Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Finding two chairs that someone had thoughtfully carried up to the Castell de Castells.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very capable and well organised. He contributed greatly to our enjoyment of the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots,too many to mention as I'm lazy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Well informed on all aspects. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to share apartments with another couple in two of the places. Although for me personally it wasn't a problem .You do have your own bedroom and en-suite

Most Inspirational Moment

On the fourth day of skiing after fresh snow, we explored a stunning valley in beautiful weather. Had another wonderful lunch in the knowledge we would work it all off before our 5 course dinner! Does it get any better?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very friendly, very knowledgeable and a very patient and inspiring teacher.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Target your pre trip training. Good stamina level essential. Triceps, adductors and shoulders suffered! Then just go, eat ski and lose weight !

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved seeing all the families walking around the lake in Hanoi at the weekend, playing lots of games from tug of war to skipping. The food was marvellous, delicious and fragrant. And lastly how well the folk of Vietnam have managed after the horrific Vietnam War against the Americans.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thuy Le was superb and imparted so much knowledge of his county to us with it being over load. He even located a hat my husband left behind on a coach 400 miles away: nothing was too much trouble for Thuy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The torches we were advised to take were not needed! If you want garments made up in Hoi An go with an idea or picture with you as this will save a lot of time. I wish I had taken a couple of smarter outfits to wear in Ho Chi Minh at the end of the tour. Thuy sorted out local folk to do our washing which was very cheap so you don't need to take as much. If you get the chance go to see a show in Ho Chi Minh at the opera house called AO its got a tremendous group of acrobatics performing using bamboo poles and huge whicker baskets. I took two old sheets to sleep in on the train and was glad I did. Water bottles are useful as you can fill up on the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many! Tortuguero - was our favourite place. The waterway networks, beautiful gardens, the sea and the mix of wildlife on hand. Visiting the local village and understanding how they have changed their ways to conserve the turtle populations and see the value in tourism. The people are laid back, welcoming and friendly. Monteverde - the hummingbird garden. Standing and watching these wonderful birds at close quarters was magical. Hearing the wings beating as they flew past you, going off to the next flower or feeder was not what we expected as our previous encounters were very fleeting and short lived! Scarlet Macaws - on the way to Manuel Antonio. Our driver spotted a single bird perched in a tree. It wasnt the best view as the bird was deep in the branches, resting from the sun. However, as we pulled away to leave 2 pairs flew overhead and landed in a tree in clear view only a few meters away. To see these rare, endangered birds was a privilege and a pleasure. This was our only siting and makes you feel incredibly lucky. Manuel Antonio National Park - 8 month old three toed sloth in a tree approximately 7ft off the ground and only 15ft in to the the rainforest. Enough said! Esquinas Lodge - view from the restaurant nothing short of fantastic. Night walk here very good and full of potential as felt by the hairs on the back of my neck! Also the video detailing how the lodge and area came about as it is today, one person can make such a difference - this was very inspirational. Finally seeing quetzal birds at Savegre Valley. There was one female and then up to 4 males flying up and down a 50 metre stretch of trees trying to impress her. Was quite amazed how much they stood out against the green of the leaves. Very much worth an early start!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was the best! Extremely knowledgable, passionate and helpful. Clearly very proud of his country and gave us so much information on the bus journey's about the country's history and culture too. Jorge became a good friend to our group, we all said how emotional we felt when the time came to say goodbye! Zero complaints. Our driver, Chico, was excellent too and they made for a brilliant double act! He was also very friendly helpful and considerate. A very good driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travelling through Houston, USA on the group flight proved to be just as easy as anywhere else. Don't feel you need to take loads of camera batteries as can charge up at every lodge. All the rooms are well protected from mosquitos and we didn't feel the need for a mosquito net at anytime. Do take repellent with you though. Towels are always available including for use by pools or on beaches etc so no need to take any. There are several bendy and bumpy roads, l suffer travel sickness but was able to sit in the front of the bus, air-con good and had plenty of stops so didn't pose a problem for me. Found could pay with plastic in most areas surprisingly. Took mainly dollars which were easy to use but may have been easier with colons as a fair percentage of goods quoted in local currency. We had a rabies course of injections but were the only ones to in our group. Our doctor said the antidote is rare in the world in the present day and gives 5 days to get treatment instead of 24 hours. Doesn't hurt to have but cost just shy of £240 each person, not an absolute requirement though as Exodus do say.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick a single moment but the relaxed tranquility of desert evenings around the campfire, with the stars shining brightly above, was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Zuhair was excellent: knowledgeable, thoughtful and entertaining.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring warm layers to sleep in as the desert is cold at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the leopard in Yala and the ceremony at the temple of the Tooth were both exciting and the cycle ride (including a meal with the farmers) was brilliant. It's difficult to pick out special moments as it was a trip with such varied activities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was excellent. His morning chats about life, culture and traditions in the country were so interesting. He also seemed to easily come up with alternative plans when the weather didn't oblige! It is obvious why he wins Exodus awards as a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take socks for walking around the temples! Be prepared for some longish journeys and trust the driver (he really does know what he's doing !!). Some of the trips involve very early starts - it's worth it as crowds are avoided at the sites and animals are more likely to be seen!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights but getting to see penguins, seals and whales at close quarters was unforgettable

Thoughts on Group Leader

The expedition leader and all the staff in the team were really helpful, knowledgeable and friendly

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend time in Argentina before or after your trip. I wish I had tagged a few extra days on to do hhis

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - hard work and a long day but worth it. The views round Lake Matheson. The waterfalls in Milford Sound. We clocked up a few first experiences: first time in a jet boat (great fun and something we would not have done otherwise), first helicopter flight, first time sailing a catamaran (yes, I took the helm), first time on the Luge ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hayley and Josh were calm, efficient, funny, informed, caring and very committed. They were great. They prepared us well for each day's activities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a daysac as well as your 40 litre rucksack, if you can. Pack layers - it can be very hot and very cold. Don't forget sunhat, suncream and insect repellant. Poles can be hired for the Tongariro crossing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gosh, it's difficult to pick out one, as we loved the walk up to Sigiriya, leopard spotting in Yala, and seeing the beautiful tea plantations. But I think one of the highlights for me was seeing the majestic herd of elephants in Kaudulla National Park.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group leader Roshan was amazing. He is very much a seasoned traveller having been a leader for 15 years, but his enthusiasm, care and sense of humour are still as fresh as ever. He obviously loves his country and is proud to share all his knowledge with us. And when the bad weather meant we couldn't walk on Horton Plains he had a Plan B which took us on an earlier train, and a lovely walk up Little Adams Peak in Ella.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a full on and wonderfully varied programme with quite a few early starts but this just meant we got to places before the crowds, and before the sun was too hot. Have your own alarm in case the wake up call gets missed! Take lots of sun tan lotion and insect repellent, and a sunhat. If offered that the Guide organises all the tipping and also water on the bus, do go for that option as it's so much easier and takes away the stress of having change for tipping. Negotiate prices for souvenirs and for photographing the stilt fishermen. The roads are not really as scary as they look as the drivers are very skilled, and we had Garmini as ours and we all felt very safe in his capable hands. Nisha, his helper always counted us back on the bus, helped back the coach up and kept it clean.