In such a complicated world in which we live, who doesn’t need a little more fun in their life? The only problem is that most of us don’t know where to find new sources of joy in our lives. It starts with changing your mindset so that you’re open to having more fun and actively seeking enjoyment. Once you change your mindset, it’ll be easier to do the things that can add more fun and joy to your daily life.

Break Habits

Most of us get into daily habits that suck a lot of the fun out of life. We go through the motions, which is never any fun. To change that, you have to break some habits and break out of your routine. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can start with doing something you’ve never done before or eating something you’ve never had. Anything new has a chance to be fun. You can also break your habits with your loved ones by going out of your way to be kind to them or spending more time with them. Being around friends and family should be something you enjoy, so being around them more than usual or doing nice things for them will break your habits and add joy to all of your lives.

Play More Games

Did you know why it seems kids have more fun than adults? It’s in part because they are always playing games. In fact, life sometimes seems like one big game to them, which is why they have a lot more fun. That doesn’t mean you have to play kid games. Find games that you might enjoy and start playing them more regularly. For instance, many adults enjoy the thrill of casino-style games, including slots and table games. Luckily, you don’t have to risk money or even visit a casino to play these types of games anymore. There are now countless online platforms with free casino games available. The selection of games at these sites is so vast that you’re bound to discover a new game or an old classic that you can play for fun.

Photo - Canva

Be More Spontaneous

It’s a tad cliche, but spontaneity can be the spice of life. New and novel experiences have a way of stretching time and leaving lasting impressions on our brains. As kids, life was full of firsts. We were captivated by simple things like the flutter of a hummingbird’s wings. Those moments of spontaneity nourish something deep inside of us. They help us have fun without necessarily setting off on a specific fun activity. Try to get yourself back to a time when not everything was planned out. Seek opportunities to reconnect with the part of us that used to take life one moment at a time, and you’ll start having more fun.

Make Time for Fun

In some cases, we know how to have fun but can’t find time for the things we know bring us joy. By hook or by crook, stop that from being the case. It’s like being on a plane and being told to put your own facemask on during an emergency before helping others. Sometimes you have to take care of yourself and have fun regardless of your other responsibilities. When you make time for yourself, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re refilling your own cup so you can show up stronger, happier, and more present for the people you care about. Whatever you know will bring you joy, just do it. Life’s too short not to have a little fun.

Don’t Overthink

Fun isn’t always going to be planned ahead or artificially produced. The best moments in life are the ones that just happen. Don’t spend time thinking about how you can have fun. In fact, stop spending so much time thinking. Practices like meditation or yoga are great ways to build mindfulness. Stop thinking so much about things that aren’t good for you and make space in your head for thoughts that might actually bring a little joy. Thinking less can be a great way to start having more fun. If you free your mind from thoughts that are negative or being concerned with work and responsibilities, there will be no room for fun. If you stop thinking so much and stop taking life so seriously, it’ll be much easier for fun to find you.

Following the recent announcement that Discover Airlines will operate flights between Frankfurt and Dubrovnik year-round, The Dubrovnik Times spoke to the airline for further insight into what this move means for the region and what travellers can expect.

Previously a seasonal service, the decision to fly throughout the winter months marks a significant shift in connectivity between Dubrovnik and one of Europe’s busiest airport hubs.

Responding to Growing Demand

We asked Discover Airlines what prompted this strategic move to extend their schedule beyond the traditional summer season:

Discover Airlines - Photo - Wiki

What motivated Discover Airlines to extend the Dubrovnik–Frankfurt route to operate year-round, including the winter season?

“Dubrovnik is a popular destination in our summer schedule. Our forecast has shown that there is a high demand for year-round options, especially in winter, as people want to escape the cold winter months in Germany or want to visit their relatives during Christmas and New Year’s season. We also want to offer our guests from Frankfurt and Dubrovnik with more flexible travel options.”

This demand-driven approach demonstrates the growing appeal of Dubrovnik not just as a summer hotspot, but as a year-round destination with increasing interest from both leisure travellers and those visiting family.

Winter Schedule Details

The airline confirmed a consistent schedule of three flights per week during the off-season, allowing plenty of flexibility for both short breaks and extended stays.

Can you provide details on the expected flight schedule and frequency during the winter months?

“Discover Airlines operates the route FRA-DBV and DBV-FRA three times a week throughout the year, always on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The flight takes about two hours.”

FRA-DBV (4Y900)

• Mondays: 10:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Wednesdays & Fridays: 02:55 p.m. – 04:45 p.m.

DBV-FRA (4Y901)

• Mondays: 12:45 p.m. – 02:50 p.m.

• Wednesdays & Fridays: 05:30 p.m. – 07:35 p.m.

