Even more holiday feedback…

Good grief, the happy traveller feedback just keeps on coming!

         

‘Didn’t know if we could trust them [before playing the scratchcard]. Exciting experience. Yes would recommend to a friend. Italian Highlights holiday better than anticipated. No worst aspects. Lake Garda was memorable. Very good. M Welland, Bordon.

‘Very easy [participation experience]. Yes would recommend promotions to a friend. Italian Highlights award better than expected. Going to Rome [was best aspect]. Very good service from European Vacations.’ E Evans, Paignton.

‘Happy to take part [in Purely Creative scratchcards]. Very good experience, would recommend to a friend]. [Five holiday awards were] very enjoyable. Enjoyed the free holidays – the deposit is paid back on the second day of the holiday. Been to places of interest, enjoyed visiting Turkey and the coach holidays very much. European Vacations holidays very good. The tour guide ‘Richard’ from Austria was excellent, lovely comfortable coach, drivers very helpful and caring. The flight holiday to Turkey – excellent, will be happy to travel with European Vacations always.’ L Ram, Sevenoaks.

‘[Purely Creative scratchcards are] very satisfactory. We would recommend them to anyone. I hope you keep on doing them. We really enjoyed our holiday, met some very nice people and the driver and [courier] were very helpful. I cannot get off the bus very well and [the courier] was always there to help. [Spanish Cruise and Stay award] turned out to be better than expected, the trip we went on – all of them – and enjoyed them. [Worst aspect was when] the coach broke down when we set off from London. The two men, Peter and cannot remember the name of the other one, were excellent. [The courier] everyone liked, she dashed up and down the stairs making drinks for everyone. [Memorable experience was] when we went to the caves, we could have spent all day there. Very good service [from European Vacations]. Would definitely love to go on another one next year, or Turkey.’ R Alderson, Potters Bar.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcard] – no such thing as a free lunch! Was waiting for a catch! Impressed with award of a holiday, would recommend promotions to a friend. Would do it again definitely! [Italian Highlights award] better than expected. [Worst aspect was] lost camera so no photos! And would be better over 10 days. [Memorable experiences were] Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, etc. etc. – in other words, all the wonderful sights.’ P Dodd, Wallasy.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I did not really expect to win anything worth having. [Participating was] a nice surprise but I was unsure about the holiday – whether it would materialise or not. [Having claimed an award] I would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to anyone and would go again tomorrow. I did not know what to expect but [Italian Highlights award] was fabulous. The long coach journey was OK with regular stops. [Memorable experience was] the journey from Switzerland to Italy – magnificent scenery and not something that I would otherwise have seen. Excellent guide and driver. Would go again today! There were people on the holiday who were ‘regulars’. That says it all.’ A Beckwith, Halifax.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I never expected to get anything, let alone a lovely holiday. [Participating was] exciting and no trouble at all. Good promotions, I would recommend them to a friend. [Italian Highlights award] better than I expected. Everything was great. The gondola ride in Venice was truly special. I never thought I would do that in my lifetime. [Service was] very good. We had a very good tour guide called Allessandro, very helpful, always looked after us well and told us endless interesting things about Italy. My friend and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly and so did everybody else on the trip.’ H Paterson, Carluke.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcard], I had to send an SAE and wait for the reply. Good [opinion of Purely Creative scratchcards], would recommend to a friend. Thank you for them – and can I have the next one please? [Italian Highlights award] better than expected. Sitting staring at the Grand Canal in Venice with my friend [was a memorable experience].’ N Devlin, London.

‘It is very good, that promotion. Very good award, winning holiday. Yes I recommend to my friend and I take my friend with me on holiday to Turkey. It is better [than expected], everything gone on the time. I enjoy my holiday everywhere I went, Highlight Italian and Alpine holiday as well. My best holiday is Turkey, and Italy holiday as well. [Service from European Vacations] is very good, they give every information. I want to go again. Please send me and I can go with my friend every year on holiday.’ V Passi, Nottingham.

