I loved my 10-day trip to Croatia, but knowing these 6 things could've made it better

• In October, I went to Croatia for the first time for 10 days.

• I noticed certain perks and drawbacks of visiting at the end of the country's peak season.

• Though I enjoyed myself, I wish I'd done more research beforehand.

In October, I traveled to Croatia for a 10-day getaway. I was craving the beach, sun, and a change of scenery from monotonous city life — and Croatia seemed like the solution.

Croatia has become a popular destination in Europe, especially following the popularity of HBO's "Game of Thrones," which was partly filmed in its scenic old towns.

More tourists are arriving, too: The Croatian Bureau of Statistics said 1.7 million tourists arrived in May this year, a 21% increase from 2023. Last year Croatia also joined the Schengen Area, a zone in Europe with no internal border controls.

I stayed in Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split and took day trips to other cities along the Adriatic Coast.

While the trip was worth the long flight, I realized along the way that I hadn't done enough research beforehand. Here are six things I wish I'd known.

1. Choose accommodations wisely

Coastal cities like Dubrovnik have hilly terrains and countless flights of stairs to conquer. An Airbnb I had assumed would be a short walk from the main bus station turned out to be at the top of a hill. Lugging my bag up what felt like endless flights of stairs was a full-body workout.

Staying in a less touristy area was more peaceful. But since most attractions are near the Old Town, staying closer to the city center and closer to ground level would've been more convenient and comfortable.

2. Increase your travel budget

I booked my trip to Croatia assuming that daily expenses would be similar to countries like Italy or Hungary. I was wrong.

Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023, abandoning its previous currency, the kuna. The country also has the second-highest value-added tax in the European Union: 25%, the same as in Denmark and Sweden. On average, my meals cost about 15 euros.

Though I wasn't surprised that people have to pay to enter public toilets, I didn't expect that most entries would cost 1 euro — half the price of a cup of coffee in a nearby café.

There are ways to see the city on a budget. We signed up for pay-as-you-wish walking tours, bought day passes to take the public bus and see attractions, and stayed in affordable guest houses that cost about $50 a night. We also explored outside tourist hot spots to try food targeted at locals, which I found to be more authentic and wallet-friendly.

3. The beaches are beautiful — but water shoes are crucial

The temperature in early October ranged from 63 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so it was mild enough to chill on the beach and bask in the sun.

Croatia has some of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. The waters were crystal clear, and I was excited to dive in. But I learned the hard way that Croatian beaches aren't sandy. Most shores were rocky and pebbly, and I didn't pack water shoes.

Going barefoot was too painful, so I wore my sandals. It worked just as well, though I did end up with funny tan lines on my feet.

4. Visiting in off-peak season has its pros and cons

Croatia gets most of its tourists during the summer. When I visited in October, its old towns were still brimming with tourists. But some locals told me the crowds were still smaller than in the summer.

I noticed that some attractions were also cheaper. The entrance ticket for Krka National Park costs 40 euros in the summer but only 20 euros in the shoulder months. In winter, the price drops to 7 euros.

But visiting during the off-peak season also meant many services were on a break. On a day trip to Stari Grad, we were surprised to see most shops closed, with signs on their doors saying they'd reopen next June.

Visiting during this time of the year also meant that chartered bus or ferry services were less frequent. As it turns out, the charm of walking around a nearly empty town can only last so long when the next bus back is at 10 p.m.

5. Spend more time in Split instead of Dubrovnik

If you plan to go to the popular coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik, spend more time in the former.

I spent three days in Dubrovnik and five days in Split. This balance felt right. Dubrovnik has beautiful beaches and architecture, but I could see the effects of tourism: Prices were slightly higher, and its iconic Old Town thronged with tourists and rubber-duck shops.

Split is a great springboard for day trips. While there, I took public transport to nearby towns like Omiš and Trogir. I also spent a day exploring Skradin and Krka National Park, just an hour and a half away by bus.

Split is also a bigger city, so it was easier to find budget-friendly food options.

6. Watch 'Game of Thrones'

Lastly, I regret not watching HBO's "Game of Thrones." During walking tours, the guides would point out where iconic scenes were filmed. Cersei's walk-of-shame scene, for example, was filmed at the Jesuit Stairs in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

As other visitors marveled at its medieval architecture and fortresses, I wished I'd watched the show so I could see the city in a new light.

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