Reviews

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

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14353 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Angela Lawes

Reviewed December 2019

Very good trip

We both enjoyed this trip which more than lived up to expectations. There was a good balance between activities and leisure time with options available for those who wanted more. Angela did a lantern class in Hoi An, for instance, which did not feature on the itinerary. Excellent and patient instructors – could provide an apron though as glue was involved!
The boat trips were good – though wish use of non-plastic straws had prevailed throughout .
Great cookery class at Red Bridge restaurant – we hope to reproduce some of the recipes over Christmas.
The Halong Bay trip with a boat to ourselves was amazing as was the visit to all the temples in Cambodia especially Ta Promh with its sense of nature taking over. Excellent photographic opportunities.

Most Inspirational Moment

For Roderick the visit to the Ta Prohm temple. For Angela the overnight visit to Halong Bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nam (Vietnam) was a very good group leader with a fine sense of humour once he got to know us. He had good knowledge of the places visited from historical and cultural aspects to advice on footwear, toilets etc. He added personal touches such as telling us of his family and presenting a rose to a group member who had a birthday. Boray (Cambodia) was similarly a very experienced group leader, who managed to fit in a great deal into our very short visit to Cambodia. Particularly notable was his obtaining return flights for two group members who had a family emergency, for which he is to be commended.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suitable footwear for climbing steps, uneven ground and slippery conditions. A range of clothing to suit tropical and cooler conditions. Carry a few sheets of toilet paper. Water can be carried onto internal flights in Vietnam.

Charmaine Cook

Reviewed December 2019

Brilliant trip around an Amazing country

A trip that transports you from different areas in beautiful Costa Rica. Six different ecosystems visited but the travel between destinations was only half a day and spending 2 nights at each place meant we had plenty of time to explore. My trip was bird watching lead guide. So every morning had an optional early start to go out and look for birds. Some of the people on the trip were not that sure at the beginning but by the end of the trip, they were keen about what we saw and more knowledgable. Frankly I was in phographers heaven!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hummingbirds galore - the speedy devils were a challenge to photograph but I managed some cracking shots that I was pleased with. I was not expecting to see any turtles at Tortuguero so watching the hatching turtles scurry down to the sea was special. Maybe the premise of a new beginning was why it was magical - we all were blown away by that. Personally I just loved the quiet time I had in Santa Elena Cloud Reserve standing in the rain, being harassed by a hummingbird and looking at the beauty of nature surrounding me.It was the sheer variety of plants, flowers and birds on our trip that allowed me to just enjoy nature and relax.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andres was a master of bird identification- he just listened, watched and studied to show us an impressive array of birds on this trip - 230 or so. He was thoughtful and made sure he knew why we were doing this trip - ensuring that why we were here was covered. His patience was unlimited and he had information with quick wit and a smile all the time. Our driver, Alexandros was a laugh, an amazing driver who kept us safe, brilliant evasive control when needed and was always keeping the bus immaculately clean.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. Costa Rica is beaches, rainforest, towns, cloudforest, canals and very friendly people. I took colones and US dollars as purchased at home but US dollars was regularly accepted and change given as colones. Take a good lens and plenty of memory space - I took over 8000 photos. As a vegetarian, usually easily catered for in our hotels or when we ate out. Tropical fruit, good quality food everywhere - not gourmet but tasty. If you are wanting partying, late nights and cities - this trip is not for you. If you want open area dining with the local animals watching you eat, marvelling at the beautiful nature and early nights/ possibly early mornings - then this is more your trip.

