Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
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14318 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Rob S
Reviewed February 2023
'Vietnam Adventure' Says It All
A really fantastic insight into past and present life in Vietnam. The two week trip is packed full. Sights include temples, pagodas, paddy fields, caves, rivers, beautiful lanterns, war tunnels, war museums and spectacular sea views. Activities include walking, cycling, an overnight train journey, ferry rides, boat trips, including an overnight stay in a cabin, another night at a family Homestay; active participation in demonstrations of making reed mats, rice wine, rice noodles, coconut candy and incense sticks. The sheer volume of traffic and numbers of motorbikes all constantly sounding their horns whilst weaving around each other has to be seen to be believed, yet they are driven in a very non aggressive manner and somehow manage to avoid collisions. Bartering for holiday momentoes is great fun and the food variety is enormous and delicious with something for everyone. (You might well give sticky rice and noodles a miss for a few weeks once you return home!) So much more I could include, but go and find out for yourself, you won’t regret it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Very difficult to answer, but the sheer beauty of Halong Bay takes some beating, but I also loved all the activities involving the Vietnamese communities and witnessing their lifestyles. Cycling and boat trips on the Mekomg Delta River were fantastic experiences too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
BAC (BB) is a top man! His enthusiasm, vast knowledge, professionalism, humility, sense of humour and advice was first rate. Everything he organised ran smoothly, from minibuses turning up on time, to never having to queue for entrance tickets at venues. Every restaurant he took us too was a resounding success. As a group we all gelled really well and were privileged to have him as our leader. BB is a true credit to Exodus and his country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be assertive and purposeful when crossing the road, or you will wait forever, as nobody will ever stop for you!
Stephen Mardon
Reviewed February 2023
Vietnam by bike - January 2023
This was a holiday that had been on my bucket list for a number of years. a major attraction being the chance to explore parts of the country by bike.
Most Inspirational Moment
Where does one begin? The satisfaction of all 18 of us completing the 100k day; a first for our group leader The tropical island stay on Whale Island Hoi An, my favourite of the places we visited Struggling my way to the top of the Hai Van pass
Thoughts on Group Leader
Loc Phan was instrumental in the success of the holiday. From the outset he was enthusiastic and positive in his approach, communicating clearly as to what was planned for the day ahead, as well as explaining his country's history, geography and the landscapes we passed through. Organisation was excellent throughout and individual requests accommodated so that everyone enjoyed the experience. I cannot praise him and the members of the support team highly enough.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not underestimate the challenge of the cycling on this holiday if you are an occasional cyclist. Due to a variety of factors (weather; road conditions) I had been unable to do any road cycling in advance, although I had done a lot of indoor cycling classes in the lead up to the holiday. I was really challenged by the amount of cycling, particularly the succession of longer rides in what at times was adverse conditions (strong head winds). Having done another Exodus cycling in a similar category I found this one much tougher. Days are long with 6am breakfasts and leaving the hotel around 7am. There are several long transfers so we usually didn't arrive in our hotel until after 6pm, and didn't have much time for exploring. There is one opportunity for laundry, the 2 night stay in Hoi An, so be prepared to wash your cycling kit.
Wendy Hamlet
Reviewed February 2023
Costa Rica Cycle
We have just returned from an excellent holiday in Costa Rica. It exceeded our expectations. The country is beautiful and the variety of wildlife is stunning. We cycled 325 miles averaging 30 miles a day. The first few days is on quite busy roads but you get used to that. Later in the trip we were on quieter roads and enjoyed being off the tourist trail. Each day had special interest whether it was a national park walk, boat ride or a visit to a coffee plantation.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the variety of animals and birds-especially the sloths! From a bike you see and hear so much more than in a vehicle.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Roberto was well organised, had a good sense of humour and obviously loves his country. He gave us daily information in the form of laminated sheets with the day's gradients for the cycle as well as clear descriptions of the route using a map. The stopping points were indicated and he was good at anticipating our questions. Every day he made a great little video of our activities which went on the group shared WhatsApp. He was patient and courteous at all times which is not easy with a group of this size. Roberto cycled with the group and always made sure we were aware of any hazards along the route. His English is excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was hotter and more humid than we expected so take a few changes of cycling gear as washing did not dry by the next morning.
Kate Eberhardt
Reviewed February 2023
Absolutely Amazing!!!
This was my favorite trip among the dozens of trips I have taken with various tour companies. Our host Lars was amazing – he deeply cares about the environment and is extremely knowledgeable about nature and history and full of patience for those of us that aren’t as skilled as others on forest skis or snowshoes. Coming from a warm climate, I was a tad concerned about getting cold but the winter clothes they provided kept me nice and warm even when it got down to -30C (admittedly I did wear 2 levels of thermals underneath). The accommodations were delightful – cozy cabins, great food, toasty sauna. The beauty of this area is hard to describe – one of my fellow group members said it reminded her of Narnia, which seems about right. The air was so clean. The vibe was always so calm. I came home feeling so rested while also knowing I got my share of exercise. For me, the exercise level was perfect. I am not at my fittest but the level of intensity on this trip was perfect for me. I definitely earned my dessert calories.
