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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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14499 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Iona Whitaker

Reviewed March 2017

Classic Vietnam & Angkor

Varied and well organised. You see, experience and learn a lot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cruising round Halong Bay, the bike ride through the paddy fields at Hoi An, the Cu Chi tunnels, the boat trips on the Mekong delta, the markets, sunrise at Angkor Wat ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa in Vietnam was excellent. There were 16 in our group and he managed to look after all of us and cater for the different interests. He was very knowledgeable and honest about life in Vietnam, and also good fun. Minear in Cambodia was also very good. We only had a few days there and he made sure we didn't waste any time. He managed to impart a lot of information as well as personal experiences about the war which were very moving.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best to have dong in Vietnam (though dollars are also useful). You only need dollars in Cambodia. Easy to change money. You will need an overnight bag for Halong Bay and again at the Mekong delta (suitcases are left behind for these two nights). Best shopping is in Hoi An and Siem Reap. The walk up Marble Mountain is not difficult - steps and shaded paths between temples and shrines. Most of the group got a visa on landing at Siem Reap ($30 dollars and you only need one photo – not two). The various temples at Angkor Wat are sacred so knees must be covered (as well as the top of women’s arms). We were all scrabbling around in our suitcases for something suitable to wear. Enforcement varies but best not to risk it as some of the guards were quite strict. It was cool in Hanoi and Halong Bay (late Feb/early March) but elsewhere was very warm (and humid in Cambodia).

Karin May

Reviewed March 2017

Highlands of sri lanka

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sri Lankan experience and found it to be very good value and well organised. It is such a stunningly beautiful green and lush country and the views often made us gasp with delight!
The locals were very welcoming and kind and friendly.
The trip was very varied and each day was a new and different experience.
Our group was mixed but we got along fine and had some great laughs along the way!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many - for my husband the challenge of Adams Peak was inspirational. Meeting locals and the beautiful landscapes and walking around the tea plantations and visiting the cave temple in Dambulla, visiting Kandy and the temple of the tooth and the historic port of Galle were just amazing for me. In fact every day there was something inspirational!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was very well organised, very friendly and professional and very kind and also had a good sense of humour! He was very passionate about his country and keen to impart his knowledge - we learned so much about Sri Lanka which was amazing. His back up team of drivers deserve a mention for their hard work and commitment to delivering a top class service, always with a huge smile!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and open up your heart to Sri Lanka - you will be fully rewarded!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Karin for her review, although we are sincerely sorry to hear that she was disappointed with the cleanliness of the accommodation in Dickoya. It is the first time we can recall receiving this feedback and we have raised Karin’s concerns with the property’s management. We understand that these issues have been addressed and arrangements made to prevent rodents from entering the buildings, which we trust will prevent future clients experiencing similar issues. Whilst we realise that this cannot alter Karin’s experience, we hope it shows we have taken her comments seriously. John Penge – Product Manager

