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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

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.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14232 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

An amazing experience, stunning scenery, fabulous walks and led by
Oliver, a quiet man with a great sense of humour, energy, knowledge and love of his surroundings.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, just too many, but if I have to choose, the first time Mont Blanc appeared through the clouds on the initial walk, and the later walk (climb!) to Lac Blanc - Chris For me, the moment I realised that life and its worries were blown away by the age and grandeur of the Mont Blanc range - Mel

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional in every way. His ability to communicate his knowledge, respect and love of the mountains inluding the flora and fauna was infectious. Oliver assessed the various abilities in the group with discretion and sensitivity so that the group gelled naturally and supported each other with care and humour. Oliver's second in command on some of the walks, Dylan the fox terrier was a great companion and the source of much commaradarie. Back at base camp, Elaine set you up for the day with a substantial lunch and a different home made cake every day! A three course meal had been prepared, waiting for you on your return. Heaven!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, don't doubt in your own ability to do any of the walks. The rewards are amazing. Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots. Hydration tablets in a camel pack are a good idea. Energy bars are useful. Would strongly recommend the cable car to the Aguille du Midi as early as possible (6.30am) on the free day.

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

A fantastic holiday overall. Even the weather was superb apart from a couple of short sporadic rain showers. Being in the high alpine can be a very relaxing but also spiritual experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of any high point in a range such as the Alps can be very satisfying, but to see the smiles on the faces of individuals who have achieved a summit or high col, and yet doubted their ability to do so an hour or so before, can be truly inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As a group, we had the privelege of walking with both Frank and Carrie for the first and second weeks respectively. Both walk leaders know the Alps exhaustively, are very experienced and have a vast knowlege of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a challenging walk with big ascents and descents on a daily basis. A good fitness level would be something to aim for before the start of the holiday. The weather can be alarmingly changeable so waterproofs may come in useful. Light fleeces can be useful as temperatures can fluctuate in the high alpine.

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

This was a great trip with an excellent guide [Graham] and splendid cook/driver and logistics man [Lewis].Wonderful views of the Massif; beautiful Alpine meadows and flowers; interesting historic villages; challenging [for a 73 year old!] ups and downs, but on a well-used track, with well judged stops for rests, photos and coffee with myrtle tarts at the many refuges. It was a great group [all strangers to me before, but no longer!].Excellent, spacious tents, and the tenting option made for greater camaraderie.

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to single out: the whole experience was great - the sheer sweep and size of the Alps, with pristine snow slopes [usually] above, jagged 'needles' jutting into the heavens, lovely Alpine meadows and flowers, and tracts of Alpenrose; my first close encounter with an ibex; my triumph at getting a half way decent photo of a marmot with my little 'point and shoot' camera; the 'extra' climb up to the tete [head] of a high pass [Grand Col Ferret] with 3 of the more energetic of the group, with of course 'extra' views of the fabulous Grandes Jorasses; the exhilarating, hurtling 'races' down to the valley floors, with the reward of a refreshing beer in a garden full of flowers ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham Hickman - first rate. You might reckon an ex-Formula One racing driver might have a narrow focus. Not Graham: not only was he a superb 'track' guide - reading the weather; being sensitive to how every one of a big [13 strong] group was travelling on a particular day, encouraging the weary, judging just when we could do with a break, cautioning us when the track was a bit tricky [not that there was any real exposure] etc. - he was also a fount of knowledge on the history of the area, the geology, and not bad on the vegetation. But the bottom line is the safety and comfort of the party. We had, with one small exception, benign weather, and there were no spills or damaged limbs. But had it been otherwise, I have not a skerrick of doubt that Graham would have known exactly what to do to cope with any emergency, whether an injury or severe weather.He exudes professionalism.Not to leave 'young' Lewis out of the picture. It was his first trip, and he was terrific. Didn't put a foot wrong. Cheerful and accommodating at all times, and super efficient. A pretty good cook for a Pom, and a wizard at getting everything ready for us: if he had time, he'd even put up our tents, a great boon for the weary walker. Behind the scenes Mark was there to organise everything - a relief vehicle, or extra supplies. It's a very efficient outfit all round.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get as fit as you can before the trip - it's easier than doing it as you go! You're up and down 1000 m. or more each day. But you don't have to be a tiger walker: the guide judges the pace to accommodate the group. There are some options to cope with the conditions, or any disparity in fitness within the group [see above; our group was pretty cohesive,though].Listen to the guide's advice. Graham's best tip to me was to buy a couple of walking poles in Chamonix on the first afternoon [I never use them in Oz, but they were absolutely invaluable on this trip]. If he recommends, extra clothing, say, get it! And put it in your day pack!

