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

Marian Watson

Reviewed December 2016

Spice Trails of Kerala

A mixture of trekking, culture and relaxation, this was probably one of the best Exodus trips I’ve ever done. Well organised with lots of extra ‘surprises’. The trek, followed by some cultural discovery, then the mini cruise down the backwaters and ending up on the Malabar coast in a homestay and swimming in the Indian Ocean, couldn’t have been a better itinerary. Even the hotels were better than expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking through the Western Ghats. Different walks every day with different scenery and opportunities to see the local wildlife. Just one day was slightly more strenuous with lots of ascents and descents but the other days were fine. Also the sighting of wild elephants in Periyar NP was an added bonus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cannot speak highly enough of Santosh Kumar. One of the best. Professional, extremely knowledgeable, cool, calm and collected even under extreme pressure. At one point no-one in the group had any money because of the sudden demonitisation by the Modi government, Santosh did everything in his power to help everyone to obtain some money in every way possible. He was entertaining during our campsite evenings and informed us on a wide range of Indian customs and traditions. Sociable at all mealtimes. Informative of our day by day itinerary. Not for nothing he was voted best leader in India in 2011

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even if it's hot, don't wear shorts with your leech socks. Keep to long trousers. Or if you do wear shorts keep some insect spray handy. Nothing to worry about but not very pleasant to find leeches attached to you! Don't bother taking gaiters. The leech socks the trekking crew provide you with are much better.

Elaine S

Reviewed December 2016

Annapurna in Luxury (TNX)

Excellent holiday in Nepal but the level 2 grading is misleading as the walks on two of the days are far harder than level 2. This point has been raised in several reviews by previous travellers and should be picked up by Exodus. The trip code TNX includes a really good mix with trekking, rafting and wildlife. Accommodation was of a really good standard – trekking lodges, Pokhara and Kasara Lodge (Chitwan). The hotel at Kathmandu was perfectly OK but £11 for a beer and soft drink was excessive even for hotel prices.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two highlights - the fantastic scenery while trekking and the rafting on the River Seti.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Keshar was a good leader but as we were a fairly large group really should have had a trained assistant leader, particularly on the treks where some of the group struggled with the uphill sections of the walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes and make sure that you are fit enough to cope with the trek - the trek from Sanctuary Lodge to Ghandruk involved an uphill slog similar to climbing a Scottish Munro then, just when we thought it was over, a lengthy set of steps up to the lodge at the top of the village. Two days later the entire route is done in reverse and lunch is at the Sanctuary Lodge but after lunch there is then a long climb up the other side of the valley to the lodge at Gurung Lodge when the temperature was high.

Grahame Austin

Reviewed December 2016

Morocco - The Great South

This was my third trip to Morocco with Exodus and I found it the toughest, after the other two mountain bike trips. Whilst the trip notes do mention challenging climbs and there were, I felt that we were going either up hill or downhill. Downhill is great but does nothing for your cycling. The last afternoon of cycling was the best, ten miles of great undulating road in from the reservoir.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the pass in the rain - not exactly inspirational but a big challenge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were a couple of good guys, defiantly cyclist turned into leaders, one perhaps a bit to intense on the cycling, but overall good. The local crew were excellent, and the whole trip went virtually like `clockwork`

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take shower gel, or similar, nothing in the hotels, (one night extremely basic) make sure you have basic medications with you.Also take a variety of clothing..Two nights out in tee shirts and shorts, other nights in multi layers to keep warm up in the mountains.

Debra Thomas

Reviewed December 2016

Amazing way to see Vietnam

The title sums it up – a great way to see a beautiful country and meet the lovely friendly people.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think that when every single member of our group managed to cycle up the Hui ven pass that was pretty amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very professional - he gave us a great overview of the Vietnam war as his father had been a general in the south vietnamese army and the detail and personal aspect of this was a one in lifetime experience. He was very serious though and sometimes seemed very upset / angry if we asked questions whilst he was talking making me at times feel very uncomfortable. Towards the end he explained that in his culture teachers talk and explain things and people listen and do not interrupt or ask questions but in our western culture it is different and we are encouraged to ask questions and he finds this difficult. I wish he had explained this at the start! I would have preferred a guide who was more light hearted at times but this is not a complaint just an observation / preference. The only other comment is arriving at first meeting as single person in a group of mainly couples was a bit weird and he made no attempt at all to introduce everyone. To me a basic thing would have been for us all to say our names and introduce ourselves at that first meeting but this was not facilitated by the leader and as not everyone came to the first dinner it was awkward for next few days not even knowing some peoples names. In the same vein there was a real mixed ability of cyclists and again no attempt made to get an idea of abilities before we started cycling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Vietnam is not flat - its very undulating with some difficult road conditions too (pot holes / water buffalo / motorbikes / monsoon rain / landslides ) - make sure you are a confident and competent cyclist!!

James Satchwell

Reviewed December 2016

cycle indochina & angkor

We had a really great time on this action packed trip.There was so much to see especially since we experienced 3 countries in 2 weeks so we never really had a spare moment. The cycling was great mainly flat with some quite long days the longest being 90 k, but the roads are mainly flat with good surfaces and with the excellent bikes the cycling was no problem and although it was quite hot, it was cool in the saddle. We booked the premium trip and were impressed with the standard of hotels and the snacks at the rest stops were amazing.Having been on the Myanmar, Cuba & Costa Rica trips which were all excellent but we thought the premium trip was worth the extra.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we caught sight of Angkor Watt after the 20k cycle from our hotel in Siem Reap was breathtaking and Pub street in Siem Reap was a real eyeopener. Crossing the two boarders during our trip especially into Cambodia was also a unique experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group leader was an amazing lady called IS from the moment she met us at the Bangkok airport to the emotional parting when we left he at Ho Chi Mhin she was a revelation. I can't praise he enough not just as a fantastic guide but all the extra little things she did like checking that everyone was happy with their room after arriving at each hotel and making sure no one was left out on free days and nights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip its so interesting with so many things to see, we still can't believe we have been.

