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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14448 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Timothy Williams

Reviewed April 2015

Discover Costa Rica

I went on this holiday expecting great things and this did not disappoint. The variety of wildlife was second to none. The hotels were all different and to a very good standard. The organisation was good and having two nights at each location gave you chance to experience each of the very different Eco Systems in the country. The guide Johnny was friendly, knowledgable, and went the extra mile often in his free time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variety of the wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on a number of Exodus holidays and the group leaders have always been very good but Johnny was the best I have ever come across. He went out of his way to make the holiday a great experience, he sorted out rooms so that you could get straight in on arrival, the cases were always ready. When ever we had any free time, he would normally offer to take us out for a walk to look at the wildlife and as a result I felt that I was occupied for the whole holiday, I am not one for sitting on a beach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a holiday with very little down time, you can make time if you want but why not rest when you get home.

Joan Harthan

Reviewed April 2015

A Week In Jordan

This trip far exceeded my expectations. We were a group of 18 and within a couple of days we were one big family. I’ve traveled a lot but never, ever been with such an amazing group of people. Everyone got on and we laughed from the start of the holiday to the finish. The itinerary was packed full of great stuff – I did the optional Cave Dinner, Petra by Night, and Snorkeling in the Red Sea – all were great and very reasonably priced. I know some people have complained about the Petra by Night (not in my group) but I loved it. The word I used to describe it was ‘sweet’. The recording of baaing lambs had us all rolling on the floor LOL It’s organised by local people so don’t expect a professional performance, that’s not what it’s about.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the hills/mountains around Petra was my most inspirational moment(s). If you can manage the 800+ steps to the Monastery, it's well worth the effort. The cafe there sells wonderful orange and pomegranate juice to refresh and cool after the long climb. There are two viewpoints farther up the mountain - go to them both. The one overlooking the canyon will welcome you with a free cup of mint tea, the other one has a great view of the monastery. The following day we climbed steps at the other end of the valley, up to the High Place of Sacrifice. From there we walked along the undulating ridge back to the restaurant bar at the start of the siq. It's on this walk you'll find some interesting rock specimens.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed to have Wael as our guide. He was FANTASTIC, AMAZING, HAPPY, KNOWLEDGEABLE. He said we made his heart smile because we were like one big family and always happy. In truth it was him that made our hearts smile with his unending patience and generosity. Nothing was too much for him. I have strict food restrictions in my diet and he monitored every restaurant and cafe to ensure they complied. He even gave me a card in Arabic to give to restaurants and shops in case I was buying when he was not there with me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before going, I was concerned about the unrest in the Middle East, but I needn't have been. There was no sign, anywhere, that Jordan is being pulled into the troubles. They have what are termed 'Tourist Police' and we had one such policeman with us at all times - more to ease our passage through towns and border controls, than for protection. I wouldn't hesitate to go again.

Lesley Miller

Reviewed April 2015

A Week in Jordan

This was a fabulous, exciting and varied trip made even more memorable by our great guide. Jordan is the perfect place to visit for a week – not just the rose red city of Petra but also the desert expanses of Wadi Rum and the chance to spend a night in a Bedouin tent. We covered just about everything – the Roman ruins of Jerash, the mosaics of Madaba, the Crusader castle at Karak and at full two days in the lost city of Petra with plenty of free time to wander around. For me a major highlight was the Bedouin experience – dinner lounging on divans in a Bedouin camp followed by a jeep trip across the desert and a night sleeping under the stars in another Bedouin camp. Followed by decompressing in Aqaba – fab shopping here – and finally taking in the sights of Amman. The rest of the region may be turbulent but Jordan is perfectly safe and very quiet, so it’s an excellent time to go. There were stunningly few tourists in Petra.

Most Inspirational Moment

My first view of Petra was unforgettable - the rich pinks and red of the rocks, the narrow chasm you walk through to get there, the extraordinary carving and architecture and the sheer awe-inspiring size of it. It’s certainly worth several days exploration. But the jeep ride across Wadi Rum was if anything even more exciting and the night at the Bedouin camp with the brilliant stars and moon above and the fire in the middle of the stone circle was unforgettable. And just the endless expanses of desert as we drove along.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wa’el was full of enthusiasm and jollity and humour. A different guide would have made the trip entirely different. He was full of information on everything and also ran the trip with a firm hand and made sure we all turned up on time. I appreciated that he gave us a lot fo free time at Petra. He was also very responsive to the demands of the group. We asked for more local food and he found it for us and also gave us extra time in Amman for shopping which involved making last minute changes to the schedule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now! Jordan is entirely safe and incredibly welcoming. At one point I was walking alone down a back street in Aqaba and saw a group of blokes who I thought (as a lone female) looked a little dodgy. Then they all gave me huge grins and shouted out, ‘Welcome to Jordan!’ Because people are nervous not many tourists are visiting so this is an extraordinary chance to have Petra to yourself. In practical terms I was glad of my sleeping bag in the Bedouin camp. The weather was incredibly varied - very cool in the evening in Petra, surprisingly warm in the Bedouin camp and very hot in Aqaba.

