Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the most inspirational moment of the trip was a moment of self realisation on the particularly hard climb up to Namche Bazaar. Having suffered from the standard Nepalease tummy & a bout of Altitude sickness I was in no shape to tackle the tough ascent, however I pushed through the pain barrier and made it to the remarkable Namche Bazaar! It truely made me realise I'm made of tougher stuff than I thought

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakhpa was #1, an absolute gentlemen and a scholar. His knowledge of AMS & associated mountain illnesses were second to none. His manner in treating individuals and his care and attention to people when they are at a low ebb was indeed first class. His knowledge of the trek and the surrounding area was invaluable, he knew how to immerse you in stories and entertain with his tales :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it. Do not hesitate, you must go on this trip. It is challenging, and it's no cake walk...however if you enjoy peoples company & stunning scenery then it is a must. Once in a lifetime experience

Most Inspirational Moment

The most insprirational part was the two and a half days in Petra. The skill and industry of the people who built it at around 100 B.C. was mind blowing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was excellent. He had the knowledge to describe each and every site at the right level f detail for me, but had a wealth of background knowledge, so he could answer virtually all questions. He knew how much free time to give the group at each site. He also had humour. When it was a fellow traveller's birthday, he stopped the coach at a local garage and bought cakes and squash for us all to celebrate it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We spent less than £25 per person per day on average. Our tour guide directed us to good quality local supplers of cooked and fresh food if we needed to buy lunches.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Everest for the first time, the awesome views from the top of Kala Patthar and achieving a lifetime ambition. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lapka was incredible throughout the trip he went above and beyond his duty caring for all the group from the begining to end, at any time of day or night, enabling us to reach our potential. His local knowedge was exceptional and he regaled us with many entertaining stories. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have a reasonable level of fitnessTake chocolate and snacks, dry shampoo, a good down jacket and warm sleeping bag and plenty of wet wipes. 

Most Inspirational Moment

White water rafting was brilliant. Cycling around Giritale. Elephant ride and the Elephant orphanage.The walk on Horton plains to see World's End.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was great very helpful and Knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

 It was a great trip but I felt let down and cheated by the standard of the hotels provided. Before each one Sujan warned us how bad it would be and what to expect. I just wish this was told to us before we booked.8/10 hotels were shockingly bad - dirty sheets, dirty towels, dirty bathrooms - plus loads of little crawly friends to keep you company in the room. Geckos come as standard. A lot of time is spent on the bus - take travel sickness pills.Expect curry and rice for breakfast lunch and dinner.Do all of the extra activities not only because they are worth it and fun but also because the alternative option is staying behind doing nothing at one of those awful hotels.Take loads of insect repellent and sun screen. Don't forget Afterbite. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day's walk along the river and opening up into a wonderful view of the Atlas mountains.Staying in the village - welcoming smiles, slow pace of life and beautiful setting. It was a privilege to visit such a remote part of Morocco.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hasan was very calm, experienced and caring. It was great to have a local guide who understands the Berber culture and language and was able to relay his knowledge to us. He had a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes! The Gite was very cold in early April - it even snowed. Most of us were under-prepared and needed gloves, hats and thermals and a warm coat/jacket.

Most Inspirational Moment

...where to start........from the picturesque villages, to the dramatic coastline, to exploring the ruins of Pompeii, to standing on the rim of Mount Vesuvius itself, to great food and hospitality!Every walk was different, and just when we thought the highlight of the trip had passed, the following day brought another! The terraced villages clinging precariously to the staggering limestone karsts along the coast was a sight in itself, but inland, the Valle delle Ferriere was an unexpected treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was absolutely brilliant; extremely knowledgeable, patient and good humoured. We couldn't have asked for a better leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Amicable, but tour not what I had imagined, more suited to retired americans.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a guide book, be prepared to go and do stuff on your own.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visting the town of Hoi AnnSnorkelling in the East China seaOvernight boat trip to Halong Bay and KayakingRelaxing mud bath in Nay trangDelicious foodPassion of the group leader for his country

Thoughts on Group Leader

His passion and knowledge about the country's history really inspired me and I enjoyed hearing his entertaining stories and jokes. He spoke good english and was very helpful when any problems arose. He tried hard to make sure everyone in the group was happy, which is not an easy job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you read about Vietnam so you know what to expect in terms of climate, food and acitvities. Some people on the trip go to Vietnam with different expectations and were not prepared and this is such a shame. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Wadi Rum and Petra are two amazing places. We just fall in love and hope to be back there soon:* 2 days in Petra is a great idea - on the first day you learn what is where and you can spend the second day enjoying it! * Wadi Rum is great! It was more "Wadi Rum experience" than a real desert adventure, but this is what I expected from this trip. We are going to do Wadi Rum Adventure next time :-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

What I like about Exodus is that they are using local team leaders.Our team leader was great - very knowledgeable and approachable. Our group was not an easy one, but IMHO he did a great job. Also he definitely became more than just a team leader - he became a friend. Highly recommended!Regarding food: we always went with his recommendations and we were never disappointed! Comment to Exodus: you should make it all inclusive trip, as discussions over where to eat can split the group - I felt sorry for the team leader as some people on the trip were thinking that he is dishonest with them when it comes to recommendations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Trust your team leader! They know what they are doing.* Read Trip Notes.* Enjoy and smile! 

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many; us all collectively lighting a tribute to those who suffered in the war, at the sight of a village whose population was all killed one dreadful morning 45 years ago, was moving. It was like it happened yesterday because the landscape had not changed around the village and there were children cycling back from school looking and sounding like the children who were killed leaving for school that fateful day. Reaching some personal goals in terms of the cycling, getting to the top of hill top passes, cycling to the coast for the first time and jumping in the sea, the overnight train ride and seeing Hanoi for the first time after getting off the train. Halong bay was stunning and I got up at dawn to sea the sun rise over the limestone peaks. But the real inspiration is seeing the strength and energy of the Vietnamise people, after the war you think they would turn their back on people from the west, but they were happy to share their time with us and let us see how they live.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam, was caring, effective, knowledgeable and his fitness was inspirational on the bike rides. Every single arrangement he made for us worked and his recommendations around places to go and see we're always spot on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only go on this trip if you are a fit cyclist. I was on the margin of not strong enough and it was a tough challenge. It says it's mostly flat, somewhere, it's mostly hilly. We had a wide range of ability levels and e erroneous was supported to finish. But my advise is if you have not cycled over 70km in a day in the uk, you are going to find 100km in the heat very very tough. And oh yes train and train before leaving. You will enjoy it more if it's not painful