JASON GOODHIND

Reviewed December 2019

Fantastic trip

My first trip with exodus and my first cycling trip ever. The customer service booking it and communications before the trip started were excellent and easy. Well done Exodus UK team for a great job and all the information you provided on trip notes and flight summaries. First class
We had a truly fantastic guide – Channy – was really kind, considerate and passionate about the trip and his country. He was full of humour, had a great laugh and went out of his way to make sure all of us were OK. He was really knowledgeable about the country’s complex history and religion and gave our trips real context. The cycling was a real mix of road (some main road but very minor roads free of heavy traffic), country roads and off road dirt tracks and the best day for me the track he took us through at Angkor complex through the jungle. It hopefully therefore ticked everyone’s boxes across the trip who had different riding backgrounds (road/trails). Really felt that the routes gave a great insight into Cambodian way of life in the cities and in rural areas that you wouldn’t see on the main roads. The people we met were all really friendly and the images of all the kids coming out onto the streets smiling and saying hello and waving as we passed by will stay with me for a long time. Angkor temple complex was a real highlight to visit and was a real highlight but each day we saw something that was a real joy to see from visiting temples, watching a local family making rice paper/silver/scarves etc it really gave you a sense of the real Cambodia. I would really recommend this trip to you. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Really nice group of 12 in total who all got along well. We had really great food, brilliant cycling snacks provided and all the back-up support team (mechanic, bus drivers and truck drivers) were lovely. Great specialised guides at Killing fields and in Battambong. A definite 5/5 for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are several. Going to the killing fields/S21 prison was very sad and understanding how people were treated in these difficult years of Cambodian's history. The guide we had that day was excellent and really helped to understand these terrible events. Angkor temple complex - wow! All the temples we visited were truly remarkable and just took your breath away. The pictures do not give it justice. Really glad to visit them - full of amazing sculptures, decorative inscriptions and history. I must say though that the humility, positivity and eagerness to please and share their stories from local people was heart-warming. All the children were wanting to say hello as we cycled and wave to us. I really got a good feel from Cambodia and it's a country that I would like to come back to.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Channy was just fantastic. He was really lovely guy - kind, considerate and passionate about the trip and his country. He was full of humour, had a great laugh and went out of his way to make sure all of us were OK. He was really knowledgeable about the country's complex history and religion and gave our trips real context. Unfortunately one of our team had two dogs run into his bike and cause an accident. Channy and the support team were very professional and got all the help to him really quickly and followed up to make sure he was OK. His knowledge of the route was excellent and he suggested some slight changes to some routes which were absolutely right. The route suggested through the jungle at Angkor was one such alteration which was my favourite day and route and a much better way to get there than on a busier route taken by other tourists. He was an absolute joy so thank you again Channy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A few things: 1. Gel saddle - made cycling much more bearable 2. Prepare for the heat - coming from the UK not used to cycling so much in 32-34 degree heat with humidity. We all managed it and we had pit-stops and re-fuelling breaks and excellent snacks 3. Just book it - you will have a fantastic trip and see a fantastic country.

kim simkins

Reviewed December 2019

Fantastic way to see Nepal

Booked this as wanted to see Nepal without roughing it. Far exceeded my expectations. A great taster of several regions, the culture, fabulous scenery and wildlife of this incredible country. It may not be heavy trekking, but you still need to have a good fitness level for all the uneven steps and relentless ups and downs. It is pretty full on if you make use of the optional trips in free time, but there is so much to see. Kathmandhu is pretty much as you imagine, and as little time spent there as possible is probably a good plan, it was the least impressive hotel, dirty, crowded and polluted, but still has areas of culture and history worth a look. When the new airport in Pokhara opens, that might mean you can fly there which would reduce the long and ‘exciting’ road trip. Pokhara was a much nicer place all round and could have spent longer there. Chitwans wildlife was also amazing, we just skimmed the surface on this trip, could have easily spent longer there. The lodges are of a great standard, although unheated, so you need to dress accordingly. The food was far better than I anticipated, and with happy hour, I failed to lose weight or detox on this trip! The trekking was mainly off the main paths and as it was end of season, we saw very few other tourists either on the paths or in the lodges. It was only a group of 7 and felt like a very personal trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from! 1. The beautiful mountain scenery. We were very lucky to have 3 days of clear blue skies and stunning snow capped peaks. 2. the rural scenery of terracing and little villages with in depth viewing of the culture and local communities 3. The fabulous Nepali food, if you like curry and spicy, this is foodie heaven. There is plenty of it and all great quality, I had no stomach problems at all which was a nice surprise. 4. The lodges were amazing, so hospitable and well catered in stunning locations 5. Rhino viewing in Chitwan, some great encounters and some beautiful bird life plus the gharial breeding programme

