Most Inspirational Moment
Scenery
Thoughts on Group Leader
Exelent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take ear plugs to sleep at night
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO
Prefer a better hotel with thicker walls and doors
CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA
A superb trip. Our leader Suresh was outstanding. There were almost no bus journeys, it was cycling all the way. A big plus for me.
Most Inspirational Moment
The general experience of cycling the backroads, seeing the real Sri Lanka.Excellent hotels and food, both local and western
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was outstanding. He was available 24/7, always cheerful and thinking ahead Kept us informed, made sure he interacted with everybody personally, to ensure we were happy and our needs were being met.He went the extra mile whenever it was needed.His backup team were also excellent, and always friendly and positive
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is very hot, make sure you have the lightest gear possible.
KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA
An amazing experience riding and eating my way through Southern India. The cycling at times was challenging but the group and leader were always there to offer support. The warmth and sincerity from the local people was tremendous and I urge anybody who wants a good mix of cycling to take this incredible journey.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me it was an afternoon spent at a local orphanage with such wonderful children. These kids didnt beg or want our money they were just happy to play football,cricket,skip or even learn the "chicken song !"They were highly articulate and intelligent and despite all the poverty they did not stop smiling. I also have to mention Tommy who battled up Ooty and pedelled every painfull step of the way....what an inspiration he was
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was Joseph Checkov.He was a brilliant leader,always there to help when language was an issue,always found me the best toilet or bush! Joseph chose our meals to make things easier and is responsible for my weight gainas he chose such delicious food! He became a friend and spent time getting to know us and our culture and spent time informing us about his culture and about India. Joseph helped in every possible way and always put our needs first.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not underestimate the cycling espescially in the first week which does contain some challenging hills..or as Joseph used to say..undulating!Ooty isa 13 km hill with 36 hairpin bends and is very challenging.That said with stops and determination it is there to be beaten.Take a comfy saddle as the trek saddles are male specific and quite uncomfortableDo not take travellers cheques as there are very few opportunities to cash them
KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE
Guides were vey experienced, helpful and friendly. A wonderful country with friendly people. A wonderful experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Just getting closer to the mountain. Hard to believe I was finally In Africa, doing what I'd dreamed of doing for so long.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jonas was great. Very friendly and shared a lot of knowledge on the mountains, landscape and wildlife. A really happy guy who wanted to talk about his own life and wanted to know more about British life from us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The heat is more intense than I thought. Wear a bush hat and keep on with the sun screen (don't forget the back of your hands!!)Hire a sleeping mat - they're better than the thin one I'd brought.Get your yellow fever jab and bring the certificate. We were asked for it. One of my fellow climbers had his jab but didn't bring his certificate. It cost him $25. Bit of a scam I think.Our water was provided chlorinated and food was good, but even using wet wipes and antiseptic hand wash all the time, I still had a two day bug - keep an eye on hygiene as much as you can.
CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN
Cycling through Rajasthan is a fantastic holiday. We saw and experienced so much. Magnificent Palaces, forts and Temples in the cities, and the pace and colour of life in the country.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved cycling through the market traffic in Udaipur - everything moving constantly, fairly slowly, but never stopping. The Meherangarh fort in Jodhpur, and the deserted citadel of Fatehpur Sikri were highlights for me. The Taj Mahal is spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The leaders were great, Harish led the cycling and Pramod backed up the group. They were with us all day, everyday for the two weeks, and nothing was too much trouble. Harish made it clear from the start if we had any issue, we should raise it with them immediately, and they'd sort it out.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There was a wide variety of cycling experience amongst our group. There are stretches of straight road through the country where people choose their own pace, and have the opportunity to take lots of fantastic photos - always safe in the knowledge the leader would stop and regroup at every junction, and the backstop leader, and bus were following up if you had a puncture. Long finger gloves for the early morning cycle.
SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES
This was a new experience for me – I had some time off in January and decided to give it a go. Snowshoeing is not technically difficult and the snowshoes are not that heavy to wear, but the trip is quite a demanding Grade B. On a sunny day (at least) the views and sense of achievement are worth it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on top of Durakopf was both the literal and methaphorical high point of the holiday. A stunning view across the alps and Dolomites. However, the sneaking view that it would be nice to come back in spring and see it all in technicolour (rather than 360 degrees of white) did enter my head...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was an exceptional leader, first rate in every way. She look excellent care of the group and knew when to push us and when to let us take a breath. In addition, highly knowledgeable and fun to be with. She also supplied us with sweets as regular intervals. What more could you ask for?
Advice for Potential Travellers
Consider bringing a small kettle to make a flask with a hot drink for the day. The hotel will do it, but they charge (quite reasonably). Also take care about ordering tap water in the hotel, again they charge (not so reasonably).Regulating your temperature on the walks is important - on ascents you will quickly get very hot, and then get very cold when you stop. A number of breathable layers is the best idea. I found my ski jacket quite hot from time to time. Whatever you do, take good gloves (ski gloves or similar) and a hat and scarf.
