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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14432 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Rebecca Appleby

Reviewed January 2017

Great trip - want to do it all again!

This was my first ever Exodus trip and I loved it – in fact I finished it wanting to repeat it all over again! The cycling was incredibly enjoyable and a wonderful way to see the country which is full of friendly and generous people. I can’t fault Exodus at all – it was extremely professionally organised and managed all the way through. Lam (tour leader) and his team were all very friendly and helpful they made the trip so memorable that it was sad to say goodbye to everyone at the end. I was really impressed with the safety side of things – as a female travelling alone this was so reassuring. The buses or leaders would ensure they had people indicating directions so you felt very safe and secure. Our mechanic, Ly, was always at the back ready to help anyone too. Overall, a wonderful team atmosphere with a very knowledgeable guide. Hotels were excellent too! Can’t wait to do my next Exodus trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the 30km downhill ride - great fun. I also enjoyed hearing about the history, and cycling through the little villages in the country and having the children rush out to say 'hello' and slap your hand as you cycle past.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was just brilliant - a real professional. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Always had a smile and was encouraging us along - even in the rain early in the morning! A real asset to Exodus. Support team were also wonderful - couldn't do enough to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book the trip! And drink lots of Vietnamese coffee while you're there - it's great!

Margaret Antonian

Reviewed January 2017

A superb trip through the real Vietnam

The Trails of Vietnam trip is a full-on, busy trip which packs a huge amount in to the time available. You travel the length of Vietnam and enjoy a wealth of adventure on the way. From the hills of the North to the deltas of the South, you will meet and speak with many local people and gain an understanding of their way of life, the history, culture and food of Vietnam. We had a fantastic group of 16 very different and interesting people who all got along so well together.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particulary enjoyed the hillside walks in the North where we really got off the beaten track and witnessed the simple way of life in the hill villages. Also top of my list would be the kayaking in Halong Bay where we saw monkeys with their babies swinging in the trees on one of the islands. Hoi An was probably my favourite city, but I loved Hanoi with its bustling nightlife and where we enjoyed a session of laughing yoga with some local ladies. A trip on a cyclo through Saigon's chaotic streets will also never be forgotten.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai our group leader was superb. His command of the english language was excellent with a fantastic accent and ability to tell englishman/irishman/scotsman type jokes. He kept us laughing throughout the trip and brought a smile to everyone's face whether in the group or amongst the vietnamese people we met along the way. He provided us with a wonderful insight into Vietnamese culture, history and politics with an honesty and balance that we all found compelling. He was supremely organised at all times and faced every challenge with a smile; calmly smoothing every situation. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, his patience and friendliness outstanding. We could not have had a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in December when it was a little chilly in the north and hot and humid in the south. Hanoi is a fantastic place to buy warm down jackets and rucksacks (big and small) so if you need anything of this sort buy it whilst you are here. We took sheet sleeping bags which we used on the train and gel bike seats which were great. The cycling involved three days of 40km and took us along some stretches of very busy, bumpy unmade roads. I am reasonably fit and found some of it quite hard, although the teenagers in the group thought it was easy! The bikes were good quality and the helmets fine. We had regular stops every 10km or so, for water and snacks which helped. The mosquito net we brought was only used once and that was on the train to escape the ubiquitous cockroaches! Take plenty of mosquito repellant as the mosies have a habit of finding you and a rain jacket came in useful for a deluge in Hoi An. We organised a separate four day stay in a beautiful hotel in the beautiful sandy palm fringed resort of Mui Ne at the end of our trip which I would highly recommend. After the hectic fourteen day trip we really appreciated a bit of rest and luxury. Many people stay in beautiful places like that for two weeks and go home saying that they went to Vietnam but we knew that we'd seen the real Vietnam first on our Exodus tour and were staying in a luxury version unknown to most local people.

Paul Everett

Reviewed January 2017

Exceeded all expectations

My wife and I did this trip in August, it was our first holiday of this type and we were worried about whether it would be for us. We needn’t have. We both enjoyed it immensely and were sad when we have finished the walk. We did not find the walking too tough, challenging yes, but very manageable. We worried about doing the walk in August but again the weather was ok, one wet day, but not excessively so. The heat never became too much even for someone fair-skinned like me. The accommodation was always good, sometimes outstanding, same for the food. The bag transportation worked well, with only one glitch which was quickly resolved by the local agents (who are excellent). To say this trip changed our holiday lives would not be an overstatement. We are going back to do the Santiago to Finisterre & Muxia section next year, alas with another company as Exodus/Headwater do not offer this.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it, but the others doing the same walk at the same time as us have become firm friends. Its no cliché to say that its the people that you meet that make this trip so special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

No leader as such as this is a self-guided trip, but the local agent in Leon was excellent as were the local staff when one of our bags went awol.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is relatively easy, no heavy boots required. There are plenty of cafes on the route so don't worry about food and drink during the day.

Graham Ritchie

Reviewed January 2017

A great trip

A very enjoyable and energetic walking holiday in a scenic part of Spain. Our guide, Jose, was excellent, passionate and informative and was able to modify the planned itinerary to cope with some inclement weather. His packed lunches were awesome. The hostal was comfortable and the food was delicious (as well as copious – don’t expect to lose weight on this trip!).
The only disappointing feature for me was the lack of consideration given to those who are unable to be on the group flight and thus cannot avail themselves of the group transfer from Alicante. Exodus recognises that the hostal is rather inaccessible. My flight arrived slightly ahead of schedule and I reached the arrivals hall when, according to Jose, he hadn’t yet left the carpark and it would have been no great inconvenience to have waited for me. In the event, I had to take a bus to Benidorm and a taxi to Benimantel (there are no local buses on Sundays), at an additional cost of €45. By the time I reached the hostal, Jose and the rest of the group had left to go to Guadalest for lunch. I don’t actually know what the solution is but bearing in mind I paid the same as the others, the London-centric transfer arrangements should perhaps be reconsidered. No hard feelings, I’m about to book my next trip with Exodus. Cheers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm not sure that there was such a moment, other than being inspired to have lots more holidays!