‘Wasn’t really sure about [the scratchcards before taking part]. Pretty good [experience]. Yes I would recommend them to a friend. We really enjoyed Paris and Italian Highlights holidays. Better than we expected. The worst aspect was the long wait checking in at two of the hotels. [Memorable experience was] the beautiful scenery of the Italian Highlights. The hotels were really good. I loved Tuscany and Rome and Venice. We had really good fun on the coach and made lots of friends. The coach drivers were very friendly and helpful. Very good, I definitely would do it again. I thought the drivers and the couriers were brilliant on both Paris and Italian Highlights.’ J Scott, Luton.

‘I always enjoy doing these promotional comps as they pass the time of day. Liked [the participation experience] enormously, liked the promotion and have already told lots of my friends, some of whom have taken holiday awards with yourselves. [Italian Highlights award] turned out to be great – better than expected. [Worst aspect was] not being able to do all that the other passengers could do being on crutches. [Memorable experience was] visiting Lake Garda.’ A Richards, St Albans,

‘I tend to complete some competitions but I don’t really expect to win any prizes. Having claimed an Italian Highlights award I think it was wonderful to be taken to see places that we would never get to see otherwise. Standing looking at the Leaning Tower of Pisa – truly a wonder of the world!! The two guys with our group couldn’t have been more helpful.’ R Kerr, Carmarthen.

‘We both find the competitions very interesting. We look forward to entering the competition and claiming the prizes. We would recommend any friend to participate in the competitions and look forward to an award. The most recent holiday award we went on was to Turkey and we found it very interesting. The guide was brilliant and we learnt a lot on the cultural aspects of Turkey and the people and their conceptions about foreign tourists. A better holiday than expected. [Memorable experience was] to learn about other countries’ cultural and social aspects of life – their traditional food and drink and their interactions with tourists. Good service – good communication in UK.’ R Chandro, Addlestone.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I wondered what the holiday award would be like and how well organised it would be and the mix of people, as one questions for any holiday. I don’t remember the original game very clearly but it seemed acceptable or I would not have entered. There was an element of risk, which turned out to be of needless concern. [Playing the scratchcard was] straightforward. The Italian Highlights award was absolutely up to expectations for the actual content and accommodation in good hotels with pleasant company. [Worst aspect was] my partner did not like the heat of Italy. [Memorable experiences were] the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with Lake Garda and Limone my ideal places to stay. I had visited Riva del Garda before and loved it. Florence was a lovely town too. At Pisa it was extremely hot, even in May and queues prohibited visiting the tower of Pisa so we had a very pleasant meal close by with the tower in view. I would [do it again], possibly on my own, and if that was the case hope I may be able to chum up with another in like position if the opportunity presented. The Italian Highlights holiday was very enjoyable with wonderful scenery and great places to visit. Thank you for the opportunity.’ B Livingstone-Stallard, Westcliff-on-Sea.

‘Although suspicious at first I was pleasantly surprised. Yes [would recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend], there is a tangible reward. Italian Highlights award was better than expected in most respects. [Worst aspect was] at the beginning, trying to find a parking space for the car at Dover where we joined the party.  Venice is always the most breathtaking view. The Lake Garda boat trip was lovely. Good driver helpful.’ B Burge, Old Hanlow.

‘Scratchcards are a good idea, if genuine. Good [participation experience]. Having claimed an award I would recommend them to friends. [Spanish Cruise award] as expected, having previously travelled on the Austria and Switzerland trip. [Worst aspects were] none to speak of. [Memorable experience was] having calm sea in Bay of Biscay. Isla is a lovely spot to relax in the Basque country. Good service.’ S Jones, Haverfordwest.

‘Italian Highlights award was something I wouldn’t have done without the offer. The scenery was spectacular, getting to know fellow travellers, everything, fantastic. Very good.’ A Bellamy, Prestwich.