Mandy Boak

Reviewed March 2017

Truly amazing

This was our first time in India and the first cycling trip we’ve ever done. We were a group of 12, plus Shakur our leader, Kurian our driver, Franklin our back-up man and Anil, driver, water-supplier and all-round cool guy. The group were of mixed ability which worked fine – we had loads of coffee stops, happy bushes breaks and although there were about 5 long days of cycling on the trip, from 8 till 4.30, it was all quite manageable. The route of this trip is superb. Using mainly backroads, then the odd venture onto main roads and into the busier towns, we saw such a diversity of scenery and got a great insight into the daily lives of the local people. All of it was so enjoyable, so fascinating. Weaving your way through full-on Indian traffic is exhilarating and hilarious but somehow or other it all works and we all got through the experience unscathed. The backroads do have quite bad potholes in places and can get a bit bone-shaking but they’re worth it, honestly. The accommodation is all of a really good standard I felt. I got the impression from more seasoned travellers in our group that this is one of the better trips in that respect. And the food! Oh my god! Fantastic & in abundance – only regret was I couldn’t eat all of it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights it's difficult to choose. From the first morning when we did a circular route to Auroville, we were hooked. What a way to see a country and what a country! We were like wide-eyed kids with the biggest grins on our faces all through the journey - the sights, sounds and smells, the colours, the smiling friendly people, the beautiful children, the dogs, goats, cows - there was something amazing down every street, round every corner. It was a morning we will honestly never forget, just wonderful. And the people all smiling and waving, so friendly, cheering us on our way. And the food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shakur and his team did a great job and looked after us so well on this trip. You could see that the more we enjoyed ourselves the happier they were. There were a couple of occasions when the route had to be changed or certain excursions cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, ie a strike on the day we were supposed to visit the tea plantation factory! But Shakur would get on his phone and next thing it was all organised and we still managed to visit the factory although it wasn't up and running. We left an ipad in one of the hotels - they rang Shakur, got on a motorbike and met us en route about 40k down the line. Every time we stopped Kurian or Anil would fill our water bottles, make sure we all got our coffees and teas just how we liked them. They didn't rest until they were sure we had everything we needed. Franklin cycled at the back all week, taking care of the slower members of the group and helping anyone with bike problems. We couldn't fault these guys, they were just great and helped make the holiday such an enjoyable experience. Thanks guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bib shorts aren't practical for these trips - best would be a couple of pairs of thin liner shorts with some fast-drying over shorts. We had a couple of serious downpours en route and I wished I'd taken a second pair of shoes to cycle in - some people cycled in sandals. Gel seat - cheap one off Amazon - proved v useful. We did need to wash clothes now and again - take a decent travel wash or use the hotel laundry - quite cheap. American Express travel card was only accepted once, best off with Visa or Mastercard. Money exchange in airport offered us a much lower rate than anywhere else. ATM's sometimes run out of money so taking some pound notes out with you is quite handy, there are loads of "foreign exchange" places. Practice your camera face - many Indians we met wanted to have a photo taken with us - funny but true?! Our group ranged in age from 46 to 73, everyone coped well with the cycling, although there are so many photo opportunities that go whizzing by, a Go-Pro would have been quite handy.

Peter Wilkinson

Reviewed March 2017

MZD Cycling the Drakensberg

This was a first rate trip that made me very positive about South Africa. The whole experience was excellent with first class leadership of the guides that made its two weeks to remember for years to come.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just viewing the changes in scenery as we cycled and drove along.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jean-Paul was an inspirational leader who clearly loved his country and was able to effectively impart that enthusiasm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared to absorb everything the country and people have to offer.

Martin Bigg

Reviewed March 2017

Trails of New Zealand

We had promised ourselves this trip for some time and had high expectations. We were looking for a good mix of activities to see and experience the country.
Trails of New Zealand went way beyond our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed the amazing places, the range of walks in different landscapes, the fun of jet-boating, sailing and cruising, and luging, and the unique birds and wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had so many experiences which will stay with us: walking the stark volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Crossing; walking to and flying over Mount Cook and landing on pristine Fox glassier; sailing a catamaran; or travelling at 80mph up a braided river; the magnificent kauri and redwoods, and not forgetting the kiwis. On our way to Milford Sound on the South Island it poured with rain and we were not expecting to see much. However, soon after we boarded the boat the skies cleared and the fiord was filled with magnificent waterfalls. It was magical as we explored Milford Sound in boats and kayaks, and our ship nosed its way past and into the silver cascading water against a backdrop of majestic snow covered peaks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Josh and Haley were superb leaders. They were very organised and ensured that we knew all we needed to know. They provided supplements to our meals and provided a super spread when they catered for us. They were great at sharing additional information and encouragement to the slower and faster members of the group. When they found that an unknown walker had had a serious fall they ensured that she returned down the mountain safely while continuing to look after our group. When the bus developed a technical fault it was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!!! It is a long way so pace and prepare yourself, but it will repay you many times over. The country is very varied and so is the weather, so go prepared for everything - it was coldest and wettest at sea level and hottest in the mountains.

