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.

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14521 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Angela Fenwick

Reviewed February 2018

Snow shoe walking in the Catalan Pyrenees

I really enjoyed my holiday: I have never been away in the snow before – choosing to go south for better weather – and was pleasantly surprised at how much the environment drew me in. I can’t highlight enough the beauty of the area. We had a few days of quite warm weather with some snow and then the last two days, after heavy snow fall, were just magical: the sound and silence of the snow was mesmerising and I will never forget it. Our group leader, Miguel, inspired confidence and was attentive to all our disparate needs. The first hotel (Victor) was really lovely (great food and hospitality); the second was not so good, but this was found at the last minute after our scheduled hotel had a fire.

Overall a great week from which I returned calm and rejuvenated.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pinpoint any one inspirational moment. Each day we went on walks that inspired me and the group leader organised visits to people who were doing inspirational things in the Pyrenees to create work and keep traditional crafts going. I found the rhythm of the walks rather meditative, especially in the snow: soothing, uplifting and inspiring, whilst at the same time being quite hard at times.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on a number of Exodus holidays and have high expectations of the group leaders. Miguel did not disappoint: he designed very different walks each day; was attentive to all our very different needs and never failed to inspire us with his love of the mountains. I think it is really difficult to run these types of group holidays where, inevitably, people have different levels of fitness etc. Two of our group were unable to join us for the majority of the walks but Miguel organised other walks for them to do each day. We had a day off and he spent lots of time helping everyone to organise things to do. Over and above the walks he engaged us in the local history, environment etc which enhanced our understanding of this beautiful area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy it.... Don't worry if you haven't snow shoed before: you will get used to it in a couple of days! Make sure you are fit to climb: I broke a toe a few days before we went so did struggle a little sometimes.

John Aldous

Reviewed February 2018

Costa Rica Coastal Secrets

This is a fabulous tour which I highly recommend to anyone. It takes you across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to Pacific Coasts, experiencing a wide variety of scenery and habitats, from humid rain forests and lowlands to cool cloud forests. Our tour was well organised with an excellent tour leader and driver. Everything went exactly to plan! You stay for two or three nights in most places, so there is time to appreciate things and not feel too rushed. Travel in the small bus was comfortable, apart from a few short sections of bumpy roads, which is all part of the experience! Walks are easy and taken at a comfortable pace.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights for me included seeing dolphins following our small boat in Drake 's Bay, the calls of howler monkeys in the rainforest and seeing racoons, sloths, toucans, macaws and capuchin monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Gio, enthused us all with his love of his country, people and the natural world. He took us on a number of nature walks and showed great skill and knowledge in finding and identifying the huge variety of wildlife on show. He was calm, well organised and attentive to the needs of all members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend spending a little on a night time nature walk at Drake's Bay (this can be organised through the lodge). This gives another perspective on the rain forest, giving you a chance to see frogs, spiders and snakes.

Peter Rooke

Reviewed February 2018

A great introduction to Chile

A great way to experience four completely different parts of Chile.
There’s lots of travelling on this trip but at a reasonable pace.
All our flights went like clockwork; no hitches or delays.
Most of the hotels used have changed for the 2018 season and we had no complaints – all were fine.

One of the reasons we chose this Exodus trip is because many of the excursions and activities included in this trip are charged as extras by other travel companies. It’s worth shopping around and comparing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tough question - among many great moments some that stand out are our first sight of the Andes as we flew into Santiago; the salt lakes of the Atacama; the Osorno volcano and the Lake District; Patagonia - the whole of Patagonia - particularly the Torres del Paine National Park. We did the Easter Island extension and that was amazing too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Robert was friendly and efficient - making sure transport arrangements worked smoothly. He had a fund of information and stories about Chile which helped pass the time on some of the longer drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The optional Zodiac boat trip is worthwhile, you see a glacier close up and it's an enjoyable day. We were a little apprehensive beforehand but they provide long, warm waterproof jackets. We needed them primarily as a windproof layer as we didn't get wet at all. Also, you're only on small boats for a fairly short time before transferring to a larger boat. It felt safe and well organised. Take a sunhat and plenty of sunscreen. It's easy to underestimate the high UV factor in Patagonia due to the cool breeze. Pack/wear layers: it's cold at the El Tatio geysers before sunrise but then gets hot quickly. When packing think of it as the equivalent of travelling from the Sahara to summer in northern Norway. Take a water/wind proof jacket, fleece, gloves, warm hat and a sunhat. In Patagonia we went from wearing a woolly hat to a sunhat in a couple of hours. Heavy walking boots would be overkill for this trip. Good walking shoes are fine; there isn't a lot of walking and it's on good paths. Carry insect repellent with you: most of Chile was fine, although we encountered some mosquitoes in Patagonia (on the Zodiac trip), and there can be horse flies at Petrohue Lake (the name means place of the flies). Easter Island has mosquitoes too. Be aware of the altitude in the Atacama. San Pedro is fine, but both the Miscanti and Miniques lakes and the El Tatio geysers are higher (although you're only there for a fairly short time). We were a little disappointed with Chilean food; they're rather fond of cheese and ham. It's worth hunting out places to eat. Estaka in San Pedro was pricey but good (go through to the quieter area at the back); there's a decent pizzeria near the hotel in Santiago and the Liguria restaurant in the next street is good too. There's a good pizzeria on the square in Puerto Natales. Do the Easter Island extension! It's well worth it. You can get an Easter Island stamp in your passport if you ask at the post office in Hanga Roa. Our room at the O'Tai hotel was basic (with A/C), the hotel has lovely gardens and a pool, a very tranquil place and very, very well located (very helpful staff too.). If you're visiting Easter Island look out for James Grant-Peterkin's book, 'A Companion to Easter Island' it's very informative and portable.

