Most Inspirational Moment
Husky Dogs!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Martii and Tiia - the best!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't wear a ton of layers if you go Fat Biking! Even I sub zero temperatures you will be boiling!
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
A fantastic trip!
This review is for the week of 14th-21st January 2018
The whole week was truly amazing. Our hosts Martii and Tiia were fantastic and ensured we had the best holiday possible. Everyone’s dietary requirements were taken care of and all of the activities were so much fun. For me the Husky dog sledding was a memory that will last me a lifetime. The Northern Lights made an appearance on the plane ride home which was the perfect end to a fabulous trip. If you want to know about it in more detail please feel free to click on the below link which is a my blog for the week! Enjoy!
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4016466253369531842#editor/target=post;postID=5310183189617508352;onPublishedMenu=publishedposts;onClosedMenu=publishedposts;postNum=0;src=link
As good as it gets
This trip surpassed my previous Exodus bike trips by a country mile. The scenery was truly outstanding, the cycling manageable while challenging and it was organised and supported in the most exceptional way by the local team. I could not recommend it too highly.
Most Inspirational Moment
You never grew tired of the outstanding views of volcanoes, dotted amongst the most extraordinary lakes and dramatic scenery. Some of the off-road ascents were tough, especially with gravel interleaved with stones and in the heat, but the challenge was inspiring and the pace was comfortably pitched accommodate a diverse group. We did the trip in January 2018; the weather was exceptional (many days about 20-25 degrees, although it did get hot (over 35 degrees) on a few days. I don't believe a single person on our trip (15 of us in all) found it anything other than exceptional.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our day to day leaders had a maturity and confidence that worked wonderfully for our group. They were continually thinking about the support for the group, and when issues arose, as they inevitably do, they addressed them quickly and efficiently. The back-up team with van, coffee stops, hotel support etc was also first class.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Rest days can be that if you want but there are so many opportunities to try other activities. We tried kayaking one day and climbed an active volcano on the other. Both excellently delivered by local guides who provided all the kit, advice and support you need.
Cycling and so much more.
This is a cycling trip for anyone of average cycling ability, or above, who also wishes to sample all the culture sights, sounds and tastes that beautiful Sri Lanka has to offer. Accommodation varies from simple guest houses to nice hotels, but it is as stated in the trip notes and perfectly adequate in all instances to refresh and rest after a fantastic day. The food is delicious, be it served in a street café or hotel buffet, and options for those who don’t like their food too hot are always available.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every minute spent cycling through this country is inspirational. The scenery and wildlife are awesome and the friendly locals (in particular the children) ensure you are never lonely. They will take time out of their daily schedule to wave, cheer and speak as you pass; making you feel humbled to be so welcomed to their beautiful country. Time taken to enjoy a fantastic jeep safari in Yala National Park, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, go whale watching and explore the old towns of Kandy and Galle are also extremely memorable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I have never travelled with any other tour guide who commits himself so totally to ensuring that his clients have a fantastic holiday in the way that our guide Suresh Bandara did. His love and knowledge of his country shine through and he shares this with the group in the most enthusiastic and entertaining manner. He constantly goes the extra mile to cater for the individuals interests (for example organising two extra early morning bird walks for interested parties) and has a knack for identifying when a special occasion is being celebrated and organising a special surprise. The safety and comfort of the group are clearly paramount to him and cycling is always undertaken at a pace to suit everyone.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel light. Apart from your cycling clothes you don't need a lot more. The Sri Lankan people are quite reserved so shorts which go below the knee and long light trousers are more useful than very short shorts when not cycling! You will also need long sleeves and trousers to protect against the insects at night in some locations. It is fun to haggle the price when shopping in Kandy and Galle, however you will find the hotel shop in Kandy is very good value for anything from jewellery to trousers and they are prepared to barter.
Thai Indochina Explorer
Sites very good, but the journey between them very drawn out.
Most Inspirational Moment
Angkor Wat
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vietnamese and Thai leaders very good, the Cambodian leader did not reach the level
Advice for Potential Travellers
No
"Best holiday so far.........guaranteed!"
