So what's in Croatia??

Actually that was the question my mother asked me recently when I told her we were going away there for a few days last week. It's not hard to think why she would ask such a questions, something which Europeans usually can take for granted. Being able to jump in a car and drive there was one of the first reasons to go to Croatia and of course the fact that it has a beautiful coastline with beautiful clear waters (though a tad bit cold). Being in Europe there is so much on your doorstep, places people would perhaps not consider when they have to travel farther afield. Actually when thinking about this post it was rather odd to read in Cosmo's August 2010 Uk Edition that Croatia, defined as super-stylish and super-chilled, is one of the 8 A-List holiday hang-outs, of which Beoynce and Jay-Z are big fans.

This was my third trip to Croatia and as yet it has failed to disappoint. So it does not have the white sandy beaches that you may come to think of when you think of the seaside but rather more pebbly beaches. Actually what you are more likely to find is the use of flattened 'rock formations' to relax on. Bringing a mat to put under your towel is good advice . 

 I can digress quite easily here on how well the Europeans seem to know how to 'do beach'. I mean some don't just have mats, they have thick padded mats or even better most just have their own deck chairs, sometimes pulling them along with their trolley's. You may notice as well that usually when they find a spot they like if possible to lay claim to it for the rest of the summer, and it's not just a case of waking  early , it's either one by never removing their belongings from that spot or two I have actually seen small hand written signs (so no sometimes you can't say 'I'm sorry but I don't see you name on it!'). If they are camping they bring their home with them it seems (and that includes satellite tv), so for those that think camping is about leaving certain luxuries behind can think again. Anyway I digress....

I'm  not sure what it's like if you are a vegetarian in Croatia but you certainly have no problems as a meat eater and grilled meat is usually top of the menu after the fresh fish that is, there are plenty little pigs roasting away on the spit in pretty much every restaurant you pass. I think I fell in love calamari on my second visit to Croatia and we possibly had it every single day.

In the evenings it's usually nice to check out the local town with their small street alleyways, chruches, the town square and beautiful harbours. Above is when we went to visit Rovinj, and below is Vsar which is where we stayed on this last visit.

So what's in Croatia? Ultimate relaxation by the sea, with it's beautiful coastal towns and great restaurants with a fantastic sunset to round of a beautiful day!

Variety is the spice of life

Well so it is said, which is maybe why I am up for trying out all different types of accomodation when I go on holiday. All part of the experience right?

I have been camping...in the sunshine in Croatia mind you....with decent facilities. I've heard stories of camping in the rain....something about using a shovel to dig a trench around the tent...say what? I have always wondered why hubby is not too keen to go camping in Scotland. I think my worst story is when we were overrun by ants.

I have been hostelling. Well it's usually an excuse to spend our money in the evenings fine dining instead :) During a trip to South Africa our hostel was literally a train and there was one right on the beach. It is supposed to be a great way to meet people which doesn't help if we are somewhat anti social. I don't mind sharing shower facilities but I am not too keen on the dorm rooms.

I have done hotels and B&Bs, many with very different reviews. I stayed at a 5 star hotel on the Isle of Skye which blew us away especially as that is where hubby proposed. Now I understand why we were treating ourselves so well. I have stayed in self catering apartments, once in the mountains in Italy with the most amazing views and in Lanzarote with a pretty cool roof patio and which meant we did not have to stay in one of those huge hotels. While on honeymoon in Africa I stayed once in a banda and in a 'chalet' both with shower and toilets outside to enjoy the views and share with the animals.

So finally it was about time we went on holiday in a camper van for our visit to the South Island of New Zealand. It seemed to be actually a very popular way to do it and they tended to be the vehicles we would meet along the road. We were a bit apprehensive at first but soon realised how easy was. Yes even the visits to the dump stations were quickly mastered. The flexibility is great as you take your home with you and you only have to unpack once and then pack again at the end. We were very good and cooked mostly ourselves and there was always a cold beer in the fridge! So if you don't mind driving a big vehicle and going a bit more slowly on the roads this might be an experience for you.

Maybe my next spice should be camping in the wild.......