Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I’m not sure I could choose only one moment. There were so many that were uplifting! Every day that I stood (or sat) on the shore – whether in Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma or Hermanus – I spotted dolphins and whales out on the water, even down to seeing some dolphins wave-surfing when the tide was high. It was like being in a nature documentary! In Hermanus, we were fortunate to see Southern Right Whales – a mother and calf – come in really close to shore. We also got a much closer look during a whale watching trip, despite it being close to the end of the season.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour driver and guide was Marco Olivier from Mask Expeditions, and he was amazing! He made the trip run smoothly down to the very last detail, all with a great sense of humour. He ensured that we were comfortable, and went the extra mile to help with details like optional activities and other arrangements. Travel days were broken up with adequate rest and scenic stops, and even a fun quiz. His knowledge of nature, wildlife, culture and history is impressive, and he happily shared it with us. We absolutely peppered him with questions – and he answered them all. We could not have asked for a better guide. It felt like travelling with a friend!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take high-factor sunscreen and a hat. A pair of binoculars would also very handy. The water is mostly safe to drink, but Marco also had an ample supply to refill water bottles if needed. Internet and phone connectivity was poor for parts of the trip. It’s a great way to switch off! Laundry facilities are available at De Rust. If you're interested in whale watching (and who isn't?), make sure that you visit during the season. We were in Hermanus at the end of November, and were fortunate enough to see Southern Right whale mother and calf, but were informed by the guides that these were the stragglers and that the majority of the whales had already returned to Antarctica.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naveen helped make this a memorable trip

Most Inspirational Moment

The palace at South.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naveen was excellent and went above and beyond

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say: there were so many. I think sloths were my favourite wildlife. I loved all the wildlife. And snorkeling in the Carribean and swimming in the Carribean and Pacific.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent (Jorge)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light: you move every 2/3 days and the bags have to be humped on and off the bus roof and on and off boats. Don’t bother taking local currency. Everywhere accepts dollars and the rate is usually better. Take secure waterproof sandals - not flip flops/ for getting on and off the boat at Caño Island (wet landing and boarding) although you could do it barefoot as it’s mostly sandy but there could be rocks. Wear a tee shirt for snorkeling or you will burn your back. Take a universal sink plug if you hope to do any laundry. No sinks had plugs except in San Jose. Drake Bay will do laundry free. Difficult to dry stuff as so humid. We had rain only on one day in December and it was never very cold.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are two days where you can witness harrowing aspects, which we were warned about in advance, giving individuals the right to choose whether they wanted to be subjected to some confronting sites, but such moments were respectfully presented and form an important part of history that should never be forgotten. We were always given a place to come back to and sit if things felt too much. I would recommend attending and simply returning to the meeting point early if you feel the need to. On the flip side, there are so many glorious highlights. I really enjoyed the various boat trips, especially the sanpan and the small boat tour around the mangroves of the floating village. Angkor Wat is impressive but I found I liked some of the more smaller but equally elaborate ruins that we were able to wander through such as Ta Prohm, and watching the sunset from high on a temple felt so tranquil.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three group leaders, Trang (Vietnam), Channa (Cambodia), and Nai (Thailand) and each added great value to the trip in their own way. We felt very informed, safe and cared for under their watch. Trang ensured we stayed safe as we navigated the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Min City and shared her country's cultures so vividly and passionately. Channa had a great sense of humour from day one and kept the energy levels going over some long journeys. She was so thoughtful when it cane to maximising our experience, bringing local snacks and delicacies to try on the bus. Again a wealth of knowledge and a real passion for her country. Her explanations of some of the carved freezes in the old temples added to the interest. Nai was constantly busy behind the scenes adjusting all our transfer and return flight details, as well as sharing info about the palace and Thai culture. His was a more difficult job with two separate minivans to keep across and only one of him. All three did an amazing job and helped make the trip so special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes are comprehensive, so do read them. In addition: Pack a lightweight beach towel for Rabbit Island if you don't want to run the gauntlet of covertly 'borrowing' a hotel towel that you then don't want to damage or get too dirty. Ensure you pack enough long trousers / maxi-skirts and sleeves / non-see-through scarves to the elbow for the temples and palaces. It's hot and humid so thin material is best, or simply invest in some elephant pants whilst there! Some places are ok with coverings to just the knee and shoulder, whilst others require to the ankle and elbow. (Angkor Wat and Bankok Royal Palace to name two.) If you intend to do laundry get it in early on the first day of a 2 night hotel otherwise you run the risk of nit getting it back in time. Prices roughly around $1 to $2 per kilo but check in advance. Be prepared to have some items (socks and pants) get mixed with your fellow travellers on return! You won't be able to get Cambodian currency in advance, or take it out with you, but that's ok as you can pay in dollars pretty much everywhere and often get Reil in return as change. Having a small amount of Reil is handy, especially for toilet contributions, but don't let it build up too much during the trip. Have some Thai Bait handy for the border transfer. Thai does not accept dollars as payment in our experience but it's easy to find places to exchange them. If you don't have any Bait with you, our guide stopped at a place just before the border to exchange dollars and it was a good rate. Also Thailand is much more expensive than Vietnam and Cambodia, especially in the airport on the way home so be prepared for that! Cards were easily accepted. Take toilet paper with you wherever you go! It sometimes isn't provided at venues so grab some extra sheets where you can, and don't flush any of it down the loo, use the bins provided.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best one we have had.

