Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many! An afternoon watching over 30 humpback whales. Gentoo penguins with their young. The different shapes and colours of the icebergs. Watching albatrosses glide around the boat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The expedition leader was excellent. He was very clear in all his briefings. There were a number of expedition guides with excellent knowledge. Their love and enthusiasm for Antarctica was obvious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was warm enough in the layers that we were advised to wear but we had sunshine and blue skies for most of the time in Antarctica itself. Walking helped to keep you warm but it was chilly sitting in the zodiac for a long time. The Drake Passage was ok on the way over but quite rough on the way back. Reception staff on the boat gave out acupuncture pads but I would recommend travel sickness pills if you get sea sick. The weather can be unpredictable, so planned activities my change.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cairo museum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Poor, especially time management and organisation

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking in the Tongariro Crossing was fantastic. Landscapes throughout the trip was simply breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent . The trip was extremely well organized. We were lucky to have a Maori origin guide/leader who gave us insights to the history of New Zealand. He adjusted itinerary flexibly according to the weather forecast so that we could enjoy key activities in good weather. He is knowledgeable in wild life and nature. He was an excellent driver and knew best restaurants in all destinations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are looking for some serious hiking, this may not be suitable as most of hikes were very easy except for the Tongariro Crossing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to the top of the mountain , something I would not have achieved with out the confidence of our brilliant support team.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Every one on our group was amazed at how efficiently Lam and his team organised our itinerary . Our every need was catered for with military precision. No stone was unturned. I felt completely safe cycling the roads with members of the team travelling ahead to direct the traffic at the different junctions so that we could cycle safely. Lam has a depth of knowledge for facts and figures about the history and culture of his beloved country which he was happy to relay to us all. Even after a long hot day he always appeared happy and enthusiastic. Lam and his support team made our from being good to absolutely brilliant. As one of our group mentioned, Exodus is lucky to have him and his excellent team, Den, cam and Lea.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We stayed in some lovely hotels so add a few dressy up clothes. After the first 3 days of hot weather, you will get used to your bike and the hot weather and that is when the huge adventure takes off

Most Inspirational Moment

Karnak

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, but the representatives of Sinai Travel, the in-country travel company, were pretty useless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not change currency before coming to Egypt. Bring small denomination bills - USD and £ sterling.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the activities were awesome

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the staff at Basecamp Oulanka were welcoming and helpful. We had 2 instructors / leaders who were brilliant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As other reviews, you do only need your base layers as Basecamp provide everything else. The snowmobiling was extra cost, but well worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, swimming in the natural sea pool after the walk on the third day (Porto Moniz)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mainly walks in a line on the flat, with steps (many) at beginning and end of walks

Most Inspirational Moment

I think seeing the astonishing volcanic vent in the Red Crater of Tongariro; it impressed by its size and awesome beauty. The waterfalls in Milford Sound, an optional trip on a very wet day, were majestic and mystical, too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two main group leaders, Just on North Island and Ali, in the South. They were different characters but both had an infectious enthusiasm for the country, its flora and fauna, its birdlife and its culture. They were incredibly hard-working and made sure we had the best experience possible. Can't recommend them too highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a full-on trip and there is very little downtime.You need energy to cope with early starts and relatively late, hurried finishes every day. There's precious little time for washing clothes and other personal organisations tasks. It's a team effort, too, with food preparation and washing up, moving luggage into and out of the van, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and muck in. The two nights wild camping means taking an extra rucksack and managing weight allowances carefully. The sandflies are an absolute pain so get the best bug spray possible as soon as you arrive in NZ (it's specially formulated). The accommodation is pretty good overall, only Queenstown was a bit basic. It's a long way to travel and if you can afford it, business class really helps ease the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Feeling on top of the world, amazing snow, scenery and sunshine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilse Alt & Mary Wray

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go, ski, enjoy

Most Inspirational Moment

We had too many to pick one out, from the bird and plantlife at the Wilson Botanical Garden, to the humming birds at the Quetzal Park, and the solitude of an early morning visit to Tourialba park, finishing of course with our visit to the hot springs in La Fortuna. The weather conspired to keep Arenal in the clouds and rain, so adding to its mystique.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't have asked for more, Andrea and the team (driver Luis and mechanic Djeison) were super, and managed the enforced changes to the itinerary without unduly spoiling our experience. Andrea was extremely well briefed and communicated clearly on all aspects of the wildlife, history and agriculture, and our visits to the plantations she led were very informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were hardly any places that didn't take contactless payments, or took cash in US dollars, though you will be given change in colones. Beware changing currency at the airport, the fee/commission was extortionate. And do not put toilet paper down the loos.