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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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

David Button

Reviewed April 2016

Scooter heaven!

Viet Nam is a stunning country full of breathtaking scenery, friendly people and a rich and colourful history and culture. This trip packs a lot of punch into the two weeks and covers just about all of the main highlights the country has to offer. This is due to a very well organised itinerary and great organisational skills from the group leader. The food was the best I’ve tasted anywhere in the world and the variety and freshness of the dishes was huge. If you like seafood this is the place to visit! Got to mention the local beers as well – each region produces its own local beer so the trip from start to finish is a great beer tour! The hiking, cycling and kayaking were all excellent and amid some of the most amazing and varied scenery that I’ve experienced. This was topped off by visits to some excellent pagodas and temples and famous landmarks throughout. I stayed for an extra week after the end of the trip to visit the beaches and even after three weeks in Viet Nam I still didn’t want to return home!

Most Inspirational Moment

The biggest highlight for me was the river kayaking in Hoi An. I can't stress enough how scenic, peaceful and enjoyable this experience was. It was only my second time in a kayak after the Halong Bay kayaking but I doubt I'll ever top it. The most inspirational part of the trip was the Vietnamese people themselves. Given how much trouble they've had to endure in their recent history, I never ceased to be amazed by their warmth and friendliness towards our group. Always smiling, waving and making us feel welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kien was great throughout the trip. He organised the itinerary and our activities well and went out of his way to try and accommodate everyone's wishes in the group. He was very knowledgeable about his homeland and provided plenty of information about the country as a whole and the different regions and sights that we visited throughout the trip. He even organised my coach transfers for my extra week to the beach after the end of the trip for which I'm extremely grateful. Thanks Kien.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Firstly I would say Exodus have pitched this holiday just right. Plenty of activities throughout but as in the trip notes with an activity level of 3 you know its not going to be particularly strenuous so most people with a moderate level of fitness will have no problems. No need to take as many clothes as you may think because there's an option for laundry mid way in Hoi An. Don't bother taking US dollars. Just take Vietnamese Dong because there are plenty of ATMs throughout to withdraw more Dong. No towell needed, they are provided throughout, even in the homestays, boat, etc. Take plenty of suncream because you'll apply loads in the south, particularly during the cycling in the Mekong Delta. I read up on the history, culture and wars before the trip which I thoroughly recommend. I find its much easier then during the trip to understand and comprehend the country and its sights and put everything into context.

Jane Herve

Reviewed April 2016

A truly wonderful experience

This trip will stay with me for a long time. To snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays was amazing. The reefs were fantastic with a huge variety of fish to watch and wonder.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkeling with whale sharks. Seeing the manta rays doing somersaults to catch the plankton too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kamey was so friendly and great fun. He knew so much about the marine life we saw. He really took care of us and made sure we were safe and confident in the marine environment. He made sure I felt welcome right from when he met me at the airport until he took me back. Really great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to be a reasonably confident swimmer to really enjoy this trip. Although the crew were great and ensured we were always safe, I feel a love of the water and the life in it certainly made the trip more fantastic.

Jacqueline Kane

Reviewed April 2016

Essential Peru

There is no doubt that this holiday is tiring and you have to be prepared for early starts and long coach journeys. However, we covered so many amazing sights in 15 days that it was more than worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many! The Ballestas Islands was stunning filled with wonderful birds and sea lions. Also loved the Colca Canyon and Valley and to see the condors flying over the amazing backdrop was just stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was a fantastic group leader. He had a depth of knowledge, a lovely personality, organisation skills was spot on and looked after us perfectly. We could not have asked for better!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take a fleece when visiting the Ballestas Islands as it can be chilly and windy. A hand towel when staying with a home stay family would be useful.

Marie Pryce

Reviewed April 2016

cycling cuba

the overall trip was well planned and easy. you will need a little fitness to stay with the group who cycle possibly once a week.. or head to the gym for this.. the food was fine, the scenery was interesting but at this stage Cuba is what it is, years of neglect in all areas, however its safe and adequate. dont go looking for a 5 star experience when the money is not in the country if it was – you would be paying 5 times more.. cuba is to be enjoyed from yesteryear and if you are old enough to remember what i am saying you will understand what i am saying. No countries were wealthy years ago and did not have technology like we do today…There is adequate amount of Wifi its not brilliant as you would find in other countries but again that is not what Cuba is about certainly not in the areas that we experienced.. How many countries today can you say there are more horse and carts then old cars….. Highly recommend taking a gel seat for your bike , wear bike gloves, take a face mask to protect your lungs from dust when riding on dirt roads , slap on lots of sunscreen cream and just relax

Most Inspirational Moment

the whole trip was inspirational and open my eyes to see what we are not told...

