A Treat on the Adriatic: Best Places to Visit in Croatia

 

Out of all countries to visit—there is one that stays behind its limelight. A place where coastal towns are the main attraction. A dreamy destination for those who like pastoral landscapes and mighty mountains.

The land where wildlife roams—Croatia. Beyond the usual tourist traps, Croatia has a lot to offer, including some of my personal favorites, which are also included here. This may be your first time here in such a country, or this may be one of your main tourist destinations. However, if you are on a Eurotrip, then Croatia must not fall out of your list. 

Moreover, if you decide to travel to the Adriatic, you will most likely end yourself in the city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's picturesque medieval forts and walls are supplemented with a gorgeous seashore with numerous good beaches and islets. 

Travel is more fun if you are with your family, is it not? Thankfully, Croatia is very family-friendly for traveling. Thus, this blog has compiled a list of the greatest places to visit in Croatia that highlight the country's best attractions to assist you in planning the perfect itinerary.

So what are you waiting for? From hidden islands to secluded beaches, divulge into Croatia’s adventure by reading these top places below! 

Dubrovnik 

Croatia will never be complete without the outstanding views of Dubrovnik. Named the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, this old coastal city exhibits the beautiful scenes of the Mediterranean. If you look from above, this place surely is majestic due to its outstanding landscapes and uniformed rooftop houses—a complete match for the city’s light blue skies. Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic Sea's southern point, was founded in the 7th century based on marine commerce. Despite frequent territorial challenges from Venice and the Ottoman Empire, Dubrovnik thrived as a center of literature, art, science, and education during the Middle Ages. If ever you wish to travel to Croatia, make sure to enjoy Dubrovnik’s beautiful scenery! 

The Rector’s Place

Moving on for history enthusiasts, this place might be the perfect destination for you. The Rector’s place—mostly known as the main attraction of the Ragusan empire, this palace is just the perfect balance between European renaissance and Slavic baroque architecture. Thus, this automatically caters to the perfect aesthetic for tourist spots. The photos you can take here are majestic—unlike no other. The palace's first level, which now houses the Cultural History Museum with beautiful furnishings and armor, was home to the empire's most powerful citizens. The atrium of the palace of the Spice King of Qarth was utilized as a filming site for Game of Thrones — the atrium of the palace of the Spice King of Qarth. 

Rovinj 

From afar, it may appear as a peaceful fishing village, but newsflash, this is exactly the charm of Croatia’s Rovinj! Through its old charm and natural surrounding beauty, this place will take you back in time. With its narrow streets and cobblestone ground, Rovinj is surely one of the best architecture in Croatia up to date. Seven medieval city gates, the 12th-century town clock, the Balbi Arch, and St. Euphemia's Basilica, an enormous baroque cathedral packed with many exquisite art pieces, are just a few of the Old Town's historic beauties. The Valdibora Farmer's Market, the picturesque port, Carrera Street with its many boutiques and art galleries, and Grisia Street, lined with artists and souvenir dealers, are all worth seeing. So what are you waiting for? Visit Rovinj and try its explorative itineraries now!

Split

Ever heard of flowers? Well put “Mediterranean” in it and you will get Croatia’s largest city, Split! Located on the peninsula off the Dalmatian coast, this town is filled with outstanding Roman architecture—needless to say, the uniformed orange-roofed houses. In this place, sunlight is abundant, creating more impressive lights and enjoyful nightlife. The city's historic center, which features beautiful Gothic and Renaissance buildings, including Diocletian's Palace, is the crown gem. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a mini-city in and of itself, with a maze of marble roads and buildings housing shops, cafés, and taverns. St. Duje's Cathedral, Jupiter's Temple, Peristil Square, and two real Egyptian sphinx sculptures are among the palace's other notable structures.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you like land and sea in one picture, then go visit Plitvice Lakes National Park and witness its beauty and wilderness. This place is the largest national park in Croatia—more so, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plitvice's multicolored lakes top the list of Croatia's most beautiful lakes. Twelve Upper Lakes and four Lower Lakes make up the lake network. To discover the park's amazing natural splendor, choose from one of eight well-marked hiking paths. The entire park normally takes approximately 8 hours to tour. It might sound long but believe me, this is not enough to fully exhibit the beauty of this national park. If ever you came from Split, then this destination will just be one day away. Sounds hassle? Well, don’t worry, the place is very much worth it! 