With convenient mid-day departure times and a swift two-hour flight, the route is especially appealing to both business and leisure travellers.

Are there plans to introduce similar year-round services to other seasonal destinations in the near future?

“Currently, we do not have plans to introduce similar year-round services to other seasonal destinations. We continuously evaluate our route network and demand to explore future opportunities. In addition to Dubrovnik, we fly to two other destinations in Croatia from Frankfurt: Split and Zadar, during the summer.”

So while Dubrovnik stands out as the only Croatian destination in their winter schedule, the airline remains open to further developments depending on market demand.

Why Frankfurt Matters

Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s largest and busiest aviation hubs, handling over 57 million passengers in 2023. As the primary gateway for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners, the airport connects travellers to destinations across five continents.

Frankfurt Airport a global hub - Photo - Canva

Having a direct link from Dubrovnik to Frankfurt year-round means more seamless long-haul connections for tourists and business travellers alike. Whether you're flying in from North America, Asia, or the Middle East, reaching Dubrovnik via Frankfurt just got easier—without the seasonal constraints.

Codeshare Benefits

Lastly, Discover Airlines confirmed a detail that may be of interest to many travellers who typically fly with the Croatian national carrier:

“In addition to us, Croatia Airlines also operates the FRA-DBV route all year-round. As this airline has a codeshare agreement with Discover Airlines, our flights are also displayed on their website.”

This codeshare ensures even greater booking flexibility and visibility for the route, giving passengers more options and easier coordination with other flights across the Star Alliance network.

A Positive Signal for Dubrovnik

This year-round commitment by Discover Airlines sends a strong message of confidence in Dubrovnik’s appeal beyond summer. With Frankfurt serving as a bridge to the world, and a consistent schedule in place, this new chapter could mark the beginning of more robust off-season tourism for the Pearl of the Adriatic.

To celebrate Earth Day, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board is organizing Flower Concerts on the 21st and 22nd of April in the unique setting of Villa Čingrija.

Each day’s program begins at 6:00 PM with an engaging lecture titled “Splendour on the Cliffs: Tales from the Čingrija Family Gardens at Boninovo”, presented by art historian Ivan Viđen.

Following the lecture, at 6:30 PM, guests will enjoy a concert by the String Quartet of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. The event will be further enhanced by beautiful floral decorations crafted by Kristina Skvrce, adding a special visual flair to the elegant ambiance of Villa Čingrija.

Admission is free, but prior reservation is required via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please note that in case of bad weather, the concerts will not be held. We invite all residents and visitors of Dubrovnik to join us in celebrating Earth Day through music, culture, and natural beauty, in a venue steeped in history and charm.

The first solar power plant in Croatia entirely owned by citizens, located on the roof of the city market in Križevci, has been officially put into operation and will generate enough energy for around 50 households, the City of Križevci announced on Wednesday, reports HINA. 

This pioneering project is the result of efforts by the energy community Green Energy Cooperative (ZEZ) Sunce, whose ownership shares are distributed among 127 citizens, more than a quarter of whom are from the Koprivnica-Križevci County.

Citizens have the right to produce their own electricity, and energy communities are one way they can exercise that right.

“The solar power plant on the city market is our first project, but certainly not our last. We’re open to collaborating with all local communities that want to start similar initiatives in their own cities,” said Mislav Kirac, manager of ZEZ Sunce and program coordinator of the cooperative.

Construction of the power plant began earlier this year after a successful public call for members of ZEZ Sunce, during which €140,000 was raised in just ten days to fund the project.

The electricity produced—enough to supply about 50 households—will for now be sold on the market.

The goal is to eventually allow community members to directly use the solar energy in their homes or businesses, once legislation permits the distribution of energy among members.

Križevci Mayor Mario Rajn stated that the city already has experience with similar initiatives. Following the success of the solar energy projects Križevci Sunny Rooftops in 2018 and 2019—both citizen-funded through microloans—this marks the third citizen energy project in the city.

Križevci aims to become an energy-independent city by 2030.

After the grand concert celebration marking its centenary, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra continues with performances during its anniversary year. The Dubrovnik Musical Spring cycle has begun, and this Thursday, April 17, the audience will have the chance to enjoy an excellent concert. Beloved guests of the city, conductor Pavle Zajcev and cellist Vid Veljak, will perform with the orchestra at Revelin. The concert starts at 8 PM.

The Dubrovnik audience is surely very familiar with Vid Veljak, as he was not long ago the principal cellist of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. Veljak has distinguished himself on both the Croatian and international music scenes as one of the youngest and most talented cellists in the field of chamber music, as well as a soloist focused on performing contemporary and experimental music. Since June 2022, he has been a member of the Zagreb Soloists ensemble, and in September of the same year, he took on the role of principal cellist at the Croatian National Theatre Orchestra in Zagreb. Since 2022, he has also served as a cello professor at the Academy of Arts in Split, where he holds the title of assistant professor.

