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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14493 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

CLIVE PENWARDEN

Reviewed March 2018

I really wanted to see a Tapir!

Our third visit to Costa Rica was everything we expected and more (sadly we didn’t see a tapir – but that was the only disappointment!). The trip is full on – if you participate in all that is offered, you don’t get much time to read your book! Early starts were the order of the day (not too difficult, due to the time difference between there and UK.) Some days there were longer journeys, but these were always broken up with stops for food or to see things of interest. The Costa Ricans are friendly and very keen on their eco-tourism. The lodges and hotels were of a good standard, with the meals (whether from the accommodation or from restaurants), were very acceptable. A holiday that starts and finishes with stays in lodges that can only be reached by a lengthy boat trip has to be very special.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the highlights of the holiday was our visit to a small locally run restaurant in Sitio de Mana. A large wooden terrace/balcony in a little village, sited on a mountainside, with spectacular views (which gradually appeared as the mist lifted), was almost surreal. The food was fantastic (including a chocolate cake that they had baked) was all prepared by the local village ladies, on very primitive looking cast iron stoves. While eating we were able to watch humming birds and toucans at very close quarters. Another highlight was snorkelling at Cano island - a profusion of multi coloured fish flashed by, as a turtle slowly made its way to the surface within six feet of me, before disappearing into the depths again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Jonny Villalobos was excellent - so good that while with us he heard that he had won Tour leader of the year (2017) - voted by Exodus customers. His depth of knowledge is huge, whether it be re birds, flora, history or general knowledge on Central America. He found some very good restaurants for us and dealt well with the minor medical problems that arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do go on this trip - it complements the Exodus costa Rica Discovery tour. Do take plenty of sun protection - it is very easy to get burnt on the boat trips. Don't forget your camera, and if you have a waterproof one take that as well. Ensure that you have waterproof bags to line your day bag and protect your cameras etc.

Brian Kite

Reviewed March 2018

Fantastic Wadi Rum and Petra

Fantastic walk through the Jordanian desert made famous by the exploits of Lawrence of Arabia. We had expected sand but not the beautiful sandstone hills / mountains which changed colour during the day and showing incredible orange hues at sunset.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it! The initial walk over a huge dune to the Bedouin camp and walking back for the sunset. The Bedouin cooking and especially the zarb were highlights. All of the walks were enjoyable especially the climb - and descent from - Burdah Bridge. The walks were well paced with frequent water stops. (On this trip plentiful water refills were available.) Issa took us into Petra via an interesting walk past a Neolithic village site and the mountain which was one of King Solomon's Mines. This meant our first view of Petra was the Monastery. By the time we were ready (after lunch) to explore the rest of Petra the bulk of tourists were just arriving and struggling UP the 400 steps. We had the luxury of descending.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issa had a clear love and enthusiasm for his country which he shared at all times. He arranged appropriate stops on the drive to Wadi Rum. He looked after us well in the desert ensuring people always had water and opportunities for water stops. He chose camp sites with opportunities for spectacular sunsets and star gazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had taken sterling and US dollar notes to exchange to Jordanian Dinars. The bank we stopped at would not accept our £20 and £10 notes. They said they could only accept £50 notes. Fortunately, we were able to use the ATM.

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Learning to snow shoe was simple, but for the first two days I also had to learn how to pick myself up. My feet felt huge.
The walking was exhilarating and the views spectacular. I began to understand the mountaineer’s drive to be in that terrain. At times I was overwhelmed with the effort it took for me to reach my destination but always felt happy to be participating. Different group members were warm and encouraging.
Our guide was OUTSTANDING. I was a teacher and I appreciated all of the incentives Sara used to help me not only finish my walk but enjoy it too.
A fantastic and memorable week!
Thank you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara always described what we would be covering each day. She instilled trust and confidence and loved and knew the mountains. She gave clear instructions and was able to help us with old and new injuries. Sara was OUTSTANDING.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

barry tylee

Reviewed March 2018

Discover Costa Rica or bust

What an exciting adventure this trip proved to be. From the very first day to the last it was just so interesting and exciting. Whether you are interested in exotic flowers, birds or mammals it is non stop viewing. Like so many adventurers I am becoming a veteran of trips. Every day brought something new. The beauty of the bird species can only be described as “flying iridescent rainbows”. Every new destination brought great delights. This is not a trip to miss, miss it and you will regret the decision.
One of my fellow adventurers logged a total of 150 different birds.