Zagreb

Colorful town, with its buzzing art and delights. Croatia’s capital should not fall behind on your to-do list. Zagreb has been continuously skipped to travel to, which can become quite a bummer and a waste for travelers. However, with its popularity rising, it manages to push through the eyes of the tourists and prove its worth as one of Croatia’s finest tourist destinations. It started during Christmas, as this year's Advent festivities run through January 7, 2022, and include plenty of outdoor revelries, music, and street cuisine throughout Zagreb's city center, including the historic Upper Town. The majestic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, which blends Art Deco flair with modern conveniences and serves the distinctive Croatian trukli (cottage cheese dumplings) at its Le Bistro restaurant, is the most luxurious location to stay.

Croatia, like much of Europe, has its share of medieval cities and historic monuments, but what sets it apart is its abundance of breathtaking natural features, such as the Plitvice Lakes, the amazing Adriatic beaches, and beautiful islands.

Thing to Consider When Traveling with Your Kids

 

“Traveling is fun,” they say. The excitement, sensation, and wanderlust feeling of exploration—traveling is undoubtedly a must-do on their bucket list, for most people. From Asian, and European, to western countries, all people worldwide are eager to discover.

However, there will be a time when the fun stops, and you will only want to stay at home and lay all bed all day. That is when you have kids, of course. 

For people who are not so eager to travel—the additional burden of kids can be a bit stressful. However, for people who were born to travel, it is safe to say traveling can be fun for them—with kids or none. That is why the essentiality of traveling is not from your circumstances, but from your eagerness to do so.

Thus, if you are one of those people who like to travel with big families, worry less! It might be intimidating to travel with your entire family for the first time. Even while it becomes easier the more you do it, traveling with children presents several problems. You will never know the importance of preparation until getting your children. So if you plan to travel, make sure to plan it. 

Without further ado, here are the suggestions we believe are the most beneficial and simple to put into practice when traveling with children.

Be a light packer

One problem with traveling is the baggage. It can be a stressful journey if you bring so many bags—how hassle would the inventory be with so much luggage? Thus, the bottom line is: bring the things you only need. Be a light packer—and organize it cleanly as possible. Moreover, the best aspect of traveling is that children live everywhere. If you forget something, you can always buy it when you arrive at your destination. When visiting less-developed nations, you'll need to be a little more cautious with this guideline, but most places you'd take your kids will likely have everything you need to care for them. So, make sure to free your space as much as possible and only buy transposable things along the way! 

Make sure to invest in the interests

Traveling anywhere is an easy matter, but traveling with family? Make sure to invest in the interests more than the destinations. In other words, go to a destination that everyone would enjoy. May it be swimming pools, museums, or amusement parks—choose a tourist spot that you are sure each of your family members would enjoy going to. Also, be open to visiting overseas sites, and if you have school-aged or adolescent children, ask them where they want to go; including them in the decision-making process will make the vacation more memorable for them. Make it more about the entire family, and not entirely about you. Through this, it will make your children more engaged in the trip, and more excited than ever. 

Do not starve

The most essential tip for a trip: do not starve. Especially for your kids, it would not be an ideal thing to starve your kids during the trip. Thus, you must stack snacks as much as you can. Traveling with a hungry family is a not good idea, you must acknowledge the lengthy trip and plan what everyone can eat during it. For example, the food of your location may be somewhat different from what your children are used to. They could order lunch and only eat two bites since it was not what they expected. During your afternoon museum excursion, you will have to deal with a hungry child an hour or two later. The solution for those is to bring food that your kids usually like. Through this, they would not starve and enjoy the trip as much as they can. 