‘Initially my husband claimed the award but didn’t want to go so I went on my own. Recommended the scratchcards to a friend once or twice. I always do homework online before going to decide whether I’ll need to book excursions and if I need to take travel kettles and supplies if in a hotel not near shops. Paris was better than expected, as was the second trip, to Austria and Switzerland. [Memorable experiences were] 1) seeing Paris by night from the coach and spending two days exploring on my own with a Metro card. Gave me confidence in ‘rusty’ French language skills.  2) Ascent of Mount Pilates on a lovely sunny day, and a railway trip through the Alps. Or perhaps looking out of Swiss hotel window at Lake Lucerne and the snow-capped Alps beyond in the moonlight. Very good service indeed. Great drivers and courier. Very efficient and resourceful at coping with delays out of their control. I took a mini radio/CD player and a couple of good books for if I wasn’t feeling sociable – but very pleasant people on the trip as a whole so didn’t need them. Took maps so I knew where I was and guidebooks in case guides/couriers not very good – but they were excellent, especially on the Alps trip. Overall, most impressed. Thoroughly enjoy travel of any sort anyway and used to being independent. Can’t quite work out how you make any money but you obviously fill up empty/half full hotels off season. Most impressed by the luxurious coach on the Alpine trip. Not too full so two seats available for lone travellers, plenty of leg room, regular refreshments – loved the sat nav linked screen so we could see where we were – compared favourably with plane’s flight map.’ S Bussey, Rickmansworth.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] did not trust it at all – thought it was some kind of scam. Others say they couldn’t be bothered with it. I loved every minute of my Italian Highlights holiday award. Every place was memorable in its own right. Service was first class – from careful, knowledgeable drivers to competent couriers familiar with their role and eager to see everyone satisfied and cared for. The tour guides were all good too. Buses are very comfortable, accommodation well chosen. Yes indeed [would do it again]. For what you are setting out to achieve I guess it’s as efficient and encompassing as possible, no improvements necessary. In today’s world there is security in your vacations – being supervised all the time, with access to help in English wherever we are. Locations suit my taste well.’ A Duncan, Cumbernauld.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] felt they were a waste of time and a gimmick or con! The promotion and the award was excellent, I would recommend a friend to the company. The Italian Highlights award was much better than expected. The holiday was excellent. [Memorable experiences were] the lovely location in Ebb, relaxing and a lovely village. The level of service was good, polite, helpful. Yes [would do it again] definitely.’ C Speranza, Sevenoaks.

‘Before playing I felt a little apprehensive. Now I think Purely Creative scratchcards are very worthwhile. Excellent idea – keep up the good work! Italian Highlights award turned out to be better [than expected]. Visiting Rome [was a memorable experience]. Very good service. P Byne, Lancing.

‘Alpine Highlights award better than expected – I was surprised, especially as to the quality of the hotels and food. Very good service on the whole.’ E Rogers, Northam.

‘A little bit dubious [before playing the scratchcard], because of previous competitions we took part in with other promoters. We decided to claim anyway. [Purely Creative scratchcards are] very good, we have been on two holidays, one of which was a mini cruise with transfers to Corsica and Sardinia. Better [than expected]. Night in hotel in Corsica by sea [was memorable experience]. Laconia Hotel – we had the best meal of the holiday, and earlier swam in the sea outside the hotel, followed by a concert in a large marquee in the garden. Excellent! Very good.’ M Norris, Tonbridge.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard had] mixed feelings. Good Italian Highlights award. Worrying about the possibility of getting lost [was worst aspect]. Visiting Rome [was memorable experience].’ P Devoy, Wallasey.

‘I enjoy competitions and felt comfortable taking part in the promotion. Very exciting, and even more excited when I received a voucher for a holiday in Italy.  Yes of course I would recommend Purely Creative to a friend. [Italian Highlights award] was a lot better than we expected it to be. Visiting  Switzerland, Venice and Rome [was a memorable experience]. Very well organised and we were looked after very well.’ D Kingston, Doncaster.

‘Very apprehensive [before playing the scratchcard], never played before. Yes [would recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend], the Italian Highlights holiday was excellent. [Worst aspects were] none. Going on a gondola [was memorable experience]. Every bit was enjoyable. Good food, good company and an excellent coach driver and courier. What more could one want? First class service from European Vacations. Just to say thank you.’ W Lewis, St Leonards-on-Sea.

