Reviews

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

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14259 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Murali Golconda

Reviewed February 2023

Why there are so few recent reviews?

That was a question I asked the Canada based ‘Customer Experience Specialist’ in November 2021 when I first contacted Exodus on behalf of a group of friends. The reply I received was that it was because of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel. After my trip last summer, I believe that there are other reasons. During our hike we learnt that because of changes in regulations due to Brexit, Exodus had lost most of its established International Mountain Leaders and was relying on services provided by a third-party company. Based on my experience, I question the vetting process of this company for its guides. On day #5, as we were approaching La Fouly, a couple of group members wanted to detour to a waterfall that was off the TMB trail. The rest did not, but the group leader forced all to walk across a boulder field (read ‘ankle twist risk’) to access the trail to the waterfall. We returned to the TMB trail on a different path that was a safe hiking trail. Would a sensible leader put the safety of his group at risk by forcing them to traverse unsafe terrain? On the last hiking day, the leader stated that there was snow & ice on the trail (our hike was in August) from Le Brevent to Plan Praz, presumably to dissuade group members from hiking that last stretch and instead take the cable car. All but 2 elected to continue the hike. The only snow & ice was on the distant peaks! If you live in the United States, be aware that the company uses a reservation agent in Canada and a U.S. Operations Team. Communication between these two, and between the Operations Team and the local third-party operator was clearly deficient. At the time of making the reservation, because of the increased risk for COVID-19 infection in a confined setting, I sought assurance that we that we would not be staying in dormitory accommodation. In July, I asked for confirmation after finding that the accommodations in two locations had both rooms and dormitories. At one of these locations our group had to stay at two different hotels. The group leader told us that the Operations Team had not notified the local operator of our request and dormitory accommodation had been booked. After I wrote in July, they had to rebook and the Auberge did not have enough rooms for the entire group, hence the split accommodation. We were to meet with travelers arriving from the U.K. at Geneva airport for onward transportation to Chamonix. The Operations Team did not bother to notify us that the travelers from the U.K were arriving on a later flight. We spent an anxious 2+ hours in the airport not seeing anyone with an Exodus Travels sign and not being able to reach the local third-party company at the telephone number provided by the Operations Team. Writing to the company has only yielded defensive responses.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoying Mother Nature's beauty.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lack of concern for safety of group members, Dishonest, Manipulative

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would not recommend this company to potential travelers.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Murali for his review, although we are incredibly sorry that he was disappointed with several aspects of his time in the Alps, as this is not the type of feedback we expect to receive. We have sourced tour leaders for this trip from the same local operator for almost twenty years and have full confidence in their ability to select highly qualified mountain guides who meet ours and our customers’ expectations. The consistently high scores they receive suggests that this process works well, so we regret that this does not chime with Murali’s experience. We can confirm that his group lodged at the standard chalet used on this tour and did not spend any nights in dormitories, so we were equally surprised to receive these comments. Our customer services team have been in direct communication with Murali since he returned home and we remain satisfied that his trip was delivered in line with our expectations; we, nevertheless, remain apologetic for his disappointing experience.

jackie spiby

Reviewed February 2023

pity about the trip notes

Great holiday Costa Rica is great fun and lots of birds. just a few points: there are lots of additional activities so take plenty of dollars. if you don’t take them up you lose a lot of the experience and may have to stay on the bus. at least a couple of the hotels are not as stated in the trip notes and not really equivalent. The San Jose hotel is way out of town so you miss doing the city tour and there isn’t much to do there. take a camera. take the best camera you can get or be lucky and have some great photographers in the group. enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tortuguero

Thoughts on Group Leader

a great birder

Karen Schober

Reviewed February 2023

Costa Rica Extravaganza

This is a jam packed, go go trip. We saw lots of Costa Rica’s landscape and wildlife. Even though there were a couple of long days on the bus, I found it a fantastic way of see the countryside. It is a small country with slow roads so we were very happy not to be doing the driving. We saw 89 species of birds, in addition to sloths, monkeys, coati, snakes frogs, dolphins and a tapir. And snorkeling we saw, of course many fish, but several hawksbill turtles, a green sea turtle, and 2 white tipped reef sharks. We saw wildlife!

Most Inspirational Moment

More than one! Foremost among the loads of wildlife was our experience seeing 4 of the infamous Quetzals. I've wanted to see them ever since a trip I took in the late 70's to Guatemala. Photos do not do these magnificent birds justice. Secondly, we encountered a school of dolphins on our boat trip back from Drake Bay. I have seen many dolphins in the wild before, but this calm, warm morning was special. Perhaps 25 of them played with our boat for 30 minutes. Amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda Araya is the best tour guide EVER! So knowledgable we called her Glenda-pedia. She truly loves nature and loves Costa Rica. She is quite the ambassador for her country. Her parting speech to the group brought us all to tears. She is wise beyond her years.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light. We found our carry on roller bags and a small back pack were perfect. There is laundry at Drake Bay toward the end of the trip but plan on washing out quick dry clothes in your room. Bring a small clothes line. We wish we had. Mostly it was very warm and humid but quite chilly in the highlands for the early morning bird watching. Don't forget a warm fleece or puffy jacket. Footwear. Trails can be root covered and uneven so you will be glad you have sturdy walking shoes. Plus, there can be stinging ants and yes, snakes. Also, there are some wet landings from boats and flip flops will not work. Bring some water shoes or sandals to protect you from hot sand and rocks.

