Zi Milak

Zi Milak

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Craving Adventure.

Travel and adventure have always been a big part of Zi’s life. Before she even started Craving Adventure she already visited 20+ countries, lived in four of them, and in eight different cities across the globe.

Zi took her first ‘solo’ trip when she was only 11 years old (summer camp in England), it’s safe to say that Zi has always been a travel enthusiast and a nomad partial to adrenalin and adventure.

zi camera photography

Destinations & topics covered by Zi:

Asia | Croatia | Hungary | Indonesia | Italy | Malaysia | Netherlands | New Zealand | Samoa | Singapore | Slovenia | Sri Lanka
Blogging | Kitesurfing | Lifestyle | Photography

Sailing Across Croatia

Zi spent her childhood summers sailing around Croatia’s beautiful coastline. This experience sparked a lasting love for the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Now, as an adult, Zi finds joy in returning to Croatia regularly. Each visit offers a chance to rediscover the country’s charm with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation.

From must-visit hotspots to local favorites and hidden gems, Zi delivers comprehensive guides to exploring gorgeous Croatia.

Best Day Trips from Hvar Island: Boat Tours, Islands & Inland Tours
Best Day Trips from Hvar Island: Boat Tours, Islands & Inland Tours

Where to stay in Hvar: best areas, and Hvar accommodation I’d actually book in 2026
Where to stay in Hvar: best areas, and Hvar accommodation I’d actually book in 2026

Best Hotels in Hvar, Croatia: My 2026 picks for Luxury, Boutique & Beach Stays on Hvar
Best Hotels in Hvar, Croatia: My 2026 picks for Luxury, Boutique & Beach Stays on Hvar

Blue Lagoon Croatia: Best Tours, Tips & Honest Guide to Krknjaši Bay
Blue Lagoon Croatia: Best Tours, Tips & Honest Guide to Krknjaši Bay

Blue Cave Croatia: Is It Worth It? Tours, Tips & 2026 Guide
Blue Cave Croatia: Is It Worth It? Tours, Tips & 2026 Guide

10 Best Day Trips from Split: Islands, Waterfalls, Towns, Tours & DIY Trips
10 Best Day Trips from Split: Islands, Waterfalls, Towns, Tours & DIY Trips

Split Itinerary: How to Spend 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 Days in Split, Croatia
Split Itinerary: How to Spend 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 Days in Split, Croatia

10 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia
10 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia

Split Old Town Guide: 20 Best Things to Do in Diocletian’s Palace & Beyond
Split Old Town Guide: 20 Best Things to Do in Diocletian’s Palace & Beyond

One day in Split, Croatia: What to do in 24h + Walking Route
One day in Split, Croatia: What to do in 24h + Walking Route

Best Hotels in Split, Croatia: Luxury, Boutique, Old Town & Beach Picks (2026)
Best Hotels in Split, Croatia: Luxury, Boutique, Old Town & Beach Picks (2026)

Where to Stay in Split: Best Areas, Hotels & Local Tips for 2026
Where to Stay in Split: Best Areas, Hotels & Local Tips for 2026

Best Islands Near Dubrovnik: Easy Day Trips + Islands Worth Staying Overnight
Best Islands Near Dubrovnik: Easy Day Trips + Islands Worth Staying Overnight

Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik: 7 Actually Worth It Options + Which One to Choose
Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik: 7 Actually Worth It Options + Which One to Choose

The Perfect Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip: Transport, Best Tours & Things To Do
The Perfect Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip: Transport, Best Tours & Things To Do

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia: What’s Actually Worth It in 2026
Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia: What’s Actually Worth It in 2026

Dubrovnik itinerary: How to spend 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik itinerary: How to spend 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik City Walls Walk: Tickets, Best Time & Honest Tips for 2026
Dubrovnik City Walls Walk: Tickets, Best Time & Honest Tips for 2026

Best Hotels in Dubrovnik: My Favorite Old Town, Luxury, Boutique & Beach Hotels (2026)
Best Hotels in Dubrovnik: My Favorite Old Town, Luxury, Boutique & Beach Hotels (2026)

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Areas, Hotels & Local Tips for 2026
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: Best Areas, Hotels & Local Tips for 2026

Love for Italy


Growing up bilingual thanks to Italian television, Zi developed a profound love for Italian culture and cuisine. Exploring Italy extensively, she found a special connection with the northern regions.

