Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

A bike ride though villages where we observed what everyday life means for of Sri Lankans e.g. Planting and harvesting rice and coconuts, washing and bathing in local rivers, cooking over wood fires, school children dressed in their pristine white uniforms walking home from school. All along the route darted a wide range of colourful butterflies and birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Sujee was exceptionally well informed and we were particularly impressed by his commitment to responsible tourism and his desire to directly impact local economies. He showed the greatest care for our group and all his actions were underpinned by a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We didn't take anti malarials as the risk seems very low but instead used DEET type products. Our guide advised us about the safety of food. Some street food is cooked in oil that has been reused too often and salad may have been washed in unclean water. For ladies a light pashmina is very useful for covering up at holy places.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the ascent of Adam's Peak. The 2am start to do the 4,600 ft of ascent with 5.5- 6.0K steps in high humidity is not for the faint-hearted nor the unfit. I did wonder myself what I was doing there at times. The further up you get and the more tired you get the steeper it gets. It was worth doing though, to witness the sunrise the morning puja, aqnd all else that was going on there. You also give yourself some cred if you can reply positively that you had done it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was just great, a real people's person. He was excellent company, genuinely interested in everyone. He was a fine guide and tour leader. Not forgetting the bus driver and his assistant who were consistently helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Adam's Peak: Think carefully, are you fit enough and mad enough to want to do it? - not all of us did it, it was an optional extra. Sigirya Rock: The metal stair ways look more scary than they actually are; they are quite safe. One thing to wary of though, you will be 'assisted' up the stairways, one on each arm and a third one from behind especially if, like me, you are getting on a bit in years, though I am quite capable. They are not official helpers and will demand a tip at the half way point. Get rid of them if you don't require their services. Game Drives: They were a bit of a disappointment; there were far too many safari vehicles, (at least 20) all jockeying for position to view whatever there was to see. It's a wonder we saw anything given the noise and pollution they produced. The roads in the Yala NP were in a very bad state making for a very uncomfortable and slow ride

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Knowledgeable and very hard working. Also a good cook

Most Inspirational Moment

Many moments inspired me- the film at The Equinas Forest Lodge showing how one person(an Austrian musician) can have a massive effect in preserving and conserving our natural resources; a hummingbird sitting on my hand to access a feeder; the first sight of the Pacific ocean at Manuel Antonio- paradise; a mother sloth with a baby, a caiman by the side of the canal in Tortuguera; quetzal spotting at 5.30 in the morning! I could go on and on and on.....![Oh yes- mustn't forget zip wiring in Monteverde!] Overall, I was impressed and inspired by the real commitment to conservation of all the Costa Ricans we encountered.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla is an excellent leader. She is very clear in her explanations, also in summarising what we have done and seen. She is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, geography and history of her country and is very proud of it. Her care for us was even-handed and she was particularly safety conscious while still enabling us to have adventures. When one of our group fell and broke her ankle in an inaccessible place(for vehicles) she was very calm, reassuring and quickly organised the rescue party. I have the utmost respect and affection for her- a great ambassador for her country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take decent wet weather gear- it's a tropical country! I would have valued a pair of flip flops for paddling on flooded paths. You don't really need any posh clothes! Take plenty of insect stuff- I wore mossie bands on my wrists, and found that a deodorant type roller dispensing insect deterrent the best. (to my knowledge no-one got badly bitten). Be prepared to accommodate all the idiosyncrasies of your fellow travellers- as they will yours! By the end of the holiday we were a cohesive, well bonded group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding past so many friendly villages , all waving and very friendly smiles from all ages of people on the side of the roads.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The riding guides did a magnificent job , kept the faster people going fast while looking after the slower riders and those stopping to take pictures, the back up crew kept us fed and watered , and looked after anyone who wanted a ride in the van , everybody was looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is not for inexperienced bike rider , but average fitness is good enough. If you like asian food , cycling , river trips and overnight trains as I do this is the trip for you

Most Inspirational Moment

Travelling with a 93 year old who did all the activities. Seeing Angkor Wat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hanh worked hard to make sure we were where we needed to be and find us places to eat when it wasTet. I think he found it a difficult trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure this is the holiday you want. I expected more time in the countryside seeing traditional life. This was quite a city based trip. Avoid going during Tet. The standard of hotels was very high - if this is important to you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling around the back roads of Hoi An.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long Le could not have done better. Probably the best Exodus leader I have had. He was hard working, conscientious, considerate, interesting and fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Avoid Chinese New Year. Do this trip soon before the motorbikes get too much to deal with and maybe turn into cars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Basecamp Oulanka in the sunshine, seeing the Northern Lights, being surrounded by magical trees on the slopes in Ruka or out on the sleds with the Huskies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jukka our group leader was encouraging, informative, friendly & had a great sense of humour. He put us all at ease & had us attempting all the activities in a relaxed manner which meant we got the most out of everything we attempted!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate-book it! This is a trip for everyone of any age. If I went again I would take skis/snowboard as the nearby slopes at Ruka were quiet & scenic. The clothing provided at basecamp is of excellent quality & you really do not need to pack anything yourself.

Most Inspirational Moment

Numerous moments but seeing Mount Fitz Roy for the first time was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was a first class leader who looked after us all very well. He was very knowledgeable and had developed good relations with people wherever we stayed so the trip ran very smoothly. The local guides were also excellent. Paula in Chile deserves a special mention as she was outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You never need to carry all your luggage on a hike. I had a 36L day pack which was just ok, perhaps 40L would have been ideal. Take a travel towel for a couple of the refugios.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising I could manage cycling up the Hai Van pass!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was the best tour guide I have come across in all of our many similar trips. The whole group felt the same. He made the Holliday the success that it was. He was very professional, nothing was too much bother, he was very informative and his grasp of English was very good such that he was able to joke with us all. He was very efficient and hearded us all through Vietnam without any incidents which is a major feat!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy an extremely well organised trip