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!
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14104 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Catryn Scantlebury
Reviewed January 2025
Beyond the Coffee; Discovering Colombia’s Soul!
My trip was amazing! I loved every day and was totally consumed by the Colombian culture! The itinerary is really varied so you experience so many different landscapes and activities. For most of the trip (the first 2/3) we hardly saw any other tourist groups in particular when visiting all the Archaeological Parks. We were often the only group there so it felt really special. Our guide and subsequent local guides to the areas we visited were all really interesting and it was a joy interacting with the locals and practicing speaking Spanish .
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many! However one particular highlight was Treking through Tayrona National Park walking past all the wildlife and then coming to the most amazing beach where we got to have a swim and eat fresh seafood on the beach!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Camila was outstanding! She was so charismatic and interesting and had such amazing story telling that I looked forward to any time she was telling us something new. She is clearly very passionate about her country and the passion was infectious . We discussed quite challenging topics and she did not shy away from any questions the group asked. 10/10
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you pack some bug spray and put it on before you walk around the Tatacoa Desert, I made the mistake of not putting it on and got bitten all up my legs! Lots of weather options and the climate really differs around the whole country so pack for all seasons!
Bhagyashri S
Reviewed January 2025
Incredible Landscapes, Unique Experiences and Seamless Adventure
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to and lush jungles of Chiang Mai, every moment was postcard-perfect. Tasting Thailand’s famous street food was a highlight – think pad thai, mango sticky rice. Whether it was exploring ancient temples, or walking through the streets, every activity was well-planned and exciting.
The opportunity to connect with locals, learn their traditions, and even participate in a dying class was priceless. Exodus Adventures took care of every detail, making it stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you’re considering Thailand, this is the way to go! Book it, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget
Michael MacRae
Reviewed January 2025
A bit of everything.
This trip was on the whole a very balanced experience. There was plenty of cycling combined with a wide range of cultural activities and enough free time to explore on one’s own. Hotels were all very comfortable. The people were welcoming and friendly and we came away with an impression of a country with plenty to offer. However, to call this trips “back roads” cycling is rather generous. There were plenty of days where cycling was in high traffic conditions and inhaling diesel fumes and pollution was rather unpleasant. Some of the roads were bumpy and dangerous.The cycling on the country roads was delightful. The support team was always on hand to make sure every aspect of the trip went smoothly.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention, most of which involved having tea and snacks or meals with local residents, all of whom offered an insight into their daily life.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ruwan was one of the most competent guides we've ever had. His knowledge of everything related to his country is second to none. He treated all group members as individuals. His organisation and attention to detail were faultless. He went beyond the call of duty on many occasions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Think of bringing a bandanna to cover your mouth when cycling in high traffic conditions as the back roads are probably only about 40% of the trip. Think of taking the train from Kandy on the challenging cycling day as it is a really worthwhile and interesting experience. Be prepared to eat spicy foods every day and at every meal.
AMANDA PATHE
Reviewed January 2025
A great intro to China
I was a solo traveller and had never gone on a group trip before. The trip covered so much ground, I saw loads.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, our time in X'ian, Shanghai by night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kris was wonderful. So cool, so patient, so helpful. Down to earth and cosmopolitan with a lovely sense of humour,5 stars.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Download WeChat and Alipay. Get a Sim at the airport. China felt very safe.
I paid single supplement and enjoyed having my own room.
Angela Beckwith
Reviewed January 2025
A Real Adventure with Fabulous Wildlife
Madagascar is a truly special place and this trip is a real adventure. I have heard Madagascar described as one for the “seasoned traveller” and this is pretty accurate – certainly it is somewhere that you should go with your eyes and mind open and prepare for the rugged terrain and slightly uncomfortable journeys. That said, I would not trade a thing as the experiences are all part of its charm and more than made up for by the beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife.
I loved the entire trip and thoroughly enjoyed the variety of experiences, from the slightly chaotic capital Tana, to the jagged UNESCO site of the Grand Tsingy, to the peace and tranquillity of Ifaty, all interspersed with amazing national parks and wildlife including lemurs, chameleons, fossa and owls.
We were incredibly lucky with our wildlife viewings, with red-fronted brown lemurs, greater bamboo lemur, Goodman’s mouse lemur, dwarf lemur, grey mouse lemur, sportive lemur, ring-tailed lemur, indri, diademed sifaka, Verreaux’s sifaka, Milne-Edwards sifaka and many many more. We went in October and the babies were out in force – so many incredibly playful young lemur could be seen and photographed, all apparently quite indifferent to our presence. The day and night walks were all very well organised and provided plenty of opportunity to just stand back and observe these creatures in their natural habitat. We were rarely rushed on the walks (only when the guides had heard tell of something else exciting up ahead) and the local guides were expert at finding the best angles and lighting for some great photographs, even in challenging conditions.
