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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14462 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

David Jordan

Reviewed January 2019

Review of A week in Jordan trip

This is my third trip with Exodus and overall I have to say that it was a great experience – with lots of variety and some fantastic highlights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely Petra - the best thing about this trip is that there is two whole days in Petra and your really need it as the place is VAST!!! With this trip you get to see huge areas of the lost city - especially away from the crowds around the Siq and the Treasury - we basically had the place to ourselves - and it really added to the experience. I do acknowledge it was the low season and we were lucky with the weather! Indeed, the blue skies and cool temperatures (15c) helped make it very pleasant to do the all walking and climbing steps - there is a fair bit of walking involved around Petra! The highlights for me was walking down the Siq to the Treasury - its very length created real anticipation which was rewarded by the final view of the treasury!! Also the trek up to the Place of High Sacrifice was incredible - again a little of the beaten track so devoid of any crowds apart from our group. Another highlight was the roman city of Jarash - I thought it would just be a few interesting ruins but it really exceeded my expectations - it is vast and very well preserved - and again due to the time of year we had the place pretty much to ourselves - which was great for taking photos!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issa - was a great tour guide - very professional and if you asked him for something...be it an ATM, a toilet break, Pharmacy he would make it his priority. He had a great knowledge and love of the country and went out of his way to show it. I should also mention the bus driver Admed - who also great at his job and very careful on the roads (unlike some past travel experiences I have had). Despite his limited English he was also very friendly and courteous, easy going and had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Overall I would say definitely go.... but when you do keep in mind the follow issues: - Be prepared for long days (leaving the hotel at 8pm -so really up before 7am) - this is needed particularly in the winter as it gets dark in Jordan at 4.30 pm and lots of sites close at sunset. -I'd advice people to bring some snacks, cereal bars etc as the days are long and you stop at a lot of places to buy snacks which are ridiculously over priced for the country - for example I was charged between 1 and 1.50 dinar for a Mars Bar in a touristy type service station but paid 0.3 dinar for one in Amman in a regular shop. - Bring sandals to wear into the Dead Sea - I cut the bottom of my foot pretty badly on the extremely sharp salt crystals on the seabed - this caused me a lot of grief in the subsequent days when I was hiking for long periods.

miny j

Reviewed January 2019

A fabulous trip!

Our action-packed week was a wonderful way to explore this beautiful region. Going along on a bike allowed us to experience colours, sights, smells and sounds so much better than if we had traveled around by coach. It allowed us to spontaneously pop onto the beach, visit temples and sample local delicacies. And cycling in the hectic traffic proved no great problem, just keep ringing your bell!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was most touched by the warm welcome we were given everywhere as we travelled around. The people we met could not have friendlier and that is what really stands out for me when I think back. And of course all the delicious meals. Kerala is not only paradise for vegetarians, there is plenty of tasty fish and seafood too, as well as meat dishes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our groupleader, Safi, was a great guy, well organised, friendly and a font of information on all things local. An experienced cyclist himself, he gave us great confidence in managing the traffic. We went at an easy pace, well suited to the heat and humidity. With Kamaru and Santhosh the three of them made a great team, always making sure everyone was fine and every thing was in order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will find the week flying by as each day brings new sights and experiences. I enjoyed the variety of activities during the week. You do not need to worry too much about what to wear on the bike, even Lycra seemed to be acceptable. Just make sure you are well protected from the sun and the insects. We usually did the cycling in the morning, leaving the afternoons for walks or a dance performance, beach, the pool, lazying on the houseboat or doing some shopping. if you get a chance do not miss the martial arts performance in Cochin!

Alan Twomey

Reviewed January 2019

Astounding!

Astounding holiday. Spend a week in the stunningly beautiful Finnish wilderness. Beauty, snow, fun – it’s why you go on holiday. Romantic and magical.

Our 6 year old, and all the kids that were there, loved it. Drive huskies, feed and be pulled by Raindeer, snowmobile across frozen lakes, XC ski, build igloos (and sleep in it under the stars if you want!), explore a beautiful valley and park, and sleep soundly after a suana, hot tub and beer.