Thoughts on Group Leader

our group leader was very helpful, happy to answer any questions and he had lots of knowledge on Cuba as he was born there and has lived there all his life... Plus he had a father that was a good educator.....

Advice for Potential Travellers

as above in summary

Elaine Quinn

Reviewed April 2016

A wonderful adventure

This trip exceeded our expectations. We had previously done cycle Cuba and loved it but this trip was better. Everything from the hotels, the glorious food, the mix of cycle days/rest days, the trip leader Long, the endless smiles from children and families as we cycled through their villages and the really lovely group we were part of all made this a trip to remember.

There were 17 in the group which sounds very large but as we all got on, everyone mixed and everyone supported each other, it turned out to be the backbone of why the trip was so successful. The crew lead by Long also made the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone who attempted it getting up Hai Van Pass including myself as I was one of the slowest. The group stood at the top cheering me on as I reached the summit (thank you everyone)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was informative, cheery at all times and just ensured we enjoyed our holiday. He was great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You cannot prepare for the heat and humidity but just ensure you do some cycling preparation, even it is just getting used to gear changes. You get fitter as the days tick by. The holiday was not as expensive as we thought on day to day spends as you get a lot for your "Dong". A nice surprise.

San Lim

Reviewed April 2016

Essential Peru

This is a 15 days trip to Peru covering a fair amount of distance. Views were spectacular and agree therr are quite a few days of early start but that suits me fine as I rather we arrive early at destination

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking the flight over the Nazca lines and Machupicchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Out tour leader Diana was excellent. She is knowledgeable and ensure that the group is well looked after the whole way through. She went well and beyond her capacity as a tour leader. Couldn't ask for a Better tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be sure to check that you get what you paid for. The tour advertised 13 nights in HOTELS but we ended up in HOSTELS at Cusco and Machu Picchu. The hostels are pretty much a back packers hotel especially at Macchu Picchu the condition was basic (does not even have any cupboards or option to hang clothes), dirty (bedspread looked like it had not been washed for a very very long time), uncomfortable (lumpy pillow and no heating) and noisy (next to railway track and last train past midnight and first train at 5:30 am). Hostel at Machu Picchu smelt musky with condensation problem Only one hairdryer to share among the whole hostel and the hairdryer cuts out when it gets too hot. Also ridiculous breakfast time ends at 8am and checking out at 9am! There is no way Exodus can claim these accomodations are hotels as it was clearly sign posted outside the building it is a hostel. A total rip off and against trading standards regulations in UK. There are plenty of actual hotels around the vincinity but the group got hostels insteads.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank San for her feedback, however, we regret that she was disappointed with the accommodation at the beginning of her trip. Different countries use different criteria for hotel classification. In Peru the term ‘hostel’ is used in a very different way to how we consider it in Europe, Australia or US for example. In Peru hotel classification is largely related to the number of rooms and the size of common areas. In order to use the title ‘hotel’ in Peru, properties must have at least 30 rooms of 14m squared. Other criteria includes the requirement for the kitchen to be at least 40% of the size of the dining room. Many good standard properties in Peru don’t meet all of these criteria and as such use the title ‘hostel’ instead of ‘hotel’. Whilst it is rare for us to receive negative comments about the properties used during this tour, we will continue to closely monitor all client feedback to ensure that they are meeting our expectations.

Jenny Cox- Product Manager for Peru

Keith Rollin

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling in Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama - Easter 2016

This was my third cycling holiday with Exodus. The time spent in Central America was simply fantastic from start to finish. I would certainly recommend this holiday. The cycling was super – lovely views, great bikes and good support from the guides (water, Gatorade, fruit and snacks all provided throughout the cycling). Away from the cycling, each day was varied with plenty of activities to suit every taste. The locations we visited were all interesting and the hotels all good quality with plenty of character.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed so many parts of this trip. The visit to the school in Panama was an amazing and emotional experience. The cycling was brilliant in all three countries (particularly in Costa Rica and Panama). Having so many birds & animals in the trees around us was magic, with the boat trip being a fantastic opportunity to get close to plenty of wildlife. The visit to the Panama Canal was very interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

From the moment we first met Roberto at the hotel, we all knew that we were in safe hands. A professional, friendly, funny and hard working tour guide from start to finish. He provided us with plenty of information about the history and culture covering all of the three countries that we visited. He was very personable and nothing was too much trouble. Our group had so much fun and much of this was down to Roberto and his team. Simply brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

US Dollars accepted in all three countries (with local currency being given back 'as change' - sometimes in Nicargua and Costa Rica). Take some low value US Dollar notes (as some places prefer this to using 50 US Dollar notes). Two laundry stops on route (so no need to take too many clothes). Diarolyte sachets a good idea (although I had no problems throughout the trip).

