The wife and I planning a trip next July for 7-10 days. Looking for suggestions or a travel agent that specializes in Europe (Eastern).

- We travel a good bit, so don't need everything booked for us.
- We will use points on Unted out of IAH
- Prefer Marriott brand hotels but open to others. Especially smaller local hotels
- Not opposed to stopping in western Europe for a few days if the flights are cheaper on the way home

I'd be happy to chat.

I've booked a fair amount of travel in Croatia & Montenegro. Taking my family to Slovenia and northern Croatia next summer and fairly familiar with the region in general.

Fly into Split. Take ferry to Hvar, then ferry to Korcula, then ferry to Dubrovnik, fly out of Dubrovnik. Split up your nights as you see fit but I would do it:

Split - 1 night
Hvar - 2 nights
Korcula - 2 nights
Dubrovnik - 2 nights

I made this trip a few years ago and it was fantastic.

How easy is it to get around countries like this? I would be very hesitant to go out of my language comfort zone where I can't readily understand anything around me. Eastern Europe is not on my wish list much as a result. Neither is Asia for that matter although I know a lot of English is spoken in Japan.

Very easy. Most of the world speaks at least 2 languages…their native language and English, and likely a couple more languages as well. Us unsophisticated Americans only speak 1 language. You will have zero problems traveling around Eastern Europe or Asia because of language issues, especially if you stay in business and tourist destinations.

The only time I've ever been a little confused is in smaller towns if you have to change trains. None of the signs or announcements are in English so it can be a little confusing.

You can always resort to hand gestures with the locals if needed.

I would not let that deter you from visiting! If you know it's a thing you can plan for it. Outside of that, absolutely no issues.

English is the lingua franca of the world. There are 7 different offical languages in the former Yugoslavia. and these counties are not big. They all (at least anyone under 60) speak that offical language as well as english as a way to commicate even with eash other much less the larger European community.

and do not miss the Istrian peninsula. It is Tuscany with out the crowds.

When we went to Croatia a few years ago, I don't recall meeting anyone who didn't speak English.

Hvar is one of my favorite places. We stayed at Amfora Grand Beach resort. Getting from the ferry to the hotel was a breeze. They pick up your luggage from the ferry, and you get to walk around the waterfront to stop for lunch or drinks, and then it's a short walk to the hotel.

The flight from DBV to EWR isn't bad, but you have to go through FRA or MUC to get to Split. We flew an A220, and they required gate checking of almost all carry ons.

For DBV, I'd get up early one morning to walk the city walls and then take the cable lift up the mountain to have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant. Also, make sure you visit old town at night. It's a very different place after the cruise ships leave.

We're about to head to Croatia for 2 weeks. Going with a group arranged by the owners of Messina Hoff.

We start in Dubrovnik for couple days, hop on a yacht charter that will be home base while we bounce around to Mljet National Park, Korcula, Vis, Bisevo, Hvar, Bol, Split, Trogir, and a few inland stops (Vodice, Zagreb).

Should be fun, will report back.