If you’re a nature lover like me, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of Plitvice Lakes. Growing up in Croatia, I was always surrounded by photos and videos of this incredible national park, and it was one of those places I knew I had to visit one day. I had seen all the pictures—those crystal-clear turquoise lakes, the cascading waterfalls, and the lush greenery—but nothing could prepare me for what it felt like to experience it in person. To put it simply: the photos don’t do it justice. It is so much more beautiful in real life, and it’s a place that truly needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

If you’re a nature lover like me, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of Plitvice Lakes. Growing up in Croatia, I was always surrounded by photos and videos of this incredible national park, and it was one of those places I knew I had to visit one day. I had seen all the pictures—those crystal-clear turquoise lakes, the cascading waterfalls, and the lush greenery—but nothing could prepare me for what it felt like to experience it in person. To put it simply: the photos don’t do it justice. It is so much more beautiful in real life, and it’s a place that truly needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated.