The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

John Telford

When is the Best Time to Visit Croatia? A Helpful Guide

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About 18.5 million people head to Croatia each year. These tourists spend a total of 102 million overnight stays.

If you want to visit this beautiful country, you need to know when the best time to visit is. This will help you make the most of your trip.

Use this guide to figure out the best time to visit Croatia.

Weather 

If you want the best weather for your trip, then plan to go between April and September. It starts warming up in April, though it’s still too cool to swim.

Spring rains are also frequent. By May and June, the weather is at its warmest, and the days are the longest. September still has warm temperatures, but it won’t be as sweltering as July or August.

Cost 

You’ll experience the highest prices in July and August. It’s not unusual to find room rates double the cost of what they are in the offseason. Your food and train costs should remain steady, though.

If you’re hoping to save but still want warm weather, try for April, May, and September. This will put you on the fringe of the tourist season.

Tourist Crowds 

If you travel to Croatia in September through April, then you’ll experience minimal crowding. This is the offseason.

Knowing where to travel in Croatia can help you avoid the heaviest crowds in July and August. The coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik experience the heaviest crowding as tourists and locals head to the shore. You can avoid a bit of the crowding during this time by heading more inland.

Cultural Events 

Cultural events happen year-round in Croatia, but the biggest festivals and public celebrations happen between April and August. You could attend the Contemporary Music Festival in April to kick the season off.

There’s a film festival in May that brings in filmmakers from all over the world. In June there’s the Pop Music Festival. July hosts a month-long Summer Music Festival. There are nightly concerts and outdoor performances for you to attend.

There are also several food, wine, and art festivals that happen throughout the country in the summer months.

Outdoor Activities

May and June are the best time to visit Croatia for outdoor activities. This is when the weather is warm, and the spring rains have subsided. The Adriatic waters are perfect for diving, swimming, waterskiing, and sailing.

There are eight national parks full of hiking forest trails for you to explore.

Choose the Best Time to Visit Croatia

The best time to visit Croatia will depend on what you want to do, where you want to go, and the budget you’re working with. If you’re going to spend your time by the coast or doing outdoor activities, then the warmest months are the ideal time.

However, if saving money or avoiding crowds is more important, then visiting in spring or fall is a better option.

Check out the Europe section of our blog for more helpful articles on planning your next trip.

Don’t let the car rental ruin your vacation

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Mileage, access to the airport, insurance and the model of the car are variants that determine the payment you will make; do not sign without first understanding everything related to the rental.

When it comes to vacationing, the concept may vary from person to person, as there are those who prefer to stay in a place with many services to avoid leaving it and there are those who prefer to venture to know several places in the area; if you prefer the latter option may be more convenient to rent a car. In order not to ruin your vacation, you should know key points about this service, find out.

When traveling, it can be more practical and economical to rent a car than to take several taxis or use some public transportation, especially if you want to visit places that are in remote locations; however, if you do not compare properly, it can be counterproductive, because monitoring the offer allows you to save up to 50 percent.

The type of car you want to rent, the levels of fares at the time of hire and the additional charges that may be applied, such as insurance or airport access fees, make a big difference between what the service can cost from one establishment to another, the agency said.

As for which car to rent, it is not very accurate to look for a particular model, since companies usually offer different brands; it is more convenient to base it on the type of car you need (sub-compact or economic, compact, medium or minivan), this will depend on how many people are traveling and the amount of luggage you will carry.

Special sections

The car rental Cancun City Car Rental emphasized that almost all companies have special sections for their online promotions, if the company is serious and prestigious, the promotions will be real and very convenient for you, so it advised to exploit this tool, with which you can book in advance.

The car rental companies generally include in the total payment the cost of some type of insurance that covers the vehicle in eventualities or accidents derived from its circulation. These insurances are differentiated by the degree of coverage they offer; the most common are: limited coverage, which covers some risks, such as total theft, civil liability for damages to third parties and medical expenses to occupants; wide coverage, which in addition to contemplating the three previous risks, covers material damages to the vehicle caused by natural causes and collisions, and additional coverage, which are risks covered independently, such as theft or damage to special equipment, accidental death of the driver or legal assistance.

