Most Inspirational Moment
Hoi An, cool city!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, attentive & great sense of humour
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go for it!!
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Trails of vietnam
Trip didn’t get off to best start due to industrial action at Air France but Exodus went the extra mile to sort things, superb service as I’ve come to expect!!!
Great trip too … put it on your bucket list.
A wonderful trip - Highly recommended
An action packed two weeks in an India I was not expecting. Kerala is a beautiful state (apart from the rubbish everywhere) and seems a more affluent part of India. We were not hassled for money all the time and the local people were all really friendly. We filled every day with new experiences, from going to the laundry in Cochin, to stopping on the road to meet locals making bricks with their hands and feet, then watching the tea pickers working in the hot sun for very little money. Once you get used to the traffic, the cities were fascinating and there was so much to see. The Bollywood film we saw was dreadful, but a great experience. Had to be done. Most of the hotels were of a good standard but the rooms at Kovalan, described as a Comfort Hotel, which I thought was supposed to be better than Standard, were very tired and most of the electric sockets didn’t work.
I was disappointed that due to a forest fire, we were unable to do the morning jungle walk and the only option was a packed boat trip along the river, where we did see wildlife, but mostly at a distance.
The food was very good on the whole trip, and so cheap! I was not aware of anyone being unwell.
Most Inspirational Moment
The houseboat was wonderful, made better by buying freshwater prawns from the local fish market. The best meal of the whole trip and our boat was the only one which had them. The early morning walk in Madurai was great, seeing the wholesale traders selling their wares. It seemed like no other tourists went there, so it was more special. I loved the Muhamma Backwater Resort we stayed at, but I had the best room, overlooking the lake. It was such a peaceful, beautiful place to stay. I could have stayed there longer. I was lucky to travel with such a fun group. Even though we were of different ages, we shared a sense of humour and adventure and they made the 2 weeks very special
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sibil was an excellent local leader. He filled our days with sights and activities and had a lot of local knowledge. He was not always easy to understand and sometimes he did not understand us, but with a little patience everything worked out OK and he made sure we were all where we were supposed to be. He was very helpful and always cheerful. Even when we arranged our own activities and he had time off, he always was at hand to assist if we needed transport or anything else.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't take too many clothes, you can buy very cheap cotton items everywhere, which are ideal in the tropical heat. I took my walking poles for the morning trek amongst the tea plantations, but it was very easy and more of a stroll than a trek and I didn't need them. Take European plug adaptors, they are most commonly used. The Martial Arts display at Thekkady is recommended, but if you book for the Kathakali dance display, don't expect Bangra music and dancing girls! You have been warned! Only one room had a hairdryer, but they were available on request. Be prepared for long drives, travel always took longer than anticipated. Though the bus was comfortable and air conditioned. Take snacks. At the Homestay, take care in the bathroom as the floor is very slippery and one of our group fell and broke her arm. I was advised by people at home to only eat vegetables during the trip, but I did eat fish and chicken with no problems. You can ask for food less spicy, so the heat was never a problem.
Hidden Treasures of Jordan
This adventure exceeded my expectations. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan offers a huge variety of different landscapes and activities for the traveller. Its historical significance provides loads of opportunities to enjoy ancient civilisations. Exploring these sites was fab but also meeting the friendly people and trying their food was great. This particular trip allowed me to discover Jordan in depth and I feel I have experienced it from the verdant North to the deserts and Red Sea of the South.
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra was amazing. Hiking up Al Khubtha Trail to view the Treasury from up high was an experience I will not forget. I loved Wadi Rum, the scenery stunning and the jeep ride was so fun. Also knowing that Jesus had been baptised at Bethany was.......
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eyad Bannna Eddie to his friends was a fantastic tour Leader with a winning smile. He looked after us and made our experience of Jordan special. He managed to get us into Jerash early so we had the place to ourselves before the bus loads arrived, and took us to different local restaurants so we could sample all the food. Thank you Eddie
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not be put off because there are problems in the Middle East. I felt safe and the Jordanians were so friendly. As a female traveller I felt relaxed and was able to move freely and did not have to cover up. It is an amazing trip you will not regret booking it. ENJOY!
Everest Base Camp March 2018
What an absolutely amazing experience, too beautiful to ever put into words! Everything from start to finish was simply perfect – the organisation, the people, the nature. Without a doubt one of the toughest, coldest and most incredible things I have ever done!
