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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

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Reviews

Reviewed February 2014

COLOURS OF RAJASTHAN

Exodus were very professional and prompt in arranging this holiday for us. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The tiger painting I purchased at the local art studio in Ranthambore National Park!!!  It is incredible, a life long memory and to see the artists at work and view their work was absolutely fantastic.  The money paid is used to train young future artists, support tiger rehabilitation and the remainder to the artist.   The Taj Mahal was spectacular but so was the opportunity to view a tiger on safari and I particularly liked the insight into countryside India.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very presentable and knowledgeable young man.  However as we travelled there was not much interaction or description of buildings, areas and sights along the route, particularly noticeable as we drove out of Delhi and passed some incredible buildings without knowing what they were.  If asked about a particular thing he was quite forthcoming.  On previous holidays we have had leaders who would forewarn us of sights about to come into view.  This was something that would have added to long hours of travel in buses.

Advice for Potential Travellers

India was enjoyable and would advise travelling light as there were so many different hotels and long hours on buses.

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Madhushini Gunaratne

Reviewed February 2014

Fantastic Trip - Well Organised

Great itinerary; giving you a a great insight to Cuba and its local culture: from music and food to beautiful sceneries. The trip is well organised but also giving you some flexibility. Accomodation was good; though the “casas” were much more comfortable than the hotels. Restaurants the guide has taken us too were very nice, different each time, local and affordable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional trip to a waterfall from Trinidad involves a 3 hours walk through a forest but it is absolutely amazing. And you get to have a dip in a refreshing lake :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, patient and knowledgeable group leader; with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is Worth extending your stay to relax on the beach at Varadero as the tour Taste of Cuba can be a little tiring as we are constantly moving and visiting different places.

Reply from Exodus

We were delighted to hear that Madhushini had a fantastic time in Cuba, and it is certainly a good idea to suggest staying on longer for some relaxation time after the group itinerary ends. For anyone thinking of booking one of our Cuban holidays, you may be interested to know that we offer a beach extension to the idyllic isle of ‘Cayo Levisa’ located a few hours west of Havana – please ask one of our sales consultants for more information.

Adam Roberts – Product Manager for Cuba

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Reviewed February 2014

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

If you love wild, untouched remote places — clean, clear air and stunning rugged, raw mountain scenery — and the sensation of having to walk to get there — then you’ll love this trip. A trip back in time — biblical scenes of robed goat  herds and women collecting water from wells and streams.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The increasingly charmimg Berber villages -- the last 2 villages and the last campsite were delightful;The contrast between the rugged sandstone desert rock and slate scree with the beautiful oasis villages, irrigated fields, crops and palm trees; Climbing into remote mountain spaces and looking back down to the valleys;The exhilaration of the height and the exertion to get there --and then to look back, and down and across.To wake into a frosty morning, but be trekking in bright warm susnshine in t-shirts a couple of hours later; and then to lay in the sun for a lunch-time kip by mid day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was attentive, and caring -- very athletic ( could sprint across the mountains), but not forthcoming with information -- he did answer all questions but did not offer any information at any point. When I had a slight knee injury and was unable walk for a short time, he dealt with it brilliantly -- had the first aid kit to hand, bandaged my knee and then arranged a donkey ride for the rest of the afternoon.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the winter  - my trip was in January - don't under-estimate the cold and frosty nigths. You need a 4 season cocoon sleeping bag and lots of layers of really warm and light weight clothes -- wool and cashmere did it for me. I was cosy at night with a thermal vest and leggins, a merino jumper, a flanelette night shirt, a cashmere polo neck jumper, and thermal socks -- all inside my duck down cocoon sleeping bag!  I could then sleep cosy and open the door of my tent and sleep under the magical star-filled sky. Fantastic!Take a small plasic jug or large beaker; it has multiple uses --eg use it to take some hot water from the kettle to wash your face once or twice a day; us it as a tooth brushing mug .....Take lots of thick quality tissues and anti-bacterial wipes.

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Reviewed January 2014

A WEEK IN JORDAN

What a fab trip with really wonderful travelling companions, lots to see each day. Who ever booked the sunshine and starry skies in the desert – thank you. I have so many amazing memories – Petra on Christmas day is up there in the top 3. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen for me. Jan x

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to count, swimming at sunset in deadsea, walk to high sacrifice in Petra, candle evening in Petra, amazing feeling of peace just relaxing at Monestry and Urn Tomb in Petra and 'the view' in Little Petra, boat trip and snorkling in Red Sea. Great happiness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Super Sami - fun and very knowledgeable. Great company. Big thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes or boots as ground at Petra is rocky and loose cobbles. 4 Seasons sleeping bag for desert stop over enabled me to sleep outside under the stars. I loved it.  

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Reviewed January 2014

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

An exciting ride through three countries with varied and wonderful experiences. You must do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many:cycling on road and off road by quiet plantations, jungle, forests, rivers, canals, deserted hamlets, markets, and also through busy towns and exciting local traffic. Friendly waves everywhere. The highly impressive Angkor Wat, but also rest stops at ordinary local Buddhist temples.Homestay and boat trips in the Mekon DeltaVisiting the haunting Killing Fields and the S 21 detention centre, as well as exploring the Vietcong tunnels. Distressing, but important to experience.Saigon by day and night- a beautifu, vibrant cityGood accommodation and outstanding food at great value . At lunches and evening meals we experienced a range of truly delicious local dishes. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nee was outstanding in every way: kind, considerate, attentive to the needs both of the group and of individuals, funny and so well informed. Definitely one of the very best leaders ever. She led a very good, supportive team of guides, drivers, mechanics and cyclists.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes were very good, but I was glad I brought my own saddle and pedals: having clip-on shoes was an advantage. I also brought a small saddlebag to fix on my saddle, so I did not have to carry anything on my back in the heat. But then you can access your things from the support bus every 10-20K.No need to bring cycle snacks- the provisions at every rest stop were amazing. There was water, electrolyte sachets, iced tea and coffee, coke. To eat we had many delicious fruit, nuts, biscuits and local delicacies to try.

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Reviewed January 2014

A TASTE OF CUBA

This is an excellent trip to see the basics of a country that is changing rapidly

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching and joining in with the Buena Vista Social Club on Christmas Day. Really learning a lot about Cuba. Feeling the change that is coming to this country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was excellent, got involved with the group and didn't shy away from questions about how it really was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We spent about £150 each. Money changing was easy. Two booths outside the terminal we arrived at. The food was OK, the best was local food in vinales. Shame that isn't what you get everywhere. Take loads of photos, this country will change massively once the Castros are gone. Capitalism is coming!

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Reviewed January 2014

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA & PANAMA

This trip across three countries is diverse, interesting and challenging. It has opened my eyes to the real world of Central America, and has left me with a greater understanding of the countries through which we have travelled. It has also challenged my fitness, which has also had a cleansing effect on my cluttered mind. I would recommend it wholeheartedly. It has been an amazing holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Panama Canal and the vision of people over a hundred years ago, and what it has become today. The rain forests - peace and tranquility, in a slower world. The scenery, the flora and fauna, and the wildlife. The people ...... All of them!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

There are not words to convey the respect we hold for Janiell who went the extra mile in all aspects of the trip to ensure we had the very best time. She is a legend, and we love her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Deet - and lots of it. A bit of training on a bike. Even if you are fit, the heat adds an extra dimension

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Reviewed January 2014

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

I can’t think of a better way to have spent the last xmas than being on this amazing adventure.  The entire staff at the basecamp was welcoming and helpful. The food was delicious and the accomodation is pleasant. The tour is very well organized. We had at least 3 hours of good exercises every day and there were a good variety of them too for everyone. Time went by so quickly everyday and I truely enjoyed every minute of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had quite a few first-time experiences on this holiday, which I all enjoyed very much. The whole week was inspirational because it was just out of this world, a winterwonderland no doubt. Two most memorable moments for me would be the huskie ride and castlerock snowshoe tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henrik was a fantastic leader in every aspect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really, the basecamp really does supply everything you would need for the adventures.

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Reviewed January 2014

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous…lived up to my expectations and more

Most Inspirational Moment

From start to finish this trip was brilliant..I have been on a safari before but not like this.. As Paul says this is not a tick box safari and lots of time is spent watching. There were so many fantastic moments it is hard to choose the best - A lion stalking a leopard...cheetah cub..lion cubs..probably the moment that will live with me will be sitting in the land cruiser with a herd of elephants walking either side of me..it was wonderful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is very enthusiastic and will give you the best opportunity to see and photograph animals..mainly cats. He can be very over powering and could cause some people to be offended by him.. If you are able to take his manner and stress levels then this is the trip for you because Paul WILL give you the opportunities that others may not give.. He is very passionate about photography and the wildlife...  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Know your camera before you go!!!!! and be willing to give as good as you get with Paul.....Also be prepared to use the behind the vehicle toilet (tyre pressure stops as we called them) and take some hand cleaner....Listen to the guides and drink lots and cover up as it is very hot... 

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Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

For me, cycling was a great way to experience the charm and uniqueness that is Cuba. Cuba is a place characterised by sunshine, colour, music, cheery locals, rocking chairs, rum, cigars. ….idyllic beaches; mountain backdrops; lush valleys; abundant vegetation; abundant plantations; all manner of farm animals basking in the sun; remote quiet roads where traffic is largely made up of delightful 1950s American Classic cars, horse-drawn carts and ox-ploughs. Joyful, peasant livelihoods stuck in a time warp. A total absence of global (American)brands. No advertising. Pro-communism. Patriotism. Che Guevara. Vive la revolucion. Scarcely no internet access. Cycling Cuba is an intense, action-packed holiday. A total feast for the senses which left me feeling fit, tanned and wondering how I would re-adjust back to life at home again!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cuban people. Waving and cheery greetings of 'iHola!' when cycling past virtually each and every last local. At one point I caught up with some clapped-out trailer thing carrying a number of local passengers, it was being pulled along by some equally knackered, vintage-looking farm vehicle, and when I cycled past it the passengers just all went nuts ...I think they were bemused to see a western woman in Lycra on a bike that's somewhat more modern than the charming peddle-contraptions they have there, -it almost felt like some sort of celebrity treatment!! Oh, and cycling through some stunning Cuban landscapes, esp Sancti Spiritus and the mountain sections -was always torn between wanting to stop and take photos or just enjoying cycling through it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic. Knowledgeable. Diplomatic. Helpful. Personable. Warm-hearted. Good sense of humour. Proud of Cuba and it's heritage.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Warn your friends and family you'll be off-line for 2 weeks!! Although wifi was available (at high cost) at a couple of of the major hotels, the Internet is not otherwise available. -After a few days you'll enjoy the absence of the Internet as part of the Cuban holiday experience! There is no 3G in Cuba either. To communicate with anyone outside of Cuba you are limited to texting -or phone calls. The weather is hot and sticky. Because you move on every day, usually starting out early every morning it is difficult to wash and dry clothes, so pack as many t-shorts, tops, vests, summer cycle clothes and summer evening clothes as you have space for!! Shops also are few and far between in Cuba, not well stocked and often have limited opening hours. Pack enough of everything that you may possibly need!

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