I am starting my yearlong RTW trip on September 14th in London. I am covering the majority of Europe, some of North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

I do have a question, however. I am an American living in the USA who recently became a dual citizen of the Republic of Croatia (through my Dad) and will be getting my second passport soon. I understand that I have to use my US passport when I leave and enter the USA, and even when I get to Europe I will probably use my US passport because Croatia is not yet part of the EU. Therefore using my Croatian passport would have no immediately apparent benefit (Croatia is slated to join around 2010, however).

Notwithstanding, I am considering using my Croatian passport for the countries that do not require visas for Croatian citizens (e.g., Turkey and Russia), in the countries where visas are significantly more expensive for Americans (compare $131 and $30 for a Chinese visa), and places where Americans are regarded less-than-favorably (the Middle East).

For those of you out there who are dual or multiple citizens and are experienced long-term travelers I'd really appreciate some advice on how and in what instances to use either my Croatian or American passport for travel, visas, or just in general.

On another note, anyone out there a citizen of a country whose language they don't speak very well or at all? This will be the first time I'm traveling as a dual national and I'm worried that my broken Croatian will arouse suspicion.

Thanks