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As of this year, the International Blue Flag for beaches and marinas flies in 146 places in Croatia – 125 beaches and 21 marinas deserved it for environmental protection and equipment. There are ten new beaches and one marina among its holders this year. In addition to sea beaches, seven of them are in the continental part of the country - Aquacity Beach near Varazdin and six beaches within the Jarun Sport & Recreation Center in Zagreb.

The International Blue Flag for beaches and marinas is a program for protection of the environment and coastal areas that has been successfully implemented in Europe for 17 years, as well as some countries outside Europe since two years ago. The leader and international manager is the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), while the Lijepa Naša Friends of Nature Movement coordinates the campaigns in Croatia. Environmental education and public informing, water quality, environmental management, safety and services are the factors rated for the Blue Flag. Blue Flags for marinas are awarded for environmental education and informing, environmental management, safety, services and water quality.

Source: press.croatia.hr

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Traveling to Europe can be an expensive proposition these days. With oil prices reaching record highs and the US economy on a downward spiral, many people are finding that their dreams of a European holiday are being put on hold. But, there are ways to travel to Europe without breaking the bank.

Go east, young man

From the undiscovered beaches of Croatia to the Parisian style nightlife of Prague, Eastern Europe is a place to discover and be discovered while getting more bang for your buck. Inexpensive hotels, cheap beer, culinary treasures, and welcoming locals all entice the budget traveler to the countries of the former Soviet bloc. Finding a cheap flight might be more difficult, but once you’re there, you’ll be sure to make up the difference and then some.

Off season is key

Stay away from Europe and Eastern Europe in the summer. Airfare is through the roof, hotels fill up quickly and raise there prices even quicker, squares are busting at the seams with tourists, and most everything will cost you more. Conversely, autumn is the perfect time to travel; airfares are at their cheapest, hotels offer off-peak season discounts, and the tourists disappear.

Consider a hostel

You’re never too old to stay at a hostel. And if you’re worried about sleeping in a twelve bed dorm room, you may be surprised to learn that many hostels offer private rooms for a fraction of the price of a standard hotel. Yes, you may still have to share a bathroom and you certainly won’t get those nifty hotel soaps, but you will have a lot of extra money in your pocket.

Set a budget

Not having a firm budget can be the single most expensive mistake. Research your trip beforehand and allocate yourself a certain amount of money a day. This will deter you from spending needless cash on trinkets and that extra beer. It all adds up!

Visit Eurotrip

As the largest community of budget travelers to Europe, eurotrip.com offers advice for anyone who wants to save some money while trekking through Europe. From cheap flights to bargain pints, Eurotrip covers it all.

by Matt McLaughlin