Reviews

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

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14364 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2014

A TASTE OF CUBA

This is an excellent trip to see the basics of a country that is changing rapidly

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching and joining in with the Buena Vista Social Club on Christmas Day. Really learning a lot about Cuba. Feeling the change that is coming to this country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was excellent, got involved with the group and didn't shy away from questions about how it really was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We spent about £150 each. Money changing was easy. Two booths outside the terminal we arrived at. The food was OK, the best was local food in vinales. Shame that isn't what you get everywhere. Take loads of photos, this country will change massively once the Castros are gone. Capitalism is coming!

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA & PANAMA

This trip across three countries is diverse, interesting and challenging. It has opened my eyes to the real world of Central America, and has left me with a greater understanding of the countries through which we have travelled. It has also challenged my fitness, which has also had a cleansing effect on my cluttered mind. I would recommend it wholeheartedly. It has been an amazing holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Panama Canal and the vision of people over a hundred years ago, and what it has become today. The rain forests - peace and tranquility, in a slower world. The scenery, the flora and fauna, and the wildlife. The people ...... All of them!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

There are not words to convey the respect we hold for Janiell who went the extra mile in all aspects of the trip to ensure we had the very best time. She is a legend, and we love her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Deet - and lots of it. A bit of training on a bike. Even if you are fit, the heat adds an extra dimension

Reviewed January 2014

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

I can’t think of a better way to have spent the last xmas than being on this amazing adventure. The entire staff at the basecamp was welcoming and helpful. The food was delicious and the accomodation is pleasant. The tour is very well organized. We had at least 3 hours of good exercises every day and there were a good variety of them too for everyone. Time went by so quickly everyday and I truely enjoyed every minute of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had quite a few first-time experiences on this holiday, which I all enjoyed very much. The whole week was inspirational because it was just out of this world, a winterwonderland no doubt. Two most memorable moments for me would be the huskie ride and castlerock snowshoe tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henrik was a fantastic leader in every aspect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really, the basecamp really does supply everything you would need for the adventures.

Reviewed January 2014

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous…lived up to my expectations and more

Most Inspirational Moment

From start to finish this trip was brilliant..I have been on a safari before but not like this.. As Paul says this is not a tick box safari and lots of time is spent watching. There were so many fantastic moments it is hard to choose the best - A lion stalking a leopard...cheetah cub..lion cubs..probably the moment that will live with me will be sitting in the land cruiser with a herd of elephants walking either side of me..it was wonderful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is very enthusiastic and will give you the best opportunity to see and photograph animals..mainly cats. He can be very over powering and could cause some people to be offended by him.. If you are able to take his manner and stress levels then this is the trip for you because Paul WILL give you the opportunities that others may not give.. He is very passionate about photography and the wildlife...

Advice for Potential Travellers

Know your camera before you go!!!!! and be willing to give as good as you get with Paul.....Also be prepared to use the behind the vehicle toilet (tyre pressure stops as we called them) and take some hand cleaner....Listen to the guides and drink lots and cover up as it is very hot...

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

For me, cycling was a great way to experience the charm and uniqueness that is Cuba. Cuba is a place characterised by sunshine, colour, music, cheery locals, rocking chairs, rum, cigars. ….idyllic beaches; mountain backdrops; lush valleys; abundant vegetation; abundant plantations; all manner of farm animals basking in the sun; remote quiet roads where traffic is largely made up of delightful 1950s American Classic cars, horse-drawn carts and ox-ploughs. Joyful, peasant livelihoods stuck in a time warp. A total absence of global (American)brands. No advertising. Pro-communism. Patriotism. Che Guevara. Vive la revolucion. Scarcely no internet access. Cycling Cuba is an intense, action-packed holiday. A total feast for the senses which left me feeling fit, tanned and wondering how I would re-adjust back to life at home again!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cuban people. Waving and cheery greetings of 'iHola!' when cycling past virtually each and every last local. At one point I caught up with some clapped-out trailer thing carrying a number of local passengers, it was being pulled along by some equally knackered, vintage-looking farm vehicle, and when I cycled past it the passengers just all went nuts ...I think they were bemused to see a western woman in Lycra on a bike that's somewhat more modern than the charming peddle-contraptions they have there, -it almost felt like some sort of celebrity treatment!! Oh, and cycling through some stunning Cuban landscapes, esp Sancti Spiritus and the mountain sections -was always torn between wanting to stop and take photos or just enjoying cycling through it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic. Knowledgeable. Diplomatic. Helpful. Personable. Warm-hearted. Good sense of humour. Proud of Cuba and it's heritage.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Warn your friends and family you'll be off-line for 2 weeks!! Although wifi was available (at high cost) at a couple of of the major hotels, the Internet is not otherwise available. -After a few days you'll enjoy the absence of the Internet as part of the Cuban holiday experience! There is no 3G in Cuba either. To communicate with anyone outside of Cuba you are limited to texting -or phone calls. The weather is hot and sticky. Because you move on every day, usually starting out early every morning it is difficult to wash and dry clothes, so pack as many t-shorts, tops, vests, summer cycle clothes and summer evening clothes as you have space for!! Shops also are few and far between in Cuba, not well stocked and often have limited opening hours. Pack enough of everything that you may possibly need!

