2 independent reviews for Bosnia self drive holiday
Reviews for Bosnia self drive holiday
Ian Anderson review 21 Aug 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is difficult to choose a single aspect. The variety of wonderful landscapes stand out as well as the cultural aspects of Islamic culture making it at times feel almost like being in Turkey. The opportunity to understand the history and devastating effects of the Bosnian War and war crimes was rewarding and humbling. The Tjentište monument in Sutjeska National Park was a moving memorial in a wonderful setting and a reminder of the long history of war in the region. The Trebišnjica karst valley running north west from Trebinje to the Vjetrenica cave was incredible especially along the old railway route (luckily we met no traffic on the single track road!).2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Practically euros were accepted nearly everywhere except in certain official sites so although having some Bosnian marks was necessary you can mostly get by without exchanging too much local currency. Google maps are not very accurate and the road infrastructure is still developing so don’t assume you will have an easy time off main roads. Phone roaming charges are high so the novotel Tourist esim providing 50GB + some calls and texts for only 10 euro for 10 days was essential. The Bosnian language was not easy for us but we found the Google translate camera function providing instant translation of notices, menus etc was extremely helpful. Away from the tourist hotspots like Mostar and the Dervish ouse it was generally quiet and much more pleasant - plan those for when the coaches from Dubrovnik have left or yet to arrive. The food was basic and largely meat-based with most restaurants having very similar menus so variety was difficult, for vegetarians especially, and don’t expect international cuisine apart from pizza and spaghetti.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is important in providing income for local people and helping the infrastructure of the country but is also a two-edge sword in terms of environmental impact and the scars of new roads and quarries were evident. Hopefully some of the money will lead to spending on conservation and also to improving the dreadful littering and fly-tipping in so many of the lay-bys along the route.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A very varied and enjoyable holiday and the choice of itinerary worked very well.Helen El-Hoss review 31 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The amazing scenery in Bosnia and Herzegovena.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The driving can be a little scary at times, plan in plenty of time to take the journeys slowly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed in independent hotels and ate in local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best - we are planning to go again and stay for longer.Holiday Reviews
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