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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14505 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Lesley Skelly

Reviewed March 2018

Loved this trip it will be hard to beat!

This was a most fabulous trip – a fantastic mix of cycling and sampling local culture. We had a really good guide Shibu and his team. We loved Kerala and the mix of experiences on this trip. We liked the level which was leisurely /moderate – ideal in such a hot country we wish there were more trips available at this level. We loved the food and have had withdrawal cravings on return to the UK from such delicious fare! We had a great group of people on this tour they also helped to make it a brilliant experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many lovely moments. Cycling through the beautiful countryside with periods of cycling along the coast. Enough time to enjoy the scenery. Music which we could hear as we went past churches and temples. It seemed mystical. Sunrise on the backwaters. Cookery lesson at the home stay. Our guide always finding us a table in the evening with the best views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gorgeous person. He helped to resolve a dental emergency in a calm and efficient manner. Always supportive - we felt very safe under his guidance. Loved the dancing he arranged for us on the boat in the backwaters! He had a great team too who looked out for us in the areas with more traffic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely need good insect repellent - two of our group got caught out on the first day and their bites were a nuisance. We were very conservative in our dress and perhaps strappy tops and shorts would have been OK in most though perhaps not all places, as was cycling in Lycra. I found my baggy shorts a bit hot for cycling in this setting. We spent very little money during the trip - thanks to the wisdom of our guide. We added on to our trip - staying at the final hotel for extra days - that was also very enjoyable. Wine is quite expensive in Kerala - would be worth choosing another drink. You can always get on the bus if you are having a bad day!

Prue Losada

Reviewed March 2018

Mexico: Mayas, Aztecs & Conquistadores

This is an epic journey through Mexico to see the ancient sites and to get a flavour of the country, its beautiful colours, its friendly people and its delicious food. Although we spent a lot of time on the road between locations (and some were very windy through the Sierra Madre mountains) we always made stops along the way to visit places of interest, have lunch and plenty of stops for the banjos!

Most Inspirational Moment

Frida Kahlo's house was somewhere I had looked forward to visiting, and it didn't disappoint. I also loved all the ancient sites, but Palenque was my favourite, due to its setting. Our cooking class in Oaxaca was excellent, ending in a 6 course lunch of all the food we had chosen and helped to prepare. The optional boat trip in the Sumidero Canyon is a must - we had gone early and that meant we were virtually on our own for the outward journey and for stopping to look at the wildlife. Some of the hotels we stayed in were exceptional but sadly at those for only one night. Likewise the restaurants our guide took us to were excellent. The final treat of my holiday was a swim at the cenote (sink hole) on the last morning. Was extremely refreshing on a very hot day and I would definitely recommend it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arturo was a fantastic tour guide. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and he looked after us so well and thought of absolutely everything and always had with him anything we might need, from extra water, to suncream, to anti-mosquito repellent to travel sickness pills ahead of what he knew would be a very windy route, for which I was most grateful! He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of everywhere we went; he would always dine with us (apart from a well-deserved couple of nights off) and he was very outgoing and had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be prepared for long journeys and for it being chilly some mornings in the high locations before the sun comes up. Take most or all of your money in Mexican pesos. I had too many dollars and was having to change them, which was sometimes a very lengthy process. Some of the smarter restaurants/hotels did accept credit cards.

Andy Longden

Reviewed March 2018

Your Chance To Be David Attenborough For 2 Weeks!!

This was a well choreographed exploration of Costa Rica, with an emphasis on exploring biodiversity and ecology thematically. The choice of hotels/lodges is excellent – you stay 2 nights everywhere which gives opportunity to explore without feeling too rushed. The trip is graded “leisurely” but in fact we seemed to be active throughout, so good basic fitness is important to get the most from the trip.

There were 16 people in our group, and whilst we greatly enjoyed the company, it felt a big group to take for nature walks – usually most of the wildlife had scarpered by the time we arrived as 16 people stomping along a trail are not exactly quiet!).

Most Inspirational Moment

After a 5.30am start on our mission to find the rare Resplendent Quetzal, and after numerous false alarms, imagine the elation when suddenly, a lovely specimen landed in a tree barely 20 feet from me. David Attenborough - here we come!!! More seriously, I'd also say that taken as a whole, this trip is a remarkable experience in ecology and bio-diversity, which is so vitally important to appreciate in todays world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pedro was a bit of a curate's egg - good in parts. Great at keeping us safe and outstanding in the natural environment - this man can spot a sloth in a tree a mile away and had outstanding insights into the natural world and the conflict with development. And our sincere thanks for all that. But we'd rate him as not very good on the organisational front; sometimes we felt we were on a school trip with an irritable teacher. It didn't matter very much, but we'd encourage Pedro to engage more with his groups in future (and, eg, to attend the final group dinner and ensure that the trip ends on a real high...).

