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.

Reviews

Irene Baker

Reviewed December 2014

Classic Vietnam and Angkor

A very enjoyable trip through Vietnam with a little bit of Cambodia. The history of both countries are fascinating and it was interesting to see how the countries have developed since their most recent wars. Hotels were comfortable and the food was great. Hot and humid in Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. Much cooler and more comfortable in the North ( trip was in November). I wish we had longer in Cambodia. All we really had time to see was the Temple of Angkor Wat.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Hoi An which was unspoilt and still very authentically Asian. Great made to measure clothes which I regret not taking advantage of. The cookery course was excellent and lots of fun. The cyclo trip (a kind of rickshaw), through Ho Chi Minh City was terrific. The traffic is unbelievable! Some of us took a trip to My Son Temple where we had an amazing guide who told us all about his incredible war experiences, greatly appreciated by all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa (think that's how it's spelled) was a very friendly and efficient guide. He took great care to make sure we were safe, advising us of reputable taxis, good clean restaurants and the best things to see. Sometimes he almost fussed over us too much, but he was so nice, happy and willing to please that nobody complained. We only had our guide in Cambodia for a couple of days , Ros, but she was excellent. Very friendly and efficient. She even sang to us, as did Khoa!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I read in other reviews advice about travelling light and buying clothes in Vietnam. Don't ignore this advice as I did. It is VERY cheap and there are lots of cool loose clothes available. Also laundry facilities are very cheap. Take US dollars for Cambodia. An umberella is useful for the odd shower as it is too hot to wear a rain jacket. It's also useful as a sun shade! If you don't do well in heat like me, a fan is fantastic. There are plenty on sale or take your own. Crossing the road in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh is an experience. You just have to go, don't hesitate. The traffic will negotiate round you.

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William Richardson

Reviewed December 2014

Cycle indochina and Angkor

My first visit to the Far East , loads of new experiences nearly all positive . The first 3days cycling were quite demanding but once into Cambodia there was a lot more to see and do . Cycling in Siem Reap city was not for the faint hearted. The Mekong Delta was just packed with people . Saigon was full of life and great fun as long as you didn’t want to cross the road, there are 6 million motor cycles all driving straight at you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the Mekong Delta, dozens of kilometres on dodgy roads, with the roadside crammed with houses and people. Kids were running out to shout hello and wave at us, I waved back so much my arms were nearly as tired as my legs. A real contrast with Thailand where the roads were well made but empty of traffic and few houses.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was full of life, knowledgeable, well turned out and friendly throughout. Nothing was too much trouble for her, she was also incredibly fit, she finished the previous tour in Saigon on Saturday ran the Bangkok marathon at 2am Sunday morning then straight to the airport to meet us . Her English was very good but she was always eager to broaden her vocabulary. All in all she was tickety boo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If in doubt force yourself to go to the killing fields,. For me it was do it once but never again. A somber couple of hours that will have a lasting impact.

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Sallie Hage

Reviewed December 2014

Darjeeling, Sikkim and the Singalila Ridge

This was a wonderful trek and very well guided by Mr Dilip and his team. We were a larger than usual group (17 in all) but there was much support all round and we all enjoyed the amazing Himalayan panorama that was always very evident during the days of trekking.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip was watching the sun come up over four of the highest mountains in the world. It was 5.30 am, the temperature was -5 degree and we were all out on the mountainside watching the spectacle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Mr Dilip was excellent. He was kind, supportive and encouraging and always there when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit! Be ready for very low temperatures at night in November and lots of laughs.

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Nora Gordon

Reviewed December 2014

Kerala and tropical India 8/22Nov

Much stunning scenery. Too much cycling on busy roads. Bike gears too high for the otherwise fun climb up to Ooty. Enjoyed the low key visit to the driver’s family farm at Wildhaven. Would have enjoyed more visits to local industries. eg tea factory,coir carpet making,sugar and rubber processing . Space for these could have been provided by reducing temple visiting times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along stretches of palm fringed road.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely inexhaustible efficient,cheerful and totally first class. Without these qualities we could not have possibly rated the holiday so highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took too many warm clothes. We could have left more room in our cases for bringing stuff home. Remember washed clothes dry overnight in the warm weather. Perhaps we were lucky but the one day that started in the wet from Ooty wasn't really cold in UK terms.

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Joanne Joanne

Reviewed December 2014

Land of the Tigers

This trip was everything the trip notes described and more. It gave exciting wildlife encounters; an introduction to the culture of the country and visits to iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Dehli city sights. It was action packed from start to finish and not for those who like a leisurely rise in the morning and lounge around the pool. Days started at 5.00am for the game drives and there were some long and rough journeys, but they only added to the adventure. If cities are not your thing, the time in Agra and Delhi were more than enough and an assault of colour smell and noise on the senses, contrasted with the beauty and peace of the game reserves.

