Best of Croatia holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The Croatia Coastal Journey itinerary is designed to reduce carbon emissions by emphasizing overland and human-powered transport. Most intercity travel is by shared private transfer or public ferry/catamaran, eliminating the need for internal flights and significantly reducing each traveler’s carbon footprint. The use of ferries for island hops, rather than short-haul flights, minimizes overall emissions. This trip features several days of active, human-powered experiences such as hiking the wooden pathways of Plitvice Lakes, walking tours in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and optional cycling through Hvar’s villages. Breakfasts at each accommodation showcase the region’s fresh, seasonal produce, often sourced locally, with vegetarian options widely available. We advise guests on ways to limit their carbon impact, including using refillable water bottles, supporting local food over imported goods, and selecting activities that foster low environmental impact. Accommodations such as Villa Split Heritage Hotel and Hotel Neptun are committed to reducing single-use plastics, and several use energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting and smart climate control.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

This journey directly supports Croatia’s environmental and wildlife conservation through entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—where entrance fees contribute to the maintenance and preservation of unique karst landscapes and rich biodiversity. Our partners regularly review accommodation practices for eco-friendly operations, including waste reduction, responsible water use, and plastic minimization. Many hotels have robust recycling programs and encourage responsible guest behavior. Activities on Hvar and at national parks focus on experiencing nature without disturbing habitats, such as dolphin-safe boating, snorkeling, and following marked trails. Local nature guides in Split and Dubrovnik are trained in sustainable practices and educate travelers about Croatia’s unique ecosystems, the importance of marine conservation, and local flora and fauna. We provide travelers with tips for reducing environmental impact, such as respecting wildlife, minimizing waste, and avoiding single-use plastics. The trip also supports small producers, such as oyster farmers on the Pelješac peninsula, who follow sustainable harvesting practices that maintain water quality and marine biodiversity.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This itinerary is crafted to maximize contributions to Croatia’s local economy. At each destination, travelers stay at locally owned or family-operated hotels such as Hotel Dubrovnik, Villa Split Heritage Hotel, and Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar, rather than international chains, ensuring tourism revenue remains within local communities. The trip employs local guides for walking tours and nature excursions in Split and Dubrovnik, providing authentic insights and reliable employment. Visits to locally-run restaurants, markets, and traditional food producers—such as the oyster tasting in Mali Ston and culinary experiences in rural Dalmatia—help sustain regional economic heritage. Optional tours, like cycling on Hvar, encourage encounters with village artisans and family-run wineries, promoting further direct support for small business. Our focus on using local transportation services, ferries, and guides helps circulate economic benefits more evenly through the regions visited.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Baboo Travel’s Croatia Coastal Journey prioritizes the employment of local people at every step, ensuring that over 90 percent of guides, drivers, and activity providers are Croatian nationals or from nearby communities. We foster opportunities for women, youth, and members of minority groups by partnering with locally owned businesses and encouraging their inclusion in our service provider network. All staff and partners receive fair wages, meeting or exceeding Croatia’s minimum wage requirements, and our annual audits verify pay parity regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. We embrace workplace diversity and inclusivity through a formal policy, and our trips are LGBTQ+ friendly, welcoming travelers of all backgrounds. While some activities may be physically demanding, we work to accommodate guests with mobility or sensory needs where possible—private transfers, accessible hotels, and customized experience options can be arranged upon request. By connecting travelers with diverse local hosts, artisans, and culinary experts, the journey deepens mutual understanding and fosters respectful cultural exchange, while uplifting vulnerable groups through direct participation in tourism income streams.