A Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

On our fantastic little road trip, Anya and I stopped at Plitvice Falls National Park - which had been on my list of "things to see" since I found out that I was going to Bosnia. We knew it was going to be crowded (since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - close to Zagreb and Split - and on lists of the 10/20/50/100 places to see before you die), so we prepared ourselves as best we could and came up with some tips and tricks along the way.

1. Drive - it's really inexpensive to park and it's so nice to stay outside the park area and not be bothered by all the tourists. I recommend Private Accommodation Jandric in Dreznik Grad - it's quiet, relaxing, and the family who owns it is wonderful.

2. Don't be afraid of the crowds. Yes, it's crowded - but it's totally worth it. And, go to Entrance number 2 - there are less people here because lots of people stay near entrance 1. To avoid insanity, just go the opposite way of all the rest of the tourists when the trail splits.

3. Realize it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site - so don't do anything stupid or else the UN might come after you. Though, they have absolutely no power to do anything to you - so I'm not sure that's much of a threat.

4. It's okay to get excited - but make sure you take time to actually look at this map rather than just taking a picture with it - you're going to want to know where the heck you're going later and the teeny tiny map on your ticket is not of much assistance.

5. The first waterfall you see is not the most spectacular - so don't stop to take 5 million pictures right at the very beginning.

6. The lakes are impressive, gorgeous, and very blue-green. There is no undeserved hype about this place.

7. Go in the morning as early as you can. We got there around 8:30/9ish and the park opened at 7am. We wished we would have just gotten up a bit sooner to avoid some of the later crowds - and I imagine Plitvice in the morning is beautiful.

8. There are fish everywhere - and the water is so clear you can see all of them. It's pretty amazing - but no fishing - even if you see really big, fatty ones prime for a later roast over the fire.

9. Seriously, go in the morning.

10. Attempt to eat the fresh blackberries. They're a little picked over because of the millions of people going through here - but it's worth nearly falling into the lake to grab a delectable treat.

11. Bring a camera that can take good pictures zoomed in - because you'll be pretty far away from some of the falls and it's always nice to get some pretty pictures.

12. Offer to take pictures of people in front of beautiful scenery then have them do the same for you. Extra points if you find someone who knows how to use your Nikon DSLR.

13. Explore some of the places around to get that extra amazing shot - then hand your camera off to your friend so you can get one of you with the view, too.

14. Realize that there are always educational opportunities and your mother would be proud of you if you took advantage of them.

15. If you take the ferry from P2-P3 or visa versa, don't worry - there are plenty of life jackets for everyone, you won't drown.

16. The ferry doesn't have the most beautiful views in the park, but it's still pretty gorgeous.

17. The ferry ride is extremely boring - you might want to bring cards or some sort of game to play for the 5-10 minute journey.

18. Also, there is no smoking of any kind on the ferry - so put those lights out before hopping on.

19. There will be amazingly cool sites throughout your journey - be prepared to capture them all.

20. Be sure to take turns taking pictures in especially cool places - that way each of you have some great pictures to choose from later. you never know which one will become the next profile pic on fbook.

21. Get creative with your pictures and don't be afraid to get a little dirty or wet - as long as you aren't disturbing the actual nature/wildlife/plants, it's okay. (though other tourists may look at you funny)

22. If no one follows these signs, does that make it okay to step off the path? I still don't know.

23. Bring the fanciest camera you have with the most megapixels - it's an excellent opportunity for you to learn about features you've never used and expand your photography skills. Get yourself off that "auto" setting!

24. Take advantage of the completely empty paths - after about 10am they don't come around too often.

25. Don't kill the other tourists - living out the rest of your days in a Croatian prison is not the best way to use your time.

26. If the stupid, rude European tourists who take pictures every 5 steps and in front of every single waterfall (which is saying something in Plitvice) become too much for you - take a break. Sit down on the side of the path and enjoy some lunch while taking in a bit of the scenery.

27. Snickers is an excellent hiking snack/dessert - it's hearty, delicious, and satisfying. Not to mention you can actually buy it in the Balkans - be sure to bring one or two with you.

28. Don't steal other people's children - even if they are adorable. Remember that thing I said about Croatian prison? It holds true here as well.

29. Don't just take shots of scenery - get people in the pictures admiring the beauty. It still captures the landscape, but adds another bit of intrigue as well as gives the person a great shot of themselves in a gorgeous setting.

30. Make friends with the local wildlife - just try to avoid the bears - they're not quite as friendly as little lizards are.

31. Going slightly off-path every once-in-a-while is okay - especially if it's to take a shot of a pretty waterfall.

32. Once again, take advantage of empty paths and do you best to cut people out of pictures using your considerable camera and maneuvering skills.

33. Tourists flock around areas where you can see the waterfalls - get creative in your positioning and be patient (remember, there will be no killing of tourists. Croatian prison=bad way to spend life)

34. Make plans to come back again someday - new paths are being built and who know where they might lead.

35. Realize that not all of your pictures will come out perfect without shadows and gorgeous coloring - but that should stop you from continuing to take them.

36. Don't just look at the water - take time to admire how cool and intricate the walkways are, as well. Someone took time to make them look this beautiful.

37. Take the free bus/trolley/whatever they call it ride back up to the top so you can get some pictures above the lakes.

38. Don't be afraid to step up onto the railings - you probably won't fall off.

39. Also don't be afraid to hand your camera off to someone to take a picture - you have to pay to get in, so chances are they aren't going to run off with it. And, if they do - you could probably chase them down.

40. You can read the educational information - just don't expect all of the information you read to be pleasant - some creatures are just gross.

41. Take some time to take pictures/admire the park from above, too - the walkway and waterfalls look amazing and you can see how each lake falls into the other lakes.

42. Climb over the edge of the railing to get a couple extra good pictures that everyone else/rule-followers might not have.

43. The "cave" isn't really a cave at all and it's not very cool - so if there is a boat-load of tourists walking through the area, you can avoid it - you aren't missing anything.

44. Wait your turn to take some pictures at pretty places - just have your camera ready so you aren't holding up a line of 5 tourists behind you and realize that some people are rude and might try to cut in front of you to take a picture exactly where you want it, too.

45. Stop to enjoy the beauty of the lakes, not just the waterfalls. 

46. Take a friend who is a fantastic sport with you and puts up with all your picture taking, crawling around on the ground, and crazy antics.

47. End your day being happy with the days work - you didn't kill any tourists and you had the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world.