‘I rarely took part [in scratchcards] as I thought I would never win. [Participating was] very exciting and it made me feel very good. I have already recommended to friends. [Italian Highlights award was] much better than expected. [Worst aspect was] coming home again. Sitting in the square opposite the Pantheon having a coffee [was memorable experience]. Florence was wonderful, Rome was a life-time ambition. Pisa was spectacular, never thought I’d see it for real. Excellent. The games are good. Just give me a chance to do it again.’ T Shaw, Ellistown.

‘A bit sceptical [before playing the scratchcard] – thinking you don’t get something for nothing! Didn’t know what to expect. [Now I think Purely Creative scratchcards are] great! I would definitely recommend to a friend.  [Italian Highlights award] much better [than expected]. I took my mum and she really enjoyed it. Tuscany [was memorable experience], I thought it was beautiful. Our guide was excellent. Yes I definitely would [do it again], very good indeed. Thank you for an enjoyable holiday.’ F Heathcote, Hexham.

‘I felt very unsure [before playing the scratchcard]. I thought it was going to be a scam. Delighted it wasn’t. [Participating was] exciting. Happy [after claiming an award], and have recommended [Purely Creative scratchcards] to friends. Seeing so many countries [was a memorable experience] – having great fun, laughs and making so many new friends. [Worst aspect] – longer at each place would have been nice. Yes definitely [would do it again]. I think it is a great way for someone like me living on a small pension to get a holiday offer. A lovely break to look forward to. Thank you.’ P Clifford, Milton Keynes.

‘I enjoy the ‘buzz’ of the competition and discovery of outcome. [Participating is] good and exciting. [Purely Creative scratchcards are] worth doing and I have recommended to friends. Most holidays have been excellent and very enjoyable. [Memorable experience was] visiting Venice – we were given just enough time there to see all we wanted. On the Alpine holiday enjoyed the scenery. My last holiday was Turkey, enjoyed it. I would like to know of other holiday offers. Generally I am a very satisfied customer.’ M Pitts, Chippenham.

‘I have already recommended [Purely Creative scratchcards] to about 20 relatives and friends. I think [Turkey holiday award was] organized very well. Pamukkale was the highlight of the holiday – generally the scenery and the hotels all were very nice. Guided tours were well planned and felt very safe, would not have been able to do as much on our own. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. We would love to [do it again].’ S Ishaq, Cheadle Hulme.

‘Not normally taken part [in the promotions] before. No problems. Yes, would recommend to a friend. Turkey [holiday award] better than expected. [Worst aspects] – none – all very good. [Memorable experience was] bathing in hot springs. Good variety of places to visit, i.e. castle, amphitheatre, boat trip, market, mosque etc. Very good [service from European Vacations]. The holiday itinerary was well planned with a good variety of places to visit. The tour guide, Yilmaz, was particularly helpful and his knowledge of the country and the social customs of the people added considerably to the enjoyment of the tour.’ J Wrathall, Preston.

‘My occupation is a very demanding and stressful one and I do not even find time to read my professional magazines. Therefore taking part in [the scratchcards] was, I felt, a trivial activity, wasteful and time consuming. It took a while to get into it. Once I became serious about a holiday prize following several I had totally ignored I enjoyed the experience immensely. I became quite enthused and excited about the experience, especially holidays and cash awards. The idea that one can travel around the world by being given these opportunities for so little financially is not only exciting but quite rewarding. As my retirement looms close I am certainly looking forward in anticipation. I certainly would recommend [Purely Creative scratchcards] to anyone, including friends. I always travel with a friend with the same interests. The Italian Highlights holiday was fantastic in that the half board suggestion was brilliant. The service provided by the tour guide during the long drive to our hotel accommodation was fantastic. She was bubbly, entertaining and friendly. Visiting Venice, seeing the leaning tower of Pisa and our wonderful fellow travellers [were memorable experiences]. The Coliseum in Rome, the beautiful snow covered mountains – the hole in the floor toilet! What an experience! Just the sense of history rubbing shoulders with the present. Wonderful, everything went smoothly. Of course [would do it again]!! My friends ask me about these holidays that are sent to me. They appear quite flabbergasted when I speak about the games I play that lead me to this, and are pleased for me.’ M Petra-Jones, London.

