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Croatia travel guide

Croatia in April

The warm weather brings more festivals and the outdoor activities are a delight. April is also a good month to visit Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

Weather

Spring has settled in, at last , and the flowers are in full bloom. You might actually be able to swim for an hour or so at noon along the coast.

Some temperatures:

Dubrovnik avg high 16C / 62F; avg low 10C/50F
Hvar avg high 17C/63F ; avg low 10C/51F
Split avg high 17C/63F ; avg low 8C/48F
Zagreb avg 11C/51C

Facilities

Ferries to Croatia restart their schedule if they’ve been stopped over winter and those with fewer connections during the cold season add more trips. Prices are slightly lower than during summer. But if you plan to travel from mainland to the islands or between the islands, make sure to check the schedule in advance as the service is spottier than during summer.

While for the domestic flights the airfare doesn’t change from season to season, when you fly from abroad, expect to find cheaper flights to Croatia than during summer and an increased number of flights. Still, book the ticket at least a month in advance and avoid flying around Easter.

Accommodation is also easy to find and the prices are lower than during summer. But since April is a popular time to visit Croatia especially for those on a low budget, book your hostel bed ahead of time and try to avoid traveling around Easter (unless you plan to spend Easter in Croatia, of course).

Things to do

April is the best month to visit Zagreb. The flowers are in bloom and the city looks absolutely amazing. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden and the parks. Also, plan to visit the museums and the Cathedral or do some shopping at the market.

>>read more about Things to do in Zagreb

The mild weather and lack of visitors make Dubrovnik a delight to visit. While you won’t be able to swim in the sea, you can definitely walk on the beach. You can also visit the Sponza Palace and the Cathedral

>>read more about Things to do in Dubrovnik

April is also a good month to plan outdoor activities , so head to the Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka Waterfalls . The splendid waterfalls are swollen with water and the rivers are also at their peak so those who want to try rafting and kayaking will be delighted.

>>read more about the National Parks

With the warm weather also come the festivals. Palm Sunday and Easter festivals take place in the country and there are also some special religious events. Jurjevo (St George’s Day on April 23) marks the beginning of spring. He is the patron saint of harvest and fertility.

In Zagreb, the St Mark’s Festival is a music festival which features local folk music as well as classic music. Most concerts take place in St Mark’s church.

In Split you can attend the Croatian Theatre Festival which highlights theatre groups from around the country. But if you don’t speak Croatian, you can head to the Guitar Festival in Split (last week of April).

In Porec, the end of April is dedicated to the wines produced in this area.

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Croatia travel guide

Croatia in October

Should you decide to visit Croatia in October, you’ll be rewarded with a country not deformed by the tourism. By now, the summer high season has ended and the life gets back into the routine so you get a chance to see the country as it is. It’s the time when locals harvest the grapes and other products. But you should pay a little more attention to the ferry schedule as it’s less frequent.

Weather

October weather is mild enough to allow for outdoor activities. Generally speaking, autumn is one of the best times to visit Croatia. It’s still possible to swim in Southern Dalmatia.

Some temperatures:

Dubrovnik avg high 20C / 69F; avg low 13C/56F
Hvar avg high 20C/69F ; avg low 14C/58F
Split avg high 20C/69F ; avg low 12C/54F
Zagreb avg 11C/51C

Facilities

Ferries to Croatia are still available from Italy but there aren’t as many connections as during summer. Prices are also slightly lower than during summer. Should you plan to travel from mainland to the islands or between the islands, make sure to check the schedule in advance as the service is spottier than during summer.

While for the domestic flights the airfare doesn’t change from season to season, when you fly from abroad, expect to find cheaper flights to Croatia than during summer. Still, book the ticket at least a month in advance.

Accommodation is also easy to find and the prices are lower than during summer. But since October is a popular time to visit Croatia especially for those on a low budget, book your hostel https://www.croatialogue.com/hostels bed ahead of time.

Things to do

Two major festivals take place in October in Croatia. The film festival in Zagreb features Croatian films, as well as up-coming international directors. And if you like truffles head to the Istrian Truffle Days which take place Livade, near Motovun. You can indulge in these delicacies for a fraction of the price you’ll pay in France or Italy.

The nice weather allows for sightseeing, so if you are in Zagreb don’t miss the museums, the market or the Cathedral. The things to do in Zagreb also include: the Medieval fortress of Medvedgrad and the Botanical Garden.

Dubrovnik is definitely known for its beaches and nightlife, but other things to do in Dubrovnik include: visiting the Sponza Palace, taking photos at the Great Onofrio Well or visiting the Cathedral.

