Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many different and wonderful experiences in this fascinating country.What will stay with us, were the inspirational and continually cheerful people, the delicious food and the manic driving. Just crossing the road is challenging and as for the cycling .....we loved it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were SO lucky to have Tham Tu as our leader. What a remarkable young lady she is. So knowledgeable and passionate about her country. She always had a smile on her face, was brilliantly organised and nothing was too much trouble. She always went the extra mile to make the Trails of Vietnam a special experience. How could we forget her making cocktails for us on the train!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take Cycle shorts and / or a gel seat, but there is no need to take a cycle helmet, as those supplied were of good quality. Don't pack too much as there are plenty of opportunities to have laundry done very cheaply and you need the extra space for souvenirs and new clothes of course!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the inspirational moments of the trip were visiting the Taj Mahal, getting close to the Indian one horned rhino in Chitwan national park and the flight to Everest . The Taj Mahal is such an iconic building and to have experienced its beauty and atmosphere at sunrise was inspiring. Our group were so lucky at Chitwan ...we saw about 10 rhino with 7 being distant viewings but 3 were really close to the jeeps. Being a keen photographer of animals this really made my trip !!! Am still wondering how Gaj our " all things can be sorted" guide managed to arrange that !!! Seeing Everest and the Himalayas above the clouds..... not to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gaj was our fantastic leader who looked out for our safety but also ensured that we had a good time. He frequently asked us if our tummies were in order... "because if your tummy isn't in the right place your head isn't going to be in the right place". For the majority, tummies were in the right place for the whole trip and I am sure that this was partly owing to the fact that Gaj knew where to take us to eat. A guide is always worth his money for giving good advice to avoid unhappy occurrences and then if they occur being able to sort things out . Gaj always gave us good tips on things to do or not to do and always knew where we could change money, find a chemist, procure a chain and lock for your suitcase or get passport photos done . Besides all the practical stuff Gaj told us lots about the history and culture of his country and answered all our questions enthusiastically.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long drives.. its what you have to do to visit places where some roads are not great. The Nepalese immigration insist on pristine US dollar notes ( no markings and flat) for your visa.

Most Inspirational Moment

- Elephant trip : was optional but I would highly recommend you go to this. Everyone on my tour went and came away with a massive smile and loads of photoes. It's can be dusty, hot and bumpy ride - but it's not a "drive though" zoo - its a real life national park. - Sri Lanka Housing Project : amazing story and even better food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rowan was brilliant and very passionate about Sri Lanka, it's history, it's culture, the environment and wildlife. Always attentive and ready to help out when we need help (above and beyond in some cases during our trip).

Advice for Potential Travellers

- Take a hat if you are folically challenged! - Money wise I took pounds with me and changed only around £150 just for me at the airport. But througout the trip I changed further pounds (only once in Kandy), used the ATMs and my debit card to pay for larger hotel bills. If I was to go again I wouldnt bother with ATMs (some worked but many didn't); instead I would convert more pounds at the airport and use the debit card at the hotels or where easy. - Only Adams Peak needed proper walking boots I think. I would get some decent walking sandals next time. - Out of the optional trips I did the : -- Elephant trip (best thing I have done in a while) -- Whiteriver Rafting (excellent - but will soon disappear due to ongoing engineering projects to build a massive dam) -- Adams Peak (excellent - brilliant views but can be difficult to walk as steps can be uneven) -- Whale Spotting (good - we saw a few whales and a killer whale - but I would not go if you can't get a "private" boat with enough Exodus members [10 people] . If you go on the "public" boats you are karted on and cannot move around freely. The "private" boat is all yours and allows you to move around to different parts of a boat. Whales come up when they want and having freedom to move around means you can see it)

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm not sure I'd describe any of it as inspirational but there were plenty of wildlife sightings - aided by the sharp eyes of our guide and driver - and some spectacular scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio was friendly, helpful and spoke perfect English. Eric, our driver, also deserves a mention and the two worked well together as a team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that, although this trip is described as having "comfortable" accommodation throughout, this is not the case. While most accommodation is good, and some excellent, three nights are spent in a lodge where the accommodation is no better than basic and you'll need your own towels and toiletries (and an ability to turn a blind eye to health and safety, particularly where electrics are concerned). Also take a good waterproof - it is the rainforest after all - and we had one day of particularly persistent and heavy rain. The lodge was doing a roaring trade in the sale of waterproof ponchos!