Helen Hand

Reviewed February 2018

Wonderful,..but no hairdryer!

This trip had it all, three amazing countries, good accommodation, wonderful food, excellent company and the most personable, knowledgable, competent guides. We crossed two borders, changed bikes and teams and had one unfortunate incident but all was dealt with professionally and seamlessly. Nut, Mr Tao, Kong, Linn and all those whose names I have forgotten, or cannot spell, were so lovely, they managed to stay cheerful, introduced us to some fantastic eating places, kept us all fed watered and entertained throughout. I think Nut’s guitar playing had the edge over Linn’s singing but both were memorable.
All three counteries have so much history, it was truly fascinating and left us wishing we had longer to explore. We learnt so much about rice growing, tapioca, rubber, palm sugar, knife making, spring roll making and the effects of snake wine (don’t try it wearing Lycra Rob). I also learnt how to survive two nights without a hairdryer, helmet head is not a pretty sight!
Based on this whistle stop experience we shall certainly return, the cycle Vietnam trip is calling! A big thank you to everyone from Exodus, and to the other wonderful people on the trip for making the whole experience so memorable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The killing fields. How did the world allow that to happen. Cycling through the little villages in Vietnam was just beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just throw yourself into it and make the most of every moment.

Lisa Colton

Reviewed February 2018

A fantastic trip!

This review is for the week of 14th-21st January 2018
The whole week was truly amazing. Our hosts Martii and Tiia were fantastic and ensured we had the best holiday possible. Everyone’s dietary requirements were taken care of and all of the activities were so much fun. For me the Husky dog sledding was a memory that will last me a lifetime. The Northern Lights made an appearance on the plane ride home which was the perfect end to a fabulous trip. If you want to know about it in more detail please feel free to click on the below link which is a my blog for the week! Enjoy!
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4016466253369531842#editor/target=post;postID=5310183189617508352;onPublishedMenu=publishedposts;onClosedMenu=publishedposts;postNum=0;src=link

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky Dogs!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martii and Tiia - the best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't wear a ton of layers if you go Fat Biking! Even I sub zero temperatures you will be boiling!

Neil McIntyre

Reviewed February 2018

As good as it gets

This trip surpassed my previous Exodus bike trips by a country mile. The scenery was truly outstanding, the cycling manageable while challenging and it was organised and supported in the most exceptional way by the local team. I could not recommend it too highly.

Most Inspirational Moment

You never grew tired of the outstanding views of volcanoes, dotted amongst the most extraordinary lakes and dramatic scenery. Some of the off-road ascents were tough, especially with gravel interleaved with stones and in the heat, but the challenge was inspiring and the pace was comfortably pitched accommodate a diverse group. We did the trip in January 2018; the weather was exceptional (many days about 20-25 degrees, although it did get hot (over 35 degrees) on a few days. I don't believe a single person on our trip (15 of us in all) found it anything other than exceptional.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our day to day leaders had a maturity and confidence that worked wonderfully for our group. They were continually thinking about the support for the group, and when issues arose, as they inevitably do, they addressed them quickly and efficiently. The back-up team with van, coffee stops, hotel support etc was also first class.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Rest days can be that if you want but there are so many opportunities to try other activities. We tried kayaking one day and climbed an active volcano on the other. Both excellently delivered by local guides who provided all the kit, advice and support you need.