‘Why not have a go? You can’t win if you don’t join in. [Purely Creative scratchcards are] excellent, yes [would recommend to a friend]. [Venice award] about the same as expected, excellent.’ V Miller, East Grinstead.

‘Suspicious [before playing the scratchcard]. Exciting [experience], good value, would recommend. Italian Highlights and Paris awards better [than expected]. Switzerland was a memorable experience. Excellent, Keep going!’ J Corr, Dungarron.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard I was] not really a ‘competition’ person. Turkey holiday award was enjoyable – different to what we would have chosen. Hotels were good. [Memorable experience was] swimming in the natural mineral waters (forget name of place). My skin has never been so soft!’ C Holmes, Douglas.

‘Alpine and Italian Highlights awards better than expected and it was useful to see these areas – lakes, mountains, towns. Thank you for the offers.’ S Philbrook, Benfleet.

‘Italian Highlights award much better than expected. [Worst aspect was being] unable to stay longer. [Memorable experience was] to see Austria, Switzerland and Italy. My daughter and I went – we found our coach courier very good indeed and the people on the coach very friendly. Excellent service. From beginning to end the holiday was wonderful.’ J Davies, Barnstable.

‘Turkey holiday award was better than I expected. The tour guide was excellent and the weather better than expected in January. The visits to the archaeological sites – magic! Service good – information about the trip when I needed it. Yes [would do it again].’ S Williams, Exeter.

‘Italian Highlights award was as good [as expected]. Florence, Rome, Venice [were memorable experiences]. Very good [service]. Yes [would do it again].’ L Reed, Ashford.

‘Apprehensive [before playing the scratchcard] as I wondered if it was genuine. [Participating was] quite exciting and quite easy to claim the award. The Italian Highlights award was a little better than I expected. The trip to Venice [was a memorable experience]. Excellent [service from European Vacations].’ J Holland, Bournemouth.

‘To be perfectly honest I never thought about [Purely Creative scratchcards] before taking part. When I received the Italian Highlights award it was exciting as I had never been offered a holiday before. I have already recommended the scratchcards to friends and family. The holiday was better [than expected]. It was a really fun holiday. The whole holiday [was a memorable experience], meeting such interesting but very different people, the scenery, wonderful trips daily, especially Venice. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Jackie, our courier, was very informative, also she made us feel like a family having fun. She is a very lovely and funny lady who made our holiday one of the best. The actual holiday was a wonderful experience, exciting places, beautiful scenery and a relaxing and fun holiday. We must not forget our coach drivers who took us safely to our destinations daily. They were very friendly and we knew we were in safe hands.’ D Warren, Robertsbridge.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] not interested! Prepared to wait and see. [Worst aspects of Spanish cruise award were] none. [Memorable experience was] visiting places I had visited years before. Good [service from European Vacations]. Not at all [in need of improvement].’ H Duncan, London.

‘Sceptical [before playing the scratchcard]. Easy to play, would recommend, yes.  Excellent [service], yes [would do it again]. Better [Italian Highlights award than expected].’ B Jessop, Rochdale.

‘The standard [of the Turkey holiday award] was better than expected. The hotels were clean and comfortable and set in lovely locations. The visit to Hierapolis at Pamukkale was amazing, and the hotel – brilliant with its hot baths! Very good [service from European Vacations]. Excellent customer support due to snow before journey commenced. Yes, definitely [would do it again]. Keep up the good work! We recommend you to all our friends!!’ A Cocksedge, Hailsham.

‘[Italian Highlights award] better [than expected]. Worst aspect [was] delays at Dover – over an hour late. [Memorable experience was Pisa – first visit to that town. [Service] good – polite, informative. Can’t think of anything [to improve the holiday].’ M Dryhurst, Norwich.

‘I was happy to take part [in the promotion]. Much better [Italian Highlights award] than expected. There weren’t any [worst aspects]. Sailing down the Grand Canal in Venice [was memorable experience]. Excellent. Yes [would do it again]. We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and would be interested in taking another.’ G Prideaux, Manchester.

