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Friday Around

the Planet

September 2, 2022

Once, after a month-long trip through India, I slept on my couch for several days in a feeble attempt to prolong the afterglow of one of the best trips of my life. Of course, it did little to match the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the crackle of frying samosas or the conversations struck up with strangers on a train. All it gave me was a stiff neck.

Now, just back from a trip to Croatia with my wife, I find myself similarly eager to extend our time spent along the Adriatic. Our suitcases still stand in the foyer, as if we’re ready to head right back out the door. And I’m still daydreaming about that steamy bowl of peka.

Tonight we’ll unpack, and we’ll pour the wine and dip bread in the olive oil we bought at a shop in Dubrovnik. We might even cook mussels the way we learned from a local chef.

Eventually, after that trip to India, I moved back to my bed. Normal life returned, but I occasionally flipped through my photos and the pages of my journal, reliving every moment. I hope this week’s top stories inspire some of the best moments of your life – and the memories that they create.

Alexander Howard | Managing Editor, Destinations

Oktoberfest finally returns

Germany’s most raucous cultural event is back.

After a two-year hiatus, Oktoberfest returns for what promises to be its largest celebration yet. Check out our first-timers' guide to Germany’s most lederhosen-laden event, taking place between September 17 - October 3, 2022.

Rectangular, circular or deep dish – how do you prefer your pie?

This roundup of the US’s regional variations of pizza is sure to start a conversation (or an argument) about the best pizza in the country. Here's where to find the tastiest pies and slices in the USA.

Make the most of your trip to Croatia’s Dalmation coast

Offering a mix of glittering beaches, millennia-spanning history and all the seafood and wine you could want, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a region to be savored.

Start off in Split, the region’s capital. It was once the home of the Roman emperor Diocletian, and the remnants of his palace still stand there today. The palace is as much a part of the city as its modern waterfront and crosswalks – look for businesses and apartments that have taken root within the dramatic, 1700-year-old walls.

Next, hop a ferry to the island of Hvar and its namesake town – itself a party haven for the well-heeled. Spend a day exploring its 13th-century streets (be sure to book in advance to eat on Grande Luna’s rooftop terrace). Rent a boat – or a kayak – and motor out to the nearby Pakleni Islands for more crystal-clear bays and beach-lounging vibes.

End your trip in magnificent Dubrovnik, a city encircled by mighty walls and the sparkling Adriatic. Walking its limestone streets polished to a sheen by centuries of visitors’ footsteps is a treat, but strolling the city walls brings a new perspective to this incredible city.

Plan a trip like this with a local expert!

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