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Croatia
Because of being married to a Croatian, I live part of each year in Croatia, and have traveled to many of its best known cities and sites. I write regular blog posts about our adventures, and we give travelers and clients first-hand reviews, recommendations, and information for each destination. We have favorite restaurants, beaches, and activities, and we can share that info with you! Here are a few of our fave locations!
all croatia postsAustria
I’ve also lived for longer periods of time in Austria. I know Vienna inside and out, and definitely consider myself a Vienna Specialist for sure! I can let you know where I always stop for ice cream, where to get a good Wiener Schnitzel, and how to use the city’s incredibly efficient transportation system. Want to visit Schönbrunn Palace before having some excellent soup and steak, followed by a slice of famous Sachertorte for dessert? Yes, I can help you with all of that!
all austria postsGermany
Since 2015, I’ve worked on European River Cruises. I’m now a cruise director and tour director on the Danube River, Main River, Rhine River, and the Dutch Waterways. I work the same tour routes over and over, which means visiting the same cities over and over – and gaining a ton of experience! Here are some of the destinations I’ve toured frequently.
all Germany postsAbout Me
So who am I, and why am I qualified to offer travel advice? Discover more about Traveler “Jen!”
Visit Jennifer on YouTube!Travel Tips
I’ve learned a ton since first arriving in Europe in 2011! Here are articles with my best advice.
1. Don’t forget your passport. Even if you don’t have an impending trip on the calendar, get your passport and keep it up to date. (Each one usually lasts ten years.) Check your expiration date! To travel overseas, your passport … [Read more…]
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Getting Around Europe
As Americans, we’re used to basically two options when we need to get somewhere: cars and planes. We drive places in our cars that take less than a day to get to. (Well, sometimes. We are, in fact, a country … [Read more…]
River Cruising in Europe – Tips and Useful Hints
Now that the warmer weather is settling in everywhere, the river cruise season has officially started in Europe! I have a bit of insight into river cruising beyond most passengers or travel agents. Not only am I a travel agent … [Read more…]
For those of you who might be planning your first trip to Europe, or for those repeat travelers who might need a refresher, I thought I’d put together some really basic tips when preparing for your journey. 1. Language. Many … [Read more…]
I thought I’d share with you a few random tips that I’ve learned while traveling all over the Europe. For iPhone users… In your Maps app…. If you pinpoint a location on your map while you are still in a … [Read more…]
Jen’s Guide to NOT Overpacking
I have a problem. I’m an over-packer. I pack too much damn stuff every single time I travel. Okay, maybe not EVERY single time, but just about. (I did a fine job last summer on my trip to Croatia going … [Read more…]
Hi Jen,
I’ve been following your DIS blog. I never new how popular Disney Vacations were with people w/o kids!!! Anyway, funny thing how I found you…I was looking for the navy/white striped dress-Loft and found your picture. I’ve been waiting to see you in it, your shoes and accessories. I wore mine to a wedding this past weekend. I love the dress. It’s very comfortable. Please post a picture when you get a chance.
Terri
Simi Valley, CA
Thanks T Mack! I think there are now a LOT of adults that grew up going to Disney like me – and we never get over our love of it. I’ll definitely have a pic of the dress on my Disney TR once we get to that part!
Isn’t traveling the best? I fell in love with it too after my first trip to England many years ago. I hope you enjoy your European adventures. I like your blog so I’ll be stopping by regularly 🙂
Thanks so much Ms. Z! I’ll be visiting yours as well!
Hey Jen, interesting Blog. I came across it by accident as I was surfing for photos of Croatian beaches. I have a place in a small village called Drasnice some 7km south of Makarska, where we spend our summers, so it was interesting to hear an Anglo Saxon’s view of the place, as most visitors tend to be Czechs, Slovaks and Poles.
But otherwise I live in Kenya where I tend to spend the winters, with summers in Croatia.
As beautiful as Croatia is, for mind-blowing landscapes, hotels and beaches, you should really visit Kenya. And don’t be put off by anything you read in the press; Kenya is far safer than many of your US cities.
Best
Mario
Thanks for reading, Mario! I like to think I have an even more unique view of Croatia, since my man is Croatian, but I came to it from the perspective of an American. I don’t know a ton of couples in our particular situation. So even though I was once a “new outsider”, it’s now become a second home to me, and eventually my permanent home. I’m not just seeing it from the viewpoint of an occasional tourist; I’m there for the every-day-ness of it all.
And we LOVE the Makarska area – it’s really become a favorite destination for us. Africa is on our bucket list for sure – I know we’ll get there someday!
Hello Jen,
I love your videos, I was hoping to go to Croatia this summer, but now I’m hesitant due to the war in ukraine. Can you tell me if people are tense due to the war in Croatia? Would you reccomend I hold off until later, probably next year? I’m hoping for a locals perspective.
Argh! I just sent you a reply, but I don’t know if it went through! What I said was that I would not postpone a visit to Croatia based upon the war in Ukraine. From here at hte Croatian coastline, it’s about nine hours away to the border of Ukraine. There are some refugees here, but other than that, nothing is really different. There are NATO countries between Croatia and Ukraine, so if Russia does decide to go beyond Ukraine, it’s WW3, so no one is safe anywhere.