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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

82 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Reviewed February 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

This was a fascinating and engaging journey around central Cuba. We packed a huge amount ainto the time so it felt like a longer trip. With such a complex and varied country it lived up to its title- just a ‘taste of Cuba’.

Most Inspirational Moment

music in Trinidadsalsa lessonswalking around Habana Vieja fascination of learning something of the complexities of such a different society the trip has left me with many many ongoing rumbling thoughts about life/socialism/inequalityhaving fun with such a great bunch of fellow travellerssoaking up some warmth

Thoughts on Group Leader

he was quite superb. I give him a score of 15/10the success of the trip was to a large extent down to his personalityhe was very well informed, able to impart that information in skilful ways, acutely attuned to everyone's needs and position in the group - but with a light and skilful touch. witty and engagingcannot think of any way in which he could have been better

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that there is inevitably a lot of time sitting in the bus

Reviewed February 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

Great experience. Nice balance of travelling and resting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Salsa!! Learning something of the history and politics of Cuba. Seeing and hearing first hand the good, the bad and the ugly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He was ably supported by an excellent driver who was willing to join in and help in anything we attempted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect hot water in all hotels !!!! Listen to the guide and follow his instructions re anything.

Reviewed February 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

The trip was a present to me from a friend who knew I needed to get away from some severe problems. Cuba is a remarkable country; beautiful, colourful, inspirational and full of happy people who manage to cope despite enormous difficulties. Exodus put together a package which really is ‘A Taste of Cuba’, with an absolutely charming guide and driver who added the icing to the cake! Excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments in my trip. Seeing a horse drawing a cart with an enormouse sow in it. Meeting a man straight out of east London who had never been out of Cuba, who translated my request to let a tree rat out of its cage, upon which the rat started following me. I think we hit it off - he was so cute. (The rat and the man!) Meeting a sweet old lady on the road who blew me a kiss when I gave her a few coins and a bottle of shampoo. Watching amazing blue fish in a natural woodland pool, and taking photographs of pelicans on the sea wall. Taking photographs of people, animals and buildings in general; the sheer vibrancy of it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a jem. She was very knowledgeable and had studied hard to enable herself to provide information and answers to our questions as we proceeded along the route. She took care of us all and no problem was too much for her. I think above all, she had a fine sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't over pack! I took warm clothes and waterproof hiking boots which I didn't need. It was always beautifully warm, even when cloudy. Do take insect repellent, sun screen lotion, dark glasses and either a sun hat or an umbrella. An umbrella doubles up for rain, of course, which is useful. If you have room, take ball point pens and small bottles of shampoo, soap and bath gel, etc., as these are things the locals ask for, and which are cheap and small to carry around.Make sure you have lots of small local currency, as tipping is expected just about everywhere; even when taking a photograph of an individual or his car!

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

An excellent trip giving a full flavour of this diverse and beautiful island. We experienced Cuba at a turning point in it’s social and politcal history.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many memorable moments but the vibrancy of the Cuban music which emanates from every corner of the island has to be a big plus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mirta, was inspriational and certainly made the trip very special. She gave us great insight into the life of everyday Cuban people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for long travel days and a packed itinerary, but the many interesting stops make this wonderful tour well worth experiencing.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

A brilliant itinerary, which covers many highlights of this fascinating country. If you’re short on time but want an authentic experience of Cuba, this trip ticks all the boxes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our visit to Che Guevara's mausoleum and memorial site was definitely one of my favourite moments of the trip. The Cubans are rightly proud of their history and heritage, even those who aren't 'culture vultures' will find this place really interesting.I also enjoyed our day trip to Vinales, which is very different to the east of the island (lots of photo opp's of the lush landscape!) and included a surprise boat ride inside one of the caves - wish I'd had an umbrella (only joking) because you get soaked!! Certainly one of my highlights though. And of course Havana....everything you hope the city will be like and more. Our walking tour of the 'old city' was excellent, you get a real feel for a place far more when you're on foot than from taking snaps from a bus window.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mirta (which I've probably spelt wrong, sorry) was great at story telling and gave our group a real insight into what life is currently like for working Cubans, including her views on how tourism has impacted on (and will continue to change) the country. I found her (and our very jovial bus driver Thomas) to be friendly, laid-back, and knowledgable; they also dealt with our myriad 'photo stop' requests (and some random weather issues during long journeys!) with patience and good humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As detailed in the Exodus trip notes, you don't go to Cuba for the cuisine!! Although some places were well-catered and quite forward-thinking in their approach to creative menus, they are few and far between. Also bear in mind that a wide selection of foods are simply unavailable, even to resident Cubans, through no fault of their own. I have to say though that as the only vegetarian in my group (there were around 18 of us), I found the places we stayed over in (and stopped en-route at) to be very accomodating and easy-going towards everyone's food requests. In all honesty, I survived quite happily on fried rice with black beans, cheese sandwiches and cocktails for most of the week!! The fried rice/black bean combo is a staple dish in the Cuban diet, it's cheap and tasty - so you can easily save more of your spending money for shopping/partying :)

