Old Town Dubrovnik, quickstyle.

With Croatia being dubbed an up and coming European destination by Hollywood superstars, travelers seem to have hit the jackpot on a fantastic European getaway. Croatia comes fully equipped with lively culture and gorgeous scenery, not to mention tons of historical sites dating back to the 7th century. If you are worried about being bored here, don't. Croatia is made up of more than 1,000 islands (66 inhabited), so there will be plenty for you to do. And with some mild Mediterranean weather, you won't have to worry much about the extreme wardrobe changes.

But what makes Croatia so appealing to travelers worldwide? The city of Dubrovnik. Named the "Pearl of the Adriatic", this city is an upcoming tourism hotspot in the EU and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Heres why:

Gorgeous Beaches
Dubrovnik lures travelers in the summertime with its gorgeous beaches and breathtaking waterfront views. So much, that it has become a summertime hotspot for Hollywood celebrities. During the summer months, somewhere around 8-10 cruise ships dock in Dubrovnik each week, bringing in thousands of vacationers and generating serious income for the city. Beaches are packed with sunbathers and swimmers eager to score some nice summer skin color.

Stone Walls
Over 6,000 feet of fenced walls surround the perimeter of the old city. Historically, these walls served to protect citizens from maritime attacks. Now, these walls are a monumental part of the sightseeing in Dubrovnik. Climbing the walls allows you to catch a view of the city and coast from different angles.

Yachts
You'll find these floating at the dock of the Old City. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, charter companies will allow you to rent yachts, sail boats, or small fishing boats to tour around in. You can feel like an noble sailor, a lucky fisherman, or a million dollars depending on what you're up to doing.

Gateway to other Islands
Many tours to neighboring islands dock from Dubrovnik. You can embark on a day tour to the island of Lokrum to check out the remains of an old monstary, or stroll around Mrtvo More (aka The Dead Sea Lake). Other day tours such as Cavtat, the Elaphite islands, or the Island of Mljet are easy destinations from Dubrovnik.

But as usual, Cyn and I only have a few days to conquer the city. So below, we break it down into the usual "long weekender" trip that we often take.



After breakfast, catch a cab or local bus to the main entrance of the old city at Pile Gate (the last stop for local buses) where you start your tour inside the walls of the city. Venders surround the inside walls with souvenirs for you to pick up (our fav: the handmade jewelry)

Make your way to the main plaza, Placa-Stradun street where you will find a variety of shops and restaurants to peek in. But don't buy anything just yet. You might find better deals in stores along a few alleys in the town.

 

As usual, I find some place to run around in...

Closer to the Pile Gate is the entrance for the tour of the city walls. The entrance fee is about 12€ and good for one entry (no ins and outs). Wear comfortable shoes since the floors are made of slippery cobalt stone and and steps up the walls are steep.

After the city walls tour, make your way down Placa-Stradun street to St. Blaise Church to peep out the Roman architecture. Inside you'll find gold plated statue of St. Blaise himself, named the patron saint of the city of Dubrovnik. 

 

Down the way from the church is The Rector's Palace, which was once home to the central government in the Old Dubrovnik Republic. The structure was built mid 15th century by the famous Neapolitan architect Onofrio di Giordano de la Cava who also constructed the Dubrovnik's water supply system and famous Onofrio's fountains. The palace atrium today is used as a music venue for concerts during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Across from the Rector's palace is a town square set up with a few tables of fresh fruit and vegetables along with handcrafted goods for sale. (our fav's: pouches of lavender potpurri, small bottles of olive oil, and fresh fruit).  

Make your way through the town and to the entrance of the Dubrovnik Cable Car. The 5min ride to the top of Srd Hill will give you a birds eye view of Old City, Adriatic Sea, and neighboring islands. The cost: 80,00kn (about 10€). Feeling a little adventurous? You can hike up and down the Srd Hill if you enjoy the fresh air and a bit of a challenge. Just keep in mind that the trails are steep with loose gravel.

 

 

At the top, you'll find restaurants both inside and outside where you can enjoy an uninterrupted panoramic view of town down below. Be sure to pick up a few keepsakes from the souvenir shop as too.

