Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult resisting the temptation to stroke the animals, but you are not allowed to. That does not stop the sea lions coming up to you both on land and when snorkelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Juan, was excellent. He spoke very good English and was enthusiastic and had encyclopaedic knowledge of the Galapagos. He even played his guitar and arranged a sing-song for when we crossed the equator.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light and bring plenty of sunscreen.

Suggestions

Again I have had a great holiday with Exodus and will no doubt be travelling with them again. The trip notes etc are very helpful, but here are a few points that would make them even more helpful and would avoid people taking unnecessary items or having trouble fitting things in on the return trip. I had never been on a yacht and assumed the cabins would be about the same as on the Vavilov/Ioffe ships on the polar trips. But the Cachalotte cabins are much smaller with minimal storage space. Thankfully I used a rucksack that could squash down to fit in the small space under the bunk. If you are sharing with a stranger, storage space is even more limited. The Cachalotte and Napo provided bathroom towels and biodegradeable soap and shampoo, so you don't need to take these. The Cachalotte also provided beach towels.The flight to Napo bans all pressurised aerosols, so take a roll-on deodorant for that bit of the trip. The Quito hotel will store any items that you don't need for Napo. Don't bother with a washing line or pegs - there are pegs on the Cachalotte so that you can hang your washing on the wire handrail on deck. As soon as you arrive on the Cachalotte and when you arrive at Napo, you are given a 1 litre refillable drinking bottle to use and keep, so don't bother taking one. (although a Camelbak is handy when walking carrying a camera). The Cachalotte also give you a tee shirt, so that is one less to take.Day one in the Galapagos visits the Darwin Research Centre, where you can buy decent tee-shirts for $15, so that's another one you don't need to take. The bouyancy aids worn whilst on the pangas that take you ashore each day are perfectly adequate for a total non-swimmer to use when snorkelling. It would be a great shame to miss the snorkelling just because you are not confident in the water. Most days the water was warm when snorkelling but in a couple of places it was chilly so a summer shortie wetsuit would be handy but not essential. The Cachalotte had a couple of walking sticks (one may have been a broom handle!) that are useful on a couple of the walks on trickier terrain. It would be useful if they had a few more proper walking poles so that people do not have to carry their own. The trip notes suggest taking plastic beach shoes for wet landings. I took them and never used them. For most walks, trekking sandals (preferably closed toes) are sufficient. But as you are required to wash your shoes each time you get back on board ship to avoid transfer of seeds etc to the next island, your shoes are going to get wet anyway. And for days when walking boots are needed, use your sandals to land, then dry your feet and change to boots. I was expecting to sit on hard seats in the Napo boats but was pleased to find that they had comfy cushions. They also provide ponchos for if it is raining heavily (but you should still take your own waterproofs). When returning home, do not buy duty free booze if you have to change planes in the USA or EU. Even though it may be in a sealed duty free shop bag and you have the receipts, it will still be confiscated by security and you will not be allowed to take it on your connecting flight. I lost $25 worth. And here are a few suggestions for improvements: The Cachalotte needs to keep a bigger stock of tee shirts so that everyone can get the right size. Several people had to make do with what they were given. All guides should carry a first aid kit on every outing. A fall on sharp lava or a spikey plant can cause nasty injuries. It would be useful to have a computer on board that could be used to backup camera memory cards onto a CD or DVD. As we waste so much time in Quito in case there are delays etc, have a second contingency free half day trip to the cable car or other attraction for days when everything goes smoothly and to schedule.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra itself was outsanding and more than I could ever have expected. The rock formations and the (natural) colour schemes were out of this world. A stay in the Bedouin camp and the camel ride through the desert were true highlights. It was soul refreshing to be able to have a walk in the desert as the sun rose and take in the stillness of it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was most knowledgeable, always ready to help and making sure we lacked nothing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For that time of year, take a few extra jumpers because it WAS cold due to icy winds from the North West (?)

