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!

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14364 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Hilary Brattle

Reviewed January 2019

A fabulous trip

This trip was fast paced and full of variety. We stayed in seven different locations during the two weeks which meant we were packing up and moving on every two days. The scenery we saw in between locations was incredibly beautiful and the bus rides were always interesting as our guide made sure we stopped for coffee, lunch or a surprise! …..a sloth and baby in a tree or crocodiles basking in the river!
The lodges were all full of character and of a high quality. Meals were typical Costa Rican with amazing variety and choice. The fruit was outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many magical moments. Quetzel hunting with dozens of other crazy people at 5 30 am. We had almost given up hope when Glenda made the first sighting and we all captured the flash of green tail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was called Glenda and she was a marvel, transmitting her love of Costa Rica to all of us through her constant stream of information. As we travelled we learnt about the history, culture and wildlife of this wonderful place. We were amazed at her ability to spot the smallest bird or animal hidden in the undergrowth. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was brilliantly organised. We felt we were in very capable hands with Glenda and our driver Carlos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. A warm jumper and trousers were needed in two mountain locations whilst thin clothes were needed in low lying areas. Be prepared to get up early to see wildlife!

M and C Palmer

Reviewed January 2019

Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees

An enjoyable and interesting trip that gave us an insight into the local landscape and culture. Snow only truly arrived 2 days into the week and our leader Miguel adapted well, staying true to the themes of the itinerary and giving us good walks without snow and then in fresh snow of depths up to 3 feet. Note – some stamina is needed, especially in the deep snow! Local villages, remote valleys in a national park and peak summits were all sampled, together with insights into local history and culture such as the Freedom Trail escape route, and Catalan wine and cheese tastings. A very enjoyable week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the unspoilt beauty and power of the Catalan Pyrenees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A dedicated guide able to make decisions at short notice as the weather conditions necessitated a change of plan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes, they give a good guide as to the walking level required.

Eamon Keating

Reviewed January 2019

Visit but not with exodus

We added Easter Island to our Discover Chile tour (which was excellent) but were very disappointed with the Exodus service. The accommodation in Hotel Otai was very good but could easily be booked direct and there are lots of alternatives near the centre. The main reason for the review was the very poor guide service. We expected Exodus to maintain it usual high standard especially in a location as dramatic as Easter Island. On the 1 day tour our guide was hugely disappointing – she didn’t accompany us around the sites; her knowledge was very shallow; and she was just not interested. On day two we had a younger male guide who was engaged and knowledgeable but catering for a group of 21 across 2 languages was a major shortfall. We also found that the flight costs wold have been cheaper if we booked direct. My recommendation is definitely to visit the island; make the arrangements directly; three nights is sufficient; book a day long individual guide locally; and rent bikes to revisit the places you liked.

Most Inspirational Moment

The quarry and the large platform nearby

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have travelled on 8 occasions with Exodus and the quality of the guide is a major reason to remain loyal. On Easter island the service used by Exodus fell woefully short of our expectations – both in terms of quality and also in terms of group size – I was sitting on the pull down seat in the aisle of a small minibus for the duration of the tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely to visit the island; make the arrangements directly; three nights is sufficient; book a day long individual guide locally; and rent bikes to revisit the places you liked. Hanga Rua and Pea restaurants on the seafront are recommended

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Eamon for his review, although we are very sorry that he was disappointed with the guide service on this trip. We appreciate that there is a difference between a tour leader and a local guide, but we expect that the guides we use will provide a positive experience for our clients at the sites they are guiding. We understand that the first guide was feeling unwell on this day and that this may have affected her performance, but we nonetheless regret that this impacted Eamon’s experience. Whilst we were pleased to read that Eamon found the guide on day 2 to be engaged and knowledgeable, we regret that he was disappointed with the size of the group he guided and that he was required to speak two languages. We have updated the trip notes to include more information about this in order to help better prepare our clients for what to expect on the Extension, as we recognise that the set-up is rather different to those on our main tours. The prices we charge clients are reflective of the costs we incur, but in our flight-inclusive prices we also include an amount to cover the cost of flight related issues for which we may be liable in accordance with our obligations under the Package Travel Regulations. Our customer services team have written to Eamon in more detail regarding all of the issues he has mentioned. Malcolm Parkinson – Product Manager

Glen B

Reviewed January 2019

Epic

What a fantastic adventure summiting Africa’s highest peak with the most amazing and supportive group of people, ever!!!!

Easily The most difficult thing I have ever done.

The trek was a well oiled machine. Porters were amazing. Tents were were dry and set up by the time we entered each camp. The food was fantastic.

The toilet was a godsend.

The guides were amazing, supportive, present and empathetic. I never would have summited without the excellent pacing and patience of Seraphine. I never would have made it die without the quick thinking, preparedness and assistance of Seraphine, King Janes, Abraham and others.

Of our group of 11 trekkers, 10 made it to Gilman’s point, and 8 of made it to Uhuru Peak!!!

