Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider painting the gorgeous city walls of Dubrovnik, learning the kolo (a Croatian folk dance), or baking and decorating licitar hearts!
Need more inspiration? Check out these virtual tours of Zagreb’s museums and these drone views of Plitvice lakes.
Pick a film or show
Watch a movie or TV show that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Croatia include:
- Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) – Watch out for the scenes on planet Cantonica
- Mama Mia 2 (2018) – Although the film takes place on the Greek Island of Skopelos, it was filmed in Vis, Croatia!
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019) – Look for King’s Landing, Meereen, the House of the Undying, and more
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Study the breakup of Yugoslavia, ancient Roman emperors who ruled from Dalmatia, or the legacy of Tito. Then, tour some of Split’s ancient history and modern marvels with this video.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- Running Away to Home by Jennifer Wilson
- The Hotel Tito by Ivana Bodrožić
- Under a Croatian Sun by Anthony Stancomb
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try fritule (Croatian mini doughnuts), pašticada (beef stew), or zagorski štrukli (a sweet or salty pastry).
Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
Diocletian’s Palace in the city of Split was built in the 4th century AD. The palace is made up of two identical levels, and the bottom level was designed to flood every high tide and give Diocletian an escape route!
Bonus fact: Egg whites were used to create the walls and ceilings of the palace!