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

Wonderful tour taking in the best Cuba has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the streets of Havana, experiencing the old world charm and attending a Cuban disco where you see local people enjoying themselves in an almost tourist free environment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic - She knew all relevent information and was extremely pleasant and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go there before Fidel dies as Cuba still retains that old world feel, free of multinational organisations and brands. I could see the changes in freeing up the restrictions on Cuban people so I would recommend going sooner rather than later.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

Great way of seeing some of Cuba if you are short on time – will make you want to visit again! Also great as a single traveller. From inspiring Havana to beautiful Trinidad, dancing, some great cooking, a bit of Che, beaches, beautiful scenery, thousands of photos and some rum – what’s not to like?!

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad was amazing - then we had a very heavy storm - I have not laughed so much in ages, running through the cobbled streets completely wet through to the safety of the bus. We also went to a nightclub in a cave, and were made to feel very welcome if a little inadequate on the dance floor!I loved Havana, just being able to explore and wonder around. Definitely check out the market and drive a hard bargain on art work before retiring for another cocktail with your purchases.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toni was great, knowledgable without it feeling like he had a set amount of information he was supposed to tell you. Andreas, our driver, was also fantastic - a very skilful driver of a very clean bus. Both Toni and Andreas included all in the group and made sure all needs were catered for, we had a very mixed age group and a disabled traveller, they made all feel included and really made a positive impact on the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a big memory stick for photos and a spare battery for the camera. And a torch - if you are walking back at night its a good idea (although if you aren't keen on bugs and spiders perhaps better without one!)

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

I loved this trip although I was absolutley shattered at the end of it. Havana was amazing and lived up to my expectations but my favourite place was Guajimico. This was a basic hotel where each guest has a ‘chalet’ set in the forest, the best (or worst) depending on your view was that it was surrounded by massive land crabs. We danced until the early hours making the most of our Salsa class. Wildlife figured greatly on this trip including spiders and scorpions but what do you expect in a tropical destination!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the history of the country, the 1950 cars in Havana and the visit to Che Guevara mausoleum/museum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader brightened up as the trip went along, I think she finds it as tiring as we did. On the trip from the airport many of us were concerned that we had picked the worst destination ever, she made a point of telling us all the bad points and did not tell us all the positive things. Once we got to know her she cheered up and things got better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going to Cuba make sure you have a torch, sample the mojito's - as the Cubans say the rum is free! and make yourself open to new experiences. Some of the hotels are not up to our standards and there is wildlife around but make the most of it, you will have a great time.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

A fantastic way to take in the main highlights of Cuba in just one week.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the variety in this trip, from the hustle and bustle of Havana, to the fiesta towns of the South, and beautiful Vinales. The catamaran trip was well worth the extra expense as it gave a rare opportunity to chill out for a few hours. You may be tired at the end of the week, but the extra trip out to Vinales was also worth the effort for the stunning scenery. Don't miss out!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very good, very informative and easy to talk to. Our bus driver was also very helpful, though he left the talking to the group leader. Everything was well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can, take pens and soaps / hotel toiletries to give away to the locals.Bring shoes than can cope with cobbles in Havana, and a forest trek near Trinidad. Watch your handbags in Havana especially at night! And just to forewarn, bring your own loo-paper and Immodium, though the delicate tums on our trip could have been down to the amount of Mojitos consumed. Be prepared for poorly functioning bathrooms even in the 'good' hotels.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

An absolutely fantastic trip to a wonderful country

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention but I'll try:Old Havana - a picture can't give you the sounds and the atmosphere, fabulous old buildings - some almost in ruins and some renovatedVinales - beautifulRiding in the classic cars

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mirta was an incredible group leader, kept us all in check (mostly). Nothing was too much trouble for her, everything well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At the first opportunity to change money get more than you think you will need as after Havana there aren't many other opportunities. Also, take pens etc for the school children at the schools visited. Put any preconceived ideas you may have about Cuba to one side and just live in the moment and have fun! How to walk safely on the cobbled streets of Trinidad - 2 mojitos, 2 cuba libres and a pina colada. You may still trip but you really won't care.

Prev 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next