Croatia is one of the safest countries in the world with a very low violent crime rate, but if you're a woman traveling alone, it's wise to keep your wits about you.
Photo © iStock/Oleh_Slobodeniuk
Many women who have traveled to Croatia say they felt perfectly safe and wouldn't hesitate to travel there alone again.
For the most part, usual travel safety precautions and common sense rules apply.
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.
Here are a few other tips for women traveling alone in Croatia.
Nightlife safety in Croatia
In Croatia's coastal towns during 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's easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleyways, which are not always well lit. Do your best to stick to the main streets after dark to avoid being alone in a dark alleyway – but overall Croatia is a safe place, so you shouldn't really be paranoid if you do have to walk a few dark streets.
Make the most of the vibrant nightlife and clubs in the major cities, but (like your parents say) drink in moderation so you remain in control.
Croatians enjoy a drink, but when you're in a foreign country you should always try to keep your wits about yourself.
Rules for homestays
If you do find a special someone and would like to take them 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 pretty rude to bring a new friend home late at night – if you wouldn't do it at your parents' house, it's 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 traveling on your own.
Travel in groups where possible
If you're planning to get out and experience the adventurous side of Croatia, but feel uncomfortable going alone, research reliable small group tours and join a group of like-minded travelers to lessen the risk of getting lost in unfamiliar countryside, especially if you will be returning to town late at night.
Croatiatraveller.com advises that women out and about on their own may be subjected to the odd ogle or suggestive remark while walking the streets, but simply ignoring it or giving a firm "no" will be enough to put him back in his box.
Find more safety tips for all travelers, plus we answer the question: is Croatia safe?
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