The world's 10 best value destinations

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9. Croatia

When people think of Croatia, it's most often the old towns that they picture. The sober stone buildings lined up, the floridly sculpted public buildings and, above all, the magnificent walls circling the cities are point-and-shoot perfect. But even though it's full of architectural gems and drenched in history, Croatia is far from being a museum. People live here, raising their kids and growing old in the baroque houses. They shop in local grocery stores and chat with their neighbours in the local cafe. This is the real Croatia and this is its real value.

Pictured: Aerial view of marina on island of Hvar

Text reproduced with permission from Bluelist 2007, copyright 2006 Lonely Planet Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.