A visit to Croatia is no personal indulgence—it is a patriotic duty as an American, a service on par with raising bald eagles and baking apple pie for Stephen Colbert. The small Balkan nation—or, more specifically, its predecessor the Republic of Ragusa—was the first government to officially recognize the United States as an independent nation, and the Croatian isle of Brac is said to have supplied the stones used to construct the White House. A glance at the map will reveal Croatia’s impressive stretch of Adriatic coastline; it is largely a maritime nation, and the Adriatic Sea has been a primary influence on the country’s cultural and economic development. Ports have historically brought Italians in by the thousands, helping Croatia develop its fishy cuisine, while the rest of Europe is drawn each summer to the unmatched beaches and hot clubs. Visit the fishing islands, tour the ancient ports, stuff yourself until you no longer float, or suck down schnapps until you can no longer swim. We don’t suggest testing these last two. And don’t be so quick to rule the mainland out of your adventures. Farther inland you can make merry in the bounty of Croatian festivals, where traditional dances and instruments are all the rage (because nothing rages like a Croatian bagpipe). Keep an eye out for the local canine population, especially in the Dalmatia region, where Cruella de Vil currently rests atop the most-wanted list.