 

Whether or not you took the long trek down Srd Hill to the bottom, you'll probably be a bit parched from a day's worth of sightseeing. Back in town, enjoy a few drinks and live music at cafe's close to the town's square. The Jazz Cafe Troubadour caught our attention with its serenading tunes funneling from inside. A half hour break to rest your feet and quench your thirst before making your way down to the dock for a waterside stroll.

 

  

Your last stop in Old Town Dubrovnik close to where you started your day-long journey. At the front of the Old Town is a great coast-side restaurant where you can enjoy a light dinner or dessert while watching the sunset. Here, you sit and reflect on Croatia's beautiful scenic offerings while you plot your next scheme. 

 

 

  

And Voilà! Your fastfowarded journey through The Old Town of Dubrovnik is accomplished!

5 girlfriend getaways in time for Valentine's day

So instead of doing the usual romantic couples getaway blogs, this Valentine's Day we're focusingon amazing girlfriend getaway destinations...places that are beautifully romantic, but not mushy gushy enough to make you feel lonely or depressed. Here's our top 5 picks for a V'Day girls trip, regardless if you're pro or anti-Valentine's day or if you're single or taken, sometimes you just need some quality time with your girls, and I guarantee it'll be a better time than watching reruns of The Notebook and Pretty Woman on TV. 

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Ahhh, amore…When I got off the train in Sorrento and saw this view, I immediately began a love affair with Southern Italy…as well as with their famous limencello liqueur. 

My suggestion: Rent a vespa scooter and ride it down the coast, I promise you, it's amazing...

2. Miami, Florida

Sure South Beach is glamourous and all, but Miami's more than just pretty beaches and pretty people. The city is full of fashion, art, culture, nightlife, and architecture.

My suggestion: Be daring, wear a deep-V cut dress, or an all sequined dress (even if it's not New Years or your birthday). It's the norm here, so go ahead and be fabulous...

4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The perfect combo of weather and scenery on the tip of Baja California...sun, sand, beach and tequila, can you ask for anything more?

My suggestion: Make margaritas you're drink of choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Who cares? It's 12 o'clock somewhere...

4. Napa Valley, California

Take in the landscape while you get tipsy on the Napa Valley Wine Train, and make it a point to stop at a few vineyards on the way back, there's no shortage of wineries that you can visit here.

My suggestion: Dress the part, wear a cute sun dress paired with a ridiculous floppy hat, (the bigger the better) and sip your wine with your pinky's up.

 

5. Sydney, Australia

OZ OZ OZ... With summertime looming down under, it's hard not to fall in love with Sydney and it's famous harbor. 

My suggestion: Be adventurous... get a harness, walk to the top of the Harbor Bridge and live a little! 

Happy Holidays, from Cyn & Char

Like many of you, I'm still in shock that it is already December and in a few weeks we'll be ringing in 2012 (I was still getting in the habit of writing the date as "2011"). As always, I fail to start my Christmas shopping on time, making me feel more like the Christmas Grinch and less like Santa's little helper. But reminiscing about the "Global Christmas Spirit" has helped put the warm fuzzy feeling back into my bones. Below, Cyn & I have mapped out a few of our favorite places to visit to find Holiday Cheer (just in case you temporarily misplaced yours).

Harrods, London
Harrod's holiday line makes a great keepsake tins filled with Christmas edibles. The assortment of Christmas Pudding is one of the more popular seasonal buys. But Harrods isn't just known for being the "Ultra Store." The monumental London-based store is a great scenic attraction for Holiday lights and window decorations.

Mark & Spencer, Oxford Street, London.
You can get all your shopping done in this one-stop shop. Our favorite? Walker Scottish shortbread cookies and M&S butter mints give a twist to gingerbread cookies and candycanes. (www.markandspencer.com)

Carnaby Street, London- An avenue of posh boutiques, alleyway of award-winning eateries, and vivid holiday lights! Carnaby's 12 streets are known as one of London's most popular districts.

