Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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14440 Reviews
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Reviews
Reviewed July 2015
The Wide Wild West by Mike Giles
When we started serious travel over 20 years ago the USA was never near the top of our agenda, to be honest it was never on our original list of must see places at all. However with the developing world reasonably well covered our time had come to visit our cousins across the pond. We started our holiday with a couple of added days in San Francisco. Highly recommended. It is a city easily negotiated with local transport and there are sights not to be missed. You can reach the Golden Gate Bridge from the city centre using local buses, ask for a transfer and, if a senior, accept a substantial discount and proffered seat. A return walk across the 1.7 mile span of the bridge is invigorating and gives magnificent views of the harbour. Have care for the trendy cyclists who, head down, pedal the pathway looking only to knock seconds off a previous best. Cable Cars are a nostalgic way of getting to and around downtown, the boardwalks and Chinatown. The Californian line, which is the least crowded, ends close to the Holiday Inn where day passes can be purchased. With stops every couple of blocks you can hop on and hold on as the locals always did but expect to queue in the most popular spots. The National Parks visited on the tour are magnificent and each very different with a range of walks and activities to be savoured individually depending upon fitness and ability. We cannot, as others, tell of the elation of reaching Angels Landing, wallowing waist deep in the Zion Narrows or descending perilous tracks into deep canyons. However we can recount we had some wonderful peaceful hikes in breath-taking locations at our own pace and distance. Free shuttle buses are operated by park authorities which make it possible to link easy-going and moderate hiking routes to viewpoints and to otherwise enjoy full days in the park. Monument Valley, Death Valley, Lakes, Dams and the sheer magnificence of scenery just kept rolling out ahead of us as we journeyed on through what is really just a small part of the west of this immense country. We are not hedonistic travellers, preferring natural wonders and historic edifices of an ancient world than modernity, so Las Vegas held little lure for us but we were to be dumfounded by its temples devoted to Lady Luck. Based in a prestigious central hotel we were well placed to explore every other luxurious resort on The Strip. We went to Paris, Venice, Rome and Egypt all in the course of one day and two evenings. Each vista faithfully reconstructed with no expense spared, such are the profits of the relentless gaming which epitomises this city. Unbelievable! We just loved it! The final day was a drive across desert to Los Angeles where this particular trip ended at Custom Hotel LAX with an immediate evening flight for UK participants. Again we added to the schedule, pre-booked two nights there and once more made use of local transport. We joined the old hippies and young things at Santa Monica Pier, the end of Route 66, and also chilled out on Venice Beach and Boardwalk. 'They playing our song Gal?' 'Yea Man!'
Most Inspirational Moment
Monument Valley is truly inspirational but the Grand Canyon however must be our highlight, it is after all, well, much grander than the others. Awesome! You will hear this said a lot on your travels but this is really what the word is all about. You may feel the helicopter trip is a very expensive option but we took it, really enjoyed it and have no doubts whatsoever as to money well spent.
Thoughts on Group Leader
On these trips driver and courier are one, not an easy role with many long day's driving followed by checking in and admin procedures. Ron Prince was a safe and patient driver and organised the days well. He periodically stopped at (super)markets so that we could buy breakfast foods, drinks etc. whilst he shopped with the luncheon kitty. This made a great difference to the economies of the trip and the daily picnics he planned became a feature of each journey.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If there are two things we UK travellers cannot get our heads round its bargaining and tipping. The good news is you don't bargain in the West except perhaps at a local Trading Post, but then why just hit on the indigenous people? However tipping is a part of a culture you must quickly embrace especially in the leisure industry, where staff who provide services essential to your trip are poorly paid. Simply put, it is the anticipation of a generous tip which elicits the high standard of service which exists and conversely it is deserved. Not to adequately tip your waiter, maid, driver etc. on the basis of personal economy is both unfair and insulting. Unless of course you have had poor service in which case it is customary to say why you think this is so.
Pam Peers
Reviewed July 2015
Great scenery, great trek
A fantastic trek through magnificent mountains. Good campsites and great organisation from the support leader made the accommodation arrangements very comfortable for a camping trek.
Most Inspirational Moment
Crossing the two major cols into and out of Italy, whilst enjoying splendid views of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses..
Reaching le Brevent in searing heat to complete the tour. The bottle of fizz carried up the mountain by the guide was an unexpected bonus!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Charming and enthusiastic - kept us to timetable and on course, despite a few obstacles to progress. Very impressive mountain skills.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get fit - it's a demanding trek and we enjoyed it all the more because we'd worked hard to prepare ourselves.
Age is no barrier as long as you can climb the equivalent of Scafell on several days in succession.
