Reviews

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

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14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2013

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

An excellent trip, made all the better by having an excellent Tour Guide, Nee, and helpers and an excellent group to be with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pin this one down to a single moment. Cycling through three different Asian countries and seeing the differing countryside and experiencing the different cultures (albeit briefly in many instances) was great. Getting roasted in 40 degree heat and then soaked 10 minutes later I also found great. Seeing the Wats aren't necessarily my sort of thing, but Angkor Wat was good and the other temples were just as interesting in their own way.The most moving part for me was seeing the Floating Village where you can appreciate how lucky we are compared to how other families have to live. Similarly, visiting the Killing Fields and S21 was an emotional day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. I'd seen previous reviews saying how good Nee was and was pleased when it was her that picked us up at the airport. She was experienced at doing the trip and this showed. She was confident and informative at all times. She managed to get 18 of us up and out at the right time and, although it didn't show, she paced the group well to get us where we were going and arrive at reasonable times. She got to know the abilities and requirements of each member of the group very quickly thereby keeping all of us happy. She was always observant noticing if anything wasn't right and primarily, she kept us as safe as possible.Further, the logistics of organising 18 people through 2 border crossings, in different hotels most nights, with different guides, different Support and Mechanical teams in different countries, and all the organisation for the individual buses to the Temples or from Seam Reap to Phnom Penn for example etc., this must be immense but it happened seamlessly. So good organisational skills too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack. You can get laundry done at various points and is good and cheap.Many of our group cycled in Sandals and they were fine so Quick Drying shoes would be good (but with a toe cap for protection and a stiffish sole).A waterproof camera (if you're into taking pictures) as you don't generally have to carry anything on your bike but may want to take a snap or two.Be prepared to get wet in the rainy season. You won't get cold though. It's a personal choice whether you use a waterproof - Many didn't on our trip and were fine.

Reviewed August 2013

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This was the most amazing experience, it is an incredible feeling reaching the roof of Africa, but that is not to undervalue the rest of the trip…every day has different scenery and stunning view points. Well worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the other members of the group and hearing their stories and reasons for doing the climb; there was such a variety of people with different motivations. I was a solo traveller amongst a larger group and they all made me feel completely welcome. The gentle words of the group leader (Henry) as we were completing the ascent were inspirational; I became quite choked up when he said that we had only 15 minutes to go...he kept us all moving! Talking the guides, who have done the walk hundreds of times (it doesn't get easier apparently!), they are incredible and supported us all the way (Luce carried by day pack, and someone else's all the way up and down on summit night and fed me water on the way!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henry was an excellent leader. He was calm, answered all of our questions and told us what to focus on (only think about the next day ahead). Every day when we were walking, he kept a close eye on all of us to see how we were, and he watched what we were eating to make sure we were all having plenty. He spotted people who were finding it difficult and instinctively knew what to do to support them. He also encouraged the assistant guides to lead some of the walks, so that they could get experience and training and he was happy for our feedback.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers, layers, layers! Also a camelbak is brilliant, take a Sigg bottle (or other metal equivalent) so that you can fill it with hot water every night - it is an excellent hot water bottle. I took a space blanket (metal sheet) for the last night at Kibo - it worked well to keep me warm, but it does collect condensation on the top so be careful not to get wet when you take it off. The hired sleeping bags were good quality and clean and included a thermal liner and the walking poles were brilliant. Pack everything in plastic bags; I had trousers in one, tops in another, etc which meant it was easy to find things quickly. You don't have to have the buffet meal in the hotel either; they do a tasty bar menu too!

Reviewed August 2013

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

A fab walking holiday, in a great hotel and with the added bonus of a lot of military history ‘in them hills’!

Most Inspirational Moment

Being on top of the highest peak of the week, betwixt all the WWI fortifications between the Italians/Brtits and Austro-Hungarian Empire, with the astonishing views and trying to envisage how such warfare was conducted in such winter conditions 7000 feet up in the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl paced the five walks well, as, though quite fit, I just had the fitness to fully enjoy the last and major gradient walk of the week. His knowledge of the routes was esxllent and, as important for this trip, his research on the hills and in hsitorical research on how this part of the Dolomites was a significant battleground in WW1 was superb. He and his wife's company socially was a great bonus too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus information does not play up enough the extra interest value of the military history and how much can still be seen in the mountains. Nor does it explain that the South Tyrol is a bi-culotural, autonomous region of Italy and about two-thirds Germanic. So, it helps to shift between danker and graze and to expect as much if not more central European food as Mediterranean.

