More Feedback…

A few more comments and pics from our happy travellers!

             

‘Slightly sceptical [before playing the scratchcard]. Not sure of the reason behind the promotion. The European holidays were very enjoyable. Once the journey got going I enjoyed the trips. Hotels were good and also the company was very good. Everyone [at European Vacations] did their best.’ C Shambrook, Camberley.

‘I was not sure about [the promotions before taking part]. Some said must be rip off. Anyway tried a few that came my way and was delighted at some of the response. Both myself and wife enjoyed France, Germany & Austria awards. We travelled through some lovely countries and did lots on the way. Most definitely would [do it again]. Overall we have great memories from our holiday, met some really nice people and we have kept in contact with some we met. I can’t honestly remember why we played the game but glad we did. I think if ever had chance again would have another go. Yes, very good experience.’ W Aitken, Edinburgh.

‘They are good promotions, I would recommend them. The travel and accommodation were pretty much as expected. The countries we visited (Austria and Switzerland) were better than expected. [Memorable experience was] the trip up the mountains (Mount Pilatus) and the scenery throughout the Alps. Our guide was very good.’ M Lund, Whitstable.

‘[Playing the scratchcards is] worth it for a holiday! Italian Highlights award better [than expected]. Haggling with street peddlers in Pisa was memorable experience. [Worst aspect was] getting deposit back in sterling as opposed to euros]. Good service.’ Name not supplied.

‘Italian Highlights award 2 times and Switzerland award 1 time [were] better [than expected]. Solidarity of fellow travellers [memorable experience]. Service varied from guide to guide, but generally very good. Why not [do it again]?’ H Knichal, Worcester Park.

‘Only concerned if [the promotion] was of interest to me. [Holiday awards] certainly valuable as a change to normal vacation. [Paris and Austria and Switzerland awards] much better than expected. [Memorable experiences were] sight-seeing in Paris, Swiss Alps – up close! Satisfactory [service from European Vacations].’ L Flannery, Perth.

‘[Before playing the scratchcards] I thought they were a waste of time and that no-one ever won. I loved the Venice award. Our tour guide was helpful and funny.’ J O’Donoghue, Norwich.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard was] very wary. Italian Highlights award better [than expected]. The hotel we stopped in either 3^rd or 4^th stop [was worst aspect], the rest was great and made some lovely friends. The drivers were first class. Good [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again].’ M Bensilum, Maidstone.

‘Not fussed [about scratchcards before taking part]. Being driven everywhere [on Italian Highlights holiday] and enjoying the views [was memorable experience]. Good [service from European Vacations]. Yes probably [would do it again].’ K Plackett, Milton Keynes.

‘Indifferent [to scratchcards before taking part]. Yes I would recommend them to a friend – better than I expected. [Memorable experience was] meeting extremely pleasant and warm people. I travelled alone. Tour guide Alessandro was exceptional at his job. Good [service from European Vacations]. Overall the Italian Highlights tour was an excellent way to see the sights of Italy in such a short space of time.’ M Gallagher, Blackburn.

‘[Before playing the scratchcards] I didn’t think they were genuine. [Purely Creative scratchcards are] fantastic, so would recommend to a friend. Turkey award better [than expected]. Visiting Pamukkale and seeing snow on the beach at Antalya [were memorable experiences]. Both our guide and coach driver said this was unknown in living memory. [Worst aspect was] early morning wake-up calls! Necessary in order to fit everything into the itinerary, so not complaining. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Telephone staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and our guide in Turkey was superb. Organisation from start to finish was fantastic. Turkey was a country that I’d always wanted to visit, but never dreamt I’d get the opportunity. Our guide and driver were very friendly and helpful, the coach comfortable, the standard of the hotels was great, and with good food, and we were made to feel so welcome. It was incredible how much sight-seeing had been packed into just one week all adding up to a wonderful holiday. Thank you!! Would have loved to send you photos, but my camera ‘died’ on me on the first day, so not a happy bunny. Definitely [would do it again].’ P Robson, Chester.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] dubious. Spanish Cruise award better [than expected]. The church museum [was memorable experience]. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again].’ J Allmond, Horsham.

‘[Italian Highlights award] better [than expected. Lake Garda [was memorable experience]. Very good [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again].’ J Spires, Peterborough.

