Things are coming together nicely, so far.

Our party of six (including my in-laws and my young children) just booked airfare to Dubrovnik through cheaptickets.com.

Interestingly, the decent fare that showed up when I searched 2 adults, 2 seniors, 2 children wasn't actually "bookable" - it jumped up significantly when I clicked through to the next page.

So this morning I searched 4 adults and 2 children and voila - no problem booking the fare. Adults $1200, kids $1050, all taxes and fees included. More than we hoped to spend but still reasonable, considering we're flying there in late June and returning mid-July.

The trip over takes us from NYC to Manchester, UK. 90 minute layover followed by direct flight to Dubrovnik - we arrive at 11:10 am.

The return is a bit tricky - midday flight from Dubrovnik to Vienna with just 30 mins to connect to our return flight to NYC. But we're traveling on a Saturday so if we miss it, we can just spend the night and come home Sunday.

We'll spend three days in Dubrovnik - (trying for one of the Maestral Hotels, which look very child-friendly, but I haven't heard back from them yet.) Then we'll jump in the rental van ($1300 for two weeks through AutoEurope) and head north. My in-laws will stay at the family home in Sibenik. We're going to stay a bit further away this year (Zablace last year) - probably in Bilo, Srima, or Grebastica. We're gonna take the boys to Hvar for two nights - still trying to book that. Ann - the place you stayed at on Hvar is booked solid for July!

So we're off and running. The end of June can't get here fast enough!

Rather odd to "reply" to myself, but there you have it...

Hint for all who want to visit Dubrovnik in high season: RESERVE ACCOMODATIONS EARLY.

I contacted 20 private owners through this excellent web site and so far have heard back from 14. Twelve of them had nothing available during the three days in June/July we will be visiting Dubrovnik. I finally found a place in Cavtat, not as nice as we desired but a bargain at 50 euros a night. Beggars can't be choosers and I was awfully close to begging at that point.

So the first stop in Croatia is settled. I'm still looking for a place near Sibenik for us to rent for 13 days in July. That search has been a bit easier - we've narrowed it down to Zaton or Srima... both villas right on the water. Zaton is significantly cheaper and so that's where we are leaning.

Tony, I'm sorry that "our" place on Hvar wasn't available - we loved it and the owners. But I know you'll have a great time wherever you stay. Are you still planning to go to Hvar? Aloha, Ann

Hi Ann -
After a few days in Sibenik, we will drive my mother-in-law to Split where she will visit her family. Then my wife and I and the kids will go to Hvar for two nights, then pick up my MIL and drive back to Sibenik. At least that's the plan right now, fluid and subject to change. The place we're looking at in Zaton is only €60 a night, and we're willing to "eat" that for two nights to make a sidetrip to Hvar. The more I read about it the more I want to visit.

Hvar is gorgeous! Well, all of Croatia--that we saw-- is, but Hvar is pretty special.

Our lodging in Croatia is settled. Whew!

For our first three nights near Dubrovnik we're staying here in Cavtat. We took both apartments since my in-laws are traveling with us.

For our two weeks near Sibenik, we chose Maria Apartments in Zaton, near Sibenik. We wanted one of the top floor units but they're already reserved. Zaton is on the water, but not on the ocean. It sits on a bay where the Krka flows into the sea, and so I'm told the water is significantly less salty than in Zablace, where we stayed last year. Should make for some nice swimming.

Anybody have experince on holiday in Makarska (Croatia)?

Ann - our travels plans to Hvar now are settled, as well.

We'll be there two nights, July 9 and 10. My wife wanted to sample one hotel in Croatia (we've visited Solaris but have never actually stayed in a Croatian 'hotel'!) and so that's what we chose for Hvar. Hotel Pharos - a nice big room with "loggia and sea view" for a decent price.

It will be the height of the season when we're there, but I'm still anticipating a great visit.

Ciao - TONY

Tony, I'll dig my notes and recommend a couple of places to eat. Hvar is gorgeous, and I'm so glad you're going to be able to go there. Are you taking the car ferry or the fast cat straight to Hvar town?