CROATIA SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024
PLAN AND BOOK YOUR CROATIA SOLO GUIDE
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Dobrodošli u Hrvatsku!
Hi! I’m Gwen, and my passion is using my 28 years of solo global travel and sustainability knowledge and experience to help the solo over 50’s be and stay adventurous through solo travel with their eco-friendly, responsible travel foot forward. Here is my guide to Croatia solo travel, all from my solo travel in Croatia, so you can book and realize your solo trip to Croatia. What are you waiting for?
CROATIA: DID YOU KNOW?
About Croatia
Croatia – known as “the land of 1000 islands”, Croatia is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Old City of Dubrovnik (one of the Game of Thrones filming locations), and the Palace of Diocletian within the historical center of Split.
Croatia is also known for its capital, Zagreb, its Dalmation Coast with beautiful islands and stunning beaches – like Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn), the birthplace of Zinfandel wine (no, it’s not California), Marco Polo, Ivan Mestrovic, Nikola Tesla, Goran Visnjic, Rade Serbedzija, and Branko Lustig.
Languages in Croatia
Standard Croatian is the official language of Croatia spoken by 95% of the population. The remaining 5% speak Standard Bosnian and Standard Serbian.
Croatian Culture
Formerly part of Yugoslavia, Croatia has been independent since 1991. However, Croatia has been civilized since the 6th century. Since then, it has joined the European Union but will not adopt use of the Euro until its two land masses are formally connected (a bridge is in the works).
Croatia borders six countries from the north, east and south, and the Adriatic Sea to the west, which helps fuel its tourism industry that the Croatian economy relies on.
Croatians like to drink – they are 4th in world alcohol consumption, with Rakija being the most popular spirit. Croatians also enjoy fresh seafood daily like octopus, oysters, shrimp and mussels, along with pasta, olive oil, pag cheese and pork.
Over 85% of Croatians are Catholic with the remaining being Serbian Orthodox and Muslim.
The Croatian government is comprised of a democratically elected parliament with the Prime Minister as the head of government.
Croatians place high importance on family where extended family living is common with children still living at home through higher education and/or until marriage. Croatia is traditionally a patriarchal society, but women have been in the workforce for years and experience mostly equality terms of labor. Although most Croatians hold the conservative belief that marriage is between a man and woman, most younger Croatians are more liberal.
Croatians are very friendly and hospitable. They love to entertain and socialize over coffee or meals with family and friends, at sporting events (football is highly popular), and in clubs and pubs.
Popular Activities in Croatia
Croatia’s is blessed with a 3,900-mile-long coastline on the Adriatic Sea, which provides some of the clearest waters, best beaches in the world, and access to activities like snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, diving, and parasailing.
Croatians have been making wine for over 2,500 years, so wine-tasting is a popular, especially along the Dalmatian coast and islands.
Croatia has national parks with waterfalls, great for hiking, climbing and camping.
Food and music festivals can be found year-round in Croatia making for planning a trip to Croatia fun any time of the year.
Best Wine Tours in Croatia
CROATIA TRAVEL PLANNING
Croatian Currency
The Croatia uses the Croatian kuna (HRK). The Euro may be used in certain places, making a possible back-up if you have no kuna on you. Check throughout your travel planning phase on any exchange rate changes.
Tipping in Croatia
Traveling in a new country is easier when you know the country’s tipping etiquette in advance as each country has its own rules. That said, country rules and norms can shift, so here is an international tipping resource for over 70 countries to use as a general guideline that I have found is constantly updated.
What’s not on there is how to tip a concierge, beauty salons or spas, travel or tour guides, etc. For these extras, it is acceptable to tip 10% at minimum. Remember, tipping is for good service only.
Additionally, you should always tip in the local currency (if tipping in cash), and do not be offended if your tip is refused as it may not be the norm. I feel it’s always better to offer a tip for good service than not, unless I know it will be considered offensive, like in Japan.
Croatia Holidays
It’s a complete bummer to spend time and money on the holiday of a lifetime only to show up at a key attraction, or try to access travel or banking resources, only to find them closed due to a national or local holiday.
Therefore, a key activity to do in your early Croatia vacation planning stage is to know the local and national holidays in Croatia.
CROATIA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Documents for Croatia
From the U.S., you will need a valid passport with an expiration date greater than 6 months from your return date to the U.S. It is advised to always check the U.S. State Department in advance of traveling to Croatia for pertinent, up-to-date Croatia travel advisories and information. If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
At this time (October 2023), a travel visa is not required for U.S. citizens who travel in Croatia 90 days or less and within a 180-day period. However, in mid-2025 it is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETAIS) will go into effect that is designed to strengthen European borders and streamline entry. At that time, a printed ETAIS visa waiver (the “ETAIS”) will be required to enter the Schengen Area for tourist, business or transit purposes of 90 days or less. You will be able to apply online for the ETAIS visa waiver, which will also require a fee (7 EUR). Requirements for an ETAIS are available now. Watch for ETAIS updates if you are planning to solo travel to Croatia in 2025.