‘Didn’t like competitions [before playing the scratchcard], uneasy. [Alpine Highlights award] better than expected. All the wonderful sights we saw – and the extremely nice and clever courier we had on our tours. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Yes certainly [would do it again].’ R Archer, Leconfield.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcard]. I gave it a go, I would recommend to friends. So far so good. [Turkey and Spanish Cruise awards] same as expected. Friendly and helpful guide, good selected tours. Good [service from European Vacations]. I would [do it again] if time is permissible.’ C Fry, Pett Level.

‘[Italian Highlights award] same as expected. [Holiday awards] alright as they are. [Memorable experience was] seeing Austria, Switzerland, especially liked Rome. Satisfactory [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again]. W Kuczer, Rochdale.

‘[Promotions] OK. Yes [would recommend to a friend]. No bad memories. [Turkey award] same as expected. Excursion to Hierapolis [was memorable experience]. H Day, St Nicholas at Wade.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcards]. Easy! The holiday awards are OK, we have recommended a friend in the past. Going thorough the mountains [was memorable experience] and the Glacier Express.’ A Chatfield, Canterbury.

‘All my trips I’ve taken with a friend have been very enjoyable. I went to Turkey last year and I’m going again in April so I think that speaks for itself. [Memorable experience] on all trips is being looked after and seeing the world. The holidays are always well managed and I like meeting all kinds of people. Some I’m still in contact with. Photos enclosed of me and other guest. Very good. Keep up the good work.’ P Webb, Fareham.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] thought there must be a catch or that it was yet another ‘scam’. I thought that by the time I had applied by post all the better prizes would be gone. ‘Spain Cruise award better [than expected] by far! [Memorable experience was] finding out that our hotel was much better quality than we had expected and that we were to receive full board instead of B&B. Very good [service from European Vacations]. Coach journey very comfortable with plenty of stops for refreshment etc. Definitely [would do it again]! Can’t think of any ways it could have been improved.’ P Smith, Isle-of-Wight.

‘We really enjoyed our holiday in France (Battlefields & Chateaux of the Loire and Paris). We liked the variety of places and would have liked to stay longer in some of them. Each place was good in its own way – the Normandy beaches, the glorious chateaux and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle with lights at night. Excellent drivers and guides. Very definitely [would do it again].’ P Foster, Gateshead.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I thought it was a waste of time. [Experience was] unusual.  Italian Highlights award better [than expected] – since we did the sights ourselves, and had slightly more time.  We had been to Italy a few times before, and knew all the sights and did not have to go on guided tours. I was well prepared with maps, books etc. The drivers were very good. The tour guide was very good. The accommodation was good.’ H Trybuchowski, Altrincham.

‘[Turkey award was] same as expected. [Memorable experiences were] scenery, people, making new friends. Everything was fine. The food was OK but we couldn’t wait to get home for our English cup of tea. Very good [service from European Vacations].’ E Norris, Cheltenham. 

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I had a cautious opinion of them. [Participation experience] rather more satisfying. I would advise a friend that a holiday prize could be a lot more fun than might be generally anticipated. [Italian Highlights award was] better than expected. We had never visited Rome, although we have travelled extensively in Italy, and were pleased with the itinerary. We usually went independently but in Rome we valued the tour on offer.  [Worst aspect was] graffiti in Rome! [Memorable experience was] the impact of St Peters and also St Pauls in Rome. My wife and I had low expectations of the Italy holiday award and wondered about our fellow travellers. We were pleasantly surprised by our companions, the itinerary, standard of hotels and particularly our Italian guide. We have travelled extensively for many years and have few illusions about hotels out of season and the food to be expected, but the accommodation was beyond expectations and the food was perfectly adequate. In short, a good break. Very good [service from European Vacations]. Very impressed by the Italian guide. The driver was safe, sensible and helpful at all times. The vacation came shortly before a coach tour (with another company) of the Pilgrim’s Way staying at Parador. That trip was in many ways very similar but spectacularly expensive by comparison and frankly not significantly better.’ J Boote, Constantine.

‘We were very happy with the [Italian Highlights award] destination. [Memorable experience was] the scenery. Very good [service from European Vacations] we found them helpful. My husband and I enjoyed your holiday very much. I have recommended your holidays to friends.’ G Fisher, Callington.

