Trip Notes UNDISCOVERED LAOS HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? LAND ONLY ITINERARY

Transcription

1 Trip Notes UNDISCOVERED LAOS Trip Code: AOU Country: Laos Amended: November 2013 Edition No: 1 MD 2014 Valid from: 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Visit Si Phan Don, the 4000 island archipelago located in the mighty Mekong River. Trek the Honey Trail through rural Savanakhet, exploring lakes and villages on the way Marvel at the 7.5km meter cave complex of Kong Lor, the longest cave complex in SE Asia Enjoy a sun-downer on the banks of the Mekong in the sedate capital of Vientiane Question the archaeological mystery of the Plain of Jars Admire the French architecture and traditional temple town of Luang Prabang Swim in the azure tiered waterfalls of Kwang Si SUMMARY A remote adventure in the peaceful land of Laos. Our journey into one of the last bastions of communism starts in Pakse, the gateway to the Four Thousand Islands, a collection of idyllic islands in the Mekong River. Next we journey to Savannakhet where we spend the day trekking in the Dong Na Tad Forest before heading to a hilltribe village en route to Kong Lor, the longest cave in Laos. After exploring the charming capital of Vientiane, we journey to the mysterious Plain of Jars before ending our adventure in the striking temple town of Luang Prabang where we can swim in local waterfalls and shop to our hearts content at the famous night market. Journeying from the south to the north we experience all that Laos has to offer from its age old agricultural traditions to the modern city of Vientiane. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Laos. We travel by private minibus to allow you to experience as much as possible of this beautiful and diverse county in a short space of time. There is a lot of ground to cover so a couple of days there will be journeys of approx. 6-7 hours. Apart from that most journeys are around 2-3 hours. Roads are generally in good condition and well maintained. We use tourist standard hotels throughout our tour however some locations are more remote and will inevitably be more basic. It is important to take into consideration that outside of Luang Prabang and Vientiame Laos is fairly underdeveloped for tourism. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Pakse Start Pakse hotel. Perched high on the Bolaven Plateau, the resort rests on top of a 200 metre gorge which the twin falls of Tad Fane plummet into making an overnight stay in this beautiful location a wonderful start to our trip. SH Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 Kao, the historic birthplace of Savanakhet's lowland Laos and home to 400-year-old mango trees. Hopping back aboard a tuk tuk we make our way back to our hotel in Savanakhet. Walking approx 4 hours. CH (B,L) Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) Kong Lor After breakfast we transfer to the Kammouan province for our next stop, Kong Lor. We will have the afternoon to relax and settle into the calm and slow Laos way of life. Our lodge for the next two nights is situated near the Hinboun river bank and right next to the Houay Say creek with clear water providing the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim. BH (B) Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Kong Lor Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Don Khong We transfer today to Don Khong, the largest of the 4000 or so islands in the Si Phan Don archipelago located in the mighty Mekong River. The former President of Laos, Khamtai Siphandon, has a residence on the island which is noted for its natural beauty. The best way to explore the island is by bike so this afternoon we travel as the locals do, that is, on two wheels. The roads are largely flat and quiet and our ride gives us an insight into local life as we pass grazing buffalos and farmers tending to their rice crops. Don Khong offers a great insight into rural Laos where save for a smattering of cars and electricity time feels as though it has stood still for much of this island. Cycling: approx 2-3 hours. SH (B) Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Si Phan Don Today we take a day tour through the Four Thousand Islands. Our destination is Don Det, where we see the remnants of a French railway locomotive. The French had moved into Laos hoping to open a trade route to China via the Mekong River. After surveying the river they discovered a number of areas where the river was impassable due to waterfalls, including those in the Si Phan Don area. To get around the falls the French built a railway to carry goods (including entire boats!) around the waterfalls. They later developed plans for a railway network to link southern China with Saigon and Phnom Penh, however the railway on Don Det was the only one ever built in Laos. Following our visit to Don Det we head back up river to meet with our private minivan for the journey back to Pakse. En route we will stop at Pha Paeng Falls, the largest waterfall in the Si Pan Don region and sometimes referred to as the 'Niagara of South East Asia'. SH (B) Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) Savanakhet Leaving Pakse behind we start our transfer towards Savanakhet. Today is a long journey however we will break the journey with a stop at Wat Phu. Known locally as the 'temple on the mountain' Wat Phu is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. This striking collection of Khmer ruins date from the 5th to the 