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Keshar was a very experienced leader of 20 years. He was calm and competent with an amazing knowledge of everything that Nepal could show us, from the culture, food, restaurant suggestions and paths through the mountains. Couldn't fault him. He is very passionate about his country and supporting a lot of community projects. Would highly recommend him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit for the trekking else you won't enjoy it. Be prepared for all weathers, pack light but need clothes for freezing to sunbathing! We had from 18degrees sunshine, to relentless rain and thunderstorms in Chitwan. Be open minded as things don't always go to plan with travel in Nepal. The roads are rough, the traffic is completely terrifying and whilst distances are short, travel times are long. We had a car accident and had to spent half an hour waiting for negotiations into who's fault and who should pay! As the Dhalai Lama says, cultivating patience and tolerance is the key to happiness...…...

Eileen Luther

Reviewed December 2019

Superb trip

This trip was so much more than expected. Our guide, Suresh, and his team were superb, seamlessly organising every aspect of our trip – snacks, luggage into hotels, tyre changes and even a shelter to get changed under when the rain became too torrential to cycle in! His knowledge and love for his country and the extra events he organised (e.g. dinner ‘al fresco’) combined with his great sense of humour made this a trip we will never forget – definitely an amazing way to experience the scenery and local life of this beautiful country. Other than one hotel, where we had no running water (this could have been due to the torrential rain), a mattress on a concrete slab and insects galore, the majority of hotels were good and some were very good. The cycling for me (a regular but non club cyclist) was tough in places but generally manageable other than the long uphill ride to Nuwara Eliya where I managed to cycle to the lunch stop. My advice to anyone in the same situation would be to take the train – it would give you the advantage of having the afternoon in the hotel and time to see the surrounding area, rather than travelling in the support vehicle. All in all, an experience not to be missed!

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding through the rural villages and seeing a leopard at Yala NP. Completing most of the tour on bikes rather than sitting in a car or bus. Eating ‘al fresco’ at two hotels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light.

Kerry Clough

Reviewed December 2019

Patagonia Delight

Full-on trip taking in Buenos Aires and both the Chilean and Argentinian regions of Patagonia. We had an outstanding tour leader, Pepe, whose enthusiasm, organisation skills, high energy and can-do attitude made for a tiring but memorable trip. Walking in the Chilean Torres del Paine was particularly memorable as was visiting the penguins near Ushuaia in their natural habitat on the Isla Martillo (well worth the additional cost to do this excursion). The weather was very kind to us throughout and we were granted glorious views of both the Chilean and Argentinian peaks on our full-day walks. Even in the early summer at the start of December Ushuaia was cool and windy – you’ve been warned! Don’t hesitate to go now as Patagonia is becoming increasingly popular and despite its vastness a lot of land is privately owned and not easily accessible to walkers. The walks you can do such as Fitzroy and Torres del Paine can therefore appear surprisingly busy considering how remote they are.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the penguins in their natural habitat during the optional excursion to Isla Martillo near Ushuaia. Only 20 people are allowed on their island at any one time, together with a local guide/warden, so you feel really privileged to be there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Pepe was first class in the way he led the group and went out of his way to try and ensure everyone had the holiday they wanted. Pepe never waiverd in doing his best to ensure everyone had a great time and knew what was happening everyday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, the final 1 hour of the long walks to see the Torres del Paine and Fitzroy peaks is in my opinion a level 4, rather than the moderate level 3 rating. Both are short but sharp inclines over uneven terrain so you need to be agile in picking your way along the rocky paths. Both are well worth it if, like us, you get lucky and are afforded blue sky’s and no rain!

Christopher Stockton

Reviewed December 2019

Patagonia

Enjoyable trip.
Guide was excellent.
Hotels were variable.
Food was variable

Most Inspirational Moment

Day boat trip in the Glacier national Park

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. He worked hard and everything ran like clockwork

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pay in dollars. Make sure you change to local currency.

