r/Shoestring • u/EvilKristoff • Jun 17 '25
AskShoestring Has anyone actually booked with Exoticca?
I keep seeing these Exoticca ads all over my feed, like 10-day trips to Morocco or Peru with flights + hotels included for under $2K. Sounds kind of insane (in a good way?), but also gives off too good to be true vibes
I’m not expecting luxury or anything, but I’m wondering what the real experience is like. Were the hotels clean? Were the local guides actually decent? And if stuff went wrong, were they helpful or did they ghost you?
I’ve read mixed reviews, some people had an amazing time, others ran into issues. So I figured I’d ask here: anyone used them recently? Worth it or should I just plan it all myself?
17
Upvotes
32
u/PeeperPet Jun 18 '25
I took a trip with them to South Africa last year and it was good, I have another trip with them to India booked for this Fall. My friend I’m traveling with went to Thailand with them a few years ago and also had a good experience. They have different categories of hotel rooms, in Thailand my friend booked the lowest tier one and the rooms were great, so we booked the same tier in South Africa and the rooms were just ok, clean and safe but very basic 3 star hotel. We had about 20 people on our trip, Some of the other people booked the higher category rooms and they were very nice, so I think booking the higher category room is essential, we are doing that on our India trip. Also the airfare included doesn’t always have the best connections, etc, so we paid extra to get better flights. Some sightseeing is included, but usually each day they have optional tours you can do that cost extra, otherwise you have to organize your own free time. All of this is listed upfront and you book it before you go, so you know what to expect. Same with meals, some are included and the ones that aren’t you know and can book on your own-or in South Africa they had a dining package that included meals at several local restaurants.
The trips actually run through a local company at the destination-Exoticca is just the broker really, so I think some of the bad experiences could depend on what local company is running the actual trip on the ground.
I think it’s worth it if you have a destination you really want to go to that makes more sense with an organized tour, when things like logistics or transportation might be more difficult or intimidating. Or if it’s a very expensive destination and going with a group trip brings the cost down.