Most Inspirational Moment
Sailing in Milford Sound. The whole country was beautiful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, Jordan did everything expected and more.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Avoid Dubai!
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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Reviews
Discover New Zealand
Excellent itinerary with an excellent Tour Leader
Vietnam cycling adventure never a dull moment
Superb guide, Son. Very good standard of accommodation and lots of variety including a night on a boat and a night on a train. Great moments and always something to look forward to . Very varied from Hectic Cities, historical Palaces , lunch with local family, markets, Buddhas and countryside with paddy fields and water buffalo.
Most Inspirational Moment
Joyful smiling children running out and greeting you like celebrities in every village you pass through
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group leader and guide, Son - brilliant . Informative and great at organising . Good attention to detail
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack waterproof cycling jacket and Suncream . Don’t expect paradise - the litter and water contamination in Halong bay are both shocking
A wonderful trip full of amazing sights, food, colours and an outstanding tour leader!
We are just back from our first ever trip to India. It was a wonderful experience full of amazing buildings, palaces and forts. We tried a wide variety of delicious food and had the opportunity to eat at both top end restaurants for a reasonable price as well as sample a range of street food. The trip certainly lived up to its name as the colours we saw were so vibrant, whether it was ladies dressed in beautiful saris, colourful flowers and garlands or the decoration in the temples.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many but picking just a few it would be sighting a tiger, the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort in Jaipur. Plus the warm and friendly welcome we received form the Indian people themselves.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ajay Gupta was our leader and he was outstanding. He was so helpful and caring and gave us such an insight into his country. Ajay's aim at all times was to show us the best of his country and to ensure the group was having an enjoyable time. Some of our group had special requests, for example to visit another stepwell or consult an astrologer. Ajay made it happen for them. Ajay was so helpful to my husband and I helping us plan our extra days in Delhi and kept in touch with us to check all was going well. He is such a fantastic ambassador for his country and Exodus clients will really have hit the jackpot when they find he is their tour leader. We would love to do another trip with Ajay as he goes over and above at all times and is full of fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some of the days do involve long days of travelling but they are broken up with frequent stops and the sights at the end of it are definitely worth the drive. I would highly recommend this trip and the Exodus way of travel. We cannot wait for our next trip!
Many Wildlife Discoveries and an Unexpected Extended Trip!
As with all our previous Exodus trips we had a great time. We were with a friendly group of fellow travellers and the itinerary went pretty much like clockwork.
Our flights back were cancelled owing to the Middle East Crisis but Exodus came to our rescue and rebooked flights via a different route and by necessity extended our stay by 2 nights. Massive thanks to Exodus for their help and making the whole thing stress free.
Most Inspirational Moment
This is always difficult but probably the Kinabatangan River trips where we caught up with good views of Wild Orangutan, Proboscis Monkeys, Crocodiles, one Pygmy Elephant and many birds. The night walks/drives were also productive and included sightings of Western Tarsier, Slow Loris , Leopard Cat, Reticulated Python, Buffy Fish Owl and 2 species of Civets.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had Nizam for Sarawak and Rony for the bulk of the trip in Sabah. Both were very conscientious and attentive to everyone's needs and made sure everyone kept up, with the sightings. They were also good fun. Our driver was also faultless and travel was not at all tiring for us. The 2 internal flights were short and went to plan.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is covered by the trip notes. Only lightweight waterproof jackets are needed - we had no trouble with leeches or biting insects. We extended our trip by one day at the beginning in Kuching to acclimatise and by necessity 2 days in the Sabah hotel at the end of the trip. Either is a good idea. Sabah Hotel is probably the best appointed and has a swimming pool and there is further opportunity to visit the reserve at Sepilok for a modest taxi fare.
Fantastic
This was a fantastic trip. The weather was perfect for walking, slightly cooler than expected. And the itinerary of the trip was varied and interesting. The food was amazing and the hosts could not be more helpful.
Most Inspirational Moment
Very difficult to choose a single moment as the entire trip was fantastic and varied. If pushed I’d probably choose the Hike up to the campsite with the viewing platform.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michael was a fantastic guide. His knowledge and passion for the area and it’s plants, fauna and wildlife was second to none. He kept up a good pace on the walks and generally managed what was a quite mixed group very well. He also made sure to include the local people and businesses in our adventure as well which added to the authenticity.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Not a huge need for any dress clothes etc outwith hiking gear as the days are generally filled.
Welcome to Buddhist Central
We were among the first people to test out this Exodus itinerary, our group of 11 being the third to undertake Laos in Comfort since it was added to the schedule.
I have been hankering to tour Laos for some years, having already been with Exodus to Vietnam and Cambodia, and for me it was the destination and not the comfort that was of prime importance. Having said that, all the hotels we stayed at were excellent, offering comfortable facilities with welcoming pools and good breakfasts.
