Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14216 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed February 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A varied and highly enjoyable tour of a beautiful lush country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the shadow of Adams Peak form on the clouds behind the peak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good, helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. The Adams Peak walk was tough, only 1100m of ascent but >5000 concrete steps. Is this one of the longest staircases in the world? It took 5 days after the hike before I could stride normally. My preparation with 600m of steps twice a week for 6 months wasn't enough preparation. We rushed up in 3hr15min; down in 2hr 15. Would advise taking it more slowly and resting more. It is difficult to gauge how far you have ascended when walking on a well lit staircase surrounded by darkness. There were 2 x WCs about half way up. So if you reach that point in under 2 hrs, you deserve a rest! Take your time and don't rush!2. Mosquitoes. Plenty about in Jan/Feb. We did use insect repellant and, at night, permethrin impregnated mosquito nets. We only got one bite each.

Reviewed February 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

ok but not as relaxing or as much fun as I hoped. V little contact with Sri Lnkans had I not arranged to meet a friend who retreats to Sri Lnak for the winter I would not have spoken to anyone except the staff of the hotels

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching elephants in the river below where we were having lunch, whale watching though I did that with mySri Lankan friend, not with the group

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely over anxious, but appearred to know his stuff

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you do Adams peak don't rush; it is easily 'doable' in 3-4 hours sitting on the top getting cold waiting for dawn really left some of our party frozen. I was a bit slower so did less sitting around and did not get so cold but was able to easily keep up going down in the light- I had struggled to see my way at night the trail lights cast more shadows than light, I also recovered faster than those who rushed.

Reviewed February 2012

LAND OF THE TIGER

I had wanted to visit India for 60 years and I was not disappointed. A fabulous country. Everything I had hoped for….and more. It probably hasn’t changed since I first thought of going! My daughter arranged the trip as a surprise because my husband had never wanted to go. We had an excellent mixed group of people. From 23years old to 68years old. Male and female. A great experience to share with like minded people. The trip is by no means leisurely, Very long days in bumpy jeeps over rough terrain. But I loved every minute!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose......loved travelling through rural India......tigers were amazing........Taj Mahal extraordinary....people delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish Kumar was an excellent leader. He tried very hard to accomodate everyones wishes and mostly succeded. Apart from the odd misunderstanding, usually due to language difficulty, we could not have asked for more. He was good company and steered us through the travelling with ease. Getting us all on the train with luggage was quite a task which he managed brilliantly!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for extreme cold at this time of year. The suggested scarf, fleece and gloves were no where near enough to cope with the icy temperature in open safari jeeps at 5.30 in the morning! Thermal layers and warm coats/hats essential. Although we were provided with hot water bottles and blankets which helped. The food becomes very monotonous and is ,of course, very spicy! Meal times are quite eratic. Take biscuits/snacks and indegestion pills. Eat as little as posible for the first few days until you are used to the food. Use hand sanitiser constantly.Sheewee..(for ladies) available from camping shops invaluable when clean loos not available. Take travel disinfectant. Even the hotel loos are not always as clean as you might like.Be prepared to spend up to 12 hours a day in vehicles!

Reviewed February 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

This was a stunning week. Well organised and supported throughout.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazing desert scenery. Sleeping outside under the stars. Stories around the campfire. Scrambling up to Burdah rock bridge. Lovely food and plenty of it. The ancient city of Petra with its magnificent facades. Excellent group of people to listen to, walk with, laugh with, and be inspired by. The Bedouin who looked after us with great attentiveness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Zuhair - we were his "tribe" and he was our Tribe Father! Zuhair was lovely, a real family man who looked after us, kept us right, told us many tales of long ago, and generally made our whole trip a great success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The organisation of the week was excellent, so you just need to make sure you have personal things you need: moist face/body wipes are great, and a flat toilet tissue pack is nifty. Hair washing not necessary - after 4 days everyone's hair is a bit messy - just wear a hat/scarf. You might like to take a small travel pillow, but thick foam sleeping mats are provided and are very comfortable. The food is plentiful and yummy, but if you think you might run out of steam, take one or two muesli bars. (I took some but didn't use them)

Reviewed February 2012

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A spectacular way to enjoy winter walking, fun in the snow and superb mountain scenery in good company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gluhwein!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl, was a very entertaining, knowledgeable and trustworthy leader. “Shall we stroll on?” he would say.On our final day, walking to the summit of Monte Piano, ‘stroll’ became ‘trudge’. Like other days, the effort was worthwhile for the magnificent views.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Snowshoeing is not difficult, and the grade ‘moderate’ is an accurate description. Worry not: if you’re an average hill-walker you can do this.There were 5 – 6 hours of leisurely walking every day, and plenty of stops for stories recounted by KarlThe Hotel Adler is everything it says on the tin: a gem with all facilities as described with helpful and welcoming staff. Stuff yourself at breakfast, and you won’t finish the packed lunch provided, but you will be ready to enjoy a 4/5 course evening meal – all of which were worthy of presentation on TV cooking programmes.

Reviewed February 2012

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Exodus and Quark had the perfect recipe for the adventure of a lifetime. Helpful and efficient pre-trip planning. The Vavilov, a great vessel for the expedition that was immaculate and had a very accommodating crew. An outstanding knowledgeable and friendly Expedition Team with an inspirational leader who always wanted to go the extra mile to make it happen. A very varied, educational, exciting and memorable itinerary – with an abundance of spectacular scenery and exceptional wildlife sightings. The informality onboard and the friendliness of the 97 passengers who represented 17 different countries was so enjoyable.Beat that!