‘[Turkey holiday award] was very good. No real bad points. My friend and I both like sight seeing. Service was very good. Yes, we would [do it again].’ J Hayes, Birmingham.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard I could] take it or leave it – no thoughts either way. I would certainly recommend the [Italian Highlights] holiday award. Better [than expected]. Rome was memorable experience. Very good.’ D Aylward, Sittingbourne.

‘[Italian Highlights award] much better [than expected]. Worst aspects? There were none. The actual being in Italy [was memorable experience]. Excellent – considering the length of the tour and the countries we passed through the whole experience was one of the most enjoyable holidays we (my mother and I) have had. The care we received from staff, drivers and guides was excellent. The hotel accommodation 1^st rate. Well done!’ M Ledger, St Helens.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I had no expectations about something I had never experienced before. [Participating was] quite interesting. The [Italian Highlights] holiday was about the same as I expected. Arriving in Rome [was memorable experience]. The meals were excellent, the staff were helpful and the amount of area covered was outstanding.’ V Etcher, St Blazey Par.

‘Never really bothered [with the scratchcards] before. [Three holiday awards] much better [than expected]. End of holiday [was worst aspect]. Black Forest in the morning – snowing. Venice and Lido Jesolo in sunshine, Richie the tour guide on one trip – great personality, Rome, Florence, Pietra Santa. [European Vacations] helpful, informative – easy to understand information provided. Yes, definitely [would do it again]. I have taken 3 trips – Italian Highlights – and would do this all again. Visited places that I would not usually have gone to or even knew of in some cases, Hotels were great and we were all treated as individuals by tour guides. Each trip was slightly different and equally as entertaining and wonderful. Please continue.’ D Hopkins, London.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard was] indifferent. [Italian Highlights award] better than expected. The hotels were very good. [Memorable experience was] visit to Rome and the Vatican. Generally good [service]. The coach drivers were very good.’ A Patterson, Lincoln.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] we always thought they were a scam. [Italian Highlights award] better than expected, the coach travel was excellent, the courier was lovely.  Basically very pleased with the whole package. [Memorable experiences were] the fantastic sights and the lovely scenery, such a thrill to see them all. Very very good [service from European Vacations]. Yes, definitely [would do it again].’ S Skinner, Deal.

‘Doubtful [before playing the scratchcard].  Better [Turkey holiday award] than expected. The Turkey hotels very good.’ J Lyon, Manchester.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] I thought too good to be true. [Venice and Rome holidays] as expected. Seeing places I had never seen [was memorable experience]. Very good.’ M Sheehan, Stockport.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard] was not sure that it was true, but tried it to prove it. The [Italian Highlights award] was nice and better than expected. Meeting people and seeing new places [was memorable experience]. Good [service from European Vacations].’ A Batliwalla, London.

‘Before I played the scratchcard I thought they were all a catch, not very good. Yes I would [recommend Purely Creative scratchcards to a friend]. Italy, Rome, Venice and Florence just as expected. [Memorable experience was] the amount of places you are taken to. I have enclosed some photos of my Italian holiday.’ F Dray, Romney Marsh.

‘I was not sure [the scratchcard] was for real so I was quite interested what will happen. Claiming holiday made me feel fair. We didn’t know what to expect. In genuine it was a lovely holiday. [Memorable experiences were] definitely Florence, Rome and Venice. Walking in Florence, seeing the market place and enjoying the sunshine was fantastic. In Rome – just as well perfect. Bus service was great. Drivers pleasant and friendly, they took good care of us. European Vacations had planned very well. I would love to [do it again]. I forgot – the amazing time on Lake Garda and Switzerland. It was the best views of all. Charming. Thank you for rewarding us with European Vacations holiday – Italian Highlights.’ D Cieslarova, Hungerford.

