We'll always have Croatia Q My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this autumn. We've been to many places -- England, Scotland, Italy, Czechoslovakia. I've never been to what's supposedly the most romantic city in Europe -- Paris -- but it doesn't appeal to me because I don't like to shop or sit around sipping coffee. We're active (I'm a golfer) and we like to explore and discover. We're thinking about Croatia. Do you think the destination is worthy of an anniversary celebration?

A Absolutely, Croatia -- with the history of Greece, the beauty of Italy, the romance of Paris -- is a great choice for an anniversary. Think tile roofs, blue waters, soaring cliffs: What's not romantic about that?

Split, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, sprang from a Greek colony and is known for the ruins of a palace built by Roman emperor Diocletian. The old city of Dubrovnik, farther south on the coast, grew wealthy on trade during the Renaissance. Thick fortifying walls still stand -- you can walk on them -- and the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning cities in the Mediterranean.

Farther north, you'll find something dear to your heart: golf courses. And there's also the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a gorgeous spot (also a UNESCO site) with a series of lakes connected by waterfalls.

For more ideas and to explore hotels, visit the Croatian National Tourism Board at www.croatia.hr.

Answers to travel questions appear weekly in Travel and at startribune.com/escapeartists; send your question by e-mail to travel@startribune.com.

KERRI WESTENBERG

THIS JUST IN

Orbitz's latest defectorsIf you're checking car-rental prices via online travel agency Orbitz, be warned that National, Alamo and Enterprise will be missing from the comparison. Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates Alamo Rent A Car, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car brands, has ended its relationship with Orbitz.com and its sister site, CheapTickets.com. The company made the decision after Orbitz de-listed National and Alamo. The two companies had been in negotiations about commission rates. Late last year, American Airlines pulled out of Orbitz after failed contract negotiations. Travelers can still find the companies' quotes on Priceline and Travelocity, and can book directly at www.nationalcar.com, www.alamo.com and www.enter prise.com.

KERRI WESTENBERG

web watch

App reveals AAA discountsAAA now has an app to remind members of opportunities to save money with their card when traveling. The app, called AAA Discounts, is available for iPhone and Android and is free to download. It uses GPS to pinpoint your location, then sends you merchant discount offers in the area. You can plug in a city and check discounts before you book. Click on the "more" area once you're in the app and go to "discount types" to select the discounts you would like to see. The app also offers turn-by-turn directions.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

STRIP HISTORY

Vegas landmark to closeThe Sahara Hotel & Casino, which dates to the 1950s heyday of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, will close May 16. The Sahara lately is best known for its indoor-outdoor roller coaster and the NASCAR Cafe, with its heart-attack-in-a-tortilla 6-pound burrito. The hotel, at the far northern end of the Strip, has struggled in recent years. Hotel officials said the owner, SBE Entertainment Group, is considering whether to rebrand the hotel or redevelop the aging property.

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

post-tsunami

Some Hawaii spots hit hardAt least two major resorts remain closed on the island of Hawaii in the aftermath of the March 11 tsunami. But most businesses, hotels and attractions were open, according to the Big Island Visitors Bureau. The popular Kona Village Resort was extensively damaged and will be closed indefinitely, spokeswoman Karine Joret said. The luxury Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, in Kailua-Kona, will be closed until April 30. Most of the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, south of Kailua-Kona, remained closed.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

SIDEROADS

Get worldly in RochesterTake an international tour of music, dance and more during the annual World Festival on April 15 and 16 in Rochester. The festival includes a parade of nations with flags, cultural exhibits and demonstrations, ethnic cuisine, storytelling and American Indian drumming. Festival hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. More information at www.startribune.com/a279.

COLLEEN A. COLES