Rovinj Croatia This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I have personally experienced or genuinely believe in. Most people planning a Croatia trip head straight for Dubrovnik, Split and the Dalmatian islands. And honestly, they should. That route is spectacular and earns every word written about it. But there's another Croatia sitting quietly in the north that most North Americans have never heard of. Europeans have been going for years. We stumbled onto it and spent the rest of the trip wondering why nobody had told us about it sooner. Possibly because they wanted to keep it to themselves. Rude. But understandable. This is the Istrian peninsula. And this is the road trip guide we wish we'd had before we went. Why Istria Feels Different from the Rest of Croatia Istria pushes up against Italy on its northern border and the Italian influence never really left. The food leans heavily pasta and truffle. The pace is slower and more unhurried than the Dalmatian coast. The crowds are mostly European rather than the global tourism machine that descends on Dubrovnik and Split in summer. And the gelato is extraordinary in a way that makes all other gelato feel like an apology. It also has something the Dalmatian coast doesn't. A genuine sea to sky experience. Coastal towns on the Adriatic one day, medieval hilltowns overlooking stunning inland valleys the next. It's a different kind of Croatia and it's completely worth your time. How to Get to Istria You'll need a car for this trip. The secondary roads are half the experience. Stone villages, rolling hills, scenery where you pull over every twenty minutes because you can't believe what you're looking at. The toll highway exists and is efficient. Take the secondary roads anyway. You can thank me later. Search car rentals in Croatia here. Option 1: Fly into Pula. Pula has its own international airport with direct connections from several European cities. Straightforward, easy, car rental available at the airport. Option 2: Fly into Venice and take the catamaran to Pula. This is the entry we love. Fly into Venice, spend a few days, then take the high speed catamaran across to Pula. The crossing takes about three and a half hours and runs from June 1st to September 20th in 2026. Tickets run between 79 and 89 euros each way and it's foot passengers only so you'll rent your car from Pula rather than bringing one from Italy. Worth every logistical consideration for the harbour arrival alone. The first thing you see pulling into Pula by boat is a Roman amphitheatre looming over the port. Don't tell Rome but it's in better condition than the Colosseum. Still used for concerts today. We stood on the deck with our mouths open like absolute tourists. Which, to be fair, we were. Pula: One Day is Enough and It's a Good One Pula Croatia Roman Amphitheatre Give Pula a day. There's genuinely enough here to fill it and it sets the tone beautifully for everything that follows. The Roman amphitheatre is the obvious starting point and it earns the attention. Walk through it, go downstairs into the underground passages and take your time. This is one of the most well preserved Roman structures in the world and almost nobody outside Europe talks about it. Nobody warned us either. We arrived expecting a charming coastal town and got a Roman amphitheatre on the waterfront. Croatia keeps doing this. Pula has a compact and walkable old town, good restaurants and a relaxed pace that eases you into the Istrian mindset. One day here before moving on is the right call. The rest of the peninsula is waiting. Where to stay in Pula: Search Pula hotels on Booking.com Rovinj: Use It as Your Base Rovinj Croatia Drive from Pula to Rovinj. About 35 minutes on good roads. Rovinj is the kind of place you arrive in planning to stay three nights and left several days later wondering how that happened. It reminded me immediately of Korcula the moment I arrived. Same old town feel, same fishing port history, same narrow stone alleys that lead you unexpectedly to the edge of the Adriatic. The Italian influence is strong here and the al fresco pasta every single evening was something we had absolutely no complaints about. None. Zero. We tried very hard to find a complaint. We couldn't. The old town sits on a rocky peninsula above the Adriatic, filled with narrow cobbled streets, art galleries and waterfront cafes. The bell tower of St. Euphemia church is the defining landmark and climbing it gives you panoramic views over the town and the sea. Walk the harbour promenade in the evening when the light goes golden and the fishing boats come in. Find a table outside. Order the pasta. Order another glass of wine. This is what slow travel actually feels like and it turns out we are very good at it. Park Forest Zlatni Rt is worth an afternoon. Follow the promenade south from the old town and it takes you into a beautiful forested park with walking trails, cycling paths and small pebble coves where you can swim. We picked up gelato on the way, rented bikes and jumped in the ocean when it got too hot. Nobody needed to be asked twice. Use Rovinj as your base for two to three nights while you explore the hilltowns. Everything is within an easy drive. Where to stay in Rovinj: Search Rovinj hotels on Booking.com The Istrian Hilltowns: Hum, Motovun and Buzet This is where Istria earns its reputation as little Tuscany. Drive inland from Rovinj and the landscape shifts from coastal to rolling green valleys with medieval stone villages perched on hilltops above them. It's the kind of scenery where you pull over every twenty minutes because you can't believe what you're looking at. Our average driving speed through Istria was considerably slower than the speed limit suggested. The scenery was not sorry about this, and neither were we. Hum Hum Croatia The world's smallest town. Thirty people. Two streets. Seven minutes to walk the whole thing. It sounds like nothing and it's completely worth the detour. The stone buildings huddle together at the top of a small hill with an archway gate that takes you inside. No cars. Dirt paths. A restaurant on the edge with valley views that go on forever. They make a centuries old mistletoe brandy here called Biska. We didn't try it. This remains one of our few travel regrets and we think about it more than we should. Motovun Steep climb up to Motovun Croatia Motovun sits above the Mirna river valley on a hilltop that requires a climb. A steep, relentless, nobody warns you climb. There is apparently a bus that takes you to the top. We did not find this bus. We would like to have words with this bus. We climbed. Every. Single. Step. The valley views at the top are worth every single one of them. Mostly. We're still deciding. Buzet Buzet Croatia Another hilltown, another spectacular valley view, another reason to pull the car over and just stand there for a moment. Buzet is the truffle capital of Istria and if you're going to do a truffle hunting experience with a local farmer and their dogs, this is the area to do it in. We didn't manage it on this trip. It's firmly on the list for next time. We say this every time. Truffle Country This entire region is serious truffle territory. Truffle oil appears on menus everywhere. Truffle pasta is the dish of Istria. And if you want to go full Istrian you can book a truffle hunt with a local farmer and their dogs who sniff out the truffles in the forest. It's one of those experiences that sounds slightly absurd until you're standing in the woods watching a dog work and suddenly you completely understand why people come back to Istria specifically for this. We did not do it. We are aware of the irony of writing about truffle country without having done the truffle hunt. We are going back. Practical Tips for the Istrian Road Trip Rent a car. There's no way around this. Istria is best explored by car and the secondary roads are genuinely part of the experience. Search car rentals here. Base yourself in Rovinj. It's the most central, most beautiful and most practical base for the whole peninsula. Four to five nights here gives you time for the hilltowns, the park and the coast without feeling rushed. The Venice catamaran runs June to September only. If you're travelling outside those dates fly directly into Pula. The route is operated by Adriatic Lines in 2026 and tickets can be booked through Ferryhopper or directly with the operator. Foot passengers only, no cars on board. Go in May or September. The summer crowds are mostly European rather than global but Rovinj still gets busy in July and August. May gives you quieter streets, better prices and hospitality that hasn't yet hit the end of season wall. September gives you warm water, golden light and the first hints of autumn colour in the hilltowns. Eat al fresco every single night. There is no reason not to. The weather is warm, the restaurants spill onto the streets and the pasta is excellent. This is Istria. Eat accordingly. Planning to visit Europe this summer? The EU's new Entry Exit System is now fully operational at all Schengen borders. No pre-registration needed but budget extra time at border control on your first entry. The Honest Bottom Line Rovinj Croatia Istria is the part of Croatia most North Americans completely overlook. Europeans have been quietly enjoying it for years and good for them for keeping quiet about it for so long. But it's too good not to share. We're sharing it. Reluctantly. Because once everyone knows about it, the gelato queues are going to get longer. Go to Istria. Drive the secondary roads. Climb Motovun. Find the Biska brandy in Hum and actually try it unlike us. Eat the truffle pasta. You'll wonder why you didn't know about this sooner. Looking for more Croatian itinerary ideas? If you're looking for island hopping in Croatia or if whether Dubrovnik is still worth visiting in 2026, click on the links. Have questions about planning your Istrian road trip? Drop them in the comments below. I'm happy to answer everything I know.

