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Best of Adriatic --packing

Posted by ( GA, USA) on

Getting so excited about upcoming Best of Adriatic tour in June. It's our second RS tour, so I am well aware of the need for careful packing. Beginning to set out "possibles" for the suitcase. I've gotten better about packing light, but there's still lots of room for improvement.

Anyone who has done a June BoA tour-------choosing shoes is tricky. Taking a pair of Brooks Goretex sneakers and Keen Newport H2 sandals. Guidelines also suggest water shoes because of sea urchins. I have some great ones that can easily be used IN the water, but they are added weight for.........how many wearings??? They are true water sport shoes and would be unsuitable for using as my everyday rain shoe. The Keens are waterproof, but I can't imagine wearing them IN the water..... Would love guidance from anyone who has done this tour in the summer.

In looking through the forecasts, I see hot temps during the day, especially as we work our way south. Taking a sweater along for the flight and maybe early tour nights, but after that, not sure I'll need. Can't imagine too many chilly times ahead.

Any other packing tips for this region/climate are welcome.

Posted by
1176 posts

I did this tour in 2016, mid-to-late June. Unless you are going to spend considerable time swimming at the beach during the tour, I would leave the water shoes at home. The beaches in Croatia are rocky and most of the time, you have to take walk a few steps down into the water (usually a railing to hold on to).

Posted by
8019 posts

Hi Suzanne, I wore my H2 Keens in the water when we were at Cinque Terre and also several times when we used to have a boat. I wouldn’t pack the extra pair of water shoes for traveling.

Posted by
2739 posts

We did a little beach time and just watched where we walked. If you want to bring water shoes see what they have at WalMart-cheap, light, you can throw them away before you come home. As for other tips-this was a very casual tour, but I felt better in long pants on days visiting mosque, and out to dinner. I’m a guy who often wears shorts in Europe, but you don’t see as much of that in these countries (unless you are in Dubrovnik when a cruise ship docks).

Posted by
1176 posts

In Korcula, you have a free day so you can swim if you choose to do so. The hotel in Dubrovnik has a pool. So bring a swimsuit if you think you may swim.

Posted by
2739 posts

Well, it is Europe, but you’ll want to have a bathing suit.....

Posted by
2252 posts

I took two pairs, wearing one pair on the plane. Took one pair Teva sandals and one pair Keens. Could and did wear both in the water; they dry quickly! We went early May so a little chilly for swimming but wading was fun! This is a fantastic tour and I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. Slovenia with its spectacular Alps is glorious!

Posted by
59 posts

OK, just returned from this amazing tour and can now provide an answer to my question posted here earlier. I would advise not to take water shoes. The first opportunity for swimming was Hvar, but it was just a stop on this gorgeous island for several hours and it was the perfect place to walk along the beautiful promenade and enjoy the cafes and people watching.

The second opportunity for swimming was Dbrovnik. The hotel had a small infinity pool out front and the walk to the beach was a quick 5-minute walk. Our group members chose instead to spend time exploring the incredible old town instead of the beach. If someone were to spend time on the beach, water shoes are a must because of the pebbles, but it is easy to stop and purchase a pair very inexpensively at one of the open-air shops on the promenade walk to the beach.

Posted by
3961 posts

Suzanne, thanks for your report. This was helpful for our upcoming tour!

Posted by
5697 posts

So, DID you wear the Keens in the water ?? I have worn mine in a rocky-bottom lake many times.

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