Despite being one of the smaller European countries, Croatia has a lot to offer visitors. But it’s not always as cut and dry as showing up with some euros and a camera; there are a few things you need to consider during the planning phase of your trip. Find out what you should know before your vacation in Croatia so you have the best time possible.
The European Union makes travel through Europe nearly seamless, as just about all countries have open borders and use the euro as currency. But Croatia is one of the newer nations to join the Union, and the country has chosen to keep its currency.
While most establishments in Croatia won’t turn down the euro, it’s easier to utilize the local currency. The nation won’t formally adopt the new currency until 2023, so, in the meantime, stock up on some Croatian kuna.
The Mediterranean region is famous for its warm, idyllic climate, with countries like Spain and Italy being the standard for that image. Croatia lies on the Mediterranean, but it is further north than other Mediterranean countries, meaning that the average climate may be a little cooler than what many visitors expect.
This doesn’t mean that Croatia is an arctic tundra but simply that when planning a stay, you should aim for the months from June through September. Get the most out of the warm weather to enjoy days at the beach and on the water.
While you enjoy some time in the Adriatic, explore some of the islands Croatia has to offer. Hvar is one of the most popular sailing destinations. Vacationers flock to the sea to take part in Croatian catamaran charters to enjoy the country’s waters. For a more cultural experience, consider going on a gulet boat, a 100-foot wooden boat, to travel the waters in style.
If English is your first and only language, it can be a little intimidating traveling to a country that speaks a foreign language. Luckily for English-speaking travelers, many Croatians are fluent in English. Growing up in Croatia, many people learn English as a second language to communicate outside of their country. The number of fluent English speakers in Croatia allows for easy conversations and communication.
If you ever find yourself in need of directions or information, there’s a decent chance that Croatian locals can help you out in English.
Croatia is a lively region with much to discover during your stay, so make sure you understand what you need to know for your Croatian vacation. Whether you want to explore the country by land or sea, come with an itinerary and know the local quirks of the region, from its currency to its languages.