If you are not from the U.S., please check if your country is on the ETAIS list indicating whether you are required to obtain an ETAIS or a Schengen Visa.
Choose from Top Travel Document Holders
Vaccinations for Croatia
There are normally no vaccinations required for Croatia travel. The U.S. State Department provides up-to-date required vaccination information for traveling to Croatia. It is advised to always check for any Croatia travel restrictions and required vaccinations during your planning stage and again before you leave.
If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
CROATIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Electronics for Croatia
Want to use your 110V electronics while traveling around Croatia? Croatia’s voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you do not already have electronics (hair dryer, clippers, curling iron, etc.) made for Croatia’s voltage, you will need to bring a voltage converter to use your electronics. Below are top-rated power converters for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Converter That’s Right For You
Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and similar electronics don’t require a converter (double-check your device(s) before you leave home), but you will still need a plug adapter.
Traveling to Croatia, Type C and F adapters will fit Croatia’s electronic outlets. I recommend bringing at least one of each adapter type accepted. I do not recommend using those single adapters for 100+ countries. They have been known to break and/or cause a power short.
Be prepared before you visit Croatia. Bring a solid, reliable, and grounded power adapter to safely charge your electronics in Croatia. Below are top-rated U.S. (Type A and B) to Croatia power adapter options, from the only brand I travel with, for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Croatia Adapter That’s Right for You
Type C Adapters
Type E/F Adapters
If you are going to another country in addition to your trip to Croatia, check this international travel adapter guide to make sure you’re prepared.
Cyber Security While Traveling
Having a virtual private network (VPN) service and portable WiFi is always a good idea to not just stay connected, but stay connected securely in your hotel and all public spaces, like airports, train stations, and restaurants.
- Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel: Experience seamless connectivity with the Solis Lite, your pocket-friendly companion that offers secure and reliable mobile WiFi hotspot coverage in over 135...
- SIMO’s virtual, multi-carrier network, includes all the major carriers, so you can work, learn, or play from anywhere. Stay connected domestically or abroad with your personal Wi-Fi hotspot and...
- Built-in 4700 mAh Power Bank: Stay online all day with 16+ hours of battery life in your Solis Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep all your gadgets charged on-the-go.
- Perfect Case for SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
- Featured Design: Strong compact light weight case, the round square design best matching the round shape of the Solis and making it easy to in and out of the case
- Assured Protection: Semi-hard carrying case protecting the device from shock, shake, scratch. PEVA materials with pressure or hit absorbing and water resistant. The round square design make it best to...
CITY GUIDES & ITINERARIES
Use my solo travel guides, itineraries, travel tips, day trip ideas, and recommended things to do in these top Croatian destinations, all from my travel in Croatia, to plan your best Croatia solo travel.
The more I travel in Croatia, the more that gets added to this Croatia Travel Guide. Keep checking back.
Split
Best Things to Do in Split
Beaches
HOW TO BOOK CROATIA TRAVEL
It’s important to book the top three travel necessities early: flights, accommodations and ground transportation.
No travel Croatia guide would be complete without the booking tools below. These, along with fun Croatia things to do and ecotourism ideas, will allow you to realize your solo trip to Croatia.
Cheap Flights to Croatia
With the ever-growing demand for airline tickets to Croatia, flights book quicker these days. Find cheap flights to Croatia now.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Flight to Croatia
Places to Stay in Croatia
Second in importance to buying airline tickets to Croatia is finding the best place to stay in Croatia for your solo travel to Croatia. Develop your Croatia travel itinerary now and find the best accommodations in Croatia to knock one more item off your Croatia travel planning list.
Find the Best Solo Travel Accommodations in Croatia
Getting Around Croatia
Croatia has Bolt, Uber, Carpoolworld, and other possible regional ridesharing services and apps (research in advance if they are in your destination area).
There are also taxis, of course, and you can easily find a rental car if that better suits your Croatia solo travel itinerary.
Find the Best Deals on Croatia Rental Cars
Croatia also part of Europe’s incredible bus and train network, so getting around and booking transportation is easy.
Things to Do in Croatia
Here are some more of the top things to do in Croatia to book for your Croatia solo travel.
Best Croatian Food Tours & Activities
CROATIA ECO-TRAVEL IDEAS
There are ways to reduce your eco and carbon footprint through air travel, accommodations, tours, and activities in Croatia. To help avoid greenwashing businesses, here are some eco-friendly or sustainable travel (also called responsible travel) tips and resources, you can use to book your travel.
Air Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2.
Purchase carbon offsets through your airline or through a third party, like MyClimate.org, Carbonfund.org, or terrapass. Carbon offsetting allows you to buy a certificate to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, which in turn contribute community projects across countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ground Transportation
The best eco-friendly forms of ground transportation in Croatia are public transportation, walking, or renting a bicycle or electric scooter. They are also apt to cost less than other ground transportation.
Explore Croatia Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals
Try to avoid renting a car in Croatia by using the amazingly convenient and inexpensive buses and/or trains.
