Reviews

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

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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Ana O

Reviewed January 2018

Beyond Expectations

An absolutely amazing trip. Nepal is such a beautiful country with very beautiful, kind and open people, and this trips opens a door into this culture. I have been mountain trekking and altitude trekking before, but this is by far my most favorite trip: first, there’s plenty time to acclimatize, a very gentle way up, with gradual increase in altitude, easy on the body (considering the trip and the physical activity). I found it easier on this trip than my other experiences (Kilimanjaro, Toubkal). And one of the things I enjoyed the most is passing villages, seeing the local people and how they live. You are embedded in the local culture from the start and to the end. This makes Nepal quite distinct! The landscapes change every day, and you can’t help but want to one picture after another. The food and accomodation are mostly basic, but one has to expect it on these kinds of trips, and as long as you have the right expectations, you’d be able to enjoy it hugely.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it! So hard to pick! Seeing people, seeing children, dancing with porters, putting another rock on top of the rock towers, Poon hill, NEPAL! Loved it all, every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bikash is the best! I'd go to Nepal with him again tomorrow! He is very attentive to everyone's needs and moods, and goes out of his way to make this trip an amazing experience for all!

Advice for Potential Travellers

1) don't change money at the airport - they take commission which you can easily avoid in town! most places would change you all money you want, so you don't need to worry about the limits. You do need local cash from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Take cash pounds or $, as ATMs (in Kathmandu) have stricter limits (some 10,000 rupees = $100 = GBP80) and commissions (one definitely cannot take all one needs in 1 go at an ATM). 2) be prepared for temperature range - you could go from a tshirt during the day to down jacket over dinner. Take layers and be prepared. I would also advise taking cold medicine and sore throat meds along, just in case: It's easy to get one when not used to this temperature range. 3) nights are cold: it will be cold in your room, either take a good sleeping bag, or rent one from exodus, take a bottle appropriate for hot water (and a sock to put it in) for hot water bottle if you tend to be cold. The Thorang La Pass is going to be cold too! make sure you have appropriate clothes, including socks and gloves! 4) hot showers are not guaranteed, take wet wipes, that would make your life simpler! 5) snacks (chocolate bars) are easily available from all along the trek, but jelly babies go a long way in the mountains! Take them and share with your new friends! 6) we definitely used less money for meals along the trek than the trip notes suggest, but there are plenty of shopping opportunities in Pokhara and Kathmandu + some along the trek. Kathmandu has a lot of outdoors shops, easy to get any trekking gear you want if you don't have any, and it'll be cheaper - if you have enough time in Kathmandu before the trek begins. All above true at least for December departures!

Hazel Nissen

Reviewed January 2018

Annapurna circuit group winter trek

A trek that shows Nepal from the city to the mountains. Watch the landscape, people, villages, food and animals change as you climb from the city, to subalpine, to alpine. A wonderful introduction to Nepal that has adventure as well as social fun with the guides, porters and other trekkers in the group. Also a good way to start high altitude trekking with experienced guides who carry oxygen and first aid.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting local villagers who live high up in the mountains with limited resources

Thoughts on Group Leader

Experienced, knowledgeable and also joined in with our group socially and befriended us. Worked very hard to include everyone's preferences and requests even though it was a group trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the altitude seriously and join a group or be very careful taking time to acclimatise and take plenty of very warm clothing and sleeping bag and thermos. Be prepared for limited hot showers during the winter season and electricity

john odonnell

Reviewed January 2018

CENTRAL AMERICA Nov11th

After braving the ridiculous American vetting of transit passengers[I was lucky came in through Dallas not Houston]things immediately became better.The tour leader and staff were really good.The trip was well organised and the staff were on the ball at all times.The group were really great and mixed well.The three countries were so different and added to the enjoyment of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the most inspirational theme of the trip was that all three countries were providing power or attempting to through renewable energy e.g. wind turbines. Made me ashamed to be Australian given our energy policies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Worked so hard and so determined to ensure we had a good trip and an enjoyable one.The supporting staff were great as well and worked very well as a team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a great diversity in the countries and a simple example is added taxes to meals for example Costa Rica is the best example of this.I slightly overspent on budget but it was no big deal.Learn some Spanish I had not and wished I had

Sabina Heywood

Reviewed January 2018

Truly magical experience

This trip is a fantastic way of exploring northern Finland. The activities throughout the week keep you physically active so it’s an ideal holiday for people who enjoy that! It’s a beautiful location and the scenery took our breath away on several occasions.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the activities included are fantastic but our highlight was actually going on our own 10k snow trek with the snow-shoes. There's lots of information at Basecamp provided. The dogsledding included in the Exodus package was another highlight! We also chose the full day of dogsledding but the included option had better scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bjorn is fab - lots of knowledge and a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a hairdryer if you use one...they have them at Basecamp but you have to keep returning it. Your own base-layers, hat and face buff are useful too. The wifi didn't work at Basecamp but it wasn't a problem for us as we used our 4G.