Most Inspirational Moment
I have to say I really loved every aspect of the trip! The people, the fresh air, the landscapes. The mountains are incredibly beautiful and you never get sick of the views. Reaching Base Camp was a fantastic feeling, such a great sense of achievement and also a bit emotional. It was amazing to see us all so happy and proud of each other, celebrating the moment together as friends.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bikash and team were absolutely exceptional. Very professional, knowledgeable and caring. All three guides really went above and beyond to make this a successful and unforgettable trip for every single one of us.. lending us their poles, gloves, sunglasses when we lost or broke our own equipment and even carrying our daypacks when we couldn't. Absolutely outstanding. Bikash I can't thank you enough for what you have done for us! And thank you for the birthday cake!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get fit and you can absolutely do it! I am not a trekker and had never climbed a mountain before but with a generally good level of fitness and a few weeks preparation in the gym I was absolutely fine. I do recommend to bring everything on the packing list - you will need it! Do bring a thin buff as the trek is very dry and dusty especially in the lower altitudes. In general I think a bit of common sense will go a long way in the mountains - no coffee or alcohol (on the way up, do try the Everest and Gorkha beer on the way down), hearty lunches as you will need the energy, light dinners. I also had multivitamins with me as the diet can be a bit unbalanced. Most importantly, don't forget to have fun! Walk slowly it's not a competition, take lot's of pictures, make friends!!
I want to go back!
Last week we floated in the Dead Sea, snorkelled in the Red Sea, rode camels, camped in the Wadi Rum, looked out over awesome canyons and amazing landscapes, marvelled at mosaics, drank mint tea with the Bedouin, were driven through the desert in a 4×4, run down sand dunes, ate more houmous than you can shake a piece of flat bread at, and, of course, explored the wonders of the Lost City of Petra. We felt completely safe and welcome the entire time and have made new friends and memories that will last a lifetime! Go with an open mind, be prepared to take the rough with the smooth – the hotels are not 5 star – the Petra Palace Hotel is far from palatial (someone in our group joked that it was probably discovered at the same time as Petra) and the Golden Tulip at Aqaba lost its shine years ago – but we didn’t come to Jordan to sit in hotels. The only real downside to it all is coming home! Last night my 13 year old said to me, “We were a bit worried about going on this holiday, but I”m so glad we did but I”m sad it’s all over!”.
Most Inspirational Moment
The first glimpse of Petra at the end of the Siq; making it up the 900 steps to the Monastery without dying and then walking that little bit further at the top and looking out over the Rift Valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable, patient, funny, good rapport with both adults children in the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you tell the souvenir sellers at Petra that you will look at their wares "on the way back down" they won't forget you - I am now the proud owner of 7 fridge magnets! Read the book "Married to a Bedouin" by Marguerite van Geldermalsen alongside your trip - it adds another dimension. Oh, and cultivate a love of houmous!
The Tropical South
The trip’s title really sums up our impression of Kerala. The vegetation is lush and every tree or plant seems to bear medicinal and /or edible spices,delicious fruit or vegetables. It was a very varied trip – some long journeys, but to see as much as we did, they were necessary and our bus was air conditioned and very comfortable. Our walk through the tea plantations was most enjoyable . I think we will appreciate a cup of tea even more, having seen the pluckers at work. The drive over the mountains to Tamil Nadu was spectacular. Relaxing on our houseboat as we floated past villages was a very pleasant experience. We didn’t see tigers or elephants, but still enjoyed our boat trip in the Nature Reserve, although we were slightly surprised by the numbers of humans we saw!
Our group was interesting and fun to be with. and we never felt like we were merely following a disinterested guide. Sibil did his best to answer our many questions and every venue had a local guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to single out one in particular. We found the people of Kerala very friendly and genuinely welcoming. If I had to then... the spice garden walk, the tea plantations and the houseboat would be my favourite experiences. However, I also really enjoyed our last day relaxing by the sea, the trip over the mountains and the early morning walk through the market.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sibil was anxious to help and tried his best to answer all our questions. He was sometimes a little difficult to understand, but he is able to speak four languages well, so who am I to criticise? He had a couple of tricky situations to deal with and could perhaps have benefitted from some a more supportive back-up in India able to make their own decisions. However one of our group fell and broke her wrist and he dealt with that superbly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was 'unseasonably hot' and humid we were told. I wished I had packed a long skirt ,as I think that might have been cooler than trousers at times. However the bus is air conditioned, as were all the hotels, except for the homestead, so it was all quite manageable. Be prepared for long journeys. Kerala is not the trip for you if you want to see ancient forts and palaces, but it is if you enjoy Nature, spectacular scenery, delicious food and relaxing on a houseboat, watching the world go by.
I want to go back!
Last week we floated in the Dead Sea, snorkelled in the Red Sea, rode camels, camped in the Wadi Rum, looked out over awesome canyons and amazing landscapes, marvelled at mosaics, drank mint tea with the Bedouin, were driven through the desert in a 4×4, run down sand dunes, ate more houmous than you can shake a piece of flat bread at, and, of course, explored the wonders of the Lost City of Petra. We felt completely safe and welcome the entire time and have made new friends and memories that will last a lifetime! Go with an open mind, be prepared to take the rough with the smooth – the hotels are not 5 star – the Petra Palace Hotel is far from palatial (someone in our group joked that it was probably discovered at the same time as Petra) and the Golden Tulip at Aqaba lost its shine years ago – but we didn’t come to Jordan to sit in hotels. The only real downside to it all is coming home! Last night my 13 year old said to me, “We were a bit worried about going on this holiday, but I”m so glad we did but I”m sad it’s all over!”.