Nelly Walton

Reviewed February 2023

Feb 2023

Blizzard bombs, waterfalls and geological features

Most Inspirational Moment

The Glacial Walking was amazing. Such a brilliantt experience being able to walk on blue ice! The Blue Lagoon was also the highlight, though not included on the tour.It was snowy conditions and blizzard bombs, so white out's on the roads, and hit in the face with sleet in the lagoon. Some people wore bobble hats, but I kept putting my head under the water to warm up! the silica is not good for your hair though. We saw the Northern Lights from Lake in the East, but they were not green nor coloured, just very weak like whisky white clouds - it showed green on some people's phones and cameras. So a disappointment really.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Spot on. He was tops, knew in-depth interesting information about his country and was fun, energetic and charismatic. A great tour guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

February is a dicey month to go. We landed after three attempts, the landings were a touch and go attempt and re-take off - given he incredibly strong blizzards, on arrival. The air stewardess said the previous week the aircraft doors could not be opened for 10 hours due to the winds, so something to bear in mind when you choose to go. It is amazing, but I was left disappointed to be honest. It's a lot of money for a bus tour manly of waterfalls. I asked the leader if it was possible to remove one of the three waterfalls and replace it with the Lava tunnels - to give more variety and he agreed it would be possible. So this is my suggestion.

Alexa Vardy

Reviewed February 2023

Worth every penny!

So many pinch me moments every single day… Penguins are just incredible to see waddling along their penguin highways, spectacular whale watching, stunning icebergs. I’d go again tomorrow! Loved the camping, paddling and polar plunge. Do it all! You won’t regret it. Fabulous trip, great bunch of people, delicious food.

Most Inspirational Moment

How can you choose! The first penguin sightings - chinstrap and gentoo chicks. Waddling, feeding, pooping Four humpback whales diving in a row, with 2 other families also in view! Antarctic camping - in the snow! Warm and toasty despite not getting dark The atmosphere and support of the whole group during the Polar Plunge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was great - experienced, friendly and always accessible

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! Sign up for all the optional activities - they were all great Take a waterproof phone cover You probably won't need all the layers and clothes that you think you do

Ilenia Barausse

Reviewed February 2023

Amazing trip!

This was my first trip with Exodus and it was absolutely perfect! The walks are varied, some are a little bit harder than others but there are always easier options available if needed. The scenery is just stunning and matched with a very interesting history and a very friendly group of people it made the trip a memorable one. During the week you get to visit crusader castles, monasteries and abbeys, ancient ruins and even a cave. The views you get from every walk are just spectacular. The trip was made even more successful thanks to our guide Gizer, the most knowledgeable and kind guide you can ask for, always telling us the most interesting bits of history about the country and the local flora and fauna. The hotel Pia Bella was an excellent base for our week, perfectly located close to Kyrenia harbour and all the shops and restaurants.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many to mention but I would say the spectacular view from the top of Buffavento Castle and the visit to Famagusta on the free day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer was a superb guide, extremely knowledgeable about his country, approachable and always very patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On the free day make sure you take the excursion to Salamis and Famagusta, including the ghost town of Varosha and the visit to Nicosia on the day of departure is a must.

Reviewed February 2023

Gloriously diverse, rich in culture and varied trip

Southern India far exceeded my expectations. The people were kind and welcoming, keen to engage and share their culture and traditions. The itinerary ticked all the boxes for me, relaxed sunny coastal Kochi and Kovalam, the cooler climate and stunning scenery surrounded by tea hills of Munnar and the hustle and bustle of city life in Madurai (off-set by the peaceful calm within the city temple walls).

Most Inspirational Moment

All of them! The Munnar tea plantation morning walk was stunning, a slow and steady amble winding into the tea plantations and learning about the workers daily routine and the process of tea making was great, I could have spent all day roaming the area. The early morning city walk in Madurai turned my first impressions of the city around for me, our local Guide Rishi was amazing and as the city woke up we engaged with people starting their day and tried a few local drinks and snacks to keep us going before breakfast. This tour will be different every time you do it as depends on who/what you come across as you walk around but well worth the 5:15am alarm! Lastly, pootling along on the Shikara boats through the Keralan backwaters was a great wind-down from a busy trip, a birdwatchers paradise and fun to watch the locals going about their daily chores on the banks of the river.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju is one of the best Leaders I've ever had. He was so informative and gave amazing insight and cultural anecdotes daily. The long journeys never felt long as Biju would fill the time going through a different life event in his culture and how it was celebrated/marked and was ever patient with all our questions. Biju was so conscientious and made it his mission to ensure everyone had a great time and any issues that cropped up he dealt with immediately.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the two 1-night stops (homestay & houseboat) it's worth just packing a smaller overnight bag to take to your room as the homestay is a typical Indian family home so no porters etc (and most rooms are upstairs with no elevator). The houseboat rooms are small cabins so easier not to have a bulky bag to maneuver around. Munnar and Periyar/Thekkady can be a bit chilly (compared with the Kerala coast) so worth having a lightweight fleece/jumper for evenings and early mornings.

