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 January 2013

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

Fantastic, Fabulous and Fun! This trip was the perfect combination of adventure, new experiences, brilliant walks and serious chilling on the backwaters!

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

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

An excellent trip giving a full flavour of this diverse and beautiful island. We experienced Cuba at a turning point in it’s social and politcal history.

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.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

A brilliant itinerary, which covers many highlights of this fascinating country. If you’re short on time but want an authentic experience of Cuba, this trip ticks all the boxes.

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 :)

Reviewed January 2013

ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA

The trip was wonderfully organised, good mix of landings and zodiac excurions. On the sea days, it was hard to be bored in between yoga sessions, penguin lectures and the entertainment. Visiting Antarctica, The Falklands and South georgia was a humbling experience… Rolling mountains, hearing the roar of avalanche, watching whales swim past the boat, watching elephant seals inspect you as you walk past them – you have the opportunity to be right there, visiting and co-existing with penguins and seals rather than observing them from afar…

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.

Reviewed January 2013

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A fantastic week combining fabulous scenery, a warm and welcoming hotel and a well-led introduction to cross country skiing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting outside in the January sun with a hot chocolate, a wonderful view of the Dolomites and the company of a great group of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy was an excellent leader. He coped well with a group having a wide range of abilities, providing the right levels of encouragement and support to everyone. His friendliness and sense of humour helped to make the week a success as a social experience as well as a cross country skiing experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take some ibuprofen for the inevitable aches and pains you will experience on a cross country skiing holiday. They are very expensive in Italy as one of our party found to her cost!

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA

My fourth Exodus cycling holiday and it was by far the best. Well organised, great people, great locations, good choices of restaurants, fantastic scenery – volcanoes, rain forests, lakes and carribean islands – and the weather was more than kind to us! All three countries were different and special in their own way but Costa Rica was by far the highlight!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose from....The trip to the top of the Masaya volcano and seeing inside the crater (thankfully the wind was blowing away from us so we didn't get engulfed by the smelly gases).The 2 hour river rafting trip where we saw everything from iguanas, crocodiles, snakes, monkeys and all kinds of exotic birds.Cycling from the most beautiful resort of Mystica through the rain forests, along Lake Arenal seeing Monkeys in the trees at the side of the road and a Coati strolling around in front of us without a care in the world.Having a beer in the hot springs (everyone else had the best pina colada's apparently!). Our guide spotting a very well camouflaged sloth in a tree...and there after a few more sloths spotted!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was excellent. He was faced with a few challenges throughout the trip, in particular and issue with a boat trip and the Nicaragua/Costa Rica border crossing, which he dealt with as well as he could do - sheer tenacity and a very dry sense of humour seemed to serve him well! He was very conscientious, regularly checking how everyone was and if they were having a good time. His knowledge of all the areas was fantastic and he talked us through our routes, showing us detailed maps every day we cycled. The whole team was extremely helpful, good humoured and very organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are two or three opportunities to do laundry, the main one being in La Fortuna where you stay for two days. The laundry service is quick and cheap. Make sure you get some hill training in, you can be extremely fit but still struggle if you aren't bike fit (spinning classes help if you haven't got any big hills near you). Take plenty of insect repellent...they are everywhere!Finally, the only downside to this trip was the border crossing between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It took us 7 hours. The group were all very patient and Kevin managed everyone's expectations very well. We all soon forgot about this little blip the following day when we floated down the river for two hours spotting wildlife!

Reviewed January 2013

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Wonderful trip. Well worth the effort despite some stressful moments in the beginning. Antarctica is a very special place. Cannot be compared to any other travel experience. So glad I went. Would have given 5 stars but for my experiences prior to and at the beginning of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Penguins. Waking up after a night in the snow to see a Penguin looking at me. Seeing a Whales head surface near our Zodiac. The sheer pristine beauty of the place. The "blue icebergs" and the stillness. Nature at its purest and most unspoilt. The wonderful staff. The professional photographers and the interesting lectures. The memory stick of the trip, including photos was a great momento.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kim Christie. I did not know she was on the trip until a few days into the trip despite exchanging emails prior to the trip. Could have done with her help in Ushuaia (see "Anything you want to add").