Reviewed August 2012

Wonderful views, food and people!

What made this holiday amazing was the delicious food, the lovely local people, the attentive, enthusiastic and charismatic tour leader, the beautiful views, the sense of achievement at the end of every walking day, thoroughly fun fellow travel companions and Firewater! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every walking day when we were about to descend from the wall, looking back at the long distance we had just covered and knowing without a doubt that the sweat and [small amount of] blood (look out for hidden lose stones!) was totally worth it all. Then looking out in front and seeing the wall continue over the mountains ahead and realising there is still so much left to discover.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin is a genuinely lovely and attentive leader. He is very knowledgable and answered all the questions we posed. He was very accommodating and when someone asked whether noodles was a popular dish in China as we hadn't seen any being eaten yet, we had it at our meal the next day! Nothing was a problem for him and he was always cheerful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As you've probably read in previous reviews, take toilet paper/wet wipes! Most toilets (often of the squatting variety) had no paper, including the bathrooms in accomdation. I took snacks, but actually it was unnecessary as we got plenty to eat at meals and Kevin bought us fruit to eat during the trip. Take a towel.The walkng mostly involves steep ascents and descents (and a lot of stairs). Parts of it is challenging, but after a couple of days of walking you get used to it all. Often there were options for people cut the walk short should they feel like they have walked enough already. Also, should you for any reason not want to walk on any of the days, then this wasn't a problem either. Don't let the thought of not being fit enough put you off! There were plenty of breaks. Coffee-lovers take instant coffee, there's always hot water available at mealtimes.You will have to wear long trousers at least once because of long vegetation on the paths (including some stingy nettles). It's worth having a long sleeved top with you in your bag when you will be walking through the vegetation as some people were all scratched up. I benefited a lot from zip off trousers. Take an alarm clock, there are plenty of early starts! If you can't use chopsticks, then take a fork and spoon (often there were none available). Don't worry about not fitting into the group. There were plenty of solo travellers in our group. These types of holidays are pretty self-selective, wanting to walk the Great Wall of China already gives you something in common with the others. Further, eating together, walking together and Firewater will help bond friendships quickly!

Reviewed August 2012

THE AMALFI COAST

A new experience for me-my first walking holiday! Very hard on day one but by day six I found myself saying…..I’m really enjoying this! Extremely well organised and fantastically led by Christine Rooney.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving day one! I found it a battle, but the feeling I got from my achievements was very rewarding. The amazing places I saw made it worthwhile and if I didn't make the effort I would never have experienced them - not even through photographs, they really don't compare with reality.

Thoughts on Group Leader

OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Her knowledge about the history and culture was second to none - thanks Christine x

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep focused-even during the hard times. I counted the number of steps, which gave me something to focus on rather than how difficult it felt. I won't tell you how many steps......I will let you find out yourselves. For those that suffer from travel sickness - I recommend Travella natural tablets - they definitely work on the journey back from Amalfi, which is winding to say the least. Lastly, although its tiring try not to miss any of the walking days especially day 4 - absolutely beautiful ; )

Reviewed August 2012

THE AMALFI COAST

A very well organised trip. Christine, our guide, was extremely knowledgable on the local history and understood the local culture completely. The walks were pitched at just the right level, even with the heat of August!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were fantastic and the food......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was brilliant. Totally understanding of the local culture and people. She has immersed herself in this and is able to portray an understanding back to her guests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you read the notes take into account the effects of the heat. We travelled in August and it was hot!!

Reviewed August 2012

DISCOVER NAMIBIA

This camping trip was a brilliant way to truly explore this amazing country and to share the experience with wonderful like-minded travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to just pick one; the amazing 'live theatre' of wildlife at Okaukuejo waterhole at midnight (2 mins from campsite) at Etosha NP, beautiful colours of Africa, friendly and welcoming people, at the top of the golden sand dune at sunrise, quirky campsites in the middle of nowhere, meals round the camp fire, our tour leader and crew ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie was amazing; very organised but in relaxed not regimented way, knowledgeable about his country, funny, interested in his travel group, great team leader for the camp crew. I felt very safe and relaxed on this holiday thanks to the crew, despite travelling on some very remote roads and camping in the wilds of Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

July is their winter so pack well for the evening, particularly camping, as it gets v cold. The trip notes need greater clarity so def take at least season 3 sleeping bag, fleece liner and base layer. Camping was a brilliant experience if you were warm. You will need layers for the day from windproof outer layer and fleece to t-shirts and shorts. Lots of early mornings as the sun rises when it's cold and then quite hot during the day. Remember to take a head torch too. Tents were basic but superb!

