Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational moments that is a tricky one...Definitely seeing the sun rise (and set just an hour later) that little ball of red on the horizon just adds so much beauty to an already stunning place.Snow-shoeing round the bear trail was an experience but the views of complete wilderness and tranquility you get are something special. Also f your if really lucky and quiet you might just get yourself run over by a reindeer or two.If I name much more I think I will have just mentioned the entire holiday, everything has its special moments from dog-sledding to being the only one on the slope in Ruka. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki and his colleagues are great they are helpful, informative and a barrel of laughs. If you get a chance ask them about some Finnish card games, playing 'Pass the Salt' was a well spent evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mate, it's freezing out there!! Think about the layers you need and then wear some more. I did manage my planning very well and realise halfway to the airport (whilst on a train) that I didn't have a coat. This wasn't a problem once I got to Oulanka basecamp but I definitely felt it standing at the airport waiting to board the plane!! I think my recommendations for all of the rest of you considering this, aside from to stop umm-ing and aahh-ing and look into your crsytal ball and see that you really must go, is to have a go at the Little Bear Trail or if thats a bit too far for the time you have avaliable head out to Castle rocks! Its just a whole other world out there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly, the walk through the Cares Gorge.  24 Km with 300 m of ascent but worth every footstep.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was a superb leader.  He knew every footpath - and they are not all easy to find in the Picos - he was knowledgeable about the mountains and about the history and culture of his native Asturias, about where to go for refreshments, and he spoke good English. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like walking in mountains, go!  The Picos are "Spain's Dolomites" but far less visited by tourists.  Best to learn a bit of Spanish, as few people speak English in this area.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Petra was just amazing. Sunset in Wadi Rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. But he didn't cycle with us!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own alcoholic drinks into Wadi Rum

Most Inspirational Moment

Auberge in the Sahara, camel trip into the desert and desert camp.Mountain hostel and very friendly people.  The rest of the group really made this a great holiday - would be very difficult to improve on. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent guide and really looked after us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip introduced us to the real Morocco which was awesome.  At the end of the trip we encountered Marrakech souk which was disappointing - everybody decided it was "plastic Morocco" just for the tourists.  The Majorelle Gardens were very pleasant and well worth a visit.  The new town area near the hotel was fine too with some good restaurants and bars.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational part of the trip was the group itself. Being the youngest member of the group I was always inspired to keep peddling even if I felt a little tired at some times seeing how the rest of the group were cracking on kept me going. Visiting the villages was also inspirational and gave us the chance to see the real India. Seeing the women working in the fields whilst the men were smoking, drinking chai, and chatting made me appreciate how strong the womens work ethic is. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very approachable and would sort any issues out that we had. He kept the group motivated and made sure we all were ok and decide on a plan for the day that the whole group was happy with. He picked up on the groups abilities very quickly. Quite a character!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a gel seat cover with you :) (i took my old one and left it there). May need a couple of sachets of dioralyte as however careful you are Delhi belly is inevitable. I also took some pens with me and gave out to the children in the villages. Take plenty of layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite part of the trip was the day out in Mljet. We were treated to fantastic weather, which allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the island. After the climb up to the viewpoint in the heat, I felt I fully deserved my refreshing plunge into the saltwater lake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was fantastic. Effortlessly keeping control of the group, friendly, funny and genuinely interested to show us the country. He really made the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the history of the country, the 1950 cars in Havana and the visit to Che Guevara mausoleum/museum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader brightened up as the trip went along, I think she finds it as tiring as we did.  On the trip from the airport many of us were concerned that we had picked the worst destination ever, she made a point of telling us all the bad points and did not tell us all the positive things.  Once we got to know her she cheered up and things got better.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going to Cuba make sure you have a torch, sample the mojito's - as the Cubans say the rum is free! and make yourself open to new experiences.  Some of the hotels are not up to our standards and there is wildlife around but make the most of it, you will have a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise over the mountains when we camped at Phuyupatamarka. We had 360 degree views, and the sun as it hit Salkantay was amazing. The thunder storm the night before was spectacular too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was a great leader, he really looked after everyone, and made sure the holiday was a fantastic experience, no matter what their fitness levels. He told us great stories over dinner, and really cared about the porters.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some domperidone anti-sickness tablets with you if you can. I was quite sick one night, and the day that we climbed the highest peak, but a fellow traveller gave me some of these and they really helped. Mozzie spray is essential - the day we walked along the canal we were bitten a lot. Be prepared for all weather conditions - we saw everything, sun, rain, snow, thunder... Take a metal Sig type drinking bottle, they are great as hot water bottles in the tent at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down a steep snowy slope which we'd just climbed on crampons (my first time).The summit of Mt Toubkal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helpful, encouraging, felt very safe. Changed the schedule so that we did Mount Toubkal on the first day - a good call as a storm came in on the evening of the 2nd day and though we walked that day, the ridge to the 2nd peak was too windy for us to get to the summit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Refuge is quite basic but is fine and a good location at the head of the valley. I had down booties which were great in the refuge to keep feet warm, especially when getting up for the loo in the middle of the night. If noise affects you take ear plugs for sleeping at night in the dorm. One of the accommodation had a very smoky lounge (from the stove which provided the only warmth in the room). If you have asthma I'd check with Exodus what the current situation is, as it might cause you problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Guide and his many stories about the areas we visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Guide was fab and his many stories about the areas we visited fasinating although some of his jokes were a wee bit tired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are a fit walker, then you will get the most from this trip.Have some change on you, the tarts at the mountain huts are worth it.And bring your camera.