15th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will also have the opportunity to stop for lunch and sample some of the local Laotian cuisine; a popular snack, Kaipen, is made of freshwater green algae, peppered with sesame seeds and sundried into paper-thin sheets and is usually readily available. CH (B) Today we board a traditional long tail boat and travel a couple of kilometres up stream to get to the famous Kong Lor cave complex. This amazing 7.5km long limestone cave is the grandest cave in Laos with some alcoves towering at 70-80m height. Following the river that snakes through the caves we marvel at the dramatic stalagmites, stalactites and sheer columns that weave their way through the strands of daylight at either end of the cave. After our boat journey we board our private bus for our journey to the capital city of Vientiane, a far cry from the remote rural Laos we have become accustomed to. CH (B) Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Vientiane The capital Vientiane and our hotel are located near the banks of the Mekong River. The name of the city translates as Sandalwood City with sandalwood being a national symbol. We take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this relaxed low-rise city including visits to Wat Sisaket and Haw Pha Kaew. The temples themselves are noticeably different in style and character from those found in Thailand and there are certainly fewer tourists! In the evening the perfect option is to retire for a refreshing beverage and watch the sunset over the Mekong River. CH (B) Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Phonsavan This morning we take a flight to Phonsavan, the home of the archeological mystery that is the Plain of Jars. This megalithic landscape is made up of vast stone jars that are scattered in the landscape of the Xieng Khouang plateau. The stone jars appear in clusters, ranging from a single or a few to several hundred jars at lower foothills surrounding the central plain and upland valleys. It is said that these jars are over 2000 years old, but there is no reliable way of dating them and archaeologists are still mystified as to their original purpose (opinions vary from burial urns to rice whisky vats). We spend the afternoon exploring the first Plain of Jars site. SH (B) Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Phonsavan Early morning, we transfer out to a hill tribe market where we can learn about local fruits, vegetables and produce, most of it likely new to the eye! We will also visit a traditional Hmong hill tribe village, not far from the morning market, to learn about their authentic way of life. The Hmong hill tribe have an interesting local culture, a colourful history and traditionally wear distinctive bright costumes. We may also see some of the remains of the B-52 bombs that villagers now use Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Savanakhet We meet a local guide this morning and transfer by tuk tuk to the Dong Na Tad Forest. We stop en route at a salt mine where we learn about the raw working of this natural mineral and the ancient methods of extraction that are still being used. Upon arrival at Dong Na Tad Forest we start our trek along the Honey Trail heading towards the lovely Nong Lom Lake. Our guide explains the villagers' relationship with the towering emerald forest and waterways. We pause to enjoy a typical local lunch and listen further to the traditional legend of the lake. Your guide may request that you join him in collecting wild herbs to use for the lunchtime feast. After lunch we continue walking to the village of Ban Tat and visit the Tat Ing Hang Stupa gaining an understanding into Buddhist culture. Continuing our trek we reach Ban Phonsim and visit the ancient ruins and old city walls of Muang 2

3 to structure their houses and fences. As of 2008, Laos was the most heavily bombed country, per capita, in the world. An average of one B-52 bomb-load was dropped on Laos every eight minutes, 24-hoursa-day, between 1964 and 1973 and there are stark reminders in the Phonsavan province. We spend the afternoon exploring the second Plain of Jars site learning more about this mysterious architectural wonder. SH (B) Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Luang Prabang Today we continue our journey north as we transfer to the enchanting town of Luang Prabang. Nestled in a narrow valley cut by the Mekong and Khan Rivers, this beautiful town was designated a World Heritage site in The afternoon is free to explore the town and stroll amongst the ancient red roofed temples and French colonial architecture. There's also a number of interesting temples to visit including Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunalat. CH (B) Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Luang Prabang After an early breakfast we will visit Phu Si Hill for stunning views over the city and the Mekong river below. The climb includes 329 steps and the path zigzags its way to the gilded stupa at the summit past various temples. After the climb we will visit The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. In the afternoon we head out to the Kwang Si Waterfall where we arrive at the crystal clear pools. Walking through a forest trail we explore the various tiers of these striking waterfalls and have the opportunity to swim or simply relax by the pools admiring the stunning turquoise water. Luang Prabang is also a centre for markets in the region and there are many opportunities for the