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.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

wendy powell

Reviewed April 2014

Vietnam in 16 days

I’ve never travelled with Exodus before,but what I liked straightaway was not only the structure,but the freedom permitted on the trip. On other group trips with different companies this hasn’t always been the case. This trip was run by Bien, who made sure we were fully catered for and had an experience of a life time. We went from Hanoi to Saigon,by bus,train,boat and plane. We had two fantastic cycling trips of about 18 miles mingling with the locals, visiting the local markets. We kayaked in Halong Bay and were greeted by a group of monkeys! We were able to wander the cities on the odd afternoons off, catching in the sites and getting in the required amount of shopping! The weather was misty and grey for the first part of the trip which was a shame as Halong Bay was shrouded in cloud,but the weather bucked up as we travelled south. One thing I would say about this trip is how much I learnt about Vietnam. I thought I knew quite a bit but was totally overwhelmed and at times moved to tears by the plight of the Vietnamese people. We could have spent more time in the Remnants Museum it was so full of interesting artefacts and so very moving you needed time to take it all in.
This trip is full on and my only criticism is we could have done with an afternoon on a beach somewhere. The trip visits lots of busy cities that are full of traffic and it would have been good to just chill on a beach for an afternoon,apart from that it was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved cycling around the countryside,seeing how the local villagers lived and how they had survived so much and still had a smile and a story to tell. I thought the overnight train journey fascinating,and a great deal of fun sharing a compartment with 3 relative strangers!Walk a little way down the train and you will come across a bar compartment! Seeing Ho Chi Minn lying in state was mind blowing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bien had an amazing grasp of Vietnamese history, and made sure we were all catered for. We did at times need to change money and although he didn't always fully understand the urgency of this in some cases he did make sure we knew how and where to do it. My only observation was the need to have more liquid on our walkabouts, and maybe more stops at local coffee houses.........maybe a British thing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can change dollars easily in Vietnam. Be prepared for the change in weather as it gets considerably warmer as you go South. Take a small bag for your two overnight stays. Pack a pair of long socks,great for your stay in the Mekong Delta,as you sit outside at night chatting the mossies can be about. Regarding mosquitos I wouldn't bother with malaria medication for this trip as we hardly got bitten,just wear the repellent at all times!

Sharon Kimber

Reviewed April 2014

Land of The Tiger

Does exactly what it says on the tin!! This IS the land of the tiger. Don’t expect to see then on every game drive but you should see them- I counted 11 different tigers, some in the distance and some VERY close. Absolutely awesome. Seeing the Taj Mahal- wow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Apart from seeing the majestic tigers in their natural environment, the rickshaw tour in Delhi is a must. You get taken around the smallest of backstreets both on foot and by rickshaw. It was brilliant! Be prepared for the wonderfully friendly people who want to take photos of you with them- the kids demand you take their photo and do not ask for money which is refreshing. I was worried about the food as I don't like Indian food over here but I ate everything put in front of me and went back for more- delicious!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna lacked social skills and a sense of humour. He did the basics and nothing more. If you have a good group of people with you, like I had, that saves the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take out all your money at the airport- just enough for the first couple of days at Pench as there is access to banks and ATM's along the way. Also you can use rupees after security at the departure airport- just not in the duty free shop, but all others accept them. However there are no money change facilities after security so if you have a lot of rupees left then make sure you change them and just leave enough to buy food/drink while waiting for your plane. If you are on a tight budget then fill up on the late breakfasts on the game drives to keep you going until dinner- this will save buying lunch.

Yasmin Ahmed

Reviewed April 2014

Northern exposure

A very enjoyable week in a remote part of Finland, balancing guided activities with self-determined time. Being taught to snow-shoe on the first day allowed us to explore the area independently, including a day spent on the breathtaking Little Bear walk. The trails were marked clearly, and the occasional bit of challenging terrain intensified our appreciation of the location’s serenity. Also, the tracks left by Arctic hares are amusingly rude in shape.

