The Journal

Our Blog: Croatia Travel Tips

Honest, practical and occasionally funny notes about life and travel in Croatia, from a Canadian-Croatian family in Zagreb.

8 March 2020

Best Short-Term, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans for Croatia Travel

Here I’ll walk you through the top providers in Croatia and their short term, prepaid plans that you can sign up for once you get…

27 February 2020

Zagreb’s Top Things to See & Do (With Costs & Working Hours)

If you find yourself in Zagreb and you have some time to explore, here is a list of things we recommend checking out! They’re all…

24 February 2020

25 Strange Things Croatians Do (And Would NEVER Do)!

Croatians definitely have their fair share of rules, habits, beliefs and superstitions, and I’m here to outline the ones I’ve…

22 February 2020

A List of the Most Dangerous Animals & Wildlife in Croatia

Croatia is home to many wild animals (including snakes, bears, sharks and scorpions to name a few). Here I have put together a…

16 February 2020

Top 15 Nudist & Naturist Beaches in Croatia (With a Map)

Looking for nudist or naturist beaches in Croatia where you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy the day freely? Here is a list of the…

14 February 2020

15 Places in Croatia You’ve Probably Never Heard Of!

There is so much more to Croatia than Dubrovnik, Hvar and Plitvice Lakes! Here are some hidden gems that are off the beaten path…

7 February 2020

10 Reasons Croatian Weddings are Better Than the Rest!

Croatians really know how to celebrate, especially when it comes to two people joining their lives in marriage. Their weddings…

4 February 2020

50 Insanely Spectacular Photos of Croatia: Start Packing!

Here are 50 of the most sensational photos from all over Croatia, capturing the country's most beautiful and iconic views! From…

31 January 2020

My Kids Don’t Speak English: Raising Bilinguals is Tough!

Raising bilingual children has been a struggle: one I didn’t expect. I thought that just because I’m a native English speaker, my…

20 January 2020

Best 5* Star Hotels in Split, Croatia + Notable 4* Choices

Planning a luxurious trip to Split, Croatia and want the best of the best for hotels? Here are my top recommendations for 5 star…

15 January 2020

Top 10 Food Festivals in Croatia: Truffles, Pie, Fish & More

Are you a food lover looking for a delicious experience in Croatia? If so, you’ve come to the right place, as Croatia is home to…

9 January 2020

Best 5* Star Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik for 2020

Best 5* Star Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik for 2020 If you’re looking for luxurious 5 star hotels in Dubrovnik, you’ve come to the…

5 January 2020

Luxury 5* Star Hotel in Hvar, Croatia

Looking for a luxurious island stay in Hvar, Croatia? There is now a 5-star, luxury hotel that was recently renovated and…

4 January 2020

Croatia’s Best 20 Beaches: Sandy, Pebbly & Hidden Gems

Looking for the best beaches in Croatia for your upcoming holiday? I’ve put together a list of the top 20 beaches, which include…

4 January 2020

Top 10 Music Festivals in Croatia, 2020 (with dates & costs)

Here is a list of the top 10 music festivals in Croatia this year! Some are already quite well known, and others are still fairly…

28 December 2019

Emergency Numbers in Croatia: Stay Safe & Know Who to Call

Emergency contact numbers are important to have handy when you travel in Croatia or any foreign country. Hopefully you won’t need…

28 December 2019

Is Croatia in the Schengen Zone / Area?

Many people have asked us if Croatia is in the Schengen Area or Zone now, since it’s an official member of the European Union…

23 December 2019

What Croatians Eat for Breakfast: A Vegetarian’s Nightmare!

What do people eat for breakfast in Croatia? Croatians like a hearty meal to start the day, and having spent many breakfasts with…

16 December 2019

A Guide to Zagreb’s Best Craft Beer: The Top 6 Breweries

Craft beer is definitely gaining popularity in Croatia, but which ones are out there, and where are they located? Well, Sarah and…

3 December 2019

Croatian Culture, Etiquette & Social Norms: A Complete Guide

What are typical Croatian social norms and etiquette? What should and shouldn’t you do when you’re invited to someone’s house or…

Your hosts

Meet Sarah & Ivan

Ivan and Sarah Ćosić, owners of Royal Croatian Tours — **Ivan & Sarah Ćosić**Local Croatian & Canadian expat

We are the husband and wife team that own and operate Royal Croatian Tours. Ivan is a local Croatian, born and raised, with connections all over the country. Sarah moved from Toronto to Croatia in 2012 and personally looks after every guest, from the first email to the end of the trip.