James Treharne
Reviewed July 2015
Photographic Safari Massai Mara
An excellent holiday. The team worked tirelessly to give us the maximum opportunities to see the animals and their understanding of what photographers want was amazing. The food was first class and the tented accommodation was a revelation to me. Very comfortable and the staff made every effort to ensure our comfort. I am delighted with some of the photographs I have taken.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the animals in their natural habitat , being positioned in the best positions to photograph them.
The camp and the food were much better that I had expected.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paul, though unconventional, has taught me a lot about wildlife photography. He worked really hard to ensure that we got inspirational photographs. His photographic work and encouragement was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try to get a kit list for what photographic gear you need to take ,i.e. which lenses. Be prepared to take the minimum of clothes and use the laundry service. Take shoes which are easily removed for use in the vehicles.
Rachel Alston
Reviewed July 2015
Walking in southern Spain
A really enjoyable holiday
Most Inspirational Moment
This is a beautiful part of Spain
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alexis is a wonderful group leader
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy!
Robert Ordidge
Reviewed July 2015
Photographic Safari Kenya 22-30th June 2015
A special photographic trip to the Masai Mara led by Paul Goldstein.
Most Inspirational Moment
Really difficult to pick out one moment as there were so many. Every day brought new and different experiences from following a pride of lions with many cubs, the plight of a cheetah with four juvenile cubs trying to compete with hyenas for food, and spending time with a wonderful leopard climbing up a tree and a clumsy lioness trying to get down from one.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paul Goldstein is a recognised wildlife photographer and is a passionate and driven leader. There is no time to hang about when he is leading. He simply gets you to where the photographic opportunities are most likely to be and this is no mean achievement given the nature of wildlife. He expects a lot of himself and those that go on his trips. He is not everyones cup of tea but if you want to see and learn then you will be in for a treat.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You must understand the basics of photography and be able to adapt and quickly alter camera settings in order to get the most out of this trip. The days are long, five am till seven pm, and by the end of the trip you will be tired but very happy. This is not a trip for beginners in wildlife photography as events change so quickly and you have to be ready and prepared to change settings in order to get the best out of this trip. This is an expensive holiday and to get the most out of it you will need good gear. Any doubts hire a couple of big lenses
Fiona Mitchell
Reviewed July 2015
Taste of Cuba
Excellent introduction to Cuba. Great variety of activities in 8 Days covering Western and Central Cuba. In spite of this the tour felt relaxed.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cuban Music eating outside at local houses in Trinidad
Dan Heap
Reviewed July 2015
This is a safari on the next level from any other
There’s so many positives to say about this safari. We stayed at Kicheche Mara camp, and it was a stunning well maintained camp with spectacular views. The food was phenomenal, and the atmosphere around the camp was great – partly down to our group, but also down to the way the camp was set up.
The wildlife was spectacular. I’ve done 4 safaris, and whilst the Classic Tanzania safari was very good, this one is completely next level. The aim of identifying one target for the day, then staying with them all day is the future. We sat with Cheetahs on hunts 3 times, we saw a Leopard on a hunt once, we saw Lions with cubs playing almost every day, we saw Cheetah cubs playing 2 days and we had amazing sunsets and thunderstorms that contributed amazing sights and photography opportunities. In Summary, I will be booking to go on this trip again next year I suspect.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a Cheetah run at full pace. Been an aim for me on all previous safaris and this one delivered it - 3 times. As well as that, we were in the prime position for each of the bursts. What an amazing sight - I’m still lost for words.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Quality. You’re time in the vehicle with Paul is hard work, I’m not going to lie. A constant stream of instructions with the sloe desire of getting you a phenomenal photo mean that you’re often under pressure. At times you do need a strength in personality to believe in what you’re doing, and marry it with some of the instructions. However, if you want to be in position to get the very best photos in Africa, then Paul delivers every time. There’s plenty of laughs, plenty of chance to have discussions, and plenty of chance to get a view on your photos - a strong view on whats good and what can be improved is sure to follow. Everything you’ll read in the other reviews is correct - if you take comments to heart, if you hold grudges, if you don’t want to have times when you’re under pressure to get the best photos - then take the advice on board.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t worry too much about weight limits within reason. My hand luggage was weighed at Heathrow (Too heavy had to repack) but after that it wasn’t weighed at all. Take the equipment you feel you need to take the best photos.
Take a small tripod for shooting the Milky Way - just don’t take it in the vehicle.
Using big lenses requires flexibility - you often have to cram into small areas to get good shots (I’m 6ft 3 and a big build - this was at times tough to do) so consider taking a smaller lens - maybe the 100-400 Mk II.
