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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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Sara Harrop

Reviewed April 2016

On top of the world

A fantastic trip which left our group under India’s spell and eager to return for more. This was despite disappointing weather. We experienced mega thunder storms, gales, a hail storm and far more than our fair share of mist and fog. The toilet tent blew down one night in a gale. It could have been a disaster, yet all of our group managed to leave with entirely positive impressions. This was down to a) One day of clear bright sunshine when all the mountains appeared as if by magic; b) a fantastic sense of camaraderie between group members, the guides, cooks and pony men, c) delicious food, d) friendly local people and a great introduction to the culture; e) lovely characterful hotels that felt palatial after sleeping in a cold, damp tent for a week.

A lot of people seem to think a trip to India is as good as a crash diet – but not if you go on this trip! Anyone would have thought that the delicious, varied, piping hot and beautifully presented meals had been prepared in a plush kitchen rather than a windswept tent in the middle of nowhere! They even managed a perfectly iced birthday cake baked over a camping stove at 3500m.

Exodus seems to have chosen the accommodation particularly well on this trip. The Himalayan Hotel in Kalimpong was a firm favourite, but the Netuk House in Gangtok was also gorgeous and the Sherpa Lodge in Rimbik at the end of the trek (described as basic in the trip notes) is a delightful place in flower filled gardens with comfy rooms with pretty quilts on the beds, en-suite bathrooms and real toilets. The Hilton could not have felt finer.

The walking is not too difficult and the paths are good with plenty of interesting flowers and bird life even if you can’t see the mountains. The altitude is not too bad. It’s a good combination of feeling that you’ve done something without feeling too stretched and exhausted.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day the fog cleared and the mountains appeared. We saw Kanchenjunga and Makalu, Lhotse and Everest. Our campsite above Sandakphu was spectacular. At sunset, the clouds sank far below and a panorama of pink-tinged snow-capped mountains appeared all round. Team awestruck! We also loved our unscheduled visit to the beautiful village of Siri Khola when bad weather higher up forced us to head down. We ended up camping in one of the pony men's garden and visiting the cook's home. Everyone felt this was one of the highlights of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rajeev is a rising star. He had to cope with some difficult climactic conditions and a lot of questions. He was very helpful towards a slightly slower walker in the group, thus ensuring that we all kept together and safe. The local guides were excellent too and Rajeev had a good relationship with them and with team of cooks and pony men, showing respect and sensitivity to them at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to expect the unexpected and adapt. The hardships make the good times even better. Nights were long and cold in the tent so a good sleeping bag and lots of layers are essential. Filling a metal bottle with boiled water at night keeps you warm and provides you with safe frost-free drinking water the next day. Take plenty of hand sanitiser. A pack of cards is good for after dinner entertainment for in the mess tent as is a good repertoire of anecdotes and a sense of humour.

John Laidlow

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling in Vietnam

Great country, great leader, lovely hotels, fantastic organisation by Danh, superb group, endless fun and good cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

The endless fun provided by Danh.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic, unusual combination of superb organisational skill, fantastic networking, and a great sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with Danh!

Nicholas Hayhurst

Reviewed April 2016

Star Trek

A fabulous introduction to northern India with a great combination of trekking and sightseeing. The Trek was on good paths through delightful countryside along the border between Nepal and India; many of the trees were in blossom. We had amazing views of the Himalayan range from Sandakphu, the highest point of the trip, although visibility on other days was more limited. Supported by a fantastic team with the best chef in India – yummy! We stayed in a variety of interesting and lovely places throughout the trip with the Himalayan Hotel in Kalimpong being one of the highlights. The sleeper train was a great experience, and Calcutta was an exciting and interesting city in which to end the trip. A brilliant holiday with a lovely group of people – highly recommended

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazing views of the Himalayan massif, but also camping at and visiting the mountain village of Shri Khola.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rajeev was lovely; very helpful and patient, and sorting us all out. He quickly recognised our need for lots of tea stops! He made it all seem effortless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had severe overnight storms and needed all our warm gear on - would certainly recommend a good quality 4 season sleeping bag and good mat. Metal water bottles to use as hot water bottles were useful. The guidance says hand sanitizer is optional, but think it is probably essential for this trip.

