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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Slovenia short break adventure holiday, independent reviews
 Reviewed 9 Sep 2009 by Jerrine Barnett |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Ah, so many! The night canoe on the first night was really memorable, the water was eerily calm, the moon was full and there was a heavy mist settled on the river... it was totally beautiful and so different to anything else I’ve ever done. I think the canyoning was my favourite experience. I suffer from vertigo and had been a bit of a wuss on the Adrenalin Park (a 10m high-rope course) the day before so really had a challenge with the canyoning. I enjoyed jumping into rocks pools and sliding down streams but the last challenge, being lowered down a 30m high waterfall really tested my nerves, but I’m proud to say that I did it! With a little help from the always-patient staff that is...
The water was unusually strong when I went so it made the kayaking (yes, I capsized!) and white water rafting even more exciting.
Tolmin itself, and the surrounding region, is absolutely beautiful, with its tree covered mountains and chocolate-box wooden chalets. I enjoyed the drives to and from the activities almost as much at the activities themselves!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go for it. The whole point of these trips, in my opinion, is to try new things and have a good time doing them! You don't feel pressurized into doing anything that you don't want to, and you may even surprise yourself by doing something that you never thought you'd be able to (like me and my vertigo issues). Even if you're a little nervous about doing something just go for it, the staff would never put you in a situation in which jeopardizes your safety, and you'll feel so good if you push yourself to do something. You get out of this trip what you put in.
Be aware that things don't go always go according to plan. When I arrived they had more rain then they'd had in 10 years the night I arrived so it made hydrospeeding, our final activity, unsafe. So we were given other options and the staff went out of their way to juggle activities around for us so that we didn't miss out on anything else.
In terms of things to bring you literally only need a costume, a towel, some changes of clothes and maybe some trainers. All gear, including waterproof boots, are provided. Perhaps some nice clothes if you go out in the evening. I also recommend bringing an appetite! The portion sizes in Slovenia are BIG and the kind lady in our hotel was also more than generous with her portion sizes, on all three courses, so be warned!! Hopefully if you really get stuck in to the activities then you'll need all the extra food :)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All of the staff were local, we ate locally and spent time in and around Tolmin. So I felt that we were contributing to the local economy as much as possible.
I didn't see any environmental impact at all. We walked to all activities that were within walking distance. When we did the activities themselves I didn't see any impact on the river, we took away whatever we brought with us, including litter.
The guides were keen to educate us on the history of the region and of Slovenia itself, and also to show us the local flora and natural attractions of the area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a fantastic time, I’d been looking to do an activity holiday for ages and am happy with the one that I choose. Slovenia is not an obvious choice for many but it is such a beautiful country and the area we were in especially was stunning. I feel like I’ve been gone for a week rather than just a weekend and had a nice balance of being super busy and active and chilling out soaking up the scenery. I have to mention how fantastic the guides were, they really went out of their way to make us feel safe and that we got the most out of our time there. I feel like they treated us more like friends then tourists and would be happy to go back and see them all again.
| Reviewed 18 Sep 2009 by Lani Watson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So much of the weekend was memorable and exciting! Canyoning was probably my favourite activity, getting kitted out and jumping and sliding down the waterfalls until you reach the final 27m challenge (ropes included!) which is literally a high point and a truly exhilarating experience! The rafting and kayaking were also brilliant and i loved the combination of taking on the rapids and then having time in between to drift down the river and absorb the spectacular scenery. Getting close to capsizing and managing to stay upright was also pretty exciting although i expect going under would have been fun too! The whole weekend is perfectly designed to be memorable and exciting and that is exactly what it is with two adrenaline fuelled activities each day and lots of fun in the evenings. Not to mention the place itself, Tolmin, with its lush green mountain surroundings and the all important turquoise river. That has definitely left an imprint in my memory.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips for this holiday would be to read the itinerary beforehand and scare yourself a bit about some of the big challenges. Getting really psyched up for everything is definitely the best way to approach it and will mean you get the most out of your experiences! Once you've done that then just go for it and push yourself as much as possible. The guides are absolutely fantastic and there is never any reason to feel under pressure or unsafe because you are always in such good hands. With that in mind it is down to you to have an awesome time and feel really satisfied that you've done things you never would have before. Other tips, stock up on some crisps or chocolate for post activities snacks and go to the loo as close to leaving as you can because once you're in a wetsuit there is no going back! :)
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the guides were all keen to talk about the local area and Slovenia at large and they were all local Slovenians. They were very aware of both the positive and potentially negative impacts of tourism. Environmentally the trip didn't have negative impacts on the beautiful surroundings because all the activities are out in the open using only the natural speed of the river! The area and the river itself were very clean and the guides were committed to keeping it that way.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant! So much is packed in and you really feel looked after. The company went out of their way to make our trip as fun-filled and exciting as possible and I came back feeling completely invigorated! I would love to do something like this again and would definitely choose to travel with these guys as they were so professional and such good value :)