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning ceremony in the Haeinsa Temple was a special experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A good tour leader makes or breaks a great trip. Although Park was kind, conscientious and shared a lot of information about Korea, we were her first Exodus group and in particular, her arrangements regarding eating options were confusing and, in some places, inadequate. Although some group meals were organised, she didn’t eat with us, had very limited knowledge of local restaurants, and there were several nights where we were left to our own devices. When you are tired and hungry, wandering around an unfamiliar city trying to find food when you can’t read or speak Korean is hard work. This was particularly true for the single travellers in the group. She managed to get us lost on several occasions, particularly on the way to the temple stay so that we arrived over an hour late. There was confusion about single rooms at Haeinsa Temple. Our tour leader thought that those who had booked a single room for the rest of the trip would have one at the temple. This was not the case.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If Exodus book you on the group flight via Frankfurt airport, either ask them for an alternative (e.g., via Munich), or make sure you have a minimum of 2 hours' transfer time. The notes we were given on arrival in Seoul said there were cafes in Eulji Square, near the Kukdo Hotel. This turned out to be a building called Eulji Square, not a street, so it took us a while to locate the restaurants hidden in its basement area. There are also a few cafés along the raised walkway next to the hotel (ask hotel reception for a map). There’s a good restaurant opposite reception in the Commodore Hotel in Gyeongju, which is worth knowing about as other eating options around the hotel are limited. There are often convenience stores in the hotels, selling a wide range of food and goods. (However, take your own tea bags!) A nice thing to do on your last free afternoon in Seoul is to walk north from the hotel to Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung Palace through some pleasant parks (NB, free entry on the last Wednesday of the month). South Korea is blessed with an excellent network of public toilets which are plentiful and clean. The temple notes say there is a tea ceremony in the evening. Our group had an enjoyable bead-stringing session instead. The trip notes suggest that the group participates in a meditation session in the morning. There is no requirement to meditate. We sat quietly and witnessed the monks’ early morning ceremony, which was lovely. Food at the temple is plain, but edible. Our trip, departing on 14th October, was billed as an ‘Autumn Colour Departure’. Although there were some lovely colours in the national park, generally, the trees were still green and we were a little disappointed. Although this changes from year to year, we would suggest late October/early November may be the best dates to see the autumn leaves.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife and the natural world were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Cheche. He was passionate about his island and the wildlife in it. His enthusiasm was infectious. A fantastic leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would buy a wetsuit before travel as they are relatively cheap and light enough to carry. I paid £30.00 for mine whereas to hire would have cost $90. Be prepared for early mornings. There is so much to see, so it is not necessarily a relaxing holiday. Park restrictions also mean that plans can change quickly, so be prepared to adapt.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coati in Corcovado, baby turtles in Tortuguero, sloths in Cahuita, quetzals in Savegre..... loved it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was great - efficient, friendly, knowledgeable & enthusiastic - a great ambassador for his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a brilliant trip - do it if you can. Everywhere takes US dollars, you don't need to get CR colons. Some places don't take credit cards - you will need cash. You need a waterproof for the cloud forest. A thin beach towel would be useful as some hotels don't let you take their towels to the beach. You need binoculars and a phone or camera, walking shoes, sun hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, mozzie spray. Water shoes to get on & off the boat are useful . We spent about £550 pp cash.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have to say my fellow travellers, all with their own reasons for coming on the trip, with different experiences and interests they made the trip the rollicking adventure that it was. Vietnam was a country of stunning scenery, roads better than the UK and an amazing selection of good quality food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our trip leader Loc Phan was excellent. This goes down as the most organised and logistically challenging of the many trips I have done with Exodus and definitely the best group leader by far. Knowledgeable about his country, great on logistics and able to cycle at the same time. Loc kept us together as a group, organised us, fed us, gave us endless recommendations and worked incredibly hard to make this a memorable holiday. Our trip leader Loc Phan was excellent. This goes down as the most organised and logistically challenging of the many trips I have done with Exodus and definitely the best group leader by far. Knowledgeable about his country, great on logistics and able to cycle at the same time. Loc kept us together as a group, organised us, fed us, gave us endless recommendations and worked incredibly hard to make this a memorable holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The holiday has a lot of early starts and moving between locations so either pack light with a rucksack or something with wheels. The laundry facilities are very cheap so you can go light on packing. Adding a day on the end allows you time to enjoy Hanoi and worth the time before heading back.