Most Inspirational Moment
When we got to the cabin on our forest ski expedition and we went down to the river to break the ice to get water for the sauna. We worked as a team to make a nice toasty sauna to warm our bodies to the core. It was teamwork followed by a great dinner in the cabin once we warmed that up with our fires.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group had a running joke about wanting to be adopted by Lars (one of his son's is also a guide) to be able to explore with him year-round and learn from him. I think that alone says a lot.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't worry about needing to bring too many cold weather clothes - bring your thermals and your base layers and Lars and his family will provide the rest.
Louise Hood
Reviewed February 2023
Excellent trip
This was an incredible trip. Beautiful places we visited. The game drives were amazing saw so many beautiful animals. Our group was lovely and Petro our tour guide was amazing,she was so welcoming and organised everything perfectly. Would highly recommended this trip. I plan to come back South Africa has a place in my heart now.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me was on the game drive and an Elephant came right up to the truck,was a surreal moment for me I will treasure that forever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Petro was an amazing tour guide,such a lovely person. Her knowledge is incredible. She planned everything so well. She defiantly made this trip for me. I plan to do this trip again and I really hope I get her as tour guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Anyone thinking on doing this trip,I say just do it. It’s an amazing experience.
John Dain
Reviewed February 2023
Great trip...made special by Jose who is a great guide
We arrived with snow falling….but the rest o the trip was clear blue skies and balzing sunshine – a real winter tonic. Jose is a real champoin for the area and a great guide – we had 5 super all-day walks with a nice build to the longer/more technical 4th/5th walks. The icing on the cake was the Jose sandwiches and the cherry on top was the last evening Jose cooked paella. The hostel was a bit under-played in the trip notes – the rooms all had en-suite facilities. Raquel is a great host. Great trip overall – and Jose has suggestions for more in the area – over to you Exodus
Most Inspirational Moment
The walks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Simply excellent. He had the measure of everyone in the group and (unobtrusively!) managed us all.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go for it.
Steve Hammond
Reviewed February 2023
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride, Jan 2023
A smooth running and extremely enjoyable trip that covered a lot of miles in the company of a lovely group.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto was excellent at communicating with the group in a clear, amiable and professional manner which, together with his attention to safety, gave everybody (I think!) a high level of confidence in his guidance.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be ruthless in deciding what to take, if only because you will be re-packing your bag every day!
Ruth Gavin
Reviewed February 2023
Good
A great holiday with stunning scenery and interesting walks.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the Torres del Paine Trek.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Luciano was very caring and diligent, amusing and knowledgeable. We all enjoyed his company and he made sure our holiday was a success. He communicated with us well. Good wine knowledge too!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't underestimate the trek to Fitzroy base camp. For us the day was very long and very hot. Make sure you are properly fit and well enough to do this. Some in our group were not. Buy snacks, fruit etc when you see it because it's not always easy to find. Keep it ready for your hiking days.
Rachel Blackamore
Reviewed February 2023
Fantastic week
Definitely recommend this trip and here are ten reasons why you should book. 1. Guide (Jose) is really experienced, local expert, gets the balance of empathy/support and also (when required) makes difficult decisions in the best interests of the group e.g. it was too icy to reach the summit of Puig Campana and whilst that was disappointing it was the right decision (it had snowed on the Sunday we arrived – very unusual for the area). He is passionate about his job and clearly loves what he does 2. It is one of the most beautiful, scenic areas I have ever been to. Fabulous views 3. Lovely hotel, welcoming team, great breakfasts – thanks Raquel and Pepe. Tea/coffee/snacks available in room reserved for the group. Also there is a hairdryer there so no need to pack your own 4. Weather was fantastic (I’m just back). Clearly you can never guarantee the sun in Jan/Feb but it made for a perfect winter getaway 5. Good to have a free day to explore the local area. Great to chill out at the beach and test out the tram system 6. Most of the walks are straight out the front door – or a 5/10 minute bus ride away 7. You get full days of walking….be prepared for that as realise that might not be what everyone wants. Generally back by 5/6pm after leaving at 9am 8. Great mix of terrain, ascents, descents, summits, valleys etc. 9. Get to see the beautiful mountain villages 10. Fabulous paella on the last night….and lovely sandwiches each day (along with fruit and snacks). PS Read the trip notes in full. They are accurate and this is for experienced and confident walkers – see the section ‘is this trip for you?’
Sue Bradshaw
Reviewed February 2023
Costa Rica
It was an amazing trip, even though we had quite a lot of rain, even in the dry season and it didn’t make the wildlife any harder to see.
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildlife in the Tortuguero river area was absolutely beautiful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Glenda was outstanding. Her wildlife knowledge was second to none, and nothing was too much trouble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Even if you go in what is classed as the dry season, take good waterproofs.
