Reviews

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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

13355 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A wonderfully well-crafted week’s walking in an exceptionally beautiful and inspiring area.

Most Inspirational Moment

That cold beer after the long descent from the Lac Blanc; the leisurely picnic lunch on the Aiguillette de Brevent on the last walk with the opportunity to savour the stupendous view of Mont Blanc close up and the views over to earlier walks; the pink of the setting sun on the snow on Mont Blanc from the Chalet window.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is endlessly patient and good-humoured. Our group was of varying abilities and experience but he brought out the best in everyone. He manages the tasks of shepherd and host in a very relaxed way. And he really knows and loves the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a good level of fitness to enjoy the ascents. On a couple of days there are both long ascents and descents. If you are a very fast,fit walker you may need to accept that others are not and that you have to accept the necessary discipline of walking as a group.

Suggestions

This holiday exceeded my expectations in every way. For those doubtful about their ability to do a hut-to-hut in the high mountains it is a really good option. The Chalet isn't luxurious but it is comfortable and well set-up for walkers. And above all, you will have fun and be very well fed.

Reviewed August 2012

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Unbelievable views and walking through a spectacularly beautiful country. Go for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to meet new and interesting people and the summit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Abdullah was knowledgeable, very personable and extremely trustworthy. Three traits I found to be invaluable and comforting given how much you depend on them during the more remote sections of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only 1, get change in the form of coins and small notes. Nobody outside of Marrakech will take 100Dh or 200Dh notes as they can't change it. Even our Hotel didn't want them when trying to buy water.Also take a Platipus/Camelbak type hydration system as there are sections of long decent which both hands free for 3 - 4 hours and dehydration in the Atlas environment is too easy.

Suggestions

Just go for it, I can promise you will not regret it.

Reviewed August 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

This was a fantastic holiday which exceeded my expectations. It included a variety of activities as well as relaxation time.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments during the trip. I especially enjoyed the white water rafting, the inpromptu games of cricket, the cycling and the visit to the elephant orphanage!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was a fantastic tour leader. He was professional, organised, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider taking probiotic tablets to help keep a settled stomach. Your camera, or other electrical equipment, will not continue to charge if the fob is removed from the wall power unit in the hotel rooms!

Suggestions

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and this trip provides an opportunity to see the island's diversity. Although there are opportunities to relax, you do need to be relatively fit to complete all the activities.

Reviewed August 2012

THE INCA TRAIL

A well planned, interesting and enjoyable adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

A great group of people - age ranged from 16 to 61 - our Guide Disnarda encouraged a team atmosphere to make a great holiday wonderful.Getting up Dead Woman's Pass! Up to 4215m, Disnarda paced us so we all got up there together - a real moment of achievement for us all. The third day of the trek is the most scenic - fantastic views.Sleeping above the clouds and watching the sun rise over the mountains has to my moment where I really thought WOW!!!Maccu Picchu is amazing and walk there puts it into perspective.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Disnarda Aragon - she is amazing. She is thoughful, humorous, kind and regularly reminds you to wash your hands so you stay healthy! She is very knowledgeable about the history, geography, flora and fauna. She is very well organised and is excellent at making sure everyone's needs are met (usually before you have even thought you might want something). She made us all feel very welcome, cared for and safe.I was really impressed with her skills and humanity.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Choose Exodus. This is the first trip I have done with them and I was really impressed. The details are amazing - getting woken up with a cup of tea and a bowl of hot water to wash in when you are above the clouds; great food, prepared on a gas ring - made me feel very inadequate but then cooking has never been my thing! Take lots of layers - it is hot during the day (dry season) but can get down to -3 at night. I slept in 5 layers and a sleeping bag! Drink a lot of water - Disnarda reminds you of this all the time - and just pace yourself. The walk is tough in places but if you take it slowly and rest regularly (to enjoy the view) it is achieveable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The downhill bits can be hard on your knees. Poles are useful if you are used to them. Take a second camera - I took sooooooo many photos my battery ran out on day 3 of the Trail, luckily I had a spare one with normal batteries.

Suggestions

I loved this holiday / adventure. Exodus are well organised, nothing is too much for their staff and your fellow travellers tend to be just the sort of people you want to hang out with!Highly recommended - I have started looking at where I can go next (maybe even with kids on one of the family trips) once I have saved up!

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN

This was a very challenging walk which at the conclusion prooved to be very rewarding. The torrain is rugged and combined with high temperatures makes it a lot tougher than the grade in the magazine emplies.

Most Inspirational Moment

The reward is when you get your first view of the Matterhorn as you come around the Europaweg. You know that you have arrived at your destination and all has been worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very experienced guide who has been there, done it and got the T shirt.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you have plenty of spending money. Switzerland is not cheap and there are a lot of other expenses that you would not exspect.

