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.

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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Reviews

David Lowe

Reviewed March 2016

Discovering Myanmar

This has been an outstanding holiday. We have seen some wonderful sights, heard about a delightful country and been given a real insight into life in a country facing many challenges.

Most Inspirational Moment

There have been so many wonderful moments. Real highlights were the balloon trip over Bagan, the trip on Inle Lake and the U Bein bridge at sunrise. These stand alongside some magnificent temples, stupas and pagodas; walks into villages which showed the local people at daily work.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph, our leader, was a star. His organisation of every aspect of the trip was great; he was really helpful with advice about what we could do with our free time and where we might eat. Everything was as he said it would be. Above all he was really informative in telling us about every aspect of our trip - history, life in the country, the shifting political context, people and traditions in the country. We have travelled a lot with Exodus and always enjoyed our leaders - Joseph was something special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The guidance on how much money to take was for us generous - it is cheap to eat out in Myanmar. Dollars need to be crisp and new! Even currency with slight marks on were rejected by the money changers. Changing money into local currency is not a problem and there were suitable places at every stop although ATMs are occasionally erratic. Mosquito spray etc is really important. We used local laundry services on a couple of occasions...good rapid service

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Mark Sheldon

Reviewed November 2015

Ancient & Modern Japan

An excellent way to see the variety of sights that Japan has to offer, and as with other Exodus trips the trade-off is some long days on trains, subways, trams and walks (and variable standards of accommodation). However, all the public transport ran like clockwork, and even complicated travel days with 15 of us to look after were easily dealt with by our guide …and I loved the Shinkansen (bullet train). Kyoto was more westernised than I was expecting, but there was still plenty to see. Hiroshima was surprisingly emotional for me, and I loved the local okonomiyaki we had for dinner. The areas around Takayama and Yudanaka were definitely more traditional Japanese, and the ryokans were a big change from the city hotels but they still had wifi (bathing was interesting though!!). Finishing off in Tokyo worked well, getting back into western ways.

Most Inspirational Moment

Always difficult to know how to answer this one, as we saw so much. For me it was the people, as they were all so respectful and Japan felt very safe from a traveller's perspective.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiko Hansen was always smiling, full of energy and kept all of us on time. As with any trip like this there were a couple of hiccups (not of Chiko's making), but she managed to keep us together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As mentioned, there is a lot of walking in this trip. Although technically you could describe it as leisurely (not climbing mountains!), due to the amount I would rate it more like a 3, especially if you want to see everything. I had taken a pair of hiking boots which was overkill, but sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. There was more free time than on other Exodus trips I have been on, so planning ahead would help. That includes meals, as not many are included. Despite the hotel in Kyoto being very central, not many of the nearby restaurants stayed open beyond 9pm. We did find a food court at the top of the railway station that stayed open until 10pm, but not until the second night.

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Anne Edinburgh

Reviewed November 2015

Ancient and Modern Japan

Excellent introduction to all aspects of Japan from ancient, beautiful temples, shrines and castles to the peace of the mountains (and snow monkeys in the hot pools) to the crazy, neon, shopping madness that is Tokyo. Busy, long days starting at 08.00 finishing around 17.00 or later. Lots of walking – a total of 120 miles in the 14 day trip. All travel by local transport on trains, buses or trams. On two consecutive days we took 5 or 6 trains each day. This was quite an achievement for our guide who ensured that all 15 of us were extremely punctual. In busy places 15 felt too big a group. We saw a huge amount in the two weeks and don’t think it would have been possible to have seen so much without a guide. The hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo were excellent, one riokan was a bit like a youth hostel. The Garden Hotel in Matsumoto was a disaster as it only had single rooms and half were smoking rooms.