Most Inspirational Moment

Back onboard after our trip ashore at Petermann Island, when a vast pod of Killer Whales surfaced and were coming straight for the ship. The action was absolutely enthralling. The pod eventually went under the vessel, resurfaced on the portside, then headed straight for Chris who was returning to ship in his Zodiac with the Kayaks. Camcorder footage to die for ! During our Zodiac cruise around Neko Harbour we were lucky enough to see a group of six penguins sequentially dive from a snow covered hill into the water below. Their expressions and movements were hilarious.The scenery and tranquility of the sail from Ardvord bay to Danco Island was breathtaking, and the views from the hills above Paradise Harbour and Neko Harbour were memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

To say that "Woody" made this trip is not an exaggeration, and I know 96 passengers who were of the same opinion.His leadership skills were awesome. In addition to always being pleasant, friendly and helpful, his boundless enthusiasm, energy and humour were truly infectious.The smooth running of the expedition did not happen by accident. It was the result of a great deal of hard work, planning and improvisation with great attaention to detail."Woody" and his team made it all happen and it was a privilege to have him as our leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are considering making a trip to Antarctica, do not hesitate. Do it, you will not be disapointed. Quite a lot of money, but worth every penny, and more. . .Based on our experience we would not hesitate in recommending Exodus Travel and we hope to work with them again.We are in our 60s and have been lucky enough to enjoy some pretty special experiences including the Wildebeest crossing in the Masai Mara, Sperm Whales and Dolphins in New Zealand, and Grizzlies gorging at the end of the Salmon Run in Northern British Columbia, but for us, Antarctica is number one so far.

Reviewed February 2012

CYCLE MOROCCO'S GREAT SOUTH

First time to Morocco and what a fabulous way to expeirence this beautiful country. The Mountains (Atlas and anit-Atlas) are breathtaking in more ways that one and it was a real treat to be able to ride up them and down them for a week! A really tough ride for me personally – so many relentless climbs but great to get really fit to prepare for it

Most Inspirational Moment

Mountains and panoramic views were the memory I will keep with me for a lifetime

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy McKee was a very effiicent, friendly and capable leader. He ensured everyone was looked after and acted as an excellent motivation to get us all up the hills. Well done Andy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes! If you are going on the February trip prepare to be cold ! I needed fingered gloves, body warmers, ear covers, neck covers and full length warm leggings are essential. Its cold in the mountains and some mornings we were riding over frozen puddles which can illustrate the starting out temperature. Also the hotel on Day 2 has no heating at all so ensure you have hats and gloves and a warm coat for that one. Hotels after Day 2 improve immensley, including a palace and the most stunning central hotel in Essouria. Also be prepared for lack of alcohol (most nights this is not available at all) and very healthy eating - fantastic way to get fit!

Reviewed February 2012

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A wonderful week learning to cross country ski in a beautiful location with great food and accommodation, great company and a fantastic group leader

Most Inspirational Moment

Over breakfast on the last day I thought I was ready to go home, having had a great week but feeling tired. However, everything I had learnt that week finally came together and I had a fantastic day skiing. That evening I wished I was staying another week!Seeing everyone in our beginners group fastly improve by the end of the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David Davies was a brilliant group leader. He had the combination of being a great skiier and a great teacher. Luckily for me, he had more confidence in me than I did and ensured I persevered with snowploughing down hills until I finally managed to control myself! He knows the best places to ski and stop for refreshments and can then entertain everyone with some very funny stories.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers because you soon warm up when cross country skiing. To relieve aches and pains, make use of the sauna but also take some Deep Heat, it really helps.

Reviewed February 2012

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

Great weeks walking in beautiful surroundings

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say really its was all great- each day the walks were great with stunning views and just enough challenge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lachen was very friendly personable and knowleable - a great ambassador for his country

Advice for Potential Travellers

It gets very cold at night in February! My 3 season sleeping bag was not up to the job. I had two pairs of thermal underwear and a down jacket over the sleeping bag too. One girl left her daypack in the food tent overnight and her camel pack froze! Take ear plugs as each camp seemed to come with howling dogs and don't forget a head torch. You will need lots of wet wipes and toilet paper as you really are wild camping!

Reviewed February 2012

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, but felt a couple of the walks were a bit short. We are quite fit and do a lot of hillwalking at home and found the ‘B’ grade walks easy. When we go snowshoeing again we will do a ‘C’ grade. The scenery was spectacular and the area is well worth visiting. Hotel Adler was an excellent place to stay.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Monte Piano - views were stunning but it was very cold - approx -20.Sitting outside a pension in the middle of a walk with blankets wrapped around our legs, eating Kaiserchmarren and drinking hot chocolate with rum and looking at stunning scenery - excellent

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly but could tell some 'tall' stories!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear several layers of clothing - it can be extremely cold at the tops of hills.There are no tea/coffee facilities in the hotel rooms - we took our own kettle and made up flasks for the walksUse the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna etc after the walks - helps with achy, tired musclesThe hotel was very good at catering for any special dietary needs and all the meals were excellent and the staff were helpful and friendly

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