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Croatia travel guide

Getting from Split to Zadar

Split is famous for the Roman heritage. Even today, you can still see the old Roman walls, squares and temples.

Zadar is located in northern Dalmatia and also has a Roman heritage. The old town is worth your time and so are the remains of the Roman Forum. During summer, spend some time on the beaches.

Although both cities are served by an airport, the short distance between them (160 km) doesn’t require a flight. You can fly via a connection in Zagreb, though , and the single fare starts at €240.

Quick summary

Generally speaking, buses tend to be cheaper than trains. And in this case, they are also faster.

Buses from Split to Zadar

You can catch a bus between Split and Zadar. There are 22 connections per day and you can find them here . Buses leave by the hour from 5 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. The travel time is about 2h 30 min. Some of the bus companies operating on this route are: Brioni, Autotrans Rijeka and Autotransport. Unfortunately, there is no pricing information available.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Trains from Split to Zadar

The Split to Zadar connection is the only one which runs along the coast. The travel time is about 3 ½ h and there are 3 trains per day between the two cities. Trains depart split at 8:25 a.m., 2:41 p.m. and 9:18 p.m. On the way back, catch the trains from Zadar at 7:40 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You can check out the schedule here . Unfortunately, there is no pricing information available.

>>read more about Train Travel in Croatia

Driving from Split to Zadar

You can rent a car in Split and drive the 160 km to Zadar in about 2 hours (via A1/E65/E71). This route has tolls.

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Croatia travel guide

Getting from Dubrovnik to Bari

Dubrovnik , also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and is a major travel destination in Croatia. It is also an important transportation hub for ferries to/from Italy.

Bari, located in the Apulia region of Italy , is a major commercial center and port , located on the Adriatic Coast. It is well know as being a major ferry transportation hub for those leaving Italy to visit neighboring countries, such as Croatia and Greece. But aside from this, Bari also boasts a lovely old town, with many historic buildings and sites.

Although both cities are served by airports, there aren’t any direct flights between them. The only option is to connect via Zagreb and Rome, which means you’ll pay a lot (from €293 one way in Spring 2012) and spend about 27 hours traveling.

Ferries from Dubrovnik to Bari

There are two ferry companies which operate ferries between Dubrovnik and Bari:

Jardolinija operates both car and passenger ferries on this route. The ferry doesn’t run between mid November and late March. Most connections are available between early June and late September. From Dubrovnik to Bari, there are departures on Mon (1 p.m.), Tue (10 p.m) , Thu (1 p.m.) , Fri (1 p.m.) and Sun (1 p.m). The travel time is 7 h. From Bari to Dubrovnik, ferries depart on: Tue (10 p.m.), Thu (10 p.m.), Fri (10 p.m.) , Sat (10 p.m.), Sun (10 p.m.) and Mon ( 10 p.m.)

For prices, look under “international lines” on the website. During the low season, a deck seat costs €37.50 one way, while during the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28), it costs €45 one way. Over the weekends, a single ticket is €52. There are also cabins available for this route.

Although Azzurline also says they run a ferry on the same route, finding the schedule and prices on their website proved to be impossible (couldn’t find anything listed for 2012).

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

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Croatia travel guide

Getting from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and is a major transportation hub for ferries to/from Italy , as well as domestic ferries. That , of course, aside from being an important travel destination in Croatia, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

Korcula is the most populated island off the coast of Croatia, located close to Dubrovnik. It is known for the many cycling tracks which can be used year round (thanks to the mild weather).

Quick summary

The cheapest and easiest way to get between Dubrovnik and Korcula is the passenger ferry which sails two times a week during the summer. During the rest of the year, catch a bus from Dubrovnik to Korcula (which includes the ferry crossing).

Ferry from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Jadrolinija runs ferries between Dubrovnik and Korcula two days per week . They operate between end of May and end of October. Ferries depart Dubrovnik on Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Korcula at 1 p.m. on the same day. On the way back, catch the ferry from Korcula at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday and arrive in Dubrovnik at 6:30 p.m.

To find the price, go to “coastal lines” under Prices on the web site. During the low season, the single adult fare is €12, while during the high season (June 24 to Aug 28) it’s €14. Cabins are also available. You get 20% discount if you get a round trip ticket.

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Buses from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Buses from Dubrovnik to Korcula leave Dubrovnik every day at 3 p.m. and arrive in Korcula at 6:15 p.m. It uses the ferry crossing Orebic – Korcula (Domince). The fare is 100 kuna (about €13.30) and includes the ferry crossing. The buses are operated by Autotrans .