Thomas Pritchard

Reviewed April 2016

Inca Trail

Absolutely brilliant. Met some lovely people, saw some stunning views, had a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the porters in action, carrying loads often bigger than themselves, never complaining and always smiling was even more inspirational than stunning scenery and the truly impressive history of the trail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We hit the Jackpot in our tour leader, Frank Farfan Aguilar. True gent, lovely guy and a wealth of knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some cardio training before you leave! Altitude is tough, the stone steps can take their tole on the knees but all in all not over taxing.

Joanne Crotty

Reviewed April 2016

Inca Trail in Comfort

Overall a fabulous trip that gives you a great insight into the culture and history of Peru alongside the personal challenge of the Inca Trail. Fabricio and Marcia were great guides who gave everyone the space to complete the hike in their own way. Service on the trek with respect to food and camping were also exemplary. We were very well looked after. Would highly recommend!

Most Inspirational Moment

The four days of the trek but particularly the day over Dead Woman's Pass - a great challenge and space to think!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabricio was a great leader, very knowledgable but also accommodating of the different abilities on the trek with respect to trekking and personal comfort vis a vis camping

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get the weigh down in your pack as much as possible by bringing only wicking away tops, zip off/roll up trousers, light weight trainers, spray deodorant and sachets of shampoo for hotel at the end. Also bring a small nail brush - sometimes they have them in hotel rooms to suggest you liberate one if you see one. Also a headscarf is your hair is long is much more effective than dry shampoo! Also a poncho is a must!

Roland Patterson

Reviewed April 2016

Land of the Tiger

A fantastic trip with a group of fantastic people. All our accommodation was just perfect, clean and spacious. Food was excellent throughout the tour. The wildlife was amazing. I think we were quite lucky as we saw tigers on 11 of the 15 game drives. Quite a few out in the open crossing or walking along the tracks. We even got to see a sloth bear walking along the track. The only animal we didn’t get to see was a leopard but I suppose we shouldn’t be greedy. The overnight sleeper train journey from Katni to Agra was a fun experience. Everything was clean. A bit noisy with people backwards and forwards but that’s part of the experience. Then we had Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. A must for everyone. Both beautiful sites with lovely architecture. you can’t go to India without seeing them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting a tiger before the guide and then watching it come out onto the track and slowly walk towards us as the jeep reversed. Spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Vijay is an absolute star. Nothing was too much trouble for him and everything went so smoothly. He truly has a passion for wildlife and his country. He is a wonderful asset to his company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just relax and enjoy. It is an amazing country.

Mark Watson

Reviewed April 2016

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

This was an outstanding 3-countries adventure. From landing in Managua to departing Panama City, the cycling, hotels, food, scenery and companionship was without parallel. The itinerary takes you from coast to coast, with the chance to paddle in both the Pacific and the Atlantic. The vistas are huge and varied, from primary rain forest to the hot and arid plains beyond the Continental Divide. The hotels are great and the food diverse (and adventurous as you make it).

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting a local indigenous school. We were there over Easter, so our planned visit in Costa Rica was delayed to Panama. Also, from another perspective, the Panama Canal is also up there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole experience was enhanced by Roberto, our guide. He quickly formed a bond with each group member and put us at our ease. Early starts were shared with a smiling and cheerful Roberto, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Roberto's organizational skills saw prompt departures and timely arrivals; essential for a journey of that length. Throughout his emphasis was on safety, which was very well balanced with ensuring we had memorable days. His knowledge of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama was first class, which all added to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get plenty of small dollar notes before departure, so much easier that trying to get cash en route. Bug spray not really needed and I only got bitten a couple of times. Take your own water bottles, with a covered mouthpiece, and even better one of the newer insulated versions. There are two chance for doing some laundrey - so you can pack more lightly than you usually would for 14 days.

Ian Sewell

Reviewed April 2016

Cycling Nicuragua - Costa Rica - Panama with Roberto and friends :-)

This was our second cycling trip with Exodus, and the attention to details, knowing clients needs and wishes was second to none. From start to finish we didn’t have to worry about a thing, the biggest decisions we had to make was what we were going to eat at meal times, everything else was well planned and executed by Roberto our tour leader. You certainly need a good base level of fitness, some of the climbs were long and hard, so the fitter the better, however it didn’t matter of you were last, you were looked after by the mechanic and the minibus was never that far away.

