantastic scenery, lots of well organised, enjoyable activities, good accomodation, great leader, loads of good food 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery was really fantastic but the enthusiasm of our leader was probably the most inspiring aspect of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

she was really good. Friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, cheery and chatty.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try everything on offer. We tried snow mobiling, husky sledging, x country skiing and ice climbing and would recommend them all.

Reviewed February 2013

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

A great winter sunshine destination for some energetic hiking in the limestone mountains of the Costa Blanca, with an excellent Spanish local guide and fellow like minded friendly companions.

Most Inspirational Moment

First day ( Sunday pm ) of arrival walking around El Castell de Guadalest after tapas, close our first hotel and seeing the landscape of walks ahead, and feeling the warm sun after the wet, wintry and cold of the UK. Mid week walk from Benimantell guesthouse to next stay at Sella, and walking over Aitana, 1558 m , highest point of the week, and walking through a gap in the rocks from one valley to the other.Walk up Puig Campana 1408m , mountain that backdrops Benidorm, challenging , would class as the C walk, rest all B, was windy on our day, but dry and sunny, did not quite make the top due to conditions, zig zagging up scree slope challenging but expertly lead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel an excellent guide , locally based in Sella, with a great backup team of local drivers, all working in the local community of Sella, your base for second half of week. Spoke excellent English, knows the area very well, excellent mountain guide, discussed topics of interest along the way, regularly checked group for level of happiness, made some warping 3 layered sandwiches for the lunches. Helps with the options for your free day. A TV star as was shown a DVD of him with Cameron McNeish in the area for a BBC TV Adventure programme. A big plus for this tour, being lead by a local man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ideal for regular hikers, anyone who can do Snowdon will find it ok. Definitely bring a walking pole or 2. And drinking water bottles, thirsty work in the warm sun. The almond blossom week went on added some pretty colour to the arid landscape.Free day options , I went to the coast, beautiful sandy bay of a Spanish resort of La Villa Joyiasa, colourful houses, quieter resort certainly in early Feb; train from here could take you to Alicante , or Benidorm ( if like skyscrapers on a sandy bay), or further up to Altea or Javea if time allows, I was happy just to stay and chill in the sun after the strains of hiking.

Reviewed February 2013

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

A great trip, particularly if you are a bird watcher or photographer. We saw most of this facinating country from the coasts to the cloud forests so plenty of variety and also lots of free time to do optional activities or just chill out by the pool. All the hotels are really nice – look out for the ‘bath towel art’ made by the chambermaids at most of them.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hot springs at La Fortuna - what's not to like about an evening in a hot bath with a cocktail. Also the night walks when you can see some of Costa Rica's smallest and more poisonous inhabitants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader - Allan - was absolutely great. Not only the most organised leader ever but also has fantastic knowledge of his countries history and nature. Also must mention Heraldo, our bus driver. he was a fantastic driver and a real laugh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Costa Rica isn't a cheap place - be prepared to get your credit card out if you want to do the optional activities. If you are a photographer take your longest lens for the birds as they are often a long way away. Other essentials are binoculars/telescope, waterproofs and a decent torch ( so you don't tread on anything on the way back to your room!)

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

A really great trip with a really nice group and a total star in Suresh ‘the big Sri Lankan’ and his team. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island and the cycle route and places of interest visited was a great way to see the country and get a real feel for the people.

Most Inspirational Moment

A combination of a great guide and team, a really nice group, amazing wildlife and World Heritage Sites makes this tricky.....however the multi religious site at Katamgara was pretty insprational as was the Dambulla Cave Temple!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was a total star! Nothing was too much trouble, he was supportive, knowledgable and made the holiday that bit special. Even the elephant jokes were in the best spirit of the holiday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and enjoy! However, the time of year we went (January/February) means this will be challenging for some because of the heat and humidity. You do need a good level of fitness for the more challenging rides (or ride in the bus!).

Anonymous .

Reviewed February 2013

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Wonderful trip – from the Masai Mara to the Gorillas in Rwanda. Often and his crew couldn't have been more helpful and informative – and I travelled with a really nice group of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of inspirational moments: Wildlife - lots of it including lions, white and black rhino, elephants, hippos, zebra, wild dogs, warthogs and of course the mountain gorillas - haven't seen leopard but a good excuse to come back!New experiences - have never travelled in a balloon before or jet boated - really enjoyed both experiences.Orphange in Uganda - Led by someone (Duncan) who was sponsored himself and wants to give others the same chance he had - on school number 2 but already has aspirations for a third if he can raise enough money.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I read the previous reviews about Often - and was so pleased to find out he was leading our group - and he definately lived up to and surpassed all expectations. The whole crew - Often, George, Peter and Onasemus all worked together really well and helped each other when needed. I enjoyed helping out as it gave me the opportunity to find out more about their lives. They all worked so hard - rarely having any time off in the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you usually rely on internet cafes to communicate with home they are few and far between. Although it's voluntary, I enjoyed helping put up tents, chopping veg and helping with the washing up (flapping the plates dry) - give it a go - definately helps with the team spirit!!

Reviewed February 2013

CUBAN HIGHLIGHTS RIDE

A wonderful trip: varied, well organised, challenging and relaxing.

Most Inspirational Moment

many highlights:cycling though the countryside and in the rolling hillsmeeting lots of very friendly, honest and lively Cubansthe bustle and beauty of Trinadad and Havana strolling, eating and drinking in the evenings and at night swimming and snorkelling in the Caribbean a great group

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was very helpful, knowledgeable and passionate. Always very responsive to requests and feedback.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm glad I took my saddle, and saddle bag, as it meant I did not need anything on my back.If you have clip-on pedals and shoes then bring them- they helped on the hills, especially on the "moderate" last 8k climb! Bring sweets and snacks for the rides, and then give them away to kids at the end.I took unused soap and shampoo from hotels to give to people- much appreciated.