‘I have forgotten when I actually started to ‘play’ [Purely Creative scratchcards] but pleased we took up the offer eventually. I was off work due to illness and took a chance on winning something. Apprehensive… and then delighted when I received one. [Participating in the promotion] was a personal decision and I believe everyone should make their own choice. Because of illness I was unable to take my first offer but in time my husband and I accepted. It all fell into place and communication on the phone with staff was pleasant. The [Italian Highlights award] was wonderful. [Memorable experiences were] the scenery and the ‘tasting’ of each country we visited. We had promised ourselves a return visit to Venice and it ticked all the boxes. Our first visits to Rome and Florence were amazing. It gave us an opportunity we might not otherwise have taken.’ M Stark, Kirkaldy.

‘[Turkey award] rather better [than expected]. The visit to Pamukkale and the hot spring pools at the excellent hotel there [were memorable experiences]. Our chief guide, Jilmaz, was really excellent.’ C Gardner, Chichester.

‘[Playing the scratchard] was good as the award was a good one to look forward to. It is a matter of personal judgement, some people like to participate, other don’t. [Turkey award] about the same [as expected]. Seeing the calcium terraces at Pamukkale [was a memorable experience]. The service [from European Vacations]  was very good as the tour rep kept us informed the whole time. Yes [would do it again], this was my 2^nd time on this holiday.’ D Walton, Buxton.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcard]. Interesting experience. Receiving an actual award was a surprise, I would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to a friend. Venice, Alpine Highlights and Turkey better [than expected].  In Venice [memorable experience was] St Marks Square and surrounding streets/canals. Alpine H – seeing the Alps again, closer up than on the Venice trip. Turkey – St Nicholas Church. Excellent [service from European Vacations].’ G Alueida, Nottingham.

‘[Scratchcards are] fine. [Participation experience] good. Yes would recommend. Italy award… better [than expected. [Memorable experience was] different places we visited. Good, would do it again yes.’ C Cunnliffe, Sutton.

‘[Italian Highlights award] better than I had expected. In fact excellent. [Memorable experiences were] 1^st all the guides and guided tours, our coach companions, felt as if we had known the others for years, the hotels, all excellent. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. It was a packed programmed. For me it was excellent.’ P Smith, London.

‘Before playing the scratchcard had] very mixed [feelings]. I felt they were unlikely to be “fair” and “honest” and that I was most unlikely to have a worthwhile experience. I decided to try, anyway. I have recommended [Purely Creative scratchcards to] friends. And would again. (I actually made new friends on a couple of the trips). [Holiday awards] better [than expected – each one was better than the previous one, I suppose because I had more confidence. But well done Euro Vacs – they did listen. I enjoyed it. [Memorable experience was] Pamukkale in Turkey – the hotel, food, sights and fellow travellers were just great. The views and entertainment were breathtaking. The guide was so knowledgeable and friendly and helpful. I feel that both Purely Creative and Euro Vacs try quite hard. Keep it up.’ J Kavanagh, Caversham.

‘The whole idea [of Purely Creative scratchcards] is a very good one. Of course a lot of Italian Highlights excellent. Good [service from European Vacations]. Austria beautiful.’ D McKenzie, London.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcard]. Yes [would recommend to a friend], professional. Italy the same as expected. [Memorable experience was] Venice. Good [service from European Vacations].’ C Clark, Southampton.

‘I was excited. We recommended your service to our friends, but they didn’t claim the award. [Italian Highlights award] same as I expected. Vipiteno town in Alpine [was memorable experience]. Satisfying.’ O Titova, Stoke-on-Trent.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I thought I would hear nothing and it was a waste of time. [After claiming the award] it does prove that somebody does win. We really did enjoy the holiday. We thought everything would be cheap and basic but we were pleasantly surprised. The Swiss Alps [was memorable experience]. [European Vacations] very helpful.’ D Thomson, Sleaford.

‘A good promotion and I would recommend them to a friend. [Switzerland and Austria award] better than expected. A very informative and enjoyable tour guide. The coach trip from Switzerland to Austria [was memorable experience] and stopping at the top of one of the Alps to see the sun rise climbing over the mountains. [European Vacations] pleasant, helpful and good. A good holiday and one we would repeat if of a similar style and we would recommend to a friend or relative.’ S Gunn, Aldershot.

