Thoughts on Group Leader
good
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
factual
the trip was as advertised
Stunning cherry blossom
I enjoyed my trip. I had not considered the impact of the trip relying on public transport. Also, there were fewer opportunities to eat dinner as a group with the leader which I suspect reflects how busy it is in Japan. On previous trips with Exodus, I have particularly enjoyed learning about the local way of life from a local guide but realistically on this mode of transport there was very little opportunity to have that insight even if the guide had been local.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cherry blossom at Kamakura
Thoughts on Group Leader
Charles was an adequate tour leader. I do feel that leading a group using public transport in a very busy country is very challenging.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I feel there is a real need to ensure that wifi connection is available to access Google maps. I did not anticipate how much free time there would be; Google maps is really essential. Research and booking of activities before leaving for the trip would ensure best use of free time. There was no option to go to a tea ceremony as advised in the trip notes. There were other activities which perhaps could be shared e.g. team labs.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for sharing your feedback on your recent trip to Japan. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your time, but we also acknowledge the areas where your experience didn’t fully meet expectations.
While the use of public transport is the most efficient way to navigate the country, we understand the challenges associated with relying on public transport, especially during peak travel seasons in Japan and while it offers a glimpse into daily life, it can sometimes limit opportunities for in-depth cultural interactions. We have recently taken steps to address these concerns by reducing group sizes and revisiting some logistical aspects of the itinerary to make the experience more comfortable and enriching for our travellers.
With regards to the free time, we’ve received similar feedback earlier this year regarding the need for more detailed suggestions in the trip notes for free days. In response, we’ve worked closely with our local team to enhance our day-to-day itinerary descriptions. We’ve now added many more suggestions and details to help you make the most of your free time, with activities that are both realistic in terms of timing and availability.
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve, and we hope these changes will enhance the experience for future travellers. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!
A great week
Varied walking in mountainous and coastal scenery. Good to have the opportunity for city viewing in Palma and Soller. Some rocky descents which were quite challenging as required a lot of concentration.
Most Inspirational Moment
The windy summit on the final day's walk
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jacob was efficient and organised.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Boots with a good ankle support , I think, are essential. A pole helps with the descents which, especially on the 2nd day , were quite long and a bit arduous . They demanded a lot of concentration so watching your feet rather than the view was required. Not many wild flowers to see on this 1st Easter departure date but a good temperature for walking. The wooded sections would provide much needed shade later into the early summer.
included more than title suggests - one of the reasons we chose it - but title sums the trip up adequately
Excellent trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to rank such diverse and excellent experiences
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - very enthusiastic and knowledgeable
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a need to be interested in the Ancient Greece (as the title suggests) but there is also a reasonable about of 'free time' for individual exploration. Really good trip.
An outstanding experience
This proved to be a memorable trip, for all the right reasons! The wildlife is extraordinary. Point a camera in any direction and you will capture something wonderful, including sloths, toucans, quetzals, crocodiles and frogs. The itinerary gives a true taste Costa Rica’s varied terrain, weather and eco-systems. The accommodations are excellent, not because they are luxurious, but because they are clean, safe, comfortable and most importantly, in excellent locations. We were also very well looked after by our exceptional guide, Johnny and bus driver, Randall, both of whom had a smile on their face and a twinkle in their eye.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention but watching a keel-billed toucan taking berries from a tree in the grounds of Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero National Park was pretty special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our trip was made all the more memorable by our guide, Johnny Villalobos. His knowledge and expertise was exceptional and his love of wildlife and his country shone through. He offered us additional optional activities (including early morning walks) during which we enjoyed some of our most memorable wildlife spotting experiences. He also organised special events (blowing up balloons in the middle of the rainforest for one person's birthday and organising a lovely dinner at a local restaurant for our anniversary). He had a great sense of humour while remaining entirely professional throughout. Overall, Johnny was a great ambassador for Costa Rica and Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack for varied weather conditions - from hot and humid to cool and fresh. We were lucky and didn't see too much rain but be prepared for it at any time. Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are fine but no flip-flops! Definitely no need for heavy walking boots which I took and regretted. Costa Rica is relatively expensive for food and drink (think English/American prices) and while we took local currency (colones), US dollars are accepted everywhere as are debit/credit cards. As regards food, be prepared for large (albeit plain) portions! Where food is not included you tend to have plenty of choice in terms of restaurants. As regards included meals, we were surprised to find that we were offered three-course set meals for lunch and dinner in the middle of the rain forest (Esquinas Lodge) and a la carte dining at Savegre Hotel & Spa.
Lovely country and great tour
I really enjoyed my visit to South Korea, and the tour covered everything that I wanted to see.