Croatia island hopping itinerary Split Hvar Korcula Dubrovnik ferry route Adriatic coast This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I have personally experienced or genuinely believe in. If you're planning a Croatia trip and island hopping is somewhere on that list, this is the itinerary I'd hand you. My husband, my son and I did this exact route, Split to Hvar to Korcula to Dubrovnik, entirely by ferry. We'd do it again tomorrow if we could. Here's everything you actually need to know to plan it yourself. The Ferry System: What You Need to Know Before You Go Let's talk logistics first because the ferry system is the backbone of this whole trip and honestly it's much easier than it sounds. The main operator is Jadrolinija, Croatia's national ferry company. Think of it like BC Ferries on the Westcoast of Canada, scenic and genuinely well run. You can walk on as a foot passenger or drive your car onto the conventional car ferries if you want wheels when you get to each island. Just know that the high speed catamarans between islands are passenger only. No cars. One thing I wish someone had told us before we went: book your ferry tickets in advance, especially in summer. The ferries get crowded and the absolute last thing you want is to be stuck on the wrong island because you couldn't get a spot on the next sailing. Walking on as a foot passenger gives you more flexibility but busy summer routes can fill up faster than you'd expect. You can book directly through Jadrolinija's website to check schedules and reserve your spot before you go. Days 1 and 2: Split Start in Split and give it two full days before you head to the islands. It earns them. Walk through Diocletian's Palace. A Roman emperor built this as his private retirement home in 305 AD and today an entire neighbourhood has grown up inside its ancient walls. Coffee shops, restaurants, residents drying their laundry from windows that look out over Roman columns. Someone's Tuesday morning happening inside a 1,700 year old imperial complex. Diocletian would have thoughts. Don't walk past Gregory of Nin without stopping. He's the larger than life bronze statue outside the palace walls of a medieval bishop who fought for the right to hold church services in Croatian instead of Latin. Rub his big toe for good luck. Apparently it works. We did it. No comment on whether it helped. Walk the marble promenade along the waterfront. Find a cafe. Watch the ferries come and go. That's your introduction to Split and honestly it's a pretty good one. Want to explore Split with a local? Here are two great options: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Small Group Speedboat Tour Split and Trogir Half Day Small Group Tour Where to stay in Split: Search Split hotels on Booking.com Gregory of Nin statue outside Diocletian's Palace Split Croatia things to do in Split Days 3 to 5: Hvar Catch the ferry from Split to Hvar. The crossing takes about an hour depending on which ferry you take and which port you arrive at on the island. When you get there, rent a scooter. I'm going to be very direct about this. Rent. A. Scooter. The roads are quiet, the island is completely manageable from one end to the other and you will find things on a scooter that you would never find in a car or on a tour bus. Drive the whole island. Stop at remote stone villages that look half abandoned. Find a small cove where there's nobody else and just jump in. The whole island smells like lavender. Not faintly. It hits you the moment you step off the ferry and it doesn't let go. If you want a base beyond Hvar Town, check out Jelsa on the north side of the island or Stari Grad with its beautiful old town. Hvar Town itself is the busiest and most touristy hub but it has the best choice of restaurants and bars if that's what you're looking for. Three nights here minimum. You will not run out of things to do. Want to see the best of Hvar from the water? Half Day Sailing around Hvar and Pakleni Islands Where to stay in Hvar: Search Hvar hotels on Booking.com A vibrant red boat gently floats on the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic along the Dalmatian coast, near the island of Hvar, Croatia Hvar Croatia church at sunset things to do in Hvar island hopping Croatia Days 6 to 8: Korcula Take the ferry from Hvar to Korcula. The crossing runs regularly and takes between one and one and a half hours depending on the service. Korcula is, in my honest opinion, one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. The old town sits on a small peninsula jutting out into the sea like a miniature Dubrovnik. Marco Polo was allegedly born here. The locals will tell you this with considerable pride. Whether it's actually true is still debated but that's a whole other story and one worth looking into. Rent a car here rather than a scooter. Korcula is bigger than Hvar and the roads take you further inland through valleys and vineyards. It's worth having the extra space. Consider staying in Lumbarda instead of the old town. It's five minutes away, right on the water, spectacular views and it feels like you're part of a local community rather than a tourist attraction. There are lovely little beaches there and the whole pace of the place is slower and more real. Drink wine at the top of a turret in the old town. Go find the villages. Explore the southern end of the island where it gets quieter and more remote. Give it three nights. Want a guided introduction to the old town? 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula Where to stay in Korcula: Search Korcula hotels on Booking.com Korcula old town Croatia dawn main square island hopping itinerary Croatia Days 9 and 10: Dubrovnik Take the ferry from Korcula to Dubrovnik. It's a scenic journey along the coast and an honestly beautiful way to arrive into one of the most famous cities on the Adriatic. Explore the old town. Obviously. But don't stop there. The new city has beautiful parks everywhere and it gives you a sense of the real Dubrovnik, the one locals actually live in, rather than the version that's been polished entirely for tourism. Do the wall walk around the old town. About an hour, worth every minute. Go in the morning before the heat and the cruise ship crowds arrive. And hike up Mount Srd, the mountain behind the old town. Yes, hike. It makes the drink at the top that much better and trust me you will want that drink. There's also a museum inside the fort that covers the wars fought in the region including the Croatian War of Independence in 1991. It's sobering and important and worth an hour of your time. Take the cable car back down. You earned the easy way down, and yes, it lets you off close to the old town gate. From Dubrovnik you can catch a flight home or onward to your next destination. The airport is well connected to most European cities. Want to explore Dubrovnik with a local guide? Discover the Old Town Walking Tour Sea Kayaking Tour of Lokrum Island and Betina Cave Where to stay in Dubrovnik: Search Dubrovnik hotels on Booking.com Dubrovnik old town Croatia at night lantern lit alleyways things to do in Dubrovnik Practical Tips for This Route Best time to go. May and early June for fewer crowds. July and August for guaranteed sunshine and the full ferry schedule but expect it to be busy. September is honestly the sweet spot. Warm water, thinning crowds and better prices. Should you take a car on the ferry? If you want maximum flexibility and the ability to explore beyond the main towns, yes. Drive your car onto the conventional Jadrolinija car ferries at each stop. Just remember the high speed catamarans are passenger only so plan your crossings accordingly. How far in advance should you book ferries? A few weeks ahead at minimum in summer, especially if you're taking a car. Foot passenger crossings have more flexibility but don't leave it to the last minute on busy routes. Is this itinerary good for solo travellers? Yes. Croatia is extremely safe, the islands are easy to navigate independently and the ferry system is straightforward once you understand it. I would recommend this route to solo travellers without hesitation. Planning to visit Europe this summer? The EU's new Entry Exit System is now fully operational at all Schengen borders. No pre-registration needed but budget extra time at border control on your first entry. Download the Travel to Europe app to pre-load your data before you go and save yourself some time in the queue. The Honest Bottom Line This is one of the most beautiful routes we have done in years of travel. The combination of Roman history, island life, lavender fields, turquoise water and genuinely warm people makes Croatia island hopping hard to beat as a holiday. The ferry system is easy once you understand it. The islands are varied enough to stay interesting for the whole trip. Ten days is the right amount of time to do it without feeling rushed. A little bit Greece, a little bit Italy, but completely its own. That's Croatia. And this particular corner of it will stay with you long after you get home. Go. You won't regret a single day of it. Have questions about planning your Croatia island hopping trip? Drop them in the comments below. I've done this route and I'm happy to answer everything I know.

