Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many I could mention..... but the major one was the breathtaking balloon ride at sunrise - yes,expensive but an experience that should not be missed as it will live in your memory forever. Despite the initial weather glitch of early morning fog which meant no balloons went up that morning, after much effort by Zafer who knew how keen we were to go up, the flight took place the next morning - truly amazing. I also loved the relaxed atmosphere of Fethiye in a great hotel by the beautiful marina. The stunning white cascades of Pamukkale were another unique sight followed by evening shopping and dining amongst the locals in the nearby town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

After many Exodus trips I can truly say that Zafer put in more effort than anyone else in the past to ensure that our trip was everything we wanted it to be. Everyday he was very clear about the proposed itinerary and kept us updated enroute with information (something that has been lacking on previous trips) he had the patience of a saint and a great sense of humour. The long journeys were interspersed with plenty of information about the areas were were travelling through and unscheduled stops at places of interest along the way - the Sultanhanı Kervansarayı was a wonderful historic place and a fascinating mosque with wooden pillars - the only one of its kind. Zafer was archaeological graduate who provided sufficient information on sites but never bored us and always had fascinating historic stories to tell. He gave 100% and even gave us the option of being taken to Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy on his day off! Nothing was ever a problem or too much effort and he provided us with various great dining options and experiences which were always to out advantage - wonderful sunset from the hill town of Assos is a great memory.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are a true 'traveller' you won't be deterred by a couple of long days on the coach -we had a great like-minded group who had rarely wanted to leave each others company which made the two weeks fly by. The hotels were varied (some with swimming pools) but more than adequate and realistically are a bed for the night after a fulfilled and exhausted day, a good meal and a few beers!! The weather was lovely in Turkey in September with plenty of hot days so take hats and plenty of suncream, but then evening on th coast chilled off.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the rain on the canopy walk while looking down on the luxuriant vegetation. Watching the antics of the wide range of humming birds was of course, a lasting experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very pleasant character; well informed on all aspects of the trip with a sound knowledge of the country's flora & fauna and always ready and willing to help. Of our 15 trips with Exodus he was among the best of the leaders, all of which have been very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You have to be interested in natural history to take maximum benefit from the trip and thus be ready for quite a bit of walking which, even at age of 82/84, we really enjoyed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Interactions with the locals

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, responsive to the group, helpful, knowledgeable, fun

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several moments, including: - the day our group leader found a live sloth on the side of the road. Paul picked up the sloth (scary!!) and gently placed it in a nearby tree; - seeing the Pacific Ocean at the end of a great day of cycling - arriving at the Caribbean at the end of another great day of cycling - crossing the Continental Divide between the Pacific and Caribbean Seas

