Dreamworthy Destinations

Croatia

Croatia

Nestled between Central Europe and the Balkans, with the warm Adriatic Sea lapping at its shores, and thousands of islands strewn up and down its glimmering coast make Croatia one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in this part of the world. While it’s often not at the forefront of most travelers’ minds when they’re planning a trip to Europe, Croatia was one of the most strategic countries during the Roman and later, Medieval era. Once home to the mighty Diocletian Roman Emperor, history buffs delight at the sheer volume of sites and ruins to explore. The laid-back vibe of port centers like Dubrovnik and Split offer cozy cafes, endless cobble-stone alleys to wander, chic boutiques, and the remnants of emperors and all of their finery. For nature enthusiasts, a fantastic network of national parks boasts lakes, mountain treks with breathtaking views, and stunning river systems.

Best Time to Visit

Between the months of May and June, visitors can be blessed with 12-hour stretches of sunshine every day. Between June and September, this is when the temperatures are the highest, with an average of 68°F and 88°F, perfect beach, sailing, and snorkeling weather. Note, this is also the busiest time of year for crowds. Consider visiting April, May and October to enjoy lighter crowds, and fair weather. During the weather months (November to March) Split and Zagreb are wonderful to explore, though expect to find many restaurants and hotels shuttered for renovations or updates.

Highly Recommended Experiences:

Explore the Plitvice Lakes, a stunning chain of limestone lakes brimming with crystalline waters
Gather where the fairies once did at Ruzica Grad, the largest castle in Slavonia in Croatia at an impressive 86,000 square feet and dating back to 1357
Go Island hopping or sailing on a private charter and explore the beautiful coastline and hidden beaches
Take a walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik (and for Game of Thrones fans, enjoy a filming location tour)
Visit the spectacular Blue Cave of Bisevo - Stories have been passed down since ancient times, and the cave is best admired between 11 am and 12 pm to fully appreciate the deep blue hues
Explore Diocletian’s Palace - The Roman Emperor’s impressive 4th century home is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Old Town of Split

Italy

Italy

When you think of Italy images of pasta, art, and gelato may come to mind. All of this awaits, and so much more. For whatever type of traveler you are, Italy has something for the type of explorer you are. For the art lovers, when you wander through the Renaissance era art and architecture of Florence you will see artwork you normally read in books or see in photos. Italy is renowned for the foodie lovers in all of us, soak up the local culture while indulging in freshly made pasta and desserts. And Italy is for those wishing to immerse themselves in Italian culture from exploring Venice via gondola, scoring a well made leather product at a market, or learning a new cooking technique to impress your friends and family back home. Italy is one of the jewels of Europe and is one of the most exciting destinations in Southern Europe, and if it hasn’t been on your bucket list, let me show you why it should be.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to head to Italy is between the months of May to October. This is the most popular time to visit Europe and especially Italy. During the summer season, you will find crowds of visitors so it is very important to plan ahead when visiting some of the popular sights. Personally, we believe the very best time to visit Italy is August to October when temperatures start to cool down and the crowds begin to taper off.

Highly Recommended Experiences:

Explore the spectacular coastline of Cinque Terre by hitting the hiking trails between the towns
Indulge your inner fashionista with a week-long shopping spree exploring one of the four fashion capitals of the world, Milan
Travel back in time to the Renaissance era and explore the masterpieces of art and architecture in the wonderful museums and sights in Florence
Walk through a lemon scented grove before taking a class to create your own limoncello
Spend a romantic interlude while sailing the waters of Lake Como in the summer
Explore the different Italian wine regions and learn (and taste test) the over 350 official wine varieties

Jamaica

Jamaica

Most travelers don’t see past the Caribbean’s turquoise waters, glimmering beaches, and myriad laid-back island cultures, but there is so much more than palm-fringed and rowdy beach parties that await you. Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae, an unmistakable blend of ska, calypso, and African beats that are undeniably distinct. It’s a rhythm that permeates the culture, and you’ll hear it played with pride, everywhere you go. Unlike the Caymans, Bahamas, and Turks & Caicos, Jamaica is lush, mountainous, and diverse. The Blue Mountains offer a cool respite in the shoulder season, and its three dozen waterfalls across the island provide a perfect escape for travelers seeking privacy in nature. Looking for lively fun? Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril are all hot spots for jumping beach shacks, chic bars, dance-til-dawn soirees, and all of the delicious jerk and Jamaican dishes you can handle.

Best Time to Visit

Jamaica is the perfect winter escape! If you need a quick break before the crazy Christmas season, November to early December can be a great time to head down. This is the official end of hurricane season, restaurants and hotels have flung their doors open, and the crowds haven’t yet arrived in droves. The middle of December to the end of March is when the island is the busiest. And if you want a little pre-summer getaway, late April towards mid-May becomes quiet again.

Highly Recommended Experiences:

Explore the Green Grotto Caves, a complex cave system, that was once a place where the Spaniards hid from the English in the 1700s
Bring your beach towel, your Kindle, and sunscreen to Doctor’s Cave Beach considered a ‘Top 5 Favorite Beach’ on the island
Step onto a bamboo raft and go for a float down the world-famous Rio Grande River
Once a safe haven for Jamaica’s indigenous Taino peoples, Blue John Crow Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with lush coffee plantations, spectacular bird species, and pristine waterfalls
Go on a taste n’ tour of the Appleton Estate, home of some of the finest and most famous rum in the Caribbean
Take a swim in Luminous Lagoon, one of only four places in the world where Microorganisms called dinoflagellates, gather and create a spectacular, luminescent display every night

Thailand

How long have you been waiting to visit ‘The Land of Smiles?’ If there has ever been a time to start planning a trip to one of the most beautiful, exciting, relaxing, and fascinating destinations, this slice of heaven in Southeast Asia will easily tick off every box. Thailand is one of the few destinations where luxury is still relatively inexpensive, and there aren’t enough days in the year to run out of things to do, see, or experience. From Bangkok’s iconic Floating Market and spectacular Grand Palace to the scattering of 300, jewel-like islands in the south, to the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the far north, Thailand is a destination so diverse, with so many options, it requires careful planning. With over 40,000 temples, more than 2,000 miles of gorgeous coastline, six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a culture that is both rooted in antiquity, yet straddles modernity, it might be time to start thinking about what you want to do and see when you visit this beautiful country.

Best Time to Visit

You’ll want to make your way to Thailand during the dry season, which also happens to be the coolest time of year - November through to early April provides a nice window of time to plan a trip. The temperatures hover somewhere between 28°C to 33°C, but this will vary depending on where you are in the country. Temperatures in the north in Hill Country are much cooler, whereas the southern region can be quite hot. On the eastern coast of Thailand, the weather can be relatively stable all year.

Highly Recommended Experiences:

Take a traditional Thai cooking class in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province and sitting at the confluence of Myanmar and Laos
Explore the Night Markets of Chiang Mai and buy handmade souvenirs made by local Hill Tribes
Go island hopping in the Andaman Sea - You’ll feel like you’re floating on glass and get to lounge on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Take a Food Market tour in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Chiang Rai - Try dishes like Pad Thai, Khao Soi (a spicy northern noodle-based curry), and Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn (delicious coconut seafood curry)
Visit Sukhothai, the original capital of 13th century Thailand and home to a stunning temple complex with nearly 200 buildings
Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and a 360-degree view of sunset at one of Bangkok’s most prestigious rooftop bars