Olwen Price

Reviewed April 2015

A Week in Jordan

This was a great holiday with a packed itinerary and great sights to see every day. Petra and the desert at Wadi Rum were the highlights but every day was good; the views from Mount Nebo were amazing and floating in the Dead Sea was a surreal experience! Our group gelled very well and we all felt very welcome and safe in Jordan. The local people were friendly and helpful and made us feel at home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two - reaching the end of the Siq at Petra and getting that first glimpse of the Treasury and spending time in the amazing desert landscape at Wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael, our group leader, was great fun and could definitely never be accused of not talking enough! He was very knowledgeable and clearly proud of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by turmoil in other countries surrounding Jordan; the Jordanian people are peaceful and friendly and we never felt threatened or intimidated at any time. On another note, don't forget your mosquito spray for the desert; I was bitten several times!

Richard Carter

Reviewed April 2015

Great views and great fun

A great well thought through trip with great adventure and amazing views. The desert trek is outstanding, the challenge of walking on sand in hot temperatures coupled with the fantastic camp sites was a real highlight. The scrambling on day 2 of the trek is great fun with the high land bridge well worth the climb, it is safe but isn’t for the feint hearted. Petra is also inspiring with the first view of the treasure house a great awe inspiring moment.

Most Inspirational Moment

I could mention, Petra, the high land bridge, the Bedouin camp. But for me it was the sunset at Fox camp. The view over the mountain and the camp site on the sand dunes is a real highlight. The camp fire conversation was also a real highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair is excellent. A knowledgeable, enlightened, humorous leader who really wanted his trekkers (adopted tribe) to love his country and the Trek as much as he does. He made the trip with his unfussy, educational and relaxed style. Thanks Zuhair!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own sleeping bag, the local ones are only OK. It gets very cold especially on the clear nights and you need to invest in a 4 season sleeping bag, I didn't bring mine and on a couple of nights it was bitter and if it wasn't for the fact that the trip was brilliant it could have been a bit miserable. The food was brilliant but it is worth packing a few little snacks for the end of the trekking day, my favourite is a few jelly snakes, these are the only snakes we saw by the way.

Barbara Barrett

Reviewed April 2015

The Inca Trail

I travelled the first time as a female solo traveller (at 49yrs!) and felt well supported and informed from the point of enquiry to completion of my holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk/trek itself was awesome with breathtaking views and a diversity of walking experience and changeable weather. Also overcoming the challenges of walking and camping at altitude to experience the history/story of the Inca people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader was informative and helpful. Kept to a timetable and schedule which was excellent. Created a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst described as moderate walking this trip has definite challenges, the altitude, the ascent/descents and of course the camping.

Catherine Greenway

Reviewed April 2015

Cycling Vietnam

A good holiday overall. The cycling was harder and faster than we were led to believe in the brochure which spoilt the first few days. Couldn’t stop for photos as got left behind. In fact it was difficult to sightsee and cycle sometimes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the true back lanes of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

V good, helpful, happy and generous. The only criticism was that he was unable to control the pace set by some of the men.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, you need to be fitter than advertised and the pace is faster too.

Amanda Cullens

Reviewed April 2015

Walking in the Alpujarra

An amazing week of walks and Alpujarran culture. As a non hill walker I was a little nervous about my ability to complete the many ascents involved in the guided walks but the pace was set by the group with plenty of capacity for those of us who live far from the hills! The scenery was continuously breathtaking with a new landscape around every corner. The Hotel Los Berchules is by far the most friendly and hospitable I have stayed in with a real feeling of being at home. The best packed lunches I have ever been given and the evening meal was always tasty and nutritious.

Most Inspirational Moment

The added bonus of a trip to Granada and particularly The Alhambra was more than I had hoped for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

George is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about his home. He was constantly friendly, helpful and a reassuring presence. He has a great relationship with the hotel which gave a warm feeling of continuity. His knowledge of Granada and assistance with finding our way around was also great as it meant we could see the City in the short space of time we had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check the local weather forecast before you go. It would be helpful to have done some hill walking beforehand and be used to walking on rough terrain.

Andrew Greenway

Reviewed April 2015

Vietnam - Mot Hi Bai Yo!

We thoroughly enjoyed the cycling trip to Vietnam. The cycling itself was hard and a little too fast at times. The bus came in handy on a couple of occasions! The hotels were better than expected. The food was sensational (I just bought a Vietnamese cookbook!). The trip combined a huge amount into two weeks – beaches, cities, mountains, countryside, urban chaos….!

Most Inspirational Moment

The single best moment of the tour for me was cycling through the back streets of Hue. The scenery was amazing, the streets were narrow, we passed rice paddy fields, buffalo and local people going about their daily lives with smiles on their faces. I couldn't help but smile as we cycled along.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long was brilliant! He smiled continuously throughout the two weeks and worked incredibly hard from dawn till dusk every day to make out trip memorable. He brought a huge amount of the history, culture and style of Vietnam forward which would otherwise have been missed. His sense of humour was great and he always had a joke to lift us when we were tired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to cycle hard and fast, with plenty of hills. Don't underestimate it.

Helen Stockham

Reviewed April 2015

Finnish Wilderness Week

It was a really enjoyable week with an opportunity to try many new things in a fantastic setting.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick a single moment, we enjoyed the whole week, especially seeing the Northern Lights (which is not guaranteed) whilst cross country skiing by moonlight across the frozen lake. The full day dog-sledding with Lauri and learning to cross country ski were also great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri was fantastic and he made the week for the group: he is charismatic, personable, friendly, organised, very knowledgeable and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you use a hairdryer, then pack your own as there isn't one provided in the rooms (apparently basecamp has two that can be borrowed). If you are vegetarian and aren't very fond of soya meat, then note this in the dietary requirements as it was a feature of many of the veggie meals at basecamp during the week.

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