Cathryn Spence

Reviewed December 2019

Great walking on a beautiful volcanic island

We did a variety of walks on the island through temperate rainforest, across coastal gorges, up in the high caldera ridge and through the caldera itself. The scenery was beautiful with amazing geology from volcanic activity. Our tour guide was very good and let everybody in the group find their own pace. The sunshine and light during December was a real bonus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the ridge of the caldera and looking down on clouds and across to Teide on Tenerife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic, organised and providing practical information.

JOYCE COLLIER

Reviewed December 2019

Fascinating trip to South America

Overnight flight to Buenos Aires business class with KLM. All six of us were up for cycle trip around city centre that day – we stayed in Own Recoleta and met the group[16] the next day for a walking trip! Great group all equipped and ready for walking. Early morning flight to El Calafate and the Torres had a 15 kg weight restriction so left luggage at Own Recoleta. Hotel at El Calafate was very comfortable with lovely staff. First day was a gentle walk around the Perrito Moreno Glacier- we had bright sunshine and did the boat trip so we got close to the edge. We left another bag at El Calafate Hotel an early start by bus to the Torres to do the W Trek. Stay in Refugios commenced- three over the week and six of us shared rooms with bunk beds. Showers were variable – some cold- some very busy. At start we were each given a gift of note book pen and Travel towel!Great walking quite an effort at times but we completed it all. We had two guides for Torres plus Pepe our own tour guide which gave flexibility if some of the group needed to do less. Return by catamaran and bus back to El Calafate. There was time here to get washing done – very cheap at hotel – there was a day off – we walked around bird reserve and El Calafate. Travelled by bus to El Chalten. Unfortunately it was raining on first day so trip to Mount Fitzroy was changed to a less challenging walk. Again group had two guides plus Pepe. Hotel in El Chalten had seen better days – water leaked into lounge.Weather improved the next day so successful walking up to another look out and glacier. Flight back to Buenos Aires meant we had another afternoon and evening there. Staying again in Own Recoleta which we appreciated more the second time around. We arranged to do the Iguazu Falls at end. A great hotel with a lovely pool and would fully recommend doing the boat trip at the falls – good to have the refreshing shower! Temperature went up to 30degrees.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Torres del Paine and Mount Fitzroy [ although the latter was only visible on way home]. I managed to do all the walking keeping up with the group!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pepe was an excellent group leader who went out of his way to ensure we all knew what was going to happen and that we were prepared for the walk. He had a very cheerful positive out look and communicated clearly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack your ruck sack lightly. I [ female!]had leggings and a top for evenings - leggings could be used for bed as well. Travel towel not needed as they gave us a perfectly adequate one. Flip flops needed for refugio showers. We had ponchos that came into their own in the rain covering yourself and the ruck sack. Packet of sweets/ choc raisins keep everyone going. I would definitely use the laundry service at El Calafate hotel. I had a large bag for travel from uk in which I put my Exodus bag and had my ruck sack as hand luggage. I carried a small collapsible ruck sack inside my osprey ruck sack which was useful in bus and Buenos Aires. The weather in Patagonia was very variable so be ready for all possibilities during the day- rain wind sun snow.

Douglas Robertson

Reviewed December 2019

A week in Jordan ........ if Carlsberg made a week anywhere ..this would be it!

I knew all about Petra before travelling but Jordan is about so much more than that as I discovered. A fantastic week with history, culture, food and experiences that I will never forget. People queried how safe Jordan was before I left for the trip and I can honestly say I haven’t felt safer on any trip I’ve been on before. The people were the kindest, friendliest and most open people you could hope to meet. The trip can be as active as you want with plenty of free time in Petra to trek around or just take it easy. Our guide Ibrahim was a brilliant leader who typified the hospitality of Jordan and spoke knowledgeably about history and culture. I would happily return again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Petra up close was amazing but spending a night in the desert was a surprising highlight for me - the stars and the peace and tranquillity were amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was brilliant!!!! He was knowledgeable, kind, attentive and fun. He shared Jordan past and present with us opening up about history and culture - past and present. He was always there for us and made sure we knew where to be and when and what to make sure we saw or tried. A true ambassador for both his country and Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont think twice just go there!!! if you go later in the year it is cooler at night so do bring layers ..... and dont forget water shoes for the beaches!

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