Suggestions

The bikes were in very good shape (wish mine could have taken me up some of those hills!!!) but the bus was always there to pick up anyone who wished. I pushed my bike instead... another opportunity to look at that majestic landscape! Having said that, there were more downhills than climbs and the whole journey was not too taxing at all. The mechanic was outstanding and the 'chaperones' on the rides were absolute aces on their bikes. That's what I call real cyclists! It was kind of reassuring to have a tourist police escort on the way too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not being funny, but watching someone from your trip unknowingly pull 9 people in three taxi-bikes has got to inspire you! ;-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely well organised, very informative, took great care in making sure everyone was ok and enjoying themselves...most of all he was a lot of fun!Let's not forget the coach driver and support bus driver...they were also extremely amusing and very caring...jokes and banter were shared despite the obvious language barrier!  It was the people who made the holiday just that much more special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip, without a doubt!I didn't even cycle before going to Cuba so I was a bit concerned I wouldn't be able to keep up, but the group tended to split off into capabilty levels (depending on how many mojitos were drank the night before) and no one was really competitive and no one got left behind.  You do need a good level of fitness before going and the cycling is sometimes quite challenging (against the wind), but it was all worth it and you can always reward yourself with a well deserved mojito or two..

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling full pelt downhill for 30km in about 50 minutes.......starting in the mist, rain and cold weather at the top of the mountain and ending up safe and sound at the bottom with the biggest smile on my face!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was the leader - what a great chap....couldn't have wished for a better tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in March, the temperature difference between south and north is very noticeable. The mountains outside Dalat are colder than you will probably pack for.........and Halong Bay was a bit nippy too.  Take a fleece and a light rain-proof jacket.  Oh, and the coach will not have heating....just air con.  No issues with mozzies, the hotels are great.  Look out for the old propaganda posters to buy in Hanoi.

Suggestions

My second cycling trip with Exodus - the previous was Cuba - and this was better.  As ever, it's the group that makes the difference, and I was lucky enough to have a great one. 

Most Inspirational Moment

- day5 the downhill section from Dalat mountain to sea level, 30km all downhill at a speed of over 40kmh, RIDE OF MY LIFE -  day 10 the penninsula on the way to Hue City, this was most like in guide books, this is the vietnam they show on TV

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was very good, excellent guy, very fit biker

Advice for Potential Travellers

- suncare, long sleeve shirts for the ride

Suggestions

thank you

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a tiger mother with her cubs from the back of an elephant in Kanha National Park was something that I'll never forget - but just the atmosphere of being in the parks in the morning with the sounds of the jungle waking up around you was something quite magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was great - as an ornithologist, he had a great knowledge of the bird species that we saw on our drives through the parks (and could even identify them from blurry smudges in some of our photographs), and as a tour leader, he was passionate and enthusiastic about his country, and made sure we all had a great time.We were in India for the Holi festival, and he organised a party at the jungle lodge that we were staying at, with all natural dyes for us to throw at each other - which we tried to wash off in the neighbouring river afterwards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't go with the expectation of seeing large mammals on every game drive! We were spectacularly lucky, seeing 13 tigers, 2 leopards, 5 jackals and 2 wild dogs in total. Obviously it's great to see some of these amazing animals in the wild - but it's just as amazing to be in the parks, and absorb the sounds and atmosphere of these wild spaces. There wasn't a single drive where we failed to see something new - a new bird species, or deer exhibiting different behaviour.

