Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Paris (and a bit of Amsterdam)
Paris - 2013
Soon after I returned from Spain, I began searching for my next trip. Even though I was glad to get back, once I started going through the images and videos captured in Spain, I realized that I wanted to book something else soon. There is a lot of joy in having something to look forward to, and with this trip scheduled for early September, it would give me a chance to pay for everything over time.
My first step was booking a direct flight to Europe, with Amsterdam as the landing destination. I didn’t think much about the itinerary after that, but I knew that there would be options. My plan initially was to stay in Amsterdam either when I arrive, or preferably, just before I flew back to Halifax at the end of the trip, as Amsterdam would be my departure airport for home, and it would be convenient to be there that day. Unfortunately, the costs of Amsterdam are astronomical; I had to choose between spending the money to stay there or using it elsewhere, staying somewhere more affordable (even with an additional flight) and higher on my list of destinations.
Next week, I'm on my way off on what is probably my final substantial trip of the year. I have a day in Amsterdam upon arrival, but fly out the same night to Zagreb, Croatia. So I’ll be able to go into Amsterdam to explore, but I need to be back at the airport for an early evening flight. Not an ideal amount of time in the city, but better than none at all. It’s ok, I’m treating this as a teaser for Amsterdam: if I like it, I’ll make plans later to return.
Zagreb
After a quick day in Amsterdam, I board a flight towards Zagreb, and this is probably the least obvious of all destinations. Until I booked it, I didn’t even consider visiting Zagreb. Croatia has always been a country I wanted to see, but in my experience, Zagreb is a city that is rarely mentioned. I don’t know anyone who has even been there, and honestly, it was part of the appeal of visiting. Additionally, there were direct flights from Amsterdam to Zagreb, making the choice even easier.
I don’t know much about Zagreb; it’s the capital of Croatia, and the largest city by far. I’ve started a Google Map of sites and locations to be sure I stumble upon them. The stay is short, only three full days, but from what I understand, that seems to be enough time in the city. I’ll pick up a Zagreb Card, which provides free transportation in the city, entry into select museums, and discounts at other locations. The three-day card is a good value and will allow me to explore the city more easily.
Dubrovnik
Probably the most well-known and popular place to visit in Croatia, I was surprised to learn that the population of Dubrovnik is relatively small, with approximately 42,000 residents. Dubrovnik is located along the Adriatic Sea and is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and impressive fortifications that encircle its Old Town, a two-kilometre-long wall that you can explore. I’ve heard that getting there early is key, as not only does it get busy midday, but there isn’t much shade, and the sun and heat can be exhausting.
I’m probably most excited for Dubrovnik as it looks like a very photogenic location. Hopefully, the weather is favourable. I’m looking forward to what I hope to be a spectacular sunset or two from Mount Srđ, which is 412 meters above the Old Town. My Airbnb appears to be right in front of it.
Paris
I’ve been to Paris multiple times, and each visit has been enjoyable. The first time was back when I started to travel often, arriving in Paris on January 1, 2013, by train from London. Lisa and I hit most of the regular, must-see sights as it was both of our first times there. It’s remarkable to think that at that time, I had a Canon 5D Mark II; I still have it today, and even then, it was already five years old. The Mark II hardly makes an appearance now, and besides South Africa in 2023, when I needed the range of the 200mm, it no longer accompanies me on my travels. Exploring a city with a large camera is tiring!
I haven’t had much dedicated photograph time in the city, and I feel that Paris is a must for any travel photographer. There are basically endless possibilities for travel and street photography in Paris. I made sure to book an Airbnb conveniently around where I will be exploring. I also chose Paris, as it was a flight back towards my departure destination, which to get back to Halifax, leaves from Amsterdam. I arrive in Amsterdam four hours before I am due to fly home. Not only is Paris a place I want to return to, but it’s also a convenient fit in the itinerary of this trip.
Camera Gear
The gear I am bringing is almost identical to what I had brought to Spain in June. I’m still considering whether to take the Retrospective 7 shoulder bag, and as always, the debate about taking the drone is something I go back and forth with. Truthfully, Dubrovnik would be the only place I’d probably be comfortable using the drone, given the freedom of space and elevation. Is it worth taking for only that? We’ll see.
Fujifilm X-H2 with 2 batteries
35mm f/2
23mm f/2
K&F Concept 43mm Polarizing Filter
2 x CF Express (1 x 256GB and 1 x 128GB)
3 x SD Cards (1 x 256GB and 2 x 128GB)
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 with 256GB Micro SD
Thule Aspect Backpack
Miscellaneous
Travel Adapter
Headphones
MacBook
1TB WD Portable Hard Drive
Orange Travel SIM card with 12GB of data
Conclusion
The weather has changed quickly. It seems like I was just on my way to Spain, which, being in June, somewhat marked the beginning of summer for me. We are now at the conclusion of the summer of 2025, with cooler weather on the horizon. With nothing else booked this year, I assume this will conclude my travel schedule this year. Winter is my time to save money and be prepared for my travel season next year. I have some ideas and destinations already noted, and I’m sure that list will change over the winter months.
This trip will include some brand-new locations for me. From a brief but enticing introduction to Amsterdam, to discovering Croatia for the first time, and a return to Paris, dedicating some time to exploring and photographing these destinations. See you when I get back!