Croatia Joins EU, Keeps Pretty Money

Travel to Croatia is increasing, up nearly 20 percent over last year just counting visitors from North America. Showcased by the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones,” Croatia has seen a surge in tourism, one that they hope to continue by joining the European Union.

Last year, visitors from the United States and Canada reached 237,826, up 17.8 percent over 2011. Recovering from a multi-year recession, Croatia believes being part of the EU will give tourism an additional boost but will be a member on their own terms.

Croatia, the home of Dalmatian dogs, will not be a member of the Schengen area that allows members easy access in and out of the country. Instead they will continue checking passports of all entering or exiting the country.Known for its lovely islands and beautiful people, Croatia will not adopt the euro as national currency, choosing instead to keep the colorful Kuna as legal tender.

New Radisson Blu opens with low rate in Dubrovnik, Croatia

With 408 guest spaces, more than 100,000 square feet of spa facilities and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Dubrovnik has become the largest and most exciting resort on the Dalmatian Coast. To celebrate its arrival, guests can stay for a starting price of €150 a night, including high-speed internet access and breakfast every day.

The Radisson Blu has 201 guestrooms with Adriatic views. Also, it has 207 apartments (with one, two and three bedrooms) with private kitchenettes. Thirteen restaurant and bar dining options ensure that guests won’t get board, even if they take nice, long breaks from the real world. International cuisine is offered at Origano, and guests can sample authentic Croatian fine dining at Tartufo.

“We are delighted to welcome such a fantastic hotel to our family,” said Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor, which owns the Radisson Blu in Dubrovnik. “Our stylish resort portfolio is constantly growing – the current pipeline comprises more than 35 hotels in operation and under development across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

Hey, Ritter: we’re delighted, too! This new property sounds like a necessary stop for anyone with an eye on the Adriatic.

Word for the Travel Wise (01/13/07)

I’m on the go this evening so without delay here is your word for the evening.

Today’s word is a Croatian word used in Croatia:

lzlaz – exit

Falling under the western group of south Slavic languages, the Croatian language is used primarily by the Croats and is written in the Croatian alphabet. Croatian is an official language of Croatia as well as Bosnia and Burgenland (Austria). Wiki is the perfect starting point to learn all the background notes on the language as well as an example of the language as found in The Lord’s Prayer. This Hrvatski jezik website has a few lists of useful words and phrases for the traveler looking to get by in the country. Things like days of the week, shopping, sightseeing, customs, and basic greetings are all covered. Learn-Croatian.com is another good tool for picking up enough to make due and offers a number of links to help those interested in learning further. As always two of my personal language learning fav’s include the BBC Quick Fix Guide to Croatian with audio for download and LP’s pocket sized Croatian phrasebook.

Past Croatian words: kolodvor, more, ime, putovnica

Word for the Travel Wise (12/09/06)

Lose one of these on your vacation in Croatia and you’ll be worried sick. Save yourself some trouble by knowing the word in Croatian though I’m sure they’ll understand very well from your distress in the English lang.

Today’s word is a Croatian word used in Croatia:

putovnica – pronounced (poo-tov-nee-tsa) passport

Falling under the western group of south Slavic languages, the Croatian language is used primarily by the Croats and is written in the Croatian alphabet. Croatian is an official language of Croatia as well as Bosnia and Burgenland (Austria). Wiki is the perfect starting point to learn all the background notes on the language as well as an example of the language as found in The Lord’s Prayer. This Hrvatski jezik website has a few lists of useful words and phrases for the traveler looking to get by in the country. Things like days of the week, shopping, sightseeing, customs, and basic greetings are all covered. Learn-Croatian.com is another good tool for picking up enough to make due and offers a number of links to help those interested in learning further. As always two of my personal language learning fav’s include the BBC Quick Fix Guide to Croatian with audio for download and LP’s pocket sized Croatian phrasebook.

Past Croatian words: kolodvor, more, ime

Word for the Travel Wise (11/23/06)


Today marks the day of my all-time favorite holiday where year-long stories are exchanged with family and friends over warm plates of turkey, ham, stuffing, and veggies. As people from all corners of the country either relax in the comfort of their own homes or dine out at some fabulous restaurant there will be many toasts, cheers and wishes for good-health over their good meal. It is for this very occasion that I pass this small fruit of knowledge your way to whoever may be reading at this hour.

Today I leave you with various ways to say Bon appetit!

  • Croatian – Dobar tek!
  • German – Guten appetit!
  • Hebrew – Bete’avon!
  • Hungarian – Jó étvágyat!
  • Korean – Mani deuseyo!
  • Persian – Noosh-e jan!
  • Polish – Smacznego!

For a complete list as found on the New York Public Library site in their World Languages Collection follow the link found here. Happy Thanksgiving all!