Most Inspirational Moment
My first view of a bullet train pulling into Kyoto station.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very competent. Not intrusive, allowed us to explore by ourselves.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN
A country which is was a genuine surprise, the amazing friendliness and helpfulness of people everywhere, the beauty of the pine forests in the mountains, the buzz of Tokyo, gardens, temples, castles. Fantastic
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
A great holiday that delivered on what was advertised. A must for any wildlife enthusiast.
Most Inspirational Moment
- swimming with sealions- watching the sunrise from the deck- listening to all of the wierd and wonderful sounds of the wildlife- being surrounded by wildlife on Genovesa and Espanola- watching sealions in the towns
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Juan was very friendly, informative and approachable. He was able to answer all of our questions and took good care of us throughout our trip on the islands.
Advice for Potential Travellers
- be prepared for sea sickness and the strong sun- take an underwater camera and binoculars- don't bother with a beach towel one was provided- take socks with you for the first day in the highlands- I wished I had filmed more of my trip so I could replay my experiences- make the most of your first day in Quito and take a day trip out of the city. Half a day was fine to explore the city
EVEREST BASE CAMP
If you are thinking about booking this trip just do it, this was without doubt the holiday of a lifetime. Age makes little difference with the youngest on our group of 16 being 34 to Mike aged 72, a reasonable level of fitness is required but the pace dictated by the group leader and the acclimatisation stops ensure everyone can reach their full potential and achieve the goal in reaching Everest Base Camp.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many from my first sight of Everest, the Sherpa memorial, but for me it had to be reaching base camp with my recently married daughter and son in law.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader, Pasang, was absolutely outstanding, knowledgable, great communicator, caring, inspirational and a first class people person, that said he was supported by an outstanding team with Jetha, Pemba and Cherous being equally encouraging, friendly and efficient.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it!, attain a reasonable level of fitness before going but remember altitude can effect anyone so take on all the advice given by the group leader and his team.
DISCOVER SRI LANKA
This was a truly wonderful trip with a great deal of variety. A lot of thought has gone into creating the itinerary which has something for everyone. There was a great mix of culture, wildlife with also a taste of Sri Lankan village life, but there was also time to chill poolside.
Most Inspirational Moment
My first blue whale was probably the highlight for me but there were quite a few memorable moments on this fabulous trip that I shall remember.The walk on Horton plains to see World's End was spectacular as was climbing Sigirya. The cycle ride in Giratale where one got a feel for village life in Sri Lanka, was also really enjoyable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Well no wonder Roshan has won awards for guiding these tours, he was great and a true professional. All the information and history lessons he gave us were in manageble bite size portions, always managing to throw in a cliche or three! He got people involved in the Sri Lankan games and his enthusiasm for his country was infectious.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Liking curries (they were VERY good) is helpful, although there are alternatives but hey, when in Rome! Take plenty of light loose fitting clothes, I found ordinary T-shirts too hot.Watchout for the sun when whale watching, we all came back looking like lobsters .
ANDES TO AMAZON
This trip has it all, mountains and vulcanoes, hot springs, water falls, walks in the jungle and cloud forest, seeing indigenous markets and craft, experiencing life in the Amazon jungle, exploring the mangroves and shores of the Pacific, very good food (particularly fish and seafood, and freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices as much as you like), and meeting a colourful variety of animals and people.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many inspirational moments: Bathing in outdoor hot springs, by moon light, surrounded by beautiful mountains...seeing the paradisical gardens and works of art at the Hacienda Pantavi...finding out about a revised view of the world at the equator...seeing international volunteers caring for injured animals of the jungle, till they can be set free again...how sugar cane is harvested and processed into various products...seeing the Cultural Revitalisation Project promoting art, self-esteem and work in an area of former slaves....seeing the face of a shoe-shine child or man receiving a doggy bag...waking up to the sight of a snow-capped vulcano and a humming bird outside your window...the mangroves of the El Morro ecosystem along the Pacific, with dolphins and thousands of frigate birds.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader, Fabian Lemesme, was absolutely inspirational. He had a fun personality, was a good leader, very knowledgeable, was kind and passionate about human rights, the plight of indigenous people, women and suffering animals (e.g. actively campaigning against bull fighting). He was very artistic, introducing us to many craft and art centres, well-chosen restaurants, and beautiful haciendas and hotels.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. To bring hiking boots or wellingtons with a good grip, to bring a rain poncho (to protect your camera when you want to take pictures in the rain). 2. The risk of mosquito bites or malaria is minimal. 3. Bring enough dollars or debit cards - despite warnings, there are still people who think they can exchange pounds in rural areas. There can be high fees for credit card transactions.
