Plan C (C is for Croatia)

Notice anything different here? “Vannah in Italy” has now become “Vannah in Europe”. Our plans have taken a new turn, and if the past 7 months have taught us anything, it's to be ready for another pivot if the universe decides.

Our Italian adventure still kicks off on May 22nd, with Bologna as our first stop. Planning to stay in the city center for around 2.5 months, just under the 90-day mark, we'll then embark on a road trip to Croatia. The game plan? Apply in person for the Digital Nomad Visa upon arrival in Split. But here's the twist - the visa application process is now clocking in at 3+ months due to its growing popularity.

If approved, our ticket to roam the Schengen Area opens, allowing us a maximum of 60 days of travel within the year. The catch? Not straying beyond Croatian borders for more than 30 consecutive days. Picture this: one week in Croatia, followed by 29 days in Slovenia, another week in Croatia, 29 days in Italy, and so forth – all within the confines of the Schengen travel rule.

What if approval isn't in the cards? Well, then it's a 22-hour road trip to England after bidding farewell to our Croatian lease. Am I worried? No (would it help?). Wherever we end up is where destiny intended.

By the way, Croatia was not a random choice, although they were the closest county with a visa policy that seemed achievable. I have visited Croatia twice in the past, although Mikey has yet to see it. Below are a few images I shot from a photography workshop I attended in Istria in 2022, and then a trip where I was shooting for a friends business on the island of Hvar in 2023. Croatia is a beautiful country and the Adriatic is the most brilliant turquoise, where you can see all the way to the bottom. The wine, olive oil, and truffles are just icing on the cake that is this magical country and that I cannot wait to introduce him to.