Recently updated on August 15th, 2023 at 10:08 am
And… we’re BACK with part two of our blog series from on the road with the winners of our Trafalgar Unlocked Awards contest. If you missed Part 1, check it out now.
We’re following our lucky guests on our 12-day tour of the Balkans, where they’re coming toward the end of a fantastic adventure.
We crossed into Bosnia and Herzegovina, ticked off stunning Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, took a day trip to Montenegro (as you do), and are continuing along the Dalmatian Coast towards Split.
We pulled aside a married couple, pair of penpals, and a solo traveler aside to ask about their highlights of the Balkan adventure so far and find out what travel means to them.
Let’s take a look, and don’t forget to read Part 1 too.
TAKE THE TRIP: Balkan Delight
On the road with Leith and David
We caught up with Leith and David on Day 7 to find out how their Balkan adventure was going.
What has been the highlight of the trip so far?
Leith: One of the highlights for me is just the sense of family with our fellow travelers. It’s amazing. And I really loved visiting Dubrovnik. It’s just stunning
David: The coastline and islands are just majestic and breathtaking. There’s really nothing like it that I’ve seen in any of my travels.
What were you thinking on the plane into Zagreb?
David: “Gee, I can’t wait to have a shower!”. No, we were definitely looking forward to landing and starting this fabulous tour.
What are you most looking forward to coming up?
David: I think Dubrovnik was certainly one of our highlights, but every place that we’ve been to so far has been eye-opening for me as this is our first time in the Balkans.
Leith: I’m actually looking forward to going to Split and finding the Pandora shop so I can get a Croatia Pandora charm [for my bracelet].
What advice would you give to your younger selves when it comes to travel?
Leith: Travel while you’re young!
David: Definitely. There are younger people in our group that [are able to] put in the hours and walking is no issue. I guess that’s what the advantage is of being young, but even when you’re older you’re still enjoying it. There’s a whole range of people on our tour. Age doesn’t have to be a barrier but certainly, the younger you are… go for it!.
Leith: Don’t wait until you’re retired, people. If you can do it, do it.
Do you have any messages for friends and family back home?
David: Don’t get hung up with possessions. Rather life should be about experiences and going with Trafalgar gives us so many great memories to cherish for the rest of our life.
Leith: My advice would be to definitely do a tour with a company like Trafalgar, because the only thing you have to worry about is getting your bags out and getting on that coach ready to leave. The rest of the day Trafalgar looks after you amazingly.
How would you describe a Trafalgar tour in three words?
Leith: Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.
David: And I can describe it in one word with three letters – WOW!
READ THEIR STORY: ‘If you ever get asked to dine in a dungeon, do it!’ – Trafalgar Unlocked Award winner Leith’s story/
On tour with Tracy and Kim
Tracy from South Africa brought her friend Kim from the United States along on tour. The two met many moons ago when they became penpals, but more recently met to travel together.
Fast forward to today and this Balkan adventure is their 9th trip together!
How many countries have you visited each?
Tracy: If you’re counting England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales separately then it’s about 60!
Kim: It’s probably about 30.
How did you two meet?
Tracy: So long, long, long ago we were penpals. Like 30 years ago, Those were in the days when you used to write letters in the post. We decided let’s do a trip together and that was it. The first time we met in person was in 2011 at Munich Airport for a Trafalgar tour.
Do you think there is something about meeting someone to travel that makes the friendship more special?
Tracy: Yeah I do. Meeting someone in person makes the friendship so much better than a paper-based one. That’s a bit impersonal. Whereas if you’ve shared a room with them you know their likes and dislikes, and it just makes it better.
Kim: We talk on Facebook now and if she says something I can picture her mannerisms and the smile on her face. That helps a lot!
We’re 10 days in now. What are the highlights so far?
Tracy: Everything has been a highlight, but if I had to choose one it would be Hvar. That was unbelievable and I’m going back there – I’ve already decided.
Kim: I agree, the island yesterday! And the people on the trip.
Tracy: It has been an amazing trip. Unbelievable. We always used to say we had another trip that was simply the best, but actually –this one is simply the best.
Have you made any new friends?
Tracy: For sure we have – every person on this trip is a friend. From the first day we all just got on so well. I didn’t actually think that this would happen because none of us have met each other before. From the first day everybody just clicked,
What’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled to and why?
Kim: We did this tour of Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Venice in 2016 and that was the best up until this because the people on the tour, the places and the Travel Director were so good.
Tracy: I agree with Kim 100 percent. The Balkans – stunning. After the previous trip we always said we wanted to come back here. And even though it’s the same trip, it’s not the same trip. It’s adding extra onto what we experienced before.
Kim: we’ve had a few differences and a few of the same things. It’s good to have friends in high places (points to Tracy!) Haha!
Why do you choose Trafalgar?
Tracy: I just think it’s the easiest option. I mean you just pay and they do everything else. You wake up, you have breakfast, you get on the coach, you know your luggage is sorted and you know you’ll be where you need to be tonight. Everything that’s important that you need to see in a place they take you there. There’s a Local Specialist that shows you all around. You just sit back, relax and go with the flow. You simply pay and go!
Kim: We live in different countries and different continents, but so it’s easy to combine with Trafalgar tour and they make it work with our agents.
Any messages for friends and family back home?
Tracy: We are having an amazing time. You guys have to book this trip and come and see it for yourself!
READ TRACY’S STORY: ‘It was as if one big happy family was doing a road trip together’ – Trafalgar Unlocked Award winner Tracy’s story’
On the road with Candy
Candy from the Philippines has joined us solo on 11 tours over the past decade. Let’s hear what she was thinking about her Balkan adventure when we caught up on Day 9.
“I’ve been to 51 countries, and after this trip it’ll be 55!”
This is your 11th Trafalgar tour. What’s your favorite thing about exploring with Trafalgar?
It’s very informative. It gives me a lot of time to know a certain country – time to get to know the locals, the food and the culture of different countries here in the Balkans.
What is your highlight of the trip so far?
Visiting Montenegro, and, of course, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was really keen to learn more about the 1990s war because I really love history. And Trafalgar makes it happen.
Where do you want to visit next?
This October I’m booked to explore the Canadian Rockies with Trafalgar.
Have you made any new friends on the trip?
Yeah! They are all so nice. Like Tracy and Kim, Sara and Pushp, Dolores and Jay. They are all amazing people. All of us who are winners are all amazing.
How would you describe a Trafalgar tour in three words?
Amazing! Educational. Informative.
What will you be taking away with you from this trip?
I’m taking a lot of souvenirs because I did a lot of shopping! Plus beautiful memories and beautiful photos. And, of course, the beautiful experiences with the Trafalgar people.
READ HER STORY: ‘We saw wild animals such as bear, moose and elk’ – Trafalgar Unlocked Awards winner Candy’s story
TAKE THE TRIP: Balkan Delight
That’s a wrap on our Balkan adventure! Don’t forget to read Part 1 of our on-the-road interviews, and leave a comment if you have questions…