I ran around it a few times in -15, the routes are clearly laid out, the running is safe and you’ll never forget it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Running through the forest at -15 in snow fall and winter sun

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good guy

Advice for Potential Travellers

You only need the clothes you arrive in and some underwear and socks, and sweatpants If you like running, bring trainers (no need for special off road ones) Bring plenty of evening entertainment!

Pru Goudie

Reviewed January 2019

A Fantastic Finnish Wilderness Adventure!

Just returned from a fantastic week in Finland, a country I’ve always wanted to visit. I travelled over Xmas and it really was a snowy wilderness with very limited daylight hours. However the tour was very well balanced between outdoor activities and downtime and we made the most of the daylight hours. We stayed in a comfortable and cosy lodge called Basecamp Oulanka set in truly stunning surroundings. The food was fantastic and they kitted us all out with all the outdoor gear and all our equipment which we got to keep for the week. We tried our hands at husky sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and went on many wonderful walks throughout National Parks. The trees were laden with snow, we had many campfires along the way, the guiding was excellent and the food & wine was gorgeous! I totally recommend this week away, I felt so refreshened and invigorated by the time I returned!

Most Inspirational Moment

The natural environment we were in, all the snow and the activities were great fun - I loved all of them!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a local leader called Eleni and she was wonderful, very friendly and knowledgable and passionate about her country. Couldn't have asked for a better group leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!

Kristin Koblis

Reviewed January 2019

A Lot to See in a Short Amount of Time

I felt that we really did see Vietnam top to bottom. There was a lot to cover in 10 days and the trip could really be extended. It was helpful to get to Hanoi a couple of days earlier and I previously went to Ho Chi Min City. The caves are the best part of the trip. You really can’t go wrong with it, if your goal is to see Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

I very much enjoyed seeing the caves in Phong Nha National Park. I wish we spent more time that area.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There were times he told us too much and other times not enough. He things planned, but not clear enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get to Hanoi a little bit early and stay in HCM City after to really see those cities and sights.

Dorothy Brockway

Reviewed January 2019

Annapurna Circuit in cold December

Wonderful scenery, amazing mountains but this was a lot tougher than a grade 5. (I’ve done an easier 6 than this).
Whilst Exodus does attempt to make the traveller aware of the often primitive conditions of the tea huts, the EXTREME cold encountered on Dec trips is not emphasised enough. Those huts which did have wood burners in the dining area seemed reluctant to Light them other than when we were having our paid meals. Despite requests, we were forced to spend a lot of time in our beds and sleeping bags.
The meals were good but the only prepaid meal, breakfast could have been better. It became apparant most tea huts were offering free accommodation if evening meals were purchased. Most days we were only offered porridge and toast despite eggs etc being available. A little mean of Exodus,

Most Inspirational Moment

The La Thorong Pass and Poon Hill

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely excellent. Prem. And his assistant Hari could not do enough for us. As well as making our safety paramount and doing everything in their power to help us achieve our goals on the mountains, they also paid attention to the smallest details, noticing our every need and trying to fulfil them. Just brilliant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Respect the cold and perhaps consider a Feb or March departure. (I did The Sanctury in March and It was nowhere near as cold).

Kerrie Starbuck

Reviewed January 2019

Fabulous Finland

We had a great time on our Finnish adventure and felt like we were well looked after and entertained the entire time. The scenery and activities were amazing and we’d highly recommend this trip to families of all ages.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting huskies and reindeer, and snow-shoeing through some truly breath-taking forests.

Thoughts on Group Leader

James catered well to the group and kept us informed at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hand/foot warmers - the supplied equipment is suitable, but sometimes you just need a little extra.

Anastasia Kondylis

Reviewed January 2019

Jordan Cycle Tour

The trip was a good way to see a lot in a short amount of time, but rushed. There weren’t many moments to stop and take in the scenery or actually fathom where you were and what you were experiencing.

The cycling was incredible and the main highlight. We cycled through remote areas and experienced scenes that we would have otherwise not had opportunity to see.

The experience in Wadi Rum was somewhat disappointing and lacked the unique cultural experience.

