In the world of television journalism, few personalities manage to capture the essence of travel storytelling and the spirit of exploration quite like Martina Validžić.
With nearly 25 years of experience on Croatian National Television, Martina has become a household name in Croatia and beyond. Her passion for travel and cultural discovery has taken her on extraordinary journeys, culminating in the acclaimed travel documentary series "Sretni gradovi" ("Happy Cities"), which explores some of the world’s most liveable and inspiring cities.
Today, she shares with us her journey, her creative process, and her advice for young dreamers eager to combine work and travel.
Martina, could you introduce yourself in a few sentences for our international Erasmus OLS audience? Who are you?
My name is Martina and I'm a TV and travel addict. I've been working as a TV journalist, reporter, and host for almost 25 years so far on various television channels, but mostly my work is related to HTV, Croatian National Television. In the last couple of years, I've been an author, screenwriter and director of several travel documentaries, but my most notable work is on the series „Sretni gradovi” (Happy cities) for which we filmed two seasons, first in Europe and the second one in USA. I'm also a free spirit, music addict and an extreme hedonist.
"Sretni gradovi" takes us on a journey through fascinating cities. How did this idea come to life?
After I finished work on my mini travel series „Inshallah Qatar” which gained great feedback of the audience and high viewership three years ago, my bosses asked me to think about the next project. I only had couple of days to figure it out, so I reached for my notes where I write everything what inspires me and I do it every day, whether it is a song, movie, person, quotes or interesting article. And I found the article about the cities with the highest quality of life, Copenhagen was always on the top of the charts. Then I read the book „Danci i stranci” written by Kristina Wolsperger Danilovski, about living in Denmark from the Croatian point of view and I thought- Danes are so interesting, different, amazing and little bit weird, but in a good way. Let's see it up close and see what we can learn from them!
What was the most exciting or unexpected experience while filming the first season in Europe?
My crew and I really experienced so many unforgettable adventures, unbelievable encounters, we've met so many amazing people with whom I remained connected and many of them became my friends. It's always about people! Different cultures, lifestyles, thinking is always the most inspiring part of the journey. But I will also never forget riding on the vespa in Rome around Colosseum with the writer Luca Spaghetti, just like in the movie „Roman Holiday”, eating the worst thing I've ever tasted- islandic fermented shark, learning to dance Viennese waltz in Wiener Tanz Schule, having dinner in Slovenian cable car, Lisbon nightlife with the local street legend Ufa, meeting the most amazing belly dancer and „swan lady” Tanya in Christiania in Copenhagen or riding a husky sled in finish Lapland.
You’ve visited many cities—if you had to choose one that completely stole your heart, which one would it be and why?
If we talk about Europe and the cities we've filmed, I would definitely go for Lisbon. I don't know whether it is about the city's laidback atmosphere, sunny weather, great food, party in the air all the time or heartbreaking fado music which definitely stole my heart. One of the most beautiful evenings in my life was one in the small tavern „A Baiuca” in Alfama, neighbourhood where is the origin of the fado music in Lisbon. The singers who sang for us all night, while we were siting close to people we've never met before, but we were all united in the deepest emotions which that artists gave us, for me, it was unforgettable.
Speaking about USA, I left my heart in Nashville, Tennesse. Music is happiness.
What, in your opinion, makes a city truly "happy" or liveable?
It varies from person to person, it's very individual. Someone is happy up there in the northernmost north surrounded with complete snow, cold whether and minimal human beings, and on the other hand, there are people like me who like to be in the crowd, singing and dancing all night. It's about extracting the best of what you have, finding things you love to do, avoiding negativity as much as possible, love, eat, smile passionately. It's not about the money and clever bureaucracy, but then again, it can help a lot. Combination of all that, education, healthcare, affordable housing, big variety of cultural events and the most important part, highest level of human rights- it makes happy surroundings.
How do you choose the cities you feature in your series? Is there a specific criteria?
I've chosen Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Vienna because they are always on the top of the charts every year. Lisbon, Ljubljana and Rome were the choice of my heart. Even though Rome has chaotic traffic and is not the cleanest city in the world, it it the most magnificent of them all. How can you not be happy in The Eternal city? In USA, I've chosen cities which are so important of the world's map, whether it is about history events, lifestyle, music, climate, fun.
What are your future aspirations for Sretni gradovi? Any new destinations in mind?
I would like to see up close how do Asians or Latinos radiate happiness and love. Or maybe Australia and New Zealand. The world is huge and if we think the Europe is the only thing we should know, we're so wrong. It's important to broaden the horizons in order not to allow ourselves to have any prejudices.
As a traveller, do you prefer the charm of hidden gems or the energy of famous tourist hotspots?