Deborah Loach

Reviewed March 2017

Dolomites snowshoeing February 2017

One of the best holidays I have ever had. I was a little nervous about doing a first group holiday but this holiday was amazing. The group leader, Sara, was fantastic – very knowledgeable about the mountains, and many other things. She was very friendly and very interesting to talk to. The other members of the group were lovely people. The scenery was incredible and the walking was varied and perfectly planned. The only criticism was the dinner menu which was over complicated – would be much better to have 3 courses with a few choices. The breakfasts were fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the mountains to see amazing views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to be pretty fit.

Mark Steward

Reviewed March 2017

Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike

A lovely holiday – it lived up to all of our expectations- great mix of cycling and history, good food and excellent company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cup of mint tea at The Monastery, Petra, after climbing the 800 steps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very organised - lovely chap always trying to please.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really - just enjoy!

Robert Atkinson

Reviewed March 2017

The most stunning trip of my life

Its been a long held dream of mine to go to the Antarctic and the trip I booked via Exodus far exceeded my expectations.

Amazing scenery, captivating and exciting wildlife, a plethora of facts, figures and general education from the on board experts and I can claim a world first to boot from my holiday to the Antarctic and below the polar circle.

Most Inspirational Moment

The landscapes and wildlife. The scenery is breathtaking, from the continent itself to the many islands and icebergs floating away from the land mass and glaciers. I have never seen anywhere quite so remote and in many ways barren, yet at the same time rich in life and activity. And you will never get over the amazing shapes of the ice along with the vivid blues you see in the glaciers and icebergs. Quite sensational. The penguins are of course the stars, but the frequency of whale sightings and fluking along with seals and many type of birds including the mighty albatross just make the experience even more rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader is in effect an Expedition Leader fronting a large team of professional from a range of countries. Ours was wonderful. An enormous personality and with the best sense of humour coupled with safety and huge amounts of professional integrity. The people in the expedition team were sensational. They come from a mix of backgrounds, however all have skills in subjects ranging from glaciology to water sports instructor, polar researcher to the armed forces, historian to nature and much more. Not only do you get the chance to attend lectures and learn from them on a really diverse range of topics, but they also accompany the trips off the ship and interact with you during meals and drinks as well as on time when you are cruising. They have both professionally and also personally empowering stories to tell and they really enhanced my trip in a way I did not think possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to do any of the activities then book them up as soon as you make your reservation. Spaces are limited and I was unable to camp on the ice or take part in kayaking. Don't worry about being cold. Its not actually as cold as you imagine and the ship is fantastically warm and homely. The jacket and boots they supply you with are excellent. Concentrate on buying good quality thermals in layers along wit6h waterproof trousers and gloves and a warm fleece or wool hat. Edit your photos as you go along and always be ready to shoot stuff. The onboard team will help you with this as they have photographers ready to help with your trip.

Simon Calrow

Reviewed March 2017

Take Me Back to South Africa!

A fantastic holiday from start to finish, our families first trip to Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments to the trip. The first nights stay at Avco, the game reserve at Abbo, The BBQ at De Rust. The view from our room at Hermanus, followed by the canoeing and the best breakfast I have ever had.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was a brilliant leader. He took us to loads of interesting places, always in control and so knowledgeable. He was assisted by "gnasher" who also make a great leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! It is a great place to go. Our only tip would be to take a torch which was needed occasionally. Go on a diet before you go the food is fabulous.

Lynda Samler

Reviewed March 2017

Snowshoeing in the Dolomites

I have just returned from a marvellous holiday in the Dolomites. Perfect weather, amazing scenery, 4* hotel, excellent company, and an elite group leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many moments during the week. Just being surrounded by the beautiful mountains and snow in itself was inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is my 3rd holiday with Sara Bull as the group leader. She excels as a leader, always going that extra mile for her group members. On this holiday I was the slowest, but the guidance and support was always there from Sara. Thank you for making it a very pleasurable experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not hesitate to holiday with Exodus. They are very professional. Try something new and enjoy the experience, and the satisfaction of achievement.

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