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!
Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…
Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.
Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.
Select a trip specific review:
14456 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Nicola Ward
Reviewed January 2015
Discover Costa Rica
This was a very good trip. We had a very nice group of like minded people, an excellent tour leader, beautiful varied scenery, very nice lodges and so much to see in the way of animals, birds and plants. The included meals were all very good and the walks were not too long. I am so glad I went. Another great Exodus trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Costa Rica has a strong conservation policy and protected areas make up almost 27% of the country. We traveled around much of the country and were priveleged to see so many animals, birds and plants living in unspoilt areas of outstanding natural beauty. I went zipwiring and as we were waiting to be collected at the end someone dropped his helmet into some shrubs. He went to retrieve it but one of the young guys who was in charge shouted to him not to as he would tread on the plants. I won't forget that. Costa Rica has a young generation educated to look after what is so precious. That is hope for the future.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He is an experienced and knowledgeable tour leader who assessed the group and got it just right. He knows a great deal about the bird and plant life. We also learned a lot about life in Costa Rica but he had the skill to not be talking all the time so I could take it all in.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Learn a little Spanish as it adds to the holiday experience to say a few words, although English is widely spoken or understood. Have some money handy each day for small tips which are much appreciated. Staff are hard working and friendly.
Allan and Gill Edgcumbe
Reviewed January 2015
A wonderful week far from the madding crowd at Base Camp OulankaY
A really enjoyable week, full of adventures and learning new skills like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wilderness skills such as fire lighting, first aid and building and sleeping in a snow hole (quinzee), and also riding on a snowmobile and dogsledding.
It is a great idea to provide a number of optional things to do, in addition to the basic itinerary, so that we could tailor the activities we wanted to take part in according to our wishes.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, the most awe inspiring moment was driving a team of huskies up through the snowy forest and reaching the highest point and seeing the sun glinting on the tree tops, it was magical.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were absolutely delighted with our team leader, Martti. He is extremely knowledgeable and such a caring person who always had a smile on his face and was more than willing to go that extra mile to ensure that everybody in our group had a great holiday. When my wife fell and hurt herself he went out of his way to visit us in our accommodation, later the same day to ensure that she was OK. All the base camp team were friendly and a credit to their organisation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
No need to take too much with you as three layers of protective clothing was supplied together with three pairs of gloves/mittens, socks, belt, a beanie hat and a head torch.
We stayed overnight in a hotel at Gatwick and used the Thomson day before check-in service, which closes at 2200 hrs. Glad we did as we found out that my wife and I were allocated separate seats, disappointingly, however, the Thomson team kindly changed our seats for us -something for Exodus to consider for the future as were unable to book in online due to the block booking.
Celia Harrison
Reviewed January 2015
Cycling three countries
Cycling trip starting in Thailand via Cambodia to Vietnam. Culture stops at Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh and Saigon. The cycling was back to front with long distances at the start of the trip when I (this was only me, I think!) was struggling to adjust to the high (37 degree) temperatures. It was always possible to stop riding and take the bus, but I didn’t feel good about it. I did enjoy the trip immensely once I’d acclimatised and loved the stops at Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh and Saigon. The quality of hotels in these places was really good, too. Would do this trip again in a heartbeat.
Most Inspirational Moment
Affecting, rather than inspirational, were the Killing Fields and S21 Prison in Phnom Penh. I'm still thinking about it and reading what I can to make sense of the senselessmess of it.
I was very proud of myself the day I managed all the cycling and completed a distance of 82km.
This was the best group I've travelled with on Exodus: everyone was so nice.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Chai was the most organised group leader I've come across on an Exodus trip (I've been on more than ten). His belief in communication as the most important aspect of managing a group describes the essence of his approach. He engaged with all 18 of us, was professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do this trip.
I used Tahi Baht in Thailand and US dollars in Cambodia and Vietnam: this worked well.
The hire bikes have drink holders, so bring a flask rather than a backpack bladder (less hot to carry).
A loose shirt to wear over the top of a cycling vest/shirt is very useful (sun, modesty, etc).
As a diabetic and vegetarian, I needed to avoid the rehydration salts and brought Marmite and V8 to compensate.
There are very good veggie restaurants in Siem Reap and Saigon.
Steve Platt
Reviewed January 2015
Fantastic Finland Wilderness Week
A fantastic week.
Great team at the hotel made us feel very welcome. Maarti was a great guy and everyone was always smiling. Anika v helpful too.
Good food (thanks Teddy) and great mixture of activities. Lovely location about 100 metres walk down to the (frozen) lake. Cabins were always warm with heated floor in the bathroom meaning you could dry things out or warm things up. It was obviously pretty cold but the gear provided mostly kept you warm, except toes on the husky trips.
Most Inspirational Moment
First snowshoe trip was great as was the first husky trip.
Wilderness skills including igloo building was a fun day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Maart was a great group leader. Unassuming, helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
When they say all the clothing is provided, it really is. I took way too much cold-weather gear. You only really need to take a thermal layer.
I'd take hand/feet warmers and a balaclava though.
