Journeys: Discover Montenegro and Bosnia - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are there any health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor well before departure for up-to-date medical travel information. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements. Our leaders cannot administer drugs. You should assess your ability to cope with the travel style, referring to Physical and Culture Shock ratings.

• Are there specific Health & Safety Protocols for this tour?

  Yes, there are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please refer to the provided link for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

• What should I do if I am unable to commence my trip as scheduled?

  If you are unable to commence your trip, contact your starting point hotel immediately and ask to speak to or leave a message for your Expedition Leader. If you can't reach your leader, refer to the emergency contact details.

• Can I subscribe to the tour operator's newsletter or learn about their foundation?

  Yes, you can subscribe to the adventure travel e-newsletter for news, trip information, and contests. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn about how the company supports local communities through its foundation.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 10-12 participants.

• Is an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for unforeseen circumstances.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?

  This trip is designed for shared accommodation and does not involve a single supplement for group trips. Single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What are the guidelines for tipping on this trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, recommendations range from €3-5 per day. At the end of the trip, if you are satisfied with your Expedition Leader, a tip of €30-€40 per person per week is a guideline.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  In Kotor, optional activities include visiting the Kotor Maritime Museum (5EUR), Kotor City Exploration (Free), Sea Kayaking (20EUR), and hiking the Sveti Ivan Fortress. In Sarajevo, you can visit the Latin Bridge (Free).

• What are the main highlights of the 'Discover Montenegro and Bosnia' tour?

  Highlights include strolling through the Kovacevic Family Botanical Gardens, visiting a vibrant organic market, learning cheese making and beekeeping at local farms, and joining a local guide for a walking food tour in Sarajevo.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation on this trip includes private vehicles (vans/mini-buses), private boats, and walking.

• What are the safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in major cities and terminals. It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. For evening excursions, stay in small groups and use taxis. Water-based activities should only be undertaken with a guide.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation and how does it relate to this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to supporting local communities through tourism. They develop community-owned businesses and integrate their projects into tour itineraries. The tour operator covers all operating costs, so 100% of donations go to Planeterra projects, empowering communities visited on trips.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in small, locally-run hotels or pensions (8 nights), often with traditional character and central locations. While some may lack elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, they are clean, safe, and conveniently located. Standing or desk fans can be requested for hot nights.

• Which meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.

• Are there any specific rules or codes of conduct for participants?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated. The use of paid sex workers is also contrary to the travel philosophy of respect towards local people. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange on this tour?

  Euros (EUR) are accepted everywhere. Credit and debit cards (Cirrus, Plus, Visa) are useful for cash advances, but always bring your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs). Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of Euros and cards is best. Avoid hotel exchange rates, which are usually poor; banks offer better rates.

• What resources are available for LGBTQ+ travellers regarding safety and considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community. Useful resources are available on their LGBTQ+ page, including the Equaldex tool, to help with travel planning and safety concerns.

• What key experiences and services are included in this tour?

  Included experiences are: Dabovic Winery tour and tasting, Siege of Sarajevo Tour, Green Market Tour, Apiary Visit, Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Sarajevo Food Tour, boat cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor orientation walk, views from Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple, UNESCO Necropolis tombstone visit, and Stari Most visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Alternatively, your Expedition Leader can advise on the closest laundromat. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested for personal laundry.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  In a dire emergency, first call the tour operator's Local Office. If there's no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Alternatively, you can call their Sales team via the provided toll-free or regional numbers.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The group will be led by a National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout the trip, complemented by local guides in specific areas.

• Can I book a single room on this tour?

  Yes, if you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Please note that single rooms in European hotels can often be smaller and may not offer the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.