Dubrovnik and Dalmacija travel guide

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Special Concerns
Students
International student
cards don’t carry much
weight in Croatia. A
Hostelling International
card gives discounts at
the Dubrovnik and Zadar
youth hostels (see p116).
Hostelling International:
www.hihostels.com
Disabled Travellers
In a region where the
key tourist sights are
hundreds of years old,
Dalmatia’s narrow streets
and historic buildings are
not easily accessible to
those in wheelchairs.
Only the most modern
hotels and restaurants
have facilities for the
disabled. Anyone with
mobility needs should
contact the Croatian
National Tourist Board
(see p101) for advice
when planning their trip.
Gay and Lesbian
Travellers
Attitudes towards homosexuality
are often far
from enlightened.
Dalmatia does not have
a gay scene to speak of
and any public displays of
affection between samesex
couples may well
affront local people, or
solicit negative attention;
the Gay Pride procession
in Zagreb in 2002 saw an
attack by extremists.
Lone Females
Although some men
have chauvinist attitudes,
lone female travellers will
usually be treated with
respect. Nonetheless, it
is wise to take some basic
precautions, such as not
walking alone in the dark.
Meetings with strangers
should be in busy public
places during the day.
Senior Citizens
Many seniors visit
Dalmatia. They receive a
warm welcome, but few
discounts in high season.
UK-based Saga Holidays
have a large presence
in Croatia, with some
hotels even having areas
reserved for their Saga
guests. Saga Holidays:
www.saga.co.uk
Vegetarians
Meat and fish
dominate menus, with
vegetarian options often
limited to simple salads,
pasta starters, risottos
(often mushroom), vegetable
accompaniments
and cheese. More choice
is available to those who
self-cater – or picnic at a
local beauty spot. Most
towns and villages have
food markets and wellstocked
supermarkets.
Group Travel
In July and August
Dubrovnik can feel
overcrowded with tour
groups. The Croatian
National Tourist Office
(see p101) will provide
lists of foreign travel
operators specializing
in group travel.
Travelling with
Children
Children are welcome
almost anywhere and
under 12s often receive
discounted entrance to
attractions. Additional
beds and cots can be
added to hotel rooms for
a small charge (book in
advance). Public baby
changing facilities are
scarce, but disposable
nappies and baby food
are easy to come by.
Travelling
with Pets
The UK’s Pet Travel
Scheme allows dogs and
cats to travel to Croatia
and re-enter the UK by
air (Dubrovnik to London
Gatwick with Britannia
Airways). Pets must have
been vaccinated against
rabies and have tested
negative 6 months later.
They require a passport
and have to be treated
for ticks and tapeworm
by a Croatian vet before
returning home. Contact
Defra for more details.
Defra (UK): 08459 335
577. www.defra.gov.uk
Working in Croatia
Croatia is not part of
the EU and high levels
of unemployment make
it hard for non-Croatians
to find jobs. Most foreign
workers are employed by
multinationals or work at
a distance for home-based
companies. Voluntary
work is available through
exchange programmes;
embassies (see p101)
and the Croatian Heritage
Foundation are good
sources of information.
Croatian Heritage Foundation:
www.matis.hr
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