‘[Scratchcards are] fine and interesting. I went on Italy Tour, my first time on a coach tour. I loved it. My friend and I had a wonderful time, and this year Turkey which was amazing. Our tour guide, Yelmaz, was fantastic. I would recommend to anyone. Pisa and Florence were amazing in Italy. Pamukkale [in Turkey] was the most beautiful and interesting place. I enjoyed my birthday there. It will never be forgotten.’ E Mitchell, Rye.

‘Had never done the scratchcards before, and perhaps wouldn’t have done them – but they were inside the Christmas issue of M&S magazine and I thought ‘why not, a bit of fun.’ Pleased to have been awarded the Italian Highlights tour. I’m not a ‘resort’ person – like to see and experience different sights and food. I enjoyed it more than my husband. All ages and types of company and most of them fun to be with. [Memorable experience was] hearing the bells early in the morning when staying on the hill overlooking Lake Lucerne – a moment of peace. I love Italy and have been there several times before. No problems [with service]. Everyone friendly and helpful. It was an experience I shall remember fondly.’ J Press, Tunbridge Wells.

‘Wouldn’t normally do scratchcards or these type of promotions – wasn’t sure what you’d end up with. I think a lot of people don’t trust these promotions. [Italian Highlights award] was a great way to see so much of Italy all at once. Loved Venice and Florence in particular – but all the places visited were great, wouldn’t get to see them otherwise. Very good [service from European Vacations], guide was very friendly and helpful. The driver also was friendly and sat with us of an evening. Our guide was from Senegal, very clever – spoke 7 languages. Helped me at all hotels with my gluten free diet.’ L Cook, Hull.

‘[Before taking part] I was unsure that the competition was kosher. Not sure if there would be a bus when we arrived at Dover. [Italian Highlights award was] better, much better, than we expected. The scenery [was memorable] and all the lovely people we met who were on the coach tour with us. I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxing it was on the coach in between destinations. The rest of the people were very friendly, myself and my daughter had a really lovely trip.’ L McNeill, Corby.

‘We were thrilled with the chance of [Italian Highlights]  holiday. Rome was the most enjoyable, although we enjoyed all of the sights. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Thank you so much.’ G Harrison, Lakenheath.

‘It was a great holiday, Florence and Venice was amazing. Seeing Venice [was a memorable experience]. The drivers were great. [Worst aspect was] in one hotel we had pasta for two nights.’ E Newnham, Weymouth. 

‘[Italian Highlights award] much better than expected. [Memorable experience was] scenery through Switzerland and Italy. Very good [service from European Vacations].’ A Harvey, Preston.

‘Enclosed a letter to obtain a claim number on Cash Card. Thought it was a good way for chance to win good prizes. [Italian Highlights award] was better [than expected]. Excursions by bus to Rome and Venice and Lake Garda and a lovely sail by boat [were memorable experiences].  Very good [service from European Vacations].’ M Simpson, Glasgow.

‘[Holiday award] better [than expected]. Good [service from European Vacations]. I have used Archer Travel, but your accommodation was preferable.’ M Gilchrist, Glasgow.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] lukewarm. The promotion relating to the Italian Highlights holiday was a worthwhile exercise. We did recommend it to a friend who entered and travelled. The Italian Highlights holiday was better than expected. [Worst aspects were] none really, we were glad we took up the meals option, but did not take on the extra tour programme, as so many of them involved getting back on the bus. For my husband (an ex airline pilot who spent his life criss crossing Europe without seeing a damn thing as he puts it), the magnificent road engineering [was a memorable experience]… the bridges, the viaducts, the tunnels, the motorways in the sky (to quote him), in Switzerland, in Italy and Austria. For me the scenery, the hotels, and Venice! I was also very impressed by the German drivers, better than some in the UK. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. Yes [would do it again].’ P Leigh, Worthing.

‘We had been before so [Turkey holiday award] was as expected. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. All very well organised. Guide and bus driver excellent. The hotels were beautiful.’ R Thomson, East-Yell.

‘On the whole the [Italian Highlights award] was good, and the places we visited very enjoyable and interesting. The two drivers were excellent, couldn’t fault them, kind, considerate and helpful.’ M Burnett, Leeds.