CYCLING VIETNAM
What an excellent trip. The Vietnamese people were very friendly and the local cuisine really needs to be tasted, such a variety of foods to experience. The journey through the paddy fields, the jungle and the cities showed what a changing landscape one could travel through. Certainly a trip never to be forgotten.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling through the traffic in the cities was certainly an experience that will stay in our memories for a long time. The sheer volume of scooters criss crossing our paths like an army display team is something everybody should experience. Cycling along the undulations (terminology for hills) created camaraderie among the group and also gave some amazing views. One of the most surprising places we cycled to was the 'Ghost village' between Hoi An and Hue; not only were the graves massive in size and colourful but the scale of the area covered was such an amazing sight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was the best we could have ever expected. We received great advice on shopping and prices, ate at local restuarants that we would never have visited, or found, had he not been there, he had a great deal of local and historical knowledge and a sense of humour that never diminished. Such a dedicated group leader would be difficult to find again. Arranging a ride on a water buffalo has to be a once in a lifetime event and drinking the beer in the old Hanoi quarter while sitting on the tiny seats on the pavement like the locals, made you feel as if you were part of the daily activity in Hanoi. Such a time could only be experienced with the help of a truely wonderful group leader, should I return to Vietnam I would like to have Danh with me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go to Vietnam! There is plenty to experience and there are places to see that are only in Vietnam. The main thing I would recommend is that you should go now while there is still a lot of Vietnamese way of life to see before the tourist industry becomes too dominant. Get on your bike and go!
HIGHLANDS OF SRI LANKA
Highly recommended. A beautiful country and a beautiful way to see it. The tour was well organised, the accommodation was as described, and the Sri Lankan people were friendly and welcoming. Try and see it now before the extra 50 000 new hotel beds come online in the next year or so. The lack of a sophisticated tourist infrastructure is part of the charm of the country.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many inspirational moments -The cave paintings of Dambulla and the fortress of Lion Rock are world class attractions. The midnight walk to Adam's Peak was unforgettable - tough and maybe not entirely enjoyable but an experience. Also the sheer beauty of the highlands was memorable. The Horton Plains national park and the following train trip dropping from the highlands to the coast in two hours was spectacular - surely a contender for the best short train trip in the world.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sujan was an excellent tour leader. He worked tirelessly to ensure that we had the best opportunities to experience Sri Lanka. When there were unforseen difficulties due to weather, road closures etc. he always had a backup plan. Plus he had great sense of humour. He deserves credit for making the trip so enjoyable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Due to unseasonal heavy rain the terrain was a lot rougher than described in the trip notes. Consequently proper hiking boots (and probably a walking pole) are necessary. This also meant that the trip grading was tougher than described at the time.
CYCLING CUBA
I would have liked a more relaxed pace with more sight seeing opportunities. Patriotic day in Santiago was not to anyones liking and more of the city would have been good to explore. Another day in Trinidad would have been good as there was no opportunity to see this if you went on the Catamaran trip. Snorkelling opportunities would have been good, and a days rest at the sea would have been a bonus
Most Inspirational Moment
Snorkelling on the Catamaran trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent guide with a lot of encouragement and good humour. He had a difficult situation with a member of the group who had severe mental health issues, and did the best he could to help her and help us having to deal with the problems. He was very inclusive and mindful of a member who had a hearing deficit. Very professional and very proud of his country. His sense of humour and grasp of the english language was commendable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Protein bars would have been advisable. In the information provided it said bring snacks, but energy bars would have helped with the tough days, and the somewhat bland food.
ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA
THE trip of a lifetime, itinery exceeded expectations AND so did the weather!
Most Inspirational Moment
A true expedition cruise aboard the excellent Vavilov (better than sister ship Ioffe because of its panoramic lounge)Highlights wereThe weather... and the changing lightStanding amongst 150.000 King penguins on South Georgia plus the Macaronis, Adeles Chinstraps and MagellenicsThe squadrons of Albatross and other birds surrounding the shipThe awesome vastness and remoteness of AntarticaSeeing Orca Humpbacks Dolphins and standing amongst fur seals and Elephant seals and their pupsThe glaciers icebergs growlers and pack ice The desolate remains of old whaling stations ... a poignant reminder of our past and a photographers delight
Thoughts on Group Leader
No exodus leader as such, Aaron the ships leader(A ONE Ocean director) was enthusiastic charming and authorative and his team of photographers, lecturers and wildlife experts were very informative, food was plentiful if a little too American eg sweetcorn with salmon and sweet cherry soup! The pastry chef was AWESOME!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a travel mug to wander about the decks with your coffee/hot chocolate, towels and shampoo and conditioner are provided, as is a bathrobe. Rooms have decent fridge and tea making facilities . There are duty free shops in Ushaia to buy booze and one person bought 2 cases of wine on board!Take loads of camera memory! A laptop too to edit photos on the sea days.Take layers ..weather very changeable. "2 pairs of gloves a good idea and high factor sunscreen due to Ozone hole and good quality sunglasses.I took a monopod and would take a tripod again and even invest in a GOPro for some awsome time lapse photos of penguin colonies . The binoculars for hire were good quality Bushells as was the dripak for rib tranfers to shore which can be very wet.. so some sort of camera protection is essential. The wetskins clothing and thermal boots were good quality.Keep your fingers crossed as the internal flights have low baggage allowances ... my camera gear alone weighed 15kg but fortunately my carry on was not weighed although another traveller was caught.My Hotties hand warmers were excellent and would take again.Capture pictures of you fellow travellers in their bright red outfits... they provide interest and scale to photos and look great