Most Inspirational Moment

This would be a very difficult question to answer, because every destination had its own moment. Could it be the siting of a Sloth, Howler Monkeys calling to awaken you in the trees above your lodge, Bearded Monkeys walking along the wires or the plethora of beautiful birds viewed from the hotel windows. Don't lets forget the Humming birds as the hover in front of you. Viewing is not confined to the final destinations, on the way is just as exciting. Frequent stops offer another opportunity, wildlife is everywhere around this beautiful country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was our tour director. A great organiser. A proud Costa Rican and an enthusiastic wildlife expert. His knowledge seemed endless. Nothing was too much trouble, any questions, just ask. He was there to make sure that you achieved the most from your trip to Costa Rica. Alex is a great asset to the Exodus team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in March. The so called "dry" season. Don't believe it, it frequently throws it down for long periods. Make sure that you have a, Poncho and an umbrella wouldn't go amiss. There is no malaria in Costa Rica, but there are mosquito and other biting insects, insect repellent is essential, (there are specialists in ankles and lower legs). As you move around the country, temperatures will vary, especially on the final destination. You will get up early for a special surprise viewing, be warned after the heat of the Pacific it is very cold in the early morning, be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Keith McKenzie

Reviewed March 2018

Marvellous Maldives

Great variety of marine life to experience.

Turkish Gullet was an experience – not luxurious but more character than a modern boat.

Excellent food.

Knowledgeable and trustworthy crew.

Snorkelling at 7:30 each morning before breakfast – very refreshing !!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming above eleven manta rays and watching a turtle feed up close. Sleeping on deck undermeath the stars. Eating freshly caught fish. Enjoying different reefs every day thus seeing something different each day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kamay ( nickname Angabaddy - ask him what it means ) was very knowledgeable about the marine life, the environment and local politics and could even get the footy results on his phone as there's no wifi available. Moreover, as my wife is not a strong swimmer, he kept her beside him using the life ring which allowed me to relax more during the snorkelling. Plus the Captain brought up the rear to check we didn't lose anyone and the Dhoni was always available if anyone needed to get out the water. Can't praise Kamay and the all the crew highly enough including the chef (marvellous food and catered for vegetarians) and Eddy the barman.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own hair shampoo / conditioner / shower gel as it's not supplied. Take insect repellent as only on the last night, mooring near Male, our legs were covered totally in bites. The other nights were fine. You don't need to take a towel - plenty available. We bought full face masks with attached snorkels but had to switch to standard mask and separate snorkel ( supplied by Kamay) as we couldn't breathe properly - left the masks with Kamay for kids to play with in rock pools. All in one swimsuit is a good idea or rash vest, otherwise cover exposed areas with sunscream - very hot and easy to get burnt. AC is very loud and used with the fan can be a bit of a pain. Take a light blanket in case you need it at night.

Caroline Wallis

Reviewed March 2018

Scenic but challenging week

I was part of a family group for our week of walking the Amalfi Coast. We had every type of weather which nature could throw at us, rain, fog, snow hail and sun but Enrico our brilliant guide adapted our activities ingeniously to cope. The week is a mixture of challenging hikes to Amalfi, Positano and Ravello and then more gently flat walks around Pompeii Naples and Herculaneum. When the sun did shine, the views and scenery of the coastline were breathtaking. We had brilliant guide, Hectore, to explain and illuminate the history and tragedy of the end of Pompeii and Herculaneum. We were part of a lovely group of people. The hotel and hospitality were excellent, lovely food and warm showers and central heating made for a good return after challenging wet walks. Enrico was a fount of knowledge of the history and ecology of the area so I learned a lot. So glad to have at last been able to visit such a beautiful and fascinating area.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final walk is the most breathtaking. This is the Path of the Gods walk towards Positano. We had a lovely sunny day and the views of the coast in the sun are wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enrico is a passionate knowledgeable insightful and considerate group leader. We were not all expert hikers and he arranged things so that the slowcoaches could move at their own pace and indeed join the walks at points if things like bad backs prevented someone taking part in the full walk. He also went the extra mile to help with things like bus tickets when some of our party did not do the walk but met up with the walking group later in the day because of bad backs fatigue etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good walking shoes or boots, lined walking socks, waterproof trousers a good waterproof jacket, sunglasses and suncream and a supply of small plastic bags to keep money phones and cameras dry. If you are not surefooted and don't like heights walking poles are a must. Also a good backpack with a rainproof cover is a must in the current weather conditions. I would also recommend a good supply of cream to soothe tired calf muscles and some ibuprofen if needed.

Daphne Dorman-Smith

Reviewed March 2018

Superb Week in Wintry Finland

Brilliant week of deep snow, sunshine, stunning scenery, amazing activities, great food and comfortable accommodation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog sledding and Northern Lights, followed closely by snow mobiling and walking in the forest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marti was brilliant. Very well organised, clear in his instructions, and great fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The lodge really does provide all the equipment/outer clothes you might require. All you need to pack is your thermal under layers, a few things to wear in the evening, and you're done.

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