souvenir hunter to gather a few special items. The night market is not to be missed! For those up at dawn there is chance to witness the daily parade of saffron-robed monks receiving alms. Well worth the early rise the parade reminds us of the importance of Buddhism to many of the Laotian population. CH (B) Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Luang Prabang This morning we board our private long tail boat for a journey up the Mekong River gaining more insights into local rural life along the way. Our destination is Pak Ou (meaning 'mouth of the Ou River') where the famous Tam Ting Cave houses thousands of Buddha images of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devoted villagers. We also stop at the village of Ban Sang Hai, where villagers make a potent local rice-wine, only the brave will sample! We have some free time this afternoon to further explore this sleepy riverside town. You may like to visit the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts centre, situated a couple of kilometres out of Luang Prabang it is a great opportunity to learn about Lao textiles and crafts. You can meet traditional silk weavers, craft artisans or you may just like to relax by the riverside with a gourmet Laotian lunch. Alternatively you could visit the Big Brother Mouse project and shop, a great initiative that works in providing books and reading programmes to local children in secluded villages. CH (B) guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. CH Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite - twin rooms with en suite facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service and some added amenities. SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. BH Basic Hotel, Lodge or Gite, Mountain Hut, Village House - can be communal, often consisting of just a bed and shared facilities. Bed linen not normally provided. Running water, toilets and electricity may be inconsistent or non-existent. Cleanliness is not always assured. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food Food is cheap in Laos and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Allow about /$ for meals not included in the tour cost. In general, restaurants are quite cheap, but if you eat in the more expensive restaurants, you should expect to spend a little more especially for western food. In most towns you will find a wide variety of restaurants, both Laos and Western. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in Laos the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Transport We use a private bus, which will be quite comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. Some transfers may be by songtaew (mini-pickupsat times we use the local bus services. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time but progress can be slow. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private, and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats. Internal flights are used as detailed in the itinerary all bookings are made in economy class. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) Luang Prabang End Luang Prabang. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will arrive in the UK the following day. ACCOMMODATION 13 nights in comfortable hotels with en suite. Most of the accommodation on this trip is generally good quality and of tourist standard. The night in Kong Lor will be more basic due to it's remote location and multi-share for this night is possible. Due to limited accommodation options in Kong Lor there may also be the odd occasion when the group may need to be split over two locations, nearby to each other. Standard format will be twin share for the remainder of the accommodation. Single Accommodation: Single rooms are available for a supplement, please enquire for prices. Single supp will be available for all nights apart from the night in Kong Lor. Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you require a single room. Laos' weather system is relatively straight-forward compared with much of Asia; consisting of a dry season (October to late April) and a wet season (May to late September). Temperatures throughout the country are also greatly affected by altitude with much of the country at a level that reduces the country's average temperatures by several degrees ºC. As a general rule north, central and eastern regions are at a higher altitude than those in the south, where at its lowest, in the Mekong River valley, humidity is higher. Laos' dry season has two distinct sub-sections -- first comes the cool dry season and then comes the hot dry season -- the former is one of the most popular times to visit Laos, the later less so. The cool dry season runs from November to February and is the best time to visit. KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are 3

