Since the COVID-19 Pandemic struck, international travel from the US has been extremely limited. After months of waiting for a new country to open it’s borders up, I finally set my sights on the beautiful country of Croatia.
Being my first trip overseas since the pandemic hit, this trip introduced me to new challenges, as it will for anyone else who decides to take the risk. All in all, visiting Croatia was just what I needed and more- and every bump in the road was more than worth the experience of exploring this incredible country.
However, I must warn that this is a subjective opinion coming from a person that lives for travel, and your opinion of what’s worth it may differ from my own. I wrote this article with hopes that it will provide you the insight you’ll need to decide.
If you decide to follow in my path and venture off to Croatia-refer to to this list in preparation for EVERYTHING you need to know!
Disclaimer: This article was written on October 3rd, 2020. I left the United States on the 22nd of September to travel to Croatia, and left on the morning of the September 29th, EST European Time.
DO: Prepare Accordingly.
There are three vital steps you most complete before landing in Croatia, and failure to complete them can result in you getting turned away at their border.
Step 1: Fill out a Travel Announcement form. Click here for a direct link.
Step 2: Set up a nose swab COVID-19 detection test with results returning no later than 48 hours before your arrival. With the expectancy of most test results being uncertain, I recommend rapid testing a day before you leave to reduce stress.
Step 3: Print out proof of your accommodations, (AirBnBs, hotels) along with your negative COVID-19 test results. Keep a folder with all the documents and keep it close at all times.
DON’T: Forget that most of these tips have been written in a timely manner that are highly subject to change.
We are living in unusual times with unusual circumstances, in a world that has become more unpredictable than ever. Our world is an ever-changing place, and guidelines for travel are transitioning more often than ever.
DO: Book your accommodations according to weather and seasons.
Various beautiful images of the Adriatic Sea, beautiful architecture, and stunning national parks probably come to mind when you think of Croatia. While these daydreams carry much merit, you must be mindful of the colder and stormier weather conditions that can and will arise when visiting during certain times.
For example, during our week-long vacation at the end of September, we were fortunate enough to have been in Split when the only sunny day out of seven we experienced occurred, and we were able to go island hopping in the best place in Croatia to do it. From then to our time in the City of Dubrovnik, we encountered stormy and cold weather.
Luckily, Dubrovnik is filled with gorgeous medieval architecture- leaving you with much more to enjoy (and so many options for great food) if the weather isn’t permitting.
DON’T: Forget your passport while traveling from city to city in Croatia.
I know what you’re probably thinking, why would I leave my passport anyways? And you’re exactly right, but sometimes we can be forgetful humans when we are unaware of the consequences that come with forgetting. Because of Croatia’s unique geography, you may have to travel through different country borders to get from point A to B.
For example, you will cross through Bosnia on your way to Dubrovnik from Split. Whether by bus or ferry, you will be identity checked by a new government, so try not to get detained.
DO: Check that your flight back into the United States flies into one of the approved Homeland Security Airports.
According to the Department of Homeland Security’s most recent update, if you’re US citizen, you’re okay to fly back into any of the following 13 airports when returning from Europe:
- Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
- Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California
- Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia
DO: Pack as light as you possibly can.
Keeping it lightweight in Croatia is important for various reasons. Reason number one, unless you can afford private transfers and bellhops everywhere, you’re going to be carrying your luggage up and down many flights of stairs, especially if you choose AirBnb for your accommodations. Elevators are in scarce in supply in Croatia.
Second, you’re gonna want to save room in your case for market buys. Croatia has an abundance of things you’ll want for yourself or to take back to loved ones- things that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, so make sure you save room for them.
Third, I’ve heard one-too many horror stories about checked bags being lost more often since the pandemic. Try to avoid having to check a case at all costs.
DON’T: Ever accept the first price when buying from a Croatian Market.
Tourists typically have a fixed price that is well above what locals would be charged when it comes to shopping abroad, so try not to make it obvious that you are one. I got by with the same methods I used for haggling in Morocco.
Click here to read them.
DO: Take advantage of the views on your bus/ ferry rides in Croatia.
We took the FlixiBus from the Split Station to Dubrovnik for only 18 USD. The bus was equipped with WiFi, generally comfortable seats, and USB outlets, and the views were nothing short of breathtaking!
The four-hour journey should be just enough time to get a nap in, but keep your eyes peeled, or ask your more energetic travel buddy to stay alert and wake you up for the good stuff.
DON’T: Expect the social distancing guidelines to be the same as your own country’s.
Remember that you took the risk of traveling to a foreign country during a global pandemic in the first place, and be accepting of the consequences that may or may not come along with it- beggars cannot be choosers! Whatever your stance may be on on the virus and social distancing guidelines, you must be understanding and maintain a “to each and their own” attitude.
DO: Take advantage of all the famous filming locations in Croatia.
From Game of Thrones to Star Wars, Croatia is a land full of views picturesque enough to inspire a cinematic backdrop. Seeing where some of the most famous movies and TV series have taken place will truly give you that feeling of escape and fantasy that many of us crave on vacation.
DON’T: Avoid the filming tours just because you aren’t a fan.
As a die hard Game of Thrones fan, I refused to leave Dubrovnik without taking a tour of all the filming locations from the show. The two-hour long tour was only about 20 USD, and it hosted people that were and weren’t avid watchers of the show. Even if you aren’t a fan, the tours are guaranteed to bring you some jaw-dropping views you would not find on your own.
DO: Indulge in all the traditional food and drink.