I found the hotels to be of a general good standard and, as a solo traveller, did not feel as though I was in any way penalised by room size or quality. In fact, by luck of the draw, in one location I ended up with the suite! We had at least warm water most of the time and the food was generally good if a little repetitive after a while. Breakfast was generally fruit, breads, jams, and eggs cooked to order. Where there was nowhere appropriate to stop for lunch, we were able to order sandwiches to go so we never went hungry on the long drive days.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, I think watching the playful baby ring-tailed lemurs in Anja National Park, as well as the red-fronted brown lemurs in Kirindy Reserve were definite highlights, although sunset in the Avenue of the Baobabs and the epic scenery of the Tsingy both come a very close second.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elodie was an absolute star, always making sure we were well looked after and going out of her way to get us the most out of our trip, whether it be an additional night walk squeezed in or a side trip to a local hot spring. She was so knowledgeable about the wildlife and was a brilliant spotter when we were out on the nature walks. She was very open and honest about the challenges that the Madagascan people face and just chatting to her was a real education. On top of that, she was always smiling and bubbly, even when she herself was not feeling 100%, helping us all to get through the occasional challenges that inevitably presented themselves on a trip like this (broken down vehicle, stomach issues, delayed ferry) and making this a truly memorable trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not underestimate the travel days. Read the trip notes in detail and pay attention to the fact that days 5,7,8,9 and 11 all include long drives on very poor roads. Madagascar is a poor country and if you go expecting western levels of comfort and road conditions, you are going to be sorely disappointed. If, however, you go with your eyes and mind open, you will get to experience a truly fantastic country full of genuinely happy and helpful people, with incredible scenery and wildlife experiences.
Take plenty of Imodium or similar - I think everyone on the trip had an upset stomach at one point or another.
Only around 20% of the population have electricity in their homes, so you need to accept that there are rolling blackouts and just get used to charging cameras / phones during periods of power.
At the end of the day, Madagascar is a wonderful country to visit and I feel incredibly privileged that we were able to explore and experience so much in just 16 days. I would have happily stayed longer.
John Colverson
Reviewed January 2025
Dissapointing
Chilly in the north, wet in the middle. Lots of pollution.
Most Inspirational Moment
The inspiring moments were marred by the intense traffic in Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Ming city). There are literally millions of scooters and motor bikes churning our pollution and noise. They seem to have priority over pedestrians who have to walk in the road becauce the pavements are full of bikes. I found it a very stressful environment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader tried, but his english was limited, and other we got to a site where just churned out a lot of information which was difficult to follow.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Double check what the weather is going to be doing throughout your trip. The information we were given was largely all wrong. Think about staying for longer than absolutely necessary Hanoi and Ho Chi Ming city
Reply from Exodus
We’re sorry that you found your trip to Vietnam to be disappointing, John; it’s a real shame to hear this. Vietnam Adventure is ordinarily an extremely well-performing and popular trip, and from the hundreds of post-trip surveys we’ve received from it in the past couple of years, we would share that our customers rated it at an average of 4.73 out of 5 for overall experience, and at 4.90 out of 5 for tour leader performance.
We’re very sorry that John didn’t have as positive an experience with his tour leader, and we will discuss his comments with our local team to look to help the leader in question improve their performance going forward.
We do mention in the trip notes that the weather in Vietnam can be somewhat unpredictable, and while we note the general climate for certain areas of the country, this can of course fluctuate. We’re sorry John’s group seem not to have been blessed with the best weather during their trip.
It’s true that there is heavy scooter and motorbike traffic in the major cities, and while this very much contributes to an authentic experience of Vietnam, we agree with John that the pollution caused is unfortunate, Indeed, there is really no way of avoiding this traffic when staying in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but both cities overall offer contrasting and rich experiences. We appreciate it might not have been John’s cup of tea, though.