Have you ever had a flight where things go so delightfully off-kilter that you half expect Leslie Nielsen to step out of the cockpit, adjust his captain's hat, and solemnly announce, "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"? Well, buckle up (pun intended), because I just lived through exactly that kind of travel day. The Plot Thickens at Gate 47 It was a Friday in late June at Toronto Pearson Airport – already a recipe for adventure in any seasoned traveller's book. My Air Canada flight was running late, which in the grand scheme of Canadian airport experiences ranks somewhere between "totally expected" and "Tuesday." As an avid traveller, I've learned that patience at airports is not just a virtue; it's practically a survival skill. When our incoming aircraft finally arrived, passengers disembarked with the urgency of people fleeing a discount shopping sale. This mass exodus should have been my first clue that our flight was destined for comedic greatness. Sure enough, just as boarding was about to begin, one passenger made a dramatic dash back toward the gate, bypassing staff like a determined linebacker heading for the end zone. The Great Phone Rescue Mission After a hushed conversation that looked more like a diplomatic negotiation than customer service, the passenger was escorted back onto the plane for what I can only assume was a reunion with his digital lifeline, because let's face it, what else would make someone risk missing their connection? In today's world, leaving your phone on a plane is like leaving your soul behind. We finally boarded, and then... we sat. For twenty minutes. Just long enough for everyone to settle in and start wondering if we'd accidentally signed up for a very expensive meditation retreat. Plot Twist: The Case of the Overturned Catering Truck Then came the captain's announcement that elevated our delay from mundane to magnificent. The catering truck destined for our flight had gotten into an accident and 'tipped over’. Everyone was fine (thankfully), but our in-flight meals had gone from "airplane food" to abstract art. The captain, displaying the kind of Canadian optimism that makes you proud to be travelling domestically, assured us that another catering truck was en route to collect our fallen feast. I couldn't help but picture our meals transformed from typical airplane cuisine into abstract art scattered across the tarmac, tossed salads taking on a whole new meaning. Good News, Bad News, and Tarmac Fugitive After another twenty-minute intermission, our captain returned to the PA system with what he called "good news and bad news." The good news? Our replacement food had arrived, though apparently not all of it. I briefly wondered if we were about to witness some sort of airborne Hunger Games scenario over the remaining dinner rolls. The bad news was even more surreal: a civilian was "on the loose" on the tarmac, and police were currently pursuing this unexpected runway runner. "I'm not making this up," the captain added with a slight disbelief musing in his tone. By this point, the passengers were giggling like we were all extras in a feel-good disaster movie. If that's the case, I'd like to request Sandra Bullock play me in the film adaptation, please. Angels, Wind Socks, and Runway Conga Lines Once law enforcement apprehended our tarmac fugitive, the flight crew introduced themselves with admirable professionalism. When one crew member announced her name as Angel, the collective sigh of relief was almost audible. After everything we'd been through, having an actual Angel aboard felt like excellent insurance. As we finally taxied toward the runway, I gazed out my window at the wind sock, which was performing interpretive dance moves that would make a rave glowstick jealous. Behind us stretched a conga line of aircraft so long that I wondered if some of those planes had originally been scheduled for next Tuesday. It was like the world's most expensive game of follow-the-leader, except everyone was following at 5 mph and burning thousands of dollars of jet fuel while doing it. The Storm Finale About three-quarters of the way home, our captain made one final announcement: we'd be taking a "slight detour" around a massive storm system over the prairies. Looking out my window, I watched lightning illuminate the clouds like fireworks exploding in dense fog, nature’s own spectacular light show that made the delay worth it. In my excitement, I instinctively turned to share this amazing view with my travel companions, momentarily forgetting I was flying solo. Instead of my usual husband and son, I found myself tapping a complete stranger on the shoulder – because apparently nothing says "I'm definitely not a weirdo" quite like enthusiastically accosting fellow passengers mid-flight. "You might think I'm crazy," I said (thereby confirming his suspicions), "but I think this is absolutely incredible. Have you ever seen a thunderstorm from above the clouds before?" He hadn't, and his face lit up with the same wonder as he peered out the window. When he worried about lightning strikes, I found myself channelling my inner science teacher with half-remembered explanations about Faraday cages protecting aircraft. It's remarkable how confidently you can discuss electromagnetic theory at 30,000 feet when you're really just hoping you haven't mixed up your high school physics with something you saw on the Discovery Channel. The Silver Lining at 30,000 Feet We arrived home an hour and a half late, but with a story that's already become legendary among my travel tales. Throughout this comedy of errors, Air Canada's crew handled each curveball with grace, humour, and transparency that turned potential frustration into entertainment. Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the ones that go according to plan, they’re the ones that give you stories worth telling. And in a world where flying has become routine, there's something refreshing about a journey that reminds you that travel, at its heart, is still an adventure. The next time you're facing flight delays, remember that you might just be living through the opening scene of your own travel comedy. And if a passenger starts sprinting back onto the plane while catering trucks are toppling over, just sit back and enjoy the show, you’ve got front-row seats to airport theatre at its finest. Have you experienced any memorable flight delays or travel mishaps? Share your stories in the comments below – after all, misery loves company, but comedy loves an audience. Planning your next adventure? Check out our other travel tips and stories for navigating the beautiful chaos of travel.

Hvar Island, Croatia Discovering Croatia Before the Crowds: Our First Trip in 2008 I still remember the look on my son’s face when we stepped off the ferry in Hvar in 2008 and were immediately greeted by a swarm of friendly strangers waving plastic photo albums like they were auditioning for the role of “Croatian Aunt With the Best Spare Room.” This was back when accommodations were arranged by what can only be described as the most charming black market in Europe. No Booking.com . No Airbnb. Just a healthy dose of optimism and a willingness to hop into a stranger’s Renault in pursuit of a seaside view. And hop in we did. My husband, our wide-eyed son, and I were swept up in a travel moment that’s now gone the way of paper maps and Kodak film—spontaneous, slightly suspect, and completely unforgettable. The Lost Art of Spontaneous Travel: When Photo Albums Were Airbnb We’d “discovered” Croatia the way North Americans like to imagine we discover things: entirely late to the party, but blissfully unaware of that fact. In 2008, the country was still on the Kuna, still on the cusp of being a household name, and still relatively untouched by the waves of international tourism that would soon flood its shores like a Game of Thrones fan tour. That first trip felt like stepping into a parallel universe—one where stone towns shimmered like something out of a Thomas Kincade painting, where the Adriatic Sea sparkled with that otherworldly Mediterranean clarity, and where Plitvice Lakes National Park looked like Mother Nature’s attempt at a sci-fi film set. Honestly, if a unicorn had trotted past us at the waterfalls, we wouldn’t have flinched. Croatia Then vs. Now: Yes, It’s Changed—But the Magic Is Still There Since then, we’ve been back. Many times. From the tiniest town of Hum (population: blink and you’ll miss it) to the polished Old Town of Dubrovnik, we’ve traversed Croatia north to south. And yes, of course it’s changed. The Dubrovnik we knew in 2008 had sleepy alleyways where cats outnumbered tourists. Today? It’s got crowd-control ropes and cruise ship spillover. But the thing is: the magic’s still there. You just have to look beyond the selfie sticks and cruise lanyards. The Overtourism Debate: Can You Still Enjoy Popular Places? This brings me to the great overtourism debate —a term that gets thrown around these days with the same enthusiasm as lost luggage at a budget airline. Yes, places like Venice, Barcelona, and Bali are busy. Yes, Instagram has turned parts of the world into open-air film sets. But here’s the truth: no place stays the same . Not your childhood home, not your favourite dive bar, and definitely not that sleepy seaside town you fell in love with seventeen years ago. Travel, like life, moves on. How We Travel Differently Now: Tips for Dodging the Crowds in Croatia So, what do you do when the old ways are gone? You adapt. Now, when we go to Croatia, we skip July and August and aim for shoulder season—that sweet spot in May or September when the water is still warm, the prices are gentler, and the crowds have thinned just enough to let you breathe. If cruise season still lingers, we tweak our plans. Sightsee in the early morning or after the ships have pulled away. Dine at 8 p.m. instead of 6, when the Old Town belongs once again to the locals—and those of us who’ve figured out how to travel around the wave instead of through it. A Final Word on Nostalgia: You Can’t Go Back—But You Can Travel Forward Is it the same Croatia we met in 2008? No. And thank goodness for that. If I could give my younger self any advice back then, it wouldn’t be “don’t trust the man with the photo album.” It would be: soak it up, take the photos, eat the grilled fish with your hands, and know that this version of Croatia is yours for this moment only. And to anyone mourning the loss of a “hidden gem”: the magic’s still there—it’s just had a bit of a glow-up. Travel isn’t about finding things as they were; it’s about finding joy in what they’ve become. Practical Tips for Finding the Magic Again (Even in the Crowds): Travel in Shoulder Season:  May–early June and mid-September–October are your best bets for avoiding peak madness in most of Europe. Shift Your Schedule:  Avoid peak meal and sightseeing hours. Go early or go late. The experience changes completely. Stay Outside the Hotspots:  Base yourself just outside the tourist hubs—Cavtat instead of Dubrovnik, or Šibenik instead of Split—and do day trips in. Think Small:  Towns like Trogir, Korčula, or Motovun offer the same Adriatic charm without the crowd control barriers. Don’t Let Nostalgia Ruin a Good View:  Be happy you saw it before. But be curious enough to see it now. What has your experience been? Have you revisited a place after many years and noticed how it has changed? Did it break your heart, or open it in a new way? I’d love to hear your stories. Drop me a comment, or reach out if you want help planning a trip that captures the feeling  of discovery—even if the photo albums have gone digital.