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a photographer's paradise - but it is still challenging to take good pictures. You need a decent camera with a powerful zoom. Good binoculars are very useful. The climate can be surprising variable - bring rainwear and also a warm jacket for higher altitudes/early morning walks. Otherwise, dress code is casual throughout. We booked the direct BA flights which gave us a day or so either end of the trip, and we'd recommend this. Firstly, it gives time to recover from the long flight before the trip begins. Second, San Jose is more interesting than it seems at first glance. There are three excellent museums (National, Gold and Jade) and also an historic theatre; plus a small zoo. Everything is within easy walking distance, and we found San Jose to be safe and friendly. Try Pops ice cream - delicious!!

Phyllis Ryan

Reviewed March 2018

Mexico: Myans, Aztecs & Conquistadors

An excellent experience. We saw so many Mayan sites, and learned a lot about Mexico’s history in general.

Most Inspirational Moment

The experience of seeing some of the ancient sites, even from as far back as 200-500 years BC. I thoroughly enjoyed roaming around, and climbing up these pyramids.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arturo was a very good leader. He knew so much about his local history, and passed on his knowledge with humour and a great sense of pride.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for mosquitoes. Although it wasn't Malaria season, I still got bitten. Take a good repellent with you.

Julie and William Knuckey

Reviewed March 2018

Discover Sri Lanka

We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip. It was very varied in experiences from Buddhist temples to a taste of the local culture and life of the villagers. The contrast of the busy noisy towns to the tea plantations , national parks & forest areas. The whole experience was made extra special and interesting by our excellent guide’ Bob'( his Sri Lankan name is impossible to pronounce), who explained clearly the history, culture & life of Sri Lanka, illustrated by his own personal stories. Hotels were of a good standard and the food & service were on the whole good. The train ride was an experience, expect to stand for 2 hours, though some local women made a small seating space for me and I enjoyed hearing their life stories and they generously wanted to share their snacks with me! Yala national park was very good and we did see a leopard however, the game drive in Kaudulla National park was too crowded with other viewers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a Leopard in Yala National Park, Seeing blue wales, the white water rafting, and visits to local villages where we were served local food and drank from freshly cut coconuts. As well as the Buddhist Temple of the tooth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, the best we have had yet, so informative without being over powering, always smiling and his own personal stories brought to life the history, religion and culture of the Island. I would live to go on another trip led by him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you have a light fleece for the hills of Nuwara Ella. Have plenty of sun cream & after sun for the coast. Be ready for sudden downpours. Trust your leader he knows the best time to arrive at attractions which might mean an early start! Just enjoy all the different experiences

Elaine Richards

Reviewed March 2018

Effort rewarded

Being complete novices my wife and I were just experimenting with this trip. We are so glad we did. The walks are all pretty challenging stuff but the rewards of the effort put in are more than ample reward. We were fortunate enough to get a pretty good week, some snow, some blue skies and not too cold and the Dolomites definitely showed us their best face. We are in our early sixties and walk regularly and found the walks doable but not easy. You get out of this holiday what you put in.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the summit of Durakopf and being completely surrounded by snow covered mountains against a clear blue sky takes some beating but there were many other moments like that. Every day provided something new and even more amazing than the previous one. The sense of achievement we, and the rest of the group felt on reaching our targets.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It is quite hard to explain how much Sara makes this holiday. She is all the things a guide should be, knowledgeable, helpful, caring and extremely competent but the whole is so much more than the sum of the parts. With any reasonably competent guide this would be a good holiday but Sara takes it up a notch and to a different level. Excellent does not do her justice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are a fit and able walker and the snowshoeing will come naturally. Read the trip notes and kit list thoroughly and ensure you follow it. Bring a camera or you will regret it.

Maggie Murfitt

Reviewed March 2018

Vietnam Adventure

I have just returned from the Vietnam Adventure trip. It was my 6th Exodus adventure and I have to say it was easily one of the best I have been on.

This vast country has so much to offer, there are vast differences between the north and the south and the trip enables you to experience a lot in a relatively short time.

When we were on the boat in Halong Bay the weather was damp and grey – it gave a really ethereal quality to the experience and I think our photographs are absolutely stunning.

As we moved south the weather changed and became hot and humid which was a relief!

To me the whole trip was fantastic, it’s hard to pick favourite places but I have to say that Hoi An and My Son were truly amazing. I have never seen anything like them.

It is a busy trip with lots to take in and lots of variety in what you do. I have to say that Tao, our Trip Leader, was brilliant. He must have had so much to organise, check and manage but he did it all with total calm and good humour. He was knowledgeable and kind and is one of the best Trip Leaders I have had the pleasure of touring with.

The standard of hotels is excellent, the toilets are fantastic and everywhere is spotlessly clean.