Reviewed August 2013

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

This was an exceptional trip. Travelling through China is both fascinating and magical, and for any budding photographers, is a dream. The itinerary is very well constructed, with a perfect balance of city and rural, using planes, trains and automobiles to see so much of this wonderful country!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu was a unique experience. The four days spent in Yangshuo on the River Li was also unforgettable. Shanghai was the perfect place to end in, with a touch of glitz and time to do last minute shopping (China is a shopper´s paradise).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Willliam, our group leader, was exceptional. He took care of us at all times, gave us endless fascinating knowledge about his own country, brought us to excellent restaurants (that were very reasonably priced), answered every wierd and wonderful question we had about China, and managed to do all of this with a great sense of humour. Simply fantastic!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

From my own personal experience (!), do not bring too much luggage......and as other travellers have mentioned, leave space for souvenirs and gifts, etc. Also tissues, wet wipes and anti-bacterial gel come in handy....

Reviewed August 2013

ESSENTIAL PERU

The trip of a lifetime.So many varied sights and experiences packed into a fortnight made even better by a hugely supportive,friendly and entertaining set of fellow travellers and a brilliant guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day had special moments. The first glimpse of Machu Picchu and the elation of reaching the Sungate from someone who is not as fit as they should be! The thrill of watching the condors gliding only a few feet above our heads at Colca Canyon, visiting the Inca sites, the market at Cusco, experiencing a much simpler way of life during the homestay on Lake Titicaca, hearing the silence and watching the stars. All the people we met were so kind and welcoming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marcial was fantastic. He gently but firmly ensured that we all were ready for our early starts (I mean early-5,5.30 am) in the morning. He was incredibly knowledgeable on so many different aspects of life and the history of Peru and answered our questions with unending patience and good humour. He also arranged many different dining experiences and sight seeing opportunities which went above and beyond what was expected of him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers of clothing. There are extreme fluctuations in temperature especially at Lake Titicaca ,Cusco and the Colca Canyon. It helps if you have a reasonable level of fitness. There are an awful lot of steps, many extremely steep at the main Inca sites and the walk to the homestay on Amantani island is strenuous! If you have time .read up on Inca history and civilisation. I am doing that now but it would have been helpful to have had some of that knowledge before seeing the sites.

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

The best trip ever!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the Auigille de Midi on our last free day, with the cloud swirling around us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Jenny, could not have been better. She is experienced, caring, thoughtful and knowledgeable. I would also like to mention the camp manager, Graham, who is a fantastic cook, and gave us 110% effort. He adapted his repertoire to the weather, and was always ready to give a hand with things not strictly his responsibility, like sorting out mobile phones, helping to pack tents etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pay attention to the kit list!! Including the optionals like poles and umbrella. Take as many clothes as you can fit in your bag as stuff gets dirty and wet and there are not many opportunities to wash clothes ... Take lots of COMPEED :-), neurofen and bite cream. You need a warm sleeping bag, it can be cold at night.

Reviewed August 2013

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Great trip! We did so much in just one week that I now need another holiday! If you are interested in history and culture , this trip is for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

A few things which stood out for me. Floating in the Dead Sea. A weired experience , a bit like floating in oil. Petra. What can I say. AMAZING! Sleeping under the stars ( and shooting stars) in the beduine camp and then riding a camel at 6am the following morning. Scuba diving , seeing the corals, colourful fish and even a shipwreck in the Red Sea. ( my first time scuba diving so I was particularly pleased with this.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Funny, friendly and seemed to know just about everything. Ala was great. He was incredibly organised and was willing to accommodate the group and change plans when some of the group wanted to visit the site of John the Baptist which wasn't on the itinerary. In his own words, " The food is lovely, the weather is lovely. Everything is lovely! "

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of walking involved so make sure you have comfy shoes. We found that hiking boots were not necessary and in August you certainly didn't need a sleeping bag for the desert. A sleeping bag liner was fine as there were blankets provided. Food and drink was a lot more expensive than I thought but I suspect that there is some sort of two tiered pricing system for tourists. Most meals were between 10 and 13 pounds and cans of soft drink ranged from 1 to 2.50 pounds. Food was good but quite similar wherever you went. I will now not be eating houmous or pitta for quite some time!

