Travel Review: Croatia Vacation, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Rovinj, Split, Hvar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hiking, Wine Tour

I would study the destinations more deeply beforehand, to already know everything thing they had to offer so as not to miss anything and to avoid any pitfalls; also, the best places to eat (very important to me to try great food) and what to buy (FYI, if you're buying coral, always ask for a certif of authenticity first as a lot is imported!).  For instance, I would definitely put more time against Plitvice lakes. I would again go in the offseason (which doesn't have the crowds that greatly slow down your visit) and I would not waste time as I did this trip, sitting in my hotel waiting for my ticket appointment ( a leftover from high season).  Instead I would go there directly as they would have let me in any way and then I would have been able to see more of the lakes.
And as interesting as Dubrovnik is, I don't think I'd go back unless it was the off, offseason.  The crowds were still crazy  the 9th of October, which took away from the city.  I would also add more excursions (the walking tours are really fantastic but there's still time to do more in many instances).  I would skip the suggested restaurant in Zagreb - very mediocre.  They only good thing is that it was very inexpensive.  I would also not stay and the Villa in Dubrovnik.  Compared to the other 3-star hotels I was in which were all very nice and new, this 4-star hotel was a huge disappointment and certainly not worth it.  Old and depressing.  
I would also make sure I had local currency st the start of my trip and trip and get small bills for purchases and tipping.  200KN bills were not always welcomed.
Overall, I would not do a lot differently.  But next time I would add some new Croatian destinations.  What a beautiful with such nice people.