1.Check the weather before flying out to Croatia as temperatures can really soar to 40 Celsius. So shades, hats n sun block are essential. Sometimes, the temperatures drop at night so a light cardigan or shawl may also be needed.

2.The Game of Thrones (GoT) tour which is a 2-3 hour experiential journey is a must for all GoT fans and it’s important to know that there is a bit of climbing of the fortress steps. So comfortable shoes/sandals is important. Take tours early in the morning before 12 noon or at 5 pm when it’s a lot cooler. Head for the beach to cool off in the water between 12-4 pm as it’s a good 10 degrees cooler. The tour guides take you to where most of the scenes have been shot in Dubrovnik (old Town). These include sites from the King’s Landing, the ‘Walk of Shame’, St. Dominic’s Street where most market scenes were shot, the Ploče Gate where Cercei passes through for her ‘Walk of Shame’, the doorway featured where the gold cloaks go into the city to murder all of Robert Baratheon’s bastard children, or visit Lokrum (a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik) where Daenerys Targaryen was welcomed to Qarth and many more such places.

3.A must while visiting Dubrovnik (which received the UNESCO World Heritage status 35 years ago) is a cruise along the Dalmatian coast. Either rent a boat or join others on a galleon dinner cruise. One of the most spectacular sights you can witness is along the coast with its red terra cotta roof tops, stunning islands, azure waters and beautiful beaches.

4.Try out the wonderful local cuisine including oyster salads, fried or grilled calamari and the vast variety of fish. A lot of the local cuisine is based on Italian food such as Pizzas and pasta, but try the authentic Croatian dishes such as Brodetto (fish stew), Buzara (a simple dish of mussels), Fritule (dessert pastry) or their burek (pastry filled with cheese or spinach) which is also delicious for breakfast.

5.You should purchase the wonderful local handicrafts, lavender sachets, olive oil, sheep’s cheese, jams, Rakija (home-made brandy), Croatian wine, jewelry, leather, linen and crocheted products.

Photo credits: Banner Left: absolute-croatia.com; Banner Center: lonelyplanet.com; Banner Right: Buzara – camping-simuni.hr

1.Check the weather before flying out to Croatia as temperatures can really soar to 40 Celsius. So shades, hats n sun block are essential. Sometimes, the temperatures drop at night so a light cardigan or shawl may also be needed.