Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention but watching a keel-billed toucan taking berries from a tree in the grounds of Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero National Park was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our trip was made all the more memorable by our guide, Johnny Villalobos. His knowledge and expertise was exceptional and his love of wildlife and his country shone through. He offered us additional optional activities (including early morning walks) during which we enjoyed some of our most memorable wildlife spotting experiences. He also organised special events (blowing up balloons in the middle of the rainforest for one person's birthday and organising a lovely dinner at a local restaurant for our anniversary). He had a great sense of humour while remaining entirely professional throughout. Overall, Johnny was a great ambassador for Costa Rica and Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for varied weather conditions - from hot and humid to cool and fresh. We were lucky and didn't see too much rain but be prepared for it at any time. Comfortable walking shoes and sandals are fine but no flip-flops! Definitely no need for heavy walking boots which I took and regretted. Costa Rica is relatively expensive for food and drink (think English/American prices) and while we took local currency (colones), US dollars are accepted everywhere as are debit/credit cards. As regards food, be prepared for large (albeit plain) portions! Where food is not included you tend to have plenty of choice in terms of restaurants. As regards included meals, we were surprised to find that we were offered three-course set meals for lunch and dinner in the middle of the rain forest (Esquinas Lodge) and a la carte dining at Savegre Hotel & Spa.

Most Inspirational Moment

This tour coincided with the cherry blossom festival, and it was nice to walk round the lake at night with the trees lit up (in Gyeongju), and also in the morning after breakfast, with classical music being piped though speakers (I reckon that would be the same at any time of year, not just during cherry blossom season). Hainsa Templestay was also a nice experience. But it was all good!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michelle Kim was a great guide. She managed the group well, and took those of us who wanted suggestions to a lot of really good local restaurants, that we probably wouldnt have used by ourselves, and we definitely tried a lot of different types of meals available in Korea (and at a better price than more tourist oriented venues). All information provided was interesting and useful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found the Naver app very useful for finding my way around Seoul. I spent several extra days in Seoul before and after, there was lots to see, and I wanted to do more hiking. I did a lot of walking around the mountains and city wall trails around Seoul, all well signposted, and well maintained toilets everywhere too. Recommend Ansan, Ingwansan and Naksan trails. In Seoul - National Museum of Korea is definitely worth a visit. Also in Seoul I would recommend the K-medi Center, not so much for the museum, which is mostly in Korean, but for the very cheap footbath and massage experiences. The whole country feels very safe, including Seoul, day and night. My only warning would be that, certainly when I was there (Spring), the air quality in Seoul wasnt great, so if you have any respiratory conditions, you may not want to spend extra time there. Anywhere outside of Seoul was fine for air quality. I heard good things about Jeju Island, so you may want to take a side trip there, as that is not on the itinerary. The temple stay is pretty comfortable and warm (twin rooms not dorms), so dont worry about that, and the getting up early is optional - I did it, and it was a nice experience. Couples are allowed to stay togther. Extra spending money - the trip notes suggestions are a bit on the high side for lunches and dinners, unless you are going to do the tourist set menus rather than the more local options.

Most Inspirational Moment

Funnily enough, the first days walking in atrocious weather ( I thought we were still in England!) where we nearly made it up the first mountain but had to abort not far from the summit - a very sensible decision from Mike - which we all agreed with.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. Mike/Miguel was a very passionate and committed leader. Always eager to help and make our trip as fab as possible. Extremely knowledgeable on Andalusian wildlife, culture, history and geology.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks to the top of the Vesuvio and Pompeii were awe inspiring, and both guides were excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was all right, but from what we gathered from other groups, we seem to have got a more basic service. I didn't have the impression from his responses to my questions that he was terribly interested in sharing the local culture that much. Also, we were a mixed group (not a problem and we all got on very well), with a wide range of ages (from mid 20s to mid 60s) and a wide range of abilities. Some of us were slower than others during the walks. And the biggest issue was that our leader seemed to be happier to spend his time at the front with the fatest ones, leaving the slowest ones at the back, on their own. Which could have been dangerous in particular with the uneven terrain we were going through. As we were 2 walking groups I am a bit puzzled as to why a test walk wasn't done at the beginning, and groups rescheffuled according to abilities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To come physically very well prepared. Attendees will be requested virtually straightaway to walk several hours, on uneven terrain, through 600 to 800 m elevations. These are not moderate walks for your average sedentary customer. And even for the reasonably prepared, 2 hours of going down uneven steps can leave your legs shaking and your calves sore for a few days!

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty of the rain forest cannot be described and has to be experienced.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda was outstanding from start to finish - a superb guide. Her in-depth knowledge of birds, plants and animals really enhanced our trip. We really enjoyed her company and her sense of humour, as did the whole group. She was always organised and made sure that everyone knew exactly what was happening and at what times. Quite honestly, there is nothing she could have done better; she was wonderful. Our driver Charlie was great too and looked after us (and our luggage) really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare to change your clothes on a regular basis as it can be extremely hot and humid and pack with this in mind. Sunscreen and insect repellent is an absolute must and it might be handy to take insect bite cream too. Costa Rica is a little expensive but most places accepted payment by cards so having a lot of cash isn't necessary. We found that the prices for gifts varied enormously from place to place, but the Central Market in San Jose was really good. Prices were much lower, cards were accepted and there was a lot of choice. It is a fun and friendly market; we felt very welcome and safe and bought some lovely things.

Most Inspirational Moment

A night at Haeinsa Temple

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michelle Kim was a fantastic guide. She introduced us to every aspect of her country. She was so generous with her time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book extra time in Seoul as there is lots to see. It is so safe, public transport is great and the people are so kind.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say but perhaps riding into the clouds in the Atlas Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdo

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling is challenging. If you are going to be pedaling without any assist be sure you have trained for this trip. And bring good sunscreen.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Home Stays

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was extremely helpful & personable making the trip very enjoyable

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in such a remote area with so much snow! Building and sleeping in a quizzed

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Advice for Potential Travellers

go for it

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the beautiful Treasury in Petra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muayad Mismar was an excellent guide with a seemingly endless supply of historical facts, cultural observations, up to date news and anecdotes. He engaged very well with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in early April and it became very hot in the open areas. After a long day walking in Petra, the golf carts are a wonderful way to get back to the entrance and well worth the 15 Dinars.