Gurcan S

Reviewed January 2018

Adventurous trip

It is an adventurous trip which offers an interesting overview of the country. The tour was generally well organised and ran smoothly, the driving was safe, the only criticise is about the comfort of the vehicle: the group of 16 people tried to be fitted in the small van, and one of tourists had to share the seat between driver and the guide in the front…
The group leader Lahcen Hamyouy was very knowledgeable guide, friendly and responsible person.
The best day of the journey was camel riding through Sahara desert and star gazing in bedouin camp. Also the Atlas mountains scenery was magnificent while driving and walking as well. One of the highlights was visiting kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, after seeing this ghost town you understand why this place has attracted a lot of directors and writers of various film industries to shoot movies such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Mummy’, ‘Gladiator’ etc.
Tour organisers should consider to spend more time in this beautiful place rather than wasting it in the remote village in Atlas mountains in freezing prison cell-like plain rooms. That guest house was very uncomfortable to stay in and needs a lot of improvements (little mobile heaters can make big difference).
The food was good overall BUT hygiene and sanitation was very poor I am afraid (most of places with non-working flush toilets, missing toilets paper and open rubbish bins).
The last part of the trip – visiting Marrakesh – was not that much exciting than others. Central square with its chaotic market is really dangerous place to walk because of annoying street hasslers and pickpocketers. One Italian restaurant “Portofino” recommended by the group leader was very decent place to have a meal…

Most Inspirational Moment

star gazing in Bedouin camp, riding camels through Sahara desert

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Lahcen Hamyouy was very knowledgeable guide, friendly and responsible person.

Tracey Lawrence

Reviewed January 2018

A peaceful nation in the middle east

An amazing introduction to the Middle East and Jordan with a fabulous mix of culture and activities across the country. People are really friendly and say ‘welcome’ all the time.
loved the fact you aren’t changing hotels every night like some trips.
large comfortable coach.
Highlight obviously Petra and it didn’t disappoint. 2 days of hiking around Petra with every corner another wonderful sight and a view to take your breath away.
I also wasn’t knowledgeable regards the Roman Sights and they were a fabulous surprise.
Dead and Red sea great but abit chilly during Decemeber….so a short dip to say I did it 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra! ....and an impromptu arranged marriage at Wadi Rum Camp...all for a bit of fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very knowledgeable and informative. Full of passion and stories all day every day. Minor constructive comment would be that sometimes it felt like a boot camp especially as his loud voice bellowed at you for dropping back to take photos and he really liked it his way and being centre of attention.

Advice for Potential Travellers

order a sleeping bag....its free even if you don't want it. take sturdy shoes/boots for Petra...we did over 60,000 steps and near 40km over 2 days according to someone's fitbit!

Neil Bowman Carole Mahoney

Reviewed January 2018

Trekking at its best

As many of the other travellers who were on the same trek have said, this was one of the best. We’ve trekked many times in the Himalaya without visiting the Annapurna or Everest regions, so all our experiences have been in less visited and quite remote areas. With this in mind, this trip was still exceptional. We passed through a wide variety of environments, were rewarded with spectacular high peak scenery, and observed traditional life in villages which gradually evolved from Nepalese to Tibetan culture the higher we trekked. This part of our experience was enhanced by staying mainly in lodges in the villages rather than wild camping which is what we’ve mostly done previously. Even though the lodges were basic (and referring to them as ‘lodges’ may be rather misleading!), they were nevertheless adequate for our needs.

Most Inspirational Moment

For us, a very personal example was, after getting up at 3am in the freezing cold, walking in the dark for three hours under the stars, seeing the sun rise over the mountains, reaching the hundreds of prayer flags on the Larkye La, then struggling in the buffeting cold wind and bright sunshine to add a string of our own. We did this for a very special reason - our prayer flags were for the well-being of a friend with whom we've previously trekked in the Himalaya but who at the time was suffering from cancer. Apart from the many moments that have been described by our fellow trekkers which we also shared, we were very aware of the liberated but seemingly responsible lives the young children in the traditional villages led. Some examples - being in charge of goats or cows/zhos on the hillsides, collecting firewood, helping with farm chores (even burning stubble in the fields using firebrands!), but also being free to play unsupervised. And not a high-vis vest to be seen!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We've trekked with Valerie many times and without a doubt, she's second to none. She also tells a good story or two!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, a Steripen is essential for this trek. Water off the mountains was in good supply and this is all you needed to keep your water bottles filled and treated. Don't take too much stuff - our experience has always been to wear the same clothes for days and not to be obsessed with cleanliness (ie take a leaf out of the locals' book!).

Annie Beecroft

Reviewed January 2018

A magical wilderness that stays with you long after you have left it behind

If you want to run away and have an adventure then this is the ideal escape for anyone looking
to be part of a small group and experience new things. I am not a fan of the snow but there’s not one moment that I would have changed.
Prepare to be challenged, Prepare to Laugh and Prepare to be full of glorious memories.