Tariq Arafa

Reviewed January 2017

Historical, Hot and Colourful Cuba - on Christmas Day!

Take what you imagine to find in Cuba – this is most likely what you will get. I did anyway. Marinade yourself in Cuban culture with salsa, cigars and mojitos. Get lost in the myriad of cobbled streets in Trinidad. Combine some great sightseeing with some challenging but not impossible cycling. From Ernest Hemingway’s bar to a tour of the city in a Cadillac, Havana is rich and diverse in both its history and landscapes and even how the country is in a little bit of a technological time warp adds to its charm.

Most Inspirational Moment

Learning about the history of Castro and Che Guevara before seeing the sights in Revolution Square was fascinating. The most thrilling moments were in the American cars tour of Havana - one hour of exhilaration, a must-do!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was informative and humorous while always putting our needs first.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take toilet paper for the casas. Not always available - the standard of the casas within our group was variable. I was very lucky with Alfonso and his lovely family. Also take plenty of money - its not cheap.

Jane O'Brien

Reviewed January 2017

Out of this World!

Amazing, stunning, incredible, beautiful, we ran out of words to begin to capture the beauty of this location and the sheer volume of fun to be had on this trip, it has to be seen to be believed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snowmobiling through the Finnish forest, taking my own team of huskies through the national park, skiing by floodlight, having a mini party in our quinzee, the staggering quiet and breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti was brilliant. It's a big group and I'm sure we tried his patience at times but he was organised, clear and determined to make everything perfect for us. He worked incredibly hard, along with all the staff at Basecamp, and was friendly, approachable and had a good sense of humour. The experience and knowledge he passed on was great, we learnt new fascinating things all the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Along with your own base layers I would recommend taking your own socks, hat and buff. The first two can be borrowed and the last purchased but it's nicer to have your own (and having your own hat makes you identifiable in pictures!). You only need one pair of shoes, which you can travel in and use for the evening. Budget for the activities not included, but the vast majority of it can go on your room bill or be paid by card at the various locations so you don't have to take much cash at all if you don't want to.

Jacqueline Wadsworth

Reviewed January 2017

Drakensberg & Kruger

This trip has all the attributes for an excellent trip. Smashing scenery. Wildlife. Good accommodation. However all the great ingredients can still be baked into a moderate cake.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the pools at Ehlanzeni.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was not a good ambassador for South Africa. He knew little about the areas he was cycling in and he had little recent experience of the route. I don't mean that he got lost, but his expectations of the terrain was inaccurate and he had no knowledge of the sites nearby. He did not give adequate respect to our driver / cook and on a number of occasions took over the duties of his colleague with no adequate reason to do so. That said he was friendly to the guests and tried hard to make everyone feel included and to respond to their requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long minibus transfers on this tour, and watch out for the actual length of the trip - you might find yourself home 2 days earlier than you expected to be.

Veronica Kelly

Reviewed January 2017

Indochina and Angkor Watt

The holiday was wonderful. Great cycling, an exceptional leader and a culturally rich experience through three countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Killing Fields and prison in Phnom Penh was the most moving moment. The Mekong Delta was a whirlwind of activity, vibrancy and colour which made an indelible impression on me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

IS was the best guide on any holiday I have been on. She inspired us with enthusiasm for all the areas we passed through, was a great cycle leader and sorted any problems we had, big or small.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get used to cycling a mountain bike.

Julie Musk

Reviewed January 2017

Vietnam cycling - Dec 2016

Amazing country, beautifully seen from the seat of a bicycle. So many unusual sights – friendly people (attractive, relaxed, smiling, shouting hello); fields of rice, coffee, rubber, eucalyptus, dragon fruit, etc., farmers herding brown cows and water buffalo; basic living conditions, cooking, eating and washing-up in the open, spilling out onto pavement; scooters everywhere and crazy driving but it seems to work, no road rage; great respect for older people and ancestors (colourful cemeteries and every house has small ancestral shrine). Came back with a real feel for the country, wanting to learn more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descent from central Dalat mountains - 20 miles in cloud, heavy rain, with potholes negotiated at speed, past rushing waterfalls and slow Japanese cycle groups, it was such an exhilarating experience. Also 6-mile ascent of Hai Van Pass - fantastic views and sense of achievement. Hoi An – peaceful productive countryside, old town and favourite hotel of the trip (Hoi An Silk Village).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Danh Nguyen had a great sense of humour, and was aptly nicknamed 'the Happy Buddha' with an infectious laugh. He imparted his love for his country and great knowledge of history and culture to us, while being always professional and helpful throughout. Organised, unflappable, and with contacts everywhere, he really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the best money exchange rate, buy currency when you arrive in Vietnam (ask your guide to recommend nearest bank/money changer) - much better rate than in UK. Don't over pack - laundry is very reasonable (organised by the Guide, not the hotels).

Anonymous Anonymous

Reviewed December 2016

Ace trip

Really great trip. Beautiful sights and excellent guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climb to Nuwara Elita was challenging (6 hours!) but awesome. Enjoyed Sigirya and final stop on beach near Galle was beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is the hardest working leader I've ever met. He loves his country and has so many contacts en route. He secured deals for us and sent us home with gifts but above all he left us with a sense of Sri Lanka that made this a dream trip

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