Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Adrienne Benson

Reviewed March 2017

Old Birds on Tour in Vietnam and Angkor

The most amazing experience ever! Painless booking with a really friendly and helpful team; excellent service on arrival; lovely comfortable hotels which were ideally placed for independent exploration; knowledgeable and friendly leaders who went the extra mile to ensure everyone had a great time; memorable meals; and the unique companionship of a diverse group of people who totally gelled together and who will hopefully become long-term friends. We cannot recommend Exodus and this trip more strongly!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many exceptional moments but one that will stick in our minds for ever was sitting in the breaking dawn at Angkor Wat feeling a bit disappointed because there was cloud cover when suddenly every cicada in the area started to "sing" at the same time and the geckos started calling exceptionally loudly - the most unique and deafening morning chorus ever! The one place that was a must on the trip was Halong Bay which, despite the rain and low cloud, did not disappoint. In fact the cloud made the seascape ethereal and created another dimension to an already magical place. Yes, sun would have been nice but actually we got an experience that was unique. The food on the boat was exceptional as well. And we will never forget our tuktuk ride in Siem Reap or going through the tunnels at Cu Chi - both daunting in their own way but we didn't wimp out! Not bad for a pair of "oldies".

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader in Vietnam, Thao Do, made the holiday. He was very friendly and personable, had an extensive knowledge base and kept us all in order - an essential on a trip like this. My sister-in-law and I did not want to go cycling with the rest of the group in Hoi An and Thao advised us on how to arrange our own trip to My Son (which was great by the way). Thao's thoughtful little touches like giving us gifts to celebrate International Women's day, sharing snacks and fruit on some of the longer journeys were definitely appreciated. In Cambodia Vantha took over the reins. His style was different to Thao's in that he was less directive at the various temples and let us explore on our own rather than staying together as a group but his extensive knowledge and clear explanations enabled us to make the most of the various sites we visited. Again when we wanted to be apart from the group for an evening he organised a meal and entertainment for us and even arranged for a tuktuk to take us and bring us back to the hotel.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes! We were prepared for cooler, wetter weather in the north and packed accordingly but it was clear that our fellow travellers hadn't and they were caught out. It also helps to check the weather online before you travel so that you have an idea of the temperatures you will be experiencing. Don't worry about currency. In both countries the US dollar is fine, but exchange rates in Vietnam vary hugely and we fell foul of getting our change in a mixture of dollars and dong. An exchange calculator app on your phone is very helpful in negotiations.

Elaine Jolly

Reviewed March 2017

Mountains and Villages of Evia (March 2017)

Another excellent holiday with Exodus. Enjoyable walks, just the right length for me, pleasant company, lovely range of vegetarian food available in the restaurants. Hotel in a convenient position on the water front, sea views beautiful. Relaxed, substantial breakfast with local produce. Karystos felt safe to walk around at night. Brochure description accurate. Good value.

Most Inspirational Moment

Evia's history and The Acropolis / Acropolis Museum visit would be the most inspirational, while the walks on Evia were a source of peaceful pleasure. The short visit to Athens is a great addition to the walking holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was very good at his job; friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and very knowledgable about the area, its history and inhabitants. He took us to six different restaurants and various eateries/cafés on our walks. He also spoilt us with local delicacies for elevenses, all delicious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Decent boots and long trousers a must for the gorge walk. Some found poles useful.

Cornell Grierson

Reviewed March 2017

Costa Rica coastal secrets

From the coasts of the Caribbean to the highlands in the middle ending with the Pacific side we swam and walked to see amazing wildlife like sloths, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, a variety of birds, turtles, crocs, snakes and a variety of fish.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a male Quetzal was wonderful in the wild so to sloths and toucans. Nice walks in the rainforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good Antonio spoke good English was informative friendly and funny.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just relax and go with the flow and enjoy all that wild Costa Rica has to offer.