Europe Train Travel I’ll admit it: I’m hopelessly, romantically biased toward train travel in Europe. Not in a beret-and-wine-glass kind of way (though I’ve done that, too), but in the "this is actually brilliant and more people need to do it" sort of way. If you've ever tried to navigate a foreign country with a rental car, dodging roundabouts, deciphering street signs in Hungarian, and praying the GPS doesn't conk out mid-alps, you already know: there's an easier way. It's called the train. And no, I don’t mean the over-air-conditioned, beige-boothed commuter train you took in Toronto once in 2006. I’m talking comfortable,  high-speed marvels that glide across borders, cut through countryside, and—dare I say it—make you feel like you're starring in your own slow-travel European mini-series. The Beauty of Getting There Train travel in Europe is about the journey and  the destination. You climb aboard in Paris—city of love, flaky pastries, and existential café chats—and before you can say pain au chocolat , you’re sipping coffee as the Eiffel Tower disappears behind you and the vineyards of the Loire Valley roll into view. By the time you step off the train, you’re in a different cultural universe, one filled with chateaux and wine cellars and absolutely no baggage claim in sight. That’s the thing. Trains in Europe don’t just connect cities. They connect moods, rhythms, cuisines, languages. You go from one cultural chapter to the next, seamlessly, scenically, and without the dry-air exhaustion of flying or the high-stress navigation of renting a car. Train Stations: The Unsung Cathedrals of Travel Here’s something most guidebooks forget to mention: the train stations themselves are part of the adventure. In North America, we treat train stations like sad, functional rectangles designed for standing and waiting. But in Europe? They’re lively public squares, some even have shopping centres, and sometimes they are architectural masterpieces. Take Antwerp Central Station, for example. On our first family trip to Europe, we had 20 minutes between trains—plenty of time, we thought—until we stumbled up the stairs and found ourselves staring at a grand staircase so opulent, it looked like someone had dropped a royal ballroom into a train station. The Antwerp Central Train Station's grand staircase was so jaw-dropping, we stopped mid-dash to gawk, only to be politely nudged forward by busy commuters who had clearly seen this baroque masterpiece many times before. Or Le Train Bleu in Paris’s Gare de Lyon—a gilded restaurant inside  the station. Because why wouldn’t your pre-boarding snack come with chandeliers and foie gras? Some train stations are even attached to airports, like in Paris, which makes catching your train post-flight as easy as strolling down a hallway. Europe has figured this out, folks. A Front Row Seat to Real Life One of my favourite things about train travel is that feeling of being in it . Not floating 35,000 feet above the world, and not driving through it with white knuckles. You’re sitting next to commuters, students, chatty retirees, and families with well-behaved dogs (and sometimes kids). You overhear snippets of languages. You watch kids hop on before or after school, backpacks swinging, sharing snacks and gossip. It’s wonderfully uncurated—real life rolling past your window, sometimes literally and sometimes figuratively. And the scenery? Unmatched. Snow-capped Alps, fields of vineyards, medieval villages, and the occasional castle perched on a hill like it’s no big deal. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect from a movie montage, except it’s Tuesday, and you’re just going from Lyon to Milan. But What About Planning? Ah yes, the dreaded logistics. This is where Rail Europe  steps in like your organized, well-dressed travel friend who knows exactly  how to get from Rome to Salzburg without pulling out their hair or a map. With Rail Europe, you can book tickets and passes across the continent in one place—whether you're zipping through Spain, meandering in Germany, or hopping from Prague to Vienna. It takes the guesswork out of train classes, seat reservations, and whether you need to validate your ticket (spoiler: sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t). It’s simple, it’s trustworthy, and it means you can spend more time researching wine tours in Tuscany and less time Googling “difference between second class and second class comfort.” Final Thoughts from the Train Window Train travel in Europe is practical, yes. Comfortable, absolutely. But it’s also quietly magical. You arrive rested, caffeinated, and about 27% more cultured than when you left. So if you're planning a couple’s escape, a girls’ getaway, or a solo adventure where you finally  read that book you've been meaning to read, consider skipping the rental car queue and hopping on a train instead. Because the truth is, Europe was made to be seen from a train window. Ready to Ride? Skip the stress and start planning your scenic escape with Rail Europe . Whether you’re city-hopping or countryside-coasting, they’ve got the tickets, the maps, and the know-how. Have you taken a train through Europe? What was your favourite route? Share in the comments below.

Let me paint a familiar picture: you’ve just landed after a long-haul flight, you're jetlagged, slightly dehydrated, and desperately trying to remember where you packed your travel adapter. Now imagine trying to hunt down a kiosk to buy a local SIM card, navigating an unfamiliar language, and fiddling with a paperclip to eject that tiny tray from your phone all while resisting the urge to lie down in the arrivals hall and nap under your luggage. No thanks. Three years ago, I discovered Airalo , and since then, my phone has worked seamlessly across Europe and Southeast Asia without a single SIM swap. For someone who doesn’t consider herself particularly tech-savvy (I still call it “the Google” from time to time), that’s saying something. If I can manage to install and activate an eSIM in five minutes flat, trust me — you can too. What I love most? My phone is ready to go the moment I land. No wandering around trying to connect to dodgy airport Wi-Fi. No mystery data plans or disappearing top-ups. Just instant access to everything I need: hotel confirmations, train tickets, restaurant reservations, Google Maps, and all the must-see spots I definitely meant to research earlier. The Airalo app is simple and straightforward, and you can buy a data plan for your next country before you even leave home. Load the eSIM, follow the prompts (no tech wizardry needed), and boom — you're online. Whether I’m navigating Venice’s alleyways or ordering mango sticky rice in Chiang Mai, I’m connected and cruising. Now — full disclosure — I have an affiliate link to Airalo, which means if you click through and end up using it, I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It’s the usual “thanks for the referral” setup, and honestly, I only ever share stuff I actually use and love. This one? Total game-changer. 👉 Check out Airalo here if you want to poke around and see how it works. It’s a brilliant little travel hack that’s made my life on the road way easier. Pro tip : Download the app and set up your plan while you’ve got reliable Wi-Fi at home. Your jetlagged self will thank you. Have questions about using Airalo in your destination? DM me on Instagram or check out my travel planning services, I’m always happy to share real-world tips for making travel smoother, simpler, and just a little bit smarter.

