When traveling, it can be tempting to fall into a typical routine — go to this city, eat at this restaurant, and talk with the same people you see daily. However, people are tired of following suit and want to encounter authentic experiences. In fact, so many people are shifting from the norm that 2018 is known as the year of these unique travel trends.

Solo or No?

When traveling, most people prefer to spend their trip with someone. Usually, this is family, friends, or a significant other. Yet, the era of the travel companion may soon be over, as one of the big trends of 2018 is solo travel. Although traveling by yourself is not everyone’s ideal vacation, it can provide new experiences that you would not have on your own. For example, you may be more inclined to speak to locals, rather than retreating to your group. You also would not be limited by others’ preferences, which can open the door to adventures, sights, and, of course, food that you never would have tried. It’s no wonder that people are traveling solo; it’s the perfect opportunity to cater specifically to your interests.

The New Old Transportation

Another big trend that has taken off is traveling by train. People in Europe do this frequently when traveling between countries, but other continents are taking interest, as well. With airport security at an all-time high, it may be more convenient to take a train to your destination, especially if you plan on stopping in a few places. Another benefit of traveling by train is an increased amount of room. We’ve all heard that airlines are restricting legroom each year, but trains still maintain a fairly large capacity without sacrificing personal comfort. Finally, trains may not provide the most interesting experience, but it can be fun to watch the sights you pass on the way to your stop.

Undiscovered Destinations

Every year, it seems another attraction has become overrun with tourists. Instead of wading through the sea of people you could find at home, try following another 2018 trend: traveling to unfamiliar places. There are dozens of countries throughout several continents that rarely see outside tourism. Furthermore, within many popular countries, there are usually areas tourists stay away from. Why not explore a bit further than most? These undiscovered areas often come with some of the best hospitality, as well as a truly immersive experience. You will eat like a native, live like a native, and may not see a person from your country the entire time. It may sound nerve-wracking, but afterward, you will be amazed at how much you learned.

2018 has been a year full of surprises, but these travel trends were a long time coming. Even if you aren’t one to follow trends, try giving these a try. You will certainly have a unique experience and a great story to tell.

Traveling is one of my biggest passions, and many people can relate. It is exciting to see the world, meet the locals, and taste new cuisines. Although so many of us love traveling, there are certain countries people tend to travel to most. While these countries have merit, so many others are left mostly undiscovered. To bring some light to the places more people could visit, I’m starting a series called Undiscovered Countries. Today, I’m going to dive into what you should know if you are interested in visiting Croatia.

General Info

Croatia is a swooping country, found on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Croatia, the national language is Croatian, while Serbian, Italian, French, and many other regional languages are minority languages. The currency is the Kuna, and 1 AUD equals roughly 4.61 Kuna.

What can I do in Croatia?

Croatia boasts over 1,000 islands, which many tourists love exploring. The Adriatic Sea is a great place for sailing, so all tourists should make a stop by the coast. The country also contains rich scenery, including seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Of course, you can also visit the numerous small towns throughout the country, and make a stop in the capital, Zagreb. Here, you can visit farmers’ markets, spend an afternoon in a local coffee shop, or explore one of many museums.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Croatian food varies greatly, as the country is divided into several regions. However, if you travel throughout the country, these are three dishes you must try:

• Black risotto (crni rizot) is often known in other countries as squid-ink risotto. It’s a Croatian specialty, and comes with several kinds of seafood mixed in. Make sure to eat this dish near the coast, as the seafood will be fresh.
• Manestra, a bean soup, is a common dish in Istria, and a must-try for foreigners. This soup contains a garlic-pancetta-parsley paste, as well as cured meats. It’s a unique flavor that you don’t often find, so make sure to keep it on your list.
• Rozata may seem familiar to those who love Central American cuisine. Rozata is Croatia’s version of flan, and it looks nearly identical. Still, there is no way you can go wrong with this sweet treat, so make sure to try it at least once.

I’m sold. How do I get to Croatia?

Flights directly to Croatia can be expensive, if you can even find them. Instead, consider flying into a major Western European city and taking a train or a short flight to Croatia. If you are hoping to stop in some other countries, this is a great way to make sure you do so. Once you arrive in Croatia you will never want to leave.

There are tons of countries around the world, and most people will only see a handful in their lives. If you’re looking to break from that mold and adventure into new territory, why not start with Croatia?

Many people see traveling as a simple vacation from the drudgery of their lives. Traveling can provide so many invaluable skills and lessons that will not only make your life better but will make you a better person.

A Lesson In Patience

Impatience is often considered the cornerstone of youth. Maturing through adulthood to a ripe age is the most common way to temper impatience, but traveling can begin the process much sooner. There are many things that can go wrong during travel such as lost items, delays, crowds, cancellations, and language barriers. The more you expose yourself to annoying situations, the more chances you have to train your mind to not react in an impulsive, impatient manner. Traveling helps you to learn how to remain calm and relax during moments where you have no power to change the situation.

Acquiring Worldly Knowledge

While textbooks and the internet can provide you with a plethora of information at your fingertips, it’s quite another experience to travel to a different country to acquire the knowledge from its origin. Traveling will allow you to visit historic sites, view relics from ancient civilizations, go on tours of places you’ve only read about, and speak with people who have lived an entirely different life than you. Knowledge used to be passed down verbally by the elders of families and tribes since human beings tend to retain information more effectively through verbal communication. This is still an effective way to acquire worldly knowledge.

Conquer Your Fears

Fear is one of the main reasons that people refrain from doing something that seems interesting or exciting. The basis behind these fears can be a multitude of things such as a fear of change, a fear of failure, a fear of the unknown, or even a fear of traveling. Yes, some people are afraid of the certain modes of travel such as flying. The only way to conquer your fears is to face them and overcome them. Traveling can provide this important life lesson by helping you to build your confidence. The best way to build your confidence is to push yourself to do something you never thought you could do or were too afraid to do. Once you’ve emerged from that confrontation safely, you’ll be blessed with a renewed sense of confidence in yourself as you slowly conquer the fears that have been holding you back.