‘I had a scratchcard and won the holiday, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, which I enjoyed. It was only a scratchcard and I was extremely happy to win this prize. Yes [would recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend] because it is very worthwhile. [Memorable experiences were] Lake Garda and scenery throughout. Rome itself was a disappointment in not seeing the Pope (ha ha). I tried, but was asked to leave. I think I have written enough but I do enjoy your holidays and I would definitely go on them again.’ B Bereznyckyz, Peterborough.

‘[The promotion] was fun and good prizes. It was wonderful to have won an award. I would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to a friend as it was an excellent experience and picturesque scenery. My [Turkey] holiday was fantastic and better than I expected. [Worst aspect was] trying to find the room at the hotel, and I asked at Reception and they gave me another room. The most memorable moment was going through the Taurus mountains, as it was beautiful. The service from European Vacations was excellent, helpful and very good. Yes I would [do it again] as I liked the holiday and it was really beautiful and interesting. It was the best holiday and a wonderful experience. Thank you!’ J Romeo, Blackpool.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I did not think they were worth the bother. Holidays were worth it. Did not always manage to go but the ones I did we were over the moon.  I think it is up to each individual but yes, I have told friends about my prizes and how great the holidays were. The 7 day holiday in Italy was the holiday of a lifetime. The weather in November was better than summer here. Sights and tours were just great. The level of service [from European Vacations] was just great.’ C Hassell, West Lothian.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] didn’t really think people won – sounded too good to be true! [Participating was] easy and quite exciting. Have already recommended [Purely Creative scratchcards]. The Alpine Highlights holiday turned out much better than we expected – were a bit sceptical of “free” holiday but we were very pleasantly surprised. [Worst aspects were] none really – long time on the bus but this was unavoidable and we had plenty of comfort stops. [Memorable experiences were] hotel, scenery, everything – lovely! Very good [service from European Vacations]. Yes would love to [do it again].’ E Rettie, Inverness.

‘I had no previous opinion of promotional competitions and I treated this promotion on its merits. [Participation experience] fine, I had no problems. Yes, I would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to a friend, great value. The [Alpine Highlights award] turned out to be better than expected. [Worst aspect was] there was so much to do and see and so little time to do it. [Memorable experience was] the spectacular scenery. Very high [level of service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again]. The Alpine holiday was full of spectacular scenery, the coach was comfortable and well driven along sometimes difficult roads, and the guides were very informative.’ M Mohammed, Leeds.

‘Unconvinced, sceptical [before playing the scratchcard]. Astonishing [experience] and yes – I would recommend [promotions with holiday awards] to a friend (and I’ve done so). The [Italian Highlights award] was enjoyable and turned out better than expected. Our stay in Venice [was memorable experience]. Yes [would do it again]. H Fryer, Brookmans Park.

‘I do recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to my friends. [Holiday awards] better than expected in some ways. Been on at least 6 now, The Swiss mountains were brilliant. [Memorable experience was] Normandy beaches. Normally very good [service from European Vacations]. I have enjoyed the holidays. Turkey was probably the best.’ E Wilde, Northwich.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] ambivalent bordering on negative. The award was worth it! The experience was positive. [Austrian & Switzerland award] better than expected, it was up to the individual to extract a worthwhile experience. [Memorable experiences were] the views and places of interest we were taken to. Also optional trips good. Very high [levels of service from European Vacations] on coach. The rep/courier was a real personality and made it so interesting.’ J Drinkwater, Manchester.

‘I was not interested in taking part [in scratchcards] at all, but it was quite easy, everything went according to plan. The claim was handled brilliantly, and I certainly would, and have, recommended them to friends. [Austria and Switzerland award] just about the same as expected. [Memorable experience was] how clean and tidy Austria is. Excellent [service from European Vacations] we were looked after superbly. We were made very welcome by the European Vacations staff and the holiday was excellent.’ R Ward, Mansfield.

‘Much better [Italian Highlights award] than expected, it was a lovely holiday. Venice and Rome [were memorable experiences]. Very good [service from European Vacations], our driver and guide Alessandro were fantastic. YES [would do it again]! The trip was very nice, right up to the last day we were unsure of taking this trip, as we felt too young for a coach trip! But we met some very nice people, the service on the coach and in the hotels was very good. Alessandro was the best and gave out every bit of information we could need.’ K Metcalf, Skipton.

