Thoughts on Group Leader
Best leader evet
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Simply amazing
Everyone said Costa Rica is amazing. It is. And our guide, Roberto, made it even more amazing. He shared his love for Costa Rica and made sure everyone on our trip had an amazing time. Costa Rica is beautiful… pura vida. This trip encompasses the people, the countryside, the wildlife… and some great biking. Boat trips, tours of national parks, swimming in the Caribbean, lovely accommodation, great food… and the best coffee ever. We loved it. Probably our best bike tour ever. And we were lucky to have a great group. Thank you everyone. And special thanks to Roberto, Walter and Luis.
Maximum Damage Tour
We had an amazing time on this beautiful tour, it was incredibly varied visiting temples, tea plantations, a safari and swam in the Indian Ocean. The hotels ranged from good to fabulous, the food was great (the title of our review comes from the instructions of our tour leader in how to deal with a buffet – one must inflict maximum damage). The support team was excellent and worked really hard to ensure we had a great tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were two of us, so we have two. One was reaching the top of the 20km climb to Nuwar Eliya, which is a really challenging climb on a bike and the other was our visit to Buddhuruwugala where there are several statues of Buddha carved into the rock. Climbing the Lion Rock was also an excellent experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was simply excellent - a hugely experienced tour guide and worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a great trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and its history, and the challenges it currently faces. He dealt with all the issues and it was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip if you have the chance!
Great adventure, fantastic guide
This was an interesting trip with a real chance to understand aspects of the culture and history of the country. Activities were varied. Hotels were generally very good. Would highly recommend him for this award.
Most Inspirational Moment
Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi tunnels, Marble Mountain, small, local cottage industries.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanh Vu in Vietnam was an exceptional leader. He was informative, considerate and attentive. He ensured that the needs of all the group members were met, whether dietary needs or activity preferences. He was always on hand to offer advice and we felt very well cared-for and respected. We were with Theavy in Cambodia for only a short time. She was very knowledgeable about the temples at Angkor Wat. , however, she was not as attentive or readily available to solve problems, i.e. delayed flight home and its impact on taxi arrangements.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of insect repellent for the mosquitos! Although we were advised that it would be cool in the north in January, the temperature was in the low- to mid- 20s. Take US dollars in larger denominations as this will enable you to obtain a better exchange rate with the local currency. Also be warned - in Cambodia, old, dirty or torn dollar notes are not accepted (or some will accept them at a discounted value).
Wonderful Trip
After reading other reviews i had high expectations which were not just met but exceeded on this wonderful trip. The real highlight for me was the stunning range of landscapes along with such fascinating and colourful flora and fauna. I travelled with an excellent group who all seemed to get on so well and who all had that determination and drive to succeed and enjoy this holiday to the fullest possible extent. The cycling is excellent for a “Moderate” trip. It is a busy schedule with 12 consecutive days, usually up early to avoid the worst of the heat and the possible rain showers in the late afternoon. There are some tough climbs but well worth the effort and there’s always the bus to get on when needed. The mileage is ideal and although it may not look too far in the trip notes, there is the heat (well over 30C). I can’t praise our guide Roberto enough along with his team of Walter and Luis. They guided, supported and encouraged us superbly, providing us with excellent information and wonderful refreshments of the finest tasting fresh fruit and snacks at regular intervals. The hotels are all fine, in excellent locations, although a few needing a little attention to repair and maintenance issues. The food is very good throughout. Breakfasts generally fairly basic but some excellent lunches and evening meals in local restaurants and cafes. I left with some wonderful memories of a beautiful country, lovely people and a desire to return some day. We extended our stay in Tamorindo at Cala Luna hotel which was excellent and a hugely enjoyable few days of R & R after the cycling.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling the final 11 miles through beautiful countryside reflecting on just how good this trip had been. I had a real sense of satisfaction and achievement of completing the cycling, tinged with a little regret that we were now, sadly, reaching the end of this memorable trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding! I've been on a number of Exodus trips and generally found the guides to be of a very high standard but Roberto is up there with the very best. He kept us all informed and his support and guidance was always excellent. He ensured we all had anything we needed and had great systems for ensuring we were always focused on simply enjoying our trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware January is very hot, although the cycling is managed accordingly. Bring plenty of sun cream, bug spray and keep hydrated.
Fantastic country and cycle tour.
This was our first group trip and my partner’s first bike touring holiday and it exceeded all our expectations! The trip was a fantastic exploration of Sri Lanka with so many places visited and sights seen. The wildlife was amazing – we saw eagles, fruit bats, peacocks, land and water monitors, mongoose, deer, tortoises, crocodile, elephants and the elusive leopard – what a treat that was! So many different birds. We also visited lots of interesting cultural and historical venues and our guide, Suresh, brought so much of this to life with his in-depth knowledge of the history, culture and wildlife of the country. The cycling was challenging and I was very glad that I had opted for the e-bike as this meant that I could enjoy the whole trip without the anxiety about whether I would be able to keep up with the group. Suresh really made the trip special for us with so many extra touches such as visiting local families, organising group meals and group games, ensuring that our luggage was always in our rooms on arrival and magically collected each morning! The group was fantastic and definitely made the whole experience even better – I hope we will keep in touch!
Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting a local family and visiting their home Seeing Leopards in the wild Having a family dinner served in banana leaves The abundance of wildlife
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was outstanding and for sure has spoilt us for future trips! His passion and enthusiasm for his country, his humour and banter with the group, his organisational skills, his numerous "little extra touches" - all of this meant that the trip was truly stress free and hugely enjoyable. He even arranged our transport for us when we were travelling onward after the trip and checked that we were safely arrived home at the end of our holiday. I cannot imagine how anyone could be better which is a real challenge for the poor leader when we go on another tour!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take sterling cash with you as much easier to change than using card and incurring excessive costs. 3-pin plugs always available so no need for plug adaptors Mosi repellent an absolute must!
Excellent mountain climb experience
Great trip with excellent guide, Lachen, who knows everyone on the mountain. Refuge was good. Sometime even had hot water for quick shower. Food excellent. Good mountaineering experience with crampons and ice axes. Not sketchy enough to require ropes and harnesses.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on the summit of Mt Toubkal!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Organized. Great sense of humor.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get in shape. Climb will test you.
A grand trip with good company
I really enjoyed this trip. In fact I would do it again. The Moroccan Leader (Lahcen) and fellow trekkers were great. We all easily survived everything !. Standard fitness and an open minded attitude are all you need
Most Inspirational Moment
Just being there, with the target of 4167m
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was great. Very focussed and hardworking to make the trip work. Kept an eye on everyone on an individual level. He loves his work and shares his feelings on many topics to educate everyone. He paced the walking so everyone achieved. His deputy guide in the mountains, also called Lahcen, did a grand job making sure we all stayed together and were safe
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bare with me but I hope this may give some insight: Exodus supplied food (with own cook) was really abundant and really nice Moroccan style whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hotel and Gite were grand. Mountain refuge (Mouflon) at 3200m was enjoyed by all on my trip but it had basically minimal to nil hot water in showers plus no hot sink taps. Minimal low wattage lighting so need head torches everywhere. No heating apart from the single eating / lounge room. No drying room. Dormitory bedroom is one big deck rather than separate beds. Extra thick blankets are freely available. Recommend sleep in warm clothes and a 3-4 season sleeping bag. Our Group took large bottles of water from Marrakesh on all the trip so we were self sufficient and purification not required Our group was 3 girls and 7 boys ranging in age from 23 to 69. I consider myself quite leg fit and had trained with weighted rucksack on steep ascents and descents. Overall most physically active folks can easily do this trek without too much effort?. Guides do pace it well. There was not as much snow as I would have expected. Possibly 60% rock, 40% icy snow from 3200m upwards. Crampons worn nearly all of the two summit days. Ski resort in far far distance was closed... Weather was bright, calmish, clear on the 4 days, including trekking up and down to from Lmlil. Pretty breezy on one summit with -20C windchill (that’s cold), next day calmish and forecast said -6C (very pleasant) Summit days, for me was medium weight walking trousers and goretex salopettes. On chest was 2 Helly Hansen type stocking tops under a Buffalo fibre pile/pertex top. Summit strong wind did need a goretex top to stay warm. Beany under helmet kept me warm. Fibre Pile lined gloves with thin liner gloves did work but at times I did get cold fingers. Others seemed fine. I think mitts would be better. Descending a summit you really do warm up, unlike the slow steady going up when you feel comfortable or cool. Ascents largely in the shady side of mountains but descents tend to be in sunshine. Trekking poles on valley paths did not seem necessary for myself, as generally level ground?. Once crampons on, its ice axe in hand, so poles not required Altitude sickness – personally I did not notice anything. However I didn’t sleep well at Lmlil (2000m) and first night at refuge (3200m) but after Mt Toubkal summit I slept like a log, as I did after that. I had trained beforehand walking up and down UK hills but above 3800m my legs did feel quite weary going up and down, which was a surprise, to myself. My fellow colleague’s in the main fared ok with just a few headaches and poorish sleep. A couple, said they did notice more effort to breath but not enough to be concerned. Marakkesh – a lovely diversion at the end. Overall felt safe once embarked out and about, with my colleagues. Locals are nice and easy. Accept that souk sellers and central square entertainers/food merchants are eager for your business but do back down with a decline or laugh it off. How much money is needed- well I spent £280 UK airport to UK airport - trip 4 meals out, trip group tips, trip group water, a tourist taxi tour, couple of local taxis and a bit of souvenir shopping. Two course meals about 200Dh each, taxi from hotel 50Dh, group tips and water 550Dh each, coffee/soft drinks 20Dh each
A must do
I’d looked forward to this trip for such a long time and my expectations were high but these were easily met and far exceeded, what a truly fantastic trip. Each day offered new and enchanting vistas, challenges, tastes, smells, people, temples, wildlife, smiles, colours, sounds, food and spectacles – book up immediately.