*If you’re short on time, the condensed 10-day itinerary with accommodation links is listed below. * Prague, Czechia Where your trip begins and your step count explodes. We kicked off our Czech road trip in Prague, the city of spires, beer, and more history per square meter than seems entirely reasonable. Our home base was Hotel Černý Slon , a charming boutique stay tucked just off Old Town Square in a building that predates Canada by several centuries. It’s quiet, central, and yes, walkable from the train station (if you packed light or enjoy cobblestone cardio). Looking for Prague hotel alternatives?   Try Týn Yard Residence , another 4-star option right by the main square. What to Do & See in Prague There is so much to see, but let’s start in Old Town, where every corner feels like it’s auditioning for a period drama. Don’t miss the Astronomical Clock, it's best to show up on the hour for the medieval mechanical show (and about 200 camera phones). From there, stroll across Charles Bridge, ideally early in the day to dodge the crowds. Across the river, venture up to endless stairs to explore Prague Castle — we went with the self-guided ticket, a solid choice, though a proper guide would’ve helped us connect the dots a bit faster. Afterward, get pleasantly lost in Malá Strana’s winding streets. Pop into any pub (seriously, it’s hard to go wrong here) and enjoy a beer that probably costs less than your bottled water. Still have energy? Add a Vltava River cruise to your itinerary (on our “next time” list), or climb the Old Town Hall Tower for some stunning city views. Also flagged for next time: the historic monasteries and a classical music concert in one of the chapels near Old Town. Karlovy Vary: Czechia’s Most Famous Spa Town Come for the healing waters, stay because your legs are jelly from all the spa time. From the buzz of Prague, we detoured into the land of slow living: Karlovy Vary, Czechia’s premier spa town, where even the rivers seem to glide at half-speed. We stayed at Spa Resort Sanssouci , which felt like a 1950s-era hotel, was just a 15-minute stroll from the center along a tree-lined path that looked like it was made for leisurely afternoons and unhurried conversations. While the room decor gave off vintage Eastern European vibes, the award-winning spa facilities are truly world-class. We're talking 50+ health professionals, including physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, and massage therapists, ready to recalibrate your very soul. We opted for the mineral pools, saunas, and thermal baths — low effort, high reward. Grandpupp Hotel, Karlovy Vary If you prefer something more private and luxurious, Villa Julius a Emma  offers boutique serenity just next door to Spa Resort Sanssouci. Or if you prefer to be in town, go full Bond villain at Grandhotel Pupp (yes, Casino Royale  was filmed there). We popped in for afternoon tea, and I may or may not have channelled my inner Vesper Lynd in the elevator. It’s that kind of place. Another top-tier choice is Spa Hotel Imperial , perched high above the town with views as pampering as the treatments inside (or so I’m told). What to Do & See Spa towns aren’t built for rushing. Start with a leisurely walk down the main promenade of Karlovy Vary, flanked by historic colonnades, bubbling mineral springs, and enough spa shops to rehydrate your skin and deplete your wallet. Not into facials and mud wraps? No problem, Karlovy Vary is also a gateway to Czechia’s forest spas, otherwise know as hiking. Lace up for one of the town’s 180+ km of scenic routes. We took the Diana Lookout Tower and Deer Leap trails. Bonus : you can ride the funicular up and hike down, landing conveniently back in town where celebratory pints await. A “forest spa” might not be listed in the brochures, but it should be. Hluboká nad Vltavou & Český Krumlov From spa jellyfish to storybook royalty in under two hours. After our time soaking in mineral pools like vacationing sea creatures, it was time to don our metaphorical tiaras and head to Hluboká nad Vltavou, where the castle looks like it was plucked straight from a Disney storyboard, if Disney had a thing for Czech Baroque Gothic Revival. We stayed at Hotel Štekl , (pictured above) a castle-adjacent property that manages to be both regal and cozy. The rooms are grand, the views sweeping, and yes, there’s even more spa pampering if you haven’t quite had your fill. Honestly, this is where you come to channel your inner Rapunzel (preferably without the hair-related drama). If Hotel Štekl is booked, head straight to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like it’s been preserved under a glass dome. Consider staying at the charming Garni Hotel Castle Bridge , the historic Hotel Krčínův Dům , or the cozy Guest House Olšakovský  for a more budget-conscious stay. What to Do & See In Hluboká nad Vltavou, don’t miss the castle tour, it’s the town’s main event. Later, grab a bottle of local South Bohemian wine and relax in the castle gardens at sunset. In Český Krumlov, visit the State Castle and Château, feed the bears, then wander the cobblestone streets with a free walking tour to discover how every building has at least three historical footnotes. Wrap it all up with a canoe float down the Vltava River through Maleček Rafting & Canoe, where you’ll paddle past medieval towers, rustic pop-up wooden bars selling beer, and the occasional duck that have clearly seen some things. Mikulov (with detours to Třeboň & Telč) Where wine meets wellness, and castles meet countryside. On the way to Mikulov, we stopped in two charming towns: Třeboň: A spa town known for its peat mud baths. Check out treatments at Hotel Zlatá Hvězda , right in the town square. Třeboň also boasts an extensive network of artificial lakes for fish farming, originally created in the 13th century and still operational today. Telč: Yet another UNESCO-listed town with a stunning Renaissance square. Great spot for a mid-day coffee. Arriving in Mikulov, we found a quieter charm and a perfect base for South Moravia. We stayed at Pension Baltazar , a 3-star guesthouse with views of the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) above us and the Moravian valley below. Next door: the equally charming Boutique Hotel Templ . Pension Baltazar, Mikulov What to Do & See in Mikulov Hike Holy Hill: From bed to summit in 40 minutes. A gentle hike with panoramic views of South Moravia. Day Trips from Mikulov: Lednice Castle: ~20 minutes by car Château Valtice: ~12 minutes by car Reistna Kolonnade: ~15 minutes, near Valtice, with sweeping views over the vineyards This road trip through Czechia easily ranks among our favourite travel experiences. It was a perfect mix of castles, countryside, spa days, and storybook towns that felt worlds away from the usual tourist trail. The further from Prague we went, the bigger the adventure became! Prague might draw the crowds, but the real magic happens when you venture off the beaten path and you find yourself winding through Bohemian country roads, stumbling upon hilltop castles, and soaking in spa towns you’ve never heard of but won’t soon forget. If you’ve ever considered visiting Czechia (or hadn’t until now), take this as your sign to go. And if you want help crafting a route that fits your style, I’d love to build a custom itinerary just for you. Have you been to Czechia and ventured outside the city limits of Prague? What was your favourite place to visit? Leave your list of favourites in the comments below. 🇨🇿 10-Day Czechia Road Trip Itinerary 1–3 Days: Prague 🛏️  Where We Stayed : Hotel  Černý Slon  - Old Town (4 ⭐️ ) 💡  Alternative Accommodations :  Týn Yard Residence  - Old Town (4 ⭐️ ) Top Things to Do: Explore Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock Cross Charles Bridge at sunrise/sunset (both are magical) Visit Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral Enjoy a Vltava River cruise or a viewpoint from Letná Park Grab drinks in Malá Strana or hidden courtyards in New Town 2 Days: Karlovy Vary 🛏️  Where We Stayed :  Spa Resort Sanssouci  (4 ⭐️ ) 💡  Alternative   Luxury Options : Grandhotel Pupp  (5 ⭐️ ) or  Spa Hotel Imperial  (5 ⭐️ ) Top Things to Do: Stroll the colonnades and drink from the mineral springs Take a spa day: mineral bath, sauna, massage or book a whole Ride the funicular to Diana Tower, hike back down Forest hikes: Deer Leap or Goethe's Lookout Coffee or cocktails at Grandhotel Pupp 2-3 Days: Hluboká nad Vltavou & Český Krumlov 🛏️  Where We Stayed : Hluboká :  Hotel Štekl  (4 ⭐️ ) 💡  Alternative Accommodations in Český Krumlov : Garni Hotel Castle Bridge  (4 ⭐️), or   Hotel Krčínův Dům  (4 ⭐️) a great alternative Top Things to Do: Hluboká nad Vltavou : Tour the romantic Hluboká Castle Stroll castle gardens or nearby lake Český Krumlov : Visit Český Krumlov Castle & Tower Raft the Vltava River Explore the UNESCO-listed old town Sunset views from the hill above the castle 2 Days: Mikulov (via Třeboň & Telč) 🛏️  Where We Stayed :  Pension Baltazar  (3 ⭐️) 💡  Alternative Accommodations: Boutique Hotel Templ  (3 ⭐️) En Route Highlights: T ř ebo ň: Spa town with carp ponds & castle square Tel č: UNESCO-listed town with a pastel Renaissance square Mikulov & Surroundings: Hike Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) Visit Mikulov Castle & wine museum Day trips to: Lednice Castle & gardens Valtice Chateau  and Reistna Colonnade

