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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14242 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

TROPICAL ISLAND WANDERER - FAMILY HOLIDAY

We have just come back from the best holiday we have ever had. Travelling with our two boys aged 8 and 5 with Exodus has been an amazing experience. We feel this is largely due to our tour leader Suresh Bandara. His passion for his country and job made this trip a lifetime experience. This is the first time we have moved away fom a standard beach hotel holiday with two young children and we are so happy we took this risk. Our boys loved every moment of the trip and managed to participate in all the activities/ excursions booked. Would thoroughly recommend this trip. Ask for Suresh by name when you book! A beautiful country with lovely people and food. Brimming full of history and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many, feeding baby elephants, the view from Ella gap, the climb to the top of Lion rock in Sigria, the leopard safari, the turtle hatchery. The humbling experience of visiting a tsunami house. A truly beautiful country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you could describe a perfect group leader he would be it! From the very start when he met us at the airport following our flight into Srl Lanka he did his utmost to make us feel comfortable and welcome from the five year old all the way through to the mums and dads. He was charming, caring and a great embassador for both the company and his country. Always a wealth of information about the country and able to find an answer for any of our enquires (he even managed to find out what brand of Arrack they sold in duty free for us!). He was consistent in his approach to his task, making all the members of the group feel both safe and comfortable throughout what was a busy but ultimately rewarding schedule. Efficient, effective and reliable - a definite 10 out of 10. My only concern is that, given how good he was, will any future tour leaders be able to match up on the other experiences Exodus has to offer!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquito repellant with 50% DEET. No bites!

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

My wife (Sarah) and I both love cycling and travelling, although our cycling abilities are very different – she competes in european triathlon races while I like to pootle along and look at the scenery. This trip was perfect for us – it had several days in Thailand of good distances, between 70 – 90km each day and Sarah had the freedom to go quickly, even having fun on a rolling draft with the Thai guides. Meanwhile I remailed solidly in the middle, having nice chats with others in our group. Every 10km’s we’d all stop for water and fresh local fruits (melon, watermelon, bananas, lyches, etc) and I’d be able to catch up with Sarah! When we got to Cambodia and Vietnam later in the trip the distances were less big and the group tended to stick a bit more together, but this was also the point where we saw a lot of great sights, not least the temples at Angkor and the Mekong Delta so the nature of the trip changed from mainly a cyling trip that happened to be in Indochina to a trip in Indochina that hapened to involve cycling. In both circumstances we we were happy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Jungle temple in Angkor was fabulous. It's called Ta Prohm and it was one of those sights that you dream of when you travel which makes you just go 'wow'. Everywhere you looked was a photo and I had to try really hard to not live the visit though my camera. It was the first temple we visited, having cycled from Siem Reap, so we were fairly early. Seeing all the trees having grown into the walls with enormous roots somehow connected and running through the buildings is just amazing to see. Lonely Planet's description was the best I'd read - (paraphrasing) - it's the closest anywhere in the world you can experience the origional wonder and awe that the first European explorers must have experienced when they happened upon these discoveries. I found it was one of those experiences that reminded me why I love travelling so much and it inspired me to want to do more, for those moments when you see stuff that takes you by surprise and makes your head spin with what you see. It's cheesy but you really do go 'wow' when you're there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was fabulous. Her name was Moh and she was just such a kind, funny and entertaining leader. She never once appeared tired or annoyed, even though I think her job must be very hard - she was up before us each morning, looked after 18 of us at meal times to make sure we had everything we could possible want before sitting down herself to eat. She chatted to everyone to make sure that everyone was ok and to keep spirits up (some people struggled with the heat or the biking distances). She was happy to answer any question and had excellent english so there was never any difficulty in communicating what we needed. At one point in the cycling one of the group swerved to avoid something in the road and hit Moh, she fell off ripping her cycling trousers and bleeding a little. But she was fine about it, smiled and was so kind. A few members of the group also had a couple of minor medical issues (including myself - on day two I had a leech attach itself to my knee after paddling in a leech free lake!). She was always happy, calmly sorting out the problem. She also helped us organise some of the minor things like getting laundry done and arranging small extra outings like booking a taxi to see Angkor Wat at sunrise. We couldn't have hoped for a kinder, friendlier and more entertaining guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Overall the trip was fabulous. No complaints. As always there are several small bits which, if you're aware of, it'll make the trip that bit more fabulous. Take your own water bottle for the bike and try to make sure it's got a lid over the mouth piece - some of the roads get very dusty and so swigging from a bottle that has dirt around the mouth piece somewhat takes the refreshment out of the drink. Also take a pair of 'Sealskin' waterproof socks. It will rain torrentially at least once while you're on the bike and in that weather after 5 mins you are drenched head to foot. Which is fine as clothes can dry and be changed. But you shoes might not. If you can wear your sealskins the next day you can wear you wet shoes and they can dry in the sun as you cycle. Otherwise you either have to wear wet shoes or leave them soaking wet in a carrier bag on the bus without being able to dry them out. Also make sure you have padded cycling shorts. For those long distances cycling in Thailand your bum will go numb, even with the shorts, but it'll be unbearable if you don't have them. Try to make sure you find out clearly from your main guide who is and isn't covered by the 'Kitty'. Everyone pays $60 into a kitty at the beginning to cover water & fruit stops, and tips at the hotels. However some of the other guides are covered by this kitty while others aren't. This led to some embarrasment on our last night when we had to hurredly collect an extra tip for a guide who we were meant to tip but we had all thought he would be tipped from the kitty. Finally, consider adding an extra day on your trip to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. We went to the Cu Chi tunnels which was brilliant (I got to shoot live rounds from an AK47 - a real highlight!) but then we had 2 more days afterwards in HCMC to see the sights, war museums, roof top bars and the Jade Pagoda. All of which were fabulous. The one day left at the end of the trip isn't enough to see all of this.