Avis explained that each company in the sector handles its own terminology and conditions, so he advised you to ask if the rental rate includes insurance against damage to third parties; if in case of accident you will have to pay for something and how much it would be, and if the insurance you hired includes rear-view mirrors, windshield or tires.

He clarified that no insurance is valid if the car is driven on unpaved ground and that such policies do not cover fines or towing costs if needed.

Profeco reminded the importance of booking your rental before, since, in general, rates increase significantly on holidays; furthermore, she highlighted that car rentals in Cancun show an important difference if the vehicle is rented on weekdays and not on weekends.

He pointed out that there are extra charges that companies can handle, such as access to the airport, leaving the car at another dealership different from where you took it, extra mileage, etc.; however, beyond these additional charges, it is important to compare the total payment in several rental companies in the town you visit, because the differences for the same type of car in all cities are significant.

Avis explained that small car rental companies usually offer cheaper rates because they don’t have to cover the operating costs that airports charge, which is why companies at airports usually have higher costs, but offer the benefit of saving time.

What the law requires of them

It’s a good idea to book, as car rental rates work very much like those of airlines: the longer you wait for your trip, the cheaper they are.

When you use a cancun airport car rental with City Car Rental, you may incur charges that are not contemplated, such as additional or underage drivers, airport access fees, etc. Ask for them.

Be careful and verify the existence or reliability of any company that offers rates that are too low.

Always check all requirements, these vary between companies.

You may want to pre-pay online. Some companies offer discounts if you pre-pay; this also allows you to control your spending and insure your car; it is advisable in high season, as rates may be higher when you arrive at your destination.

Most companies do not include the cost of gas in their rates. Preferably, return the car with a full tank of gas (or as delivered); otherwise, the company will charge you the difference at a price that may be higher than at a gas station.

Check that the car is in perfect condition; any anomaly must be indicated in the contract before leaving the lot. Also make sure the vehicle has a spare tire and tools.

Do not hire a company that refuses to provide you with insurance information or any other specific information.

Find out if the company has emergency roadside service and if they have a phone number in case you need help.

Make sure you understand the contract and what the insurance coverage is. If you rent a car abroad, use a reputable company that has a Spanish-speaking customer service department, someone who understands your language and can support you if you need it.

6 Reasons to Explore Africa This Summer

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Choosing a destination for your summer holiday is never easy, especially when everyone wants to experience something different from the trip. Usually, this results in you booking a hotel in a resort that offers something for everyone, from the beach and pools to entertainment, and of course, the option to explore the destination a bit more. However, if you are becoming bored with the same old routine when it comes to holidays, and want to experience something new, then here are 6 reasons to explore Africa this summer.

1. It’s family-friendly

No matter the age of your children, Africa makes for the perfect destination for a family holiday. The accommodation available is perfectly suited for children, and the attractions and sights will be able to captivate their young minds. The kind-natured locals will be more than happy to recommend places to go and things to see and help your little ones make the most of their time in Africa.

2. It offers different experiences

The great thing about Africa is that it offers so much, from bustling capital cities to luxurious safaris and stunning landscapes. With a wide variety of travel tours offered by Boss Travel, you can explore Africa the way you want to. If you are after something perfect for the entire family, then check out the Family Tour of Kenya, but if you are keen to experience Africa with luxury in mind, then the Micato Grand Safari is ideal.

3. Wildlife

Africa is home to many well-known species of animal that can all be seen up close, surrounded by stunning scenery on a safari. However, the best thing about Africa is that you are never too far from wildlife, even in the city. Spot the brave zebras at the edge of the busy cities, and keep an eye out for the whales that can be seen while exploring Africa via a coastal walk.

4. It offers perfect weather

Most destinations can offer great weather, but it is never a guarantee. However, Africa has, on average, 300 days of sunshine each and every year. This kind of reassurance of good weather is what attracts many people.

5. The unspoiled sights and attractions you can behold

If you’re after unspoiled sights that leave you a little breathless, then Africa is the place to go. Check out Victoria Falls in Zambia, and even take a dip in the pools at the side of the falls to cool down, or explore the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, which is the world’s largest unspoiled dry volcanic caldera. Better yet, experience the thrill of watching thousands of wildebeest and zebra embark on the journey to find new living quarters – a natural event that occurs every year before the changing seasons. You will be amazed at the sight before you.