Basecamp Oulanka provided a welcome contrast to the physical rigours of days spent outdoors, while upholding the ‘green’ principles that such an unspoilt place demands. The comforts of the lodge’s private accommodation – en-suite wet rooms, under-floor heating and external space in the form of balconies or patios – were equalled by the cosiness of the communal facilities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog-sledding was, undoubtedly, a highlight. The choral howling of the Husky teams augured the delights to come: crisp, cold air; views of white expanses and distant hills; and, best of all, the responsiveness of these powerful, beautiful beasts, with their dense fur, icy eyes and impressive abilities to poo while in full flight. There’s also perverse enjoyment, not to mention satisfaction, to be had from building your own quinzee, and – if you must – sleeping in it. We didn’t bother with the latter, having sent our respective Tyler Durdens on vacation elsewhere; but construction was made easier by the ‘can-do’ attitude of Rebecca and Andrew, our partners in architectural crime. The wind whistling through our snow-sodden clothes seemed a little less harsh, thanks to both of you. The propulsive powers of the f-word proved remarkable on a steep incline. Indeed, as most of our remaining time was spent falling over or crashing into things, we swore the air into a deep, deep shade of blue. It matched the bruises.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A passionate ambassador for the outdoor life, Noora was also a knowledgeable and approachable leader who acted promptly on requests. Indeed, all of the staff were very friendly and helpful, and the chef had made an evident effort to accommodate our dietary needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was a little cheeky of Exodus to describe the trip as an 8-day holiday, when two of the days consisted entirely of travelling to and from our destination. The lengthy transfer from Rovaniemi to the lodge was especially unwelcome at the end of a 15-hour journey, much of which was spent loitering around airports, waiting for flights. If sentenced to spend an age in Helsinki airport, break up the time, as we did, by taking a Finnair bus into the city centre – a journey of 30 minutes, at the most - and seeing the sights on foot. We found the food at Basecamp Oulanka to be suitably hearty fuel for an active(ish) break, but to other group members it seemed stodgy and over-fried. Stock up on extra fruit, perhaps, if travelling outside berry-picking time: the seasonal menu meant that it was noticeable by its relative absence. Finally, be prepared to NOT see the Aurora Borealis. We didn't. However, if you stare at a lightbulb and then rub you eyelids vigorously, you can achieve a pretty convincing approximation.

Reviewed April 2014

Cycling in Vietnam Mar/April 2014

The trip was the most memorable trip we have ever done, from morning til night we had the best fun together as a group. The guide we had Long Le was worth his weight in gold, without him it might not have been as enjoyable. He also had the most efficient back up team, i.e the bus driver, the mechanic and the van driver, all were top class. We wanted for nothing and the service provided by all exceeded everyone’s expectation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning the history of the country and what the people in Vietnam have gone through in the past, and they show no bitterness, very positive people. We enjoyed the tunnels.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was the "man of the match", he could not do enough for us all, was on hand to help with every need big or small anyone had. Did it with a big smile on his face! Enjoyed his company very much, had great fun with him, we were all sad to say good-bye!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Need to have a certain level of fitness to really enjoy themselves, nothing to worry about though as there is plenty back up available if needs be.

Jim Wold

Reviewed April 2014

Discover Sri Lanka

A great trip, my 4th or 5th Exodus trip. All have been very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspirational. We had a great group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan Fernando was excellent. I think leading a group like this is very hard, but he has done it many times. He gave us just enough historical and cultural information. He has a good sense of humor and connected with everybody.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Change a bunch of money at the airport, you will be set. We decided to do a tip kitty, it worked well. I generally avoided using charge cards but did pay most hotel bills (food & bar) by CC, it made my supply of rupees go farther. The Pinnawela trip was very enjoyable. Bicycle seats extremely uncomfortable, narrow and hard. Train ride was beautiful. Tea plantations were beautiful. The buffet meals were great.

Carolyn Laycock

Reviewed April 2014

Discover Costa Rica

A holiday in paradise pcaked with wildlife.
From the palm trees and white sandy beaches of the Caribbean and Pacifice coast, to the cool misteriousness of the the cloudforest, to the heat, verdant vegetation and sounds of the tropical rainforest. A holiday of contrasts with amazingly beautiful birds, frogs, reptiles and unusual mammals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at Esquinas rainforest lodge - listening to the sounds of the jungle , cooling off and swimming in the river fed pool amongst the verdant vegetaion.and eating in the beautiful traditionally built lodge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gio was very professional in every way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A long journey but worth it for the tranquility. Came home totally relaxed.

Morgan Wallace

Reviewed April 2014

Fantastic trip

Having never booked a group trip before, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this holiday or whether it would be as enjoyable as more independent travel. I needn’t have worried. Not only was it a fantastic trip, the whole group were a great bunch and we would not have experienced or learned half of what we did without the support of our excellent guide (Danny) throughout the trip. I cannot fault Exodus on their organisational efficiency or the quality of their customer support throughout the whole booking process and in the lead up to the holiday itself. They really make you feel that they are looking after you as an individual and are genuinely concerned that you have a great experience. Regular email contacts from real people, rather than computer generated messages and responses was extremely reassuring and confirmed that we were in extremely safe hands. Jordan is an amazing country and with this trip you really felt that you had seen and experienced the real country, not just the “tourist trail”. We felt safe and secure throughout, largely due to Danny’s amazing local knowledge and obvious care for and pride in his role. I could not recommend this trip highly enough, nor Exodus as a company to go with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every new experience on the trip was a highlight, but I guess the obvious one is that first sight of the Treasury as you emerge from the Siq at Petra. It is, literally in my case, jaw dropping! Floating in the Dead Sea was pretty amazing too! It is probably easier to say that there is no one aspect of the itinerary which isn't inspirational in its own way. However, if I had to pick one thing, it would be the warmth and friendliness of the Jordanian people themselves. Whilst waiting at the side of a remote(ish) road due to a bus breakdown (sorted very quickly) my daughter and I chatted to a local man who proceeded to invite us to his home nearby to meet his entire extended family, where we were offered tea and coffee and the warmest of welcomes. I've no doubt they would have been happy to welcome and entertain us for the rest of the day if we had the time! It was almost a disappointment when we realised the bus was ready to go! This typifies the welcome we received from ordinary Jordanian people throughout the visit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Friendly, efficient and amazing local knowledge. Danny's support and guidance throughout the trip was a highlight and in my view could not be faulted. Top man!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go (and book it with Exodus)! Having travelled in Europe, Africa and Asia, this was my first trip to the Middle East and I was not sure what to expect. It turned out to be one of the best trips I've ever had and I would have absolutely no hesitation in repeating it. I could not offer much in the way of additional advice beyond the excellent guidance given by Exodus.