‘When I heard I’d won a 5-day trip to Paris I was thrilled. Well, I went on my own but had lots of company with my fellow travellers and thoroughly enjoyed the guided tours, meals etc. Then in April my daughter and I went on the Italian Highlights tour and this is the one I’m writing about. It’s good that travellers have the choice of paying for the guided tours or exploring places on their own, as they wish. Yes, I would recommend [holiday awards] and in fact I have. [Italian Highlights award] turned out to be “fantastico!” Our Italian guide, Alessandro, looked after us very well, and the scenery – the Swiss Alps, Dolomites and the Tuscan countryside were all stunning. And the visits – Pisa, Florence. Rome, Venice and Lake Garda were all that we’d imagined and more. We enjoyed the meals at the hotels and the last hotel, in Austria, was most charming and comfortable. [Worst aspect was] I’d have liked to hear more about the music of Italy and its composers, e.g. Vivaldi, Verdi and Puccini. As we walked back to the pier in Venice I spotted the Calle della Pieta where Vivaldi taught the orphan girls. We took a carriage ride in Pisa, passing by all the university buildings and Galileo’s house! That was the best moment for me. Second best was viewing Florence from the Piazza Michelangelo, and third, our gondola ride in Venice. Very good [service from European Vacations]. I’m enclosing 4 of my digital prints from the holiday.’ M Pratt, Uttoxeter.

‘[Scratchcards] very good, very thrilled. Yes would recommend to a friend. Driver marvellous, wonderful. Going into Austria views marvellous,’ E McHale, Rusholme.

‘Alpine Highlights and Turkey holiday awards better than expected. Crossing the Alps [was memorable experience]. Good [service from European Vacations]. Yes I would go again.’ V Miskiniene, Peterborough.

‘On an average Turkey, Italian Highlights and Spanish Cruise awards were very good. Hotel accommodation good. Had a wonderful trip to Turkey in 2009. Only 14 people and excellent guide.’ J Kelleway, Bournemouth.

‘[Before playing] not very interested in scratchcards. [Turkey award] better [than expected]. Going to Pamukkale [was memorable experience]. Rain on one of the day trips [was worst aspect]. My wife and I have now been several times and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.’ S Cocksedge, Hailsham. 

‘Ambivalent [before playing the scratchcard]. I wondered about sincerity of this and if they were actually true. What was ‘the catch’? The [Austrian and Switzerland award] was good. It was better than expected. [Memorable experience was] accommodation and hospitality in Switzerland; the sights (beautiful) we were taken to (both countries); the fact that ‘all’ was ‘prepared’ and ‘done’ for us. We could sit back and relax. Good [service from European Vacations]. My husband and I were very grateful to receive your holiday and enjoyed it.’ B Kirk, Wallington.

‘[Before playing the scratchcard felt] very negative. There is never something for nothing! [Italian Highlights award] better than expected. There were many [memorable experiences], but going to a tea dance and drinking spa water in Tuscany stands out. Excellent [service from European Vacations]. The hotels were spotless. The drivers and guide fantastic.’ T Norris, St Ives.

‘We were very sceptical of the award and did not think the holiday would actually happen. [Having claimed an award I felt] relief! It turned out to be a really enjoyable holiday. Switzerland and Austria award was probably better [than expected]. Looking out of our bedroom window at the beautiful Lake Lucerne [was memorable experience]. Very good [service from European Vacations]. The drivers in particular were excellent and the couriers friendly and helpful. We saw some stunning scenery and visited some very interesting places.’ M Walton, West Wickham.

‘[Purely Creative scratchcards are] quite a good idea. Interesting. I might recommend them. [Holiday award] probably the same [as expected]. The scenery [was memorable experience]. Good [service]. Name not supplied.

‘The Alpine Highlights holiday was most enjoyable – we saw so much, the company was great as were the hotels. [Memorable experience was] climbing up over the Alps in the coach – which was driven expertly!! Service [from European Vacations] was good. Yes [would do it again] – I am really interested in the cruise to Spain. I have praised the wonderful holiday which was most enjoyable.’ M Osborne, Glasgow.