I'm more into lifestyle of the locals, rather than hectic well-known touristic spots. I would prefer to eat at the local diner or a restaurant, drinking beer with construction workers, visiting a Baptist church in the suburb of Nashville, singing and crying with magnificent gospel choir, visiting the poorest Lisbon neighbourhood- Quinta do mocha, which finally get different image in public by having the prettiest open air gallery with beautiful murals painted by world famous street artists on their buildings... I like to act as a local, while I'm visiting. I'm not a typical tourist. I would define myself as a traveller.
You speak multiple languages—how has that shaped your experiences while traveling?
Well, English is universal everywhere I go. But I've also spoken a little bit of German while we were filming in Austria and un poco de español while we were in my favourite Miami neighbourhood- Little Havana. I'm still not that confident in speaking Spanish or German with the native speakers, but I'm working on it.
If you could instantly become fluent in any language, which one would you choose and why?
Spanish is my biggest love and passion! I'm learning Spanish in a language school in Zagreb with my dearest teacher, a great pedagogue, and I would prefer to have Spanish lessons every day if I could.
What’s your favourite word or phrase in a foreign language that you’ve picked up along the way?
My favourite phrase in Spanish is „Se vive una vez!” and „No pasarán!”. In English, everyone tells me that I have an American accent... maybe it's because I'm overwhelmed with American pop culture. That's why I can't choose a single phrase. It's a bunch of phrases I use every day.
Many young people dream of combining travel and work. What advice would you give them on pursuing a career like yours?
It's been a long journey for me to become what I am experiencing today. But then again, I started to travel and film TV reportages as soon as I came to HTV 24 years ago. I always imagined myself traveling around the world, meeting new people. It's about the size of your desire. If you want it so much that there is no other way than that- it will become true, sooner or later. I really believe in that. And in constant improvement of oneself. Education, new skills, new languages, books, music, movies and documentaries. And an open heart.
If you had to describe Croatia to someone who has never been, what three words would you use?
Croatia- small country, big heart! (it's four words, but it sounds like a slogan)
Nature, fun, heart.
And finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
I'm preparing to visit Los Angeles at the end of February, I have to film 20 min long reportage which will be broadcasted before the live broadcast of this year's Oscar ceremony. And after that, some great new adventures are also on the horizon! I'll keep you posted!
Thank you for taking the time to read Martina's story! We’d love to hear your thoughts or anything you'd like to share—feel free to leave a comment below.
With nearly 25 years of experience on Croatian National Television, Martina has become a household name in Croatia and beyond. Her passion for travel and cultural discovery has taken her on extraordinary journeys, culminating in the acclaimed travel documentary series "Sretni gradovi" ("Happy Cities"), which explores some of the world’s most liveable and inspiring cities.
Today, she shares with us her journey, her creative process, and her advice for young dreamers eager to combine work and travel.
Martina, could you introduce yourself in a few sentences for our international Erasmus OLS audience? Who are you?
My name is Martina and I'm a TV and travel addict. I've been working as a TV journalist, reporter, and host for almost 25 years so far on various television channels, but mostly my work is related to HTV, Croatian National Television. In the last couple of years, I've been an author, screenwriter and director of several travel documentaries, but my most notable work is on the series „Sretni gradovi” (Happy cities) for which we filmed two seasons, first in Europe and the second one in USA. I'm also a free spirit, music addict and an extreme hedonist.
"Sretni gradovi" takes us on a journey through fascinating cities. How did this idea come to life?
After I finished work on my mini travel series „Inshallah Qatar” which gained great feedback of the audience and high viewership three years ago, my bosses asked me to think about the next project. I only had couple of days to figure it out, so I reached for my notes where I write everything what inspires me and I do it every day, whether it is a song, movie, person, quotes or interesting article. And I found the article about the cities with the highest quality of life, Copenhagen was always on the top of the charts. Then I read the book „Danci i stranci” written by Kristina Wolsperger Danilovski, about living in Denmark from the Croatian point of view and I thought- Danes are so interesting, different, amazing and little bit weird, but in a good way. Let's see it up close and see what we can learn from them!
What was the most exciting or unexpected experience while filming the first season in Europe?
My crew and I really experienced so many unforgettable adventures, unbelievable encounters, we've met so many amazing people with whom I remained connected and many of them became my friends. It's always about people! Different cultures, lifestyles, thinking is always the most inspiring part of the journey. But I will also never forget riding on the vespa in Rome around Colosseum with the writer Luca Spaghetti, just like in the movie „Roman Holiday”, eating the worst thing I've ever tasted- islandic fermented shark, learning to dance Viennese waltz in Wiener Tanz Schule, having dinner in Slovenian cable car, Lisbon nightlife with the local street legend Ufa, meeting the most amazing belly dancer and „swan lady” Tanya in Christiania in Copenhagen or riding a husky sled in finish Lapland.