Another option is to travel by bus from Dubrovnik to Orebic and then take the ferry to Korcula Town. Buses to Orebic depart Dubrovnik daily at 2:15 p.m. and arrive in Orebic at 4:15 p.m. This bus route doesn’t operate on Sundays and public holidays. From Orebic take the ferry to Korcula (for €13 one way).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Dubrovnik to Korcula

You can rent a car in Dubrovnik and take the E65 and Route 414 to Korcula. The 119 km also include the Domince (Korcula) – Orebic ferry crossing. The total journey time is about 2 ½ h.

The ferries are operated by Jadrolinija and they run year round. There are 14 crossings each day (from 00:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. departing Orebic and from 00:10 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. departing Dominice). To look for prices, click the “local lines” on the website. An adult single ticket is €13 one way and for a compact car you’ll pay €63 one way. There is 20% discount if you buy a round trip ticket.

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Croatia travel guide

Getting from Dubrovnik to Hvar

Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and aside from being an important travel destination in Croatia , it’s also a major transportation hub for ferries to/from Italy , as well as domestic ferries.

The island of Hvar and especially Hvar Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic Sea. During the summer season – May to September – the city gets very crowded and the prices spike. The beaches, the vineyards, the harbor along with the impressive fortifications make this town a pleasure to visit, regardless of what you want to do here.

Passenger Ferries from Dubrovnik to Hvar

The only way to get between Dubrovnik and Hvar is by ferry. There are both fast ferries (passengers only) and car ferries available (in case you’ve rented a car during your vacation in Croatia).

The ferries only operate between end of May and end of September. The depart from Dubrovnik on Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Stari Grad (island of Hvar) at 5 p.m. On the way back, catch the ferry from Stari Grad at 9:15 a.m. and you’ll be in Dubrovnik at 6:30 p.m. The ferries are operated by Jadrolinija .

Prices start at 14.50 euro per person, one way during the low season for a deck seat and 17.50 euro per person one way for the same seat during the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28). If you get a round trip ticket, the discount is 20%. Cabin accommodation is also available. To look for the prices search under “coastal lines” on the website.

From Stari Grad you can catch one of the local buses to get to Hvar Town (or other place on the island). Or you can rent a scooter once you arrive and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island at your own pace.

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Driving from Dubrovnik to Hvar

In case you prefer to drive between Dubrovnik and Hvar , there are three possible ferry crossings and routes. But the best option is the 234 km route along Route 116 which includes the Sućuraj – Drvenik ferry crossing. This ferry runs year round and there are three departures per day. You can complete the journey on this route in about 4 ½ h. This route is also operated by Jadrolinija.

To look for the prices, search under “local lines” on the website. An adult single ticket is 13 euro while for a compact car you’ll pay 6.50 euro one way.

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Guatemala

Getting from Guatemala City to Antigua

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala and although there aren’t many things to do here, it’s the transportation hub of the country and the gateway for international flights.

Antigua Guatemala, commonly known just as “Antigua”, was the colonial Spanish capital of Central America. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important travel destinations in Guatemala.

Located just 45 km west of Guatemala City, most visitors arrive in Antigua via the airport serving the capital, La Aurora International Airport (GUA). It handles both domestic and international flights. There are regular shuttle vans which take visitors from the airport directly to Antigua for Q80 (about US$10).

Quick summary

For the budget traveler, the chickenbus is the best option for traveling between Guatemala City and Antigua. Other options include the private buses (which cost more than taxis, by the way) or the shuttle buses from the La Aurora Airport.

Chickenbus from Guatemala City to Antigua

The chickenbus is used by the locals and is definitely the best way to experience real Guatemala. To get on the bus to Antigua, make sure you are on Boulevard Liberation, the major avenue in Guatemala City. This is where the chickenbuses stop (there are bus stops every few hundred meters). The fee is Q8 (about US$1). The travel time is about an hour.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Guatemala

Driving from Guatemala City to Antigua

You can rent a car in Guatemala City and drive the 37 km via the Pan American Highway to Antigua. The drive time is about 35 min.

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Guatemala

Getting from Guatemala City to Tikal

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala and all the country’s highways start from here.

Tikal is a large archeological site. During the Classic Period it was one of the most important Mayan cities. Due to its remoteness and jungle setting, Tikal is one of the most popular Mayan sites to visit. Flores is the largest near-by town , through which visitors can connect to the rest of the country.

A travel agency practically has the monopoly of the buses that will pick you up from the hotel in Flores in the morning. The cost is Q60 (about US$8) round trip and Q35 (US$4.50) one way.

