Comfort
All nights are spent at Maja's farm, which is comfortable but basic. They have recently added a sauna and jacuzzi which can be used on request (two sessions of 1.5 hours are included). There is WiFi in the main areas but not in the rooms.
Meals
You eat traditional local Hungarian fare. Lunches and dinners are taken at Maja's farm or are picnic lunches.
Water is included throughout. Extra drinks and beverages are not included but can be purchased locally.
Climate
The southern plains have a continental climate with strong differences between the harsh winters and hot, dry summers. It can be humid in May/June with thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures are around 26c in summer and 1c in winter, although it can reach 30c in July/August.
Guide and local team
Your guide, Maja, is from Budapest and speaks good English. She left the formality of riding schools in the city for the wide open landscapes of the plains for unbridled gallops!
Tips
It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants and to taxi drivers. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team - this is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion (we recommend €20-30 per person, split between the team)
Packing list
Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and add an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be cold in the low season
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful
Nightwear
- Pyjamas
Other useful items
- A soothing cream to alleviate any areas irritated by long days spent in the saddle
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic Ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