Mikulov, Czechia After one more magical evening pretending to be queen of the castle and promenading through the palace grounds, our trusty steed TicTack (our blue and white rental) was saddled up again and pointed southeast. We cruised through South Bohemia’s quieter roads, where getting stuck behind a tractor or a Czech caravan that looked like a prairie schooner on its last legs somehow only added to the charm. No rush — this leg was about soaking in the slower countryside. Telč, Czechia Hidden Gems: Telč and Třeboň We made time for a few more detours — stopping in Telč and Třeboň — both towns that seem like they’ve been bottled in time. If you're seeking hidden gems in Czechia or off-the-beaten-path Czech towns, these are two you'll want to pin. Picture Renaissance facades in Telč’s main square and lakeside serenity in Třeboň, once a royal fishing hub and still lined with historical fishponds that date back to the 14th century. Třeboň is also known for its traditional spa culture — including mud baths that promise to ease everything from arthritis to post-road trip fatigue. We didn’t try one this time, but it’s officially on the list for next round. Welcome to Wine Country: Mikulov Then we rolled into Mikulov, nestled right in the heart of South Moravian wine country. No castle sleepover this time, though the Baroque castle perched on the hill certainly begged for a moment of rubbernecking. We checked into Pension Baltazar, a cozy spot right in town, and spent the next few days sipping beer and wine, eating well, and climbing Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) — a grassy rise overlooking the town that rewards you with sweeping vineyard views and a peaceful little chapel at the summit. Mikulov has long been a cultural crossroads — once a key stop along trade routes between Brno and Vienna, and historically home to a vibrant Jewish community. That legacy still echoes through its cobbled lanes and quiet corners. But today, it’s all about good wine, slow afternoons, and the kind of views that make you want to press pause. Mikulov became our home base for exploring the region, and it turned out to be the perfect launchpad for a few wildly unexpected day trips. Muzeum Železné Opony, Valtice Czechia A Cold War Time Warp and a Surprise Border Hop On one of our day trips from Mikulov, we set out in search of the Kolonáda Reistna, a neoclassical monument we'd seen mentioned online, with directions that were roughly equivalent to, “Drive south until the vineyards run out or the road signs start speaking German.” As we cruised along a particularly empty stretch of road near Valtice, things took a turn. One minute we were admiring the landscape, the next we were squinting at a hulking, half-ruined building that looked like it had been plucked straight from a Cold War film set. Razor wire? Check. Creaky guard box beside the road? Check. Giant pole with no obvious purpose? Triple check. We stopped, puzzled, and peered into the eerily quiet open guard box — a perfect spot to imagine being interrogated by a ghostly border patrol officer with a penchant for rubber stamping paper visas. The building had no signs, no people, no hint of life. Just an air of abandonment and unease, as if everyone simply got up one day and never came back. It turns out we had accidentally stumbled upon the Muzeum Železné Opony — the Iron Curtain Museum — though nothing about it from the outside suggested it was anything other than a forgotten Cold War relic. It was closed (or hiding), and the whole place looked less like a museum and more like an accidental time portal. To make things even more surreal, in our dazed state of post-Cold-War confusion, we realized we had — without noticing — ever-so-slightly driven over the Austrian border. This is, as it happens, a big no-no in the world of car rental agreements. Cue a swift, slightly panicked U-turn, accompanied by a muttered apology to our car insurance policy, and a quick scan to make sure no Austrian customs agents were about to descend from the hills. Kolonáda Reistna, Valtice Czechia Kolonáda Reistna: A Monument, a March, and a Musical Surprise With TicTack safely back on Czech soil, we parked near the now clearly-abandoned border gate and found a crumbling old road leading uphill. Naturally, we followed it. After a short, quiet walk (interrupted only by the occasional rustle of wind through Iron Curtain ghosts), we reached the Kolonáda Reistna. This neoclassical colonnade sits dramatically on the border ridge flanked by trees on one side and a stunning rolling hills view on the other. Commissioned in the early 1800s by Prince Johann I of Liechtenstein as a memorial to his father and brothers, it’s all very Roman Empire meets Downton Abbey — grand, symmetrical, and inexplicably perched in what felt like the middle of nowhere. Fun fact: during the Cold War, the colonnade doubled as a military lookout for border patrol. Because nothing says “national defense” like posting guards beside a neoclassical monument meant to honour your family tree. But the real surprise came moments after we arrived. Out of nowhere, a group of Czech high school students bounded up the hill, plopped down a Bluetooth speaker, and — without warning — broke into a full choreographed routine to "We Go Together" from Grease . It was, without question, the strangest ambush we’ve ever experienced. There, under the watchful eyes of Liechtenstein marble busts, teens in Converse sneakers swung and shimmied across the grass in front of this ancient monument. One moment we were pondering war, peace, and the weight of history — the next, we were in a full-on 1950s musical finale. Pure magic. Lednice, Czechia Day Trip: Lednice, the Versailles of the East Another one of our favourite day trips from here was to Lednice, the Versailles of the East, because honestly? That’s exactly what it felt like. The sprawling estate at Lednice was once the Liechtenstein family’s summer playground, transformed over the centuries into an over-the-top Neo-Gothic wonder. You’ve got a riverside castle, extravagant gardens, a full-blown minaret tucked into the grounds (no, really), and if you don’t want to walk to the minaret, you can take a lazy river cruise that floats you past landscaped lawns and romantic ruins. We wandered for hours — no crowds, no stress, just a pleasant kind of beauty around every corner. Lednice isn’t just for castle-chasers — it’s for anyone who wants to walk through a storybook and not be entirely sure where the pages end and real life begins. Farewell TicTack — and Czechia, For Now With a slightly heavy heart, we said goodbye to TicTack in Brno, Czechia’s second-largest city and our final stop — but only in a logistical sense. We didn’t linger in Brno, as we were catching a train straight to Vienna, but it served us well as the perfect point to wrap up our 10-day Czech road trip. And what a road trip it was. Before this journey, I’ll admit besides Prague and Český Krumlov, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But what we did discover far exceeded our expectations. Driving in Czechia turned out to be a breeze — great roads, spectacular scenery, respectful drivers, and Google Maps that didn’t lead us astray once (not even down a goat path or through a farmer’s yard — looking at you, Crete). The highways are extremely well-maintained, and the scenic countryside routes made even our slowest, most meandering days feel like part of a grand adventure. What surprised us most, though, was just how underrated Czechia is as a travel destination once you step outside Prague’s postcard frame. This country is rich in history, dotted with fairytale towns, and filled with absolutely stunning landscapes— from spa cities to vineyard valleys to castle-dotted horizons. If you're even thinking about exploring Central Europe, Czechia deserves a spot on your list. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Up Next: The Full Itinerary Breakdown Ready to retrace our route or plan your own Czech adventure? In the final post of this series, I’ll break down our full 10-day Czechia road trip itinerary — complete with where we stayed, what we loved, what we’d do differently, and must-see stops in every region we visited. Whether you’re dreaming of castles, countryside drives, or slow afternoons in wine country, you’ll have everything you need to start planning your own unforgettable journey through Czechia. Plus, I’ll include a free downloadable PDF so you can save or share your trip inspiration anytime. See you in Part 3!