From skiing in the Italian Alps to exploring cities like Venice, Verona, and Bologna, Zi’s adventures are fueled by a passion for history, culture, and of course, delicious food.

In her in-depth Italy guides, Zi combines touristic hot spots with local insights and the best culinary recommendations.

Where to Stay in Lecce: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Where to Stay in Lecce: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)

Where to Stay in Verona: 6 Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Where to Stay in Verona: 6 Best Areas & Hotels (2026)

Verona Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Verona
Verona Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Verona

14 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (My 2026 Guide)
14 Best Things to Do in Verona, Italy (My 2026 Guide)

Venice Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 Days in Venice (2026)
Venice Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 Days in Venice (2026)

8 Best Day Trips from Venice, Italy: Dolomites, Islands & Train Trips
8 Best Day Trips from Venice, Italy: Dolomites, Islands & Train Trips

15 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy: First-Timer’s Guide (2026)
15 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy: First-Timer’s Guide (2026)

Where to stay in Venice – best areas and accommodation in Venice, Italy
Where to stay in Venice – best areas and accommodation in Venice, Italy

Best Hotels in Venice With Canal Views: Where I’d Stay in 2026
Best Hotels in Venice With Canal Views: Where I’d Stay in 2026

Visiting St Mark’s Basilica in Venice: Tickets, Tours and What to Expect
Visiting St Mark’s Basilica in Venice: Tickets, Tours and What to Expect

Visiting Doge’s Palace in Venice: Tickets, Tours and What to Expect
Visiting Doge’s Palace in Venice: Tickets, Tours and What to Expect

Bologna Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in Italy’s Food Capital
Bologna Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in Italy’s Food Capital

Where to Stay in Bologna in 2026: Best Areas, Hotels & Tips
Where to Stay in Bologna in 2026: Best Areas, Hotels & Tips

Best day trips from Bologna
Best day trips from Bologna

One Day in Milan Itinerary: 2 Realistic Routes With & Without The Last Supper
One Day in Milan Itinerary: 2 Realistic Routes With & Without The Last Supper

Milan Itinerary: How to Spend 2, 3, 4 or 5 Days in Milan
Milan Itinerary: How to Spend 2, 3, 4 or 5 Days in Milan

7 Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy: Lake Como, Swiss Alps, Venice & More
7 Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy: Lake Como, Swiss Alps, Venice & More

Best Things to Do in Milan, Italy: 13 Must-See Sights & Experiences (2026)
Best Things to Do in Milan, Italy: 13 Must-See Sights & Experiences (2026)

Where to Stay in Milan in 2026: Best Areas + Hotels for First-Timers
Where to Stay in Milan in 2026: Best Areas + Hotels for First-Timers

Life in New Zealand

Zi’s working holiday in New Zealand turned into six years of unforgettable adventures. She traveled NZ in a van for over 1.5 years combined, traversing the country several times, guided by spontaneity and sometimes the flip of a coin at intersections.

From exploring the rugged coasts to feeling small in the Southern Alps and marveling at the incredible greens and blues, she embraced every opportunity to immerse herself in New Zealand’s beauty and culture.

Though she has since left New Zealand, Zi’s lasting love for the country fuels her passion for writing guides, sharing the magic of NZ, and inspiring others to experience its wonders.

