#75 Croatia: The Travel Show

Unfortunately Croatia is still just a place on the list to visit for my great travels! When I was studying in Sweden I met some fantastic Croatians and they definitely encouraged me to visit their country, as well as telling me some great information.

From my experience, Croatia isn't one of the most famous countries so, if you're not sure, it's situated right across the Adriatic sea from Italy. Here's a map to help you out.

Croatia

The currency is the Kuna (pronounced a bit like 'ko-na' I think) and the exchange rate is about 7.5kn to €1. Croatia in Croatian language is 'Hrvatska', so that's why you'll sometimes see abbreviations like 'HRV' or 'HRK'. It's a cheap country in terms of prices, especially in comparison to the rest of Europe, but be careful as the recent surge in tourism along the coast means prices there for hotels, bars and restaurants are much higher, especially during the summer.

The capital city is Zagreb, which is located in the North. However, it is coastal cities such as Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik that are raising the profile of the country and bringing most of the tourists. 

Politically, Croatia is a young country, having been formed after the break up of Yugoslavia in 1991. It only entered the European Union earlier this year.

Dubrovnik, in the far south, is an ancient city which reminds me of places like Greece or Turkey. It has recently rose to fame in TV show Game of Thrones, in which some scenes were filmed here. 

Dubrovnik

Zadar has an airport, and is a likely place to fly into. There is a 'sea organ', in which waves crashing into the harbour makes tunes like an organ, and nearby is colorful a light up display built into the ground. I found a video on YouTube which demonstrates both better than words: Zadar Sea Organ

Croatia is becoming popular with party goers and young people, because alcohol prices are much cheaper than Ireland or the UK, and clubs often stay open until sunrise during the summer. The hot weather and clear seas make it popular with those looking for a cheap sun holiday, but Croatia has a lot to offer in terms of cultural capital and indigenous activities.

Blue Cave, located on the island of Bisevo

Also important to note, travel is cheap between neighbouring countries Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, so a visit to Croatia doesn't have to just be a visit to Croatia, you could make it a wider travelling experience.

You can get flights with Ryanair to Zadar, and travel within the country is cheap, but I've been told that some buses (especially local transport) aren't air conditioned, so it can get a little stuffy in the soaring temperatures!

This article is linked to my radio show - The Travel Show. However, due to technical issues there is no recording available for this particular show. You can still go to the website and check out previous shows though. www.ulfm.ie/listen-back/ 

#74 France: The Travel Show

I have been to Paris four times. Once during Halloween with a youth group when I was 11, again with my family for New Years when I was about 13, with a youth group at Halloween again when I was 14, and then during Easter on a school tour when I was 16.

Shamefully, I have never been outside Paris, and I have a keen interest in returning to France, this time without a visit to the capital. I think this is probably an issue for the country - tourists fly in to Paris, stay a few days, see the major sights, and leave. France is quite a large country with a lot to offer, and I am embarrassed to have been there so many times without seeing the rest of the country.

Paris, and the Eiffel Tower

That being said, Paris is a really beautiful city. Some say the French (and in particular Parisians) are rude, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt, and say that I had a wonderful time there each time I visited. Since it uses Euro it is convenient for the Europeans out there, and although prices aren't cheap and a tiny coffee could cost you €6 or more in one of the quaint cafés, it isn't too unreasonable if you know where to look.

The most obvious highlights in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, Louvre Museum and Disneyland. Although Disneyland has been criticized for being an eyesore etc etc, I think it is a magical place to visit on a day out, especially if there are children or young people involved. It's impossible not to have a good time there!

Halloween decorations at Disneyland Paris

I'm not sure if things have changed much in the past 5 or so years, but the lines to go up the Eiffel Tower used to be a massive pain - you just had to line up and wait to get in. Newer attractions like SkyTree in Tokyo have a system where you buy a ticket straight away and are given a time, one or 2 hours, to return, and then you can go almost straight up without hours of queueing. Hopefully they have brought in a similar system in Paris! Also, for anyone who thinks walking it could be fun (or because the wait is shorter for the stairs than for the elevator) it's very tiring and takes a lot longer than what you think.


One of the really cool places outside Paris is Mont Saint Michel. Basically, it's like a really old town and castle built on a little island. It reminds me of something from Lord of the Rings! You can easily get to Mont St Michel from Paris, either using a day tour operator (expensive but convenient) or going yourself by getting a train and then a bus. You can get there in about 3 hours or so. I haven't been there, but since I discovered it (embarrassingly, only last year) I can't wait to visit it.

Mont Saint Michel

France also has a lot of nice lovely and quaint villages and towns, and the further south you go, you can also find some really warm weather and gorgeous beaches.

Since I am in Ireland, I have two options to get to France, I can fly to Paris and then get a train or bus, or I can get the ferry to somewhere like Cherbourg, and then go from there. France has an excellent train network, and also buses which take longer but are often much cheaper.

This article is linked to my student radio show - The Travel Show. To listen back on the show (originally aired 4th October) click here http://www.ulfm.ie/week-4-listen-back/#tabs-1701-0-4