Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting on the beach at Manuel Antonio with a palm tree behind us with a toucan at the top, a woodpecker half way up and an iguana next to us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo was excellent, hugely knowledgable about the bio diversity, seemed to know every species of bird we saw and had a very sound philosophy about life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lots of changes of clothes as its mostly hot except in the mountains where you need a fleece at night. Leave the really cold gear behind. It can rain a lot on the boats at Tortuguero but ponchos are provided so a lightweight waterproof jacket is the only rain gear you need. You can buy caps everywhere which is useful both for rain and shine. Food (including salads) and water is generally safe but you still might need some Immodium just in case. Walking trips are generally fairly easy, albeit sometimes slippery when wet. I had walking boots, a pair of rugged trainers and walking sandals. If you wanted to save space you could get away with just walking shoes and leave the boots behind.

Most Inspirational Moment

Overcoming fears amongst people who have become your friends under the safety of expert guides. Breathtaking beauty surrounds. The journey epic and the rewards are unforgettable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay. Although the weather wasn't brilliant, the bay was spectacular and atmospheric, the boat trip wonderful, and the first attempt at kayaking exciting (thanks to a very patient and understanding kayak partner!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vinh was exceptional - extremely well organised, so we all knew exactly what was expected of us, very knowledgeable, and willing to share his own personal and family experiences with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel as light as possible, but be prepared for changes in weather from quite cold in North Vietnam to very hot in Cambodia. Take an overnight bag to be used in Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. Sandals were essential footware - take at least 2 pairs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the remote villages and experiencing the hospitality of the home stay near Mai Chow. Being invited in to the homes of villagers. The scale of Halong Bay, the buzz of Hoi An, the peacefulness of cycling along the tracks in the Mekong Delta and learning to cross the road safely!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! Tho shepherded us from place to place, experience to experience. He managed the group with ease, ensuring that we were always on time and nobody was kept waiting. He provided us an insight tothe people, the government and the history, allowing us to have a better understanding as to the various ways of life. He was a mine of information and if he didn't know the answer to a question, he would find out! He was well presented, caring and concerned for all members of the group. A lasting memory of the trip will be his smile, cheeky sense of humour and his fondness of the expression ' Okay, let's go!' A credit to both Exodus and Vietnam!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for an adventure, long days and a mix of comfort and making do. Relax in to it and enjoy! Take walking shoes as boots were not necessary. Laundry can be done in Hoi An very cheaply, so there is no need to pack too much.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Angkor Wat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Incredibly knowledgeable, diligent and friendly - Hanh is the best guide I have had.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the peak of Vesuvius and venturing inside the crater. Also, getting a pizza master-class from the chef in residence at the hotel (and coming away with a certificate!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above, Paul was organised, friendly and efficient at getting everyone together on time. He explained each day's itinerary clearly in advance and joined in with the group throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive with an empty stomach! Also, be prepared for steps (and lots of them).

Most Inspirational Moment

First time skiing off track, great to get to the otherwise inaccessible and hidden surprises.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Mary and Ilsa were excellent leaders, enthusiastic and were good instructors.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect bruises!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visit to Lion Rock, Sigiriya. Elephant Safari Walking on Horton Plains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Roshantha Fernando) was very good. He met our expectations and was very informative, professional and with excellent temperament.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Adam's Peak optional activity - We would have preferred to climb another mountain, rather than this site, which although important to holy believers was inundated with the volume of people climbing, waiting at the summit and then returning back to the base. Also, we couldn't believe the amount of litter scattered on the route, which has such a religious meaning to the population!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up early in time to see the sunrise high up above the clouds, then climbing to the top of Pico Ruivo..and reaching the bar for a large beer after the long descent!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andre was very good. He was well organised and very sociable with a good sense of humour. He kept an eye on the whole group whilst letting us go at our own pace. He gave a lot of information about the mountains, levadas, birds and flowers. He also gave us an interesting tour of Funchal on the last morning .

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of narrow paths on the sides of hills, lots of climbs and descents, but the effort is well worth it for the great views. Do go up in the cable car to the Monte Tropical Gardens in Funchal.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to select. Almost all the sunrises and sunsets, the town of (and hotel in) Gibara. The "Lodge" in the Sierra Maestre. The overwhelming friendliness of almost all the Cubans I spent time with (and I didn't speak any Spanish when I arrived!). Oh yes, and the Cuba Libres !!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inspirational. Highly-intelligent, very well-versed in all aspects of Cuban history and culture. Fluent English, sometimes obscured by Spanish accent and poor PA system on coach. An archetypal "gentleman" of the best kind. Must also give mention to coach drivers, Eduardo and Manuel ("Johnny Hips") - great guys, even if they did beat me on the pool table!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't believe much of what you read about Cuba in the guidebooks - perhaps they are a few years out-of-date. Everything is of a higher standard than I was expecting. Don't go mad on the sun-screen - I am fair-skinned but didn't finish one bottle (and temperature most days was around 34 degrees!). Don't go mad on the mosquito repellent either - it was only necessary on one evening out of fifteen. Make sure you have above-average cardio-vascular fitness - 70-80km most days is pretty demanding. Most of all, engage with the Cubans as much as you can - they are a lovely people. It's a real waste if you go just for the cycling and the nice weather (though I suspect quite a few of the others in my Group would disagree with that assertion!) Get some basic conversational Spanish before you go - I had to "speed-learn" from the day I arrived!