6. The beaches

Unlike beaches in popular holiday resorts, the beaches in Africa offer a totally different experience of peace and quiet. With warm crystal-clear waters crashing gently against the white sand, you can relax on the beach as the kids swim with dolphins. Not only this, but the calm waters on the coastal beaches make it the perfect destination for snorkeling.

Africa truly is a place of wonder that will stay with you forever. It will provide you with a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you wanting more.

Hola! Bonjour! 9 Key Benefits to Studying Foreign Languages

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Around 75% of Americans can only speak one language.

This is a tragedy considering the many benefits that we can gain from studying foreign languages.

Are you considering learning a new language? No matter whether you choose Spanish, Dutch, Swahili, or Mandarin, you’ll find there are many good reasons to!

In this article, we’ll look at just a few of the top benefits that come when studying foreign languages. We guarantee you’ll be reaching for your textbooks in no time.

1. Improve Your Memory

If you find that you forget basic things on a daily basis, then learning a language could be the answer for you. But sadly, only 7% of American students are enrolled in a foreign language class.

When we learn a language, our brain function is improved which means we remember more and more!

Furthermore, it doesn’t matter where you start your language learning journey for you to see these benefits. No matter whether you’re a novice or picking up a language you knew as a kid, you’ll be aiding your brain.

2. Delay the Onset of Dementia or Alzheimers 

Currently, it’s expected that a third of Americans will die with dementia. It may sound completely unbelievable but by learning a second language, you will delay the onset of illnesses such as dementia.

Researchers believe that this works by keeping your brain engaged. As with any muscle, if you don’t use your brain power, you’ll slowly lose it. But, there are many aspects to learning a language that engage different parts of your brain.

Start by picking up a language textbook or download an app such as Duolingo to boost your brain health. With just a few minutes of listening, reading, or writing per day, you’ll be on your way to warding off brain illnesses.

3. Impress Future Employers

You don’t need to be fluent in a second language to impress an employer. Proving that you’re spending your free time learning a language will show that you’re hardworking, committed, and interested in other cultures.

However, if you are fluent in another language, then there are many companies that hire polyglots too.

For example, Netflix requires employees who can translate text or write subtitles. Alternatively, you could become a digital nomad and travel while teaching languages online.

Furthermore, by speaking more than one language, you will likely earn up to 20% more than your monolingual coworkers.

4. Make New Friends

Surely, one of the best reasons to learn a language is to converse with people while you’re abroad. Think of all the new friends you will make now that you can understand each other.

Perhaps you want to learn a second language to engage with someone who recently moved into your neighborhood? You’ll brighten up their day and improve your own life too!

There are hundreds of benefits to making new friends including increasing your feelings of belonging and boosting your confidence. Friends also help us reduce our stress levels!

5. Develop Confidence while Traveling

Is there anything more exhilarating than being outside of your comfort zone? Traveling is one of the best ways to do this!

Not knowing where you’ll eat your next meal, where you’ll rest at the end of the day, or who you’ll meet along the way is exciting.

But, sometimes it can be difficult to travel and not know any local language basics. If it has always been your dream to travel around South America, then make sure you start learning Spanish a few months in advance.

Check out this course to boost your language skills and make traveling easier!

6. New Respect for Other Cultures

It can be easy to see the way others behave as foreign or strange. When we develop language skills, we also gain respect for different cultures.

Therefore, by learning languages, you’re broadening your mind, becoming more tolerant, and going beyond the horizons of your local town.

While you’re learning, why not read books by famous authors in the language they were written in? This is one of the best ways to learn about a new culture and way of life.

7. Increase Your Creativity

Are you stuck in a creative rut? Instead of sitting in front of your computer or notepad for hours on end trying to create something new, take a break and learn a few foreign words. By doing this, you’re boosting your brain activity.

Over time, you’ll increase your creative capacity and find that it’s easier to enter a creative mindset. Famous polyglots include Hemingway, Mark Zuckerberg, Bradley Cooper, and Will Smith.

Furthermore, you’ll notice that other aspects of your life improve as you deal with problems in a more creative way!