‘[Before taking part] I wasn’t sure but we enjoyed the promotion very much. We loved [the participation experience] and enjoyed it. Yes I would [recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend]. We had a wonderful time. Seeing the sights [was memorable experience], wonderful. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again]. We enjoyed the Italian Highlights, we had a wonderful week and thank you very much.’ J Gordon, South Ockendon.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] it was just another competition to do – not expecting to win. Very pleased [with participation experience] but rather dubious about taking the holiday. [Having claimed an award] I certainly would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to a friend. Italian Highlights award was than expected. [Worst aspect was] going to see Pisa at night as I couldn’t take photographs. Seeing Florence and Venice was a dream come true. Very good [service], we had nice bedrooms. Just to say thank you for a great experience.’ F Wingfield, Sheffield.

‘[Before playing the scratchcards was] not very sure about them. [Participating was] quite exciting. Yes would recommend, I thought it was very good. Switzerland and Austria holiday turned out to be better [than expected]. The time in Switzerland [was memorable experience]. Very good [service from European Vacations], the travel arrangements were good and the bus driver helpful. Yes [would do it again]. My friend and I enjoyed it and the others on the tour were very friendly.’ E Cormack, Kirkliston.

‘I am quite happy to take part [in Purely Creative scratchcards]. Yes – definitely [would recommend to a friend]. Some hotels [in Turkey] really 5*. [Memorable experience was] Pamukkale – thermal baths. Excellent [service from European Vacations] – tour guide was brilliant. Most definitely [would do it again]. Am very pleased with it all.’ S Pitches, Shipbourne.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard I] always thought there was a “catch”! A friend said she had played some of the games and won a holiday so why didn’t I do the same! [Having claimed an award I think Purely Creative scratchcards are] very easy and enjoyable – I would certainly recommend to a friend. [Italian Highlights award] turned out much, much better [than expected]. Venice – all that I imagined and more! Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again]. Bring on some more!’ G Gillman, Knutsford.

‘Very cautious [before playing the scratchcard]. Simple [participation experience] and easy to follow. [Promotions are] very good, would recommend to a friend. [Italian Highlights award] better [than expected]. Good coach drivers and lovely scenery, all very good. Extra good [service from European Vacations]. Always very good.’ L Pallut, Trinity.

‘[Playing the scratchcard was] good. Yes [would recommend promotions to a friend] and have. [Turkey award] was very good. Great for touring around. [Memorable experience was] the Turkish baths – great.’ Name not provided.

‘Switzerland and Austria award was better [than expected]. The train trip to the Glaciers [was memorable experience] and the village we stayed in when we stopped in Austria. Very good [service from European Vacations].’ E Phelan, Bristol.

‘[Spanish Cruise award] was as I expected, very enjoyable. [Memorable experience was] seeing a part of Spain which I had never been to before – and the company. Yes [would do it again].’ E Jones, Carmarthen.

‘[Promotions] OK. [Participation experience] OK. Yes [would recommend to a friend]. Italian Highlights better [than expected]. Having visited the cities previously the two amazing sights were 1) the Waldorf Hotel in Switzerland and spectacular scenery 2) the Admiral Hotel and the village – super. Excellent [service from European Vacations] and guide Martin super (he was from Innsbruck). An ambitious undertaking but excellent.’ G Davies, Merthyr Tydfil.

‘Good [participation experience]. Very good. Yes I would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to a friend. Turkey award was better than I thought it would be. Arriving at the hotel in Pamukkale [was memorable experience]. Very good [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again].’ J Hopwood, Tenby.