Anne Connolly

Reviewed December 2016

Cycle the backroads of Sri Lanka

This was an excellent trip, very well organised and run. Although the main focus was cycling, there was a variety of other events that made it really special – safari, whale watching, plantation visit with massage, cookery lessons, beach games, nature walk, multi-faith temple visit and more. Always something to do and to learn. We got a terrific insight into the country and way of life.

Most Inspirational Moment

I know it was a cycling trip but I LOVED the safari. To see 4 elephants and 3 leopards up close in the wild was just a wonderful experience. For the cycling, the hill climb on day 7 was challenging and gave a real sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is an exceptional leader - always keeping us informed of what is going on, always checking back with us to make sure things are ok, chasing restaurant staff if we were kept waiting. When one of the group was injured, he reacted with urgency and was subsequently always on hand to arrange doctor/clinic visits. He was always giving us a little bit extra. And he was always approachable and had a brilliant sense of humour. His passion for his homeland shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It got a bit cold on the hill climb on day 7 so dress for it. Some opportunities to have washing done.

Keith Batchelor

Reviewed December 2016

Cycling in Chile and Argentina

The trip was very well organised, the bikes were all brand new and the guides, Taiel and Jeronimo, always did their utmost to ensure that the holiday ran smoothly. The scenery was spectacular with some very impressive views of snow capped volcanos and lakes. We had a bit of rain at the beginning of the holiday but from day 3 onwards the weather was great. The gravelly tracks provided me with an interesting challenge from time to time and there was plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along long stretches of Tarmac. A fantastic and memorable holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the Asado (Argentinian barbecue) at San Martin, prepared by Jeronimo the Asador. It gave us a excellent opportunity to mix with the other travellers and guides over some lovely food and wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders, Taiel and Jeronimo, both did their utmost to ensure that the holiday ran smoothly and that we all had a really good and memorable experience. They always listened carefully to any comments and/or recommendations and responded to them to ensure maximum satisfaction.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is worth learning a few words of Spanish as, unlike in Europe, relatively few of the locals speak English. That said, usually Taiel of Jeronimo were close at hand and able to assist.

Emma Thomson

Reviewed December 2016

Classic Patagonia

This trip was fantastic! Even though we didn’t see many of the most famous views due to the cloud (there’s always an element of luck where mountain weather is involved) it was still an awe inspiring place. The mountain scenery was dramatic and atmospheric in the mist and the lakes in Torres del Paine were the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise that changed in the light. No two days of walking were the same, the landscape was varied and we never tired of seeing another glacier or the condors soaring above us again.

Most Inspirational Moment

It would be impossible to pick just one! The mountains appearing and disappearing through the mist in the French Valley was eerie and beautiful. Seeing the lenticular clouds forming above Los Cuernos also sticks in the mind. But I think my favourite moment was at the estancia when we hiked up to a ridge where the condors nested and saw them soar beneath where we were standing. I could've watched them all day! And the even without the condors the view of Lago San Martin from the ridge was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pepe was fantastic... His knowledge about the region was impressive and his enthusiasm and passion for trekking were inspiring. He obviously spent a lot of time making sure everything was organised for us and the trip ran smoothly, though he did this so discretely it would've been easy not to notice. Pepe made sure that everyone got what they wanted out of their trip, whether that was to take it slow, soak in the scenery and take lots of pictures, or to set a more challenging pace. And because we were always with local guides no one was unaccompanied. But most importantly Pepe was brilliant fun, we had a great laugh!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The packing instructions seemed a bit complex but you should take a holdall or pack with all your gear, then when you go to Torres del Paine to do the point to point trek you can leave this behind securely and only bring what you need for the W-trek in a smaller back pack (~30L-40L capacity). Prepare for all weathers and heed the advice to wear layers.

Christine Brookes

Reviewed December 2016

"Welcome in Jordan"

Was the constant greeting and we were certainly made to feel so (and very safe)
“Hello. Look at that! ” from our enthusiastic, knowledgeable and extremely accomodating local guide
Petra was on most of our minds (made even more special by the fantastic ‘reveal’ by our guide – so very thoughtful) However our trip included so many other fantastic facets – Roman city of Jerash and peace and vastness of Wadi Rum

Most Inspirational Moment

The Jordan Valley I had no idea that it extended to Great Rift Valley Quite humbling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhir was particularly great at knowing what our group would find more interesting

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely come! Exodus travellers are from a variety of backgrounds but have a shared interest in a more authentic way of group travel A Week In Jordan is a great introduction to an extremely unique country, it's people andcustoms

June Egglestone

Reviewed December 2016

Great Patagonian Adventure

Fantastic scenery. Both the included walks were quite hard, but you can go at a slow pace, and the view at the top was worth it. Travelling to the end of the continent was a highlight too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Perito Moreno glacier is just so impressive, especially the noise when a bit breaks off. Do the optional boat trip (wrap up!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was an excellent group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not all the hotels have hairdryers, so if that is important to you, bring your own. Bring walking poles for the two walks. I enjoyed the Todos Glaciares boat trip from El Calafate, a restful way to see 2 more glaciers, and floating ice. In Ushuaia it's worth doing the longer boat trip to see the penguins, the catamaran actually "parks" on the beach (you dont get off ) - you can see the penguins fairly close up. Even though there were some long bus days - especially to get to Ushuaia, I didnt find them too arduous, and we had regular stops along the way. Just make sure you have a few good books to read, and I used a neck pillow too for the odd kip. Do bring wine/beer to the refuge, it will save you loads.

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