Reviews

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

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14317 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed September 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Everything about our holiday gets 5 stars, but above all credit goes to the mountains and to Oliver and Elaine for organising, leading and feeding us so well. The wonderful weather and friendly, mutually supportive group were excellent bonus features!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose just one highlight out of 5 varied and interesting walks, with stunning views every day. As a couple, we get 2 choices (!) - on the 2nd walk, passing through Alpine meadows on one flank of the Val Ferret while looking across to the stunning rock and glacier faces on the opposite flank; and on the final day, the view from our higest point across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi etc - the whole range spread out before us. And it was 25C at 2,300 metres!Then there was the Lac Blanc; the views from both ends of the Chamonix valley; the delicious myrtle tarts at the mountain refuges; the fun group; the sunshine... sorry, I am going on a bit now.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver and Elaine really could not be bettered for a holiday like this. Oliver wears his immense experience and mountain skills very lightly under the front of relentless flattery ("No group has ever looked so good on day 2" etc etc) and terrible jokes. He shepherded us unobtrusively and helped to engender a strong sense of mutual support among the group. Elaine ran a great house with hearty mountain food to keep us going and clean, comfortable beds to crash in at night. The hot tub, table tennis table and endless energy of Dylan-the-Villain all added to the fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for all weathers, and have a wonderful time. Look out for each other in the group. Laugh at Oliver's jokes (especially the one about aliens landing in Les Houches).

Reviewed September 2012

CYCLE KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Wild elephants… riots… peaceful backwaters and crawling up the Western Ghats – this trip has it all! Definitely to be recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really enjoyed cycling through the national parks and seeing wild elephants - a magical experience. Getting to the top of the hill near Ooty was a rewarding moment. Believe me, you feel every one of those 36 hairpin bends. And realising on the last day as we reached Varkhala that it was all over was surprisingly sad. None of us actually wanted to stop riding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our team of Joseph, Vishnu and Shibu were fantastic. Joseph was a patient and encouraging cycling guide, while Vishnu was a fountain of knowledge. Shibu made sure that all our stuff was always safe in the van (no mean feat when he had demonstrators outside smashing it one day!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Training helps of course, but generally the ride felt a lot easier than I expected it to. Don't come expecting to lose weight like I was hoping I would; Indian food is awesome and your lunches and dinners will be a constant feast that you will find impossible not to sample.

Reviewed September 2012

ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

A really fantastic trip covering many varied aspects of Japan, with so many opportunities to learn about the country and culture as every day was fascinating. I left with so many amazing memories.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many memories lodged in my brain... Dressing up as a geisha in Kyoto, standing at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo mesmerised by the surges of people as the lights change, the Fox shrine outside Tokyo with the thousands of orange Tori, the mad fish restaurant in Kyoto (if you go with Dan definitely ask him to take you), the views of the Japanese Alps, the temples and shrines at Nikko and in Kyoto, and the amazing cherry blossom just coming into full bloom everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan our group leader was fantastic. As Dan spoke fluent Japanese this meant we could visit places that an Eglish speaking group would not normally get to see. His knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture was also excellent and I felt like I learnt so much about the country that I could never have got from a guide book or a trip on my own. He also put in a lot of time and effort planning suitable restaurants that would suit the varied needs of the group, and also helping individuals make best use of their free time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a full-on trip where every day is very busy and packed full of interesting stuff, so be prepared for long, busy days with lots of walking. Even though you're tired and got jet-lagged, keep going and do as much as you can as the is so much to experience that is new and different in comparison to Western culture. Make sure you have snacks and water each day to kee your energy up. Make sure you're camera has a big memory card - I took over 300 photos (and that's even after I did some serious editing every night!) Try all the different food - you may not love it and probably won't want to eat it again but it's all a great experience. Trip notes say bring a rucksack - I would say that a wheelie trolley would be fine and possibly a bit easier.

Reviewed September 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

An awesome, amazing once in a lifetime trip that will stay with me for a very long time.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick one moment that was inspirational, there was reaching the summit, walking above the clouds and seeing for miles upon miles, but I think for me it was the determination and hard work of the group that I was lucky enough to be with that really inspired me. The never say die attitude, the laughs, and the the determination and stubbornness that we were going to get to the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham, our group leader, made the trip fun, was always there to provide practical advice and for a laugh and a smile, made it all the more worthwhile having a leader like that.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst it sounds a cliche, but enjoy it. Sure there are going to be times when it's not so easy, but appreciate the times that are good and that altitude isn't affecting you to appreciate where you are and how lucky you are.Don't forget to put on suncream, as even in the 'winter' months it can still be warm.To enjoy the time that you're spending with your fellow travellers, whether you know them before the start of the holiday or not.