Suggestions

Make sure that your equipment is up to the challenge. The torrain will rip your boots apart and when it rains, it absolutely bungs it down.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Bosnia has it all for hill walkers except the crowds. Walking, nature and history come together in a country of many textures and complexities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Oberving how the Bosnian people have made peace with one another and and sucessfully rebuilt their country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Samer had all the qualities one looks for in guide with some to spare. The guides overall gave much informaton about Bosnia politics and history as well as the mountains. The overall feel was very relaxed even on long days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is quite hot in August and not all hotels have air conditioning. Also lifts are scarce so traveling light is advisable. The heights mentioned in the trip notes may be overstated. On the long day, one section was supposed to be challenging concerning drops, but I didn't notice it and I assumed that we went a different route. Apparently, not!

Suggestions

Bosnia is a inexpensive country and mostly unspoilt by tourism. The hills are impressinve yet very few walkers go there. Because tourist is underdeveloped, Bosnia has a relaxed feel, where hawkers and high prices are a rarity.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great trip and a great experience, with excellent ground operation in all 3 countries, which made the trip work just so well. Initially nervous about the distance and the humidity, plus the water issues, these turned out to be just fine, and 2 days in BKK before starting the trip, helped with acclimatizing to the humidity. There was no shortage of cold, fresh, filtered water from the guys on the support teams in all 3 countries, and the added bonus of an electrolyte sachet each fill if needed, was just perfect. The roads in Thailand were simply fantastic, smooth, flat, fast, and using the ring roads we did, were traffic free. Cambodian roads was also good, and once the border crossing into Vietnam, the banks of the Mekong river, and her tributaries became our path, which were narrow, but smooth, and allows you to see the real village life and the friendliness of the local people. Excellent ground operators, excellent mechanical support, with great local knowledge, and good accommodation made the trip. The home stay, ( like many others, had visions of communal hostel sleeping arrangements ) was excellent, and in fact I would call it a Lodge, and was a true highlight of the trip. All rooms had their own showers and toilets, all 100% clean, and the family were just great. Cold beers on arrival, and a rice wine if need be, so enjoy the evening !!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was a first time visitor to Cambodia, having done Thailand and Vietnam before, but certainly S21 and The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh were both high lights and low lights. As the local guide was at pains to explain, they cannot hide their history, and they are not proud of the actions of the Khmer Rouge, but the story has to be told, and to use his term, Cambodia is now " open for business " and is under very different conditions to that of '75 - '79. Angkor Wat cant be described, and simply must be seen, so enjoy the day trip, its well worth it. Siem Reap is a great city, vibrant, and safe.The school visit was also inspirational, and to see these young children just so hungry to learn from volunteer teachers, led by an incredibly inspirational Mr Long Waha, was truly a highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moh was just great, and capably helped by Mee, who along with the ground operators, and the support guys, combined to make the whole leadership thing work just so well. Not once was either Moh or Mee down ( even when Moh decided to get close to the ground on one stage ! ) and they have such good patience with everyone, to make it so enjoyable.Go for the bulk dining and ordering thing which the leaders will do for you ( dont worry about separate ordering ) its makes it so much easier, and its generally such good food, and cheap as. Moh and Mee had it down pat, and worked excellently.The bike leaders were also just great and just a word to wise, dont take the guys on in Thailand, they are good, in fact, very good !! The open, flat, quiet roads allowed some us to have a go on some of the stages with them, and they are more than up for it !!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps consider some riding gear ( gloves, a good helmet, and some good padded shorts ) plus also look to take drylite clothing, which you can hand rinse each night, and it will be dry for the next days stage. But also useful when the tropical rain arrives, and means you will dry out quickly. Your choice if you take a shower jacket, but if you take drylite tops and shorts, then these will dry very quickly. MTB Shoes, Cleats and Pedals are not necessary, but do make it a little easier, especially on some of the longer stages in Thailand. Bikes were great, Specialized, with good gear set groupings, and no longer than 12 months old. Washed and serviced everynight, and a full inventory of parts if ever needed.Oh, and 1 more thing, Take plenty of deoderant !!

Suggestions

A magic trip, great operators, and great balance of riding and holiday With just a litle bike fitness, enjoy a great 14 days !

