Northwood Around The World: Dubrovnik, Croatia

In "Northwood Around the World", we showcase some of the captivating destinations visited by Northwood team members.

Featured Traveler: Karen Lin

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Some trips leave a lasting impression not only because of the destination, but because of the people and shared moments that define them. My recent trip to Dubrovnik was exactly that. I reunited with two friends, and it was the first time the three of us had been in the same place since 2023. By the end of the trip, we all agreed it was easily one of our top three adventures together. With each of us coming from different corners of the world (Canada, Copenhagen, and Stockholm), Dubrovnik, Croatia became our perfect meeting point.

As our plane descended toward Dubrovnik, the view captured my attention immediately. The Adriatic Sea appeared in striking shades of blue and green, bordered by rugged mountains that rose dramatically from the water. On our first day, while we were wandering near the harbor, we stumbled upon a local vendor offering discounted boat tours. We hadn’t planned on doing it until later in the week, but something about the moment convinced us to just go for it. That split-second decision led to one of the best parts of the trip: a small yacht shared only with one other couple, gliding across open water that shifted from light turquoise to deep, cinematic blues. The boat trip and the stop we made at Lopud Island off the coast was the definition of peaceful. The island had soft sand, clear water, and a slower rhythm that made it easy for us to settle into vacation mode.

On our second day, we wandered along Dubrovnik’s famous city walls and took our time exploring Stradun (the main pedestrian street running through the walled city). Walking the walls felt like stepping between two worlds: one side offering sweeping views of the sea, the other revealing the geometric charm of the rooftops and alleyways below. It was very hot, so when we found a cliffside bar, it felt like stumbling into a tiny oasis. If there’s anything I learned that day, it’s that sunglasses, hats, and comfortable shoes aren’t optional here.

Day three took us up Mount Srđ via the cable car. Even during the ascent, the views were striking, but nothing compared to the panorama waiting at the top. The city, the sea, the islands - everything looked serene and perfectly placed. Instead of taking the cable car back down, we chose to hike back to the city beneath us.

Between the sea, the history, and the warm, relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to slip into a slower pace in Dubrovnik and just enjoy the moment. It’s a place that brings people together, whether you’re exploring centuries-old walls, sharing a meal in a tucked-away alley, or just sitting by the water with friends you haven’t seen in years.

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