Croatia Trips & Tours

International Flights We would recommend booking your flights online as early as possible in order to get the best rates. If you need any help or advice please let us know. European Trains (economical and sustainable!) You can travel by Eurostar to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany which also link to the rest of Europe. Children even travel free aboard some international trains up to a certain age (train companies set the age limit themselves). The Interrail Pass, which allows you to travel in 33 European countries, is generally known as a youth product. However, this Pass is in fact available for all age groups. Thanks to its advantageous fares for youngsters, families (children travel free of charge) and seniors, Interrail makes it possible to travel across Europe by train at an economical price. Self-Drive • you need to carry your UK driving licence with you • you must display the UK identifier when driving a UK-registered vehicle abroad; (if your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack), you do not need a UK sticker • you will need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following: a GB identifier with the Union flag a Euro symbol a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier • if you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate

Before you travel check that: • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number – Dial 112 or 166 and ask for ambulance. Health insurance cards Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC, it will still be valid as long as it remains in date. It is important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. An EHIC or GHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover. Sun Safety Tips Spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest, which is generally during lunch time. Make sure you: • use at least factor 30 sunscreen • cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses • take extra care with children’s delicate skin • make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date • reapply sunscreen straight after you have been swimming, even if it’s “water resistant” and after towel drying and sweating • Drink plenty of water (drinking contaminated water is an easy way to get sick whilst travelling, so naturally you should be cautious. In many countries the water is perfectly safe to drink although in island destinations this is less so. To be on the safe side please ask your host at your accommodation)

Most European countries use the Euro, the only ones that don’t are Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. We recommend international mobile banking with either Revolut, Monzo or Wise which lets you spend money around the world with low exchange rates and no transaction fees. The apps categorise your transactions helping you budget giving you instant notifications to your mobile which helps you keep track of your spending and quickly detects any unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. For porters it is customary to tip €1 per bag (or the local equivalent). You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager or host to distribute, or do both. Restaurants on average expect a 10% to 15% if it is not included in the bill. When it comes to drivers and tour guides, it all depends on the experience, average is 10% or more.

It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: • Emergency evacuation expenses • Medical expenses • Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: • Cancellation or curtailment of trip • Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) The EU has introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU passport holders entering the Schengen area. It’s designed to make borders more secure and keep a record of who’s coming and going, but it does mean a few extra steps on your first arrival: • On your first entry into the Schengen zone, travellers aged 12 and over will need to: - Have their passport scanned - Provide fingerprints and have a photo taken by a border officer - Answer a few straightforward questions (such as your reason for travel, where you’ll be staying, and for how long) • Children under 12 will simply have a photo taken. • There’s no cost for this process and you don’t need to register in advance. Once completed, your details are valid for three years and will be automatically recognised on future trips. • Exemptions: The EES does not apply if you are transiting through or if you hold an EU passport. Please allow a little extra time at border control for this on your first entry.

• Passport • Layers - long and short sleeve tops and trousers • Day and evening outfits • A warm fleece, jumper or cardigan • A lightweight waterproof jacket • Comfortable shoes • Flip-flops • Swimming costumes • Underwear and socks • Nightwear • A hat or cap • Sunglasses • Sunscreen – a must! • Water bottle • Toiletries – most hotels will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap • Plug adaptors and charging equipment • Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time • Small first aid kit - cough medicine, rehydration sachets, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis. Electricity European plugs and outlets are varied. The most common outlets in Europe include Type C, E, F, and G. These outlets are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 220-240V. To ensure you don’t get stuck in a country without a reliable way to charge your phone or laptop, we recommend bringing a universal power adapter that will work in all European countries, except for Italy which has three associated plug types - C, F and L. L is the plug type which has three round pins and operates on a 230V supply voltage. Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines. If soft bag has a shoulder strap, take it off before checking luggage in.