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Vietnam is one of the touching Exodus trips I’ve been on, in terms of its history, natural beauty, village life, and potential for change (for better or worse). I highly recommend that people take the opportunity to see it now, as it the pace of change is evident. From sweeping deserted beaches, to luxurious mountain regions, and the ever present farming (land and sea), this country is determined to develop on its own terms. Taking it all in at bike level is simply the best way to travel and Exodus again pulls out all the stops to make it an enjoyable and rewarding trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many, of course! Cycling through the villages with kids, scooters and buffalo everywhere was a great change from the frenetic and always entertaining city life. The hammocks at every cafe! Vietnamese have the low down on afternoon relaxation. Great hills, both up and down, even in the July/Aug heat. The roads were better than expected, and the lack of car traffic was quietly appreciated (altho the scooters are sure to provide a few anxious moments). Seeing the bus with the home made lemonade ready.... The cooling water spouts half way up the Hai Van pass :-).... The 30km downhill section in the mountains..... The incredible cemetary road.... And the rather energetic Glee performances of our group at every available prompt (you had to be there!!) Halong Bay is an absolute treat at the end of the tour. And the food .... aaah, the food. Fresh and healthy, what more could you want?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh (the man) truly loves his job and his country, and it shows. His desire to share knowledge and background so we understand the history and what we're seeing is great. Superb organisational skills in a country which I imagine presents some unusual challenges at times, plus little things which made a difference to every one of us. His patience is amazing. The support staff were brilliant, with the quickest tire changes in the East and a helping push up the hills if flagging!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To truly enjoy this be reasonably fit, although you don't necessarily need to be bike fit, it's good to have basic bike handling skills for those little moments of rough road or unexpected scooters. There are some "undulating" days but this provides interest and to some a nice challenge. Vietnam is quite hot this time of year, so camelbaks would be good to carry more water if you are a heavy drinker, but the bus/truck are never far away if you run out between stops. Be prepared for rain on some days. I generally wore lycra which wasn't a problem locally. You may find your own clipless pedals are good for the hills. Those who suffer from sea sickness be sure to take your pills so you enjoy the whole tour experience as there are several excellent boat trips you don't want to miss.

Suggestions

This tour is quite full on, don't expect to have hours on hand for shopping, etc. It covers quite a good distance in a combination of cycling, transfer, and alternative forms (overnight train and boat). However, some great relaxing moments on day boat trips, and swimming before dinner at some hotels. The hotels were better standard than I was expecting and sharing was never too crowded. Great trip!

Reviewed August 2012

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

This was a fantastic tour from sights to meals to guides. This was our first Exodus tour and will not be our last. I’m not sure if we were just fortunate but considering the tour was full (16 people) we had a terrific group of people to travel with. My only negative would be the amount of driving we had to do to cover so many miles, that said, it was totally worth it for all we saw and the bus was thankfully air conditioned and comfortable.

Most Inspirational Moment

We are stumped as there is so much to choose from. Lesotho was inspiring, the Rhino walk humbling, Titsikarma breathtaking and, my personal favorite, the Drakkensburg mountains were majestic. A peaceful place I would happily return to. The wildlife we saw included the big 5 and soooo much more!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob, Sufiso, Shawn and Jacob were terrific! Rob was very knowledgable and helpful, interesting and competent. I think he was pulling his hair out at times with such a big group but he managed the personalities and challenges very well. Sufiso is a fantastic driver, always friendly and helpful but quiet and in control. Shawn was also helpful, friendly, fun and interesting. Jacob was shy but very helpful and strong I think physically he worked the hardest with set up and take down but always with a big smile. They all seemed to know what needed to be done and worked well together. Plus their cooking was awesome!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light!! I did not and no one thanked me for it including myself. Have something to do on the bus be it music, books etc. This trip is not for those who are looking to relax, it is busy, exciting and fun but not restful.

Suggestions

This was a fun, affordable and realistic way to see as much of South Africa as possible in 21 days and we highly recommend it!!

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA

A fantastic walking trip in spectacular scenery where you’ll most likely meet nobody else, plus the chance for sightseeing in Dubrovnik, Sarajavo & Mostar.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking is reasonably challenging but the views are exceptional - there are some very long days, some very steep scrambles and one very long steep descent all of which can test you when the temperatures are in the mid to high 30's! (August 2012). You do need a head for heights at times with a few steep drops. The ascent of Maglic Mountain (2386m) is a very long day but was fantastic with spectacular views all around, plus the chance of a dip in Trnovacko Lake (in Montenegro) to cool off about three-quarters of the way round.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Samer Hajri? from Green Visions, a local Bosnian company - he and his assistant Damir were everything that you need from a group leader - always there with information and assistance. Helpful, polite and enthusiastic - obviously proud Bosnians who love to show people what their country has to offer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As you might expect from this part of the world, the inclusive meals in this trip will be quite baisc and some of the accommodation, whilst clean and tidy, is rather small and basic.There is more travelling on buses throughout the trip than I was expecting - most days involved a bus trip both to and from each day walk of an hour or two, plus the transfer days of course. The bus trips to walks and back were also on very rough roads, especially in the nataional park.

Suggestions

I would recommend that you add on a couple of days (either before or after the trip) so that you can explore Dubrovnik properly as you really don't get much time there at all in the schedule (arrive about 4pm on Friday and depart about 11am on Saturday for the airport) plus the hotel Exodus use is about 15 minutes on the bus/in a taxi from the old city.

Prev 1 … 1,154 1,155 1,156 1,157 1,158 … 1,336 Next