Most Inspirational Moment
This tour coincided with the cherry blossom festival, and it was nice to walk round the lake at night with the trees lit up (in Gyeongju), and also in the morning after breakfast, with classical music being piped though speakers (I reckon that would be the same at any time of year, not just during cherry blossom season). Hainsa Templestay was also a nice experience. But it was all good!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michelle Kim was a great guide. She managed the group well, and took those of us who wanted suggestions to a lot of really good local restaurants, that we probably wouldnt have used by ourselves, and we definitely tried a lot of different types of meals available in Korea (and at a better price than more tourist oriented venues). All information provided was interesting and useful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I found the Naver app very useful for finding my way around Seoul. I spent several extra days in Seoul before and after, there was lots to see, and I wanted to do more hiking. I did a lot of walking around the mountains and city wall trails around Seoul, all well signposted, and well maintained toilets everywhere too. Recommend Ansan, Ingwansan and Naksan trails. In Seoul - National Museum of Korea is definitely worth a visit. Also in Seoul I would recommend the K-medi Center, not so much for the museum, which is mostly in Korean, but for the very cheap footbath and massage experiences. The whole country feels very safe, including Seoul, day and night. My only warning would be that, certainly when I was there (Spring), the air quality in Seoul wasnt great, so if you have any respiratory conditions, you may not want to spend extra time there. Anywhere outside of Seoul was fine for air quality. I heard good things about Jeju Island, so you may want to take a side trip there, as that is not on the itinerary. The temple stay is pretty comfortable and warm (twin rooms not dorms), so dont worry about that, and the getting up early is optional - I did it, and it was a nice experience. Couples are allowed to stay togther. Extra spending money - the trip notes suggestions are a bit on the high side for lunches and dinners, unless you are going to do the tourist set menus rather than the more local options.
Walking in Andalusia
Lovely trip – great walking combined with fascinating landscape, wildlife, history and geology. Very varied, from rugged Rocky Mountains to verdant forests and the city of Seville with a super bunch of people.
Most Inspirational Moment
Funnily enough, the first days walking in atrocious weather ( I thought we were still in England!) where we nearly made it up the first mountain but had to abort not far from the summit - a very sensible decision from Mike - which we all agreed with.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Superb. Mike/Miguel was a very passionate and committed leader. Always eager to help and make our trip as fab as possible. Extremely knowledgeable on Andalusian wildlife, culture, history and geology.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on this trip!
Globally good holiday
Generally a good time but some niggles. Very good walks with spectacular views, but which could be physically challenging.
Most Inspirational Moment
The walks to the top of the Vesuvio and Pompeii were awe inspiring, and both guides were excellent.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was all right, but from what we gathered from other groups, we seem to have got a more basic service. I didn't have the impression from his responses to my questions that he was terribly interested in sharing the local culture that much. Also, we were a mixed group (not a problem and we all got on very well), with a wide range of ages (from mid 20s to mid 60s) and a wide range of abilities. Some of us were slower than others during the walks. And the biggest issue was that our leader seemed to be happier to spend his time at the front with the fatest ones, leaving the slowest ones at the back, on their own. Which could have been dangerous in particular with the uneven terrain we were going through. As we were 2 walking groups I am a bit puzzled as to why a test walk wasn't done at the beginning, and groups rescheffuled according to abilities.
Advice for Potential Travellers
To come physically very well prepared. Attendees will be requested virtually straightaway to walk several hours, on uneven terrain, through 600 to 800 m elevations. These are not moderate walks for your average sedentary customer. And even for the reasonably prepared, 2 hours of going down uneven steps can leave your legs shaking and your calves sore for a few days!
An incredible experience
The trip was packed full of wonderful and exciting experiences. The itinerary was terrific and we saw so much that was incredible and beautiful, with masses of photograph opportunities.
Most Inspirational Moment
The beauty of the rain forest cannot be described and has to be experienced.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Glenda was outstanding from start to finish - a superb guide. Her in-depth knowledge of birds, plants and animals really enhanced our trip. We really enjoyed her company and her sense of humour, as did the whole group. She was always organised and made sure that everyone knew exactly what was happening and at what times. Quite honestly, there is nothing she could have done better; she was wonderful. Our driver Charlie was great too and looked after us (and our luggage) really well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare to change your clothes on a regular basis as it can be extremely hot and humid and pack with this in mind. Sunscreen and insect repellent is an absolute must and it might be handy to take insect bite cream too. Costa Rica is a little expensive but most places accepted payment by cards so having a lot of cash isn't necessary. We found that the prices for gifts varied enormously from place to place, but the Central Market in San Jose was really good. Prices were much lower, cards were accepted and there was a lot of choice. It is a fun and friendly market; we felt very welcome and safe and bought some lovely things.
Excellent tour and guide
A fantastic trip expertly lead by Michelle Kim
Most Inspirational Moment
A night at Haeinsa Temple
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michelle Kim was a fantastic guide. She introduced us to every aspect of her country. She was so generous with her time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book extra time in Seoul as there is lots to see. It is so safe, public transport is great and the people are so kind.