Reviewed August 2012

CLASSIC DOLOMITES

This walking tour surpassed all my expectations. Apart from the spectacular scenery of the area, the whole trip was professionally arranged and caried out. Our leader, Karl, was just brilliant and really made it for us all. I would rate this trip as right up there and would love to see it all again in snow! Thanks guys :)The hotel was second to none

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day, we challenged ourselves to go higher and see more spectacuar sights. Every day we had awesome picnics in stunning surrounds. We walked hard but very doable, to get up t the peaks and then drink it all in!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was brilliant - he is just one with the whole area and his quiet confidence was very reassuring and inspiring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was sunny and rainy everyday - so take your raincoat and a good walking shoes with ankle suppot.

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This was a fantastic trip from start, to finish, I didn’t want it to end!!!!!!I am already looking at my next trip with exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mo, and Nee (cycling guides) were both inspirational to me, they took everything in there stride, nothing was ever to much trouble. We all knew if we had any problems they would sort it out, they were there for us all every minuite, of everyday.As we are hosting the olympics this year, I would deffinately award them them both a gold medal !!!!!!!!!!!!!Also I found the local people inspirational, how they work so hard, for so little, and are always happy, and welcomming to mad cyclists !

Thoughts on Group Leader

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mo, was always there to go the extra mile to ensure we were all happy everyday, a mean feight looking after 18 of us, they do say you can't please everyone all of the time, in this case that is not true, she kept everyone entertained, a real credit to Exodus, she also has another future leader training with her called Nee (Bear grylls) as I knicknamed her, they were both FABULOUS, efficient, hardworking, proactive, enthusiastic etc etc. Give them a bonus!!!!!!!!!!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a holiday with exodus now!!!!!! From start, to finish you will have nothing to worry about, you are in safe hands.

Reviewed August 2012

THE LOST CITY OF PETRA - FAMILY HOLIDAY

My two teenage children and I loved everything about this trip and would highly recommend it to others. Jordan is a beautiful country with friendly people. Petra was amazing. The overnight at the camp with our Bedouin hosts in the desert was the highlight. Our guide and driver were excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved the desert. Beautiful and calm. The Bedouin hosts took wonderful care of us. The children took camel rides they enjoyed. We also enjoyed the immense calm of the Dead Sea surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take this trip!

Reviewed August 2012

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Great trek combining awesome high-altitude mountain scenery (a must for any geology nuts!) with beautiful valleys and fascinating remote Ladakhi villages in green oases round the water courses. Camping at high altitudes (4500m+) looking out over mountain ranges with marmots, blue sheep & dzos nearby was unforgettable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping on the high plain (4800m) at Nimalung with Kang Yangste towering on one side and the Gongmaru La pass on the other. Having tea in the traditional Ladakhi home of one of our guide's family in Rumbak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson is simply the best: a superb combination of enthusiasm, expert knowledge, understanding, tact & diplomacy & fun, too! She is so much more than just a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you really are fit for 8-10 hour days of challenging climbing/walking over a variety of terrain! You'll need it!

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING CUBA

Hot, humid, pina coladas, great scenery and people and some fab cycling

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling all of Day 9, seeing history come to life, the friendliness of the Cubans....and of course discovering as the Cubans already know, that rum is the cure for everything!

Thoughts on Group Leader

JC was a great leader - knew everything about everything and brought it all to life. Pretty nifty on a bike as well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquito spray! Cuba was much cheaper than I expected it to be. Buy your cigars from the cigar shop in Trinidad - much better selection than in Havana and much, much better personal service. And pina coladas are much nicer than mojitos (don't expect to lose any weight on this holiday!!!). Cycling was great - Day 9 is the hardest day, but there's a great hotel at the end of it :-)

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A good range of walks with differing terrains and views of the Alps. Travelling time to the walks is limited and time on the walks is well balanced with free time at the end of each day.At the end of each day I felt like I’d had an enjoyable day but never too tired and looking forward to the next day.

Most Inspirational Moment

My first trip to the area and has encouraged me to go back

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Whilst on duty guiding or "off duty" hosting in the chalet along with Elaine, Oliver was a great leader. Mindful of all in the group and the range of abilities.Determined to ensure we all had a good holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this holiday for a good range of walks, views, being well fed and entertained (or cringe) at Olivers jokes and tales.

Reviewed August 2012

LADAKH: THE MARKHA VALLEY

Awesome landscape, fantatsic leader, great group – Loved every minute!

Most Inspirational Moment

Gettin up the first pass, climbing a little further (optional) and then the long descent under bright blue skies into another world of craggy gorges

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was great - knowledgable, patient, positive and inspiring. And we laughed a lot.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough! It's possible to hire one if not though

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

Fantastic first Exodus Holiday! Sensational scenery and walking, terrific group leaders and wonderful band of people on trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

So much of the trip was inspirational hard to pick, however the optional climbs and challenges that the group leader Graham Hickman allowed us to do must be among the best! Completing them with trip members Ovi and Kamal added so much, they were excellent company!The Col du Tricot climb plus the views from the Tete Nord des Fours must have a special mention and will live with me for a long time! The whole group of people on the trip were an inspiration too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham Hickman and Lewis were a tremendous team, Graham being the excellent mountain leader and motivator for "extra challenges" and Lewis the wonderful camp organiser and cook.I enjoyed their company and knowledge of the area immensely.Would join another of their trips!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not hesitate to go on the camping tour, the group dynamics and camaraderie is priceless! Great spread of ages and backgrounds among group.The sites were good too and certainly no hardships even at the two "basic" ones. We were lucky with the weather any significant rain being overnight, however be prepared for some wet weather, as well as sun, it is mountainous after all!

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