Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

They were many highlights to this trip, such as kayaking in Hoi An (optional activity), getting a suit made in less than 24h in Hoi An, cycling between the rice fields, meeting lovely and friendly Vietnamese people, feeling like Poh in Kung Fu Panda when climbing up Marble Mountain...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kien was passionate about his work. He tried very much to teach us about his culture but sadly the group was not interested at all by learning about the Vietnamese culture and history. The activities were planned smoothly but he tried too much to adjust things to this group lacking motivation by proposing later starts for activities thinking people would prefer sleeping in the mornings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not take this trip if you really expect an active holiday. This package is great for sightseeing and discovering Vietnamese food and culture but it is not as active as mentioned in the description. Most days there is nothing to do after 4pm. And lot's of time is spent traveling by bus. But it is a great holiday if you just want to relax. ***** I traveled end of march/beginning of April and I'd recommend taking a warm polar sweater for the north part of Vietnam, a light jacket against the wind and long walking trousers. It was actually quite cold. But then you'll need shorts and t-shirts for the central/south parts of Vietnam. ***** You absolutely need to bring a third bag with you: your suitcase, a backpack (for the days) and a light bag to put in clothes for 1-2 days trips. Your suitcase will stay at the hotel while you go to the homestays and it is essential to have a smaller bag to carry your stuff in. ****** For the money, don't bother with US dollars => it is extremely annoying to have people asking to find a bank to exchange their US dollars because they didn't withdraw dongs. The money in Vietnam is dongs and even though they can take US dollars in some places, it is much easier to use dongs. You'll find ATMs everywhere (usually in front of the hotel you'll find one). ****** Don't worry about finding mineral water bottles, you'll always get a free one at the hotel every night, and you can really buy some everywhere, even in the middle of the jungle. ******

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears and wolves in the sanctuary and Dracula's castle at Bran - but I also loved the walking and snow shoeing - and in fact everything!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas was OK as a group leader but if I have any criticism at all about the holiday, it was that he didn't always seem very engaged with or interested in the group - and on occasion we could have done with more information about the activity. He was very well-informed about local history however.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No. Just go. You will love it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The dedication of the guides to helping us all achieve our goal particularly during those moments when the terrain was difficult and during summit night when everyone found the going tough.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham did an amazing job organising a large group of people which encompassed numerous porters, guides and ourselves as clients. Although much of his work was behind the scenes when coordinating the porters he was always observed speaking with them to ensure everything worked smoothly. His manner with both clients and porters was inspirational.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the high Himalaya's is inspirational, every moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sukhman, our team leader made all the difference: he is kind to a fault; respectful, happy, and has every facet of a great leader. Sukhman's team were brilliant to; Kagei has summited Everest six times, Lakbar and Cammi did everything with a smile. It's a privilege to be with such great people and I hope Exodus and future trekking parties appreciate as much. It's these guys that make it possible and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

What you won't find on a packing list that's useful: Wet-wipes (work it out); fresh coffee, playing cards, chocolate, a water bottle that can double up as a hot water bottle at night. Most important of all ..... a sense of humour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The temples in Angkor and the surrounding area.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Phuong was warm and welcoming, always ready to help and go the extra mile. Our guide in Cambodia who we only had for a brief time was also excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think carefully about whether you need to take Malaria tablets. In January when I went it was possible to manage without them. Just go well prepared with insect repellent. Pack enough layers too as it was cool for the first half of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few here..... Getting to Ometepe Island on the smaller, very crowded ferry (the larger one having broken down) on a VERY rough lake Nicaragua. Did I mention that there was a coffin on board.....?! Hilly days in Costa Rica. Finally seeing Toucans with minutes to spare! High-fiving the kids in Nicaragua. Riding onto the beach and diving straight into the Pacific. The rest of the group - great fun all the way!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto was superb. Always smiling, always encouraging, and always with a plan B, C and D if required! (And they were). The bus organisation was fabulous as well, Lots of water, snacks and fruit - thanks to Neno.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A few of the hotels leave a little (lot) to be desired - do not expect quality - or hot water - all the way. There are some long bus transfers - be prepared. Bug spray is essential. But - if you go with an open mind you will have a fabulous time!

Most Inspirational Moment

This has got to be the husky sledding. As part of the trip, a 2-3 hour husky sledding excursion is included, this was approximately 10km. There is an opportunity to do a 6-7 hour excursion of 30km as an optional extra. Don't hesitate! This was the most amazing day. This is the opportunity to see where the huskies live and chat to the husky guides who live there with the dogs. The dogs get so excited, they bark and howl at the tops of their voices, tails wagging and trying to keep the sled from moving before it was time to go was hard work and took all of my body weight! Mushing through the frozen forest was like going through the wardrobe into Narnia...so beautiful, so remote and so quiet...apart from when you stop and the dogs, who don't really want to stop, start howling and barking..ready to get on the move again!! You get full instruction as to how to operate the sled with safety again being a priority.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing! Henri was so knowledgeable, a great leader, organizer and extremely motivating plus he had a great sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The advice given by Henri is not to use skin care products with oil. I did some research before I left home and came up with Kiehl's products which are "torture tested" in Greenland. I'm happy to say my skin survived!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing elephants in the wild for the first time is always a thrill. I have seen them on several occasions but it is always a thrill.The lodges at Royal Natal park and in Swaziland together with the views were something special

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ende was fantastic he organized everything brilliantly. I would happily go with him again, also I cannot speak to highly of Collie and Marco who were very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for this one

Most Inspirational Moment

Many inspiring moments (and people) although climbing to the top of the ice wall (with Henri's assistance) is a lasting memory. Most inspiring was that Base camp staff have an impressively respectful attitude towards maintaining and supporting the natural environment. Running a team of Husky dogs for 30k across the Arctic Tundra was also fairly awesome (I'll never complain about walking my dogs in rain showers again!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri was the group leader for the 'wild' people. He did a most excellent job for the duration of our stay. Activities were well organised and well paced with sufficient choice of activities and options for ’down time'. He was knowledgable about, and skilful in all the activities: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, trekking and more. He engendered a sense of safety such that we didn't even worry when a wild person accidentally walked into a snow drift almost as tall as her. He and his colleague calmly walked her out of it whilst her wild comrades were rendered incapable by laughter! He was diplomatic and generous with his time. He was eternally patient with the wild people and motivated them to succeed in their chosen activities. His character and personality were perfect accompaniments to his knowledge base and skill sets. Henri was an excellent leader and his 'support' colleagues (in particular Julie, Tessa, and the chefs) were equally impressive in their roles.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking across frozen lakes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri was excellent. Good communicator. Good organisation of large group into smaller groups doing varied activities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good layers of kit provided. Light fleece base, medium fleece mid plus shell outer. Thermos flask for warm water etc. But would take own thermal (fully loop lined) socks.