June 12th, 2015
What to Pack for Croatia
Heading to Europe’s hottest vacation destination? Find out what you need to bring—and how to fit it all in a carry-on!—for your trip to Croatia
Seasoned travelers seem to be constantly buzzing about Croatia, and you’re just a plane ticket away from buzzing along with them! If you plan to hit up this European hotspot, packing properly is the first step to making the trip successful. Read on for five tips on what to pack—and the best way to pack it—for a fun-filled trip to Croatia.
Step 1. Bring Bus Basics.
There is much to see on a trip to Croatia, and the bus transportation is a surprisingly efficient way to cover ground. With major stations in Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Zadar, and Rijeka, buses take travelers to most of the top mainland destinations. Though most buses are comfortable and air conditioned, plan to BYOC (bring your own comfort) in the form of a travel pillow, blanket, and eyeshade. Stocked, resealable snack bags and a reusable water bottle are also smart suitcase stuffers (lest you be unprepared and stuck snacking on gas station food).
Bring Bus Basics Tip: Most bus routes have multiple stops, but you want your valuables to have only one. Carry money and travel documents in a money belt while on the bus, in case a fellow passenger goes treasure hunting in the overhead compartments.
Step 2: Be Seaworthy.
If you’re traveling to Croatia in the warm season (May to October), be sure to enjoy the water, whether by taking a ferry to the beautiful islands off the coast or spending an afternoon sea kayak. Prepare for ferry rides with seasickness pills, and for water sports with a bathing suit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Consider packing a pair of water socks or sandals that can endure a swim: The rocky coastline is beautiful, but not kind on your feet.
Be Seaworthy Tip: In addition to being TSA friendly, a 3-1-1 travel bottle kit provides smart storage for sunscreen and insect repellent during ocean adventures.
Step 3: Remember Climate Control.
How to Pack a Backpack for Travel
The weather in Croatia varies greatly, from a Mediterranean climate along the coast, to a continental climate inland, and a mountain climate — you guessed it — in the mountains. Research the areas you plan to visit in advance, and pack layers of climate-appropriate clothing for wherever your trip will take you.
Remember Climate Control Tip: Fit more layers in your suitcase through organized packing. Travel cubes and compression sacs are lifesavers when it comes to fitting everything in for a long trip.
Step 4. Prepare to Walk the Walls and Beyond.
On a trip to Croatia, it’s all about the shoes— the walking and hiking shoes, that is. Whether you’re walking around the walls of Dubrovnik, hiking the forested mountains near Istria, or exploring Paklenica National Park in Starigrad, comfortable and durable shoes are a must. Protect the rest of your luggage from the “adventure dirt” you’ll pick up along the way with water repellent shoe sacs.
Prepare to Walk the Walls and Beyond Tip: Be wary of venturing too far off the beaten path. Though Croatia is considered a mine-safe area in its tourist destinations and throughout its infrastructure, the country is not expected to be fully cleared of landmines until 2019.
Step 5. Don’t Be Shocked.
If you plan to plug in any devices on your trip, prepare for the difference in power. Electricity in Croatia is 230 volts at 50 hertz. If your electronics aren’t compatible with that (or if you have no idea because you’re too focused on planning your amazing hikes), bring both adapters and wattage converters.
Don’t be Shocked Tip: Keep your adapters, converters, and cords organized in an eTools Organizer .
Step 6. Pack Light.
Use a backpack-style travel pack ather than a traditional suitcase.Traveling across Croatia can involve buses, trains, and boats—a backpack makes it easier to travel hands-free. You also won’t have to worry about dragging it across ancient cobblestoned streets—not the easiest feat! Plus, it’s carry-on size, so you won’t have to spend valuable vacation time waiting at the airport luggage carousel, or worry about it getting lost.
Pack Light Tip: Packing clothing in neutral colors, so you can mix and match your outfits. You can always add a pop of color with a scarf or cool accessory, maybe even one you pick up on your trip!
Now that you know what to pack, it’s all about an organized approach to fitting it in your backpack. We’ve got you covered with tips in the video below—and packing organizers, of course!
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by Caila Ball-Dionne
Caila Ball-Dionne is a freelance writer and full-time travel enthusiast. You can find more of her writing at CailaBall.com.