Bonnie Hechtkopf

Reviewed April 2014

The Adventure of Being Lost in Gozo

I was given much misinformation when booking this tour. I am not fond of running into loose dogs, when alone on trails. I was told that no reports had been made of participants encountering dogs and that there was a leash law on the island. I was accosted by dogs on 3 separate walks in a week. Other fellow walkers had the same experience. Exodus outsourced everything to Headwaters and there seemed to be little if any communication between the companies. I was told that I would be the only one on the trip, although I was told at an earlier point that there would be 8 others. Why book a tour, if you will be totally alone? The walking tours book was useless. I was unable to complete any of the walks as indicated.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the walk along the cliffs to Xlendi, until the winds starting picking up and I couldn't find the path down to the village. The prehistoric megaliths in Ggantija and Mjandra were awesome!

Thoughts on Group Leader

There was no group leader. A man named George handed us some paperwork, coordinated our departure schedule and then disappeared.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice is to book the hotel on your own and buy a walking trails book on Gozo. The book provided by Exodus (Headwaters) was totally inadequate and who knows if it has ever been updated. All of the walkers using this book were lost and called the book "rubbish". You will save money and have less wasted time and frustration by booking on your own. I was provided with no value add by booking through Exodus. I feel totally ripped off, since I could have booked the hotel with meals and transfers for less than half of what I paid to Exodus. I never got to see many of the sites that I walked my butt off to see.

Reply from Exodus

We are aware that there may have been some confusion over Bonnie’s expectations on this self-guided departure and we have contacted her directly about this. We are very confident in our route notes for this trip; they are checked on a regular basis and there have not been problems with them before, but we regret that Bonnie was so disappointed.

Martin Wolverson

Reviewed April 2014

Peru Explorer

Excellent, and as usual with Exodus, never a moment to get bored !
Exodus are as far as i know, the only company to offer a tour of Peru with an OPTION to do the Inca Trail.
This suited me and wife, as i wanted to do trail, she didn’t but was happy to get rid of me for a few days as she got on well with rest of group.
4 of the 16 did the trail.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trail was of course, but numerous other bits throughout the holiday

Thoughts on Group Leader

fine

Advice for Potential Travellers

I see lots of queries re use or not use walking poles. I'v never used poles so didn't - the porters don't ! I havn't seen it mentioned anywhere, but importantly, the rock used for paths and steps resembles pumice stone, so never seemed remotely slippery even when wet, so i can't see any advantage using poles. Don't take travellers chqs - v few places to change them and v little opportunity time wise. Take cash. If you want to add another experience (independently) i did the highest bungee jump in S America at Cusco on a free day. Was v reasonable cost too. Office in town lay on a car to take you (and spectators) to the location.

Russell Conway

Reviewed April 2014

Primates in Uganda

This was a road trip around Uganda with an intention of seeing as many varieties of Monkey as possible.
On the way we saw a great deal more, strange birds, odd looking antelopes and a few things that remain to be identified.
This was a brilliant and unusual trip with a high activity content and some of the walks will stay with me for a long time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Yes seeing the mountain Gorillas is always going to be great but there were so many other moments. Seeing 3 huge chimps swing out of their tree a few inches away from us, figs in their mouth and the smell of chimp heavy on the nostrils. Seeing the cormorant like African Fin-Foot peck flies off the back of a basking buffalo in Lake Mbouro and minutes later seeing a nest with 2 white backed night herons is just as good as it gets birding-wise!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very nice guy. A great driver who throughout the trip never once had a problem on roads which could be difficult and he had to put up with swerving to avoid animals, bikes, odd vehicles and on another occasion a snake. He facilitated all the check-ins seamlessly at the 4 sets of accommodation and on top of all of this he could identify most birds and mammals. Nothing was too much trouble, whether it was loaning me his waterproof or repairing a pair of glasses. He was a jack of all trades and a master of them all. We also had a bit of a bonus in that as well as the group-leader we had a representative from Exodus accompanying us which was fun and we all felt very well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long walks on uneven terrain. And it rains. A lot. But don`t worry this is a wonderful trip and as long as you are prepared the memories will live with you for a very long time. Electricity supply can be a bit intermittent. Bring torches.

Prev 1 … 1,064 1,065 1,066 1,067 1,068 … 1,445 Next