Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

»  Do you help arrange visas?
»  Will you inform me of flight delays and/or cancellations?
»  Can I change my itinerary? Postpone a departure? Extend (or shorten) my trip?
»  Are tips included in the package and/or tour prices?
»  How big is the typical AltaVia tour group?

»  Where is Kosova? (And, which is it, Kosovo or Kosova?)
»  What countries in Southeastern Europe (i.e., the Balkans) require visas?
»  What languages are spoken in the region?
»  What's the time difference?
»  What's the weather like?
»  What mode of transport would you recommend for the region?

Do you help arrange travel visas?
Requirements for visas vary widely, depending on your destination and nationality. Also, the process of securing a visa (when required) can be quite time-consuming, so it's important to take care of this matter as soon as soon as you know where your itinerary will take you. Although we are unable to arrange visas on an individual basis, we have many years' experience fielding questions related to this issue and we'd be happy to provide you with some general guidance. In other words, just ask your agent.  ⇑

Will you inform me of flight delays and/or cancellations?
Unforutnately, these kinds of things sometimes happen at a moment's notice, and carriers don't always even let us know of flight delays or cancellations. If we know of a delay or cancellation, we will of course let you know. In any event, if you ever experience problems of any kind with your AltaVia booking, do not hesitate to contact us. Our Help Desk is there to serve you, and it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  ⇑

Can I change my itinerary? Postpone a departure? Extend (or shorten) my trip?
Yes, in most cases we can help you change your itinerary. But, please note that changes almost always involve airline and/or hotel service charges, and we can't promise cheap rates for changes made on short notice. That being said, our position is that when you're travelling, things happen and plans change. In other words, let us know -- especially if it involves an emergency.  ⇑

Are tips included in the package and/or tour prices?
No, tips are not included in package and tour prices, and tipping is entirely at your discretion.  ⇑

Where is Kosova? (And, which is it, Kosovo or Kosova?)
Kosova sits in the middle of the Western Balkans, which includes Croatia, Bosnia & Herzogovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania. (Some include Slovenia and Greece in this list.) Another way of thining of it: All of former Yugoslavia, plus Albania and Greece.

Regarding 'Kosova' vs. 'Kosovo': Both will work, but it's polite to stick an 'a' on the end when speaking to/with a Kosovar Albanian or someone of Albanian descent, and the 'o' spelling/pronunciation when speaking to/with a Kosovar Serb or someone of Serbian descent. (pronunciation: Kosova = kosoh-va; Kosovo = ko-so-voh.) It's worth noting that the issue of language was, not long ago, heavily politicized. We like to think that those days are gone.  ⇑

What countries in Southeastern Europe (i.e., the Balkans) require visas?
The short answer is none. That being said, you cannot enter Serbia from Kosovo without having first checked into Serbia (or another country) -- due to the fact that Serbia has not recognized Kosovo, which declared its independence on February 17, 2008.  ⇑

How big is the typical AltaVia tour group?
Group sizes are small, to afford you the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings. Expect anywhere from 12-18 travellers on a trip, but the average is 10 with the exception of cruises and custom tours involving larger groups.  ⇑

What languages are spoken in the region?
In metro areas, English is very much on the rise in metro areas, especially among young people. German is fairly widely spoken across the former Yugoslavia, and Italian is basically a second language in Albania (except in southern Albania, where many speak Greek) and some coastal areas of Croatia. Locally, it's Albanian and Greek in Albania and Greece, respectively; in Kosovo, Albanian, Serbian and English are official languages; and elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, it's something we'll "Yugoslavian" -- meaning, if you happen to speak Serbo-Croat, you'll be understood by a majority of those over the age of, say, 25-30. But, take care, because all of the countries of the former Yugoslavia (save for Serbia) now have their own distinct dialects. Some will say that they're completely different languages, though in reality the similarities are unmistakable.  ⇑

What mode of transport would you recommend for the region?
Public transportation is surprisingly punctual in most countries in the region, and we have bus and train schedules covering many routes. If you're touring the region and not travelling with a group (where transportation has already been arranged), we recommend renting a car. This recommendation comes with a major caveat, though: In most cases, LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) insurance is not available. What this means, basically, is that if the car you rent is stolen, vandalized or damaged, you pay for the loss out of your pocket.  ⇑

What's the time difference?
The entire Western Balkans region is GMT+1, EST+6. (FYI: Bulgaria is GMT+2/EST+7.)  ⇑

What's the weather like?
The Western Balkans sits between 40 and 47 degrees north, so think New England and/or northern Spain/southern France -- with a touch more sun and humidity closer along the coast(s).  ⇑



--------------------------
About Kosova and the Region

Can you recommend a good, short trip out of Prishtina?
How do I phone to/from the region?

Euros & Sense

How much should I budget for my trip?
Do I really need a travel insurance?
What currency should I use?
Will my bank machine card or credit card work in Europe?
Should I use traveler's checks?
Should I change money before I go or when I get there?
Where can I change money in Pristina and elsewhere in the Balkans?
What does "VAT" mean?
Where can I buy "duty-free" items?

Planes, Trains & Autos

Is my driver's license valid in Europe?
Where can I get information on trains?
Does AltaVia sell rail passes?

Health & Security

Should I be worried about crime in the Balkans?
Is it safe to drink tap water in the Balkans?