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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14318 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

Review by Angela not GraemeThis was a trip I've always wanted to do and it lived up to my expectations. It was an excellent trip which was very well organised and enabled us to see the varied landscapes of Peru and learn about the Peruvian culture. I am not a camper so was particularly impressed with the camping part of the trip. The porters were excellent and took such good care of us. I couldn't believe the super standard of the food, you even got woken up with a cup of tea and got afternoon tea at 5pm. It was also great getting a hot bowl of water to wash at the beginning and end of the day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Despite seeing many photos previously I wasn't prepared for the hugeness of the siteAmazing food whilst campingRiding in the dune buggy and sliding down the sand dunesSeeing the Humboldt penguins in Ballesta IslaTalking to the Peruvian peopleTravelling with a great group of people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizzio was an excellent guide, very friendly and very caring. He has a very laid back attitude but is extremely well organised. Fabrizzio was very concerned for our well-being and ensured that we drank plenty of water and rested well and always checked how we were doing particularly when people had been unwell but he was never obtrusive. He was clearly very proud of his county and shared his knowledge with us. He also took us to some excellent restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Things I would have liked to know:If you fly from Lima to Puno be prepared for feeling extremely tired for the first couple of days even if you take it easy and also be prepared for headaches, almost everyone in our group suffered headaches for the first 2 or 3 days.Wear waterproof trousers on the boat trip to Ballestas Island - the sea was very choppy and we all got wet - it was like a theme park water ride.Do the Dune Buggy optional excursion and sand boarding it's great fun and excellent value but don't put sun cream immediately before or you'll get plastered in sand.The long coach trips are inevitable and the roads can be very winding making it difficult to read so audio books or Ipod will help pass the time. We had someone who knew lots of games so we were kept entertained. A pack of cards might also be useful particularly when you are camping. Take dollars and change into soles - you will need both, your guide will advise how much to change and there are many opportunites. If you are travelling with United Airlines via Houston they do not do vegetarian meals on the Houston to Lima stretch so make sure you buy something at the airport if you're likely to get hungry. If you don't like your room for any reason politely ask to change as the guide and the hotel are keen to ensure you are happy.Take a swimming costume for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Towels can be hired and you can buy soap and shampoo very cheaply. It's just what you need after 4 days trekking and they even serve you a beer in the pool - heaven! There was also a pool in the Nazca hotel.Poles were a must for coming down the many steps on the Inca trail. Hire a sleeping bag then you only have it for the days of the trek, you also get a thermorest mattress and the sleeping bag is a four season so keeps you snug and warm.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A brilliant cycling adventure which combines moderately challenging cycling through ever-changing scenery with a real opportunity to experience the culture, history and people of Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

The penultimate day of cycling - 110km into Hue, including a 10km up-stretch through the mountains. Off the bike, it would have to be cruising in Halong Bay, one of the numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites that we visited along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Lam is full of knowledge about his country, and a highly organised and competent tour leader. Full of fun and energy, he led us brilliantly and is an excellent ambassador for Vietnam and Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being comfortable whilst cycling is the key to maximum enjoyment. Own saddle and padded shorts are for winners! One of our group also brought cleats - a nice to have but not essential.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING CUBA

This was a lovely trip but some things do need to be changed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dificult to pin point - the first day in Havana, Trinidad and going on the Catamaran, Santiago. The scenery was lovely, the people friendly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raimon(do) was fantastic - an excellent source of knowledge, good organisational skills, friendly approachable. All the drivers were fabulous.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't go in the summer if you can help it - it is very hot indeed.

Reviewed August 2012

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Good value 7 day trip -flights just over 3 hours. Good mix of Marrakesh and hiking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the top of the pass on third day- from campsite two the steep path looked impossible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan had a good sense of humour, good communicator and excellent leaders. Fast walker!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Weather in July 45' C in Marrakesh and putting socks and boots on hot feet at 40'C an experience. Weather soon became plessant- just chilly for summit. Some short showers in afternoon.Walking was hard -sections of path at higher levels rough. The 5 hour day and optional aclimitisation extra hike met varied abilities and needs. No altitude sickness issues in our group.Make sure you use handwash- hand bowl washes not really promoted. Some tummy issues! No real washing facilities for first three nights- don't expect bowls at you tent or mugs of tea!

