The best places to stay in Croatia, from mountain huts to luxury villas

In Manhattan's shadowno more, Brooklyn is the place to find some of New York City’s most exciting and original eateries. 

Unless you win the lottery or some sort of travel sweepstakes, travel plans often center around work, and for families, school schedules. This means when and where we travel can be limited to busier periods, which can lead to higher prices and less availability (especially if you are looking to redeem loyalty program points). Traveling during shoulder season, however, is a savvy alternative for those that want to enjoy a destination with fewer crowds and better deals. These are seven top places worth considering for a visit during shoulder season.

April brings a seasonal shift across the globe, making it the ideal time of year for exploring ancient wonders, embarking on epic adventures and savoring fresh local produce.

The fabulous diversity of the Maldives means there’s an island for every type of tourist, from budget travelers to adrenaline junkies who dream of exploring beneath the waves.

The gardening team of this estate near Totnes takes the first few months of the year seriously: spidery yellow witch hazel flowers and snowdrops are the precursor to daffodils and bluebells. Trails allow everyone to explore the 800 acres (Tramper mobility scooters can be arranged). There’s accommodation at different price levels, too, including hostel rooms and those in the original 14th-century building. Dartington does things a bit differently. When most gardens do light shows in winter, Dartington has one based on Alice in Wonderland, running from 8 March to 3 April. Food choices range from pub grub to bagels baked on the estate. B&B doubles from £129; dartington.org

Self-styled as ‘Asia’s world city’, Hong Kong has seen its fair share of upheaval over the decades, but much of its current prosperity is built on its historic standing as a trading outpost. You sense that when you fly over the freighters that crisscross its waters, and see the skyscrapers that pierce its chockablock centre. A one-time British colony that sits in the South China Sea, it has always been a place where tastes and cultures collide. In this easily navigated destination, travellers typically stay in Kowloon, with its Victoria Harbour views, and on Hong Kong Island, which has exceptional places to eat and the landmark Victoria Peak.  

West Virginia is a beauty queen of a state, with ragged mountains to hike or ski and white-water rapids to paddle. It’s also stuffed with Civil War history and charming small towns. To explore it all, you’ll need a home base. Here are the boutique hotels, camping compounds, and storied resorts we suggest.

“Throw the keys through the kiosk’s open window. We’ll get the car when we open later”: Those slightly unorthodox drop-off instructions I once received from a Hertz manager in Croatia illustrate some of the differences U.S. travelers might encounter when renting a car abroad.

Home to epic landscapes, natural wonders, and Māori culture, New Zealand is a magnetic destination just begging for a solo adventure.

This article originally appeared in the February issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.

In a testament to Croatia's commitment to sustainable tourism, Minister Nikolina Brnjac has been honored with the Kristofor Medal by Europe’s foremost automobile club, ADAC, and the German Automobile Club, acknowledging the country's remarkable achievements in this field.

In the EU, all employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks’ paid holiday per year.