Most Inspirational Moment
The dog sledding day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do the all day dog safari
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
FINNISH WINTER ADVENTURE - FAMILY HOLIDAY
Fantastic
FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK
An excellent holiday providing an introduction to a whole range of snowy activities in a stunning location. The only problem is it ends too soon and then you have to go back to the real world.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to pick from. I loved the variety of activities and the scenery and surroundings were just out of this world. It really is a magical location, whether you're walking through the forest on snow shoes, x-country skiing over the lake or hanging on as the huskies or reindeer take you on an adventure.I didn't expect to have so much fun shovelling snow all day to build a quinzee, but it was great fun.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Teddy/Bjorn was an excellent group leader, very enthusiastic about his job and all the activities. He was always friendly and helpful, as were all the staff at Basecamp. You couldn't ask for better.
Advice for Potential Travellers
After spending a whole day building your quinzee you really should stay the night in it - when will you get another chance to sleep in a snow cave? Be prepared to spend some money on the optional activities - it might seem expensive but it's worth it. And make use of all the equipment in your free afternoons. The 'Little Bear Trail' is a lovely walk to do on snow-shoes with some great views.
CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA
An excellent holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
Descending the big hill and riding through Kandy university. It was such a contrast to the busy traffic outside the campus.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh did an excellent job. He worked hard to make every moment memorable and his attention to detail was admirable. I recommend him highly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We went in January which is the coolest time of the year however I struggled with the heat at times. I suggest you bring Gatorade powder or similar to replace body salts etc.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN
Just back from a fantastic trip. I’d not been cross country skiing before and found the variety of this trip exceeded my expectations. Although the accommodation is described as basic as it is a youth hostel, it was very comfortable, warm and clean. The food was consistently excellent and plentiful with a hot 3 course dinnner every evening, being just what was needed after a day out in the cold.
Most Inspirational Moment
For a first timer zooming along the tracks, just trusting the ski's to do the work was amazing.Also climbing high up onto the hillside to look across at Gausta without too much effort was surprising. The scenery from up there was spectacular and the sense of achievement having got to the top and back down again safely will stay with me for some time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The leaders were outstanding! Ilse knew exactly how to approach each individual to encourage and motivate them. If she said we could ski down a slope then we knew we could trust her judgement as to our level and ability and each time she was right. Also she made the warm up sessions fun and a great way to start the day, and the stretching at the end of the day was a welcome release of the tension from our aching muscles.The talks and videos in the evening were informative and helpful particularly to a first timer.Ilse and Mary took literally hundreds of photos during the week which meant I actually have pictures of myself rather than just scenery! Also I didn't need to worry about dropping or losing my camera as they took better shots than I could. Unfortunately my friends particularly love the photos of me face down in the snow!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just try it! It was a laugh a minute and I can't imagine getting such variety with better tuition and guidance anywhere else.
CYCLING VIETNAM
This was a fantastic tour: a reasonably amount of cycling (329miles), some amazing scenery and some cultural highlights. The Vietnamese people were very friendly – even getting invited to sing at a wedding which we declined – and the food was great. Hotels were in the main pretty good and the boat around Halong Bay far better than expected. Organisation of the tour first class and couldn’t be faulted.
Most Inspirational Moment
The 30Km decent down the mountain from Delat and achieving 103.1 KM that daySwimming in the surf in the South China sea in Mui Ne as the sun setThe fishing village at Ngn Trang where very few tourists go. Also passing through the villages off the beaten track.Hoi An lit up at night, the rice cakes being crisped up and the hand made shoes being madeThe Mausoleum to Tu Doc in Hue and the Citadel. Learning about the history of Vietnam and something of the culture. The lagoon at Halong Bay.Local Markets The reviving lemon drink!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Danh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble to sort out. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The organisation of the tour went like clockwork. I can't praise him highly enough.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is worth seeeing this tour as a tour of Vietnam with some cycling, although some days are quite hard. I think we had 3 days over 80km which is quite hard on a mountain bike with pretty thick tyres. I took clip-on pedals and cycling shoes - which certainly helped me although only 2 us did in a party of 19.There are quite a few long session on the coach but this is more than main up by seeing the main cultural highlights of the country. There are stops every 20km but it is really too hot to wear a back pack (although some did). I brought a small carrier that can fit on the back of the bike a take a compact camera, my glasses and an energy bar which I found useful. A couple of 'wicking' tops were good.