Diane Smith

Reviewed February 2018

Cycling and so much more.

This is a cycling trip for anyone of average cycling ability, or above, who also wishes to sample all the culture sights, sounds and tastes that beautiful Sri Lanka has to offer. Accommodation varies from simple guest houses to nice hotels, but it is as stated in the trip notes and perfectly adequate in all instances to refresh and rest after a fantastic day. The food is delicious, be it served in a street café or hotel buffet, and options for those who don’t like their food too hot are always available.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every minute spent cycling through this country is inspirational. The scenery and wildlife are awesome and the friendly locals (in particular the children) ensure you are never lonely. They will take time out of their daily schedule to wave, cheer and speak as you pass; making you feel humbled to be so welcomed to their beautiful country. Time taken to enjoy a fantastic jeep safari in Yala National Park, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, go whale watching and explore the old towns of Kandy and Galle are also extremely memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have never travelled with any other tour guide who commits himself so totally to ensuring that his clients have a fantastic holiday in the way that our guide Suresh Bandara did. His love and knowledge of his country shine through and he shares this with the group in the most enthusiastic and entertaining manner. He constantly goes the extra mile to cater for the individuals interests (for example organising two extra early morning bird walks for interested parties) and has a knack for identifying when a special occasion is being celebrated and organising a special surprise. The safety and comfort of the group are clearly paramount to him and cycling is always undertaken at a pace to suit everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. Apart from your cycling clothes you don't need a lot more. The Sri Lankan people are quite reserved so shorts which go below the knee and long light trousers are more useful than very short shorts when not cycling! You will also need long sleeves and trousers to protect against the insects at night in some locations. It is fun to haggle the price when shopping in Kandy and Galle, however you will find the hotel shop in Kandy is very good value for anything from jewellery to trousers and they are prepared to barter.

Richard Crookes

Reviewed February 2018

Thai Indochina Explorer

Sites very good, but the journey between them very drawn out.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vietnamese and Thai leaders very good, the Cambodian leader did not reach the level

Advice for Potential Travellers

Martin Pilcher

Reviewed February 2018

"Best holiday so far.........guaranteed!"

A great trip that had everything including dramatic scenery, lush countryside, wonderful cycling, adventure in a safari park, beautiful beaches and of course lots of tea!

Most Inspirational Moment

We really enjoyed the safari and seeing elephants, crocodiles and leopard in their natural habitat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh took care of our every need from the moment we arrived and met us at the airport. He goes above and beyond in ensuring that we all had a fantastic experience, taking any stress away from us so we could enjoy every moment. His excellent relationships with the locals tells you that this is someone who is well respected among the community, which in turn means you get the best out of seeing how the people live and work.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well everyone talks about that hill! My advice is to enjoy it - take it at your pace and see how you get on. If you are an accomplished rider then you will love it, if not, then it is a great challenge! There is of course the support bus always at hand. There is also the alternative of the train, for which 1st class tickets need to be booked months in advance. 2nd class tickets are available on the day but be prepared to stand the whole way! The tea and water stops are great but do not include electrolytes so you might want to take your own.

James Palmer

Reviewed February 2018

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets January 2018

This was a memorable holiday, for all the right reasons. We were interested to find out about Costa Rica’s wildlife and landscapes, and we were delighted with what we found. It was an active holiday, with quite a lot of early-morning rises, but this was more than compensated by the richness of the wildlife encounters. Our guide, Pedro, was outstanding: his knowledge, organisation, and enthusiasm were inspirational. The group, which ranged in age from 33 to 83, got on really well together, united by his passion and good humour. Accommodation was good to very good, and the food (most of which is included in the price) was also good to very good.
We experienced the full gamut of weather conditions, from tropical rain to warm temperatures and blue sunny skies.
As for organisation, the trip passed without a hitch despite certain roads being blocked by landslides and fallen trees, and we always felt safe.
There is quite a bit of travelling from one location to another.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming into close contact with so many wild animals in their natural surroundings is not an experience we are used to in Europe, and we have been lucky to return with some stunning photographs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pedro, our group leader, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, efficient, helpful, and passionate about his country. He led the group with great humour and was always willing to go the extra mile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For anyone interested in this tour, take sun cream, insect repellent, a poncho, walking boots and a good pair of trainers. It is not really a trekking holiday, but conditions can be wet and muddy. A good camera is a must. We chose to fly direct from the UK to San José rather than face the inevitable immigration queues if you fly via North America.

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