Stunning Adriatic coastline, striking natural beauty, historic roman ruins and hospitable people make Croatia one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. In recent years the country has become a must stop destination for Mediterranean cruise ships and road-tripping Europeans alike.

Croatia is predominantly known as a sun and beach destination, yet there is so much more to see and do. There are ancient castles to visit all over the Country, the forests of Gorski Kotar teem with wildlife and Croatian cooking--using the wealth of the sea and the mountains--is legendary. Local specialities include roast suckling pig, mlinci (a type of pasta dough often eaten with duck) and Sataras (a dish prepared from summer vegetables--mainly tomatoes, paprika and onions).

Off the beaten track are hidden gems such as the 17th century town of Fuzine--set in the Gorski Kotar National park area with three large lakes (Bajer and Lepenica) and one small lake (Potkoš). The town offers an ideal venue for fishing, cycling and walking. A surprising find in Fuzine is Vrelo Cave, which has stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake. Vrelo is the only cave in Croatia with no steps, meaning it is wheelchair accessible. 

Inland Croatia houses the amazing lakes of Plitvice, but just outside Sibenik there is another hidden gem of Croatia: the seven waterfalls in the Krka River National Park. The park is well worth a visit. It houses many historical monuments including the remains of a Roman Aqueduct. It is also interesting to see the old mills that were used to wash wool and cotton. The walking route is well laid out and is enthralling, but be alert as you don’t realise you are steadily descending until you reach the steps to go back to meet the park bus!! You need to be moderately fit or take your time to walk up them.

Travelling the world is a wonderful experience, but tourist traps sometimes prevent travellers from truly enjoying the culture, lifestyle and vibe of a city. People with a true passion for travelling want to discover the hidden gems of any city they visit--and sometimes even the locals may not know about them! If you are planning on visiting Chicago, or are a bored resident, make an effort to check out some of the lesser-known attractions the Windy City has to offer. You will not be disappointed!

Aloft Aerial Dance Studio

The name says it all really. This is an underground dance studio in a very quiet neighbourhood, but don’t be fooled by the calm exterior. Inside you learn how to dance, move and handle a trapeze--yes, the things from eccentric circuses the world over. Take note that this is not a circus school! You start with the basics and work your way up to more advanced techniques on the swing-like apparatus. Worth a visit if you live in the area and want to learn, or just feel like popping in for a new experience. Book in advance as the classes are extremely popular.

Ping Tom Memorial Park

One of the best things to do in Chicago is to take a stroll or just chill out in one of the cities many spectacular parks, but the problem is that they get very crowded. If you are looking for a more intimate setting, Ping Tom Memorial Park is the right choice for you. Apart from the stunning labyrinthine design and Oriental architecture, there is a real sense of isolation and madness here--as if you are caught down the looking glass. Tai Chi, yoga, running, reading and relaxing are all high on the agenda here. Take note that trains do block the entrances occasionally, but this is very much a case of being pleasantly entrapped!

Ten Cat Tavern

There are theme parks and zoos galore in Orlando, but where do you go if you want to see some native wildlife that aren’t enclosed? From brown pelicans to the majestic manatee, a relation of the elephant; there is so much to see without being exposed to some of the tiresome commercialism that floods the state.

Manatees; The New Dolphin

Seeing the manatees at Sea World can be expensive if you have a large family. It’s so much nicer to see them in their natural habitat, floating about and munching on the vegetation. On the Crystal River you can see the manatees swimming from the banks or by boat. But the best thing by far is taking a swim with them--these giant mammals are incredibly gentle and beautiful. Just take your swimsuit and the rest of the dive equipment is provided for you. Dolphins are so last year. Manatees are where it’s at! And considering the size of them they’re not at all intimidating, just stunning creatures that remind you how life on Earth must once have been. 

If you don’t fancy taking the plunge in the river however, there are plenty of tour companies that offer glass-bottomed boat rides. It’s far cheaper and you won’t get nearly as wet!

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