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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14499 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

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.

Simon Barber

Reviewed March 2018

A very fine and scenic trip!

A good week in the foothills of the Carpathians. The hotel, the Vila Hermani, was excellent. Even included 3 friendly hounds, one or two of which followed us most days as “free agents.” Not the most challenging snowshoe trip I’ve been on, it’d be good for a newcomer to the sport. Wonderful scenery, good snow, very remote + unspoiled territory. Our guide, Thomas, really knew every path on the mountain!

Most Inspirational Moment

High points - 1:visiting Bram Castle, a very fine piece of architecture. 2. The final day, up to a mountain hut in the snows. Helping un-ditch the snowmobile a mile down the trail that got stuck carrying the resupply sledge. 3. 2 days up a very major gorge, 400' cliffs on either side! In England that'd be festooned with climbers - there, there's so much of it nobody even notices!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas really does know every trail on the mountain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit. It's not the most strenuous snowshoe I've done, but deep, soft snow and steep slopes are arduous.

Elaine Willett

Reviewed March 2018

Cycle Nicaragua Costa Rica and Panama

Wow what a brilliant trip… not only did we cycle in 3 amazingly beautiful countries, we experienced so many added extras… looking down on an active volcano at night; seeing the molten lava moving … brilliant. We cycled around a nature reserve one morning prior to the main days cycle… our guide Memo spotting all sorts of wild life I would surely have missed and his knowledge is just outstanding. River cruises, hot springs and visiting the Panama canal centre. This trip rates among the best I have done.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the nature reserve. All of it actually it's hard to pick a single moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo our group leader was out standing as a guide... His knowledge of nature, ecology, history ... just brilliant. He communicated with drawings, diagrams and a wicked sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I did a few spin classes prior to going and whilst I think they are evil they really helped with the hills

Ann Pike

Reviewed March 2018

An excellent adventure

My husband and I enjoyed the whole trip. We were with a group of 16 and we all got on fabulously. The Vietnamese people are very resilient and hard working.
This trip is well suited for active seniors and it does have a lot of free time if you want to explore on your own .

Most Inspirational Moment

The War remnants museum is a very sombre experience but it teaches you a lot about the whole war experience from the Vietnamese point of view . Ha Long Bay is a must see but be prepared for the plastic garbage floating around. The cave system was something else. Hoi An was my favourite place to stay....it is a smaller town but lots to see and buy! We did a cooking class here which was a lot of fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was our guide in Vietnam. He was very amiable and very knowledgeable...he kept us on track and went at our leisurely pace. He recommended where to eat and except for 1 meal in HCMC , all food was good. He took good care of us especially when crossing the very congested roads! Our guide in Cambodia , can't remember his name, was also very knowledgeable and obviously loves his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone when eating and drinking.

Dan Gibson

Reviewed March 2018

Trip of a Lifetime

Ive wanted to do this trip for 20yrs and it didnt dissapoint. Each day i was in awe of how spectacular the route and views became. Nepal and the Himalayas are absolutely spectacular. I was so pleased i booked through Exodus. Its the only company i would use for any future adventure trips. They were excellent and super professional throughout.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Everest for the first time is truly awe inspiring. Also climbing Kala Pathar at first light and seeing the sunrise behind Ama Dablam was simply amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Dorji and Sherpa Kaji were both fantastic guys and people id now consider good friends. They work so hard to make sure you enjoy the trip. Theyre a true credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train well before hand. Its harder than we expected. Also take lots of snacks as the food in the tea houses isnt great and can become quite tedious after 14 days. If i did it again id take cured meat, cheese and chocolate! Also make sure you take immodium and altitude tablets as i ended up with AMS for 4 days which was horrible. Also take a 5 season sleeping bag as it can get seriously cold and uncomfortable on a night.

Laura Savill

Reviewed March 2018

One for the lover of birds

It is a long flight going out, 11 hours. British Airways were the airline chosen because of the direct flight, but the standard of service on the plane had much to be desired could not wait to get off the plane.

The first hotel in San Jose was okay but the food and drinks were very expensive, it would have been nicer to have had a hotel in the centre so that one could go out and see the city.

The adventure really begun the next day when we had a coach journey then boat to get to our first destination.

If you are a lover of birds you will love this holiday as they’re so many to see, however the island is very green with cloud and rain forests which you can explore. It is a country not contrasts and it should be seen.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the walk at night, to go into a forest at night and see night creatures and just to hear different sounds. I learnt to much.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was excellent, he knew so much about the wildlife and was able to spot them while we were driving. He was able to keep the group together and on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect to much from the food, I found it very boring and plain. The country caters mainly for American visitors which is reflected in prices. Remember to pack waterproof and warm clothing for the evening's.

Stephen Wainde

Reviewed March 2018

Broad sweep through Vietnam ending in the highlight of Angkor Wat

Broad introduction to Vietnam with extension to Angkor, which was perfect climax to trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Angkor Wat lives up to the hype though it can get over-run with large groups who only seem interested in taking selfies with the temples as a backdrop. However, it is easy to find quieter temples. Siem Reip caters to the western traveller, but has a fine selection of bars and restaurants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Katie in Vietnam was charm personified. I think we all appreciated her concern for each and every member of the group. She was young, but her youthful enthusiasm carried us all along. I think the tour would have benefitted from wider use of local professional guides ie in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh to really bring the cultural and political context alive. Jonny in Cambodia was excellent. Amusing, personable and nothing was too much trouble. He was pretty good on the temples too. He had a knack of finding us the quietest corners for viewing and the best places for photos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was dreading the early starts and the last half post-Hoi An can seem relentless. However, I quickly followed the local pattern of rising with the sun and breakfasting at 6am and this made the whole experience much more enjoyable. The group was varied, but eveyone rubbed along together very well so no fears here. Do read up on both countries before leaving as there is just too much to see and take in en route.

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