Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
conditions,orenableturn-by-turnvoiceinstructions,you'llhavetousedataroamingorfind
another hotspot.However,GPSinformation—that blinking bluedotshowingwhereyouare
on that map—does not use the Internet, and works fine offline.) One limitation of these
route-finding apps is that they can only download one route at a time. Consider paying for
an offline mapping app (such as CityMaps2Go), which lets you download as many detailed
maps as you want that live entirely on your phone and require no further access to the Inter-
net. While these work great for orientation, they don't offer route-finding instructions.
If you prefer paper maps and are driving, you'll want to pick up a good, detailed map
in Europe. My favorite maps of the region are by the Slovenian cartographer Kod & Kam
(sold all over). Their 1:500,000-scale Croatia map (
Hrvaška
in Slovene,
Hrvatska
in Croa-
tian) covers everything in this topic (including Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and most of
Montenegro) with all the detail you'll need. For just Slovenia, pick up the good 1:300,000
Autokarta Slovenija
map, sold at tourist shops everywhere (around €8, generally cheap-
er at TIs than at bookstores or travel agencies). Even better, the Slovenian Tourist Board
publishes free excerpts of this same map, divided into three regional zones called “Next
Exit”—to save some money, look for these at TIs and skip buying the big map. If you'll be
hiking, especially in the Slovenian Alps, you'll find no shortage of excellent, very detailed
maps locally.
If you're like most travelers, this topic is all you need. But if you're heading beyond my
recommended destinations, $40 for extra maps and books is money well spent.
The following books are worthwhile, though most are not updated annually; check the
publication date before you buy. The Rough Guides, which individually cover Croatia and
Slovenia, are packed with historical and cultural insight. The Lonely Planet guides (with
separate Croatia and Slovenia books, and a handy
Southeastern Europe
book that includes
Croatia,Montenegro,Bosnia-Herzegovina,andmore)aresimilar,butaredesignedmorefor
travelersthanforintellectuals.Ifchoosingbetweenthesetwotitles,I'dbuytheonethatwas
published most recently.
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