When booking a rideshare in Croatia, select the Bolt Green or Uber Green options instead of a traditional rideshare, or use Carpoolworld, to support the use of electric cars and carpooling for cleaner transportation in Croatia.
Bolt also has electric scooters to rent in Croatia for fast and clean commuting in select cities.
Accommodation Tips
Look for accommodations with the following self and third-party assessed certifications when you book:
Green Globe – Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, attractions, tour operators, and other tourism businesses globally on sustainable operations and management. Look for Croatia and other European Green Global members..
Green Key Global is an internationally recognized environmental certification for the lodging and meetings industries, including hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, restaurants and attractions in 65 countries. Search for Green Key awarded sites.
Living Building Challenge – if you want to stay in a true, sustainable building, find one certified by the Living Building Challenge. LBC’s certification directory shows all project types globally. Hopefully they will put in a filter soon to allow searching by hotels or hospitality type.
LEED Certified – the USGBC’s LEED Certified label on buildings, like many of the Marriott’s hotels, are those that have verifiably employed multiple and varying green building strategies to improve human and environmental health. Search the LEED directory for Croatia certifications.
Green Lodging Program – Audubon International has an environmental stewardship certification through third-party verification. Search its certified members directory.
GSTC Certified – the Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, as well as international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies. Booking sites that offer GSTC certified sustainable are bookdifferent, EcoHotels, and Transat.
Another way to find an establishments implementing eco-friendly or sustainable practices, certified or not, is through Booking.com in which you’ll need to find and review each establishment’s ‘Sustainable Initiatives’ within the booking process. Starting 2022, however, you’ll be able to filter searches for accommodations with the Travel Sustainable badge.
Find Your Travel Sustainable Stay in Croatia
Eco-Friendly Things To Do
Croatia has ecotourism ideas available to explore for your next vacation.
Search Green Global and Green Key awarded members for eco-friendly activity providers in Croatia. Some may also have the GSTC Certified logo.
Top Croatia Ecotourism
Eco-Travel Products
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel, like bringing sustainable and eco-friendly products to protect Croatia’s environment.
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel. Read my 10 Easy Eco-Travel Tips and view my suggested Eco Travel Resources to learn more.
CROATIA TRAVEL SAFETY
Before You Go
Always consult your government’s Croatia travel advisory for your Croatia travel destination in the beginning travel planning phase and up to your departure date.
Buy Croatia travel insurance and international medical insurance for your solo travel to Croatia to protect yourself and cover for emergencies.
Safety in Croatia
For the most part, Croatia is considered a safe place to visit. Street crime is unlikely. Beyond any possible theft or pickpocketing, which could happen in most tourist places to be honest.
There is nothing I can recall from Croatia making it more of a “safety concern” than traveling in my own home country, so my standard tips for solo and female solo travelers in Croatia are:
- always carry photo ID with you; if you don’t want your passport on you at all times, at least carry a copy of it.
- always be “street wise”.
- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you feel the need to imbibe or feel the need to “let loose” – you’re on vacation so have fun!
- never leave your food or drink unattended.
- keep your belongs on your person, or at least in your view in close proximity, at all times.
- be open to meeting and talking with new people – that is where a lot of the travel experience lies – but be careful on how you divulge personal information.
- research places in advance, if possible, so you know what to expect (i.e., “have a familiar view” – I like to Google the street view of new addresses I’m going to first).
- if something, someone or someplace makes you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut – leave.
CROATIA BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time to Visit Croatia
Like other countries in Europe, Croatia’s high, tourist season, and most expensive time, is the summer (June to August). Crowds are not as heavy in the Spring (April to May) and Fall (September and October), and prices in these months are lower than the summer season.
The least expensive time to go to Croatia would be November to March. For overall best weather and prices, try booking well in advance for Spring or Autumn.
Budget Accommodations
Staying in hostels could save you a lot of money on accommodations in Croatia, especially if you stay in a dorm-style room. Save more money by booking well in advance.
Many Croatia hostels also offer private rooms, which I choose from time to time. Private rooms in hostels could possibly be cheaper than hotels in Croatia – it depends on where you stay and how far in advance you reserve.
Don’t overlook exploring hostels in Croatia if you’re on a budget.
Reserve Your Croatia Hostel
Best Time to Book Travel
Ready to book your solo travel to Croatia? The sooner you book your reservations, the more you’re likely to save money and get the best flight, accommodation, and rental car choices and deals.
Don’t miss out and find the best Croatia flight deals. The best time to book travel is now. Bundling flight, hotel and/or transportation reservations may even save you more money on your trip to Croatia.
Book Croatia Travel Early to Save Money
PERSONAL STORY
I was in Croatia in September 2021. First, the weather in September was off the charts, and there were a lot less tourists. The people are also very nice and accommodating. Croatians are also very proud of their history and are not afraid to share it with you.
Split is very beautiful with many activities to choose from. I went kayaking, cliff jumping, and took a boat to Brac for sun bathing and swimming on the Golden Horn and wine tasting. I also enjoyed great food and a lot of history. I completely recommend Croatia. I must say, I cannot wait to go back.