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN-ISH

An outstanding and challenging trip. The mix of day walking and light backpacking, and the slow transition from France, French Switzerland to German Switzerland meant every day was subtly different and interesting. The reward of the Matterhorn on the last day was mesmerising.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, there were several. Finally getting to see the Matterhorn was superb. I don't know who Exodus pays to do the weather, but they pay well - it was bathed in shining sun and was a worthy end to the trip. The challenge of getting up the Fenetre d'Arpette, Col du Reidmatten and Col du Torrent was immense. It was hard work, no doubt, but the views and feeling of elation was worth it. The best of all was chatting to a fellow tripper Mike, an engineer, experienced alpiniste, mountain walker and an inspiration. More of one of life's adventurers really, who had some amazing tales, like pushing a pram from London to Leicester in under 12 hours! It goes to show that the group really make the holiday and in this case, ours was excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I felt Simon was an excellent guide. His hands off style really suited me as I felt I could try and walk on his (very fit) heels if I wanted to push myself, but equally, I could stroll at the back in my own time and not feel under pressure to be in sight at all times. It was quite refreshing to be "off the leash" a little as some Exodus trip-notes describe how a leader might allow everyone to walk at their own pace, but I'd yet to experience it. Again, it underlines how having a sensible, fit and smart group can really be the making of the holiday. Simon dealt well with the variable walking styles in the group too. Some wanted to walk and stop, have a paddle or take photos, others just wanted to push on, so it was nice to see trust from him to allow people to come on in their own time while he steered the diesel engines who just ploughed on relentlessly up front. I suffered with an ongoing injury that mean I had to sit out two days of walking (hence the ish), but I communicated with Simon each night as required to get an idea of what was coming, how I was feeling and so on and always felt looked after. In the end it came down to this for me - I had total faith that if there was a problem, Simon would deal with it perfectly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it. It's a great route, and don't be put off by it sharing some of the TMB route at the start, if you've done that before. Even a month apart, the hillsides are totally different. If you're new to alpine dorms be aware, you might get a bunk bed, but equally, you might end up in an eight person wide mega-bunk. There's plenty of room and your own pillow and duvet (plus your liner) but private it ain't. It pays to get in early and bag a tidy spot, preferably next to a good friend. Earplugs and something to cover your eyes, like a Buff, really help too. Eat many rostis. With cheese, egg, bacon, ham, whatever. They're such good fuel and super tasty. If you're thinking of saving money by bringing your own chocolate bars in, this works really well, until they all melt horribly and you have to put them in a stream to make them solid again. Maybe muesli bars are the way to go?

Reviewed August 2013

WALKING THE AMALFI COAST

Memorable for:the people, the scenery, the walks, the fun and laughter which contributed to creating an unforgettable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our visit to Herculaneum which provided an insight into the lives of the inhabitants and their environment. The walk to the top of Vesuvius and around the crater rim where steam could be seen rising from the crater. The reaching of "the final flight of steps " on several occasions and the arrival at our destination where Christine would guide us toward a welcome café.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Her warm greeting of our party at the airport set the tone for our week's stay. Her professionalism was manifest in her extensive knowledge of the Amalfi coast, the walks and of the local community; its characters and history. It was also evident that she is welcomed and respected by those who live and work in Bomerano.She was also adept at motivating the group when necessary through her catchphrases and snackettes.Thank you Christine for all your hard work.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared: footwear that is comfortable and supportive, walking poles ( just in case you find yourself gently toppling over!), if you do not like flights of steps try a different holiday.

Reviewed August 2013

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

Excellent adventure holiday – just the right amount of physical and mental challenge. I also learnt so much more about Chinese history and culture than I thought I would thanks to our fabulous tour leader Jerry. All in all a fantastix experience and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

From start to finish it exceeded my expectations. The wall was very diferent to what I had imagined. Each day was different and the variety of the treks really added to the experience. The most inspirational day for me was overcoming my own fears and challenging myself to walk the 'stairway to heaven' on day 2!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. He was genuinely enthusiatic about trekking and the history of the Great Wall which allowed him to teach us more about Chinese history and culture than I had anticipated and it has certaintly wetted my appetite to learn more.He had a great sense of humour, looked after us amazingly well and was there to answer all our questions and help us whenever we needed him. I cannot rate him more highly!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advice anyone who is considering this trip to read the exodus grading system. If you do not feel you are physically capable of taking on the challenge then don't go. If you do feel like you are up to it - go for it - it is an experience I will treasure.

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