This was published 7 years ago
Readers' tips: The best time not to go travelling to Croatia
Buza Bar, Dubrovnik, Croatia.Credit: Alamy
CROATIA, ALL IN THE TIMING
A worn out Tilley Hat will be replaced - even two decades later.Credit: Eric Fisher
In response to your advice (The Tripologist, November 27), I'd like to add a note of caution from our experience in Croatia.
We travelled through Croatia in late April, including some of the islands along the Dalmatian Coast. We were hoping that it was a good time to visit in order to avoid the crowds while still enjoying good weather. Although we didn't encounter any problems on the mainland, we were a little disappointed when we reached the islands. We were repeatedly told the "season" hadn't commenced and as a result, many restaurants, museums, shops and general tourist attractions were not open. Bol's tourist information centre was even closed! Some restaurants were waiting for their chef to arrive in the islands and so were closed. We were astonished that many of the local shops, including local jewellery and souvenir shops, were not open, even when large cruise ships landed. With that in mind, visiting in May might afford a fuller experience.
We still managed to really enjoy the islands. There are still plenty of things to see and explore and the Croatian people are very friendly and helpful.
Nausea and vomiting is hard to cope with when travelling.Credit: iStock
Lisa Savage, Inverell, NSW
SIMPLE SOLUTION
Nausea and vomiting is very hard to cope with when travelling. For me, a Maxolon tablet plus extra water and a sleep will stop the vomiting. It is vital that you know beforehand if this is right for you and, if nausea is severe, do not self-diagnose, seek medical help.
Marjie Williamson, Blaxland, NSW
SHOP FOR QUALITY
Over 20 years ago, I purchased a Tilley Outdoor Hat from Gowings. The hat is made by the Canadian outdoor clothing company Tilley Endurables in Toronto. The label inside the hat states that the hat "will be replaced free if it wears out".
After over 20 years of use, in many parts of the world, it had become rather travel worn so I thought I would test the ancient guarantee and emailed the attached photo and enquired if the guarantee still operated.
I got an immediate affirmative reply with a request for my mailing address and a small fee for postage. Four days later, a parcel arrived by courier ... my new Tilley hat and a nice letter.
As I am 82 it is unlikely that I shall wear this one out! Good on you Tilley.
Eric Fisher, Enmore, NSW
VALID ARGUMENT
One of your readers, (Tip-o-meter, December 4) wrote of being fined €30 for not having validated her rail ticket in Italy, and made it sound like some sort of scam. Self-validation of travel tickets is par for the course across most of Europe, as the whole process relies on an honesty system. Ticket inspectors board trains at random, rather than having turnstiles and collectors at individual stations. Since half the travellers on public transport are probably foreign tourists, what are they meant to do with those who have not obeyed the rules? Only fine the locals?
Ross MacPherson, Seaforth, NSW
CUBA ON THE CARDS
In Expert opinion (Traveller, December 11) the advice was that because US sanctions remain on Cuba, you can't use services including "Visa and many banks." People contemplating travel to Cuba should note that most Australian bank and credit union Mastercard and Visa cards work fine in Cuba – credit or debit. The US still has sanctions on Cuba and that's why US cards (or Australian cards with US links like Citibank, Amex or 28 Degrees) are prevented by US banks from working in Cuba.
Similarly, the US government still stops US insurance companies from operating in Cuba, so if you're using an Australian credit card's travel insurance, make sure the underwriter is not a US company.
John Varley, Abbotsford, VIC
LOOK AROUND FOR INSURANCE
Another one for the travel insurance file. About three years ago, I had a "mini-stroke" (their words not mine) and, consequently, travel insurance quotes varied from $600 to who-knows-how-much for three weeks in Bali, with the prospect of certain problems being excluded from our coverage.
Enter Westpac CC Insurance. A simple questionnaire conducted by a friendly, efficient young lady, a $75 assessment fee and we were away ... And have been ever since. Even when we got stuck by the volcano everything was covered. We are 100 per cent advocates for a great system. Thanks Westpac!
Terry Buscombe, Croydon, VIC
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