– Kelly Reid, Exodus Product Manager
Steven Adams
Reviewed January 2025
Highlights of Morocco - In Comfort
This was our first group adventure tour that we have been on. We chose Exodus based on the trip itinerary and discussions with friends who had also been on the same trip. The actual experience of the tour was better than we expected. The tour was extremely well organised and our guide Khaled was very knowledgable on all aspects of Moroccan culture, very customer focused and helpful. Throughout the trip we felt very safe and our driver Mohammed was extremely capable providing a comfortable transfer throughout the whole of the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight was the variety of the itinerary rather than anyone specific item. The addition of trips such as the visit/walk to the Berber family and the visit to the village Haman showed what Moroccan life is actually like, an experience you don't get by just visiting the tourist sites.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Khaled was an excellent tour leader, very helpful, knowledgable and would go out of his way to help. On these trips the capability of the tour leader makes these trips and i can say that Khaled certainly made this trip for us. If i was recommending this trip for any friends i would also recommend them asking for Khaled as their tour leader.
Anne Day
Reviewed January 2025
Fabulous Christmas and New Year trip to Sri Lanka
This was an amazing trip with such a varied itinerary – trying to remember everything we did at the end of it was quite a challenge. At the same time we didn’t feel over rushed although we were on the go much of the time. The hotels were great with really lovely swimming pools which we made the most of. We were lucky enough to travel with a great group of people who quickly became friends and to have a fantastic team taking us around this beautiful country.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably cycling through rural Sri Lanka on Christmas Day meeting the local people and experiencing the warmth of their hospitality for our spectacular Christmas lunch. Cocktails on the 26th floor roof terrace on our final night in Colombo after an amazing trip was also a highlight. As were the elephants, the wildlife around the lake at Kandy, Horton Plains, climbing Adam’s Peak, the train through tea county, white water rafting, Lion Rock…..!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sujee was the perfect leader. Knowledgeable with a clear love of his country and people. Nothing was too much trouble and he looked after us extremely well and with very good humour!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go.
Joyeeta Deb
Reviewed January 2025
Being close to the nature and the wild life
I have never been so close to the wildlife, from Addo National park to Harmenus – I been with the nature and the its amazing creatures. This trip is a must go if you want to experience good food, comfortable journey, natural beauties and off course the wild life.
Most Inspirational Moment
In middle of the sea with the Mother and baby Whale at Harmenus. The dolphins chasing our boat and the scenic beauty. It was mesmerizing for me all together.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was very good, informative and jovial. She had tried her best to give us all the comfort and guide us through out the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack you bag with lots of energy, a binocular, some sunscreen, hat, sunglass and off course do not forget to take extra layers as some places were very windy and chilled. This trip have moderate walking but have few long travel too.
Susannah Pink
Reviewed January 2025
A wonderful varied trip exploring The Tropical South
This was an absolutely brilliant trip with varied itinerary seeing a mixture of busy cities and daily life within, walking barefoot in beautiful temples, watching traditional Kathakali dance show, trekking in stunning mountainous tea plantations and also in jungle in the Periyar National Park, cruising on a houseboat on the beautiful backwaters, staying in an amazing home stay being looked after by the lovely owner Grace and finishing with relaxing time on beautiful beaches.
The scenery as you drive around is simply stunning with some incredible views. We had such a really lovely fun group of people and the locals were so warm, gentle and smiley and hotel staff went out of their way to look after us, in particular Ripon at the Peppervine, best kindest service ever!
We had the most incredible knowledgeable guide Biju, who gave us so many interesting insights into his wonderful country and was the warmest, kindest most thoughtful person, looking after us all so incredibly well, he helped make this holiday a best ever . Vinod our driver was excellent, so friendly and smiley and he kept the bus immaculate and drove us so safely .
A wonderful trip and no wonder it’s known as Gods own country, it’s simply stunning, with an exceptional guide Biju and such lovely locals who really touched me, I left a piece of my heart there!
Most Inspirational Moment
Trekking in the tea plantations and in Periyar National Park, the early morning walk in Madurai and walking barefoot through the incredible Meenakshi temple complex amongst pilgrims, Grace and staying in her beautiful homestay, the backwaters, the daily interactions with the lovely local people , so many inspirational moments and happy memories.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju was an absolutely exceptional group leader, so proud of his country and he shared so many wonderful and interesting insights. He is cheerful , professional, well organised, knowledgeable, warm, smiley and so kind and he looked after us all so well. He went out of his way to ensure everyone was having the best time, nothing was ever too much trouble for him. Biju made this the most wonderful trip for which thank you so much Biju !
Advice for Potential Travellers
Food and drink is very cheap in comparison with the UK.
Take a small bag for your overnight stay on the houseboat.
Smile at the lovely locals and they will smile back, such a wonderful country and such warmth from the people , a very special place which touches you.
Just book this holiday, it’s brilliant!