Anne Puech

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling through Central America

An amazing cycling trip through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Everything was very well organised and planned ahead. Roberto was a very good guide and he made the trip a wonderful holiday. Very nice hotels all along the way and some amazing swims on both sides of Central America!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was very inspirational. Costa Rica is a gorgeous country and seeing the Panama canal was a dream came true!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was an amazing group leader. A true professional, very well organised, planning ahead for everything and extremely kind to each of us. One evening, as we were running a little bit late, he called the hotel from the bus, asked them to put the keys on the doors of our rooms, to turn the AC on and gave us the room numbers. This lovely attention enabled us to enjoy an amazing swim in the Pacific at sunset.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack plenty of sunscreen and some long sleeve tops!

Peter Rooke

Reviewed April 2016

Japan in Blossom Time!

We were incredibly lucky to visit Japan at peak blossom time and it was absolutely stunning! This trip is a well-planned and well balanced introduction to Japan, ranging from ancient temples and shrines to the buzz of downtown Tokyo, and includes visits to small, rural towns as well as modern cities. Finishing in Tokyo means you are familiar with finding your way around on Japanese trains by the time you get there. The tour packs a lot in and, although it didn’t feel rushed, there are some long days and be prepared for plenty of walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's impossible to single out a single moment; the whole trip was amazing, but the incredible cherry blossom and the pleasure it gives the Japanese is something we shall never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Akemi Nozawa was a fantastic tour leader. She was friendly, helpful, had a good sense of humour and was incredibly organised in a way that was unobtrusive and appeared effortless. She really put in a lot of extra time and effort to make sure we all enjoyed the trip, e.g. helping group members with train times to/from the five lakes (to see Mt Fuji) on one of our free days and helping with tickets for the Kabuki theatre. At the start of our trip she gave us all a printed itinerary for the trip that included several optional activities she offered on our free days such as visiting the Tokyo fish market and other places that were not included on the standard trip itinerary, which was brilliant as it covered lots of things that we'd planned to do ourselves. We've been on a lot of trips with different companies and Akemi stands out as one of the best tour leaders we've ever had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it all: the food, the onsens, the trains – go with an open mind and try everything! If this will be your first visit to Japan we recommend this trip. Not only does it offer a wide range of experiences, but on first acquaintance Japan, and in particular the Japanese railway system, is quite confusing and we were grateful to be in a guided group, but you soon get the hang of it and by the time we reached Tokyo all our group were zooming about very confidently. Take comfortable walking shoes – you will need them. Be warned, the weather in Japan is as variable and fickle as it is in Britain. We visited during the first two weeks of April and the weather on our trip varied from shirtsleeves warm to snow! Take layers and expect chilly evenings and the possibility of some wet days (if it's wet you can borrow wellington boots at the Takayama ryokan). There is quite a bit of free time on this trip and to make the best of it we recommend browsing through a few guidebooks before you go (the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet are both good). Think about the things you'd like to do on your free days (shopping, sightseeing, etc.) and plan ahead. We are particularly interested in Japanese folk crafts and traditional buildings so on our free days we visited Kawai Kanjiro's house in Kyoto and the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo (both highly recommended if you like that sort of thing). The Hida Takayama Museum of Art is a hidden treasure, it's only a five minute walk from the ryokan and has a London bus, an amazing collection of glassware, and a (pricey) café furnished like Glasgow's Willow Tea Rooms, in Charles Rennie Mackintosh style. The Lonely Planet guidebook has some useful walks: in Kyoto we enjoyed the Southern Higashiyama walk and in Tokyo the walk around Yanaka (combine it with a visit to the National Museum). We would strongly recommend visiting during Sakura (cherry blossom time) the blossom is amazing and it's a pleasure to see all the locals out admiring the blossom. It adds an extra dimension to your visit.

Anne Mccann

Reviewed April 2016