Most Inspirational Moment

As others have said, too difficult to choose just one. The many shrines where locals are praying while tourists gaze upon them, the giant Buddha at Nara, the Golden temple and gardens, the scenery of the Japanese Alps with the autumn colours, the monkeys, the excitement of the bullet train's speed and the unforgettable experience of the Onsen.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiko Hansen worked very hard to ensure we all saw as much as possible. She offered suggestions and accompanied people on visits that were outside the itinerary. It was tough for her to try and keep 15 people together in the busiest railway station in the world. She is incredibly energetic and it could be hard work trying to keep up! It is a huge benefit that she is Japanese (though now lives in Australia) and so could give us insights into the Japanese way of life. We ate with Chiko in some great local restaurants that the ordinary tourist would not have found. On the downside, her sense of direction was not always the best and she had to be persuaded to occasionally stop to allow eating or comfort breaks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for more walking than the trip notes suggest. Quite a lot of energy required and good idea to carry snacks and water in a small backpack. Take comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off for temple visits. Do plenty homework to help decide what you want to do on the free days as some places will need advance booking. If you want to see the Tokyo fish market make a plan to go early (0600-0700?) as when we went at 1000 it was closing. Evening eating places seem to close by 9pm, so plan to eat fairly early. Look out for the "Western style" toilets as you have to squat in the Japanese ones

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Charles Lawrence

Reviewed May 2015

Two weeks of fun!

Our trip was two weeks of non-stop fun and adventure – I enjoyed the time spent in both the cities and the mountains. Japan surprised me in so many ways — the politeness of the people, the speed and efficiencies of the RR system, the beauty of the mountains, the throngs of people in Tokyo, the majesty of its shrines and temples, and the rich traditions best seen in Kyoto. I was not disappointed by anything.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had several inspirational moments, but the two that stood out the most was our visit to Hiroshima and our walk through the bamboo forest in Kyoto (it had a zen feel to it).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was fantastic -- she did a great job keeping 16 different personalities happy and on the same page. She was very organized and made it look easy, but that was due to a lot of behind-the-scenes work on her part. She also handled a difficult situation very deftly. It was fun traveling with her!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to walk quite a bit -- the walking was very pleasant and enjoyable, but more (including navigating your way through the train stations) than indicated in the trip notes.

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Benjamin BROOK

Reviewed April 2015

Japanese journeys

A diverse itinerary from temples to snow monkeys, geishas and locals in stunning kimonos, relaxing onsens, castles and other historic areas, rural settings and Tokyo illuminated at night

Most Inspirational Moment

The tranquility of japanese gardens, quality of food, cleanliness, meticulous organisation and punctuality of public transport, warm friendly hospitality.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiko Hansen was amazing and escorted us to places such as Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove from Kyoto (as featured in the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. She gave me a schedule of train times from Takayama to go to Kanazawa to Kenrokuen garden which was amazing and a schedule to make my way back to Kyoto after stopping off at Himeji castle (featured in 007 film 'You Only Live Twice' after the day at Hiroshima. She introduced the group to a wide array of delicious japanese food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As I read in a previous review it pays to do some research on what possibilities are available on free days. If you stay at the Hotel Metropolitan in Tokyo, I highly recommend the Est restaurant offering fine dining with a European (mainly french) set menu. Also in Tokyo the New Otani hotel has an amazing japanese garden with waterfall and huge koi and offers various dining options.

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Nigel Webb

Reviewed April 2015

Ancient and Modern Japan

Another excellent trip from Exodus, lots of train journeys of all sorts were part of the fun. Japanese onsen were great fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

A difficult question to answer, Japan is culturally so different to the UK that there was something different at every turn. Hiroshima was a very moving experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiko was an excellent tour leader, providing additional guiding not part of the tour itinerary for the group on free days as well as details on excursions for those wanting to do additional trips alongside the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Japan is not as expensive as the guidance in the trip notes suggest, entrance fees not covered by the tour price were typically much lower than you might expect to pay in the UK and eating out was not as expensive either.

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Helen Jones

Reviewed April 2015

A wonderful introduction to Japan [Ancient and Modern]

This trip balanced history with ultra-modern culture. At one point, I started the day with a traditional bath at our ryokan, then we visited the snow monkeys and by evening we were in the centre of Tokyo’s night life.
The last week of March was cherry blossom time in Kyoto but early April was too late for most of the blossom in Tokyo: I guess you can’t have everything! Also bear in mind Mount Fuji’s modesty: I’ve now visited Japan twice but haven’t caught the slightest glimpse.