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

My 4th cycling trip, and by far the most enjoyable. Stunning scenery, wonderful food, long distances big hills.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Elephant Orphanage was a very moving experience. Some are victims of the War in Sri Lanka, and are not able to go back to the wild. I was dubious as I do not approve of caged animals, but these elephants are free.Cycling to the top of Nuwar Eliya. It was the hardest climb I have ever done, and seriously hurty.. Cycling 102KM, the last 6 in a torrential downpour

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh, the group leader was amazing. He has a very smooth operation going, the trip runs like clockwork. He would organise wake up calls for each room, and would give detailed description of the day and the next section. He was super efficient and took all of the organisational stress out of the trip. He also has a very big heart, and made a very big effort at the end of the trip; there had been 3 birthdays, suresh organised a group cake for the 13 that had not had one. He had an incredible support team also, all very good humoured and very willing to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This has to be on your tick list of "must do" trips. The fitter you are before you go the more enjoyable you will find it. Develop a love / tolerance of curry before you go.

Reviewed February 2013

TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

An absolutely brilliant three weeks in the most wonderful country. Everything as described in the trip notes, and more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to decide, but some of the highlights were the trip up to Abel Tasman NP, including camping on the beach - watching the sun set across the water, then seeing the southern night sky in all its glory; the helicopter flight in Mt Aspiring NP and the next day a very welcome lift back down the final stretch of river by jet boat, after a 7 hour hike; the stupendous scenery around Mt Cook; and paragliding from 1400m up in Queenstown. And not forgetting rainforests, thermal springs, kiwis, active volcanoes, glaciers and fjords...

Thoughts on Group Leader

On North Island leader Kath - what a character! Really knowledgeable and upbeat even in the face of 50mph winds, hail, sleet and snow on the Tongariro crossing.Chris - great guy too. Arranged for the sun to shine the entire two weeks on South Island and even managed to produce home made scones when we arrived!

Advice for Potential Travellers

UK citizens need an ESTA visa if transitting via the US (return flight was via Los Angeles) - the Exodus office didn't know this for sure. Anyway it's easy to obtain online - I did it while in NZ.The weather in NZ (see earlier comment above) really can be "all four seasons in a day" - temperatures we encountered varied from freezing to 30 degrees - pack accordingly but try to travel as light as possible as you'll constantly be packing and repacking.

Reviewed February 2013

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Our trip to the Antarctic Peninsula was simply 'mind-blowing'

Most Inspirational Moment

Any description of Antarctica is always full of 'expletives'. Quite honestly where do you start? Its awesome, pristine, 'bigger' than you can imagine. The glaciers and the thickness of the snow cover was simply mind boggling. Listening to the occasional 'calving' glacier making a noise like 'gun fire' sometimes startled you as often it happened some distance away without you actually seeing the event itself. The clearness and crispness of the air was an absolute tonic. The penguin colonies ('rookeries') were simply amazing. You read about how close you can get to the wildlife there but it was quite suprising actually how close you could get to them. They were seemingly oblivious to the presence of man and therefore we were able to study their natural behaviour. It was a very humbling experience indeed and you felt 'at one' with nature, a part of the whole. Someone said to me back home before we left 'Why go there won't a photograph of a particular animal or bird have the same effect? Well you just have to visit a penguin rookery or a seal haul-out to experience the unforgettable sights sounds and oh yes -'odour' like no other and the adventure of course of actually making landfall on the most remote and pristine continent on Earth. You don't get that experience from photographs! It is such an exciting feeling when you actually set foot on the continent itself.Describing a specific inspirational moment is impossible as you have to think about the whole picture. The landscape, the glaciers, the wildlife, the silence, the light, the people. There is no experience quite like it on our planet. It was one 'big adventure' from start to finish!

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the 'One Ocean' guides were good. They were knowlegable, skillful, caring and considerate at all times. The expedition team leader was Chad who was exceptional I have to add. His cool, calm quiet leadership made such a difference to the trip I'm sure. We all felt very safe in his capable hands. We have nothing but praise too for the ship's Captain and crew. They worked efficiently, quietly and discreetly in the background.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most trips to the Antarctic Peninsula start at Ushuaia in Southern Patagonia. They call it 'The end of the World' but don't be put off by that rather deceiving descriptive! Its a city with a population of 70,000 to 80,000 people so its quite substantial. It is very much a 'frontier' town much like Jenneau in Alaska if you have been there. It is quite vibrant and I would suggest spending a few days there before (or even after) your cruise to explore the area such as taking a boat trip into the Beagle Channel or a trip to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Maybe the best way to do this might be to hire a car but our trips were organised. What clothing to take with you will probably take up much of your time in planning beforehand! But make sure you take enough base layers with you and warm and 'waterproof' gloves. The expedition ship we went on namely the 'Akademic Ioffe' provided waterproofs and gum boots which you keep for the duration of the voyage and 'wash down' after each shore visit. Do wear good footwear on deck ie- 'hiking boots' as it can get slippy and you don't want to be breaking any limbs when you are out there! Its even more important to wear good footwear if you hit foul weather in the Drake Passage and a unexpected wave can cause a sudden jolt which may cause you to lose your balance. The golden rule then of course is 'keep one hand for the ship'! We took warm quilted coats with us which were not waterproof. They are fine but bulky to pack. If you have taken sufficient base layers with you then the kit the ship supplies may be sufficient for you. We went in January and it wasn't incredibly cold out there in fact it was colder in the UK when we got back! Don't forget the 'sun block' and UV protection sunglasses. Make sure you take 'plenty' of memory cards for your cameras!

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