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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14460 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Heather Hayes

Reviewed December 2015

Magical highlights of Southern India

The ‘Spice Trail’ gave us a wonderful opportunity to see the best parts of the Kerala and Tamil Nadu mountains. Our days of trekking were not too long and we were rewarded by the finest Keralan cuisine by Santosh’s ‘crew’. We have not had better food since we left the hills. Whilst we climbed 100m to 2630m over a few days the pace was slow and deliberate and none of the group found it at all difficult. Whilst we spotted tiger, leopard, deer and elephant prints and pooh we were not blessed with sightings! In Thekkady the Periyar tiger sanctuary guide was outstanding as was Abraham in his spice garden and Mr Sheril showed us how to cook up a feast at his Bar-B-Que cooking school. Back to the bigger cities was a bit of a shock from the quiet of the forests and tea plantations, however we thoroughly enjoyed the touristy bit of the holiday with temple visits and interesting highlights of life in Kerala. The trip took in all aspects of travel here with the tented camps, a houseboat stay, a beach side homestay and several very nice hotels. Overall the trip has given us a great feel for this part of India and a thirst for a return – perhaps to the North next time. Oh please don’t let the leeches put you off – nothing that ‘leech socks’ and a handful of salt or snuff couldn’t fix!!

Most Inspirational Moment

There was too much going on to say that any one 'moment' was the most inspirational. Reaching the summit of the 2nd peak; wondering if the tiger was stalking when we saw the very recent paw print; the beauty and scale of the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple; the calm of the backwaters from the houseboat; the amazing murals of The Mattancherry Palace; and of course the amazing Keralan food!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santosh was fantastic. We were a small group of 5 Brits of similar age - a possible challenge for any tour guide, however San read us all perfectly. He showed great judgement where he 'rewrote' the trip agenda to suit the weather, which washed out two of our campsites. He improvised on a 'day off' with a really interesting jeep tour of a tea plantation and 'found' hotel rooms for us all. His knowledge and experience as a guide, gained over many years of working with tour companies, was extensive and he carefully explained as we went along and also answered the many questions we had about life in modern India.

Eleanor Freckleton

Reviewed December 2015

Iceland Northern Lights

This was a superb, action-packed holiday. And now that I have seen some of Iceland, I want to go back and see more of the island. Each day was full to the brim with different sights and experiences. We didn’t see the lights (well, only a faint line in the sky) but that didn’t spoil the holiday for me given the sheer beauty of the sights which we took in over the course of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't limit myself to one single sight. Instead, I will pick the day when we visited the Seljalandfoss waterfall (it was fascinating to walk behind this waterfall), the green house project for the best tomato soup lunch ever, the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, the hot spouts at Geysir, and finally walking along the fault line of the tectonic plates at the national park. It was completely dark for this last stop but we did the short walk as a group and had some fantastic laughs along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibi was fantastic. Her style was very much understated but she made sure we knew what we needed to know, without "being on top of us". She was always on hand if we needed extra equipment, e.g. letting us know when we would need the (Exodus supplied) spikes for walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only downside for me is that there was limited opportunity to explore Reykjavik itself. We drove through it early morning when everything was shut and I would love to go back and see more. Therefore, adding on extra days at the start or end of the trip would be a good option.

Eileen Newman

Reviewed December 2015

colours of rajasthan

An adventure a day..utterly brilliant. We saw a tiger at close quarters, walked at dawn to a Hindu Temple, queued early to see the Taj Mahal at its best..an endless variety, an insight into India, and fun besides

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I begin ? Sitting just feet from a male tiger for almost an hour, a cultural show held in a Haveli, Pushkar Camel Fair, the inlaid stones of the Taj Mahal...being part of worship in Hindu Temple, a boat trip in Udaipur...I cannot isolate one episode.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having done perhaps a dozen Exodus trips, Harish our guide was probably the best. He was fun, passionate about his country, so caring and willing to adapt to our needs. He seemed to have endless ideas up his sleeve, offering us all sorts of possibilities. We loved the long journeys, so much to see and learn...especially about the wildlife. A first class leader who always went that extra mile.He even arranged a trip for us, as we arrived a day early,what more could you ask for ??

