Hi {{name|Fellow Traveler}},

Here's a question I get all the time in one form or another: "When's the best time to go to ___?"

Today, let's answer it for a destination that just landed on every non-rev's radar: Split, Croatia.

When I was in Dublin in cold February this year, I met with the Croatia Tourism Board. They are heavily promoting other cities as Dubrovnik is just too crowded. I actually remember going to Dubrovnik and Cavtat in 2009 and it was not very well known so I had an amazing time. Walking along the top of the walled city was a breeze; not so much today.

Fast forward to April 30, this year United launched the first-ever nonstop between the US and Split — Newark (EWR) to Split (SPU), three times weekly, seasonal through early September. Before this, getting to central Dalmatia meant connecting through Frankfurt, Munich, or Zagreb. Now it's one listing away.

Sounds like a dream non-rev run. Here's why it's also a trap if you time it wrong:

Add it up: a July attempt on this flight amounts to one of the toughest standby options in Europe right now.

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There's a window where all of this flips in your favor — the crowds thin out, the loads open up, and the Adriatic is still warm enough to swim. And if the nonstop doesn't work, there's a backup routing most non-revs don't think of.

Both answers are on the Nonrev Destination Intel page, where you can run this exact "when should I actually go?" analysis for Split — or any destination you're eyeing:

That's the whole point of the tool: stop guessing from the load screen alone. Season, schedule, aircraft, and alternates all change your odds — and now you can see them in one place before you list. And before you do list, request the current EWR–SPU picture at flightloads.passrider.com — especially if you're flying on a pass from an airline other than United.

Croatia wants you there. American arrivals were up 9% last year, the tourist board is pushing for even more US routes, and Split is the gateway to Hvar, Brač, and Vis — under an hour by ferry. Go in the right window, and you get the Adriatic without the elbows.

Where should I run the Intel treatment next? Hit reply and tell me your destination — the most-requested one gets the next issue.

Have a great trip.

Thank you for traveling with me today.

Kerwin
Passrider.com