My first night in Croatia we stayed in a motel. After that we travelled without reservations. In Stari Grad on Hvar we met a man and his daughter and accepted their offer to see one of two apartments they had for rent. We stayed there for seven days.
In Dubrovnik we spent two nights in a private home with a shared bath. On the second day we sat in a cafe within the city walls and had a beer and talked to a waiter. His cousin had an apartment for rent. We viewed it and moved in the next day and stayed six days.
These two apartments cost us about £30 a night in September. Rooms in homes were less, of course.
September is a very good time to go because it is not overly crowded nor too warm and prices have gone down a bit.
When traveling in Croatia, forget the guide books. Follow your senses; follow your instincts.
We rented cars, a boat, walked. We were always met with interest and kindness, especially when spending money for food and drink.
There is only one thing a traveller to this country needs to consider: the main industry is tourism. It has made very few people rich. Take care where you go. Our last night in Split we walked into the new part of town and turned down accommodation there because I felt unsafe. Fortunately we knew of another place in the old part and stayed there and I slept like a baby.
I think of Croatia often and would love to go again. I believe there is something there for everyone.
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