Where to Stay in Rotorua: Best Areas & Accommodation (2026)
Where to Stay in Rotorua: Best Areas & Accommodation (2026)

Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand Guide: Things to Do, See, Beaches & Towns
Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand Guide: Things to Do, See, Beaches & Towns

Donut Island Whangamata: Kayak Whenuakura Island
Donut Island Whangamata: Kayak Whenuakura Island

Cathedral Cove, New Zealand: How to Visit in 2026/2027
Cathedral Cove, New Zealand: How to Visit in 2026/2027

Coromandel from Auckland: Routes, Stops, Tours & Itineraries
Coromandel from Auckland: Routes, Stops, Tours & Itineraries

Where to stay on the Coromandel Peninsula: Best Accommodation & Towns
Where to stay on the Coromandel Peninsula: Best Accommodation & Towns

Mount Cook Travel Guide: Things to Do + 1 & 2 Day Itinerary
Mount Cook Travel Guide: Things to Do + 1 & 2 Day Itinerary

Mount Cook Accommodation: Where to Stay In and Near Aoraki
Mount Cook Accommodation: Where to Stay In and Near Aoraki

10 Best Mount Cook Hikes & Walks: Aoraki Hiking Guide
10 Best Mount Cook Hikes & Walks: Aoraki Hiking Guide

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Review: Is It Worth It?
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Review: Is It Worth It?

West Coast New Zealand Road Trip: 3, 5 & 7 Day Itinerary + Best Things to Do
West Coast New Zealand Road Trip: 3, 5 & 7 Day Itinerary + Best Things to Do

Where to Stay on the West Coast, New Zealand: 7 Best Bases & Hotels
Where to Stay on the West Coast, New Zealand: 7 Best Bases & Hotels

Where to Stay in Franz Josef: Best Hotels & Areas (2026)
Where to Stay in Franz Josef: Best Hotels & Areas (2026)

Wanaka itinerary – How to Spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 Days in Wanaka New Zealand
Wanaka itinerary – How to Spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 Days in Wanaka New Zealand

Where to Stay in Wanaka: 5 Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Where to Stay in Wanaka: 5 Best Areas & Hotels (2026)

Where to Stay in Te Anau: 10 Best Hotels & Lodges (2026)
Where to Stay in Te Anau: 10 Best Hotels & Lodges (2026)

Best Milford Sound Cruises: Which One Should You Actually Book in 2026?
Best Milford Sound Cruises: Which One Should You Actually Book in 2026?

Milford Sound from Queenstown: Drive or Tour? + Best Tours recommended by a local (2026)
Milford Sound from Queenstown: Drive or Tour? + Best Tours recommended by a local (2026)

Te Anau to Milford Sound Drive: Best Stops, Hikes & Tips
Te Anau to Milford Sound Drive: Best Stops, Hikes & Tips

Where to Stay in Milford Sound & Best Bases Nearby (2026)
Where to Stay in Milford Sound & Best Bases Nearby (2026)

Home in Slovenia

Zi, a native of Slovenia, has an intimate understanding of her homeland’s diverse landscapes. She grew up on the picturesque coastline and already as a kid, extensively explored Triglav National Park, where her family owned a holiday home. Later, she lived in Ljubljana for several years, where she also pursued her studies.

After spending years abroad, she returned with a renewed appreciation for Slovenia’s underrated beauty.

With a passion for showcasing her country’s charm, Zi shares her expertise through in-depth guides featuring must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local insights.

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Craving Adventure TB Adriatic 12 scaled

Hi, I’m Zi!

I’m a traveler, storyteller, and content creator, originally from Slovenia.

Some of my favorite adventures are when I moved to New Zealand, swam with sea turtles in Samoa, found hidden waterfalls in Sri Lanka, ate all the food in Italy, and busked in the sun on the islands of Croatia.

Besides travel and photography, I am also passionate about kitesurfing, intentional living, and business. These days I am focusing on improving my kiting and exploring Europe.

Just recently I started a new site called Italy Finds.

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