Tips for Planning a Vacation to Croatia in 2024
Nestled along the Adriatic coastline, coupled with 1,244 islands, Croatia is becoming a trendy travel destination. Tourists are drawn to the beaches, hilltop villages, and the buzzing capital city of Zagreb. If you’re looking for a Mediterranean getaway, Croatia is the place to be!
Riverdale Travel has compiled some useful tips for planning a vacation to Croatia in 2024.
Croatian Sensibilities
Croatians can be quite reserved, almost brusque. You should still get to know the locals, though, as they are warm and friendly once you get acquainted with them.
However, if you are planning to visit any churches or other sacred sites, make sure you dress appropriately. This means covering your shoulders and thighs for both men and women. Upon entering a church, remove your hat.
Several cities in Croatia have passed laws banning people from walking around in swimsuits or bare-chested, so make sure you bring something to wear after your day at the beach.
Get to Know the Language
Croatian is a difficult language to master, but getting to know a few useful phrases will help you in your travels and impress the locals. Tip: The “j” sound is often pronounced as a “y” in Croatian.
Here are a few phrases to memorize before traveling to Croatia.
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Hello / Bok (pronounced Bohk)
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Good Morning / Dobro jutro
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Thank you / Hvala
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Please / Molim
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How are you? / Kako ste?
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Yes / Da
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Good Bye / Doviđenja (pronounced doh-vee-jen-yah)
Check Your Currency
Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, and the Euro was formally introduced as the primary currency on January 1, 2023. Traveling to Croatia will require you to exchange some money for euros, but at the very least, you can use euros in many other European countries as well.
Croatia is a cash-based country, so make sure you carry cash with you when you travel there. Larger hotels, businesses, and restaurants will still take cards, but having cash handy is essential.
As for tipping, it’s appreciated but not expected. If you are going to tip, leave it in cash.
Feast and Drink
Wine & olive oil are delicacies in Croatia, so you must try it while you’re there. If you want to get out of the cities, there are signposted “wine roads” and “olive oil roads” where you can stop by local, family-owned estates and try their wines or olive oils.
Coffee is popular in Croatia, but it is not a great place for chain coffee shops. This is all the more reason to try the local coffee and sip into the local culture.
Croatia might not be the friendliest for vegetarians or vegans. Their diet is heavily meat and fish-based, though some of the larger cities have vegetarian restaurants.
Embrace the Sea
Since there are so many islands, there are plenty of beaches to explore. There are many public ferries in Croatia, and they are a popular way to island hop. However, some of the public ferries are difficult to plan around, so consider chartering a boat if you have a strict itinerary.
While in Croatia, you can also rent speedboats, yachts, or catamarans to enjoy the sea thoroughly.
Avoid the Rush
The peak season for travel in Croatia is June, July, and August. Tourists flock to the coastline, which means big crowds and less room to explore. The weather is also more humid, and the National Park and ferries are more expensive.
Instead, try to visit Croatia in May or September. Prices for flights are much lower, and the weather is still pleasant and warm enough for swimming. There are also festivals year-round, so there is plenty to do.
Emergency Contacts
If you experience an emergency while in Croatia, you can dial:
If you are living with a health concern, buying travel insurance for yourself might be a good idea.
Plan Your Croatian Getaway with Riverdale Travel
Whether you’re looking for a Croatian cruise or an exciting inland adventure, Riverdale Travel can help you plan it! We have award-winning travel consultants who specialize in Croatian travel, which means you’re getting the help of an expert, rather than doing it on your own.
Traveling to Croatia for business? Riverdale can help your company save up to 30% on travel costs!
Give us a call today at 763-323-3665 or schedule a travel consultation online!
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