Thomas Jennings
Reviewed January 2015
Recommended but lots of driving
All in all, a good way to get orientated with a highlights reel of southern Patagonia’s best bits. Which are surely right up there with the world’s most spectacular scenery. Be aware, however, that in an area as huge as Patagonia, there are some seriously long drives required to get between the various scenic hotspots and not a great deal of free time between. Although these journeys never seemed to drag too badly due to the epic scenery passing by outside the bus windows and were offset by the days hiking in various National Parks. All in all, a really good trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the majestic Fitzroy Massif rising magically above the barren Patagonian Steppe as we drove away from El Calafate and towards El Chalten. I'd waited decades to see this sight for myself and the weather gods smiled, to put it mildly, so it more than exceeded my impossibly high expectations. The Beagle Channel penguin colony was also a delight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Xavier was great, one of the best tour leaders I have ever had. Constantly cheerful and relaxed, nothing was too much trouble and he made an effort to acquaint us with important Argentine traditions including asado and his constant mate drinking.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring some good books and one of those inflatable travel pillows for the number of long bus journeys involved. Also worth packing your trekking poles if you have them as some of the walks whilst not too tough do feature some slightly tricky trails at times.
Thomas Robson
Reviewed January 2015
morocco delights
A very interesting tour. Lots of diversity. Great guide with us .
Most Inspirational Moment
The camel ride to our desert camp. It was nearly sunset on the on our 1 hour journey by camel . The scenes and colours were amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Yaya was a good guide always there to help without being over powering.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you go in December or in Morocco's winter take plenty warm clothes for day and night. The walks can be quite rugged and difficult so wear walking boots for support. Take plenty dina when you arrive as sometimes banks and exchanges were not always open.
Janet Roberts
Reviewed January 2015
Miss J Roberts
Excellent holiday – really well organised with no ‘dull’ day. A great taste of Jordan experiencing so much and always felt safe. Petra is a must to see!
Most Inspirational Moment
Wandering around Petra taking in the amazing sites, camel riding in the desert, floating in the Dead Sea and going snorkelling in the Red Sea. From a cultural perspective, the mosaics in Jordan especially Madaba are unique and beautiful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Khalid was excellent - very knowledge, extremely helpful, amusing and very friendly. Very well organised and was aware of all the groups needs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Fun! Fun! Fun! To get to some of the temples of Petra, the ground is uneven and steep (such as walking up to the Monastery and view point over the Treasury) but there is the option to skip these but just be aware. I am not a good swimmer but was able to go snorkelling as I was given a divers life jacket (no chance of sinking) and always had an instructor with me to 'drag' me around the fantastic coral so don't let your swimming ability put you off.
Bernard Edwards
Reviewed January 2015
Classic Vietnam & Cambodia
Learning all the time
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling across Hanoi in the rush hour
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - we were well looked after and felt like we were in experienced good hands
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel light - look at your suitcase once packed - and remove half - buy local or get it washed local
Susan Traer
Reviewed January 2015
Iceland Northern Lights
Excellent introduction to Iceland.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the ice crystals at Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon - beautiful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kristjan was an excellent leader - he drove and entertained us throughout the trip and we learnt a lot about Iceland, its people and culture. He went out of his way on the last night looking for suitable locations for the Lights as we had a lot a cloud on previous nights. He was just as excited as us to finally see them!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If travelling by Iceland Air, food is NOT included - take some sandwiches with you to eat on the plane!
Liz Murray
Reviewed January 2015
Undiscovered Atlas
The Anti Atlas Mountains are somewhere to visit if you, like me, have a yearning for real and intoxicating wilderness. The harsh but beautiful terrain in this region, with it’s scattered villages clinging like patches of lichen to the unforgiving landscape, brings to mind the Old Testament, and the area is characterised by dramatic valleys, harsh red rock desserts, craggy mountain ridges and distant peaks fading into the desert haze.
This is a truly awesome, remote area hike and Exodus and their ground crew in Morocco present it beautifully to their clients. It is a strenuous hike with most days being around 8 hours walking. It’s rocky, very rocky indeed, with lots of steep up and downs -walking poles are almost essential. According to our guide it was unseasonably hot for our trek towards the end of October, with most days being over 30 degrees ( one almost 40!) there isn’t any shade protection so high factor sunscreen and appropriate light clothing are important. And plenty of water!
Our guide was Abdullah, a wonderful, caring gentleman who had grown up in Berber villages. He was very well supported by his crew – cook, camp and mule men. Meals were nothing short of spectacular and each day we’d arrive into to our lunch camp to find an amazing spread of hot and cold dishes, salads and fresh fruit. I was the only one in our group of 16 to fall ill with a stomach bug but I’m absolutely certain it had nothing to do with the quality of the food. ( on that note, make sure you have more than enough tissues, toilet paper etc to get you through a couple of days ‘on the run’ just in case!!).
Camping gear was good quality and I was thrilled to see thick foam mattresses in our tents. Being classed a wild camp, there were no toilet facilities other than our toilet tent – which was the discussion of much humorous laughter almost daily. Water for washing is also scarce (a bowl at the end if each day) so bring plenty of wet wipes.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to say, there were so many highlights.
I loved communicating with the women in the villages we walked through, mostly by charades and showing them photos of my family. Be respectful if the fact they do not want their photo taken and just enjoy their company.
The afternoon the children in a village we walked through just before making camp on its perimeter intentionally led me in the wrong direction, getting me temporarily lost. It was a good humoured bit if fun on their part (including the boys who produced chooks legs/feet to shake hands) and I was happy to play along.
Listening to the laughter, drumming and music throughout the first night - only to find out the next morning it was a wedding celebration in a village in the next valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abdullah was amazing, very communicative, caring, sensitive and totally on top of everything.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Sunscreen, protective clothing from the elements (strong, hot sun in our case), a sarong to pop over your shorts when walking through the very remote villages, walking poles.
