I'm not a fan of throwing around the term "life-changing." It tends to be overused for things that aren't actually changing someone's life. But every once in a while, something incredible happens that really lives up to the term. The combination of an awe-inspiring destination, wonderful travel companions, and experiences that teach me something new, is the perfect recipe for a memorable time. So, disdain for the term aside, I'm always looking for a product or trip that will have a life-altering impact on me. This is how my recent seven-day sailing trip in Croatia changed my life.
Let me start off by saying that, prior to my trip, I didn't really know anything about sailing. I had been on boats, but never spent an extended amount of time on the water. When I embarked on Sunsail's food and wine flotilla through Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, even though it sounded like an exciting and unique experience, I was the tiniest bit apprehensive. I wasn't sure if I would get seasick or if I would be useless on the boat — not to mention the fact that I knew absolutely nothing about Croatian culture.
I'm so glad I took the leap and decided to go, because it was a trip unlike anything I had ever experienced before. (I think I used the word "magical" more than once.) I hopped off the boat at the end of the week completely refreshed with an open mind and a newfound appreciation for sailing and Croatia. And after this trip, I truly can't wait to go back.
When you think of must-see European destinations, Croatia may not immediately come to mind. But as I walked through the streets of the Dalmatian islands, I couldn't help but marvel at the picturesque scenery that looked straight out of a movie. (Fun fact: Scenes from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again were filmed in the town in my picture above.)
In addition to getting lost in the windy stone-lined streets, I had the pleasure of visiting a few local wineries and trying out some Croatian wine. The food was flavorful and fresh; one of my favorite meals from the trip was the traditional dish called "Peka," which featured octopus (a Croatian specialty) and rice that had been slow-cooked under a bell.
Even more, the people were warm and welcoming, and I felt safe as a woman walking through the towns. Plus, because the country isn't too touristy (yet), our beautiful destinations were far from crowded.
On top of falling head over heels in love with the country, I was able to experience the Dalmatian Coast through the eyes of a native. The skipper on our boat, Sandro, was born and raised on the coast of Croatia, and he has been a skipper for over seven years. He took us to some of his favorite spots, which included little-known parts of the islands that featured breathtaking lagoons with crystal clear waters and impossibly green foliage. It also helped to have him as a translator.
This probably should have been common sense, but before I went on the trip, I didn't think about how much I would have to downsize my normal life to adapt to living on a boat. First off, we were told to pack as light as possible. (This is always such a struggle for me, but I've figured out some tricks through trial and error.)
Although I had my own cabin on the boat, there was very little space to spread out my things the way I normally would in a hotel room. I literally lived out of my suitcase (which always had to be closed so my things wouldn't spill when we hit choppy water). This led to me repeating a lot of outfits to avoid the hassle of unzipping and re-zipping my bag.
I also learned how to go without showering for a couple days at a time. If we decided to dock at a mooring buoy instead of a quay, we didn't have access to showers except the tiny ones on our boat — which, in my opinion, were less appealing than living with salty hair for another day.
Maybe it was the Mediterranean sun or the few glasses of rosé I drank on the boat, but I could not have been less self-conscious during the trip. I felt comfortable spending my days in a bikini, even though sometimes it's a struggle for me to get to a beach.
I'm normally a huge fan of wearing makeup on a daily basis, but because of the nature of our traveling — hopping in the water every couple hours and windy conditions on the deck as we island hopped — putting makeup on felt unnecessary. I left the trip feeling empowered and glowing from the inside out. (My new tan didn't hurt, either.)
Something about sitting on the deck of a boat — with no sounds but the deep blue water beneath the boat and the wind rushing through my ears — felt really meditative. It was so refreshing to take a break from my busy hectic life in New York City and just allow myself to zone out on the open sea. I felt calm, joyful, and peaceful all at once.
I would have stayed an extra month in Croatia if I could have. I know that this sailing trip is one I'll remember for the rest of my life.