8 Tips Traveling to Croatia on a Tight Budget

Dream - Usually, travelers who want to explore Europe choose France, Italy, or Germany as their first destination. The popularity of these countries among first-time tourists is well-known. But have you ever tried something different by exploring another European country like Croatia?

In this country, you will find many luxury hotels very quickly, especially in some high-end resorts along the Adriatic coast and on some islands.

However, many tourists also come and stay in private apartments or family-run guesthouses to experience a more down-to-earth sensation. Another reason is that staying in these places is usually more affordable and can save money during your travels.

By minimizing accommodation costs in Croatia, you can allocate your budget to transportation and enjoy all the beauty that the country offers, such as visiting Diocletian's Palace, Zlatni Rat Beach, Mali Losinj, and other stunning panoramas.

In addition, you can apply the following tips to ensure a smooth budget travel experience in Croatia.

1. Avoid traveling in the summer

The peak season in Croatia is between July and August. Sometimes, in the second week of June, travel costs in Croatia become high because the summer season is eagerly awaited by the public.

Accommodation will be more expensive, and many tourist attractions will charge high fees. Compare the entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park from June to September, which is around €40 equivalent to IDR 660,000, and during April, May, or October, which is €24 equivalent to IDR 396,000.

So, you really need to consider the prices for flights and accommodation. It is recommended not to travel during the summer, Dream Friend.

2. Plan your trip

Starting from June onwards, flights to Split, one of the popular cities in Croatia, will start to increase. It's no wonder because it is the gateway to several of Croatia's most popular islands, including Hvar, Brac, and Vis.

When prices rise to meet demand, you may consider coming from a different airport, such as Zagreb, Zadar, or Rijeka.

There are also options to fly to cities in neighboring countries, such as Ljubljana in Slovenia, Budapest in Hungary, or Trieste in Italy.

3. Choose the right accommodation

If you want to stay in the city center, accommodation prices tend to be expensive. But you can choose accommodation on the outskirts of the city and walk about 15-20 minutes to get a cheaper price.

Dubrovnik is one of the cities you can choose for accommodation, rather than staying in the city center. You can also choose places towards the Gruz or Babin Kuk areas, both of which are easily accessible by bus.

4. Swap hotel rooms for apartments

In recent years, private apartments have been the most preferred accommodation for tourists because they are relatively cheap.

In apartments, you can do daily activities like cooking in the provided kitchen, doing laundry with a washing machine, borrowing a portable wifi from the apartment owner, and even using bicycles for free.

5. Train fares are quite cheap

If you want to travel around cities in Croatia, it is better to use the train. HZPP, the train in Croatia, is the right transportation choice to accompany you in exploring various parts of the country.

The network is not too extensive, this train operates from Zagreb to Split, but not further south towards Dubrovnik, although the area around Zagreb and the north is better served. The fares are also quite cheap, around €27 or IDR 445,000.

6. Use bus services

If the Croatian train network is limited, you can use buses to get around. Many buses have routes that are more spread out, providing trips from long-distance to tourist destinations.

Don't forget to check the main bus station's website to see schedules and buy tickets online.

7. Pay attention to restaurant costs

If you visit Croatia, try their seafood. The seafood there is amazing but a bit expensive. If you have a suitable budget and want to try it, you can order grilled fish that many restaurants sell by the kilo.

There is a wide range of prices in each restaurant, from the cheapest to the most expensive.

It is worth noting that many restaurants automatically charge a couvert, which is an additional fee per person. It should not exceed around IDR 66,000 per person.

8. Don't be afraid to ask for tap water

When visiting Croatia, you can directly drink tap water. This method can save money and help reduce waste by not ordering bottled water, right?

So, get ready to bring a water bottle wherever you go, Dream Friend.

Source: Lonely Planet, Report: Rena Safira