4 away. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. In Luang Prabang we support the Laos River Village Project aimed at improving educational opportunities for children in rural communities along the Mekong River. For full details please visit: JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 16 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sun Itinerary Start The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Thai International (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Free Transfers Exodus offers free airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip: please see the Free Transfers section below for more details. JOINING THE TRIP IN PAKSE 14 days, normally start Pakse Sun, end Luang Prabang Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Pakse in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Free Transfers Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip, so no matter which flight you choose to arrive on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. There will be the opportunity to eat for a good cause at Mak Phet Restaurant in Vientiene which trains former street-children in cooking and the service industry so that they can find a job in the tourism industry. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. A visa can be obtained on arrival for most nationalities. The cost depends on nationality - it is currently US$35 for UK passport holders, and you will require 1 passport photo. For further information see When you enter Laos, make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport. Not having a legitimate entry stamp could lead to arrest or a large fine. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer you will be met on arrival, your driver will be waiting for you as you get out of the customs hall and will be holding an Exodus sign bearing your name. To arrive at the Exodus joining point hotel in Pakse if you have not arranged a transfer you will need to get a local taxi. As the hotel is approx. 40km's from the airport this will cost approx. $40. From Pakse town to Tad Fane Resort you will need to take the road to Paksong as far as Ban Lak 38 (the 38 km, roadside marker). From Ban Lak 38, Tad Fane Resort is easily accessible, well signposted and less than a kilometre 4

5 Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time GMT + 7 hrs Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 7 and 18 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. The trip is lead by locally qualified Laos English-speaking leaders. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. Extra Expenses and Spending Money Allow about /$ for meals not included in the tour cost which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer) and souvenirs. You should also allow money for the Laos visa at $35 depending upon nationality. Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes) There are a number of optional activities, which if you wish, your leader can help arrange for you. Vientiane Buddha Park - admission fee is only 1 USD but the transport to go there is around 30-35USD/vehicle (minivan for 8 x pax) Luang Prabang Cooking class - 35 USD incl. a meal National museum USD admission fee Royal Theatre - 20USD Half Day Elephant Experience - 46 USD including boat trip, elephant ride and lunch Tipping (leader and local staff) This is entirely at your own discretion however; we suggest that you allow a few pounds for tips for the local guides and staff. In the countries visited, with the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary. The local staff will probably expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. The leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of 20/$32 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping of local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It is basically to ensure that the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are of course free to do so. If you feel that your leaders have performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, 2/$3 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point. The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. WHAT TO TAKE MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK), with an exchange rate of to the UK and 8000 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. The official national currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). Although only kip is legally negotiable in everyday transactions, in reality US dollars (US$) and kip are used in transactions - dollars usually for higher purchases and Kip for smaller purchases. We recommend bringing at least half of your money in dollars cash in mixed denominations. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATMs are now widespread in SE Asia's cities and are the easiest way of obtaining money. However not all ATMs will take British/ European style cards, but your leader will be able to advise you. ATMs in Laos dispense money in Laos Kip. Most ATMs will charge you some fee for withdrawing money. Credit card acceptance is now widespread in restaurants and shops catering for tourists although less so in the south of the country. As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt. Essential Equipment and Clothing Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip. Please remember that you will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to some temples and palaces. Sandals are useful as they are cooler and are easier to take off when visiting temples. Sturdy walking shoes/ trainers will be useful for the trek. Optional items: A sun hat and suncream are recommended, torch, a swimming costume will be well used, and a lightweight waterproof jacket or an umbrella. Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Travels in Siam, Cambodia & Laos, M. Henri Mouhot, The account of the final journey of the legendary 'discoverer of Angkor Wat.' Stalking the Elephant Kings, Cristopher Kremmer The Ravens, The Pilots of the Secret War of Laos, Christopher Robbins (Corgi) If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', 5

6 JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6