Ready for you trip to Croatia?

Croatia has nine airports (Zagreb, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Osijek and on the islands of Losinj and Brac) but majority of European routes are directed towards the more major ones of - Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Pula.

Croatia Airlines is the national airline company, a member of the Star Alliance airlines association, and connects Croatia by direct flights to a number of European destinations: Amsterdam, Vienna, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Paris, Rome, Zurich, etc., and sharing code with United.

It’s important to note that currently there aren't any direct flights from the US, there are seasonal direct flights from Toronto on Air Transat, which operates from the end of May until mid-October.

Croatia is a year round destination. With such a stunning coastline of pristine waters, the summer months are packed with tourists looking for a beach vacation, island hoping, sailing, and those attending numerous festivals and world-class concerts. The most ideal time to visit Croatia is during the spring or early autumn, when the crowds have subsided and the weather is still perfect for enjoying all the activities that the country has to offer. Visitors during this time can explore the 8 UNESCO heritage sites, national parks and parks of nature, or wine and olive oil routes. In addition, other activities during this time are culinary tours, holistic spa treatments from natural ingredients and traditional Mediterranean techniques, truffle hunting in Istria, delving into Zagreb’s streets and hidden passages. For those seeking more immersion into nature, spring and fall are ideal for birdwatching in Kopacki rit, paragliding across the Plitvice Lakes, and other various outdoor soft adventures, and especially cycling and sailing that is offered throughout this diverse country. The award-winning Christmas markets in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and some other cities are attracting more and more tourists in November and December.

The Country’s most ideal weather comes between April and September, which is also considered to be peak tourist season. Temperatures start to warm up in April, although it may be still too cold for swimming and rain can be common. In May and June, temperatures become much warmer across the entire country and the days get longer, making this an ideal time to visit. In September, the weather is still warm but without the sweltering heat of July and August, or the crowds.

Croatia experiences all four seasons and as with all destinations, we advise that you check the weather and plan to pack accordingly, depending on the time of your visit. But most importantly, make sure you pack your sense of adventure!!!

Although Croatia is part of the European Union, the domestic currency—called the Kuna is still used. This is an important point because those traveling to Croatia get to enjoy better value for the US dollar when compared with the rest of Europe, making for a more affordable vacation. You can exchange money at any of the country’s banks, Bureaux de Change, post offices and at almost all travel agents, hotels and campsites. The majority of establishments and ATMs will also accept credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners, etc.

While Croatian is the common language, English, Italian, and German are commonly spoken, making it easy for American travelers to communicate.

The standard of healthcare in the republic of Croatia is generally on a par with that in many European countries. Hospitals are located in all major cities with first aid clinics and pharmacies located throughout the country. Visitors are not required to have any special immunizations to travel there and all visiting foreigners are entitled to free basic emergency first aid at State hospitals. As with all travel plans, private health insurance is worth considering, especially if you plan to participate in the various outdoor activities offered in the country such as diving, hiking, rock climbing, cycling and other active pursuits.

While tipping is appreciated, it is not always expected. How much you tip in Croatia is arbitrary and depends on a number of factors: the service, how much your bill is, how much money you have, and how generous you’re feeling.

The country has a well-developed infrastructure which makes traveling and exploring around the country easy. It also has a good bus, train and ferry system which connects the various regions and its various major islands to one another. Highways and roadways are in excellent condition and connect all major cities and key destinations from Zagreb to Dubrovnik and all points in between. Throughout the country, the main form of local transport is bus, with Zagreb and Osijek on a sophisticated tram systems). Buses in major cities such as Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Split and Zadar run frequently and on weekend schedules, so it's always best to check times and fares.

Overall bus services throughout the country are excellent and inexpensive, with a number of various companies offering routes, so depending on the company and routes, the prices may differ. Buses have compartments for luggage, however some may charge extra for this, so check beforehand. If you are taking the bus between Split and Dubrovnik, you will pass through Bosnian territory, so keep your passport handy.

With more than 1,000 islands to explore, Croatia has a good ferry system which connected the islands to the mainland offering year-round service, some with additional services during the high tourist season. However, some services may differ during the off season, so it’s best to check schedules and pricing before traveling. Jadrolinija, is one of the main operators with car ferries and catamarans and Kapetan Luka-Krilo offers faster boats between Split and the islands of Hvar, Brac and Vis, and between Rijeka and the islands of Cres, Unije, Susak, Ilovak and Lošinj.

Currently, tourist visas are not required for travelers with a valid American or Canadian passport for stays under 90 days within a six-month time frame.

Good weather cannot be overlooked in a vacation destination, and Croatia boasts a lovely and mild climate. Croatia enjoys three different climates; the coast and islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and summer water temperatures of roughly 77 degrees. The most consistently sunny spot in our country is on the island of Hvar, where residents and visitors enjoy more than 2,700 hours of sun each year. Winter temperatures can average from 36 degrees along the coast and 48 in the south. Temperatures drop slightly as you move inland, where the climate is continental and moderate. Once you climb above 1,200 m, you’ll be greeted with fresh mountain air and temperatures around 13ºC in the summer months.