Most Inspirational Moment

Close encounters with the tigers in two of the reserves, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. We did not see any in the third reserve despite other members of the party having multiple viewings. The Taj Mahal at sunset was spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Balvinder ( Bali) Singh was well organised, good humoured, resourceful and patient. He went out of his way to accommodate all the needs of the group and socialised every evening at the pre-dinner bonfire, often giving interesting talks about the culture of his country. Passionate and knowledgeable about the wildlife, he accompanied every game drive, taking turns in each jeep. Also a skilled photographer, he made sure each member of the group got a good 'tiger'photo and was generous with advice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our trip at the beginning of November was extremely cold in the early morning game drives. The trip notes advised 'chilly' and bring a fleece but you need a lot more than that. Hats gloves and multiple warm layers were needed. Take plenty of hand gel and use it regularly. Avoid unpeeled fruit and veg, ice in drinks and eat well cooked food to avoid stomach upsets. Clean teeth with bottled water only. None of our party had the dreaded Delhi Belly by following these guidelines.

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Dafydd Huw

Reviewed December 2014

Wonderful Wildlife of Botswana

This trip certainly delivered with regard to the quantity and quality of wildlife viewing with the help of the knowledgeable guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being almost in touching distance of lions and leopards with their kills while they pretty much ignored us. And this in an open sided vehicle !

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was an excellent cook with good organisation. He also turned his hand to bush mechanic when the support truck needed repair.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are long drives in open vehicles so be prepared for wind. Also there are times it is dangerous to leave the tent at night so be prepared for that too. Travel light - you can get laundry done at Victoria Falls.

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David Perry

Reviewed December 2014

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

I took two trips back to back with this trip being the second the first being the coast to coast
A straight forward trip with short days and one challenging hill . Limited interface with the local people and industries. More touristy than the coast to coast trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The safari at the tiger reserve on which we spotted wild elephants, a tiger and best of all a leopard. The people guiding the safari were extremely knowledgeable and were enthusiastic about their job and country

Thoughts on Group Leader

A less experience quiet guide who did his job getting us all through the trip with only minor incidents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun protection and hydration main issues Consider using Sun Sleeves as well as sun block Avoid cotton clothes Go for loose synthetic clothing

Reply from Exodus

We are pleased that David enjoyed the wildlife sightings during his recent holiday and we would like to thank him for his review. We are, however, sorry that David was disappointed with the bike he was allocated; our local operator is currently in the process of updating their bike fleet, so we are confident that our clients will not be equally disappointed going forward.

Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for cycling in India

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Andrew Dann

Reviewed December 2014

fascinating.

Fabulous trip. Really got an insight into the history and culture of morrocco. Some long days travelling, but there is no way around that on a trip of this sort. Came away with happy memories and admiration for the workmanship of the craftspeople making fabulous items that I would love to own.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights for me were the night in the desert, fes and essouria. I loved watching the craftspeople at work and this has given me great ideas and inspitation for my own woodworking projects.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent leader, who dealt with tipping the guides etc and saved us all the hassle of knowing who and how much to tip. He impressed me by his attitude to some of the really poor people we came across, handing out a few coins to some children to buy a new football, a few coins to a beggar in the street and a nomad lad whose shoes were full of holes. He really cared! He was informative and friendly and made sure we got the most out of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take it all in and enjoy every minute. You dont really need walking boots, just some good trainers and leave plenty of room in your bag so you have room for purchases, there are so many fabulous things to buy.

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David Perry

Reviewed December 2014

Southern India Coast to Coast Ride

I carried out two trips back to back. The coast to coast followed by tropical India
Once you accept that Indians like their cold water hot, their hot food cold, there are no rules of the road and that Indian time is different from the rest of the universe you will have a good trip
Cycling challenging in places but not excessive Accommodation about what I expected
Food exciting and varied especially in Kerela

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the people of the real India in the fields and plantations we travelled through. Meeting real labourer doing a real job in the actual location Tea Picking Rubber tree cutting and latex collection Squeezing and processing the latex Coconut Coire String making

Thoughts on Group Leader

An experienced guide who successfully herded the "cats" (travellers) through the trip without incident He had an optimistic and friendly approach to the job and offered opportunities explore and try new things

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun protection and rehydration important Think about using sleeves for the arms don't use cotton clothing Loose modern synthetic clothing the most appropriate

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank David for his review. We are pleased that he had a number of inspirational moments during the trip , but sorry that he was disappointed by his bike. We have followed up with our local operator who are in the process of updating their bike fleet; we hope that this will avoid such disappointments in the future.

Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for cycling in India

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THEA TAYLOR

Reviewed December 2014

Cycling The Cape and Winelands

As an Exodus cycling ‘virgin’, I could not envisage a better initiation both in terms of this trip’s varied, action-packed itinerary and the camaraderie speedily-established (and splendidly alcohol-fuelled!). The Western Cape is a land of beauty and fascination and I relished exploring it so ably facilitated and in such merry and stimulating company.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip incorporated many contrasting scenic delights and cycling through the immaculate verdancy of the winelands, the rugged grandeur of the mountain passes and along the wild and sunbaked coast was a joy. The variety of accommodation, some in spectacular locations, some enchantingly quirky, added to the african experience. The essence of the pleasure, though, was sharing all the different experiences within such a friendly group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Wynand, struck the perfect balance between responsible guide and sociable group member. His detailed knowledge of our route and the cultural/social/historical/environmental facets of the region greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation. Organisation and safety consciousness were impeccable, engendering trust in his ability to handle all eventualities. He delivered guidance with sensitivity and instructions without officiousness, working tirelessly throughout the tour yet still finding the energy to add to the conviviality of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it!

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