Would I recommend this trip … YES I certainly would.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were some good climbs in Panama and the scenery and wildlife on the way up was amazing .. Sloth, toucans, monkeys, and cute children. Visit to local school. Panama Canal ... What a marvel for sure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very fortunate to have Roberto as our tour leader. A man passionate about making sure his clients had an excellent holiday. He delivered on all fronts. Within 24hrs he had learnt all our names and knew the groups personalities as well as standard of cycling. Roberto loved loved cycling and the three countries we cycled through. His knowledge of the countries culture was shared, and certainly added value to the trip. He is a H&S aware, and was flexible in his plan which was always well executed. We went in the Easter break, which meant the school we had planned to go to in Nicuragua was closed, so as we passed through Panama we went to a school, it was a surprise visit for the children and teachers and first time Roberto had been there. The children were amazed to see grown men and women in Lycra... The 30 mins at the school was lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of dollars with you, although the hotels will change monies for you, and when you need to change to the local currency, dollars the easiest to exchange. If you SPD pedals and MTB shoes, there is no problem for the mechanics to fit them for you. Having the pedals certainly helped over the rather bumpy trails in Nicuragua. Two water bottles were supplied, but of you have your own with a flip dome type cover, would recommend you take it, as some tracks are rather dusty. Plenty of sun cream. Take some crayons, writing books and school stationery, as no doubt you will have the opportunity to visit a school. You cover some 1900 miles by bike and minibus, so if you do have travel sickness, take some tablets. You live out of your suitcase, and it never gets unpacked due to the frequency of moving from place to place. There were two locations for laundry, so you can afford to reduce the amount of cycling gear / clothes you take.

Michael Eddison

Reviewed April 2016

Essential Peru

As others have commented, this is a pretty tiring trip as there are a lot of long drives and some very early mornings.
In my view, this is completely essential to see the massive variety of landscapes, wildlife and views that the country has to offer and there’s no way it could be acheived in 2 weeks any other way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to Machu Picchu was the definite highlight of the trip as this was the main reason for visiting the country. The walk up the Sun Gate was unmissable. I also loved the homestay on Amantani Island. The welcome received from the islanders, the hospitality offered and the views from the optional walk to the top of the island were extremely memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Daniel was a fantastic leader. He was extremely patient with the group and communicated his knowledge of all things Peruvian in a very entertaining manner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend taking an old hat and some expendable clothing for the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. It is only apparent that there's a high likelihood of the birds creating a 'mess' when you get there and this is on Day One of the trip! The optional trip in Nazca to the Cahuachi pyramids is well worth a visit for those not taking the flight over the Nazca Lines. It was a real hidden gem but beware the dune buggy ride there could be a bit bumpy! The optional culinary experience in Cusco was one of the trip highlights. This consisted of an explanation of Peruvian foods, tasting of various dishes and the making of two dishes and a local cocktail.

Matthew Pearce

Reviewed April 2016

Trip of a lifetime

A fantastically varied trip that highlights the best that Vietnam has to offer. The hotels are great on the whole (special mention to Silk Village in Hoi An), the food is delicious and the people incredibly welcoming. If you have small children, be prepared for them to be patted, kissed, lifted up and posed for hundreds of photos! The pace is quite hectic at times with a few early starts and some long road trips, but the activities more than compensate for this. I would do it again tomorrow!

Most Inspirational Moment

Snorkelling with my 6-year old twins for the first time in open water in Nha Trang. An amazing homestay in the Mekong, where we were the only guests. Our kids helped to cook the evening meal and the wonderful guide Chinh entertained our kids all evening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He organised everything, picked some great restaurants that we would not have found ourselves and went out of his way to find some Tiger balm for us in Saigon. We even met his family. Occasionally maybe did not make enough allowances for the extra time required for organising travelling with small children.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your kids are not great at getting up early without complaint, travelling long distances and moving on frequently, this is probably not the trip for you. The War Remnants Museum in Saigon, although a highlight of the trip and a must-see exhibition, shows graphic pictures of death, mutilation and deformity and in our opinion was definitely not suitable for young children. Other than that, just book it!

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