Planning an Affordable Croatia Vacation

Every vacation includes necessary expenditures. Airline tickets, hotels, car rentals -- before you know it, your travel budget is maxed out and you haven't even gotten to the fun stuff yet. Looking for money-saving tips is the calling card of any smart traveler. When visiting Croatia, it's especially important to seek out travel deals simply because there are so many different adventures available to you. Planning an affordable Croatia vacation not only saves you money, but it also allows you to enjoy more cities, attractions and experiences as well.

Finding Affordable Flights to Croatia

A big chunk of your Croatia travel budget naturally will go towards getting you there. Unfortunately, flights to Croatia tend to be expensive in general, but there are deals to be found. Rather than booking a direct flight from the United States, you might consider looking for a flight path that connects through another European country. Flights to more popular destinations like the United Kingdom, Germany or Italy can typically be found at much lower prices. Once in Europe, an affordable ticket from a budget European airline can take you the rest of the way.

Affordable Lodging in Croatia

Croatia lodging prices range from reasonable to exorbitant. Standard Croatia hotels tend to favor the upscale market, so if you're seeking a bargain bedroom you may want to book a room at one of the many bed and breakfasts or private guest rooms available in Croatia. You might also want to consider taking your vacation outside of the peak season -- June, July and August -- as hotel prices tend to fall before and after this period. For those traveling on a tight budget, a stay at the Ravnice Youth Hostel or one of the 150 seaside campsites are both very affordable options.

Affordable Attractions in Croatia


Croatia, with its endless natural beauty, is full of affordable travel adventures. The eight national parks -- such as Plitvice Lakes and Kornati Archipelago -- are great places to go for a mountain hike, camping, fishing and canoeing. You can visit the best beaches in Croatia, which are another main attraction that can be enjoyed nearly free of charge. Sunbathe on the enchanting Adriatic Sea, go for a dip or simply sit back and watch the eclectic crowds that have come from all corners of the globe. In town, sightseeing is an affordable way to discover the unique beauty of Croatia. Plan a walking tour by mapping out several local landmarks and spend the day taking snapshots and soaking up the city life.

General Tips for Saving Money in Croatia

One of the best tips for making your trip to Croatia affordable is to negotiate prices. For example, taxi rides are not metered in Croatia, making it a good idea to bargain for your fare in advance. It's also worth noting that taxi drivers are not given a tip, so don't bother frittering away your money unnecessarily.

Beyond taxi rides, shopping for souvenirs is also a great time to practice your bargaining skills. Make sure to remember that spending more than 500 kuna (about $100) on goods will allow you to be eligible for tax-free savings. Simply ask for a PDV-P form from your salesperson, fill it out and have them stamp it for your approval. When you leave the country, Croatian Customs will verify your receipt and congratulate you on your deft shopping skills.