Reviewed August 2012

THE AMALFI COAST

An excellent holiday with great walking, company, and food. It was our first walking holiday and I would recommend it to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the walks were spectactular. The food and hospitality of the hotel were great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was excellent! She was good fun and she really knew the walks and the area well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think that this is a great holiday for walkers of all levels. The walks are all interesting and the pace is gentle enough for anyone. The holiday is suitable for all ages and also for both couples and singles. Some of the walks are quite hard on the knees, probably worth bearing in mind if you have problems.

Reviewed August 2012

BORNEO WILDLIFE DISCOVERER

An amazing experience. We came so close to wildlife it was awesome.

Most Inspirational Moment

We took an extended river cruise down river, as our guide had been told of a herd of pygmy elephants quite a long way away. Just when we were begining to think we wouldn't see any, we found them. At first we could only hear them & see the tops of their backs over the grasses. Then one stopped to feed and kindly ate & cleared the way so we could see him clearly. A huge creature stood right in front of us. We were so close it was absolutely amazing. The wild orang-utans were also an amazing sight. We saw a mum & baby near the entrance to Gamatong cave. Then we saw a few more in the trees along Kinabatangan River from a distance. But when we were at Danum Valley we came so close it was unbelievable. The first day there, we were stood watching a mum and baby feeding from a very close distance for quite a long time. And then on the morning trek the day we were leaving we came even closer to a young male. We watched him eating fruit, hanging upside down, spitting out the seeds & watching us. Awesome!!We went on this trip not expecting but hoping to see as much as possible. They are wild animals after all. But in the first 2 weeks it just seemed to get better and better. Our list of sightings: Rafflesia flowering, flying squirrel, scorpions, western tarsier, proboscis monkeys, long & short tailed macaques, red leaf & silver leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, orang-utans (11 wild + the ones at the sanctuaries), crocodiles, pygmy elephants, samber deer, mouse deer, civets, gibbon, pit vipers, red bellied viper, turrantulas, marbled cat, bat exodus (at deer cave), flying lemur, Irrawady dolphins. Plus lots of different insects and beautiful birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zahari was brilliant. He couldn't have done more for any of us. He was a brilliant spotter and showed us lots of things we wouldn't possibly have seen had he not been there. He is passionate about birds/animals, his country & it's people and he could tell us facts about most of the things he showed us. He was happy to be seeing all the amazing things himself and even happier to be sharing these things with us.Thank you Zahari.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our first week was dry but we still encountered leeches. Quite a lot actually!! Leech socks are a must. We bought ours whilst we were there for about £6 and I'm glad we did. When the rain did start I was glad we took ponchos. Great cover for our backpacks and cameras as well as ourselves. There were a few single travellers on our trip, but we all got on great and ate (& drank) together most nights. We were in a group so if you wanted company it was there, or if you decided to be alone sometimes you could be.The long walk through the jungle on day 5 was a 9(ish) km walk. It took us just less than 6 hours. The trip is definately a moderate activity level as it includes quite a bit of walking, mostly on uneven surfaces up and down hills in very hot, humid weather.We did the optional trips, paid camera fees, ate street food and at restaurants, bought souveniers and drank lots of beer all for about £350 each for the 3 weeks.

Reviewed August 2012

INCA TRAIL, TITICACA & NAZCA

One of the best trips in the world. Well organized and conducted. Spectacular views of the Andes. A great way to learn about the cultures of Peru – Inca, pre-Inca and current.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving Dead Woman's pass and of course the view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The sunset and then sunrise on the mountains as seen from the camp at the top of Phuyupatamarca Pass was spectacular. Dining on "Canadian" trout on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca was a treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene is passionate about the history and cultures of Peru and was eager to share his knowledge. He is well organized and handled whatever challenges came up with ease. We would enjoy any trip with him. Wilson was also very helpful on the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take it slow. There is plenty of time and it is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. We are mid 50's and were not too far behind our younger friends. This trip's pace of 5 days is much better than other tours with only 4 days. Use poles - the steps can be brutal.

Prev 1 … 1,239 1,240 1,241 1,242 1,243 … 1,424 Next