This Thursday, he will perform as a soloist in Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor. The concert program also includes the symphonic version of Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross.

Maestro Pavle Zajcev, who will be conducting the concert, was the principal cellist of the Croatian Radio Television Symphony Orchestra from 2002 to 2010. He has worked as an assistant professor since 2005 and became a full professor of chamber music at the Zagreb Academy of Music in 2024. As a conductor, he regularly performs with the Zagreb Philharmonic, Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra, Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Zadar Chamber Orchestra, and the orchestras of the Croatian National Theatres in Rijeka and Split. He frequently records for HRT. In 2023, he won first prize at the second edition of the Orchestra's Conductor Competition in Ploiești, Romania. For his recording of Igor Kuljerić’s Pop Concert, he received the Porin Award for Best Classical Music Performance.

For concert information and reservations, please call +385 91 613 7314.

The Dubrovnik Musical Spring cycle is organized by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra with the support of the City of Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia.

On the occasion of the upcoming Easter holiday, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković and Deputy Mayor Jelka Tepšić visited the Bishop of Dubrovnik, Mons. Roko Glasnović, and the Vicar General of the Diocese of Dubrovnik, Mons. Ivica Pervan. The traditional Easter meeting was held at the Bishop’s Palace.

During the visit, they exchanged Easter greetings and well wishes for the most important Christian holiday, highlighting the values of peace, unity, and blessings for all families.

Mayor Franković informed the Bishop about the City of Dubrovnik’s current measures and projects, with a special emphasis on supporting young families and families with multiple children, particularly in the context of housing solutions. The importance of continued cooperation between the City and the Diocese of Dubrovnik on joint projects of wider social significance was also highlighted.

Luka Modrić’s (39) entry into the ownership structure of Swansea City has sparked significant interest in the British media, who were quick to highlight just how much the Croatian captain has earned over his illustrious career, reports tportal. 

Modrić Still Shining at the Top at 39

Even at 39, Luka Modrić continues to shine at the highest level. The Real Madrid and Croatian national team captain consistently proves his class, with many considering him one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Beyond his impressive football career, Modrić is increasingly focused on private investments, with his latest move being a stake in the English club Swansea City.

Making Headlines in England and Spain

The Welsh Championship side officially announced that Modrić has become one of the club’s co-owners, marking a new business venture for the Croatian star. Swansea currently sits 12th in the Championship, and according to the club’s announcement, Modrić’s involvement has been seen as a major boost to their ambitions of returning to the Premier League.

“This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fan base, and ambition to compete at the highest level. As someone who plays at that level, I believe I can help the club with my experience. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and help build an exciting future,” Modrić stated.

A Strategic Investor Off the Pitch

According to FourFourTwo magazine, Modrić’s investment in Swansea is just the latest step in a carefully thought-out strategy to grow his wealth. CelebrityNetWorth estimates the Croatian midfielder’s net worth at around €65.3 million (£56 million or $75 million).

Let’s not forget—Modrić has won the Champions League six times, earned the Ballon d’Or, and taken home silver and bronze medals at the last two FIFA World Cups with Croatia. His life journey—from a childhood in war-torn Velebit to the global football stage—is an inspiration to many.

More Than Football: A Diverse Business Portfolio

Off the pitch, Modrić has been active in investing for years, particularly in real estate, with much of the portfolio managed by his wife, Vanja. Four years ago, the couple launched a company that has since received over €20 million in investments.

More recently, he expanded into the world of craft beer, becoming co-owner of the Zeppelin Craft Brewery in Bjelovar, Croatia. It’s yet another example of his long-term, strategic thinking beyond football.

The average monthly net salary paid to employees in legal entities in the City of Zagreb for January 2025 amounted to €1,564, marking a nominal increase of 1.1% compared to the previous month and an 11% increase compared to January 2024.

Highest Earnings in Oil and Gas

The median net salary for January stood at €1,350, meaning half of Zagreb’s employees earned less than this amount, and half earned more.

According to data from the City Office for Economy, Environmental Sustainability and Strategic Planning, the highest average monthly net salary in January was recorded in the extraction of crude oil and natural gas sector, amounting to €2,339.

Lowest Wages in Manufacturing

On the other end of the scale, the lowest salaries were paid in the manufacture of leather and related products, as well as in other personal service activities, where the average net salary was €943.

Above the National Average

In comparison, the national average net salary for January 2025 in Croatia was €1,392, meaning the average salary in Zagreb was €172 higher.

The average gross monthly salary in legal entities in Zagreb for January reached €2,224, reflecting a 1.3% increase compared to December 2024 and an 11.9% increase compared to January 2024.