Take a good wide angle lens - it’s vital, and a good polariser too.
The laundry in camp is brilliant - it was easy to survive on 1 change of clothes - be warned though - it’s very cold at 5am in the morning - a wind proof jacket was very useful.
Take a small laptop to edit your photos on - this allows you to get the best out of Paul’s Clinic - and ask questions - they’re only opinions at the end of the day, some will help you get better, others you’ll disagree with and discard.
Laurene Tubb
Reviewed July 2015
Highlights of the Dolomites
WOW. Magnificent stunning scenery. Mountain peaks to die for and very pretty traditional towns and villages along the way. An area certainly worth spending time in. It was a wonderful experience to be with a lovely group of equally appreciative and friendly fellow walkers and to enjoy it all in their company.
Most Inspirational Moment
To realise that I could still climb and walk a ridge and also do a small grade (not dangerous enough to be clipped on but thrilling nevertheless) via ferrata. I may be aging but I am no dinosaur just yet !!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eric had confidence in me...............so I had confidence in me. I thank him for the help and tips he gave me along the way.
Reviewed July 2015
Discovering Madagascar
This is an exciting adventure trip that enables you to take in the sights and sounds of this unique island. We were lucky enough to have Sol as our Tour Leader and we felt that we were treated like VIPs throughout the trip. Sol always went the extra mile to ensure our comfort and enjoyment at all times, even when things didn’t quite go to plan. He was lots of fun and we enjoyed listening to his knowledge of the history and wildlife of Madagascar. We were challenged by the Air Madagascar strike which meant that some of our trip had to be slightly altered. However, we felt that both Exodus and Sol did their very best to minimise disruption to our trip and hey, we got to see an extra 1000km of Madagascar at grass roots level that we weren’t expecting to see (thank you to Nerina for expert driving). It goes without saying that this is an underdeveloped country where the roads are poor/non-existent so flexibility and understanding is key. There are lots of benefits to this though as we were able to have plenty of opportunity to meet the local villagers and enjoy the children who at most wanted ‘bonbons’ but usually just wanted their picture to be taken. In all the national parks we were lucky enough to see lemurs and other wildlife. We saw 12 different species of lemur, fossas, reptiles, birds and insects, all in their own habitat. One of our highlights was trekking and climbing in Grand Tsingy which is achievable for anyone who is physically fit and doesn’t have a fear of heights. The view from the top of the limestone pinnacles is absolutely spectacular. We were impressed with the food which although centred around chicken, fish, zebu or vegetarian, was always well presented, tasty and quite creative. We certainly never went hungry with a 3 course meal on offer for lunch and dinner every day, even for our picnic in Isalo National Park. Our accommodation was also of a good standard, always clean and the rooms were large. I especially liked the forest lodges near Andasibe, Grand Tsingy, and in Morondava and Ifaty, both right on the beach. In many places we were often the only group there so great to have the place to ourselves (although sad to see that tourism is a little on the quiet side for Madagascans). There are a few long journeys and always early starts so worth taking some cereal bars or snacks for the journey, although Sol always made sure we had stops for water and snacks where possible. In summary this trip is not a holiday but rather a fantastic adventure to an interesting and inspiring island. See it before it changes too much!
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many. Trekking in Grand Tsingy National Park, sitting among ring-tailed lemurs that had come down from the trees to eat earth, seeing the resourcefulness of the local people......
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were lucky to have Sol as our group leader. He was extremely professional and capable and we never wanted for anything on the trip. He was always cheerful, great sense of humour and very knowledgeable about his country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is not a relaxing holiday as you are on the go all the time with early starts every day. However, the rewards are numerous and the experience is definitely worth it. Take a few snacks with you for the journeys, although there were often opportunities to stock up and the meals are plentiful! Take warm clothing as it is very cold in the desert at night (frosty).
Graham Busch
Reviewed July 2015
CHIANTI - WALKING AND WINE
We have ben on several walking holidays with Exodus over the years and this certainly was up there with the best
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick one moment as there were so many enjoyable experiences, but particularly enjoyed the day when we were led by the local guide Sarah. Her knowledge of the history, wildlife and and aspects of Chianti life was excellent. Of course the day was finished with a wine tasting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Liz was absolutely brilliant. Very knowledgeable, caring and made us all very welcome. She even came up with a bottle of fizz and a card at very short notice, when she found out it was our Wedding Anniversary. I cannot really praise her enough.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip was a great mix of walking, wine tasting and sight seeing. We added on a few extra days in Florence which we enjoyed as there as so much to see and one day isn't really enough.