A great trip that had everything including dramatic scenery, lush countryside, wonderful cycling, adventure in a safari park, beautiful beaches and of course lots of tea!
Most Inspirational Moment
We really enjoyed the safari and seeing elephants, crocodiles and leopard in their natural habitat.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh took care of our every need from the moment we arrived and met us at the airport. He goes above and beyond in ensuring that we all had a fantastic experience, taking any stress away from us so we could enjoy every moment. His excellent relationships with the locals tells you that this is someone who is well respected among the community, which in turn means you get the best out of seeing how the people live and work.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Well everyone talks about that hill! My advice is to enjoy it - take it at your pace and see how you get on. If you are an accomplished rider then you will love it, if not, then it is a great challenge! There is of course the support bus always at hand. There is also the alternative of the train, for which 1st class tickets need to be booked months in advance. 2nd class tickets are available on the day but be prepared to stand the whole way! The tea and water stops are great but do not include electrolytes so you might want to take your own.
Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets January 2018
This was a memorable holiday, for all the right reasons. We were interested to find out about Costa Rica’s wildlife and landscapes, and we were delighted with what we found. It was an active holiday, with quite a lot of early-morning rises, but this was more than compensated by the richness of the wildlife encounters. Our guide, Pedro, was outstanding: his knowledge, organisation, and enthusiasm were inspirational. The group, which ranged in age from 33 to 83, got on really well together, united by his passion and good humour. Accommodation was good to very good, and the food (most of which is included in the price) was also good to very good.
We experienced the full gamut of weather conditions, from tropical rain to warm temperatures and blue sunny skies.
As for organisation, the trip passed without a hitch despite certain roads being blocked by landslides and fallen trees, and we always felt safe.
There is quite a bit of travelling from one location to another.
Most Inspirational Moment
Coming into close contact with so many wild animals in their natural surroundings is not an experience we are used to in Europe, and we have been lucky to return with some stunning photographs.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Pedro, our group leader, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, efficient, helpful, and passionate about his country. He led the group with great humour and was always willing to go the extra mile.
Advice for Potential Travellers
For anyone interested in this tour, take sun cream, insect repellent, a poncho, walking boots and a good pair of trainers. It is not really a trekking holiday, but conditions can be wet and muddy. A good camera is a must. We chose to fly direct from the UK to San José rather than face the inevitable immigration queues if you fly via North America.
Cycling Indochina & Angkor
The trip was a retirement present to myself and in the months between booking and departing I had intended to get many miles under my (too large) belt. When the time came to leave I was more than a little anxious as I hadn’t exactly hit my training targets, had never done this kind of holiday before and was travelling alone.
From the moment I first stepped on to the bike I knew that my fears were unfounded, The trip was among the best holidays I have ever taken. The cycling was wonderful, the scenery and ancient sites beautiful, the staff, support, equipment and organisation exemplary and the food delicious and cheap.
The accommodation ranged from very good to more modest hotels but all were clean and had en suite facilities. I had paid a single room supplement and was a litle disappointed to be sharing (for one night only) in the delighful “homestay” but this was a very minor inconvenience.
The group was large and diverse but here was huge companionship, support and banter between us and the staff ensured that both stronger cyclists and less experienced had plenty of fun and challenge.
It was brilliant to experience three different countries and cultures. In each the local tour guides gave interesting and educational background to visits. This part of the world has had more than its share of troubles and it was brilliant to see how each country is responding and developing. Throughout, the local people were welcoming and friendly – in Vietnam, for example, we were greeted by high-fiving children and shouts of “hello” at every village.
The days ranged from some long rides in the sun to occasional bus transfers and shorter excursions but all were punctuated by the excellent snack van providing lovely refreshments and fresh water at very regular intervals.
In summary I loved it, was sad when it finished and am already browsing the web for the next adventure.
