As a travel manager and travel agent in Chermside, I spend a lot of my time helping people plan their holidays.

So when I get the chance to put the desk work aside and head off on an adventure of my own, I make the most of it.

Recently, I spent two weeks travelling through Turkey and Croatia, exploring historic cities, cruising the Dalmatian Coast and discovering some beautiful Croatian islands along the way.

And after 20 hours in the air, you might think the first thing I wanted to do when I arrived in Istanbul was sleep.

Not quite.

We checked into the hotel, had a quick refresh and headed straight back out onto the streets. I figured if I went to bed, the jet lag would win.

So instead, we wandered through the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian markets, stopped for dinner and eventually made our way up to the rooftop of our hotel. There, with Istanbul spread out below us, we took photos of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

It was a pretty good way to start a holiday.

Island life in Croatia

From Turkey, we travelled on to Croatia and boarded our cruise in Šibenik, a historic coastal city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

After checking in, we headed out to explore the old town, including the magnificent St James Cathedral.

From here, the trip became a wonderful mix of getting off the ship, exploring on foot, jumping in the water and simply seeing where the day took us.

Our next stop was Hvar.

We explored the island’s smaller towns, including Vrboska and Stari Grad, wandering through the streets and taking in the centuries of history around us.

But one of my favourite parts was lunch.

We sat down to a traditional Croatian peka, meat and vegetables slow cooked under a domed bell, with local wine in a little konoba surrounded by vineyards.

This is one of the things I love about travelling. You can read about a place, look at the photos and know the history, but sitting there eating the local food and drinking wine made right there is when you really start to experience it.

Later that afternoon we sailed around to Hvar Town. We walked through the historic Old Town before making the climb to the Spanish Fortress.

The climb was worth it.

Looking back over the terracotta rooftops, harbour and brilliant blue Adriatic, it was one of those views that makes you stop for a moment.

Then came Vis.

Rather than staying with the ship, I hired a car and set off from Port Vis across the island to Komiža.

And what a car it was.

Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly difficult to spot in a car park. My hire car was canary yellow, which made it rather hard to lose!

We drove across the island, explored Komiža and stopped for lunch at Jastozera, one of the restaurants where Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed.

I think that’s what made this Croatian holiday so enjoyable. We weren’t just ticking destinations off a list. There was time to get curious, take the scenic route and have a bit of fun along the way.

A little swimming, a little singing

From Vis we cruised on to Korčula, stopping along the way for a swim.

And when I say swim, I mean stepping straight off the boat into that incredibly clear Adriatic water.

Korčula itself was beautiful, particularly once the sun went down. The narrow stone streets, old buildings and little pockets of light gave the town a completely different feel at night.

The following morning we continued to Mljet, one of the greenest and most heavily wooded islands in the Adriatic.

We explored around the saltwater lakes, with the option to walk or cycle, and took a boat across to St Mary’s islet to see the old Benedictine monastery.

After all the sightseeing, it was nice to slow the pace down again when we reached Slano, a small fishing village where we finished the day with dinner and live Klapa music with the Captain.

Then came a late stroll through town.

Those quieter moments are often the ones you remember.

Dubrovnik

Our final stop was Dubrovnik.

Before arriving, we squeezed in one more swim at the Elaphite Islands before heading into the Old Town.

Dubrovnik is one of those places that feels familiar before you’ve even been there. You have seen the photographs, the stone walls and the terracotta rooftops so many times.

But walking through the Stradun and seeing the city walls, Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery in person is something else.

We spent time wandering, looking up at the architecture and, of course, taking far too many photos.

It was also hot, around 33°C, so an afternoon drink was very welcome!

That evening we took a panoramic cruise around Dubrovnik as the sun went down. Looking back at the Old Town from the water, after everything we’d seen over the previous couple of weeks, felt like a pretty perfect way to finish.

Although, technically, the trip wasn’t quite finished.

I left Dubrovnik at 5.30am, while the Old Town was still asleep, beginning the long journey home through Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur and Sydney before finally arriving back in Brisbane.

After two weeks travelling through Turkey and Croatia, I was definitely happy to be home.

But I came back with a lot more than photographs.

I came back with memories of rooftop views over Istanbul, Croatian wine among the vineyards, swimming off the boat, little fishing villages, late night walks, music with the Captain and that incredible Adriatic coastline.

People sometimes ask what you get out of working in travel.

For me, it’s simple.

The travel industry doesn’t make you rich, but it makes your life richer for seeing the world.

And after two weeks in Turkey and Croatia, I couldn’t agree more.

This trip has already got me thinking about where we could head next. I’m busy putting together ideas for an escorted trip next year, taking inspiration from some of the places and experiences that made this adventure so memorable.

There’s plenty more to come, so watch this space!

Ready to start planning?

If you're dreaming about a bucket list destination or looking for inspiration closer to home, Paul and Sonja would love to help you plan a holiday that's tailored to you.

Travel Connections welcomes everyone. Whether you're a Burnie Brae member or not, our travel planning services are open to the whole community.

To start planning your next adventure, email [email protected], call (07) 3624 2191, or visit us at 60 Kuran Street, Chermside QLD.

We'd love to help you plan a holiday you'll remember for all the right reasons.

Paul & Sonja, Travel Connections