re: Croatia

If I was doing my first trip over again, I really wouldn't change anything except remove a day from Dubrovnik.

My wife would say use the extra day in Zagreb. It was more of a quick stop since the airport was there and not really on our radar since we were more after the coastal towns/scenery, but after experiencing it she would have liked a little more time.

I'd say an extra day in Zadar. It was probably my favorite of the cities we visited on the mainland, less touristy and more cultural experience than Dubrovnik. But it was also within a short drive of some amazing scenery and beaches.

Yes we were on the go alot but the scenery was so breath taking on every drive that the riding in the car was just as enjoyable as being in each location.


If we were planning my second trip back, based on having already seen alot of the highlights:

Zagreb
Zadar (Pag Island included here)
Hvar and possibly other nearby islands
If I went any father south i'd probably drive right past Dubrovnik and visit Kotor, Montenegro to check off another country.

I'd skip Plitvice, seen it once don't need to see again. Middle of nowhere. Same goes for Krka NP.

Split was cool for a quick see but not much to see or do, i'd skip it other than hopping the fairy.

Mostar Bosnia was awesome to see and check off another country visited but was a little out of our comfort zone there, much poorer feeling country. No desire to go back again.

Dubrovnik skip altogether, much better cultural experience in other cities with similar architecture and views and cheaper food and housing.