It’s springtime in the Carolinas and the world is waking up after spending the last year in Covid dormancy. With new cases down and vaccinations becoming generally available, hope is in the air and the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Spring are bursting from the natural world with increased intensity – inviting inspiration, commitment and action to a fresh start in each of us.
This past weekend my grandson and I traveled around our yard and in the woods behind our house to see the first signs of spring. He was so excited. The daffodils and flowering trees are quite colorful and in full bloom. We gathered leaves, picked up pinecones and smelled the flowers. His highlight was picking up small rocks, tossing them into the creek and watching the ripple effect of the splash. It was a perfect kid adventure!
And just like my grandson who was so excited to travel with me to a faraway place (for him at least), I am also seeing a lot of enthusiasm in new travel inquiries and bookings. Just yesterday I had someone call and say, “I’m ready to travel again. How about Croatia just like you did!” I also had another client call on Tuesday who wanted to travel to Disney World leaving on Friday. We made it happen!
Now is the best time to plan and book, as pent-up demand is starting to come back and will soon drive-up prices and limit availability.
New seasons bring new opportunities!
This week I thought I’d share my inspiration around Croatia….a picture-perfect destination.
I love looking at pictures of destinations. A few years ago, I came across a photo of stunning turquoise waters, gorgeous canyons, spectacular waterfalls and vibrant mossy green landscape and I thought…hmmm…I wonder where this magical place is. After doing some research I discovered it was Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site in northern Croatia. I knew that if this picture reflected such beauty, I could only imagine what it looked like in person. So, I set my mind on traveling to Croatia and what I found was a gem of a destination.
Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty. – John Ruskin
Croatia is breathtaking! It’s home to a beautiful coastline on the Adriatic Sea, UNESCO-listed old towns of Dubrovnik, Split and other towns and cities from the Greek, Roman, Venetian and Ottoman eras, stunning lakes and forests, picturesque national parks, a fascinating history, exceptional wine and delicious sea-to-table cuisine. Being a coastal country, it is a place for water sports like boating, sailing, kayaking or diving. It’s a great way to admire the coastline from the water.
A few years ago, I gathered a group of friends and off we went to explore this beautiful country…and to put our eyes on the waterfalls, canyons and turquoise waters of Plitvice Lakes. This national park is best described as a paradise–there’s no exaggeration needed! It looked just like what I saw in the pictures.
From crystal clear blue seas and rushing waterfalls that belong on a postcard, Plitvice Lakes is the ultimate fairytale destination. It is made up of 16 lakes that are connected by a series of waterfalls surrounded by picture-perfect woodlands.
Plitvice Lakes was the inspiration for my group tour in September 2019 and it was spectacular seeing it in person.
One of the many crown jewels of Croatia are the Dalmatian Islands, known for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and beautiful vineyards and olive groves. And even if it’s not pretty beaches you seek, stone castles, magnificent waterfalls, UNESCO sites, and fabulous hiking await travelers of all kinds!
Boating is a popular excursion while visiting the country of 1,000 islands. We chartered one and sailed to Hvar, the island known for lavender and to Kornati National Park to swim in the crystal-clear waters. It’s definitely a country for the outdoor enthusiast and adventurous soul.
There are many unique and quaint cities in Croatia. From Split to Pula to Zadar, Rovinj to Split…they all have distinguishing features that make them one of a kind.
Dubrovnik, an ancient walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of my all-time favorite cities. It is truly charming! It’s filled with medieval stone buildings, narrow streets, churches, wonderful restaurants and boutique shops. Within the city walls is the oldest pharmacy in Europe. It is still operating today, and people come from all over the world to purchase their natural skin creams that are made from local herbs! I’m hooked on the creams and brought some home on my recent trip to Croatia.
Christmastime in Croatia is very festive! Zagreb, their capital, has been voted “Best Christmas Market” in Europe 3 years in a row! The city is all lit up during the holidays. The parks are filled with Christmas booths and cheerful holiday music can be heard throughout. There are sausages, mulled wine, schnaps bars and many other traditional foods to taste while shopping, taking in the sights and listening to the sounds of the holiday music.
I’ve returned to Croatia over and over again, experiencing its unique culture, the stunning National Parks and sailing around the beautiful islands. It’s a country of adventure, history, fabulous cuisine, tradition and character. It is a “must see with your own eyes” destination.
I’m sure you will agree that Croatia is BREATHTAKING! It’s the turquoise seas, the fairytale-like architecture, UNESCO sites and abundant adventure that make this destination so desirable! I’m ready to go back! How about you?
As you continue to dream about traveling, remember to take care, wash your hands and stay healthy!
If not Croatia, then where is your next “bucket list destination”? I have a few in mind…Slovenia, Morocco, Argentina or Turks & Caicos! In fact, anywhere sounds amazing right about now!! :>
