A caravan that has finally been renovated, a destination in mind, and a thirst for adventure in our luggage – sounds like the perfect start to our “Croatia on Trial” project. Two weeks on a campsite in Croatia were supposed to show us whether our caravan and our equipment could withstand the challenges of longer trips. But as life goes, not everything went according to plan. From stray dogs and technical problems to small moments of success, it was all there.

Arrival: The start of an adventure

 

10 hours to freedom

After a long drive of around ten hours, we arrived at our campsite in Croatia late in the evening. Registration was surprisingly straightforward: no deposit, no paperwork – just give your name and choose a pitch. It almost felt like a leap into the past compared to the often bureaucratic reservation process in Germany.

We were free to choose our pitch and opted for a sunny corner to test our newly installed solar system extensively. But with the freedom came the first challenges: Shade or sun? Slope or flat? We chose a spot in the sun – a smart move, as it turned out later, but not without some minor hurdles.

 

Awning: Provisional instead of comfort

The next morning, we started setting up the caravan. But the first surprise wasn’t long in coming: our awning was incomplete. Some parts were missing, and despite the instructions, we couldn’t set it up. A classic rookie mistake that taught us: Always check everything beforehand.

 

✪ Tip for all campers ✪

Always check everything before we set off. Fortunately, our improvisation skills helped us and we still managed to provide some shade.

 

The reality on the campsite

 

Surprisingly good equipment

he campsite itself had a lot to offer: Besides the standard amenities like showers and toilets, there was also a pool, a communal kitchen, and even a washing machine. For a small site with only 13 pitches, this was impressive. The mix of campers was diverse: Germans, Dutch, Italians, and Belgians – it felt almost like a little international village.

 

The dog situation: freedom with side effects

A big issue was the loose dogs that came from both the campsite owner and the neighborhood. While our dog Bailey just wanted to relax, she quickly became a target for the stray males. During the day we had to constantly protect her, at night the dogs laid siege to our caravan.

💡 Here we realized 💡

Not all rules apply to everyone. While campers had to abide by rules such as keeping their dogs on a lead and cleaning up after them, other rules seemed to apply to the site’s dogs.

Technical challenges: Small construction sites

 

Fridge vs. Croatian sun

The Croatian climate showed its hottest side: 35°C in the shade, it felt like 40°C in the caravan. Our fridge? It didn’t stand a chance in these temperatures. We had to store drinks and food in a cool box, which worked in the short term but wasn’t a long-term solution.

 

Gravel floor and support wheel

Another problem arose on the day of departure: The loose gravel floor made it almost impossible to move the caravan. The jockey wheel had dug deep into the ground and we had to mobilize all our strength to get the 1,300 kg caravan moving. At this point, we realized that a manoeuvring aid would be the ideal solution, but with prices of over €700, the question remains as to whether this investment is worthwhile for our purposes.

 

What this test run has taught us

 

Preparation is everything

This test run showed us how important it is to check everything beforehand: Accessories, technical equipment and also the infrastructure on site. Thorough preparation can solve many problems in advance and ensure greater peace of mind.

 

Flexibility pays off

Improvisation was the key. Whether it was missing awning parts, stray dogs or broken equipment, we were able to solve most problems with creativity and a portion of composure.

 

Rules are a matter of interpretation

The relaxed atmosphere on Croatian campsites has its advantages, but also disadvantages. Especially with the free-roaming dogs, it was clear that rules only apply if they are enforced. We had to learn to help ourselves and manage the situation.

 

Tips for camping in Croatia

 

◉ Checklist before departure: Make sure that all parts for the awning, kitchen equipment and technical equipment are complete.

◉ Heat-suitable equipment: Plan for high temperatures and ensure that the refrigerator and ventilation function optimally.

◉ Bring patience: Many things are more relaxed in Croatia than in Germany – which is nice, but can also lead to small points of friction.

◉ Research alternatives: If you have problems with the campsite, it is worth looking for alternatives nearby.

◉ Free-roaming dogs: If possible, ask beforehand at smaller campsites whether dogs are part of everyday life to avoid surprises.

 

Conclusion: Croatia on trial – a success with a learning effect

In the end, our test run was a complete success – albeit with a few challenges. Our caravan proved its worth and we were able to gain valuable insights that will help us on future trips.Sometimes it’s these unplanned moments that make an adventure. We have learned that it’s not about perfect circumstances, but how you deal with them.

 

We hope these tips help you make the most of your expat life! Do you have personal experiences or additional tips to share? Feel free to leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you and support you on your expat adventure. Don’t forget to share this post with others who could benefit from these tips, and stay tuned for more insights and inspiration about living as an expat.

Your Steffi & Marius