Most Inspirational Moment

The way we were guided into the culture and sights of the Amalfi Coast. We were given information about the history and got to see a side of Italy others rarely would. It removes you from the crowds of tourists and provides a relaxing epic journey along this incredible coastline. Or safety and welfare was priority at all times.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group leader Severia was absolutely amazing. He gave our group his full attention at all times and made our trip incredibly special. Nothing seemed to phase him and his public relations skill was clearly obvious. He made this trip something I will treasure and value for the rest of my life. He assisted me to immerse myself in the Local culture and taught amazing things about the Italian way of life and the history. He was very knowledgable and engaged us a a group. Bravo Severia. You are an amazing Guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure if your'e coming to Italy you do this Trip and make sure you ask for Severia. He will make your walking tour one to remember.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trek into the Sahara Desert was definitely a highlight, but every day offered us a new experience; the souks of Meknes, the medina in Fez, the 'hidden' restaurant in a beautiful family owned read, entertainment from the guide and staff at the hotel in the stunning Todra Gorge, the beautiful High Atlas Mountains and the village of Tijzha, the fishing port of Essaouria, to name but a few!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Abdoul was an absolutely fantastic guide and couldn't do enough to make sure that every member of the group had a fabulous time. He arranged lots of extra activities that weren't on the itinerary; visits to local markets, local festivals and even a trip to see a local Berber band. The whole group were up shaking their booty at eleven o'clock in the morning! As previously mentioned, he provided musical entertainment at various hotels with other members of the hotel staff. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and he did everything in his power to make sure we had a fabulous holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're traveling in April you don't need to take sleeping bags, there is plenty of bedding in the Bedouin tent. Also the exodus kit bags are surplus to requirement, the donkeys carry the suitcases up to the auberge in the Atlas Mountains.

Most Inspirational Moment

Old Matera city,everything about the place.Locorotondo town was amazing. Last but not the least dining exp at the local farmhouse organised by our guide Guisseppe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guisseppe was very good with providing all the information. He was very good with the whole group and very helpful.He had a good sense of humour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, 99% of the group said this was the main reason for going to Jordan, and it certainly lived up to and in most cases exceeded expectations. I loved little Petra a nice little surprise. Floating in the dead sea is an experience not to be missed. We were there around sunset which was beautiful to watch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was the perfect ambassador for Jordan. He was passionate about his country, it's culture and history. He was very knowledgeable and keen to share this with us and other who wanted to listen, this was great. Everywhere we went people knew him and spoke highly of him. He gave us good tips on places to eat, places to visit in our free time and took great care of us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan is more expensive than you'd expect. The group meals generally cost around £20 per person. There are other extras that are not so clear in the trip itinerary such as ,camel riding at Wadi Rum, boat trip in Aqaba and 'snacks' on the road trips sections. Although generally less conservative that other middle Eastern countries suitable dress is essential especially in Aqaba, avoid public beaches unless covered suitably. That being said as a single female traveller I had no problems at all, unlike other countries I have travelled in.

Most Inspirational Moment

Doing the ridge walk on Sierra di Aitana and my second ascent of Puig Campagna! Also hearing nightingales in the vicinity of our lovely guest house.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area and we even had a history lesson on the Spanish Civil War - fascinating. His English is excellent and he has a very entertaining sense of humour. It's nice to laugh as well as to be informed. He was also very concerned about safety and warned us to take care in places where it was necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think the warning to people who might suffer from vertigo is understandable and you definitely need experience of some challenging climbing before you embark on this. The going is rocky in places and you need to be prepared to scramble but help is at hand from Jose and the scrambling is not particularly exposed.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments: The jeep drive to see the elephants at the watering place was amazing, we were quite close to many of the wild elephants and saw about 150 in one large group. One day we walked through a Botanical Gardens and witnessed thousands of Fruit Bats flying about just over our heads, they were huge with wing spans of over 1 metre. I expected David Attenborough to appear from behind a tree like in one of his wildlife documentaries! The optional Whale Watching Boat Ride was great - we saw mother and baby Blue Whales spouting and diving, followed later by hundreds of Dolphins around our boat. On our bike ride we were invited by a local family whose home we passed to join in with their New Year celebrations and offered many home made snacks. The drive through Yala National Park was also great and we saw many animals and birds. The driver on that trip was very helpful and spotted many of them for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Neelaka Iddamalgoda was excellent. He was very friendly; knowledgeable; and helpful. We have been on many Exodus trips and he is right up there with the best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat and humidity. Take binoculars and a camera.