Visiting Peru & Croatia the OWR Way: Melinda’s Story

Melinda’s journey with Other Way Round Travel started with a search for the perfect balance—an organized, small-group experience that felt both adventurous and comfortable. After years of wanting to travel but struggling to find the right way to do it, she discovered OWR and took the leap with a trip to Peru (and liked it so much that she joined OWR Croatia a year later)!

I tell all my friends and family (and strangers!) interested in travel about OWR. It was always one of my biggest dreams to travel and see the world.

As a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up and start the exploration. Growing up in my 20s, I had friends or family who were excited to plan a travel vacation. We’d make plans, but then one issue or another would arise, and we never actually went anywhere.

When I was 29, I planned to go to Greece for my 30th birthday, and I wasn’t going to let anything get in my way this time (that trip was not with OWR). I actually did it, and I was addicted to travel ever since. 

“AS MUCH OF A WONDERFUL TIME I HAD, I LEARNED I DID NOT WANT TO TRAVEL ALONE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES”

As much of a wonderful time I had, I learned I did not want to travel alone to foreign countries.

One, although it’s beautiful, I did get kinda lonely.

Two, sometimes, I was concerned about my safety.

Three, I wish I had someone knowledgeable to show me around and take me to see more local areas where there is less tourism.  

I was resistant to group travel for a few years because I had always imagined it to be disorganized, kinda crammed with uncomfortable buses and huge groups.

When I searched online, I saw affordable groups that seemed to be what I just mentioned, which, of course, I didn’t want. Then, there were very expensive “luxury groups” that I wasn’t willing to pay for.

One day, I decided to dig again, hoping there would be something in the middle! I happened to find OWR. 

The company had a handful of trips at that time (they’ve grown so much and so fast since I discovered it!).

I read through the website and read all the reviews. I read Steve’s mission and I appreciated that his style of travel group was what I was looking for: a decent-sized group, not crowded, comfortable accommodations and transportation, a knowledgeable travel guide, visiting local areas, fun activities, and a fair price range!

Initially, I was skeptical about signing up because I didn’t know what the experience would actually be, but I figured that I’ll never know if I didn’t give it a chance. I signed up for Peru!

“STEVE WAS EXCELLENT AT RESPONDING WITH QUICK AND THOROUGH ANSWERS AND INFORMATION”

Steve was excellent at responding with quick and thorough answers and information.

That made me feel more at ease, seeing he was attentive, responsive and cared about customer service right away.

The planning and itinerary were detailed. I had everything I needed and instructions were clear. I followed the simple instructions in preparation for the trip and before I knew it, it was time to gooo!  

“EVERYONE WAS REALLY COOL AND EXCITED FOR THIS EXPERIENCE”

The flight was long (from Los Angeles to Lima). However, what a relief that an OWR driver was there at the airport with a big sign with my name waiting for me.

He was pleasant, helped me with my bags, and escorted me to a comfortable, spacious, clean van.

What a reprieve after being on the flight for so many hours (and I’m 6 feet tall). I was taken directly to the hotel, where I was greeted by the tour guide (shout out to JC!)

He was polite, professional, and welcoming. One after another, I slowly met the other group members. Everyone was really cool and excited for this experience.  

Throughout the trip, we visited multiple towns and cities.

We did activities like making our own chocolate from a cacao plantation. We ate delicious food.

We saw spectacular landscapes from the jungle and Amazon River to Machu Picchu to the Rainbow Mountains.

We got to see so many amazing animals and hear all these animals in their natural habitats.

Just BEING there…being somewhere you only saw on the National Geographic channel or studied in school was surreal and dreamlike.  

“JC, THE TOUR GUIDE WAS EXCELLENT, FRIENDLY, AND ENSURED EVERYONE WAS COMFORTABLE AND HAVING A GREAT EXPERIENCE”

Everything was planned wonderfully. Transportation was easy and comfortable. Sometimes, we were on a bus for a couple of hours in hot weather, but it was spacious and air-conditioned.

I am not saying I’m a brat and won’t travel without those comforts but it was definitely appreciated.  

JC, the tour guide was excellent, friendly, and ensured everyone was comfortable and having a great experience. Steve was always on standby and could always be reached with anything the group may have needed (which wasn’t much but he was there!)  

I loved that trip so much I signed up for Croatia the following year; oh my gosh, that was ANOTHER marvelous destination.

Our tour guide for that trip was Flutra, and she was such a gem. She has a lovely heart and we all just nearly welled up when it was time to go back home.

The trip, all the experiences and views were awe-striking, and her way of being a guide with her warmth was the cherry. 

“OWR IS LIKE THAT BOYFRIEND WHO DOESN’T WANT HIS GIRLFRIEND TO WORRY ABOUT A SINGLE THING ON VACATION, LOL”

In Croatia, we also ate totally delicious food. The accommodations were beautiful. Man, the last hotel at the end was incredible. If you go, you’ll see what I mean.

It was the same experience as Peru regarding easy transportation and everything being simple; you just have to show up on time!

OWR is like that boyfriend who doesn’t want his girlfriend to worry about a single thing on vacation, lol.

I am going to Morocco this year (May 2025) for my third trip with OWR. I am super duper psyched!!!

I feel confident that I will have ANOTHER magnificent time. I really am looking forward to spending the night in the Sahara Desert. I really liked how OWR expressed that they think that could be a favorite travel experience of a lifetime.

I like that they think about those things and want to compart as much of a magical experience they can to travel romancers such as myself.

Thank you, Steve, and OWR team! I’m so thrilled I found Other Way Round.