8. Your First Langauge will Improve

Surprisingly, by learning a second language, you will improve your skills in your mother tongue. Not only will your vocabulary knowledge expand significantly but you’ll notice interesting links between your own language and your second language.

Learning will also raise your intelligence levels! Perhaps this is because you’re forced to think deeply about grammar rules and word meanings.

9. Become a Better Multitasker 

Do you struggle with multitasking? Those who can switch between multiple languages are much better multitaskers than their monolingual friends.

As a result, if you’re always being told by family that you’re terrible at juggling tasks, start learning a language!

Studying Foreign Languages is Fun

It can be all too easy to give up while studying foreign languages. Set yourself achievable goals and try to practice for around 15 minutes per day.

In absolutely no time, you’ll find that you are able to have a conversation in your second language. They say you’re truly on your way to fluency when you start to dream in your second language too!

Have you found this article interesting? Check out the rest of the website for similar content!

4 Must-Visit Islands While Touring Mexico

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Are you planning a vacation for the much-needed get away from your busy to reconnect with your family, friends, and inner self? Well, among the top considerations while thinking of a vacation is the destination.  Choosing a destination can break or make your vacation quests, stressing the need to evaluate what it offers before making the final decision. From the goose bumps of spotting incredible scenery, a day with nature, the adrenaline rush from thrilling activities, to relaxed experience as you take in a spectacular sunset/rise, not to mention lazy strolls on sandy beaches, you need to ensure that a destination can cater to your needs. The good news, however, is that with insights from a resourceful travel blog, you find inspirational materials to pick an ideal destination, plan the itinerary, and get the most out of your vacation.

While choosing a vacation destination, Mexico can hardly skip your eye. With breathtaking sceneries, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, your vacation endeavors in Mexico will be nothing short of memorable. With over 5000 mi coastline averaging close to a 100 Islands, your tour in Mexico can’t be complete without touring some of the idyllic islands. While planning your Mexico tour itinerary, here is a look at the top Islands you need to include for a memorable experience.

Isla Holbox

Have you been dying to explore virgin beaches? Well, your dreams are about to come true; Isla Holbox has yet to be fully explored, and with most of its land in Yum Balam Natural Reserve being undeveloped, your exploration will be more than exciting. Don’t, however, wait too long as the word is out and spreading fast, and before long, this haven will be flooding with tourists across the globe. With pleasant weather, soft beaches, and gentle breezes, your two hours drive followed a ferry ride will be more than satisfactory as you sample local cuisine from small boutique hotels, relax in wooden beach bars, or follow the popular hammocks trend stretched over the waters.

Isla Mujeres

Located off Cancun’s coast, the small and quiet island is a low-key destination whose popularity has rapidly grown. Isla Mujeres is a fantastic destination ideal for snorkeling and relaxed beach experience. While the island is home to a small fishing community, its history is inspiring, having been an ancient Maya religious site. While touring the island during summer, your visit will be kicked a notch higher by interacting with whale sharks, the large and tender giants that swim in the warm waters. The unspoiled haven is an excellent destination as you can also taste local cuisines from the local hotels and seaside restaurants as you take in the stunning beaches’ experience.

Isla Marietas

Located off the coast of the state of Nayarit, and known for its “hidden” keyhole crater opening to a majestic white-sand beach with turquoise waters when the tides are low, the uninhabited Islas Marietas is among the must-visit islands while touring Mexico. With active conservation efforts, the islands, ones used as a test site for the Mexican military, prides of rich biodiversity, marine life, and bird population that will quench your tour goals. Among the exciting things, apart from relaxing on the beach, is spotting incredible animals, including dolphins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and whales (mostly during winter months), among others.

Cozumel

The Caribbean island is a haven for divers. With its warm, crystal clear waters, marine life, and stunning white sand beach, Cozumel is surrounded by the world’s second-largest coral reef system, Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, providing an excellent diving experience. The island is quite developed, with a range of large resorts to quench your tour needs, including a taste of the local cuisine.

Islands have a unique appeal. While touring Mexico, on a romantic getaway, a family tour, or an all-out thrilling adventure, you can easily find an island packed with amazing features to satisfy your quests. If you need more inspiring travel stories and photographs to plan your next tours, explore apenoni.com for an extensive reach.