The food that you receive in the Middle East caters for all food types and is delicious, but we were not given the opportunity to order our own meals, which caused a few issues if you are constantly eating bread and rice all you want is a bit of vegetables.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling throughout Jordan was incredible. The views were spectacular, the cultural side of being able to see the Jordanians way of life and how they live was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was a real let down and really ruined the trip for many of us. As someone with such an important role on a trip such as this you can really make or break it. He had obviously done this several times and seemed rather disinterested and unexcited, not giving much more than was necessary and didn't go out of his way at all. He rushed when there wasn't need to and took more time when wasn't necessary. We would be all standing waiting to cycle and he was either having a coffee chatting to his friends or having a smoke - a real annoyance. He didn't cater for any dietary requirements and the lunches that we received for shocking in comparison to the amount that we paid for meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are wanting to exercise and travel this is a good way to do it, we cycled and walked a lot. You meet extremely interesting people and learn a lot about yourself.

Ian Wilkes

Reviewed January 2019

No lights but great holiday

We were a family of 5, kids ages 20, 18 and 14, doing the Finnish Winter Adventure Family holiday from 23rd December. The family holiday ran in parallel with the adult holiday (over 16yrs) and was very similar. Some of the activities were the same and even run together.
We went to see the Northern lights, over the Christmas holidays whilst our kids were home from Uni or school. The ski was overcast most of the week, and cloudy in the evening, so we didn’t get to see the lights, although our leader called us out to see faint glows through the clouds.
However, we chose this trip as there were plenty of activities to keep us entertained whether we saw the lights or not.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights of the holiday were the huskie dogs; the snowmobile optional trip; sleeping out on the frozen lake in a Quinzee; the Basecamp food; and the Basecamp staff

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Basecamp leader was Anna, who was very good. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our Exodus leader was James, who was very good. Great communicator, very knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. He couldn't have done more to help us have a great holiday, other than provide a clear sky to see the lights!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You truly only need to take a base layer, top and bottom. The Basecamp provide boots, two pairs of gloves, a fleece layer, top and bottom, and a waterproof/windproof layer, top and bottom. You just need a hot and buff. My wife and daughter found ski goggles useful for crosscountry skiing and snow shoe hiking, really just to keep the wind off their eyes. I found a balaclava useful too. Other than that, just layer up with long sleeve t-shirts and jumpers.

Brian Helsdon

Reviewed January 2019

An excellent but busy trip

This is an excellent tour in a country where variety really is the spice of life. You go from the Andes highands, in fairness this is most of the trip with heights, not including the peaks of 2600 to 3600 metres, to the cloud forest, rain forest and the hot and very humid coastal belt. It is very well designed but there are some long coach days. For example on day ten (to Cuenca) we did not finish until after dark having had two long coach rides. It also helps to be reasonably fit if you are to enjoy the more strenuous walks at Chimborazo and Cajas national parks.
There are things I would leave out if I was designing the itinerary. For example there is the AmaZoonica Animal rescue centre which says it is not a zoo but it is really and a crowded and disorganised one at that. The Ingapirca ruins were really a non event and mostly reconstructions.
One disappointment was the Mangrove boat trip. It did not happen. This was January 2nd and the boatmen simply did not turn up.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two moments stand out. The first was the climb up Chimborazo from 4800 to 5000 metres. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. The second was at Cuenca. we were there on new year's eve. Totally unexpected and unplanned we came across a massive parade with local ethnic groups demonstrating their affinity with the deity. There were loads of floats and children and adults in colourful costumes plus music.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eddie was excellent, extremely knowledgeable and well organised. He was at ease with the group and enjoyed a joke. He had to cope with several issues affecting group members and did so calmly and effectively without this affecting the attention he gave the rest of the group, a real asset.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Outside of the rainy season you don't need a mosquito net for the rainforest. We didn't see any at all. For the rainforest take a bag that is big enough for all the things you will need for two nights in the rainforest. The boat to the lodge is not big enough to take the main bags. Also make sure you have a powerful torch both for the night walk and the room. There are candles but the matches and match boxes provided were useless.

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