You’ve visited many cities—if you had to choose one that completely stole your heart, which one would it be and why?
If we talk about Europe and the cities we've filmed, I would definitely go for Lisbon. I don't know whether it is about the city's laidback atmosphere, sunny weather, great food, party in the air all the time or heartbreaking fado music which definitely stole my heart. One of the most beautiful evenings in my life was one in the small tavern „A Baiuca” in Alfama, neighbourhood where is the origin of the fado music in Lisbon. The singers who sang for us all night, while we were siting close to people we've never met before, but we were all united in the deepest emotions which that artists gave us, for me, it was unforgettable.
Speaking about USA, I left my heart in Nashville, Tennesse. Music is happiness.
What, in your opinion, makes a city truly "happy" or liveable?
It varies from person to person, it's very individual. Someone is happy up there in the northernmost north surrounded with complete snow, cold whether and minimal human beings, and on the other hand, there are people like me who like to be in the crowd, singing and dancing all night. It's about extracting the best of what you have, finding things you love to do, avoiding negativity as much as possible, love, eat, smile passionately. It's not about the money and clever bureaucracy, but then again, it can help a lot. Combination of all that, education, healthcare, affordable housing, big variety of cultural events and the most important part, highest level of human rights- it makes happy surroundings.
How do you choose the cities you feature in your series? Is there a specific criteria?
I've chosen Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Vienna because they are always on the top of the charts every year. Lisbon, Ljubljana and Rome were the choice of my heart. Even though Rome has chaotic traffic and is not the cleanest city in the world, it it the most magnificent of them all. How can you not be happy in The Eternal city? In USA, I've chosen cities which are so important of the world's map, whether it is about history events, lifestyle, music, climate, fun.
What are your future aspirations for Sretni gradovi? Any new destinations in mind?
I would like to see up close how do Asians or Latinos radiate happiness and love. Or maybe Australia and New Zealand. The world is huge and if we think the Europe is the only thing we should know, we're so wrong. It's important to broaden the horizons in order not to allow ourselves to have any prejudices.
As a traveller, do you prefer the charm of hidden gems or the energy of famous tourist hotspots?
I'm more into lifestyle of the locals, rather than hectic well-known touristic spots. I would prefer to eat at the local diner or a restaurant, drinking beer with construction workers, visiting a Baptist church in the suburb of Nashville, singing and crying with magnificent gospel choir, visiting the poorest Lisbon neighbourhood- Quinta do mocha, which finally get different image in public by having the prettiest open air gallery with beautiful murals painted by world famous street artists on their buildings... I like to act as a local, while I'm visiting. I'm not a typical tourist. I would define myself as a traveller.
You speak multiple languages—how has that shaped your experiences while traveling?
Well, English is universal everywhere I go. But I've also spoken a little bit of German while we were filming in Austria and un poco de español while we were in my favourite Miami neighbourhood- Little Havana. I'm still not that confident in speaking Spanish or German with the native speakers, but I'm working on it.
If you could instantly become fluent in any language, which one would you choose and why?
Spanish is my biggest love and passion! I'm learning Spanish in a language school in Zagreb with my dearest teacher, a great pedagogue, and I would prefer to have Spanish lessons every day if I could.
What’s your favourite word or phrase in a foreign language that you’ve picked up along the way?
My favourite phrase in Spanish is „Se vive una vez!” and „No pasarán!”. In English, everyone tells me that I have an American accent... maybe it's because I'm overwhelmed with American pop culture. That's why I can't choose a single phrase. It's a bunch of phrases I use every day.
Many young people dream of combining travel and work. What advice would you give them on pursuing a career like yours?
It's been a long journey for me to become what I am experiencing today. But then again, I started to travel and film TV reportages as soon as I came to HTV 24 years ago. I always imagined myself traveling around the world, meeting new people. It's about the size of your desire. If you want it so much that there is no other way than that- it will become true, sooner or later. I really believe in that. And in constant improvement of oneself. Education, new skills, new languages, books, music, movies and documentaries. And an open heart.
If you had to describe Croatia to someone who has never been, what three words would you use?
Croatia- small country, big heart! (it's four words, but it sounds like a slogan)
Nature, fun, heart.
And finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
I'm preparing to visit Los Angeles at the end of February, I have to film 20 min long reportage which will be broadcasted before the live broadcast of this year's Oscar ceremony. And after that, some great new adventures are also on the horizon! I'll keep you posted!
Thank you for taking the time to read Martina's story! We’d love to hear your thoughts or anything you'd like to share—feel free to leave a comment below.