Reviewed September 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

This was my first trip with Exodus and I had a wonderful time, thanks to Sujan, the varied action-packed itinerary, and the people I travelled with. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island and its people are incredibly warm, relaxed and hospitable. Sri Lanka is one of the places which I would love to re-visit in the future – again with Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many moments of the holiday I enjoyed so here are a handful... The walk to the top of Lions Rock in Sigirya, seeing the wall-frescoes of the Cloud Maidens, and having a panoramic view of the landscape was well worth it. The scenery of Sri Lanka is beautiful, and breathtaking; I really enjoyed the jungle walk in Kitulgala, the walk on Horton Plains, and the game drive in Yala National Park. Also, while I can't say I loved the hairpin bends on the roads (got a bit travel-sick!) away from the cities and towns, watching the scenery evolve from neatly tended fields, to gentle sloping hills and then to majestic rugged mountains draped with lush forest and long waterfalls, was worth the drive, and I'm really glad I chose this tour.Walking around the the well-preserved and beautiful ruins in Polonnaruwa. Galle was another really interesting place due to its history involving foreign colonies.I'm don't have green fingers, nor am I enamoured with plants, but I really enjoyed the walk around the herb and spice garden near Matale, as well as the beautifully tended Peradeniya Botanical Garden in Kandy. Also, the wildlife in Sri Lanka was a real pleasure and highlight of the trip (both in and outside of Yala National Park); in particular, seeing the huge fruit bats take into the early evening skies in Kandy was a wonderful sight. Sadly, our group didn't bag a leopard on the game-drive, but we saw plenty of other animals, such as crocodiles, elephants, jackals, raptors and wild boars, to make the tour a wonderful experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan is one of the best tour leaders I've met. He's warm, knowledgeable, patient, professional and has a great sense of humour. Also, he went out of his way to help us (in one way or another, whether it concerned acquiring more Sri Lankan currency, going to a nice toilet or seeing a doctor), and made sure we were looked after, i.e. prioritising safety over cutting costs, when we took three small vans instead of two, to take on the narrow (and sometimes hair-raising) hill roads. Sujan is also a great communicator, as he articulated exactly what was on the agenda, as well as what to expect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As other reviewers have mentioned, this tour has something for everyone, and you should try to go with an open mind. I was unsure whether or not I'd enjoy the botanical aspect (such as the herb garden and the Peradeniya gardens), and I loved it.In regard to the above about having an open mind, go wild with the food; I'm not a vegetarian, however the vegetarian food such as the banana flower curry was delicious, and I went back for more. The seafood meals in Ahangama were also a major highlight, thanks to the skill of the chefs.

Reviewed September 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

An excellent trip. One of my favourite. It was a great mix of trekking and city exploration.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two points : Getting to the summit of Maglic mountain after a long walk up. The view from the top was truely awesome.Also an evening meal in Mostar overlooking the Iconic bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen was excellent, as was Emir his assistance. Both were very engaging, helpful and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was concerned about the trip notes description of needing a head for heights. For me, the anticipation was worse than the reality !You really don't get very long at all in Dubrovnik, consider extending the trip by a few days.The Maglic day was a long one. Be prepared for this, especially the last 2 hours of the day which is up!

Reviewed September 2012

WALKING THE FJORDS

This was a wonderful trip that I can highly recommend. Beautiful country to visit, great walks, lovely accommodation with superb food, brilliant leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day was different and difficult to choose any particular highlight. The optional glacier walk was well worth doing and very good value; pancakes in a mountain hut at 2,000 feet, spectacular waterfalls alongside the footpaths...... The journey to the centre involved a 2 hour ferry so you even experience the feel of a fjord cruise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

THe group leader was really good. He worked hard as the guest house host, guided us on spectacular walks after driving us up steep winding roads, talked about Norwegian culture and ensured we were all sent safely on our way back home. His staff were really great, and he and his wife ensured a very pleasant stay.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will have plenty of photo-opportunities, so don't forget your camera! Take sufficient money for a meal in Bergen and any going home gifts, and for drinks with your evening meal. Not much else to pay for, other than the optional glacier trip (and you can pay by card anyway).

Reviewed September 2012

BORNEO WILDLIFE DISCOVERER

This trip fulfilled an abition to see a variety of primates, but especially the Orangutan, in their natural habitat. It was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Although the trip notes advise that you may not see anything you always hope that your trip will be the exception. I think on this occasion it was - we were lucky to see several wild orangutans as well as those in the sanctuary. We also saw gibbons, macques, red and silver leaf monkeys. Not to mention a range of insects, bugs, birds, civet cats, pygmy elephants and so much more. A memorable moment was when we watched a mother orangutan watching over her young as it explored how to travel through the trees. She would let it go ahead and when it was stuck she would come in and help by swaying the trees so it could reach into the next branch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Zahari, was just brilliant. He worked so hard to ensure that each and everyone of us in the group had an amazing experience. He was knowledgable about his country and the wildlife. He obviously got a lot of joy out of seeing the wildlife too even though he has been there many times before. Our trip would not have been as special without Zahari's energy, guidance and support. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leech socks - a must even in the dry season (can be brought there through the guide)Waterproof/poncho - it helps to keep bag/camera dry as well as yourselfBe prepared to get very hot and sweaty - have good walking shoes as trekking through the rainforest is uneven.The first half of the trip is quite strenous but be prepared to give everything a go.Optional trips, camera fees, street/restaurant food, souvenirs, drinking etc cost me about £360.00 for the 20 days.

Reviewed September 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A wonderful tour – outstanding tour leader in Sujan, varied tour content covering historical, cultural, scenic and physical aspects.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing wild elephants with their babies in the Yala National Park.The white water rafting was lots of fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was fantastic. A great person, professional, knowledgeable, well organised and able to pace each day and the tour overall.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The optional activities - elephant riding, white water rafting and small boat trip - are really worth doing. Small gifts such as pencils and pens for children you meet as part of the tour are really well received.Take lots of Deet based insect repellant (didn't get bitten once), especially for the boat trip. Sun cream is important - you can burn easily and we saw several lobsters around the hotel pools. Folding umbrellas are much better than rain jackets. Power points in hotels are of varying types but a universal adapter plus a power board does the trick.There's some very good shopping for casual winter recreation clothes such as gortex jackets, hiking pants, fleecy tops etc in Nurawa Eliya.If you are looking to unwind for a day or two after the trip in Colombo I'd recommend the CASA Colombo Hotel.

Reviewed August 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

Awesome.

Most Inspirational Moment

The jungle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable, imformative and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this trip.

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