Suggestions

If you want to see tigers in the wild, this trip is probably your best chance of doing so - there are so many game drives built into the schedule, and the option for further ones, that your chances are maximised. Even on days when you don't see any tigers, it's impossible to forget that they're not far away, with sightings of pugmarks or the sound of distant alarm calls. A fantastic experience, and one that I won't forget!Probably my only criticism of the tour is the way that the group was split across multiple carriages on the overnight trains. Our tour leader explained the difficulty of getting tickets for train journeys, and that quite often we weren't getting on or off at the start or end of a train line, but it still seemed unfair on some of the solo travellers to find themselves isolated in a carriage away from the rest of the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights that it's difficult to pick out just one so I'll put down a few. The scenery and wildlife are beautiful as the colours are so vibrant and the contrasts immense. The walk through the tea plantations with the views of the Western Ghats was stunning. The backwaters in Kerala are amazing too - it was a dream of mine to visit there and the experience lived up to expectations. The Meenakshi temple in Madurai is very interesting and the visit provides an insight to some of the spiritual side of India. Other great moments were visiting the local markets and meeting the very warm and friendly people. The food was a great highlight too. We ate in a lot of local restaurants and the food was always fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Avtar Singh is great! He was a fantastic leader and nothing was ever too much trouble for him to arrange. His humour and good nature helped an instant bonding across the group. The stories he told were always fascinating and I learnt so much about the culture and way of life in India. Always he tried to ensure we got a bit of extra 'spice' and this made the tour very special indeed. It was a real privilege to have him as a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the pace of life there (it's much slower than London certainly) and open your eyes to new experiences. I enjoyed the early mornings when we were in the countryside as the wildlife was amazing at this time of day. The food in local restaurants was superb and while sensible precautions were taken most people did not suffer any ill effects. The people are very friendly and it was great to have the opportunity to speak to them in the markets and towns.

Suggestions

I'm a fan of India now, and hope to return soon to enjoy some more of this incredible country!

Most Inspirational Moment

The main reason for booking the holiday was to see the Northern Nights and we did.  The first night we arrived there they were in all their glory - well at least in glory enough not to be disappointed.  Husky sleding was also amazing.  Having your own team of 6 dogs pulling you through a winter wonderland is quite something.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As we were a party of 20 we were split into tow groups for the activities.  Our group was led by Eki and the other by Teemu who also played host to the whole group.  Both of them were great, cannot praise them highly enough.  The same goes for all the staff at Base Camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Believe it when they say you do not need to bring any warm clothes.  They really do provide everything.  All you need are your clothes to travel in and a few changes for the evening.

Suggestions

There could be a more comfortable area for guests to sit and while a way the evenings - some sofas and comfortable chairs.  Eki did tell us that they have plans to convert what is the clothing store into such a place which if that happens would be a real bonus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog-sledding.  Especially the sudden change from frenetic, howling excitement when stationary (the dogs, not me) to the calm serenity of silently sliding through unspoilt snow-covered wilderness.  So good, most of us signed up for an extra whole day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Olli was great (although so were all the other Basecamp staff).  He must take so many groups through the same week's routine each season, and yet at no point did we not feel special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Basecamp provides all of the gear you'll need, although your own set of inner thermals may be a useful addition.  A bottle of scotch was good for the hot-tub and for flambeing pancakes outside on the last night.

Suggestions

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the snow-mobiling from Ruka, I wasn't convinced that it, or a day in an urban ski-resort setting, was entirely in keeping with the rest of the week.  You may prefer to arrange a private expedition around Basecamp to stick to the wilderness feel of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure if inspirational is the word but it was exhilarating to be up on the plateau skiing in very adverse conditions (ice, high winds) but with the most beautiful views of the white wild coutryside.      To get back safely in the evening after having battled the elements!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Ilse and Mary were great.   They helped navigate the complexities of waxing the skiis.   They were encouraging and thoughtful in their guidance.   They put a lot extra in with fun warm-ups and relaxing cool downs, evening activities and a brilliant photo show on the last night of our week's efforts.   I skiied more with Ilse who was truely inspirational and a very skilled instructor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is plenty of variety for vegetarians and healthy options - I found the food excellant so need to bring any extras.   The packed lunch buffet was extensive as was breakfast.   It says in the trip notes but I did not read it to take gaiters.   Also needed are lots of layers.   No need for anything fancy for dinner!   Get fit before going - I though I was reasonably fit but my arms need a lot more work before going next time (and I will go back).