Most Inspirational Moment

I paid extra for the Husky Dog sledding optional activity. I feel so blessed to have been able to be part of a fun, small group of people that helped make this day so Magical. The natural beauty of the surroundings felt like you are first people to touch the landscape. This will stay with me forever. We sledged over a lake and it was a pinch my self moment. It was perfectly stunning. If you do this, stop and do a 360 degree look around.The lunch by a open fire that was prepared for kindly by the leader. It tasted great and felt like luxury. The Dogs were well behaved. I didn't expect this day to make me smile as much as it does and it's nearly a year since I visited. The other moment that makes me smile and laugh was tree hugging. A small moment. Fat Biking in Ruka. You hire the bikes and it is a lot of fun!. There was no obvious bike trails in Ruka but that didn't stop the enjoyment and thrill of cycling in the snow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julia is an Angel. She is an outstanding group leader. She has a wonderful kindness and sincerity. She fun and attentive. She is serious. If you were to get lost in the Finnish wilderness then you would want her there by your side as she fills you with ease, excitement and wonder. There's nothing that she wouldn't do for a person in her group. Thanks is a small word but I'm not sure it would have been half as much fun with out her help guidance, enthusiasm and support.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I remember going to the travel agents and said that I'm looking for an adventure. I'd always wanted to go to Finland. I said to the travel agent that, if this Finnish wilderness week accepts a non skier than I will pay the deposit instantly. This holiday was booked once the reply came in that it was OK. It was worth the 20 year wait to visit a small part of Finland. There are times when you need to think about all options. This trip isn't one of them. Cease this wonderful moment because it does honestly stay with you and it becomes a travel highlight The only thing that you need is a passport and some spending money. Be open to the optional activities because the only thing that is difficult and challenging is working out how to spend your freed time and then trying to fit it all in.

Anonymous Anonymous

Reviewed December 2017

Super trip - bucket list complete!

Great trip – every aspect of the trek was well organised. This is a 6 day trip (not 11 as advertised since that includes 4 days of travelling/arriving plus 2 days where you have to do your own thing in Cuzco). The guide was really knowledgable and the trek was challenging but enjoyable. The support (porters, cook etc) are amazing. Suggest 4 season sleeping bag as a minimum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving to Macchu Picchu - did not have view from Sun Gate but had the benefit of a second day at Macchu Picchu so all good!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgable and supportive

Advice for Potential Travellers

4 season sleeping bag. 2 walking poles. 1 rain poncho.

Alan & Linda Ward - Dunn

Reviewed December 2017

What a fantastic experience, led by a wonderful guide!

This was our first organised cycling holiday, recommended by friends who had been to Cuba with Exodus. One of us is a regular road cyclist, the other spent 8 months wondering why she’d signed up for a cycling holiday and endeavouring to get cycle fit through spin classes. Both of us loved it. Our group of 18 plus our fabulous four support team (Lam, Y, Long and Tan – apologies for spelling) got along from the start and made the trip interesting, challenging, varied and thoroughly enjoyable.

Lam was endlessly encouraging and confident in our ability – even when some of us weren’t! He is the perfect cycle leader who also knows his country so well and his pride and enthusiasm in it shone through. The whole trip was really well organised, despite the itinerary having to be slightly amended due to a recent typhoon, and all the lunch stops and recommended evening restaurants provided excellent local cooking and great value. Y sorted out any mechanical issues quickly and Tan and Long were a welcome sight with their smiles and waves at every snack/drinks refuelling stop or tricky junction!

Along with the cycling, we made many stops – scheduled and unscheduled – to experience and understand local culture, everything from peppercorns, rubber, coffee and dragon fruit farms to water buffalo, ducks, temples, war memorials and museums.

The weather was mixed, and we did get very wet on a couple of days but Lam organised local (very cheap) laundry whenever possible which let us get our wet and dirty clothes clean and dry.

All in all, It was a truly rewarding fortnight which showed the diversity from the south to the north and the friendliness of the Vietnamese people throughout.

We would definitely recommend and are planning our next trip with Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing all the cycling including the Hai Van pass; the 30k downhill; Ha long Bay was a bonus - great cruise and food - loved Hoi Ann - the wildlife , the friendly reception we got in some of the remoter villages was also brilliant and Hanoi was fascinating. Wished we could have stayed a little longer

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam is an absolute credit to Exodus. He works extremely hard to make sure everyone was ok and his planning was meticulous - right down to where the 'happy bush' was at each rest stop. He was always cheerful and managed to reach the right balance of keeping us close when road or traffic conditions required and letting us go at our own pace whenever he could. His research for lunch and evening meal destinations was always sound and great value and he really felt like one of the team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip, you won't regret it. Good to very good hotels, comfortable beds, great way to experience Vietnam for moderate to experienced cyclists. Great shopping in Hoi Ann and Hanoi, leave space in your suitcase or buy another like we did!

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