Croatia is one of the safest countries in the world with a very low violent crime rate, but the disappearance and murder of Australian backpacker Britt Lapthorne in 2008 has made some female travelers wary of visiting, especially on their own.
For the most part, traveling solo in Croatia is very safe, provided you follow a few standard safety tips that apply to just about anywhere in the world. Here’s what you should know before your trip to Croatia.
Always take marked taxis
Always take marked taxis, which are readily available at main squares, ferry ports and bus stations, and don’t carry large amounts of money around with you. You will be able to lock valuables away at your accommodation.
In the coastal towns in summer, it’s a big part of the culture to spend evenings outside watching the world go by with an ice-cream or two, so there will be plenty of people around late into the night and the popular waterfront areas are well-lit.
However in the old cities like Split and Dubrovnik, it is also easy to get lost in their mazes of narrow streets and alleyways and these will not always be as well-lit, so stick to the main streets and thoroughfares after dark.
Drink in moderation
Make the most of the vibrant nightlife and clubs in the major cities but it’s a good idea to drink in moderation so you remain totally in control.
Croatians do enjoy a drink but it would be pretty unacceptable for anyone, particularly women, to be drunk.
Follow the House Rules
If you do find someone who you wish to take back to your room, the usual risks of one-night stands apply. If you’re staying in a sobe (a rented room in a private house) remember that it’s someone’s home and totally unacceptable – if you wouldn’t do it at your parents’ house, not a great idea to do it here.
Speaking of sobe, women traveling on their own should take extra precaution when choosing a room to rent. Most sobe are run by friendly old Croatian women who will treat you like a long-lost daughter, but it’s still perfectly acceptable to ask to see the room before you hand over your money – and to decline if you feel uncomfortable. Always make sure that your room has a lock for privacy and safety.
One downside of renting private accommodation like sobe in Croatia is that they are really designed for couples, so watch out for a single supplement or surcharge if you’re travelling on your own.
Safety in Numbers
If you’re planning to get out and experience Croatia’s burgeoning adventure tourism scene, it’s a good idea to join an organized tour or group to lessen the risk of getting lost in unfamiliar countryside on your own, especially if you will be returning to town late at night.
What about you? Have you ever been to Croatia? Have any tips for us?
** This is a guest post from our friends at World Nomads. If you’re looking for travel insurance, they’re pretty widely recommended. We particularly like their Safety Hub, where this article was first featured.**
1 Comment
I did Croatia solo in September last year, and it was fantastic I felt completely safe the whole time. For the record, Plitvice NP (where the photo’s from) is an ABSOLUTE MUST – I went with a couple of people from my hostel in Zagreb; we spent the whole day gasping at the beauty, and marvelling that we hadn’t gotten used to it yet! And also the Blue Grotto on Bisevo, which you get to from Vis, which you get to from Split… bit of a mission, but also absolutely stunning.