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wish I'd taken a hat with ear flaps and an inbetween coat. Sometimes my triple goose down parka was a bit too warm (it can get quite warm in the sun when worn together with the waterproof outer gear) and my thin jacket (for the BA sun) was not warm enough for Ushuaia. The thin inner finger gloves are very useful when taking photos. Thermals are a must. Layers of thin polo necks best. Tee shirt OK in ship but need warm coat for deck. No special shoes/boots required. Rent wellington boots, waterproof jacket and trousers on ship. Travel light. Take lots of film and extra batteries.Worst airport (BA to Ushuaia) experience I've ever had (and I've done a lot of travelling). Long queues. Very few of the staff speak English. Chaos. So nearly missed flight. Met quite a few other people who had a similar experience. Get to the airport early. Coming back was better. Nice little airport at Ushuaia.

Reviewed January 2013

ATLAS PANORAMA

Very well organised trip. Complete confidence in Hassan our guide who was very knowledgeable and good fun. Good range in our group who all gelled very well. Beautiful scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the culture from Hassan and meeting the Berber people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant guide, worked hard for us but was also good fun. Very professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about taking lots of snacks the food is excellent and plentiful and vegetarians are catered for.

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLING VIETNAM

A trip that exceeded all expectations. A fantastic country with friendly people, stunning views, great food and a big smile. Just go see it for yourself!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moments would have to be the long descent, nearly an hour descending at speed with twisting bends and stunning scenery all around. Waterfalls, clear skies, greenery all around but dont take your eyes off that road for too long. This is a country with a photo opportunity every where you look, be it in the city, on the road, in the mountains, along the coast, or just the presentation of the food!Be prepared to be treated like a celebrity with all the local children running out of their homes shouting hello at the top of their voice, waving and giving you a high five as you ride by. Awesome

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam.Fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble, everything was organised down to a tee he even manged to make it rain for a day whilst we were there, although we alll agreed we had enough after a few hours. He never stopped smiling was very helpul, answered questions, knew so much about his country a great cyclist and a good sense of humour. Superb guy all round and so were the rest of the crew including Mr Tam the mechanic who never stopped smiling and was quick as a flash going up those hills!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The best advice i could give is padded shorts, an absolute must. Some chamois cream and taking your own saddle would also be a good shout too. Be prepared to have a great time, take plenty of photos and dont stop smiling. Temperaures were hot and sticky in the south and on the roads, but a little cooler in the north especially in Hanoi. So long sleeve tops and trousers would be a good idea. A camel back would be sensible but not essential i also think some sort of trainng would be a good idea. Dont just turn up thinking you can do it on a whim if you havent put in the effort or are not fit enough. The heat does take it out of you but you do acclimatise and the lengths of the rides start off short and gradually get longer.

Reviewed January 2013

ANDES TO AMAZON

A great holiday with such variety – should appeal to both those who enjoy the natural world and culture vultures.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's the most beautiful country we have ever visited and it is not without variety, even within the highland areas. We loved the climb to 5000m up Chimborazo. As a contrast the Amazonian jungle was informative, thrilling and fun. The colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca are beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic guide. Really well informed. Never reluctant to answer any questions. Patient, relaxed, fun and with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need a case that you can easily carry over your shoulder for the jungle - you can't use a suitcase with wheels. Alternatively take an additional bag sufficient for stuff for 2 nights not forgetting that you will get very sweaty in the high humidity. You will wear wellingtons (provided) in the jungle so make sure you have the right socks. A head torch is essential and a lighter would be useful as you need to light candles (no electricity in the rooms) and the matches were always damp.Be aware that you will spend as much time travelling as you will on actitivities but this is necessary to see as much and to do as much as there is on this wonderful holiday.

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