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

An excellent way of visiting three exotic countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were insperational moments every day, i.e: Riding along the countryside together with the lovely people in the group. The homestay in Mekong delta - being out into the jungle - listening to the sounds of the animals in the night.The wonder of Angkor Wat.Learning about the horror of Killing fields.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was a marvellous leader: he always tried to do the best for us. Always nice and smiling and caring. He is the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring padded shorts and suncreamBring dollars, small notesArrive one day ahead to cope with the jetlagBring small gifts to give to the local children on your wayJust book now - it's a wonderful trip

Reviewed January 2014

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

A returnee, a disciple or just mad? Well that’s all me I guess – I just love going back to the Kicheche camps on a Photographic trip with the …… (how many adjectives can I use here?) Paul Goldstein! I return because each time the trip delivers, great camp and staff, great guides, great company, great sightings – just how many greats are there!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me - it was finally seeing a caracal - and not just seeing it - but spending time with her as she went about her business, not bothered by us and our wonderment.Of course I also have to mention the day-old lion cubs and the 3-week old leopard cubs (and once again Kicheche went the extra mile to allow us to spend time with them! - thanks). Can I also mention the Abyssinian Roller too - just another visitor to the Camp - no not really - must've been on a stop-over!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein - well it's all been said before! I go back on trips with him - so that says it all really I think!The guides are truly amazing and are still delighted/moved by the things they themselves see.The Camp managers and staff go out of their way to ensure that everyone has a top stay!

Advice for Potential Travellers

All the usual advice - be prepared for anything and everything - rewarding long days out, plenty of stops, plenty to drink and eat! Great laundry service!

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

Another superbly organised trip thanks to Exodus and our local guides and support staff. So many positives can not think of a better way to avoid two weeks of cold wet weather in the UK in January.

Most Inspirational Moment

Long cycling rides in 35+ degree temperatures through rural villages, being waived to and smiled at by the friendly locals, the amazing sites of the Wats, the sadness of the killing fields and S21, the interesting history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, nice hotels, good food (and plenty of it), a night on an island in the Mekong Delta, relaxed and quiet with a cold beer on the verandah and even a cooking lesson if you want it, great travelling companions and last but certainly not least, a great tour leader (Rit).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Rit was superb. He was cool, calm and collected at all times, friendly, helpful and always smiling. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was always availble to help with any problems that arose (not that there were very many of those). He was well supported by the teams in each of the three countries we visited and a special mention to Mr Black (owner of the cycle hire company in Thailand) and also Mr Nod, who cycled at the back of the pack to ensure no one was left behind. Mr Black was also an accomplished photographer and took thousands of excellent photos of everybody in the group as we cycled along. Also a BIG thankyou to Rit and the team who organised a surpirse ice cream birthday cake and photo slideshow for my partner at the evening meal. Also a thank you to Mr Lam in Vietnam for letting us visit his home village for lunch with his family and being very informative during our Vietnam visit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack - there are two places to do laundry on the trip so you really only need 7 days of clothing.Ensure you bring some insect spray (Deet) many of us were bitten by mozzies.Bring a 32gb usb memory stick as Mr Black (see above) is happy to put all of the photos / videos of the group on it for you, alternatively he does put them on facebook as well.When you go to the Cu Chi tunnels, there is the opportunity to fire some guns at a firing range, you are offered the empty shells as a souvenir, but as I found out at the airport on departure you will most likely be stopped and have them removed (slightly worrying at the time)As you will be visitng three countries an exhange rate convertor app on your phone would be useful.Bring a day pack for carrying your essentials, cameras, sun lotion etc, but you won't need to cycle with it (leave in the support vehicle) we had regualr stops when cycling and the refreshments provided - fresh fuit, choc bars, peanut brittle etc and cold water were plentiful. There are also rehydration sachets available so no need to bring those.