Julia Humpherys

Reviewed March 2017

Back to the wild side

I travel somewhere new every year, but this trip is one I’d love to repeat. I’d like to get back to the wild side of Sri Lanka!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the majesty of the incredible animals in Sri Lanka was definitely inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide and our naturalist were very knowledgeable, helpful and just plain fun to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes with tread, a sturdy trekking stick for the short, steep walk, and don't forget your leech socks!

Caroline Brown

Reviewed March 2017

My most awesome week of adventure

I would highly recommend this trip. I had the time of my life. It was a perfect balance of adventure, fun, challenge, teamwork, culture and relaxation. First time using Exodus – very impressed, can’t wait to book my next adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the steep snow/ice slope with crampons and ice axes for a superb view and awesome feeling of accomplishment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was THE BEST. He guided us easily, we trusted him fully, he provided us with excellent information and was always available - nothing was a problem! He was also so much fun and easy to get along with - I miss him and everyone on the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be do some winter walking if possible, if not walking and I'd also highly recommend a taster ice climbing session just to get used to crampons and ice axes. I did this and felt it was very helpful.

Terence Hickingbotham

Reviewed March 2017

Incredible destination

We have just returned from the most amazing trip of our lives, Costa Rica is a stunning destination.
From start to finish our party was enthralled not only with new discovery’s at every turn but also by the knowledge & obvious love of nature shown throughout by our guide Johnny, he was amazing.
Costa Rica has so much to offer with every destination offering new & exiting discovery’s everyday.
The lodges are all top class with good food comfortable rooms surrounded by nature.
The rain forests visited are stunning with an incredible diversity in plant & tree life, add the wildlife & you are in heaven.
I would recommend this trip to anyone of any age or ability as all paths are manageable for anyone with reasonable mobility.
But it is the wildlife that makes this trip, be it birds, reptiles, mammals, they are all there in abundance.
You will need a poncho, you can guarantee rain & these slip on easily to keep you dry & protect your Camera & binoculars, raincoats are to cumbersome & the humidity will drain you

Costa Rica is a paradise waiting to be discovered for anyone that has a love of nature, enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

The 5.30 am call to see the Resplendent Quetzals, we were not disappointed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Johnny Villalobos, if you are lucky enough to get him you are in for a treat, he is amazing with his knowledge of everything & his obvious love of nature will keep you captivated throughout. He is by far the best guide we have ever had

Advice for Potential Travellers

Eating & drinking in Costa Rica is not cheap as taxes add a huge amount to the bill as we discovered eg, basic bill as shown on menu 24,050 colones(around 43 Dollars) at till 29,582 colones (around 54 Dollars)so beware.

Gillian McFall

Reviewed March 2017

Mount Toubkal Winter Climb

Really good intro to high altitude winter walking!

Most Inspirational Moment

An hour long picnic at 4,167m, soaking up the sun, sharing time with new friends and taking in the stunning snowy vistas!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was excellent throughout the trip, looking after us on the hills and in Marrakech.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a bit worried about the grade 7 rating. If your fit, can cope with the cold and some very basic accomodation for a few nights - go for it!

Jonathan Dusheiko

Reviewed March 2017

Galapagos March 2017

An enjoyable trip through a special part of the world. Snorkelling or swimming almost every day was the highlight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dawn over Sierra Negra volcano.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pablo was excellent, organised our own tents for all solo travellers which was a bonus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found it easier to bring all my own snorkelling gear including flippers. You can't hire on Floreana and also you know your own is of good quality. The water was not cold at that time of year, long sleeve rash vest with some insulation was enough. Gaiters are useful for dense wet vegetation near second camp on the trek. I found a 45L packable duffel fine for the trek. Poncho and non-waterproof boots and walking shoes are cooler options compared to jackets and lined footwear. There are frequent heavy tropical downpours.

Nigel Bradshaw

Reviewed March 2017

Wet & wild!

