Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mended books and films, a holiday and festival list, climate chart, a handy packing check-
list, and Croatian and Slovenian survival phrases.
Browse through this topic, choose your favorite destinations, and link them up. Then
have a great trip! Traveling like a temporary local, you'll get the absolute most out of every
mile,minute,anddollar.AsyouvisitplacesIknowandlove,I'mhappythatyou'llbemeet-
ing some of my favorite Croatians, Slovenes, Bosnians, and Montenegrins.
This section will help you get started planning your trip—with advice on trip costs, when to
go, and what you should know before you take off.
Your trip to this region is like a complex play—it's easier to follow and really appreciate on
asecondviewing.Whilenoonedoesthesametriptwicetogainthatadvantage,readingthis
book in its entirety before your trip accomplishes much the same thing.
Design an itinerary that enables you to visit sights at the best possible times. Note
festivals, holidays, specifics on sights, and days when sights are closed or most crowded
(all covered in this topic). For example, avoid coastal resort towns off-season (when
they're deserted) and during the busy months of July and August (when they're miserably
crammed). To get between destinations smoothly, read the tips in this topic's appendix on
taking trains, buses, boats, or renting a car and driving. A smart trip is a puzzle—a fun,
doable, and worthwhile challenge.
When you're plotting your itinerary, strive for a mix of intense and relaxed stretches. To
maximize rootedness, minimize one-night stands. It's worth taking a long drive or bus ride
after dinner to be settled into a town for two nights. Accommodations are more likely to
give a good price to someone staying more than one night. Every trip—and every travel-
er—needs slack time (laundry,picnics, people-watching, andsoon).Pace yourself.Assume
you will return.
Reread this topic as you travel, and visit local tourist information offices (abbreviated as
TI in this topic). Upon arrival in a new town, lay the groundwork for a smooth departure;
get the schedule for the train, bus, or boat you'll take when you depart. Drivers can study
the best route to their next destination.
GetonlineatInternetcafésoryourhotel,andcarryamobilephone(oruseaphonecard)
to make travel plans: You can find tourist information, learn the latest on sights (special
events, tour schedule, etc.), book tickets and tours, make reservations, reconfirm accom-
modations, research transportation connections, and keep in touch with your loved ones.