Cesky Krumlov (Yes, It’s More Than Just Prague) Let me start with this: Prague is as beautiful and atmospheric as everyone says — and as crowded. We’d been before, years ago, when our teenage son was still willing to travel with us (or at least tolerate our presence in public). We did the classics: gawked at the Astronomical Clock, shuffled across the Charles Bridge with the rest of humanity, and on a whim, climbed a massive staircase on the other side of the river, assuming it led to a peaceful public garden. It didn’t. It led us straight into the Prague Castle grounds via an accidentally unlocked gate. By the time we realized we were inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’d basically given ourselves a self-guided palace tour — free of charge and entirely unintentional. Getting Lost (On Purpose) in Prague This time around, we skipped the climb and let ourselves get happily lost in the cobblestone lanes of Old Town Prague, surrounded by gothic spires, intricate stonework, and centuries-old buildings that practically dare you to look up. If you’re putting together a Prague itinerary, don’t worry about ticking off every must-see. Sometimes, the magic is just in letting the city happen to you — one crooked alleyway and surprise courtyard at a time. Meet TicTack, Our Noble Steed That was the name we gave our compact, blue-and-white rental — a tiny vehicle with the heart of a champion and the turning radius of a shopping cart. Armed with Google Maps and cautious optimism, we navigated Prague’s labyrinth of roads during rush hour and finally found the outskirts of the city, where traffic thinned and the Czech countryside opened up like a green fairytale. Into the Woods (and the 14th Century) Now, you might be wondering where we’re headed. Our first real stop? Karlovy Vary — also known by its old German name, Karlsbad, because this famous spa town in Czechia has been luring wealthy bathers and suspiciously enthusiastic physicians since the 14th century. Legend has it that Charles IV himself (yes, the Holy Roman Emperor, not your friend’s cousin from Brno) discovered the thermal springs while out hunting. The story goes that his injured hunting dog stumbled into a hot geyser and came out miraculously healed. Naturally, Charles did what any ruler with access to architects and gold would do: he built a spa empire around it. We stayed for two nights so we could explore the colonnades, try the famous spa experiences, and wander the forested walking trails that wrap around the hills. It’s the kind of place that rewards slow travel — and rewards your joints, too. Not Here for the Legends — Here for the Baths But me? I wasn’t here to soak in medieval legends. I was here for the baths, the colonnades, and the kind of mineral water that smells faintly like eggs and promises to fix everything from indigestion to heartbreak. From City Streets to Countryside Calm We didn’t expect much from the drive. Honestly, we figured it would just be a means to an end — get out of the city, find the spa town, maybe stop for coffee (maybe…yes, stop for coffee!). But then the landscape started doing that quiet, scenic thing that doesn’t shout “Look at me!”  — it just gently reminds you that green fields and sleepy villages are sometimes exactly what you need. The road was mostly flat and easygoing, like a nicely ironed shirt — smooth, neat, and oddly comforting. Small farms and compact villages popped up now and then, and the whole thing felt strangely meditative and calming. Then, just before we were lulled into a pastoral bucolic trance, the road dipped — dramatically — into a thick, forested gully. Trees tightened around us. Curves sharpened. And then, just beyond the bend, something magical started to happen: rooftops. Ornate, colourful, almost storybook-like. It was like entering a different century through a side door. Karlovy Vary: Fancy Water, Fancier Buildings Karlovy Vary is the kind of place where you half-expect a string quartet to start playing as you round a corner. It’s all pastel facades, elegant columns, and cobblestone promenades running alongside the Teplá River — like a postcard that somehow came to life. The town smells faintly of sulfur and pastries, and oddly, that works. Tiny Mugs and Thermal Sips One of the main activities here? Drinking warm mineral water from tiny spouted mugs that look like teapots made for dolls. Locals swear by the health benefits — everything from better digestion to eternal youth. We stuck to a few cautious sips and didn’t transform into spa zombies, so we’ll call that a win. Public drinking fountains offer the spa water for free and you’ll find them dotted throughout the town. Just grab one of those doll-sized mugs from a souvenir stand and sip like a local. When Hollywood Shows Up in a Bathrobe Film buffs might recognize Karlovy Vary from Casino Royale  — though it cheekily doubled as Montenegro. Every summer, the town trades its bathrobes for black-tie at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where movie stars and spa-goers cross paths in a way that feels bizarrely natural. If your trip lines up with July, check their official schedule - I’m told it’s worth planning around. And if cinema isn’t your thing, there's also a Jazz Festival, food and wine events, and year-round spa escapes if you’re in the mood for a mud wrap and some questionable tea. Living the Fairytale at Hluboká nad Vltavou Leaving the lush green gully of Karlovy Vary, we set off towards our next fairytale experience: a castle stay at Hotel Štekl in Hluboká nad Vltavou. Pronouncing the town's name might be a challenge, but staying here is nothing short of magical. Our room was stunning, offering a panoramic view over the valley that made me feel like Rapunzel (sans the long hair). If you've ever dreamed of feeling like royalty, this is the place to do it. Not only is Hotel Štekl a castle in its own right, but it also neighbours the grand Hluboká Castle, to which we had complete access. Each evening, as day tourists departed, we took our wine glasses and bottle of wine, strolled over to the main castle grounds to watch the sun set over the valley, feeling every bit the lord and lady of the manor. A Brief History of Hluboká Castle Hluboká Castle's origins date back to the mid-13th century when it was established as a royal guard castle. Over the centuries, it underwent several transformations: from a Gothic fortress to a Renaissance chateau under the Lords of Hradec, and later to a Baroque residence. In the 19th century, inspired by England's Windsor Castle, Prince Johann Adolf II of Schwarzenberg commissioned a Romantic Neo-Gothic reconstruction, resulting in the castle's current fairy-tale appearance. Surrounded by a vast English-style park, Hluboká Castle is now considered one of the most beautiful castles in Czechia. A Day Trip to Český Krumlov: Where Fairytales Go to Retire From Hluboká, we made the easy day trip to Český Krumlov, another town that looks like it was built by set designers for a fantasy movie. We’d been before (shoutout to Rick Steves for the original tip), but it’s so charming that we couldn’t resist a return visit. And here’s a tip for you, if you’re driving, parking can be tricky in high season, so we recommend arriving early or staying overnight so you can enjoy the quiet mornings. Just when you think you’ve seen the most picturesque village possible, you drive 30 minutes and find yourself somewhere even more storybook-perfect. Český Krumlov is wrapped in the bends of the Vltava River, giving the whole town a natural moat. The 13th-century castle perched above the old town has its own bear moat (yes, really), and the colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and cute little cafés are practically begging to be part of your photos — or your screensaver. In the summer, you can even float down the river in an inflatable raft, drink in hand, dragging your cooler behind you like a proper river pirate. And don’t worry, if you run out of beer or wine, just pull over to the banks of the river and you’ll find entrepreneurial locals have set up make-shift wooden bars to supply you with all the Czechvar beer, wine and ice cream you could possibly need to complete your rafting adventures.  It’s the kind of place where time slows down and your iPhone camera fills up way too quickly. A Little History on Český Krumlov First mentioned in 1253, Český Krumlov flourished under the Rosenberg family during the Renaissance. Its architecture is a patchwork of medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, all remarkably preserved thanks to the town's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town remained relatively untouched during World War II, allowing its original charm to survive the 20th century intact. But the real surprise came in the second half of our trip — wine country. South Moravia’s rolling vineyards, baroque palaces, and medieval towns offered a totally different side of Czechia, and we fell in love all over again. What’s Next: Wine Country & Aristocratic Surprises Coming up in Part 2: We didn’t expect the Czech countryside to give us Versailles vibes, but South Moravia had other plans. Rolling vineyards, fairytale towns, and one aristocratic surprise after another — stay tuned for Part 2!

In just a few short weeks, I’ll be heading to Québec City for TBEX—one of the biggest conferences for travel creators, bloggers, and anyone who spends more time than they’d care to admit obsessing over obscure walking routes, flight hacks, and hole-in-the-wall noodle joints. It’s my first time attending, and yes—I’m fully aware I’m not the new kid on the cobblestones. I’m not in my twenties, I don’t have a six-figure follower count, and I didn’t quit my job to live out of a sprinter van (though I did  once survive a bus ride across Turkey that I’m fairly sure earned me some sort of badge in travel resilience). What I am  is someone with over 25 years of travel under their belt—and a long-standing habit of jumping headfirst out of their comfort zone. From spontaneous solo trips to Tanzania to multi-month adventures with my husband, I’ve done a lot, learned more, and now find myself with stories to tell—and some genuinely useful tips for anyone wondering how  to make their travel dreams happen. So no, I’m not a spring chicken. But I do know how to breeze through customs in Frankfurt and  how not to lose your Trusted Housesitter’s pet in rural Wales. Surely, that counts for something. I’m Here to Learn (and Maybe Panic a Little) I’m going to TBEX because I want to be better at this whole “sharing your travels online” thing—especially in a way that actually connects. I want to create content that feels honest and helpful to travellers 35 and older. People who are dreaming about that next big trip, but feel overwhelmed by all the details—or just unsure of where to begin. TBEX offers a whole toolkit for that: sessions with seasoned creators, workshops on everything from writing to SEO, and—just to keep things spicy—speed networking with brands and tourism boards. Now, I’ve never pitched myself in eight minutes before, but I can already feel the nerves brewing. I fully expect to be doing it while sweating through my blazer and forgetting my Instagram handle. I imagine it’s like speed dating—but instead of flirting, you’re trying to remember if you brought enough business cards and how to sound confident while clutching a tote bag full of trail mix and tech cords. Still, I’m showing up. Because this is where things start to shift from dream to doing. These conversations might lead to partnerships, collaborations, or simply inspiration—and I’m here for all of it. Finding My People, Telling My Stories Mostly, I’m just excited to be in a room full of people who get it —people who understand why a train ride through the Alps can change your life, or why finding an empty café in Ljubljana can feel like discovering a new part of yourself. There’s something magical about connecting with folks who share this strange little obsession with travel—not just as a holiday, but as a way of seeing the world (and your place in it) differently. And let’s be honest: there are worse places to gather than Québec City. With its cobblestone streets, river views, and timeless charm, it’s a destination that doesn’t need much of an introduction. Wandering through Old Québec feels like stepping into a European fairy tale—just one with excellent  poutine and really impressive stonework. Final Thoughts: Why TBEX Matters to Me I’m not heading to Québec City just for swag bags or selfies (though I won’t turn either down). I’m going because I care deeply about making better content—stuff that resonates with the people I want to speak with. I want to create travel stories that aren’t just pretty and polished, but real, thoughtful, and actually useful . I know I’m late to the content game. I know I’m not 22 with a drone and a TikTok dance (honestly, nobody wants to see me dance). But I love travel to my bones—and I’ve been doing it long enough to know what it takes to plan, adapt, and thrive in unfamiliar places. I want to share that—not from a pedestal, but as a peer. For the folks who are ready for that first international trip in a while, or who are searching for something a little deeper than a top-10 list. So if you’re curious where this leads, stick around. And if you see me in Québec City—probably speed-networking with wild eyes and a coffee stain on my name tag—please say hi. I’ll be the one with a notebook full of ideas and a carry-on that’s somehow both overpacked and  missing something essential. Curious about how this all plays out? Follow along on my Instagram or subscribe for my post-TBEX breakdown.