Quick summary

The cheapest way to get between Guatemala City and Tikal is by bus to Flores. The travel time is about 8 hours but the ticket costs about US$20. Once in Flores, choose a bus which will take you from the hotel to Tikal and bus for about US$8.

Flights from Guatemala City (airport code: GUA) to Tikal (Flores)

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) serves Guatemala City and is located about 6.4 km from the city center and 25 km from Antigua. It handles domestic flights , as well flights from other countries in Central and Northern America. A direct flight from Europe (Spain) is also available.

Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) serves Flores, the largest city near Tikal. It handles both domestic and international traffic (Belize).

Flights between Guatemala City and Flores are operated by TACA. The flight time is 1h 10 min. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay US$159 per person, one way. Round trip flights cost US$275.

Buses from Guatemala City to Tikal

Linea Dorada (attention: site only in Spanish!) runs buses between Guatemala City and Flores. There are two buses per day, one leaving Guatemala City at 10 a.m. and the other at 9:30 p.m. The single fare is Q170 (about US$22). On the way back, catch the bus from Flores at 10 a.m. or 9:30 p.m. The same fare applies. Reservations can be made online here .

Another much expensive option is to take a two days tour from Guatemala City to Tikal by bus. The price is US$180 per person and includes an English guide (doesn’t include beverages and taxes, though).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Guatemala

Driving from Guatemala City to Tikal

You can rent a car in Guatemala City and drive the 477 km via Route 5 to Tikal. The drive time is about 6 ½ h but do take into account that it might take longer.

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travel guide Vietnam

Why You Should Add Hanoi to Your RTW Trip

Long-term traveling, RTW, backpacking, vagabonding, gap year, sabbatical – whatever you call it, Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions for anyone taking more than a one or two week vacation. The tourist trail is well trodden, and even though the culture shock may be great those first few days in the region, it’s not very difficult to travel here.

Vietnam is one of the countries in the typical Southeast Asia loop (with Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos) that many travelers take. If you are planning a trip around the world, Vietnam, and particularly Hanoi, have tons to offer.

Hanoi just celebrated its thousandth birthday as a city, and the history and sites are amazing. If you add Hanoi to your RTW trip itinerary, you won’t be disappointed. It’s an extremely hectic place, and it has gotten the better of some travelers, but if you have an open mind and a tremendous amount of patience, you will get the most out of this beautiful city. From Hoan Kiem Lake, right in the center of town, to the Temple of Literature, to the amazing food, Vietnamese iced coffee, and bia hoi (local home-brewed beer), rtw, indie travelers have no shortage of things to do in Hanoi. Add in the fact that it’s the jumping off point for one of the world’s most beautiful sites, Ha Long Bay, and you’d be crazy not to add Hanoi to your trip.

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Croatia travel guide

Getting from Split to Dubvrovnik

Dubrovnik , located on the Adriatic Sea coast, is one of the most well known tourist resorts in Croatia and Europe. Nick-named the “Pearl of the Adriatic” , Dubrovnik has been listed as a UNESCO site since 1979. It is a popular destination for those looking for a romantic place with a lot of history.

Split was originally built around the Diocletian palace and even today you can still see the old Roman walls, squares and temples.

Quick summary

With no train connection between Split and Dubrovnik, the bus is the cheapest option to travel. But if you want to drive on one of the most scenic roads in Europe, rent a car and you’ll be absolutely delighted.

Flights from Split (airport code: SPU) to Dubrovnik

Split Airport (SPU) is the second most important airport in Croatia and is located about 25 km from the city center. It handles flights to/from Europe, as well as domestic flights.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV), located about 20 km from the city center, is the third largest airport in Croatia. It is the base for Dubrovnik Airlines. Most of the flights it serves are seasonal, but the year round flights serve the country and some European destinations.

Croatia Airlines is the only airline flying between Split and Dubrovnik. Flights with a stop in Zagreb start at €53 one way per person, regardless of when you fly in 2012 and the total journey time is about 3 ½ h.

Buses from Split to Dubrovnik

There are 14 connections per day between Split and Dubrovnik. The timetable can be found here but there’s no way to find the prices or book the tickets online. Buses are operated by various companies, including: Croatia Bus, Autotrans Rijeka and Panorama Bus Zagreb. The journey time is about 4 ½ h.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Split to Dubrovnik

You can rent a car in Split and drive Route 414 along the coast between Split and Dubrovnik. This route is a beautiful scenic journey through various travel destinations and small villages. The total journey time (including the ferry crossing) is about 4 ½ h.

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