Travelling Solo, Guided tour in Sth America

DeeBE

Hi, I'm hoping to book a trip shortly with 'Explore', its a 21 day guided trip in Latin America. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever gone on one of these guided trips with the likes of Explore or Exodus? If so what are they like? I've never done anything like this before!! ie. headed off on my own to join with a group of like minded travellers !!

How Strange

DeeBE, I've taken trips with Explore and Exodus and I've travelled on my own in the past. What is your reason for using Explore or Exodus? They are both very good companies and they do this kind of thing very well and depending on your needs and your level of travelling experience they may suit you down to the ground or they may not.

Explore are cheaper but Exodus use local guides rather than English people abroad so the local guides are much more affable and motivated. The English Explore guides are (in my experience) are with the company to take time out from the real world and by the time you meet them they are jaded and tired of meeting new people. This is a real plus for Exodus in my experience.

If you want more info PM me as I am interested in why you want to go with these English based companies rather than go with a tour company based in South America. I've been to SA too so rather than write a long thread based on assumptions maybe just PM me.

lives

Hi

I am planning on using Explore or Exodus to take a 16 day trip to Jordan and Syria. I have never used an agent like this before and always travel solo. The reason I was going to use them is for ease of booking and organising the trip. How Stranger did you find that the standard of accomdation and food provided on these trips was good?

Judging on you reply to DeeBe I get the feeling you think going with a local company is better?

How Strange

lives wrote: »

Hi
I am planning on using Explore or Exodus to take a 16 day trip to Jordan and Syria. I have never used an agent like this before and always travel solo. The reason I was going to use them is for ease of booking and organising the trip. How Stranger did you find that the standard of accomdation and food provided on these trips was good?

Judging on you reply to DeeBe I get the feeling you think going with a local company is better?

lives, I find Exodus and Explore great at what they do and if the type of holiday they offer appeals to you (ease of booking, no hassle, worry etc) then you will probably love it.

Two reasons that I probably wouldn't use a company like that again - firstly, they are based in UK so you are hammered with the exchange rate. That makes your holiday at least €500 more expensive than your UK counterparts.
Secondly, I personally have done enough independent travelling to know that 90% of the tours they offer are on a beaten track regardless of what they tell you in their brochures. I see you say you've travelled solo too so you may find the total organisation a bit stiffling; I know I did.

The internet has made this type of travelling so accessible now so start googling and see what you find. I would now prefer to book locally and in any tourist place you'll find lots of British, Irish, American expats offering similiar trips usually quoted through USD or €. Also, log onto the thorntree (not sure of the address but google it) and see what other travellers say. I find that website invaluable and I've always used it when travelling independently for info and advice.

Having said all that Explore, Exodus and the many other similar companies provide a great package and the trips are usually 100% enjoyable so they may tick all the boxes for you. Explore are cheaper than Exodus and are probably better value for money. Exodus use local guides which are a big advantage for them.

MrFrankie

I went a few years ago and must say it is probably the kind of place you would want to have a guided tour look after most things. Try the travel department or JWT here in Ireland if you want to try meeting other folk