Śmigus-Dyngus Ah, Easter. For some, it’s all hot cross buns, pastel eggs, and vaguely competitive egg hunts at the local park or grandma’s house. But venture a bit farther afield, and you’ll find customs so unexpected, they’d make the Easter Bunny drop his basket in surprise. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating Easter traditions around the world—packed with flying bells and messy rituals. 1. France – The Flying Bells (Les Cloches Volantes) Forget chocolate bunnies. In many parts of France, Easter is ushered in by flying church bells. Legend has it that on Good Friday, the bells fly to Rome  to be blessed by the Pope, returning on Easter morning to drop chocolate eggs and treats on the way home. Why it’s delightful: French churches fall silent in mourning, only to erupt in joyful bell-ringing on Easter Sunday. It’s equal parts reverent and whimsical—like theology with jet propulsion. 2. Poland – Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday) Easter Monday in Poland is not for those who cherish dry clothes. Known as Śmigus-Dyngus , this tradition involves boys dousing girls with water—buckets, water pistols, even garden hoses are fair game. In return, girls may retaliate the following day. Historical note: The tradition has pagan roots as a fertility rite before being adopted (and lightly sanitized) by Christian customs. If you find yourself in Kraków on Easter Monday… pack a poncho. 3. Greece – Red Eggs and Pot-Smashing in Corfu While most decorate eggs in springtime shades, the Greeks dye theirs a vivid crimson, symbolizing the blood of Christ. But Corfu ups the ante—on Holy Saturday, locals hurl clay pots from balconies in a ear-splitting tradition meant to ward off evil and welcome renewal. Some advice: Bring earplugs and an umbrella. The view’s spectacular; the pottery shrapnel, less so. 5. Bermuda – Good Friday Kite Flying In Bermuda, Easter is airborne. On Good Friday, families gather on beaches and hilltops to fly homemade kites—often in vibrant geometric shapes—symbolizing the resurrection of Christ. The skies are a riot of colour, the atmosphere festive and breezy (literally and figuratively). Local tip: For the best views, head to Horseshoe Bay or the annual kite festival at the Royal Naval Field. Bonus: don’t leave without trying a fishcake on hot cross buns. Why These Easter Traditions Matter What do flying bells, flying kites, and flying water buckets all have in common? They're reminders that Easter, while rooted in a common faith, takes on incredibly local flavours. These traditions reflect history, identity, and a shared human tendency to celebrate the sacred with a splash of spectacle (and sometimes actual splashing). Have you been abroad during Easter? Leave a comment below about where you went and what the experience was like.

Back in 2018, my husband and I did something a lot of people only daydream about over coffee and Pinterest boards—we took an 8-month round-the-world trip. One half in Southeast Asia, the other in Europe. We prepped like it was an Olympic sport. Spreadsheets, research, gear tests, packing trials, and colour-coded budgets that would impress the most efficient financial planner. By the time we hit Croatia—one of our all-time favourite countries—we were riding high on sunshine, beach naps, and that very specific kind of joy you get from eating cheese and drinking wine in a centuries-old stone town. We made our way from Dubrovnik to Korčula, then over to Hvar. And that’s when things took... a turn. A Scooter Ride, a Blurry Eye, and Some Mild Panic Naturally, we rented a scooter to explore Hvar’s old villages via the scenic Napoleonic Road. Everything was perfect—until mid-scooter ride, my right eye went blurry. Just for a second. I figured it was sunscreen. Or dust. Or travel magic. I blinked it away and went back to pretending I was Audrey Hepburn on holiday. That night, back at our apartment, my vision turned into a lava lamp. No pain—just eerie, slow-gliding blobs floating across my field of view. I told my husband. He looked directly into it and confidently declared, “It looks totally normal.” It was not  normal. Unless lava lamp vision is trending now. Cue: internal panic. When You're on an Island and Your Eye Malfunctions We were on an island. But luck was on our side—our landlord lived upstairs and offered to take me to the local clinic. After some eye tests and the Croatian version of a shrug, they told me to head to the hospital in Split… on the mainland. Of course, ferries were done for the day. Before heading to the mainland, we called our travel insurance provider to ensure they were informed of this situation and to get their guidance on next steps. Their golden advice: “Keep your receipts.” The next morning, we boarded a two-hour ferry with the vague hope that someone in Split could tell me whether or not my eye was trying to quit its job. Split Hospital: Bureaucratic Maze Meets Medical Mystery The hospital in Split was a full-on Rubik’s Cube of healthcare. Different waiting rooms for different body parts—efficient, if mildly terrifying. Eventually, we stumbled upon the waiting room for eye injuries (yes, that specific), and after some creative miming and hallway wandering, I found a nurse who spoke English. I latched onto her like my life depended on it. I didn’t speak Croatian, and naturally, that was the language all the health professionals were speaking as they gathered around to peer into my eye like it held state secrets. Several rounds of poking, prodding, stinging eye drops, and an IV drip later, I turned to my newfound medical soulmate and asked the most Canadian question of all time:“How much is this going to cost?” Her answer?, “Don’t worry—it won’t be much.” (Spoiler: I didn’t believe her.) Eventually, the head ophthalmologist—the most respected eye doctor in the country—was called in. He diagnosed a temporary occlusion in one of the veins in my eye. Those floating blobs? Blood. He explained it had already re-sealed and wasn’t permanent, but he wanted to keep me overnight for observation. My next panicked question: “HOW MUCH WILL THAT COST?” Cue more smiling reassurance: “Really. Not much.” A Private Clinic, Designer Lighting, and the $350 Miracle My husband rented an apartment near the hospital while I stayed overnight, hooked up to an IV and mentally calculating how many years we’d spend paying off foreign medical debt. The next morning, the doctor recommended one more test—using advanced equipment. But the machine at the hospital? Broken. Of course, he had the same top-of-the-line machine at his private clinic. Guess what I asked?,  “How much will that  cost?” And again: “Don’t worry.” So off we went—me, my husband, my IV, and my anxiety—to a clinic that looked like a Vogue photoshoot: sleek furniture, designer lighting, and staff who all could’ve been models. After hours of exams, I got the good news: The occlusion was harmless. My vision would clear up within the year. All I needed was minor blood thinners and rest. We returned to the hospital, gathered my things, and—finally—went to pay. The total bill? $350 CAD! Yes, really. Hospital stay. Multiple doctors. Tests at a private clinic. Taxis. Two days of care. $350 (insert sigh of relief). And because I had travel insurance, I got reimbursed....Mostly. The One Tiny Thing I Forgot Remember when the insurance company said to “keep receipts”? I did. But not all the originals . Turns out, photos of receipts don’t count. And mental notes definitely don’t. That was the most painful lesson of all. Moral of the Story: Why You Need Travel Insurance Travel insurance is not optional.  Get it. Always. Keep original receipts.  Photos are not enough. Paper matters. Trust your instincts.  If something feels off—even if your eye “looks fine”—get it checked. Croatian public healthcare?  Surprisingly excellent. IV poles?  Unexpectedly comforting emotional support companions. Have you ever had a medical mishap while travelling? What tips and tricks did you tap into to help you navigate through it?