Take advantage of the discounts

Expenses can be heavy if you travel heavily. So if you are with your parents or your children—make sure to take advantage of the discounts. An advantage while traveling with the elderly and children is that they do not cost as much as adult standard prices. So when you travel, asking for kid discounts might save you a lot of money. Some individuals find it difficult to ask for discounts, but once you have done it a few times, you will find it a lot simpler. It will make your auditing easier and make your expenses lighter. Practicing such tips will help you become more financially wise during traveling. 

Everything will not go the way you have planned it

If you are a systemized traveler, things will get out of hand if you feel like everything is not going right. If you panic about small things that would not go in the way you planned them to be—then maybe you are not the efficient traveler that you ought to be. Things happen when you travel with children, and those things will go wrong—as much as you have planned it not to be. Perhaps your child needs to use the restroom, and you miss the bus. Perhaps your son will leave his iPhone in a cab in Barcelona and be unable to retrieve it. Perhaps you planned a fantastic family restaurant at your location, only to discover it closed for repairs when you arrive. Moreover, you cannot really do much to prevent these circumstances. The sooner you accept what is unavoidable, the less tension you will have when it occurs.

Keep your children in sight

One burden when traveling with kids is keeping them in sight. It might cost you more time than enjoying the view, but safety is a prerequisite during the trip. Thus, you must always make sure of your children’s whereabouts, It may seem apparent to keep track of your youngster, but it is crucial enough to note. Always make sure you know where your children are no matter what you are doing, whether things are going well or whether you are having a logistical nightmare. So the main bottom line is, to engage in your child’s safety as much as you engage in the trip.

Summer Adventure: Best Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia

 

If you haven’t heard, Asia is one of the best continents to visit if you want to immerse yourself in good and traditional culture. Asia is known for having countries that have distinct cultures that will make traveling also knowledgeable for you. While there’s so much sacredness and there’s so much to learn, we also cannot deny the fact that in Asia, the fun is everywhere. Of course, it’s not all sacredness. There are also fun things to do that you shouldn’t miss out on. One country we recommend you to travel to is Bali Indonesia if you truly want to engage in fun activities all day long. Aside from its wonderful beaches, there are also many activities available for you to try out. It’s known as one of the world’s best travel destinations. This is simply because you have almost everything you want on a vacation in Bali. Great beaches, rich culture, world-class dining experience, and family attractions seen almost anywhere. They pretty much have it all. If you’re already planning a trip to Bali and you’re looking for what to do. Here’s a list of the things you can try out in Bali, Indonesia. 

Things you need to do while in Bali, Indonesia

1. Island Hopping

One thing that tourists absolutely love about Bali is that they can go island hopping whenever they want! Over 17,000 islands make up Indonesia, which is home to lush jungle, volcanic peaks, rich fauna, and some of the world's most biodiverse diving spots. Island hopping is a must-do while in Bali, and happily, some of our favorites are just a hop, skip, and a short boat rides away. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands are only 40 minutes from Bali's mainland. You can also fly to Kuta Lombok, Sumba, Flores, and the southern edge of Java for a bit more adventurous trip. The decision is yours: swim with turtles, relax on pure white beaches, or surf empty waves.

2. Take a Swim in Hot Springs 

If you’re craving just a relaxing night before you go to bed, why not try to dip in Bali’s famous hot springs? Another thing about Bali is that because it is a well-known tourist spot, your needs are met. Whether you need a refreshing swim or you just need to unwind in a warm and easing environment, they have exactly what you need. There are several hot springs in Bali, but our favorites are in the north and northeast. The "Toya Bungkah Batur" Hot Springs and the "Toya Devasya" Hot Springs are both located near Mount Batur in the northeast. Bali's most famous hot springs, however, are located in the north. The sacred "Air Panas Banjar" Hot Springs, located near Lovina Beach, are placed in the middle of thick vegetation and wonderfully designed tropical gardens. Three public pools and one private pool each have gushing hot water from volcanic sources that spill from the mouths of eight stone-carved dragon heads. Bring your swimwear and prepare to dive in – it's both picturesque and therapeutic.