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were the best! They checked our bikes and our demeanors every day to make sure both were ready to meet the day's cycling challenge. Despite our special dietary needs, mechanical needs and mental health needs, the group leaders worked tirelessly to make sure every need was met. We couldn't ask for a better support team with our cycling guides and fantastic driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for heat and humidity. We were lucky to have several overcast and rainy days which were a welcome relief to the heat. If tropical weather is not your favorite, don't despair. The support vehicle will transport you anywhere and at any time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the rural landscape of three contrasting countries with an excellent back-up team. Visiting Phnom Penh and Saigon, two vibrant cities in SE Asia. Staying in a homestay on the Mekong Delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was absolutely first class. I have been on a number of trips with Exodus and she ranks as one of the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own gel saddle if you have one and also take some toe clips or pedals with cleats. The mechanics will put them on your bike very quickly. Don't bother taking any energy drinks or snacks, they are provided for you at every stop. Don't forget sun tan lotion and mosquito repellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being befriended by a spirited, dynamic girl while she was back visiting her parents for a few days. Four of us stopped for a drink while "free" for a few hours and later were given chai while Shakira talked about her life and asked about ours. She then took us home to see their house and told us some sad family history which we were privileged that she shared. Her mum then appeared intending to make us dosa. but we had to decline this hospitality as we needed to get back to meet up with the rest of the group. Indians are such wonderful, friendly, welcoming people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph managed to make his job look easy although keeping 14 of us happy and safe for 2 weeks was presumably no mean feat. He was able to warn us of the dangers of particular sections of the ride and get us to pay attention without scaring us. Joseph took us to small roadside cafes and snack shops and eating establishments use by locals without us succumbing to Delhi-belly. We even ate street food and salad under his supervision. Everything was well organised but appeared casual.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of antibacterial hand gel. I suspect people who do become ill infect themselves. It was very hot in November and I had far too many warmer clothes for the evenings and when in the hills. The downside of the local eating places is that they may not be air-conditioned. Be ready to eat curry, curry and more curry - it was all wonderful. Sometimes the spoon or fork took a while to arrive as many places expected you to just use your hands. I turned lout to be the only one on the trip who didn't cycle for a past-time at home. It was tough but I managed by missing out cycling up Ooty Hill which was far steeper than I had expected. I had thought I'd be able to manage some of it but I was wrong. I walked a bit and then gave up completely and got in the support vehicle. I would say you can mange this trip even if you're not a regular cyclist at home as long as you are pretty fit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The friendliness of the people en-route.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide (Sutinee Rasp) was absolutely amazing. So well organised, positive, informative, friendly she would go the extra mile to make sure we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The only huge disappointment was to hear on our return that her parent company (Peak Adventure Thailand) have apparently sacked her because some of the local team felt her to be "too bossy"! This has left all of use who traveled absolutely speechless. We have all made appeals through Exodus to support her as her treatment by her parent company is totally unfair. Let's hope they listen to those who traveled - at the end of the day it should be the views of the customer rather than some of the local team which matter.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your take some DEET as the mossies will be around. Also, it would be useful to take an overnight bag for the stay with the local company as you can't take your main luggage. It's not mentioned in the trip notes but is needed for packing the essentials.

Most Inspirational Moment

Panama Canal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an umbrella and poly bags for East Coast Costa Rica - drying wet clothes is not always simple!!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many...getting up Hai Van pass unaided and cycling every mile of course. But really it was the people, so unfazed by the unfairness of the country's past, always looking forward without regret or anger. The children coming out in droves to bring flowers and give high fives brought a tear to the eye and the memories will remain with me for ever. Halong bay was the most beautiful place I've ever seen. So many other things...Fresh fish in Hoi Ann. The beer foray through 3rd class on the train. 30km down in the cold and the rain. Food, food, food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dhan was absolutely brilliant, so extremely well organised, hard working and knowledgeable as our leader and proud of his country's history. He never stopped working, but was great at socialising too (rice wine night and Dhan's bar!) The bike team were excellent too, with mangos, nuts and the famous lemon juice within seconds of stopping.....and the lump of ice they gave me near the top of Hai Van pass was very welcome indeed. Great team!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The support was so good you don't need bike tools, energy drinks etc. I took them all and only used the high 5 zero tabs to add to my water. Don't expect toilets and changing facilities when cycling...the jungle is all purpose. Do take baby wipes, sanitiser! Take a big suitcase, there is a North face shop that's cheap, plus tailors and baggy pants to buy! Don't take too many clothes, you intend changing to travel after cycling but no one does! Nighttime is casual and laundry services are excellent anyway. Cycle a bit before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtadly, the most inspirational moment of the trek was to wake up and go out of the tent to see the Himalayan Range from Kanchenjunga and Everest and beyond a view that I will never forget. I was scheduled to do this trek in October 2013 but had a cycling accident in Lithuania on another Exodus trip and had to cancel at the last moment following a relapse. I am pleased that I cancelled that trek for they had bad weather throughout and the superb views which we enjoyed in October 2014 would have been missed. The area is not haevily visited so you do not have to deal with crowds of other trekkers and in fact we only saw about three other very small groups. This is an unspoiled area and if you want to see the Himalayas in their full glory then I can think of no better trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chospal was excellent. I had difficuly with the altitude but Chospal was always there to support me. He was an excellent leader and Exodus should be proud to have him as an employee.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Trek is graded as moderate whereas the next trip I did, India Grand Tour was graded moderate to challenging. I would suggest that the trek should be similarly graded as their are steep inclines at a high altitude. The nights can be very cold so a four season sleeping bag is a necessity.