Reviews

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

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14330 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed February 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

An amazing experience, something I will never forget! Tough at times but no more than expected and the rewards easily outweighed the hardships!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to single out one moment but I think the breathtaking scenery throughout the trek was a real highlight. Seeing the iconic mountains of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam etc and the vast Khumbu glacier was awe inspiring and especially seen from the the summit of Kala Pathar after the toil of getting there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Lakpa Lama was superb - his knowledge, professionalism, sense of humour and enthusiasm for his country was endless and we felt very safe with him and his team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Going at this time of year did mean it was cold! So a small thermos flask would be a great addition to the packing list - something a few of our group had thought of and as the rest of us were doing our best to keep our fluid intake up - not always easy when the water was so cold!- they could enjoy hot tea!The amount of money needed on trek was a bit over-estimated (especially if you don't buy a lot of imported stuff - chocolate bars etc) so we ended up with quite a lot of rupees to try and spend in Kathmandu. Although there is plenty to buy, prices are so good it was still a struggle!The money change places in Kathmandu don't change Travellers Cheques on a Saturday so change them at the hotel.

Reviewed February 2013

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

The whole trip was exceptionally well organised and was up there with my most inspriational trip ever (and I have done a fair bit of travelling!!)) Antarctica is definately a place you should experience a once in a lifetime experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a hard one to answer as the whole trip was awsome, the most amazing moment was a close encounter (close enough to touch!) with a humpback whale. We were in two zociacs and the humpback came and played with the boats for over half an hour it brought tears to your eyes that such a huge creature could be so interactive and gentle with boats that it outsized by many times. Close up and personal.Penguins galore while you can stay the recommended 5 meters away from them dont be surprised that they dont pay the same attention to the rules!!! If I am to use an analogy in the future for teams it will be to have the determination of a penguin getting to their nesting sites sometimes at the top of mountains. Sheer resilliance and determination. It was inspirational to see the working and historical scientific/research sites that our guides could inform us of the great work that had been done to inform our future.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader from exodus was very inmative and our leader and the ships tour leaders got as much out of the trip that was possible for the whole group. Made sure we had the information we needed and were always on hand to give answers to quesitons and ensure our trip was safe and most importantly enjoyable. As a photographer the opportunities were massive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes go for it ensure you look at the guidelines on what to bring and what is available on ship, I took most of my camera kit and used it all there are sooo many opportunities for great photographs. Remember to take the time to sit back be quiet and take in the sounds views and experiences of Antarctica put the camera down and experience the place. Take lots of memory cards and a back up to ensure you have enough space for the images you will get. Plenty of layers and a spare pair of socks.If you get the chance tag an extra day on at Beunos Aires a great experience and if its summer there v. hot remember to take an outfit that will work in this temperature.

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great sunny cycling trip whilst the snow was falling back home.

Most Inspirational Moment

The locations of the hotels are so well chosen that when our visit coincided with the funeral of the King of Cambodia we were just one block from the security cordon and 2 blocks from the crematorium. Similarly in Ho Chi Minh City we were just a block from "Flower Street" expecially decked out for the New Year.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee our leader very soon felt like part of the group, but at the same time quietly ensureing that the needs of everyone in the group were being met. She is an inspirational lady going running every morning before cycling - just to keep fit. She was very much in control of the fairly complicated logistics with three support teams and two border crossings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a handlebar bag, to carry the small things you want to have with you like camera, sunscreen, repellant, money Unfortunately Exodus do not provide small panniers. Whilst you of course can have a bag on the bus which follows, but the bus is normally never just there when you want it! Bum bags and day sacks are too sweaty and inconvenient.

Reviewed February 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

This is a great trip. Cycling is varied, accommodate overall very good. A lovely country to see by bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several great moments inlcuding the tea plantations, whale watching, the elephant orphanage but mostly simply cycling through so many interesting places. Only one slight negative was the Spice Gardens - ok if you don't a fairly full on sales pitch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Surresh was our group leader. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. He couldn't do enough for the group and would do his best to sort out any request - no matter how unusual. We all loved him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some challenging days cycling with the hills so the fitter you are the more you'll enjoy it (and the less time you'll spend in the support van!)

Reviewed February 2013

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

Wow, what a country to visit – Go before it all changes! This trip was well structured and everyday brought a new experience; Hanoi is a 100% culture shock with its own sound track – the horns of a million mopeds, Halong Bay was a cool break from the city, the train south was memorable – just don’t order room service! Hue and Hoi An were full of new sights, sounds and tastes, Ho Chi Min City was crazy and chaotic and the Mekong homestay was a tranquil respite to end the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

My highlights: Halong Bay overnight - No sign of 007, but what a memorable location. Mekong homestay - Sipping a cold beer in a hammock on the veranda, looking forward to a delicious dinner of fish and seafood. Yummy! Hue - cycling into the country and watching the duck farmers shepherding their flock down the canal. Hoi An - bartering for two new handmade shirts in one of the many tailors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai was a great trip leader; always ready to help and to ensure we were enjoying the trip. Our safety came first - it's been a while since I was helped across the road! Beware his sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Treat the Vietnamese with respect and they will welcome you with a smile. Go with the flow. Don't expect western standards everywhere, although you'll be surprised by how the arrangements all work seamlessly.