Most Inspirational Moment
The first glimpse of Petra at the end of the Siq; making it up the 900 steps to the Monastery without dying and then walking that little bit further at the top and looking out over the Rift Valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable, patient, funny, good rapport with both adults children in the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you tell the souvenir sellers at Petra that you will look at their wares "on the way back down" they won't forget you - I am now the proud owner of 7 fridge magnets! Read the book "Married to a Bedouin" by Marguerite van Geldermalsen alongside your trip - it adds another dimension. Oh, and cultivate a love of houmous!
Walking in Mallorca
Lovely relaxing week on an island I hadn’t visited before. Two centres with the contrast between the lively Puerto Soller with plenty of choice of restaurants and the quieter(and enjoyable) more remote environment of Lluc Monastery. A variety of walks exploring different aspects of the Sierra Tramuntana from dramatic coastal paths and views of turquoise seas and steep cliffs to more sustained mountain paths leading to 360 degree views of the mountain range. Not strenuous walking but pretty much all walks on good rocky paths, some uneven, which are perfect for regular walkers(I do use poles but didn’t need them on this occasion) ; for early April we were lucky apparently as we had no rain – if it had been wet, the walks could have been much trickier. All of this superbly orchestrated and managed by our experienced local guide Eduard who was a star in every respect from planning the logistics of the walks, leading professionally, making sure everyone was safe, preparing lunches, driving, and particularly gelling with the group and communicating his passion for everything Mallorquin having grown up on the island.
Most Inspirational Moment
Views of the coastal walking particularly dramatic but all days had views to savour.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eduard is a top professional but at the same time passionate, and very good, at communicating his enthusiasm and knowledge about all aspects of Mallorquin life, culture and history. Memorable moments included his account of charcoal burning and how important it was to Mallorca and how tough a life it made for the people involved. Also, dry stone walling, ice houses, Mallorquin cuisine especially Pa Amb Oli which usually formed the centrepiece of our picnic lunches and which construction(!) Eduard took great pleasure in describing. Very knowledgeable about flora and fauna as well, particularly birds, of which we saw many including vultures and open to answer any questions about aspects of island life and history. Good sense of humour as well although one or two groan-inducing jokes(!).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Put aside any preconceptions you may have about Mallorca and go and find the real Mallorca for yourself.
Walking in Mallorca
Lovely relaxing week on an island I hadn’t visited before.
Two centres with the contrast between the lively Puerto Soller with plenty of choice of restaurants and the quieter(and enjoyable) more remote environment of Lluc Monastery.
A variety of walks exploring different aspects of the Sierra Tramuntana from dramatic coastal paths and views of turquoise seas and steep cliffs to more sustained mountain paths leading to 360 degree views of the mountain range.
Not strenuous walking but pretty much all walks on good rocky paths, some uneven, which are perfect for regular walkers(I do use poles but didn’t need them on this occasion) ; for early April we were lucky apparently as we had no rain – if it had been wet, the walks could have been much trickier.
All of this superbly orchestrated and managed by our experienced local guide Eduard who was a star in every respect from planning the logistics of the walks, leading professionally, making sure everyone was safe, preparing lunches, driving, and particularly gelling with the group and communicating his passion for everything Mallorquin having grown up on the island.
Most Inspirational Moment
Views of the coastal walking particularly dramatic but all days had views to savour.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eduard is a top professional but at the same time passionate, and very good, at communicating his enthusiasm and knowledge about all aspects of Mallorquin life, culture and history. Memorable moments included his account of charcoal burning and how important it was to Mallorca and how tough a life it made for the people involved. Also, dry stone walling, ice houses, Mallorquin cuisine especially Pa Amb Oli which usually formed the centrepiece of our picnic lunches and which construction(!) Eduard took great pleasure in describing. Very knowledgeable about flora and fauna as well, particularly birds, of which we saw many including vultures and open to answer any questions about aspects of island life and history. Good sense of humour as well although one or two groan-inducing jokes(!).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Put aside any preconceptions you may have about Mallorca and go and find the real Mallorca for yourself.
A week in Jordan
What a wonderful country, full of Eastern promise.
The people were lovely and did not annoy us as we passed so many little shops.
The country was clean and the hotels of a very good standard, a little bit more expensive then we first though it was going to be, but it is a fairly rich country so prices are on the higher side.
The Dead sea, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum, Aqaba were all fabulous but Petra was something else, amazing place and so much bigger than we thought it was going to be.
Brilliant week and made even nicer by the fact we had 16 companions from 4 different countries, no smokers no moaners just wonderfully friendly people who were there to enjoy this amazing country.
Thanks to all of you.
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra, truly a wonder of the world
Thoughts on Group Leader
Somer new his bible and history to the point it was sometimes way over my head, but he always made it sound interesting, truly a gentleman.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take more money than you initially think of.