Useful Information for Backpacking Croatia: Sailing Adventure

We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.

You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.

Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.

Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.

Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.

The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. These months are ideal for sailing and exploring the coast.

We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.

Most accommodations offer free WiFi. On the boat, connection may be limited, but you’ll still be able to check messages and do basic tasks.

You’ll need a basic level of fitness for included activities like kayaking, cycling, swimming, and walking around cities. To fully enjoy the trip, it’s highly recommended you can swim, as we spend a lot of time in the water.

Our Croatia groups have up to 20 travellers, most in their twenties and thirties and from all over the world. Plenty of people join on their own, so you will not be the only solo traveller. If you are up for adventure and happy to meet people from different backgrounds, you will fit right in.

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Your group leader will email you around 1 day before the tour starts.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

Call your group leader using the number sent in your welcome email. They will assist you.

Croatia uses the euro (EUR). It replaced the kuna on 1 January 2023, so any old kuna notes are no use in shops.

Cards and contactless are accepted in most restaurants, bars and shops on the coast and islands, but carry some cash for small cafés, market stalls, bakeries and tips. Use a bank's own cash machine where you can, as the standalone machines in tourist areas often charge high fees, and when asked, always choose to pay in euros rather than your home currency.

Tipping is appreciated in Croatia but not compulsory, and service is not usually added to the bill. In restaurants, around 10% is a normal tip for good service, and in cafés and bars people simply round up.

Card machines do not always give you the option to add a tip, so it helps to have a few euros in cash. Tipping guides, drivers or crew at the end of a trip is entirely up to you.

Yes. Tap water in Croatia is treated to EU standards and is safe to drink in the cities and on the islands, and it is usually very good. Bring a refillable bottle to top up during the day and cut down on plastic.

Drink more than you think you need in the summer heat, especially on long days in the sun and sea.

Yes, coverage is good along the coast and on the islands. Croatia is in the EU, so a SIM from any EU country roams at home prices. UK networks no longer have to offer free EU roaming and many charge a daily fee, so check your plan before you go.

If your plan is expensive, a travel eSIM for Europe or a prepaid SIM from Hrvatski Telekom, A1 or Telemach is cheap and easy. An eSIM for the whole EU is the simpler choice if you are travelling on elsewhere afterwards.

Yes, Croatia has low crime and violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in busy old towns, keep drinks in sight on nights out, and use licensed taxis or ride apps.

Some coastal towns fine people for walking around town shirtless or in swimwear and for drinking in the street, so cover up once you leave the beach. Summer wildfires are common, so never leave glass or cigarettes on dry ground. Cannabis is not legal: possession brings heavy fines. For the latest official advice, see gov.uk's Croatia travel advice or your own government's.

No. Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken along the coast, especially by younger people and anyone working in tourism, and menus are usually in English too.

A few words go a long way: bok (hi), hvala (thank you), molim (please) and živjeli (cheers).

We cannot give medical advice, so speak to your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you travel, and check the Croatia page on TravelHealthPro for the latest recommendations. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.

If you live in the UK, bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which covers state healthcare in Croatia. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.