‘[Promotion] OK. [Participation experience] OK, had no expectations. Good [service from European Vacations on Italian Highlights tour]. Waiting for my Turkey holiday.’  C Thomas, Gateley.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I was wary about them because there are so many scams. [Participating] was extremely rewarding because I won a holiday! [Italian Highlights award] exceeded expectations and was better in places than I thought it would be. [Memorable experience was] getting lost in Florence! [Service from European Vacations] was very good. Helpful staff, clear guidelines and available contact centre. Definitely [would do it again], it’s a good way to see a lot of one country and decide whether you’d like to go back. Like a taster.’ V Amaning, London.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard was] wary that it would cost to retrieve any prizes. [Participation experience] OK, glad that I could do it for the cost of a few postage stamps. Yes [would recommend the promotions to a friend] – Purely Creative only. [Italian Highlights and Turkey awards] great – as expected. I did not buy the food packages, ate out. [Memorable experience was] sharing wonderful sights with new friends.’ J Hodgins, Hebden Bridge.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] competitions were not quite my thing. [Participation experience] excellent. Yes [would recommend to a friend]. Much better [Alpine Highlights award] than expected. [Worst aspects were] none. [Memorable experience was] boat ride on the lake and trip to Mount Pilatus. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Absolutely [would do it again]. My wife and I would be delighted to be offered another holiday if at all possible. Enjoyed the whole experience. Tour escorts were tremendous, their knowledge and information and friendliness were superb. We went to places that previously were only dreamt of. What an experience!’ L Evans, Swansea.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt it was] too good to be true. Probably a hidden catch that would make it impossible to accept. [Having claimed an award was] pleasantly surprised. Excited. [Promotions are] very good. Would definitely recommend. The Italian Highlights and Turkey holiday awards were better [than expected]. Hilltop towns in Tuscany, Switzerland [were memorable experiences]. All the hotels were good. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again].’ V Penfold, West Moseley.

‘[Purely Creative scratchcards are] fun. Very good value. Yes, I would recommend to a friend. All the holiday awards were better than expected. The Roman City and the Warm Springs [were memorable experiences]. Excellent. Well organised. Yes [would do it again]. Looking forward to the next one!’ R Woodley, Bristol.

‘I think [Purely Creative scratchcards are] a great idea and I would recommend them to a friend. The [Spanish Cruise award] was better than I expected. [Memorable experience was] the coach getting stuck coming off the ferry at Bilbao. I must add that it wasn’t the driver’s fault. I found the service  was very good. I most certainly would [do it again]. I have been on several tours with you and I enjoyed each of them. Keep it up.’ A Lucas, St Saviour.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard was] mildly interested. [Promotions are] quite good. Would recommend to a friend. [Italian Highlights award] better than expected. All very memorable as it was and a new experience. Very good.’ E McNeill, Tarbert.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I was not sure, then I did some research and when I knew it was for real and above board I then went for it. [Participation experience] went very well, just did what was asked and read all the fine print – it was all in the right place. Yes, I will definitely recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to a friend. My [Turkey holiday award] went very well, just as I had expected. [Worst aspect was] the hotels did not have a kettle or iron. The most memorable moment was when I had a Turkish bath and massage. The service was well thought of and well applied. Yes I would [do it again]. Thank you for a great holiday in Turkey. I met great friends.’ P Jacob, Glasgow.

‘I had never taken part in promotions before. I didn’t expect to hear any more and was pleasantly surprised when I received an award. I certainly would [recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend], I hope you have more. The holiday to Turkey was more than I expected. My husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Wonderful hotels, wonderful trips. [Worst aspect was] arriving back at Gatwick. [Memorable experiences were] Hierapolis, climbing to the amphitheatre, Aspendos and the theatre there. We are both history lovers. Excellent service [from European Vacations], no problems. I have been on Italian Highlights and I certainly would go on a similar holiday. But not a cruise, I don’t like sailing. My holiday award was unbelievable, marvellous. Our driver and our tour guide were so helpful. The guide knew his history of Turkey well. They looked after us all. The folk on the tour with us were great and we made many new friends. I would recommend to anyone.’ J Cooper, Beckenham.

‘I did not take much notice of [Purely Creative scratchcards] before but glad that I did. Lovely. [Participation experience] just wonderful. I certainly would [recommend], they were great. [Italian Highlights award] was one of the best holidays I had ever been on. [Worst aspect was] having to come home. Absolutely great, and Venice was wonderful. [Service from European Vacations was] just great. I certainly would [do it again]. I was wary at first but it could not have been better. I saw places I would not have seen otherwise. I am waiting for my next one which is Turkey.’ E Horton, Wakefield.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I felt they were a rip off. But [Italian Highlights award] was very, very good. [Worst aspect was] when my friend got lost in Florence, but it turned out OK in the end. [Memorable experience was] Venice. Very good [service from European Vacations].’ K Catterall, Preston.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I didn’t have any previous experience. I was delighted to be awarded a holiday. My friend and I really enjoyed it. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. I would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to friends. [Italian Highlights award] was just great. I didn’t have any preconceived idea of what  I expected. I just wanted to make the most of everything. The scenery was breathtaking. Very good [service from European Vacations]. Most definitely [would do it again]. Lake Garda is magical.’ J Perfect, Worcester.