Paul Court

Reviewed February 2023

Remarkable Trip, But Crowded Venues

The temples and tombs of Egypt are really unique. It is amazing to visit ancient sites that cover a span of over 2,600 years, yet are linked by a consistent aesthetic and belief system. The carvings and paintings in each temple and tomb different from the others. The amount of artwork in each one is quite extraordinary. The dry climate has preserved much of the colour in some of the decorations. Being in the presence of the Pyramids gives a whole new meaning to the term “monumental”. Both hotels were exceptionally good. The Cairo Zamalek has lots of good restaurants, and the largest and most complete gym that we have ever encountered in any hotel. The Movenpick on Elephantine Island was also superb, and their emphasis on recycling and the use of compost (they have an extensive kitchen garden) was impressive. The staff at both hotels and on the boat were all very helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The engravings in the tombs of the Valley of the Kings made us think of the hundreds of artisans who worked in each of them, of how the work has endured, and how their descendants are the Egyptians of today. The paintings of everyday life in the tombs in Saqqara, which are almost five thousand years old, were quite moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was very helpful and knowledgeable. I pestered him with questions constantly, and he was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm. He was also very helpful in dealing with our transfers, which were not with the rest of the group. Akmar was also very helpful in getting us through Cairo Airport and into the hotel when we arrived after midnight. He had lots of good advice on dealing with the many hawkers and vendors that one encounters.

Advice for Potential Travellers

February is in the high season, and the tour boat was part of a flotilla of fifteen to twenty identical vessels travelling to the same docks at the same time. The temples and tombs (with the exception of Memphis and Saqqara) were very crowded. Experienced guides suggested that late September is an ideal time to visit when the heat is not too oppressive (although warmer than February) and the crowds are much smaller. Be prepared for lots of early mornings. Don't miss the trip to Saqqara. Abu Simbel was fascinating, but be prepared for eight hours on a bus. Take some small denominations in Egyption currency for baksheesh in various locations. Toilet attendants expect 5 EG - less than 20 Euro or USD cents.

Digby HOLMAN

Reviewed February 2023

Discover Costa Rica Feb 2023

Excellent trip in every way. 6 locations 2 nights at each. Was wondering how Exodus worked it out. Including both coasts and high ground. Our trip was focussed on birds in particular and are group of 16 had a cohesiveness as a result – we were all considerate to one another, the wildlife, and ‘the moment out in the field’. Good value. we saw more than we could have expected I feel. The country of Costa Rica delivers on a number of levels and so does Exodus!

Most Inspirational Moment

How we all got on! With the help of our guide Armando. and then seeing an Osprey grab a fish and fly away in Tortuguero Then there were the Toucan's, Tanager's and a Tayra - and that's just the letter T! Most of us had Tortuguero down as our favourite spot. The inland waterway on one side -the roaring surf (like noisy air con at night) on the other - truly inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Friendly. Caring. Funny. With knowledge and intelligence to bring the best out of the surroundings and the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes The trip is one big journey in a suitcase. Take time out at the end to relax before heading home.

Amanda Sleight

Reviewed February 2023

Amazing Week

What a fantastic week , full of excitement and plenty of adventure . The Northern lights came out within a couple of hours of us arriving and our trip was off to an amazing start. We had great fun out snow shoeing , this place is hard to describe you are on an island , surrounded by trees and snow . It’s is so peaceful there was nobody else here but the group and the air is so clean and dry. The reindeer ride to the Sami house went on for over an hour each way , and we gained lots of insight into the lives of the Sami people . The dog sledding was truly amazing and we were out for a few hours without meeting anyone, cutting across lakes of fresh snow. Finally the forest ski trip and an overnight stay to sleep in the forest hut was a true delight -30 with a couple of log burners to keep us warm and cutting the ice to access water from the lake , miles away from anywhere. Lars had non stop information on the wildlife and the local area , each night we had an interesting talk on a different predator – bear, wolverine etc

Most Inspirational Moment

It would be difficult to say one in particular, but seeing the smoke rising above the trees where the hut was located after we had e been travelling on forest skis all day in -30 is right up there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lars was great , lots of laughs and interesting information for everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an excellent trip and I have previously done the snow shoeing in Oulanka , but it was definitely a unique adventure not to be missed , and this felt like you were so far away from everything and totally calm.

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