3. Eat at Famous Restaurants 

What better way to spend the day by restaurant hopping and making sure that your tummy is full and happy? Famous and world-class restaurants are aplenty in Bali. If you’re a foodie, you are going to enjoy every minute spent searching and eating at restaurants. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Bali's culinary scene is among the best in the world. Seriously. As a result, any schedule should include lots of eating chances at Bali's award-winning restaurants. Work your way through our list of the greatest restaurants in Bali, from Locavore in Ubud to Sarong in Seminyak. Not quite ready for fine dining? Try Canggu's best restaurants for chic cafés and island vibes; Ubud's best restaurants for jungle foodie heaven; Seminyak's eateries for a hip date night; or Uluwatu's best restaurants for clifftop vistas galore! Bring your appetite; you'll need it.

4. Visit Bambuh Indah 

You probably already know this but Indonesia is a nature-filled country. What you probably don’t know is that Indonesia also prioritizes the eco-friendly aspects. One unique thing about Bali is its eco-friendly resorts. Bambu Indah in Ubud is a sustainable and environmentally friendly resort created almost entirely of natural materials. You can visit with a day pass if you're not staying at our eco-friendly boutique hotel and immerse yourself in nature. Take the bamboo elevator down into the gorge's heart and emerge to a panorama of lush foliage and natural cold springs, surrounded by beautiful lounging spaces, a riverbank warung, and plenty of wildlife. Wash buffalo in the river, meet Balinese black pigs, and finish with a meal hanging above roaring rapids.

5. Swim at Canggu Beach 

Canggu Beach is the name of a village and a prominent seaside region on the west coast of southern Bali, roughly halfway between Seminyak and Tanah Lot. Canggu Beach is made up of a series of interconnected black-sand beaches, nearly all of which offer excellent surfing conditions and draw surfers from all over the world. You may stroll the entire length of Canggu Beach if you bring your hat and sunscreen and enjoy the coastline views and numerous beach bars along the route. For a break from the beach, visit Splash Waterpark and dine at Echo Beach House's seafood BBQ.

6. Enjoy and Explore Bali Safari and Marine Park

The Bali Safari and Marine Park, located in Gianyar, Bali, is a must-see site for families and animal enthusiasts. Despite the fact that the park is more of an open zoo than a true safari location, you will get the opportunity to witness over 60 kinds of animals from Africa, Asia, and India up and personal in natural settings. You can tour the park by bus or join a once-in-a-lifetime elephant-back safari. Animal interactions, dining at the Tsavo Lion Restaurant, the night safari, and the Bali Agung Show, which comprises over 100 actors and incorporates elephants and live music, are all available at the park. You can take a break from the animals by visiting the Waterpark.

Let’s Go on a Peruvian Adventure

 

Peru is probably one of South America’s finest tourist hotspots. This well-known destination completely maximizes the trip–as it is filled with exotic places and exciting itineraries.

For first-timers, Peru might be a place of mystery–aside from the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. However, if you take a clearer look at such a majestic place, you will realize–there is so much more Peru has to offer. 

From historical ruins to outstanding architecture and nature, the ocean meets the desert. Geoglyphs etched on barren plains are mysterious. Dunes for miles and a desert oasis in the midst of nowhere. All of these and more may be found within 400 kilometers of Lima, Peru's capital city.

The country’s name may be unknown to you, but the place is surely worth the visit. However, while Peru is well-known for the Inca Trail and its ancient archeological site, the country has much more to offer than crumbling ruins. 

That is why this blog is made for those tourists who wish to travel and yet lack the information to do so. So, what are the best places to visit in Peru? 

