Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Sea kayaking in Croatia, independent reviews
 Reviewed 5 Aug 2006 by Ross Saddington |  |
 |  |  |  |  | Click on the thumbnails to enlarge Ross's fab photos from this trip. |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The best part? Having part of the Adriatic all to ourselves as we paddled around the shoreline and between islands with only ourselves and the beautiful, calm, aquamarine sea to keep us company. I came back feeling physically tired (we kayaked about 50km and lugged our gear across Lopud island) but mentally refreshed and relaxed. It must be something to do with the rhythms of the waves?? We were also fortunate in that we had a fantastic set of people in our group.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The holiday might not suit you if don't like long periods of physical activity, the heat, or have just recovered from a serious back or shoulder injury because your upper body will be aching for at least two days until it adapts.
One minor recommendation: don't bring expensive sunglasses, such as Oakleys (you'll break them, almost guaranteed!) and bring a cord for your sun glasses, otherwise you'll probably loose them at sea at some point. Also, bring a proper water proof sun block such as Aloe Gator SPF15, or Piz Buin SPF15 I Day Long. These sun blocks last for 8 hours and need only one application. I used them and did n't get any sunburn.
Finally, I would recommend hiring a room, instead of taking the campsite option, if possible. At the end of a hard day's kayaking you really appreciate a proper bed as opposed to sleeping in 35 degree heat in a tent.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think we benefited the local community because the restaurants we ate at were all run by locals as were the rooms we stayed in.
4. Any other comments?
It was the best holiday I've ever had! Thanks for helping me find this holiday!
| Reviewed 1 Sep 2008 by Dereck Tait | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of Lopud Island combined with the relaxing atmosphere.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't bother with self-catering. The choice of restaurants by the guide was v good. We were initially concerned that meals would be very 'institutional' but this was not the case.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. Apart from which the guide was very environmentally aware.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. One of the best holidays we have had in a long time. From booking the holiday (very responsive and helpful staff/system) to the guides who were brilliant. All this made for a wonderful time and one I would have no hesitation in recommending to friends.
| Reviewed 24 Sep 2007 by Louise Ganthony | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
How beautiful Lopud island is. I almost cried when it was time to leave, I’d had such a great time.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a pair of neoprene fingerless gloves and shoes. Also, buy a strap / string for your sunnies and definitely wear a hat. Also, never underestimate how much water you'll need. When it's 40 degrees and you're spending the day kayaking you'll need a lot.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. Ana (the 80yr old lady who owned the apartment we stayed in) benefited, as did all the local restaurants we ate in.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
First class. Met some great people, did lots of swimming and snorkelling and had the best cup of hot chocolate in the world...ever!
| Reviewed 6 Aug 2007 by Lois Simes | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The River Zrmanja kayak tour
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take peanut butter with you as it is hard to get hold of in Croatia.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes it gave employment to local guides, I was saddened to find out that the hotel was not locally owned.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Good, great location, you could virtually swim from the hotel. For us having other teenagers would have made it more fun for my 14 year old daughter!
| Reviewed 5 Aug 2007 by Miranda Orbell | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Canoeing through a gorge which involved paddling the canoes over a 4 metre high waterfall.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're going on the Clear Rivers holiday, take a frisbee or badminton rackets. There's lots of space for some informal activities if you aren't worn out by the canoeing and cycling. On your free day, plan your own cycle ride or canoeing rather than bothering to go to Zagreb which is ok but not the most fascinating city in Europe.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant except for the rather unmotivated attitude of our guide.
| Reviewed 22 Apr 2007 by Amanda Schonfeld | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our Croatian hosts were extremely welcoming and open and made us feel welcome and a part of their life. This applied to our guide, the staff at our accommodation, as well as other people in the village.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The water in April is still a little chilly, but once you are in and swimming it does not feel cold any more.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It definitely benefited local people, and by travelling in Sea Kayaks and on bikes we believe that it had minimal impact on the environment.