Reviews

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

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14217 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

A brilliant combination of cycling and sight-seeing through a fascinating corner of India

Most Inspirational Moment

For an apparently unmoveable atheist, I found the deity 'dressing' ceremony at the Jagdish temple in Udaipur astonishingly moving. The sheer number of waves and smiles from local kids (and their parents / grandparents - some of whom might have looked glum, but a smile, wave and 'namaste' almost always broke through the facade of indifference) was fantastic. As was the sighting of Sarus Cranes just before dusk in the Keoladeo National Park, and the tiger in Sariska National Park, and the carving in the main Jain temple at Ranakpur, and arriving in Pushkar to a brilliant orange sunset... etc etc etc

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pramod and Sanjay did a fantastic job, and the trip wouldn't have been the same if one or the other had been missing. Pramod's quiet approach perfectly balanced Sanjay's frequent aspirations for everyone to have a go at 'Indian' dancing... On the bus... After rum and coke. Brilliant! To see them at their most competitive, put them on opposing sides during a 'friendly' cricket match...

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first afternoon in Delhi can feel like wasted down time, but bear in mind that you'll be up at 6am on many of the subsequent days and have probably just endured a tedious night flight - relaxing by the pool is acceptable! Not having visited India before, I was rather unsure of myself and wish (in hindsight) that I had taken myself off to the Qutab Minar complex, which wasn't too far from the hotel. If in doubt, negotiate a price with the tuk-tuk driver and crack on. Whilst it's possible to eat incredibly cheaply in India, we tended to adjourn en masse to local restaurants in the evenings, where you could expect to pay in the region of 600INR (including beer) for a decent veggie meal. Don't worry if you can't get hold of small money from the FOREX places in the airport - I found that I soon had a stack of 10, 20 & 100INR notes after meals (10INR notes proved invaluable for 'toilet tipping'!), and there are ATM stops en route if you need to top up supplies of cash.This was my first ever group holiday, and I was nervous about booking it beforehand (it was a birthday treat and I didn't want to have a miserable time!). I can honestly say that I had a blast and would do the whole thing again tomorrow.

Reviewed April 2012

LAND OF THE TIGER

Tremendous. Abundant wildlife with highlight of Tigers, Taj Mahal and lots of memories

Most Inspirational Moment

First Tiger sighting, silhouetted through grass, was thrilling, thereafter sightings just got better and better, with close encounters from the back of an elephant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was wonderful. He was passionate about the survival of the Tiger and had a great sense of humour. When he heard a sound in the jungle, he would surprise you by saying it was a chicken laying an egg! He ensured our trip ran smoothly and always told us what to expect over for the day ahead. All except the weather which the didn't need to worry about.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tolerate Twitchers, its amazing how much more you can appreciate in a 4 hour safari when there are no tigers to be seen.Girls, take a Shewee, I will next time!Be prepared for an early rise. Make the most of sightseeing, time can be a bit limited. And don't expect time to chill!Safaris are very dusty so dress accordingly and take a buff/scarf as well as a hat, mornings can be very cold but once the sun gets up it gets hot very quicklyDon't expect Sleepers trains to have compartments where you will change into your PJs and brush your teeth! Enjoy the company and try not to look at your watch too often, 12-14 hours can go remarkably quickly if you accept your lot! Just hope you don't need to use the loo too often, and try not to clock everything you see out of the windows.

Reviewed April 2012

HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY

This trip really is a journey through the cross roads of the world. Turkey is a colourful, historic and cultural journey with a range of activities for all the history geeks and adventurers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I am afraid I can't name just one inspirational moment but for me there are 3. Climibing the top of a mountain to look upon a almost undisturbed Roman ruin with a complete theatre that hangs over the edge of the mountain and sits on the clouds was inspirational. Capadoccia's eerie landscape and underground cities and churches were inspirational and of course Istanbul. What can I say about Istanbul. A beautiful city with so much to see, so much history to immerse yourself in and a true feeling that you are standing upon the cross roads of the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kymet was a excellent leader. She spent time getting to know everyone including their needs and tried to cater as much as possible for each individual. It is evident that she loves her country, that she loves history and that she loves her job as a tour leader and it makes the entire tour fun and interesting for all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only advice would be to prepare for long drive times. You travel over 3000 kilometeres in 12 days which is hectic but Kymet tries to make everyone as comfortable as possible and is especially happy if people need regular comfort stops so don't be afraid to ask.