Machu Picchu

Just mentioned above are the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, in Peru. Part of the “Peruvian highlight adventures”, Machu Picchu should never leave the list of your destinations. This abandoned old Incan city, perched 2,430 meters above sea level in the Andes, appears to be forever enveloped in mist. It's so perfectly buried that it went centuries without being discovered, earning it the moniker "Lost City of the Incas." Moreover, Machu Picchu was accidentally discovered, and yet it became one of the top bucket list spots in the world. How cool can that be? Thus, with its popularity, you must make sure to plan your trip. There is an easier rail route for individuals who do not like to ascend on foot.

Huacachina

Probably one of the most peculiar tourist spots in the world, Huacachina is an astonishing city located in the middle of the desert–how amazing does that sound? Lying just in the city of Ica, Peru, Huacachina is one of the most popular places surrounded by Dunes and sand–more like, a secluded oasis. Thus, as much as it is aesthetically pleasing, the sandy surroundings of Huacachina are ideal for a variety of enjoyable outdoor sports, including sandboarding, quad riding, and dune buggy excursions. The stunning views from the top of the sifting dunes are also a must, and sunsets are especially remarkable. In short, Huachina is not only for your eyes to enjoy but also for exciting activities! 

The Rainbow Mountains

Mountain ranges are normal for countries in South America, but have you ever heard of Rainbow Mountains? Well, you probably have not, thus, there are the Rainbow-colored mountains in Vinicunca, Peru. These mountains were only discovered years ago, and so its fame also has risen. Not long enough, its fame was short-lived as there were concerns regarding the fragility of such a natural hotspot–due to its rising mass tourism. The mountain is 6,384 meters high and is located around 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco. The Rainbow Mountains are generally seen as part of a Cusco day excursion. The climb from the parking lot to the viewpoint takes another two hours after a two-hour ride from Cusco to the park gate.

Lima

Unfortunately overlooked due to its metropolitan appearance, Lima is one of Peru’s finest views–located just beside the main road of the country. Despite its bad reputation for safety, Lima is very rich in history and culture as it transcended the traditions of Peru. Thus, this place is not only famous for its exotic views but also for its cultures such as museums, stunning cathedrals, scary catacombs, pulsing nightlife, infinite shopping, and delectable Peruvian food. Moreover, this place is only known as a mere layover route towards Cusco, so make sure to appreciate this place as much as you can. San Francisco Church is another noteworthy Lima tourist destination to see while you're in the region. San Francisco Church, which was built in the late 1600s in the baroque style, is known for its catacombs, which are claimed to contain the bones of over 25,000 people. Go out, travel, and see Peru’s rich culture behold in your eyes and spirit.  

Nazca Lines

As Peru is surrounded by desert, there is no doubt that this place is famous for its outstanding dunes and sand environment. Thus, there is the puzzling Naza Lines–a large land of sand that crisscrosses the valleys of Palpa and Nazca–one of the most exotic tourist spots in North America.  The Nazca Indians carved these massive inscriptions of lines, animals, and other geometric patterns into the sandy ground, and they are said to be part of a thousand-year-old sacred route. The Nazca Desert's dry, windless, and steady climate has helped to maintain the lines exposed until this day. So to fully embody the history of Peru, behold, the Nazca Lines–one of Peru’s ancient treasures. 

Paracas National Reserve

Photo from wikipedia.org

Peru is not only known for its dunes but also for its peculiar bodies of water–just like the Paracas National Reserve. Located just beside the dry and sandy dunes of land, this big body of water and land confines both marine and desert ecosystems in one place. This outstanding land encompasses Peru’s southern coastline, 250 kilometers south of Lima. While powerful ocean waves batter the steep, crumbling cliffs and desolate isles, the shallow, gentle waters of its little coves and bays are ideal for swimming. Sunbathing is common on protected beaches, and water sports like sailing and windsurfing are popular. Many visitors go on boat cruises to the Ballestas Islands to witness the beautiful rock formations and the many seabirds, seals, and sea lions that live there.

Boasting its beauty and famous tourist spots, Peru is not only a beautiful place to discover. Moreover, there is so much more to which beauty lies–for there is, tradition, culture, and history that is yet to be discovered. So if you are coming to Peru, make sure to explore as much as you can!