 

Christmas Markets, Munich - From Nov 25th - Dec 24th, it will seem like every town square in Munich will have booths with holiday exhibits up. Everything from laughing Santa's, busy elves, and talking reindeers will keep visitors staring in. In others, you'll be able to smell roasted nuts and bratwurst firing up on the grill. Maybe you'll be able to score on some authentic "international" Christmas gifts/souvenirs ornaments to bring home. Ditch the hot cocoa and opt for a glass of Glüwine (warm red wine with spices) in a glass boot keepsake and you'll definitely feel all warm and fuzzy (and a bit tipsy). Go ahead and spread the Glüwine and all that newfound holiday friendliness with strangers. check the website for Christmas Market news and special events.

Lapland, Finland
Visiting Santa's village gave us the ultimate Christmas spirit even though we visited well into March. You can write a letter and stamp it at Santa's official post office, then go "dashing through the snow" on a reindeer sleigh ride before you end the day by meeting Santa at his toy shop. If this doesn't bring out your holiday spirit, you're screwed.

Christmas, "Island Style" 
Who said the holidays had to be all roasted chestnuts and egg nog?  Embrace something different than the snow storms and wintercoats and experience winter life in the tropics. Trinidad and Tobago holds Parang festivals in eastern towns like Arima, where bands sing traditional holiday songs in Spanish Creole. The Christmas Boat Parade in Bermuda cruises through Hamilton Harbor and the beautiful Parol lanterns in the Philippines both bring out the best lighting displays with a taste of culture.

But like many of us, the Holidays is a time that we spend close to loved ones, so we've outlined a few of our favorite local spots to find that warm Christmas spirit.

Christmas in the Park, San Jose, CA - local schools get creative and decorate trees with anything from recycled CD's to popcorn garlands in the Holiday Tree Gallery. Enjoy some cotton candy and a cup of cocoa sold on the corner stand while you sift through the exhibits and "fake snow" machine. The venue also provides an ice rink and carnival rides for the kid at heart. Check for special events at www.christmasinthepark.com

Global Winter Wonderland - Santa Clara, CA -  a fusion of Christmas lights and Disneyland's "It's a Small World" exhibit makes up Santa Clara's Global Winter Wonderland located in California's Great America themepark parking lot. From Nov 25th - January 2, visitors can enjoy a taste of lights from around the world and some fun activities and entertainment. Event Hours: Sun-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm. Address: 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 (www.globalwonderland.org/2011/)

Festival of Lights - Riverside, CA - From November 25th to January 7th, visit the 19th Annual Festival of Lights located at the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. The fun includes a spectacular light display, a skating rink, carriage rides, carolers, food, and more. Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501. www.missioninn.com/festival-of-lights/index.cfm

Macy's Downtown San Francisco - and it's iconic window wreath displays. Its the perfect backdrop for a holiday picture and the last minute Holiday shopping you need to finish.

 

Union Square San Francisco - Lures visitors and holiday shoppers in with it's eloquently decorated 80ft Christmas tree covered with 21,000 lights. Sit and enjoy the view from one of the park benches or grab yourself some cocoa before lining up for some ice skating fun.

For those of you that have kept the Holiday spirit alive, I commend you. This time of year, we get a chance to reflect on the past year's endeavors, hardships, achievements, friendship and family ties. It is also the time where we should spread our gratitude and give back to others. If your spirit is temporarily lost, you may be able to find it by giving back. You can help spread the Holiday Cheer by giving back to these local charities or maybe just to someone you know that is having a hard time this season.

Coats for Kids
A Virginia based organization that provides coats for children in need during the winter season. Check website for local coat drives in your area.

Toys for Tots
Give a child a chance to experience joy this Holiday season donating new unopened toys to various drop-off locations in your area. Locations may include participating stores such as Toys R. US and even your local fire department. Check the website for participating vendors.

SPCA
Don't forget that animals need some lovin' too. If you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, peep out the Macy's SPCA Holiday Windows that feature exhibits of adoptable furry little creatures. The displays will be up Nov 18, 2011 - January 1, 2012. If you can't take your eyes off the puppy pressing his nose against the window, you can adopt him on the spot at the outpost right inside Macy's. If you love animals but not ready to adopt, you can choose from various ways to give back to the animal shelter from  monetary donations, pet food, medication, pillows, or even volunteering your time.

We wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous travel adventures for the New Year!