I highly recommend Exodus and the African Walking Company (AWC)

Most Inspirational Moment

The comaraderie of the trekkers. We were so supportive and respectful of each other. The best examples of man’s humanity to their fellow man.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was amazing!!!! I cannot say enough positive things about that guy!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep a positive mental attitude. Bring 5 pairs of pants, sox and tops - dry clothing is the ultimate luxury. Keep them ina plastic bag. Bring and use Diamox. Don’t be a hero, the trek is uncomfortable enough without doing it with a headache. It really works. Wear sunscreen. My face is peeling because I forgot to wear it on the summit run. I’m ten shades darker and my entire face is peeling. Looks like I have a skin disease. Wet wipes. Bring way more than you think you need. Bring candy. Get the warmest sleeping bag you can find!! And mother most important thing to remember: walk slooooooooowly. Speed kills.

Cameron Edwards

Reviewed January 2019

Excellent trip with excellent guides

Had an extremely good time on this trip, and would definitely use Exodus again

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of the mountain range we were climbing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, made sure to show us all the important parts, and had the answer to all our questions

Carolyn (Judy) Howlett

Reviewed January 2019

Highlights of Northern India

Absolutely superb. Our guide, Ajay Gupta, was out of this world. All Exodus guides are super but he was just amazing. The sights we saw in such a short time, the standard of the hotels, the food – oh my goodness! I cannot recommend this trip highly enough

Most Inspirational Moment

Choosing one is difficult. The Taj mahal is of course a major site - chosen as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, and rightly so. But I loved the observatory, partly because it was so unexpected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing. wonderful. Friendly, knowledgable, everything a guide should be , and more. He made the trip the delight it was

Advice for Potential Travellers

don't change money at the airport - you'll be charged 10% commission. find an ATM from a major national bank and use that.

Caroline Simmonds

Reviewed January 2019

From no snow to lots of snow!

When we arrived in Rialp the area had seen no snow for more than a month, so the first couple of days were spent walking rather than snowshoeing. This was not necessarily a disadvantage because it enabled us to do longer walks to different villages and, at least on the first day, enjoy the sunshine! Then on Wednesday the snow arrived with a vengeance, so the snowshoes got thoroughly tested as well, often in deep virgin snow. I had no idea about the history or culture of the area and learned a lot from our leader, Miguel, during the week. The local wine and cheese sampling sessions he laid on for us were also much appreciated!

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoying the views and snowshoeing for miles without seeing any other people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. On one or two occasions he headed off a little too fast (the group left my husband and me behind in a cafe on the first day - luckily we managed to work out where they had gone and catch up!) but 14 is quite a large group to have only one leader. He willingly gave up his free day to lead us on a very enjoyable additional walk, even if we did need to up the pace towards the end in order to catch the bus back to Rialp! He was also very flexible as the weather conditions required.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect this to be an easy trip, with or without snow - but it is a good combination of activity and culture in a really fascinating area.

Johnny Corn

Reviewed January 2019

Should be on everyone’s bucket list

This is a trip every Exodus traveller should do! So many different activities in a week based at the wonderful Oulanka Basecamp with its great facilities, gear and staff. The day light is short but you sure make the most of it and have plenty of time to unwind and relax. Laugh at yourself as to try and tackle most things that you would have never tried before but after a taster would want to do most of them as holidays in themselves- husky sledging, snow shoe walking, cross country skiing and driving a skidoo. The final day in the enchanted snow covered National Park of Riisitunturi is one I will never forget as one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to! Did not see the Northern Lights which would have put the icing on the cake but will just mean I will have to come again! Everyone seems to do the Petra trip but I suggest this is a most do trip too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Husky sledging and the snow shoe walk in Riisitunturi.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elena was a brilliant guide and leader and supported by all the team at the camp! They were all so enthusiastic, professional and fun and clearly love what they do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you do the river floating do not wear your glasses as they like the clothes you are provided with freeze! You hardly need to take a thing as the gear they provide is better than the gear I have and I am a real wimp in the cold! Take plenty of good socks, hipflask, buy duty free as my bar bill was horrendous ( my own fault but enjoyed it all!), if your clothes get wet of sweaty dry them out on the floor of your room with underfloor heating! No soaps etc in rooms so take your own!

Rebecca Nansoz

Reviewed January 2019

Book it!

We have just returned from the most stunning 2 weeks in Sri Lanka. The trip is extremely well planned with interesting trips spaced between the cycling. The cycling is manageable – but be warned DAY 5! It is an extremely tough climb – and even the fittest amongst our fabulous group found it very tough.

If you are lucky enough to have Wasantha as your leader, you will be spoilt. He is so knowledgeable, helpful and organised and nothing was too much trouble. Our group was very lively and he never got annoyed at having to repeat himself!

We were blessed with perfect weather (be warned its v humid). Hotels mostly very good. Food is great and never ending. Many in our group had done quite a few Exodus cycling trips but voted this very highly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to the tea plantation was very interesting, as was the Spice Garden visit. Seeing wild elephants on the safari was also a highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wasantha went above and beyond. A lovely man who worked tirelessly to ensure our trip was a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit for the climb on Day 5. Don't bother to bring dollars. Just change pounds at the airport.

Brian Harris

Reviewed January 2019

challenging, but great

great mix of types of activities. culture, geography, local colour and adventure. some aspects quite physically demanding. needs a couple of extra days to make a bit more relaxed

Most Inspirational Moment

temple caves at Dambulla,, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. also white water rafting

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! very organised, caring and knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

get more info on Horton Plains - its tougher than it sounds - plain is far from flat and the route is rough pathways. I only made it with extra support from the tour leader!

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