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take few, loose clothes. Keep lots of 10 rupee notes handy for tips in the toilets. Imodium were a good idea, as well as hand gels.Just enjoy it all... There are quite a few opportunities to get laundry done,amazingly efficiently and cheaply. The roads are dusty, so a scarf might be handy at times.

Aisling Ni Bhroin

Reviewed December 2015

Everest base Camp and gokyo lakes

I had an amazing holiday with Exodus around trekking to Everest base camp and which included Gokyo Lakes.
The trek left from kathmandu and was a 16 day trek in total. We were met with our amazing host Ngima at the Hotel Singhi in Kathmandu. He joined us on the first day for breakfast, sat with us and chatted for an hour, and stayed with us for the following 16 days round the clock. He was absolutely fantastic. He was so supportive to all of us, always looking out for everyone. We knew we ould call on him in the middle of the night if we were ill. This is quite a tough trek, and not one I would like to do without a guide. Ngima and our team of guides and sheraps amde this trip so enjoyable. They not only guided us, and helped us through the tough climbs, (and I could not have done the Chola pass without them), but they looked after us when we became ill and made sure our stay was as comfortable as possible. Ngima really did go out of his way to make sure we had a good experience. He even brought us on a night out in Kathmandu and stayed with us until we all got to the airport to fly back home. It was wonderful to do this trek with Ngima, knowing that he was there to help if anything went wrong.
We climbed to Namche bazaar, and from there did the tour of the gokyo lakes which were stunning. We were lucky to have a great group travelling with us from the UK which made the trip so enjoyable. From here we climbed the Chola pass. Oh my goodness, that was tough! Not for the faint hearted! it was the most difficult part of the trip but Im so glad I did it. I couldn’t have done it without the guides who held my hand all the way up that mountain and helped me reach the top! They have unswerving patience! Everest base camp seemed so easy when compared to the Chola pass! And we skipped all the way downhill back to kathmandu from there!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the summit of the Chola pass. I could finally breathe, relax, and take in the beauty around me, it's so stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

I love Ngima!!! He is just incredible! So attentive to all of us. He didn't miss a beat! There is nothing he wouldn't do for us. And he is so much fun too! He made our trip as great as it was. We were so lucky to have him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're scared of heights, avoid the Chola pass! And take the easier route to Everest base camp! But if you can brave it, its well worth it! Bring lot's of paracetamol with you for headaches! Oh and bring a hot water bottle with you! it keeps you lovely and toasty on those cold nights Oh nd bring a pack of cards.......

Jenelle Collette

Reviewed December 2015

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

This trip really was amazing every few days you felt like you were somewhere new, it was a trip that offered so much variety. One day your surrounded by tea plantations and then by the end of the day your on the tropical coast. There was a good mix of culture and amazing scenery. Great like minded group which made each day easy and fun. I would recommend this for everyone, apart from going up the hill to Ooty (that was really tough) you didn’t need a huge amount of fitness, I hadn’t done that much training before and managed fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down hill from Ooty was amazing, the super tall trees in the mist were so special. The sunset and sunrise on the houseboat was also fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph was great, he really knew what he was doing and gave good advise on what to expect each day in terms of the traffic and riding terrain. When we had free time he would always be happy to help with suggestions and arrangements. He was also very aware and caring when people got sick offering advice and suggesting what to take to help etc. All the extra food places he took us to or suggested were great. Joseph as well as Rindu (assistant) and Michael (driver) were very professional and had obviously done the trip many times before as everything ran smoothly with out to much fuss. Thanks for a great trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own water bottle for the bike, some people didn't have them and the standard plastic water bottles would fall off the bike while cycling.

Constance Adams

Reviewed December 2015

Colours of Rajasthan

Thank you, Exodus, for a wonderful trip to India! My friend and I were the only two Americans on the trip, but it was wonderful to learn of the similarities and differences not only of us and our fellow travelers, but of the people of India as well. We are all people with many of the same dreams and needs. Life in India is very different from what I am used to, but that’s why we travel, to broaden our knowledge of our world. This trip surely accomplished that.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two--seeing the Taj Mahal, which I truly believe is the most beautiful thing man has ever built, and seeing a tiger in the wild, which is surely one of God's most beautiful creatures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was a wonderful leader. I truly felt cared for and watched after. He was great at explaining the Indian way of life, which was invaluable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your mind and heart open.