Most Inspirational Moment
Angkor Wat was simply stunning and the visit to the Killing Fields and prison in Cambodia deeply moving . However for me the high point was more banal. When I was speeding into the lakeside lunch stop after about 45K on day 3, I was on the wheel of the day's cycling leader who turned to me and simply said "strong" and I got such an ego boost. The upshot was that half way through the afternoon I blew up and finished the day near the end of the finishers...but hey it was worth it!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nut was a brilliant tour leader. He was professional, friendly and fun, briefing us well before each day/stage, resolving any problems, taking us to some great restaurants and he also plays a mean guitar.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip notes reccommended bringing faourite snacks, gels, fist aid kit etc. None of this was necessary as we were well provided throughout and they took up valuable space in my luggage that I would more usefully have filled with more cycling jerseys, given the heat and humidity on the road. Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera/phone. There was so much to see.
A wonderful trip
A wonderful trip full of busy days that take in the history and culture of 3 beautiful countries. The food was delicious, the accommodation was all superb, the Exodus guides were fantastic. Plenty to see and do for the adventurer that likes something slightly different
Most Inspirational Moment
Inspirational moments would have to include the visits to see the history of conflicts in Vietnam and Cambodia, harrowing but a reminder to preserve world peace, the temple complex at Anghor Wat, the Royal Palaces in Bangkok, the homestay on the Mekong Delta
Thoughts on Group Leader
The best tour leader was Is, our lovely Thai guide, she was amazing
Advice for Potential Travellers
Absorb everything you see, taste and hear, it is a sensory trip that will have your thoughts racing
Excellent
This was one of the best trips I have ever done. The country was beautiful and very varied with excellent walking. The superb local and historical knowledge of our extremely friendly and able guide Ruwan made the trip come alive and he introduced us to many local people all of whom were incredibly friendly and warm. The local food was delicious and the locations well chosen
Most Inspirational Moment
The friendliness of the tea plantation workers who are among the poorest in Sri Lanka, and an elephant blocking the road on one of our trips
Thoughts on Group Leader
Couldn't have been better. A really lovely intelligent and capable man
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go! Take mosquito repellant
Cycling the friendliest island in the world
Highly recommend this trip as the best way to see Sri Lanka. Not only is it a most beautiful country that has such varied landscapes and sites to see each day, but you do it all by 2 wheels with very little overland journeys in a minibus. Its also a fantastic mix of cycling and sightseeing. What’s more the local people are so friendly everywhere you go…could it be the friendliest island in the world?
Most Inspirational Moment
For me personally my greatest achievement and moment of inspiration was climbing Sigiriya rock rather than the cycle challenges that I didn't find too challenging, as I had to conquer my fear of heights for the climb! Really thanks to Neelaka our guide and the rest of the group who were so calming and encouraging. I am so glad I got to the top as the 360 views of Sri Lanka were just stunning and I will never forget this moment in Sri Lanka. My other great moment was the cycling moment and satisfaction of reaching the top tea hills at Nuwara Eliya after the all day ascent from Kandy. The faster cyclists and the guides cheering everyone in at the top was memorable as was the relief of arriving.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Neelaka was outstanding. I have always found the standard of Exodus leaders good and have been with other companies that were good, but Neelaka was a cut above the rest. He was such a great mix of always so professional but letting his fun and sunny personality shine through and was always generous with his time to impart his immense knowledge and insight about the country, its culture and its places. He dealt with any concerns so calmly and efficiently and together with his team got the entire group of 16 people (no less) of quite varied cycling abilities, round the country with no problems whatsoever, with a smile on everyone faces and great memories. He was ensured we had memorable tea and lunch stops - a fantastic variety of local cafes with delicious local savoury snacks, local families houses and many treats of fresh coconuts and ice cream! Most people had done a few trips in their time but the general consensus was that Neelaka was everything you could want in a guide and more. The cycle guide and mechanic Sandy was also excellent in looking after everyone's cycle needs and supporting all 16 cyclists.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Its worth getting cycle fit before this trip as it is very hot cycling which can make the distances feel longer. I also found that it is OK wearing lycra in Sri Lanka - they are used to weirdly dressed cyclists by now! But slap on the sun block and take a hat for when you are sightseeing off the bike. The food is generally amazing but some of the hotels and restaurants get a bit repetitive on offering the same curries.