‘Very uncertain [before playing the scratchcard]. Good experience. Yes [would recommend to a friend]. Better [Alpine Highlights award] than expected. [Memorable experience was] getting a chance to see places.’ K Clayton, Folkestone.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] somehow you feel that nothing is to be gained from completing the task set to hand. [After claiming an award] just a fantastic feeling to have gained something at the end. Certainly [would recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend] – if there is nothing ever ventured then there will never be anything gained. [Italian Highlights award] better [than expected] – the whole experience was super. Meeting other people and seeing so many wonderful places. [Memorable experience was] Austria – fantastic hotel, fantastic food and fantastic views. Excellent [service from European Vacations] – the coach driver always very polite and our tour guide was very informative of the areas we visited. Yes I would [do it again]. Just a real pleasure to have experienced the places we visited, boat trips, scenery etc. were just fantastic.’ K Jones, Newtown.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard I felt] it might be just a con to get money from the public. When I did win award for holiday I took it up and it was a lovely surprise. Would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to anyone. [Italian Highlights award] turned out to be better than we ever thought, and so relaxed. [Memorable experience was] all of it and how relaxed we felt when we came back. Could not fault any part of our holiday. Brilliant [service from European Vacations], no complaints. Yes [would do it again], in the process of claiming same holiday as went on last time as we enjoyed it so much. All I can say is that I would do it again and again and would recommend to anyone.’ V Mulreid, Bristol.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I thought it was a gimmick. Very exciting because I wasn’t sure until the last minute it was actually going to happen! First time I ever used a scratchcard! Yes [would recommend to a friend]. The [Venice award] was better than expected. We had an amazing gondola tour that included a seafood lunch. Marvellous!’ J Ward, Headcorn.

‘Not keen [before playing the scratchcards]. Great [participation experience]. Already have recommended [Purely Creative scratchcards] to several friends. [Italian Highlights and Turkey holiday awards] better [than expected]. The snow on the mountains on the way to Italy [was memorable experience] and the stay in Cianciano in Italy – the scenery first thing in the morning is magnificent. Bus drivers and tour guides and most of the hotels were excellent. Yes – would love to do Italian Highlights again. From start to finish I have had excellent service.’ G Vaughan, Farnham Common.

‘Age and experience leave me with a healthy scepticism, i.e.’ there’s no such thing as a free lunch’ – however, I accept the fact that certain promotional campaigns genuinely offer the punter tremendous value, and in recent years my scorn has diminished – I’ve benefited from offers otherwise I couldn’t afford. And if the promotional product is not a ‘remarketing’ venture, I’m open-minded – yes it can be fun engaging too. [The Italian Highlights award was] without doubt the best! [The worst aspect was] missing my bus connection – entirely my fault, caught it up a day later! [Memorable experience was] the travel across Europe visiting six countries – the company, accommodation, food, Venice, Rome, Pisa, Florence – the sights, wonderful. I couldn’t have arranged such an itinerary. [The service from European Vacations was] excellent. Yes [would do it again] of course.’ D Davies, Southampton.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] apprehensive. [Participating was] good. Yes [would recommend promotions to a friend]. [Turkey holiday award] as expected. [The worst aspect was the] weather. [Memorable experience was] the quality of the hotels, scenery and views. [Service from European Vacations] very good. Yes [would do it again]. No [improvements needed]. We have been on three holidays with European Vacations and have been very satisfied with them all.’ M Broadhead, Peterlee.

‘[Participating was] all right. Yes [would recommend promotions to a friend]. [Italian Highlights award] better than expected. [Service from European Vacations] very good. Yes [would do it again]. No [improvements needed]. Seeing the Switzerland and Austria mountains what I thought I would never see out of the hotel windows was only what I thought was on a postcard. It was a dream come true and the streets so clean. Hotels nice, not too far away from trains or buses.’ E Kelbie, Darlington.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] wondered if there was a catch. I would certainly recommend… and I have already done so. [Italian Highlights award] much better than expected. [Worst aspects were] a cold day in Venice. Rained all day in Rome! [Memorable experience was] short stay in Austria, lovely meal and warm hotel on the way back. Excellent food! [Service from European Vacations was] excellent. The courier was good and did his best for us. We were lucky and rode in a new style bus.’ M Walker, Scarborough.