Arlene Mansoor

Reviewed December 2015

Well & truly worth the views

Loved my week in Morocco & up in the Atlas Mountains. Hassan, our guide, was exceptional. It was hard work & you definitely need to be fairly fit. But for all those days walking up & down, the views were worth it, especially in winter.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Mount Toubkal! (& making it down again in one piece)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect. Hassan was incredibly knowledgable having grown up in the mountains. He kept us entertained, was up for a laugh and never gave up on me. It was a hard slog. Him and Mohammed were just great. Exodus are very lucky to have such people working with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is demanding. You need to be fit. Walking uphill for prolonged periods was hard. Don't think you can wing it!

Gay Leggett

Reviewed December 2015

Discover Costa Rica

A holiday of contrasts. This trip takes you from the Caribbean to the Pacific and back. This was a bird spotting trip of a lifetime. In total between us we spotted 180 birds including the elusive quetzal. We walked in rain forests, we floated on waterways and mango swamps and we sped through delightful mountains. We woke up to the sounds of howler monkeys and bird song and we went to sleep to the chink chink of the frogs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting watching the humming birds in front of our lodge. Saying hi to the agouti mundi in our garden. Zip wiring over the rain forest canopy. Trekking to the second waterfall. Swimming in the hot springs at night during a thunder storm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was so enthusiastic about the birds. He worked hard to ensure we spotted as many as possible. He also made sure that the expectations of the non-birders were met by balancing birding with cultural and social information. Our driver Orlando was also great, he kept the bus immaculate, and was always at the door to lend a hand out and he did his fair share of bird spotting too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, take waterproofs and if possible waterproof luggage because it does rain and walking boots. Make sure you book your seats on the plane. Try to avoid travelling via United States airports , the immigration process and security is confusing and takes a couple of hours. So unnecessary for people in transit.

Josephine Lord

Reviewed December 2015

Great walking holiday

Fantastic week’s break in southern Spain; well organised; strong walking in ideal temperatures. Just what we were looking for.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the high ridges of Aitana with magnificent views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose is an excellent leader. His enthusiasm for and knowledge of the area was inspiring. His attention to detail as particularly memorable especially in the sandwich that he provided for our lunch often eaten on high mountain ridges.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get reasonable fit and bring walking poles.

Darrell Stocks

Reviewed December 2015

Fun and Enjoyable

This was my fourth exodus cycling trip and the ‘routine’ was the same, across different countries. I’m impressed by the way Exodus find the excellent leaders and support staff. The bikes do the job, but don’t expect perfection – even so I wouldn’t contemplate bringing my own bike. The cycling is easyish for the fit and challenging (but doable) for others given the heat, especially. The main hill with all its bends I would equate to Alpe d’Huez. Some had to hop on the bus – but don’t let that put you off.

India and its traffic is unique and not for the nervous rider, but ride in a straight line and follow the cyclist in front and be aware and you will come to enjoy the manic experience. But there were lots of byways and some great views over the mountains at times.

We had some excellent food,much better than on the Rajistahn (don’t let me put you off) trip and in some ‘interesting’ local roadside eateries. Eat before inspecting the kitchens is my advice! I came to no harm.

Most Inspirational Moment

India (and Sri Lanka) is/are so different to the West and I can't believe that people wouldn't be inspired by this amazing country. Most of the people don't have what we have, yet they are charming, excited, genuinely pleased to see you. It is embarrassing to appear to have so much when compared to their simpler lives (I hope I'm not being patronising). Being able to cycle from coast to coast is amazing and to experience the contrast between east and west India. A real highlight was the overnight trip/stay on a boat in the Backwaters. A time to chill.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As always the guides, leader, assistants, mechanics, water bottle fillers and driver etc were magnificent (all 4 of them). How they cope with us daft europeans only they can say!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Things don't always runs smoothly. Chill out. Go with the flow. Enjoy. Previous reports had said you couldn't always get a beer at the end of the day dues to laws/culture. Our leader had it all sorted and clearly we had a few 'alcoholics' on this trip judging by all the bottles loaded on the bus. This trip could have been named the 'Kingfisher' tour due to the numbers of these birds we saw in kerela and the number of bottles of this wonderful Indian lager that were used to rehydrate!

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