So book it and enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

My Son, Hoi An, Saigon and Halong Bay - all of it really!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tao is a total professional. Very knowledgeable, proud of his country and top fun. Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring extra cash if you like wine (it's a bit pricy in the hotels), and shopping there lots of bargains to be had. Also bring trainers and a waterproof jacket, the north of the country was not very warm and it rained as well.

Ryszard Feldman

Reviewed March 2018

Leisurely Vietnam adventure

Excellent trip. Well organized and interesting. Good quality accommodations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many good moments. Hard to select one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nhi Pham in Vietnam was excellent. I nominated her for leader award. Leader in Cambodia was very knowledgeable, but not very experienced in interpersonal skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Recommend the trip for educational and general informative content. Except for short Angkor leg, it was also not very exhausting.

john dingley

Reviewed March 2018

South East Asia in 14 days !

A great trip, supported by 3 very good teams. The riding was fairly easy – very flat with hardly an incline – , with a great bunch of fellow riders. I dont think we saw the best of Thailand, and it felt like we were out of the country as soon as we started. Temples and Pagodas was the theme of most of the trip, and they didn’t dissapoint. We saw monkeys and elephants – too breifly. A lot of people on our trip were more interested in the wildlife, a bit of a shame that more wasnt made of that. Cambodia stole our hearts ! The people were so freindly, the surroundings straight out of “national geographic” pages. A country with such a sad history, but certainly worth a visit on it’s own.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boarder crossing from Thailand to Cambodia was an experience not to be missed - but the highlight of the 2 weeks had to be the temples in Siem Reap. Not only Angkor Wat, but so many other stunning temples to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was difficult to gel with the team - having 3 teams and 3 bikes in such a short period of time. Because of that, the team leader wasn't as "prominent" as other trips because - in his own words - he was the general manager rather than the tour guide. However, Chai looked after us very well and allowed us to build up a bit of steam on longer sections.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In Seam Reap, head straight for Pub Street - a very lively atmosphere, not to be missed ! The 5am start to Angkor Wat to see the sunrise, was very much an anticlimax for the views, but worth doing just for the atmospehere of 3000 people at stupid-o-clock all racing there by tuk-tuk. When in Phnom Penh, take an evening river cruise - 2 hours up and down the waterways which was very cheap.

Linda Ennis

Reviewed March 2018

Classic Vietnam & Angklor-- a tremendous travel experience!

Traveling with Exodus was indeed a tremendous experience and far surpassed any group travel I have previously encountered. Hotels selected were of very high quality with excellent locations, allowing for easy access during free time to various opportunities. Activities scheduled were both educational and enjoyable, reflective of meaningful experiences in the history of each country visited. The tour was perfectly paced for active seniors, with enough activity without being overload, interspersing in enough free time to add in those activities which we might wish to choose for our personal enjoyment. Most importantly, the other 14 members in our group were totally enjoyable, warm & friendly, thereby creating an unanticipated group experience for sharing in these foreign turfs. Excellent tour which is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in both history and culture in the countries of both Vietnam & Cambodia

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments in our trip but if one need be selected perhaps it might be our visit to Halong Bay, where we stayed overnight on a boat while cruising among the islands. Visits to Mekong Delta as well our kayaking experience were also very special experiences, as well as the visit to Hoi An, a lovely town in central Vietnam where we were able to mingle more with the local culture. The most emotionally challenging experience of the trip was a visit to the Vietnam War Museum wherein via photos of effects of Agent Orange, we were exposed to the tremendous devastation which the USA inflicted upon these countries. The trip was both experiential on multiple levels and allowed one to pursue history and culture to whatever degree chosen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Nye, in Vietnam was beyond excellent. Her knowledge and presentation of information in both a casual yet educational manner was tremendous. Her capacity to keep organization in a group of 16 people while retaining a warm & cooperative spirit greatly encouraged a group experience and enable the schedule to run in an organized manner. Her flexibility to allow for individual deviation when desired as well as her capacity to show personal interest in each group member's activities was remarkable & would inspire me to nominate her as a best group leader ever experienced on a tour. Our group leader in Cambodia was also very knowledgable and presented educational material beyond expectations on Angkor. His presentation was less personally influenced and casual than our previous leader and somewhat more difficult to focus upon due to his tendency to present infinite tangential information. The heat in Cambodia also exacerbated the difficulty of this part of the tour, which may also reflect a wish for less detail in this experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend Exodus travel after researching numerous companies as an excellent tour company and suggest this tour for anyone with interest in these countries from an educational and cultural perspective. We chose February as the month least prone to monsoons and weather was quite accommodating during our Vietnam portion of the trip. Heat is Cambodia was more than anticipated and did have some effect on our willingness to explore further on our second day, but fortunately, the group was in consensus regarding this concept.

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