Most Inspirational Moment

One thing which will remain with me is the museum at Hiroshima with its depiction of utter devastation and ruin. I was impressed by the many temples, the historical villages and the Hokusai gallery. I also loved the ryokans and soaking in the baths surrounded by women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayuko was remarkable. She managed to shepherd 17 of us around (using only public transport) for 14 days without losing any of us. She's knowledgeable, interesting, energetic: an ideal guide and leader. She built our confidence: when she led us to our hotel in Tokyo I felt pretty overawed by the public transport system but a couple of days later I was getting around with the level of confidence I'd feel in London (but with a greater feeling of safety). I think we all felt looked after to the level which suited us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you travel in March / April, take suncream, waterproofs, fleeces - everything you'd take if you were going on holiday in the UK in springtime! Don't take an umbrella as you can buy one very cheaply there. If you want to bathe at the ryokans, you will need to take off all of your clothes (single sex facilities).

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Helen Lewis

Reviewed April 2015

A great introduction to Japan

This is an excellent introduction to Japan. The days are quite busy but not excessively so and there is a good balance of free time to do your own thing. I found the balance of time in most places to be spot on and there is a good mix of big cities and smaller places. The group size at 18 is too large especially for a tour which is all by public transport. Japan was wonderful – if in doubt go!

Most Inspirational Moment

Several highlights: Nara's big buddha and deer, snow monkeys, neon lights of Shinjuku, Arashimaya early in the morning, Muyijima, cherry blossom everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayuko was excellent. She was extremely well organised, friendly, a good sense of humour and utterly professional. Getting 18 people on and off public transport across Japan is no mean feat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus' pre departure administration was poor (not my usual experience with them) so be prepared to have to double check invoices etc.

Reply from Exodus

We were delighted to read that Helen had an excellent holiday, however we regret that she found the size of her group to be rather large. Exodus has recently agreed on a policy change not to exceed the group sizes stated in our literature other than in exceptional cases and we hope this will avoid future client disappointment.

Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for Japan

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Reviewed November 2014

Japan Ancient and Modern

Good trip to get a taste of Japan.We’ll definitely be going back to explore more.Apart from a day of rain,we were very lucky with the weather which was warm and sunny. The trip involves a lot of journeys by trains and it’s essential that all group members are punctual. Food was varied. Hotels etc of a good standard and comfortable. The trip covers busy cities and visits to small villages.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiroshima! Would have liked to spend longer here as was a little rushed. Watching the bathing snow monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mayuko Terao was an excellent guide-ensured that the group worked together well and everything ran very efficiently. She tweaked our itinerary as typoon Phon-Phon was due t hit and knew we were all looking forward to seeing the snow monkeys which we did. She also managed to get us in to see a morning training session at Sumo stables!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take comfortable footwear and travel light. If you forget anything, you should be able to buy in Kyoto. Have an idea before you go what you may want to do on your free days. Can decide at the last minute but if you want to do or visit something specific it's good to plan ahead.

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Reviewed October 2014

ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

A great holiday, with plenty to see and do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several: 1. The Peace Park in Hiroshima, and in particular the 'Atomic Dome'. Very moving. 2. A quite-unexpected visit to Tokyo Zoo, and time to see the giant pandas munching through loads of bamboo. 3. A garden of azaleas in full bloom - very colourful. And cherry and plum blossom. 4. Mount Fuji in all its glory, from the air on flight out of Tokyo. 5. The cleanliness, the politeness, the hi-tech toilets.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good, though whilst he didn't lose any of us in the crowded streets and stations, etc., I felt he should have checked more often that we were all together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Public conveniences are plentiful, but most did not have any means of drying hands after washing - so I recommend taking a small hand-towel for such purposes. 2. During the holiday we stayed at 3 different ryokans, which varied in standard from OK down to very, very basic. 3. Take some ear-plugs to shut out noise of snoring sleeping companions!

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