Most Inspirational Moment
This is a tricky one, too many moments... the trekking was beautiful and exhilarating at every turn, especially as this was the first trip since the virus outbreak so some trails required a man and a machete - I felt very intrepid. Madurai and it's incredible temple complex was stunning, jostling and serene all at once, the slow churn along the Backwaters a golden treat and the people - so calm, cheerful and welcoming even in the tightest of motoring spots. Ooh and the wild elephants and mongooses, all a bit special really.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were blessed with San (Santosh Kumar) a top leader and top fixer of a man. We never had to ask for anything, he was always 3 steps ahead correctly anticipating and organising everything to make the trip interesting and memorable. He lead us with intelligence, integrity, generosity and good humour, loving to impart his vast knowledge of India and Keralan culture in particular. Plus his use of the English language would put most of us to shame. I must also mention his selection and support of the local guides who were all terrific (carrying and serving our delicious lunches up and down hills each day) and our splendid camping crew and patient, giggly driver Bijou - all a delight
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just to read and re-read all the Exodus blurb and take everything suggested, they know what they're on about. Also why not try to go without paper sometimes, the water method is pretty efficient once you get the hang of it.
Pura Vida! Thinking about it? Book it!
Costa Rica has stunning scenery. The itinerary covers a wide variety of beautiful and diverse landscapes : coastal – Pacific and Caribbean, mountainous (the bus takes you up the big hills so don’t worry), plantations – pineapple, banana, coffee), rain forest. As well as visiting some of the main tourist highlights eg Manuel Antonia NP, the route also includes some less touristy places. I loved cycling through the small, rural communities. Costa Rica is well known for its flora and fauna. This trip doesn’t disappoint in seeing exotic, colourful plants and a range of animals I’ve never seen in the wild, including sloths. At times it feels as if Costa Rica is one giant botanical garden. Eating lunch in local Sodas (family cafes) ,recommended by our guide, Roberto, gave a very authentic Costa Rican experience. The national dish of rice and beans is ubiquitous, but there’s much more on the culinary agenda. We love seafood and there was ample opportunity to eat delicious ceviche, locally caught giant shrimps and fresh fish. Luis, our driver, provided organic fruit at regular intervals during the cycling day. I have never tasted pineapple quite like this – so juicy and sweet! Costa Ricans are generally very friendly and welcoming. Tourism is very important to their economy and you get the feeling they really want you to have an enjoyable experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many great moments. Cycling through rural communities in the middle of the country, enjoying the scenery and exchanging "hola" with the locals felt really good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto is an excellent leader. He is warm, friendly, fun and very efficient. His briefings are very clear - he uses WhatsApp to communicate details of the day on the evening before the cycling and then verbally explains things each morning before you set off . Each day he put an elevation plot for the route on the side of the bus. This has planned stops marked. I loved this as I knew where I'd have to put a bit of hard work into the pedalling. Everything went very smoothly but this is because he has everything so well organised and anticipates your needs in advance of you realising. Nothing was too much trouble. He has excellent knowledge of the country and imparts this is an interesting way. He's a real ambassador for Costa Rica. Gracias, Roberto!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You'll get hot at times cycling so will need to do some laundry: After 1 week there are laundry facilities at the hotel. Use this - they charge by the kg , not per item. It's good value. Take a plug for the sink as there aren't any in most hotels Don't attempt to wash clothes in a hotel which hasn't got air conditioning, it won't dry overnight (NB most hotels do have air conditioning)
A great county to visit
The itinerary was good and varied. The sites visited are interesting and fun, my favourites was Saigon as there was so much to see and do followed very closely by Hoi An which was a really great riverside town full of many restaurants shops and market stalls. plus you could get clothes made to measure within 24 hours,,, Flights to Vietnam there and back are long haul flights involving stop overs on the flights so be prepared for sometimes long waits inbetween planes This is a great trip so much so that i have now been there with Exodus twice
Most Inspirational Moment
Marble Mountain was mentioned by many on the trip as an unforgettable place to visit with great views and caves. For the less willing there is a lift plus stairs and for the more able you can walk all the way to the top.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide, Tuyen was a really likeable guy who was always willing and helpful. He took care of all requests however trivial and tried very hard to ensure all guest were comfortable and had what they needed. If people wanted to explore sites on their own he ensured they knew when and where to meet up afterwards. He looked after the group very well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes, you do need a modicum of fitness to do this tour but not so much as you might fear. There were all ages in the group and everyone always found a way, even me! Clothing ? travel light and if you do find yourself needing an item of clothing, don't overpack your suitcase! prices in Vietnam are very very affordable