VIETNAM ADVENTURE
An incredibly enjoyable and captivating trip along the length of this spectacular country.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved every day of this trip, but highlights included:Hanoi - the remains of Hoa Lo Prison (dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton") and getting lost wandering the streets of the Old Quarter taking in the sights and sounds of everyday street lifeHalong Bay - sailing among the picturesque limestone peaks and the fantastic seafood on boardReunification Express - no trip would have been complete without riding on this train which unites North and SouthHue - dragon boat ride along the pefume river stopping to see the stunning mausoleum of Tu Duc, and to see the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda. The Imperial Citadel tour was also a highlight. An optional King and Queen night allowed you to dress up and dine with traditional music played whilst eating - completely tourist-driven, but memorable nonethelessHai Van Pass - stunning views to the oceanDanang - walking on China Beach and dipping a toe in the sea, and walking up the steps to Marble Mountain to see the impressive caves used as a hospital by the Viet Cong during the warHoi An - beautiful small town with historic buildings and oodles of charm. Apparently nicknamed the culinary capital with a buzzing riverside market. Each shop-front is also obliged to have lanterns hanging, which look beautiful come evenings.Ho Chi Minh City - vibrant metropolis with lots to see and do. I enjoyed sitting in the cafes watching the world go by, the crowds at the Ben Than Market, and Saigon Skydeck (Bitexco Tower) watching the city from the 49th floor. I particularly enjoyed the Reunification Palace whose architecture and interiors were pure 1970s kitsch, along with the basement's military command centre, still equipped with old rotary-dial phones and radio equipment. The War Remnants Museum had some haunting photographs. I would strongly advise taking a walk to the Old Post Office (designed by Monsieur Eiffel), Notre Dame Cathedral, and if you get chance wander to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and Fine Art Museums which are housed in grand old colonial buildings. Although you can't enter the Hotel De Ville, it is certainly worth viewing from the exterior. The Municipality Building (Opera House) although only open for twice-monthly performances is also worth viewing from the outside. The Sri Thendayyutthapani Temple is also well-worth visiting with a very interesting rooftop tower.Try to make time to enjoy the rooftop garden at The Rex Hotel, The Saigon-Saigon Rooftop Bar at The Caravelle Hotel, and Level 23 at The Sheraton Hotel, which all have great views.Cu Chi - tunnels are a must-see with interesting demonstrations of the traps the Viet Cong used to set, a shooting range and, although widened for Westerners, a very claustrophobic and humid short-section of tunnel to crawl throughMekong Delta - riding in a traditional wooden sampan and an enjoyable homestay
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Thuy, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and approachable. He was also passionate about Vietnam, it's history and people. Most importantly his English language was excellent and he had a great sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although this trip is marked as Moderate, I have been on Exodus trips labelled as Leisurely which have been more exertional, so fear not.There is a great balance of sight-seeing and free-time. I booked this trip for January as although I knew the weather may not be perfect in the North - Hanoi and Halong Bay - (10-15 degrees C with some drizzle and clouds), I was aware that in the South it would be warm (30 degrees plus). Rainy season in the South is from April, although I hear it only rains for short bursts each day, but is incredibly humid.Internet availability was excellent throughout Vietnam and wifi is freely available in all the hotels.Take a bunch of $1 bills for buying mementos, and try and get smaller notes of Dong prior to going to Vietnam - 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 should be fine. The ATM will only let you withdraw £60 at a time, although this does equate to 2,000,000 Dong. Aside from Ho Chi Minh City - you can eat and drink well for very little.You don't need walking boots for Marble Mountain
CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR
This was a fantastic trip – well organised and supported; a great introduction to culture and landscapes of three countries; easy-moderate cycling and a wonderful group of people for company. If you are thinking trying to get a feel for this part of the world in a short time, I’d recommend this trip – you even get exercise to burn off some of those rice and noodles!
Most Inspirational Moment
It's not possible to select one - every day there was something new and exciting! Seeing the everyday life of Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese people - along the roadsides, on the rivers, in Temples, in rural villages and teeming cities - and having the chance to visit homes through the kindness of our guides' families was a stimulating (and humbling) experience. Learning to cross the road in Ho Chi Minh City (with your eyes closed) has to be a bonus! Visits to temples, palaces, and markets as well as war-related sites, all contributed to my introduction to these countries. Not to mention tarantulas, hornbills and catfish! And seeing everyone in the group achieve their cycling and travel goals was a great ending!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Leaders - Nee, Dykka, Lam and the support teams in each country were all excellent - as were the local guides. Well-organised, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Mr Black's photos are awesome!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light - you spend a lot of time in bike clothes so don't need many different day/evening things. The laundry in Siem Reap is excellent/cheap. Padded bike pants are essential - and do take your own saddle/pedals if you are a regular cyclist. Getting them on/off bikes is no problem at all thanks to great support.Take - small bottle hand sanitiser (most comfort stops are fine but just occasionally....); US$$ for Cambodia and Viet Nam in small denominations - almost everything costs $1 and any note over $20 is difficult to change; pens, pencils, small notebooks as gifts for children - you spend a lot of this trip feeling privileged, and so often you want to give something and these are much better than sweets; go for the single room option - I had a great room-mate but this is a non-stop holiday and if you like some quiet time, a single room could give that.Odds and ends: insurance - you will be asked if you are covered for helicopter evacuation - most of us didn't know, so you might want to check that out before you leave. Wifi - every hotel we stayed in had free Wifi - so contact home is possible daily (as long as things work!). Cycling snacks - huge amounts of wonderful fruit, iced water, electrolytes were provided by support team so you may not need as many from home as you think.The trip description/notes are accurate in relation to cycling times, conditions etc - slightly over estimate difficulty, hills, if anything, for a regular cyclist. But try to do some practice/cycling in preparation - if you are saddle-fit it makes the cycling easy and you will enjoy the holiday so much more.
KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE
Probably the most incredible experience you’ll ever have.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sadly I didn't quite make the summit, but there were plenty of inspirational moments nevertheless. Stunning views every day, the first sighting of the summit on day 2, having a birthday cake (with candles) baked for me by the chef at 4000m, the dedication and friendship of the guides, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and just getting to the top of some of the hills when suffering from altitude sickness.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abraham was the ultimate professional. Calm, efficient, organised, friendly, with a cheeky sense of humour, he had eyes in the back of his head and was always watching to make sure everyone was OK, and quietly sorting problems without fuss, though never interfering. I can't imagine anything would rattle him, and you really couldn't ask for more in a guide. Special mention also to all the assistant guides: Nicholas, Saidi, Joseph and George for their incredible dedication, friendliness, passion and expertise, in particular on summit night when many people were struggling and could not have made it to the top without them. Joseph quite possibly saved my life that night.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't worry too much beforehand - all your questions will be answered during the trip, and the guides have everything down to a T. However, do make sure you are prepared mentally and physically: do some fitness and practice walks first, make sure you're organised, practise with your walking poles, rucksack and so on so you're not constantly faffing with equipment and holding people up. While lack of fitness won't necessarily stop you getting to the top, the fitter you are the more you'll enjoy the trekking in general. The days are mostly quite short and the distances covered small, but the altitude does make it challenging and tiring for the unfit. Hire the sleeping mats (trust me on this). And do be prepared for some very cold evenings. A really warm down jacket and 4 season down sleeping bag are an absolute must - do spend the money (or hire them). Make sure you have both a hydration bladder (difficult to drink frequently enough otherwise), and also 1-2 litre water bottles. Some days you'll need at least 3 litres of water during the day, and on summit night the bladder will freeze unless you can put it in your jacket pocket (as I did) or have insulated tubing (even then it may still freeze). Don't stress too much about the Diamox issue. Whatever anyone tells you, the research about its use prophylactically is still unproven either way. Some of our group who successfully summited took it, some didn't, some took it halfway through. Do your research, make a decision, but either way, if the guides think you need to take it, they'll tell you (and if you don't have any, they'll provide it).You don't need a yellow fever vaccination or certificate if you're on the group flights. Despite many comments on here to the contrary, I never bothered with gaiters once - didn't have a need for them (the first 2 days were muddy, but I was wearing shorts). If you don't normally wear them, I wouldn't bother. You'll be dirty anyway after a week without washing.
SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA
The trek and walks were excellent. I also enjoyed the boat trip through the backwaters of Kerala and a short walk along the beach. The sightseeing was more trying/tiring; long bus journeys for short, hot city tours. Even in January (winter) it was extremely hot and humid down at sea level.
Most Inspirational Moment
I greatly enjoyed the walks through the tea and coffee plantations and up to the second highest peak in south India. Just a pity that on the summit we bumped into a KE Adventure group approaching from another route! Luckily we had bagged the best camp site by far.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ajay was very keen to help and went out of his way to make our trip enjoyable. We had the added advantage of an ex-pat Indian in our holiday group who was a Tamil speaker; we forget that many northern Indians have as many problems as Europeans in speaking to southern Indians who do not speak English.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trek advice/list is rather too general. It is VERY cold at 8,000 feet at night so make sure you have lots of layers; we had ice on the water one night. Towels and head torches are also necessary. But the trek crew provided sterilised water all the time, so no need to take water purifying tablets. Do take a loo roll; the camping was fine, but there is no toilet paper in any of the many restaurants visited on the holiday.
GORILLAS & MASAI MARA
One of the best holidays we have been on, every day was special. Ideal holiday for wildlife and adventure loving people.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Gorillas definitely were the highlight of the trip. To be able to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment is something we shall never forget. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the staff eg rangers, trackers etc in their attempt to save the gorillas.In addition we were very fortunate in experiencing some fantastic wildlife sightings; pair of male Cheeters, lioness with her two week old cubs, both black and white Rinos, and a Hippo giving birth in the river Mara.We also enjoyed the trip to the orpanage and the wild camping.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Often, was exceptional the whole trip ran smoothly and he did everything possible to accommodate everybody's requests, our safety was paramount to him. He was always cheerfull and a delight to be with. His local knowledge was impressive, and if he didn't know the answer he would find out for you.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepaired for a great time, however, local tipping is generally expected everywhere and can leave you short of cash.