Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The first was the final day when the snow returned with a vengeance and we were able to enjoy our final long ski in really good conditions. The second was the really enjoyable final evening with Alex's entertaining slide show (and my thank you speech to the group leaders!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was his usual bubbly self. Really supportive of the less experienced skiers whose skills progressed really quickly over the week with his entertaining instruction. He is the first leader I have seen using penguins, Christmas Puddings and chocolates on trays to encourage people to improve their skills. He managed this while working extremely hard to find good snow for us to ski on safely. His co-leader assisted in this process.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put your trust in the leaders as the Exodus leaders I have experience of have all been excellent. Make sure you have a wide range of different layers of clothing as the temperature in Dobbiaco varies considerably during the day. If you like wine ask Marlies the hotel owner for advice regarding the local wines the hotel stocks. She knows what she is talking about.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't pick out one? I loved traveling down river in the jungle and the Mangroves, and being up in the Cajas National Park. Cuenca was a lovely city and joining in the Mardi Gras celebrations as we went along made the trip very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent. He was very good at including everyone and dealing with various illnesses suffered by the group. He had heaps of local knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep luggage to a minimum. Lots of outdoor wear clothes which protect from sun and insects. Make sure you are fit for the walks which are quite hard, and be prepared for very long journeys.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the National park to the lakes on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel was attentive to our needs and very helpful with interpreting on our behalf. He has a passion for his country which was infectious. He looked after us very well and I felt safe at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are no shops. Take your swimming things as the nearby hotel has a spa you can pay to use. Be fit. I felt this trip was at the high end of level 3 !

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult - I think probably the the evening walk to the fishing harbour at Kovalam with the sun setting behind the mosque. But the optional boat trip on Periyar Lake in the evening was a close runner up when we were fortunate to see wild elephants, otters, large turtles, many kingfishers, monkeys, deer, bison and wild boar. Actually perhaps this was the best. But then there was the morning boat trip with sun rising behind the chinese fish traps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was an excellent group leader and was able to provide much interesting background on all the places visited as well as the normal information you would expect. The group as a whole got on very well and I'm sure that this was in part thanks to him. Very humorous and diplomatic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the party stayed on at the end for a few relaxing days at the beach - we could not manage it on this occasion but it was a very good idea and would definitely try to do it on a future trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed all that we saw and did. We visited a school on request to give pens and paper. Thought seeing sun rise on the Ganges and sending a light down the river very moving. Loved staying at Chitsan another chances to flot on the water and seeing all the animals. Didn't see the tigers though.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gajraj was very good with information and helped us to understand his country. He was full of fun to that helped us all to get on together. Pleased that he fixed for us to visit a school.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Water in Nepal is readily available no need for water purifying stuff. Lot of dust a face mask is a good idea to have if you suffer with a bad chest.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up a 10k hill from sea level and then looking at the view over the sea and mountains at the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was the most exceptional man I have ever encountered. He looked after us without nannying us, gave us a fantastic overview of the country from North to South and kept us entertained daily with all sorts of interesting anecdotes. He deserves a prize!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some warm clothes, Hanoi and Halong Bay were cold. Have fun in Hoi An and take some clothese that you might like to have copied.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the tea plantations. We never thought an agricultural area could be so lovely with waves of tea bushes stretching to the horizon. The trek section of the trip was good and not too arduous. The highest point was worth the climb for the views. The national park was scenic and plenty of wildlife incuding wild elephants. The houseboat cruise was a lovely relaxing way to wind down before a day in Fort Cochin and the journey home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Umed was an excellent leader and very personable. Always on the ball and full of interesting anecdotes about the areas we visited. Umed made sure we were all looked after and well fed even in the remote camps. The local guides were also good and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not a hard trek, but we had good weather throughout. Can get a little cold at top station, so take a thermal.

Most Inspirational Moment

The long ski at the end of the week where we were able to put what we had learnt into practice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely good at providing instruction that met the needs of the whole group. He was good company and in good humour the whole week. Was aware of health and safety but did not let this interfere with our enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Challenge yourself. The leader will support you and know when to encourage you to extend yourself. Watch out for the penguins!

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the peace and serenity of three remote valleys in the Catalonian Pyrenees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel proved to be a good and knowledgeable mountain guide, and was unhesitant in helping and taking trouble with arrangements. He also arranged several additional activities for after the walks: food- and wine-tasting, visits to a small artisan cheesemaker and the local wool craft association. On our free day (his nominal 'rest day'), Miguel suggested and willingly took part in an attractive walk to the next village, where we had a tapas lunch and he acted as translator during a tour of the folk museum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose one. Highlights for me included the beautiful coast paths and beaches of Abel Tasman, helicopter to Siberia hut. The challenge of hiking to lake Crucible. Fantastic cruise on Milford Sound seeing dolphins swimming around the boat. The amazing Mount Cook National Park and everything in between

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kath on North Island is an experienced, professional guide with an easygoing style. She was ably assisted by Anne who was an intern. Chai on South Island is younger with a very different leadership style. To begin with felt he was at a slight disadvantage as we had all bonded well as a group and he had to get to know us. I definitely warmed to Chai as time went by. He is extremely passionate about New Zealand, its history and flora and fauna. Especially enjoyed his stories and his legendary "Hakka"

Advice for Potential Travellers

As previously documented this is a full on trip and you have to be organised with packing. Using several sizes of dry bags within your luggage helps. Get yourself fit as possible, preferably with plenty of hill climbing and descending practice. Breaking the outward journey in Dubai and extra night in Auckland helped with jet lag.