Summertime in Croatia

Summertime travel is highlighted by the sun, sand, and water. When people decide to take a trip one of the last places they consider going is Croatia, but you should definitely consider it. Croatia is located on the eastern edge of the Adriatic Sea, across from Italy. One of the best ways to see Croatia is via a sailboat.

There are over 1000 islands that are dotted around the coast of Croatia. It is lined with unspoiled coast, perfect beaches, and inspirational blue waters. Though not often highlighted, it has a Mediterranean essence while having a flavor that differs from other well-known Adriatic and Mediterranean countries. 

You definitely want to see Croatia via sailboat and July and August are the peak times of the year, but September is a great time to visit as well. The local captains will know the best times to stop in the ports when the larger cruise ships are not in town.

European River Cruises

European river cruises are a stunning and intimate way to see various parts of Europe in a unique way. These smaller ships usually carry around 150 guests instead of the thousands that will be on the larger cruise ships. Their smaller size allows them to explore the interior hearts of areas like Germany and Amsterdam (via the Rhine River) or Portugal and Spain on the Iberian Peninsula.

Many people worry that these cruises are more confining because they are traveling via rivers, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. These ships are able to stop in smaller towns along the river and guests can explore the heart of these lands and experience the true essence of what these countries and areas have to offer. Guests can explore all of the outdoor beauty in any area of Europe they could imagine. River cruises are a great way to combine the beauty of a cruise with the desire to see Europe. 

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is a small island (only about 63 square miles) off the western coast of Chile and is considered part of the Valparaiso Region. Easter Island’s claim to fame is the Moai statues that are found all across the island.

There are 887 documented statues, but scientists suspect that there may be over 1000 of them in total. To this day, no one is sure why the Rapa Nui people built them. These statues were carved out of volcanic rock between 1100 and 1500 years ago by the Rapa Nui people and these statues are the world’s connection to this ancient culture.

Visiting Easter Island is a once in a lifetime opportunity for those who are lucky enough to visit the island. There are just over 5,000 people who live on this island today and because of this, the island has maintained an ancient and traditional enchantment that anyone would love to experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona isn’t just great for art, it is art! You’ll find it sprinkled all over the city in stunning sculptures, breathtaking architecture, sacred monuments, numerous galleries, on pavements, in the street performances and of course in their food presentation. And if you love to get creative yourself, Barcelona is the perfect city for that too. You can take a painting or sculpting class, try a flamenco dance lesson or even learn to make an exquisite Spanish meal.

Just a short train journey outside of Barcelona, in the town of Figueres, is the world-famous Salvador Dali museum which will definitely have your mind spinning by the end of your visit. Whether you love Picasso or Gaudi, tapas or sangria, there is definitely something waiting for you in Barcelona.