This is an extraordinary trip even if the Northern Lights are not visible, there is nowhere else so accessible that has such a fascinating and diverse landscape.
The people are lovely and the food top quality. It is an expensive country however, additional food and drink and souvenirs are pricey.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the glacier in crampons, ice axe and helmet and descending into its crevasses among 2000 year old ice was an amazing experience. The final morning was very well planned, starting out below ground in a lava tube then being taken straight to the Blue Lagoon prior to catching the flight home. Don't be put off by thinking that the Blue Lagoon is a tacky tourist trap - it's not, it's an amazing and relaxing end to the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Orri was an exceptional leader, friendly, helpful and approachable, nothing was too much trouble for him. He kept us entertained with his stories of Icelandic history and folklore during the longer road sections.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plentry of layers and good quality warm and waterproof clothing, The weather is going to be both cold and wet and can change rapidly, if you are prepared for that then you will enjoy the trip all the more.

Helen Sumpton

Reviewed March 2017

Fantastic, active way to explore 3 countries, their culture and wildlife.

An all-round fantastic holiday. A great way to see three countries at a slower pace. Cycling through the villages gives you a great chance to soak up their way of life. It was great to be active each day, fitting so much in to any one day. On paper the cycling distances look short but in the heat they are about right. There were a few hills but the scenery totally made it worthwhile. The changing landscapes (rain forest, volcanoes, islands, Pacific coast, Caribbean coast, continental divide etc) were great to experience. There are fantastic opportunities to see wildlife be it from the roadside, in the hotel grounds or via activities such as the river floats and canopy walks.
The trip has been well planned to provide the perfect balance of cycling activity, wildlife spotting and experiencing the three countries. Hotels were better than I had expected and restaurants were well chosen.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many: Seeing inside the live volcano; Seeing all the animals on the road/in the hotel grounds/via trips such as the river float (Howler Monkeys, Toucans, Iguanas, Coatis, Frogs, Crocodiles etc); Passing through the villages, getting a feel for local life and seeing all the villagers wave and say ¡Hola!; Sunsets/sunrises on both coasts.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Team were really superb: Roberto (Lead Guide), Walter & Alvertivo (Guide/Mechanic), Neno (Driver). They worked well together to provide excellent service and support. Roberto delivered a very well organised trip which went seamlessly. His knowledge and information on each country/location was invaluable. The regular briefings and well planned pit stops were great. Booking group lunches/dinners, and the organised bill paying & individual account keeping made life so much easier and saved a lot of time. His additional help with translating dietary requirements was appreciated. Border crossing were made much easier thanks to their help. The support provided on the road by the Guide/Mechanics and Driver were much appreciated. From on the road mechanics to loading the bikes and general encouragement. Between them, their wildlife spotting was fantastic. Many thanks to all of you for really making the trip wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Kit: Padded cycling shorted and padded cycling gloves are essential - there are some very bumpy roads in Nicaragua. If you can, take your own saddle as well. They can also fit your own pedals if you prefer to take cycling shoes. Cycling snacks: take your own snacks, gels etc if you are used to using them or have any intolerances. They provide some biscuits / isotonic / fruits at stops. For Gluten Free travellers, there were options at breakfast in all but a few places so just take a small amount of GF breakfast food. Lunches / dinners were mainly in restaurants where there was a full menu choice, so there was always something which could be eaten (practise your spanish for clarifying with waiting staff or ask your guide for help). Currency: there is no need to exchange to any local currency. Take USD. All three countries accept USD and you get change in local currency in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which you just need to spend before the border. You can use credit cards in a lot of the restaurants and you pay the guide for your lunches in USD cash in the first two countries. Re-apply sun cream at each stop (think about taking some sleeves for the strong afternoon sun) along with regular mosi spray in the evenings/early mornings (mosis only seem to be around in a few locations). Don't take too many clothes. It is very warm, even in the evenings and cycling clothes can be hand washed and dried overnight in the first two countries. Also there is a launderette in La Fortuna. The cycling is hot and there are a few hills but you can take your time and there are plenty of stops. Take your time to spot the wildlife - it's worth going a little slower in some locations. I would recommend hiring quad bikes on Bocas del Tores as a way to see the rest of the island.

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