From octopus salads, to truffle burgers, to digestive dessert wines and liqueurs that are dangerously tasty, Croatia has a multitude of flavors for your taste palette to enjoy. Immerse yourself in all of it, but go easy on the wines, their average alcohol volumes are far above the ones you’ll find in the US.
DON’T: Try to order foods from your homeland and expect them to be the same in Croatia.
-Or any other country at that. I’d like to believe I’m somewhat of a guinea pig blogger that can make the mistakes for my readers before they do, so that they may live vicariously through me and learn.
For example, we tried to “create our own salads” at a restaurant in Dubrovnik that didn’t offer this option, but we felt like having salads, and weren’t feeling enticed by the salad ingredients on their menu. This was the result:
Stick to the (menu) script kiddos.
DO: Ask your servers, Uber drivers, and hosts about recommendations.
I found the Croatian people to be very honest and helpful when it came to food recommendations. Our first cab driver in Dubrovnik recommended a restaurant called Dubravka, and it held true to it’s word in both food and views.
More than once, I asked about dishes at certain places like a cheesesteak at a fast food restaurant, and was given blunt “nos” in response. I can humorously appreciate that kind of honesty, and if you’re from the US, I’m sure you will too!
DO: Keep some Croatian Kuna or Euro on you at all times.
Like many other countries in Europe, Croatia will have many cash only situations. I found this trend most common in the islands around Split and market places. If you think you won’t be tempted to shop, think again. Croatia is actually crazy cheap compared to what you’d pay for the same items in the US!
DON’T: Exchange your money at the airport or a commercial bank upon arrival.
This should be a general Don’t for most countries, but many of us tend to get impulsive and “just want to get it over with” once we get to the airport. The commission charge for exchanging money may not seem like much, but when you actually do the math- the extra money you’ll end up spending for convenience may cost you as much as a nice dinner.
Your best bet is to find a “no commission” ATM and use a debit card to take out some kuna. Though you may be charged an ATM fee, it probably won’t be based on percentage regardless of the amount you take out, so try to take out as much as possible, as little times as possible. Your savings will have a significant difference.
DO: Experience the nightlife and enjoy meeting other tourists from all over the world.
One thing I loved the most about Croatia was the number of awesome people we met from all over the world. In Dubrovnik especially, there was only one bar open late enough for all the party people to assemble called Mama’s. Being able to converse and drink with other people from different places and cultures is always half the fun of traveling, for me at least!
During this time especially, it was definitely interesting to hear and see how other countries have dealt with all the craziness of this year, and all the talk of overcoming struggles together can have a very uniting affect.
DON’T: Expect to be able to party like it’s Yacht Week in Croatia.
Unfortunately, many of the bars and clubs that I was recommended to visit by American friends were closed down, like as Hula Hula in Hvar. Although it was a bummer, it was reasonably understandable given the current circumstances of the world, and Croatia has no shortage of alcohol or beauty to enjoy if you end up being forced to improvise.
DO: Take advantage of the opportunities traveling during the Pandemic can bring.
If you are someone like me who gets anxiety in big crowds, you’ll have desolate, peaceful beauty to look forward to. Empty landscapes with no sign of tourists to ruin the main attractions in your photos can be a photographer’s dream, and although traveling is much more tedious, you’ll spend much less time waiting in line for customs, immigration, security- all of it!
Last but not least, you’ll be able to grab much cheaper rates for accommodations and flights- supply and demand can work in your favor!
DON’T: Forget to pack water shoes and waterproof jacket.
The Adriatic and Mediterranean seas that surround Croatia are filled with pebble floors that can be rough on the feet even just to walk in and out of on beaches, and if you go to explore them by speedboat, be prepared for a rough, cold and wet rides. Water shoes and a waterproof jacket are necessities if island hopping is in your plans (as they should be)
DO: Participate in all water activities you possibly can (weather permitting)
The Adriatic sea is quite possibly the most beautiful you’ll ever swim in, and you’ll be amazed at what you can see with a mask underwater in it’s crystal clear waters. Underwater phone cases and cameras are highly recommended on any water excursion. And if you get the opportunity to jump off one of the many beautiful cliffs in Croatia, DO IT!
DON’T: Let a cancelled or lost plan ruin your day, because Croatia is a country full of things to enjoy.
When the weather didn’t work in our favor the day we were supposed to visit Krka National park, a big plan on our bucket list, we were able to find a beautiful hiking area called Jardin with two beautiful beaches to explore. There is never a shortage of things to do there, only a shortage of time.
Top things to do in Croatia blog with these beach locations included coming soon!
DO: Keep updated with the current travel restrictions on your European “Hub” city before purchasing any flights.
If you’re traveling from the US, it’s unlikely you’ll find many direct flights to a country like Croatia. If you do, good for you. If you don’t, make sure the country you’re flying in and out will allow you in, and if it does, ask if there are any requirements.
You may have to take a COVID-19 test with timely results before leaving Croatia, and even with this, you could be forced to isolate in that country for two weeks. Be aware this is a real possibility, and ALWAYS purchase the travel insurance in case you aren’t let on your flight to your hub city.
DON’T: Travel internationally during a pandemic if you complained about traveling before.
If you are planning to travel internationally to ANY country during these times, make sure that you are willing to treat travel like a person that you love unconditionally- appreciating them all the same at their best and worst. (Let’s assume traveling during COVID-19 is seeing your lover in their worst state) Expect the challenges, and accept them gracefully- and if you aren’t willing to do so, stay home.