LAND OF THE TIGER
Had a bit of a slow start in terms of tiger sightings but eventually saw 13 tigers. Enjoyed each hotel and the food and service was great. Well organised and led by a lovely leader.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing our first tiger was amazing- we had waited so long as we didn't spot a tiger until our third park. Also watching a group of five tigers interacting together was incredible. We saw tigers at a kill, drinking and bathing, crossing the road in front of us, and had the opportuniy to get really close on the back of an elephant on two tiger shows.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Krishna was friendly, organised and knowledgable. He coped with the unexpected very well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be patient! Enjoy all of the scenery, experiences, and wildlife while you continue to search for tigers.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN
Due to the lack of snow at the end of the season, the advertised corss-country skiing turned into a winter walking holiday. Whilst the company was very pleasant, this was a far cry from the winter activity holiday that everyone had expected.
Most Inspirational Moment
In view of the lack of snow it is hard to describe any aspect of the holiday as inspirational. However, it was good that a light fall of snow enabled us to ski on the last day of the holiday. Skiing round the frozen lake gave a taste of what we had missed.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mary coped very well in the face of adverse conditions. It is no easy task to come up with acceptable activities for a dozen very disappointed people. Her knowledge of the local area enabled her to arrange some pleasant walks in the hills and the cable car to the Hardangarvidda provided a welcome change of scene.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The accomodation is good. You may wish to take a swimsuit for the mixed sauna, although the locals did not seem to regard this as a necessary item. The food was good, with ample supplies at breakfast to make a packed lunch. Be prepared for low temparatures (-14 or less) even in April).
MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB
I found the trip to be very well organised, with friendly and competent staff. The whole experience of the trek in, the climbs up, and the views are something to stay in the memory for years.
Most Inspirational Moment
It has to be ascending Toubkal. The sense of achievement will last a long time. But also something else. When we got to the refuge in murky weather, suddenly the clouds parted and our route up Toubkal the following day was revealed. I think it took all our breaths away.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was very friendly and communicated very well. On the walk in, walk out, and the climbs both he and the other guide both worked well together, one at the front the other at the rear and took good care of us. The cook produced really good meals in the Gite and the refuge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Altogether the walk in, the climbs up Toubkal and Ouanoukrim and the walk out call for some stamina. The guides keep the pace easy and you can do it. The refuge at Toubkal was basic but no more so than I had expected with a wood stove providing warmth in the lounge area down stairs but with an unheated dorm upstairs. Be prepared for some heavy breathing / snoring but be tolerant; everyone snores at times I don't care what sex you are. It's part of using a refuge in the mountains.
LAND OF THE TIGER
Truly magical experience! Fabulous leader, Krishna. Accom. generally very good. Train journey was just passable, thankful it was only one night!! Seeing tigers – what can you say? Amazing!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing first tiger. Encountering one face to face at 20yds with nothing between you and the animal for several minutes was truly a one off experience I am now pleased to have had! Meeting like minded people who are passionate about animals is great.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Krisha Bhardwai is exceptional!! I cannot speak of him highly enough! In his words - It's my job! Yes, it might be but he is prepared to go the extra mile and more, he certainly did for me. Very pleasant, knowledgeable, sociable. Good to be around!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take VERY lightweight, loose fitting clothing! Camera cover as drives can be extremely dusty!
EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES
It was a great trip, but really, really hard! The actual walking was not harder than your average day in the Lake District, but with the altitude, freezing cold nights, early starts, and basic tea house washing and toilet facilities it all added up to something of an endurance test. I was the only woman with a load of adrenaline junkies, so needless to say I generally found myself bringing up the rear. Come on women, get booking – don’t just stick to the easier treks. You can do it if I can!
Most Inspirational Moment
The views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar were great, but I got a real buzz of excitement when we arrived at Base Camp. The climbers themselves weren't actually there yet, but there were streams of yaks and porters pouring in carrying all sorts of ridiculous things - there was a real sense of them getting ready. The Cho La might have been beautiful, but I was in no fit state to notice - getting up there nearly killed me!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Prem Gurung was our leader, and he was absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable, competent, calm and fun. He and the 2 guides - Indra and Norbu - did a great job, and one of them always kept me company at the back of the pack. Prem kept a sharp eye on us for signs of altitude sickness, and brooked no resistance when he thought someone needed to start on Diamox. One of our porters got altitude sickness on the Cho La (I'm not joking about how hard it was!), and they decided to quickly get him down to Pheriche 1,000m lower - no messing about: they saw the problem and acted to fix it. Just what you need in that environment.
Advice for Potential Travellers
All you need is to be reasonably fit, being super fit won't necessarily help. Do some reading about altitude sickness, and take Diamox and loads of Paracetamol/Ibuprofen with you. Not to mention Immodium! And loads of wet wipes and hand gel. I did manage to have a hot shower every second day, and even washed my hair twice, but in between it was very dirty. Only take 1 bottle of biodegradeable soap - it goes a long way, especially when you rarely see water! I took salted peanuts and dried fruit as snacks, plus Pepperami and biltong to supplement my post-Namche vegetarian diet. As well as chocolate bars, of course.