I started Both Worlds Travel with the belief that travel can and should be more than just sightseeing—it should be about meaningful experiences and genuine connections. To me, the magic of travel lies in immersing yourself in a destination: engaging with its people, tasting its foods, and learning its traditions and history. I’m talking about shared human experience. This philosophy has always been at the core of what I aim to experience personally with those I meet along the way: a chance for both worlds to experience travel, together, hence 'Both Worlds Travel'.
Yet on my recent trip to Croatia, I missed the mark.
But first, how I ended up in Croatia is a story of its own. I’ll be brief(ish).
As a woman running a successful, US-based luxury travel agency and mother to two teenagers, life is demanding, time is short, and I often feel I’m a lackluster, muted version of the dynamic woman I once was. While my successes are wonderful, I know I can be better, do more, and leave a brighter, more meaningful, and indelible mark by prioritizing self-care and rekindling my ambitious go-getter nature. I knew I was not alone; other powerhouse women were (and are) in the same boat. We simply need a nudge to right the ship.
Enter my passion project: Ambitious Women Travel, a way for me to bring vibrant, intentional women together, to help them unplug from life’s demands and fuel the flames of their ambitions so they could return home and crush their goals – and maybe get a taste of who they used to be before everything else got in the way.
My first trip offering had to be a good one. I needed a destination that would not just appeal to these women but convince them that taking 8+ days away from work and family wasn’t just a good idea, it was a necessity.
Enter a small ship ‘yachting experience’ in Croatia from Dubrovnik to Split with many staggeringly beautiful stops along the way. This was the perfect trip for my group, and we were all in, except… I lost focus on my unquenchable curiosity and voracious hunger for connection amidst all the working parts of planning a hosted group journey.
I went in without educating myself on Croatia’s complex and rich history.
I forgot to be curious.
In doing so, I missed out on opportunities to connect more deeply with the locals and the cultural nuances that make Croatia so dynamic. I missed out on chances to truly experience all that Croatia has to offer. By not preparing myself to appreciate Croatia’s unique cultural identity, I realized I wasn’t fully present in the experience. It was a humbling reminder that, even as a travel professional, there’s always more to learn—and that every destination, especially one as historically layered as Croatia, deserves the respect of being understood before being explored.
Here are the things I wish I had taken the time to think about before going to Croatia.
A Condensed History of Croatia
Croatia’s history is long and complex, shaped by its geographical position between Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by various powers, including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. In the Middle Ages, Croatia formed a union with Hungary and later fell under Habsburg rule as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and remained in communist Yugoslavia until declaring independence in 1991, sparking the Croatian War of Independence. Since achieving sovereignty, Croatia has focused on rebuilding its economy, infrastructure, and identity, and in 2013, it became the newest member of the European Union.
What's new since EU?
Since joining the European Union, Croatia has undergone significant economic, social, and infrastructural transformations. EU membership has opened up new markets and investment opportunities, resulting in improved infrastructure, especially in transport and (yes!) tourism. The economy has become more integrated into the European single market, attracting foreign investments and reducing unemployment. Politically, Croatia has had a voice in shaping EU policies while benefiting from funding for development projects. Despite these shifts, Croatia has maintained its strong national identity and cultural heritage, blending modernity with tradition.
Cultural exchange is there for those who seek it.
Despite the changes brought by EU membership and modernization, much of Croatia’s cultural values and traditions remain deeply rooted. What that means for curiosity-driven travelers is an opportunity to get to know someone whose life experiences are ripe with depth and perspective. The many layers of Croatia’s learned and shared culture and customs are fascinating, and
Croatia is an untouched gem. I was not curious enough.
Americans have set ways when it comes to bucket list destinations, and we remain one of the top contributors to global travel spending. Many popular destinations adapt to meet the preferences, tastes, and demands of the US market shaping local tourism experiences to be more aligned with American expectations and comforts.
Croatia has yet to dull down its natural edges to appease the mass market American tourists’ indiscriminate palate, leaving its character and soul intact. It’s a spectacularly wonderful gift for travelers who are ready for it.
I might not have fully prepared myself for it, but Croatia’s heart and soul were unwaveringly present. The soul-crushing beauty of Croatia, the richness and depth of her people, and the realization that I squandered an opportunity to go deeper resulted in unfathomable regret as I flew home, watching the sun rise over the heart of the Dalmatian Coast.
Go there, stay curious.
In a world where so much is readily packaged and presented for us, the true magic of travel comes when we step out of that comfort zone and embrace curiosity. It's not just about seeing new places but about connecting deeply—with the people, the culture, and even ourselves. I learned the hard way that missing out on this connection can lead to regret. But for those of us who seek growth and understanding, there's always a way forward.
So, I encourage you: Be curious. Ask questions. Engage with intention.
Whether you're planning your next trip or reflecting on past ones, commit to traveling in a meaningful way. There’s a bigger world out there waiting to be discovered—and it’s never too late to start. I’m here and ready to help you discover the enriching, transformative power of travel in Croatia. Go there.
Ways To Connect
Join my private Facebook Group exclusive to Both Worlds Travelers
Connect on LinkedIn
About Us
Both Worlds Travel is a boutique Travel Agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina USA that provides thoughtfully curated, highly elevated travel experiences for affluent travelers. Owner Angie Brandt is an expert at crafting tailor-made itineraries and specializes in small ship cruises and adventure travel.
Comments