It was a joy to visit Luang Prabang, which is really Buddhist Central, and in particular getting up before sunrise to hand out alms to passing monks. We also enjoyed kayaking on the river at Vang Vieng and visiting (and swimming in) the waterfalls at Nam Kat.
Our adventure included four journeys on the high speed train, which now cuts through Laos from China. While this was a new experience for me, I felt it was at least one high speed trip too many. For me, Luang Prabang was such a high I didn’t want to return to Vientiane for our final farewell. Hopefully in future Exodus travellers will enjoy an extra night in Luang Prabang and end the trip with flights from there.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting up before dawn to hand out alms to monks, then seeing even more of them parading past our hotel.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tony was very well organised and rearranged the schedule to suit times of trains etc.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Cash is king. I succeeded in using my credit card on occasions, mainly in the hotels, but a surcharge of 3 or 4 per cent was applied.
Scenic and peaceful Madeira
Walking the Island of Madeira was our first hiking tour and it was a delight! The five hikes were wonderfully varied, taking place on different parts of the island. From soaring cliffs, surf pounding jagged rocks, lush green forest and farms, charming towns – this series of walks had it all. We went in late February/early March, knowing the weather could be a bit unpredictable and it was. We got rained on, the “official” trails were closed by the government due to high winds one day, and a freak snowfall made the final hike atop Pico Arieiro impossible. But through it all, our guide Paulo proved unflappable. He rolled with the conditions, adapted, and came up with new routes that continually showcased the charm and beauty of his home island. We loved the exposure to the off-the-beaten-path small towns and local coffee shops and pubs where the locals go. Everything was quite affordable (two pints for $3.90 Euros in one neighbourhood cafe). This was less the case, though, in the capital of Funchal which has some very touristy areas with cruise ships docking. Overall, this was a relaxing, fascinating week on this hidden gem of an island.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving in Porto Moniz on the north coast (the windward side of the island) and being blown away by the power of the waves crashing into the rocks on the seafront right outside our beautiful hotel. It was like something you'd see in a movie (on on a postcard, for those who remember those).
Thoughts on Group Leader
We quickly grew to appreciate Paulo. He is a true local who is proud to showcase the beauty of his home. It was obvious that he cared about the group's experience and well-being. He worked hard to build alternate experiences for us when the weather didn't cooperate. Also, he delivered some surprises throughout the week that weren't on the itinerary, including a visit to a rum distillery and a drop-in to a local entrepreneur selling honey from a street-front story. I should also mention our drivers (we had two of them) who did an expert job of gently navigating the narrow and often winding mountainous roads of Madeira.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Anyone wondering about the difficulty of the hikes - I'd say the Exodus description is accurate. The hikes ranged from 10km to 15km. There was some climbing (Madeira is 70% covered in hills and mountains) - up to 600m up and down but it is never a race. If you have a base level of fitness, the slow and steady pace will suit you fine. If you have a fear of heights, it's possible for you to manage that. Wildlife and birds were not as evident on this hike as you may see elsewhere. But overall, the charm of the various towns, the panoramic views and varied hikes made Madeira a place that we can recommend without hesitation.
Discover Namibia
Brilliant trip for seeing wildlife & very varied landscapes.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeng leopards, white rhino & elephants at fairly close quarters.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
The early starts & sometimes long journeys are not for the feint hearted but definitely worth the effort!
Highlights of Kerala
This trip is not up to Exodus’s usual standards. The bus journies are almost all considerably longer than the trip notes suggest, partly on account of the extensive roadworks currently taking place in Kerala. The itinerary tries to cover too much ground for the time available
Most Inspirational Moment
Lunch at the rubber plantation in a beautiful homestay run by charming people
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was replaced part way through the holiday after a member of the group complained about him. This was dealt with poorly by the local Exodus representative. The new guide left before the end of the trip leaving those of the group whose flights had been cancelled on account of the Iran war with no one on the ground to assist with their arrangements
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for very long bus journies
Wonderfully varied trip
This trip was an excellent way to see a lot of Sri Lanka in 2 weeks. There was so much variety in the places we visited and the activities undertaken. We were able to experience culture and history in the temples and towns and then enjoy the wildlife on the safaris and the cycling trip. The Sri Lankan people were very welcoming.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved climbing Sigiriya. We nearly didn't do the optional elephant safari but are so glad we did. I also really enjoyed the white water rafting - even the higher level wasn't too scary for a beginner. It was interesting visiting the tea factory and the spice garden and visiting a local farming family and playing games with them was fun.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Prathab, was excellent. He made everything run very smoothly and was calm and efficient throughout. He was very knowledgeable about history, culture and nature and his love of Sri Lanka shone through. He had a good sense of humour too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for some early starts and some long days. We had a fair bit of rain in February but it was too warm for raincoats. All the locals carry umbrellas as shelter against the sun and any sudden downpours. It was very humid (sweaty!) and it's useful and cheap to get some laundry done when you're at a hotel for a couple of nights. You will need plenty of cash for excursions and tips though you can pay with card at most of the hotels.