Reviewed February 2013

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Wow……. That all that comes to my head when I think of this week, holiday set in a amazing environment, participating in varied activities with awesome people. Waking up in a snow cave to silence, crawling out to be greeted to a frozen lake covered in snow…….bliss

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky sledging through blanket of white snow and all you can hear is the dogs sprinting is breathtaking, feels like your in a dream and you don't want to wake up from it. Whereas snowmobiling over a frozen lake is different speeding up and down hills and just feeling the adrenaline of your in control of this machine is amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bjorne aka Teddy is very good at his job, knew so much information about the surrounding areas, history of the country and the activities participating in. He became one of the group rather than a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to spend money, a lot of extras but so worth it!! Also even though they give you thermals I would advise brining some of your own stuff as well.

Reviewed February 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was our first lengthy cycling trip and it has inspired us to book another next year. The long distances, level of difficulty and heat were perfectly manageable ( my husband and I are reasonably fit leisure cyclists in our early 60s ). I did decide however to walk rather than ride up the 37 hairpin bends which was no problem. Everyone was buoyed along by the great group camaraderie and the prospect of a shower and good meal at the end of the day. In my opinion this is the perfect way to see parts of India not on the normal tourist trail. Highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

The houseboat was unforgettable - like something out of the days of the Raj. The visit to the orphanage was sobering and inspiring - wonderful work being achieved . We were lucky to meet the remarkable Swiss lady who has spent her life raising funds to keep the place going.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was competent, professional and always attentive to the group's needs and diverse requestsAbi with his ready smile was always there to give support , checking the bikes daily and ensuring we had a good supply of water.Vipin did a great job shepherding the stragglers. We always felt we were in safe hands.It was also very thoughtful of the team to arrange a surprise cake and poppers for me on my birthday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a plentiful supply of pens to give to the many children who greet you along the route. They love them !Take a can of insect spray to blast your room before bedtime . Some hotels provided smoke coils , nets and socket inserts , but not all. In Ooty take the opportunity to travel by train on the small gauge rail from Coonoor ( as featured on a BBC programme about the old steam engines of southern India). Also an evening at the Kathakali theatre in Cochin is fascinating ( booking made with proprietor of Ann's Residence ).

Reviewed February 2013

SNOWSHOEING IN FINLAND

superb holiday. Fantastic scenery, lots of well organised, enjoyable activities, good accomodation, great leader, loads of good food 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery was really fantastic but the enthusiasm of our leader was probably the most inspiring aspect of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

she was really good. Friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, cheery and chatty.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try everything on offer. We tried snow mobiling, husky sledging, x country skiing and ice climbing and would recommend them all.

Reviewed February 2013

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

A great winter sunshine destination for some energetic hiking in the limestone mountains of the Costa Blanca, with an excellent Spanish local guide and fellow like minded friendly companions.

Most Inspirational Moment

First day ( Sunday pm ) of arrival walking around El Castell de Guadalest after tapas, close our first hotel and seeing the landscape of walks ahead, and feeling the warm sun after the wet, wintry and cold of the UK. Mid week walk from Benimantell guesthouse to next stay at Sella, and walking over Aitana, 1558 m , highest point of the week, and walking through a gap in the rocks from one valley to the other.Walk up Puig Campana 1408m , mountain that backdrops Benidorm, challenging , would class as the C walk, rest all B, was windy on our day, but dry and sunny, did not quite make the top due to conditions, zig zagging up scree slope challenging but expertly lead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel an excellent guide , locally based in Sella, with a great backup team of local drivers, all working in the local community of Sella, your base for second half of week. Spoke excellent English, knows the area very well, excellent mountain guide, discussed topics of interest along the way, regularly checked group for level of happiness, made some warping 3 layered sandwiches for the lunches. Helps with the options for your free day. A TV star as was shown a DVD of him with Cameron McNeish in the area for a BBC TV Adventure programme. A big plus for this tour, being lead by a local man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ideal for regular hikers, anyone who can do Snowdon will find it ok. Definitely bring a walking pole or 2. And drinking water bottles, thirsty work in the warm sun. The almond blossom week went on added some pretty colour to the arid landscape.Free day options , I went to the coast, beautiful sandy bay of a Spanish resort of La Villa Joyiasa, colourful houses, quieter resort certainly in early Feb; train from here could take you to Alicante , or Benidorm ( if like skyscrapers on a sandy bay), or further up to Altea or Javea if time allows, I was happy just to stay and chill in the sun after the strains of hiking.

Reviewed February 2013

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

A great trip, particularly if you are a bird watcher or photographer. We saw most of this facinating country from the coasts to the cloud forests so plenty of variety and also lots of free time to do optional activities or just chill out by the pool. All the hotels are really nice – look out for the ‘bath towel art’ made by the chambermaids at most of them.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hot springs at La Fortuna - what's not to like about an evening in a hot bath with a cocktail. Also the night walks when you can see some of Costa Rica's smallest and more poisonous inhabitants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader - Allan - was absolutely great. Not only the most organised leader ever but also has fantastic knowledge of his countries history and nature. Also must mention Heraldo, our bus driver. he was a fantastic driver and a real laugh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Costa Rica isn't a cheap place - be prepared to get your credit card out if you want to do the optional activities. If you are a photographer take your longest lens for the birds as they are often a long way away. Other essentials are binoculars/telescope, waterproofs and a decent torch ( so you don't tread on anything on the way back to your room!)

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