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

A fantastic trip in an amazing country! I really liked the combination of several days walking alongside the opportunity to take in some culture too (Sarajevo is an amazing city). Bosnia and Herzegovina is a really beautiful country and my advice would be to go now before it is spoiled by mass tourism.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had lots of inspirational moments on this trip ranging from reaching the top of Maglic Mountain (Bosnia's highest peak), rafting down the Neretva river, spending time in Sarajevo or just relaxing with the group and a few beers! It was interesting and moving to learn about and see evidence from the recent Balkan war and hear our guides talk about their experiences during this time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders, Alan and Emir, were great. Really well organised, happy to answer questions and make suggestions and their health and safety considerations were impeccable. They made a real effort to help the group bond together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You cannot obtain Bosnian Convertible Marks outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I took Euros and changed them at a bank when I arrived. I think it would have been easier just to take Marks from the cash point(s) on arrival. Useful to take some Croatian Kuna for use in Dubrovnik. I would like to have spent a few more days in Dubrovnik. It is worth considering adding a couple of days before or after the trip to see a bit more of this beautiful city.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN TUSCANY (Grade C - Challenging Week)

A really varied, exciting and spectacular trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking...well, scrambling/clinging/concentrating along the ridge to the summit on the third day's walk, really dramatic views (before the mists closed in) and tough!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was fantastic...patient, excellent at providing the challenge needed (for an apparently very fit group) without letting anyone feel they couldn't keep up with the demands of this C grade week. She also went over and above what you would expect in terms of helpful information and advice on the day off and the last day, ensuring we got to see Lucca and Pisa before flying home. I also very much appreciated the suprisingly prolific snacks she managed to fit into her rucksack each day!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are up to a challenging week...this isn't genteel strolling through Tuscan olive groves!

Reviewed August 2012

THE INCA TRAIL

Everything I had ever dreamed of and more

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Picchu itself, after a long and hard treak the group arrived at a ridge overlooking the ruins of Machu Picho. One look and I got so emotional I started to cry, it was amazing and well worth hiking all that way to view. The next day as you walk round this amazing city and learn about its history the feeling cannot be described in words.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan our group leader was excellent. His knowledge was of the Incas and Peru was amazing. He quickly made us all feel as ease. There is no way I would have been able to complete the trip without his help and encouragement. I had to take at it a very slow pace but Juan gave me the confidence to keep going. He had a great sense of humour and it just felt as if he was part of the group. I do not think the holiday would have been quite so memoriable without him as the leader of our group he made everyone feel welcome and as a result I feel we all bonded very well and had many laughs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and get as fit as possible, apart from the altitude and high accents and decents you are often climbing up and down rough trails over large rocks. There are no flat bit in Cuzco or on the trail so the fitter you are the better. On saying that as long as you have good stamina you will manage. Bring trousers that are easily washed out and will dry quickly.

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

An amazing experience, stunning scenery, fabulous walks and led by
Oliver, a quiet man with a great sense of humour, energy, knowledge and love of his surroundings.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, just too many, but if I have to choose, the first time Mont Blanc appeared through the clouds on the initial walk, and the later walk (climb!) to Lac Blanc - Chris For me, the moment I realised that life and its worries were blown away by the age and grandeur of the Mont Blanc range - Mel

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional in every way. His ability to communicate his knowledge, respect and love of the mountains inluding the flora and fauna was infectious. Oliver assessed the various abilities in the group with discretion and sensitivity so that the group gelled naturally and supported each other with care and humour. Oliver's second in command on some of the walks, Dylan the fox terrier was a great companion and the source of much commaradarie. Back at base camp, Elaine set you up for the day with a substantial lunch and a different home made cake every day! A three course meal had been prepared, waiting for you on your return. Heaven!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, don't doubt in your own ability to do any of the walks. The rewards are amazing. Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots. Hydration tablets in a camel pack are a good idea. Energy bars are useful. Would strongly recommend the cable car to the Aguille du Midi as early as possible (6.30am) on the free day.

