What is the best bit about being a tour leader?
The best bit about being a tour leader is that I meet a lot of people. It’s great to experience different personalities, varied life stories and your regional accents. I also get to do this while spending time in my favourite way, doing outdoor activities. I’m one of the lucky few people that got to do the job they truly love.
Why do families travel to Croatia for an adventure holiday?
I think it’s always been in the consciousness of English speaking guests. Yugoslavia always made a lasting impression on tourists and individually we continue to do so. For families looking for an authentic family adventure holiday in Europe, then Croatia is the perfect choice. Families come here, as they want to escape mass tourism. Flights are short, Croatia is very safe and Croatian people are very warm. Many families who have been on our multi activity vacations spread the word to their families, friends and beyond. The incredible natural beauty of our islands, coastline and canyons widely respected in the World. Especially by seasoned travellers & professional bloggers. I also believe Croatia is more accessible, as the price of food, drink and accommodation is significantly cheaper than other destinations in Europe. But quality is high!
Are activities suitable for both parents and their children?
All of our adventure activities are suitable for families. I always say, that the River doesn’t slow down for anyone! You’ll be having fun in pristine nature, all the while accompanied by experts for each individual activity. This ensures safety. It’s important to note that our family adventure holidays in Croatia are not a boot camp; we like to offer a good balance of chill and thrill time! Teenagers especially love being kept active and parents love the fact that they see their children bonding & laughing without their phones.
What would you say is the best activity?
You know, this is the most common question I’m asked by Mums. Dads tend to ask which is the best beer to try. For me, i love them all. My enjoyment comes from the interaction from the guests. When I see a shy teenager at the start, become extrovert and louder. I take great pride, knowing that the activities we offfer have been that bridge to self-confidence.
Can you teach us a local word or expression that will come in useful in Croatia?
Hvala. This means ‘thanks’. Fala lipa. This means ‘thank you very much’. Dobar dan. Is ‘Good day’. Pivo is beer.
What is the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you as a tour leader?
During an October hiking tour, my group got caught up in a thunderstorm. The rain was pouring down. There was lightning and thunder. So we had to confine ourselves to a local café and wait. I was nervous that the guests would be dissatisfied and frustrated. But we managed to turn the experience into a positive, by playing games. It was one of the best days of the trip. I remember it fondly.
What kind of traveller would you recommend this trip for?
I would recommend this trip to families who seek adventure, but also want time to relax. If you want to meet like-minded families, then you will enjoy the social factor to our family active vacations in Croatia. We like to choose the path less travelled and I think our families really appreciate this.
Has there ever been a situation where you’ve been afraid?
No, not on an activity at least. There was one time when a group of teenagers on their last night of stay picked me up during dinner and threw me into the swimming pool, but I was afraid only because I had my favourite shoes on.
Can you describe the best sensory experience to have in Croatia?
The food is organic. I know very few friends or family members that struggle with intolerances or allergies. The food feels so much more fresh, in comparison to the supermarket food. Croatian’s steer away from big shops and always head to the markets for their main ingredients. Green World Holidays always takes their guests to two different authentic restaurants during a week’s stay. Gala welcome dinner and the Farewell party dinner.
How do you like to relax when not working?
When I’m not working I spend my free time doing activities similar to the ones I do while I’m working. Besides that, I read, study and try to spend a lot of quality time with my family.
What is the toughest bit of the trip?
The toughest bit is saying goodbye. One week seems like a short amount of time at first but it’s more than enough time for my heart to grow fond of the people I’m with. Just as I start to get used to their company, habits, laughter and talks they leave. It’s also hard to see the children and teenagers from different families saying goodbye to each other after a week of playing together and doing all the activities together. It sounds a cliché but each week we form a family unit and its always a special privilege to experience this.
What 3 things are most important to have?
Sunscreen, water, and music.
What is the most precious time you have had with your visitors?
The great thing about our family activity weeks in Croatia is we span a wide range of ages from early teens through to older teenagers; right through to parents and even grandparents on occasions. For me it was an endless source of new experiences.