Reviewed April 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Himalaya is really a big, (inside and outside) sort of place..and it is a very difficult treck as it effect you inside and outside. I was really lucky and walked this path with wanderful human being (the travel mate, the guide and the porters were truly wanderful). I could not have been more lucky…..Hope that you too will be as lucky as we have been becouse the experience is behond words.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring moment is made by all the little moments: seeing and manage to reach the top, speach with people, looking and admiring the life of the sherpa, being there with my soul and my body.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader were wanderful human being we shared lough, joy and they really cared.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy..it is a life changing experience

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

I took my 23 year old daughter and we both had a wonderful holiday. You need to have an open mind, willingness to accept what India has to offer rather than a critical eye, ability to get on in a group and reasonable fitness plus tolerance of the heat if going in March. If you have all these you won’t regret this trip. Organistaion was excellent and group leaders could not have been better. Quite a lot of time in the bus but this is necessary to get around the area.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one inspirational moment but generally loved the madness of place. There may be a lot of poverty, little sanitation, no rubbish collection and insane driving but it all seems to work and most people are genuinely happy and pleased to see you. It was great to be free of some of the ever increasing restrictions that western governments put on their citizens. Loved the immense size and remoteness of Kumbhalgarh fort; the beauty of the Taj Mahal; the birds at Bharatpur; the bazaar at Jodhpur; the countryside in general.

Thoughts on Group Leader

2 leaders. Both excellent. Could not have been more friendly or helpful. Well informed and willing to give of their knowledge. Also should mention the rest of the team - bus driver; bike mechanic; general helper. All were good at what they did and genuinely friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Carry Immodium! Take strong sun cream in March. Go for it.

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This was a first class holiday due to the organisation used. Thailand was a beautiful peaceful place, Cambodia was lively and full of historical interest. Vietnam was noisy and amazing to learn and see so much about the place. The cyling was at just the right pace as we were a large group they had other guides to keep an eye on all of us. Back up team always came up trumps with cold drinks and fresh fruit.

Most Inspirational Moment

I surpose everyone writes Angor Wat and it is amazing but seeing little children in villages as we cylced through and village life is just as wonderful.The wonderful food so different in each country.Cycling along the back waters of the Mekong Delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three leaders one for each country.Siam in Thailand who over saw the whole trip. Very profressional and always managed to keep his hair on when things got difficult. Boarder crossings with so may of us wasn't any easy task.Flio in Cambodai was full of information and knew when and were to go to avoid the crowds.Yam in Vietnam was excellent also with lots of information about the local things to see and do also lessons on how to cross the roads!! Very important to learn .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and pracise some cyling before hand so you are ready for long days in the heat. Though we had plenty of stops so they don't feel so long.Wicking tops for the heat and washing out easily.Camera to photo Angor Wat at Sunrise!

Reviewed April 2012

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE

What a fantastic way to spend a couple of weeks! Amazing wildlife, enjoyable walks, good snorkeling, relaxed life on board the yacht, great food, siestas after lunch and fabulous weather. Perfect!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved all of the wildlife, but the absolute highlight for me was snorkeling with turtles. I enjoyed a full half hour in the company of a couple of grazing turtles who were within touching distance (I didn't - I resisted the temptation!). I had to keep circling to prevent myself from bumping into them in the swell - just brilliant. I also enjoyed the occasions when sealions came to investigate/play whilst snorkeling. Oh and the sky pointing, feet lifting displays of the blue footed boobies on the last morning of the trip - I love those birds!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Silvia was a great group leader. She shared a wealth of knowledge and clearly loved the islands and the wildlife. She was a very good organiser, ensured everyone was taken care of and was also great company. Thanks Silvia! Stefan in Quito was also extremely helpful and ensured that we got the best that we could out of our short time there. I was a little concerned about safety in Quito, but his advice ensured we were ok.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light - storage space is limited - it's easy to wash and dry clothing by using the pegs provided on deck. I was unsure whether I needed a wetsuit for snorkeling at this time of year - In the Eastern islands I found the snorkelling warm enough to wear just a t-shirt for sun protection, but in the Western islands it was cooler (actually quite cold in two places) - I had taken a wetsuit type t-shirt, which was fine for all but the two coldest snorkels - I just had to swim a lot to keep warm! Shoes were recommended, but in the interest of travelling light I managed fine with good quality walking sandals, although I am used to hill walking in them. Closed toe sandals with grippy soles are all you need though. Take sea sickness tablets with you just in case - we had a couple of days of Spring tide, with quite a swell and a few people needed tablets. The photographic opportunities are amazing - from reports I read before I went I almost didn't take my 100-400mm lens, but I'm so glad I did as it enabled me to get some really intimate close ups. To get the best out of the trip I'd recommend a wide and a zoom lens. But if you only have a compact, you'll have just as much fun with it. The entire trip requires cash (not cards) - keep it safe in Quito and ensure that all cash is in $20 notes or less - they rarely accept larger notes. Tipping is an integral part of the culture so ensure you have sufficient to tip the crew and guide in accordance with their service levels. You'll need insect repellent on a few of the islands (but not on most) - it's always handy to have some with you just in case.