Reviewed January 2014

A holiday to remember

A fantastic journey through three very varied countries: rural Thailand with its green fields and rolling hills, hectic city life meets ancient temples in Cambodia – and the meeting of the two that is Vietnam. It’s a real treat for cyclists and history buffs alike in a part of the world with a fascinating but thought-provoking and sometimes harrowing past.

Most Inspirational Moment

The local people were the biggest inspiration; many of them live humble, uncluttered lives, work hard and seem genuinely happy. Others – such as our guide at the Killing Fields – had been directly affected by conflict but used their experience to really bring the country’s history to life. Also worthy of a mention was the day on which I heard the most beautiful music coming from a forest which ran alongside the road. I thought it was a temple - or someone playing an instrument during a break from their work. It was truly a magical moment, when – from behind the trees – emerged a couple of blokes in a van piled high with bric-a-brac with their radio on…

Thoughts on Group Leader

From the moment we arrived - after almost a day in transit – to our farewells at Ho Chi Minh airport, Rit’s cheerful demeanour, sense of humour and absolute professionalism stood out. He is passionate about cycling and I had complete confidence that he’d make sure we had fun but stayed safe from any crazy drivers while out and about. Nothing was ever too much bother for Rit – he was there at breakfast to answer any questions or offer a bit of sympathy in return for tales of ‘undulating’ bellies. He made sure we knew how to get our laundry done or where we could find water and snacks. There’s no doubt that looking after the welfare of 18 people and managing three different driving crews is a huge responsibility, but Rit is so well-organised and such a people person it seems to come naturally. I was really touched by the birthday cake he and the Thailand guys arranged for my 40th – it was a lovely thought.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You’ll have the opportunity to use the excellent local laundry services both in Siem Reap and HCMC so don’t overpack!Don’t try to bring your spent gun shells home from the Cu Chi tunnels – they will be confiscated by airport security and you'll face a long walk back to the freedom of the departure gateDollars are widely accepted in Cambodia (bring low denominations), but I found it easier to use local currency in Thailand and Vietnam.The food is often served warm rather than piping hot – it took a bit of getting used to!

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

An absolutely brilliant trip! Full of sights, sounds, tastes, impressions of all kinds. I would do it again anytime.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was no specific moment, because the trip was full of them - all the time, morning, afternoon and night. Off course there were well known, spectacular highlights of different kinds like the Angkor area in Siem Reap, the terrible story of the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng in Phnom Pehn, the Cu Chi viet cong tunnels in Saigon and so on. But for me the greatest part of the trip was the cycling outside the cities, in the rural areas and the small villages. The hearty velcome of the people who lives there, the glimpse into their lives, the amazing activities of all kinds along the road, the changing landscape and different roads - amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group's slogan: "Rit is our favouRITe" sums it all up.Rit (Saowarit Aphiwatthanakul) is the perfect group leader, well organized, caring and responsible. He called us his "Cycling Family", and that is what he made us feel like - a big happy cycling family. Rit is not a big man, but he has a natural authority paired with the biggest smile ever - great guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it, you will never regret it! Do not be afraid of the cycling! This trip is suitable for all levels as there always is a bus and a truck following - are you tired one day, you can sit in the bus. The routes are very well planned with little traffic.Remember: - Padded cycling shorts - 2 if you have, because you WILL get sweaty!- Cycling gloves as your hands will get burnt- Sun cream and -BLOCK- Bag to attach to the bike for camera etc - important!- US Dollars in small notes- GPS if you have- You can wash clothes cheap and very good at lokal laundries at least two times along the trip- Small gifts two the numerous children that you will meet along the way. We brought With us a small travelling mascot, the IKEA bear, the kids LOVED him and I would have liked to be able to give away some of those.....

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