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

A fantastic holiday overall. Even the weather was superb apart from a couple of short sporadic rain showers. Being in the high alpine can be a very relaxing but also spiritual experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of any high point in a range such as the Alps can be very satisfying, but to see the smiles on the faces of individuals who have achieved a summit or high col, and yet doubted their ability to do so an hour or so before, can be truly inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As a group, we had the privelege of walking with both Frank and Carrie for the first and second weeks respectively. Both walk leaders know the Alps exhaustively, are very experienced and have a vast knowlege of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a challenging walk with big ascents and descents on a daily basis. A good fitness level would be something to aim for before the start of the holiday. The weather can be alarmingly changeable so waterproofs may come in useful. Light fleeces can be useful as temperatures can fluctuate in the high alpine.

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

This was a great trip with an excellent guide [Graham] and splendid cook/driver and logistics man [Lewis].Wonderful views of the Massif; beautiful Alpine meadows and flowers; interesting historic villages; challenging [for a 73 year old!] ups and downs, but on a well-used track, with well judged stops for rests, photos and coffee with myrtle tarts at the many refuges. It was a great group [all strangers to me before, but no longer!].Excellent, spacious tents, and the tenting option made for greater camaraderie.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to single out: the whole experience was great - the sheer sweep and size of the Alps, with pristine snow slopes [usually] above, jagged 'needles' jutting into the heavens, lovely Alpine meadows and flowers, and tracts of Alpenrose; my first close encounter with an ibex; my triumph at getting a half way decent photo of a marmot with my little 'point and shoot' camera; the 'extra' climb up to the tete [head] of a high pass [Grand Col Ferret] with 3 of the more energetic of the group, with of course 'extra' views of the fabulous Grandes Jorasses; the exhilarating, hurtling 'races' down to the valley floors, with the reward of a refreshing beer in a garden full of flowers ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham Hickman - first rate. You might reckon an ex-Formula One racing driver might have a narrow focus. Not Graham: not only was he a superb 'track' guide - reading the weather; being sensitive to how every one of a big [13 strong] group was travelling on a particular day, encouraging the weary, judging just when we could do with a break, cautioning us when the track was a bit tricky [not that there was any real exposure] etc. - he was also a fount of knowledge on the history of the area, the geology, and not bad on the vegetation. But the bottom line is the safety and comfort of the party. We had, with one small exception, benign weather, and there were no spills or damaged limbs. But had it been otherwise, I have not a skerrick of doubt that Graham would have known exactly what to do to cope with any emergency, whether an injury or severe weather.He exudes professionalism.Not to leave 'young' Lewis out of the picture. It was his first trip, and he was terrific. Didn't put a foot wrong. Cheerful and accommodating at all times, and super efficient. A pretty good cook for a Pom, and a wizard at getting everything ready for us: if he had time, he'd even put up our tents, a great boon for the weary walker. Behind the scenes Mark was there to organise everything - a relief vehicle, or extra supplies. It's a very efficient outfit all round.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get as fit as you can before the trip - it's easier than doing it as you go! You're up and down 1000 m. or more each day. But you don't have to be a tiger walker: the guide judges the pace to accommodate the group. There are some options to cope with the conditions, or any disparity in fitness within the group [see above; our group was pretty cohesive,though].Listen to the guide's advice. Graham's best tip to me was to buy a couple of walking poles in Chamonix on the first afternoon [I never use them in Oz, but they were absolutely invaluable on this trip]. If he recommends, extra clothing, say, get it! And put it in your day pack!

Prev 1 … 1,247 1,248 1,249 1,250 1,251 … 1,432 Next