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA

This is the perfect holiday for somebody who loves to be on the go all the time, likes the idea of whizzing through 3 beautiful and interesting countries on a bike, and doesn’t mind a bit of time spent on a minibus, but likes to fit in lots of other things too – birds, animals, history, scenery, rain forests, seas, boats, volcanoes and endless cocktails!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult question - was it the vulture migration - amazing; was it finishing a 45-mile hilly cycle ride in the windiest conditions possibly ever known to a cyclist; or was it standing at the bar at the Hot Springs looking in wonder at the sight of 10 Pina Coladas lined up in a row!!! (Not all mine I'd add!) Have to say the River Raft Trip was also brilliant, as was the long, fast, downhill ride in Panama around Day 12 or 13 with such spectacular views, and spending 2-weeks trying to spot Toucans was great fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was excellent - organised, knowledgable, professional and got us where we needed to be at exactly the right times. Made the need for 'thinking' a very limited requirement for 2 weeks, as he very efficiently seemed to do all my thinking for me!!! Perfect if you want to give your personal decision making skills a good rest, go with the flow and have fun!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is rated moderate/challenging - which is probably about right. We had 3 days of particularly windy weather - windier than any normal person would choose to cycle in at home - so it was a bit of a challenge for most of our group!! I'm a 50 year old female, fairly fit and active - did 2 RPM classes a week through the winter prior to the trip in March - getting out in the winter in the UK and going for some longish hilly road rides would have probably been a sensible pre-holiday plan!! Also taking time to really sort out your own saddle if you have a preference, your gel cover and good cycling shorts before you go might be a good idea!!!

Reviewed April 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A wonderful holiday that packed in many different experiences. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, the people are friendly and there is plenty to see and do.

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant safari, white water rafting, cycling through paddy fields and villages, the stunning views from mountain tops, the delicious food, local people smiling and waving all the time, the wildlife and a very nice group with helpful guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was excellent. The holiday packed a lot in and it was all organised extremely professionally. Sujee's local knowledge and obvious love for his country made the trip a real pleasure. He went out of his way to accommodate people who had different needs and requests and he was always helpful and friendly. I don't know when he can have slept! The driver and assistant were excellent too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early starts and living out of a suitcase for a couple of weeks. I think we stayed in ten different hotels. It is worth it though, as you get to see so much of a very beautiful country. If you do the Adam's Peak walk, it gets extremely busy near the top. Also, if you go on the whale watching trip don't accept a 'sea sickness tablet' from the captain. Ours had a sedative effect and everybody who took one fell asleep on the way back.

Reviewed April 2012

A TASTE OF CUBA

A fantastic holiday. Great mix of sight-seeing in cities, alongside beach and Caribbean boat snorkelling downtime. And a brilliant group of 18 people, aged from 21 to nearly 70, half and half solo and couple travellers – not Exodus’s doing as a bit pot luck, but clearly their trips attract a great munch of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cooling off on a nature trail in the mountains diving (alright, jumping) off a small cliff to swim across a cove. Would not have done on my own but a group of us plucked up courage to brave the waves and rocks!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great welcome and organisation when we arrived from Exodus rep and group leader. The right balance of information about Cuban life given over the tour and ditto for amount of planned stuff versus free time... first ever organised holiday for me and I didn't feel too chaperoned or tied to everything (eg opted out of one long coach ride for day's excursion to do my own day in Havana).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow Exodus advice to just bring sterling and enough for all your needs. Had some fraud on my debit card even though I wasn't using it there! And if you do some wandering in Havana on your own, while it certainly feels safe everywhere, do be aware of constant and persistent hustling as soon as you sit down anywhere or look a tad unsure (it's more than just people being friendly as the group leader said...)

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