5 Best Things I Packed for Croatia—Functional, Trendy & Photo Ready
Croatia is the ultimate travel destination, with its crystal-clear waters, historic old towns, and breathtaking coastlines. But packing smart was essential because we wanted to explore as much as possible, traveling by car and ferry to different destinations from Dubrovnik, Split, the Island of Hvar and Plitvice National Parks, we were moving every three days. With only a carry-on roller suitcase, I had to be strategic—I needed versatile, stylish, and functional pieces that kept my outfits photo-ready for every picturesque stop.
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1. Water Shoes – You’ll Thank Me Later
Croatia’s beaches are stunning, but they’re mostly made of pebbles and sharp rocks rather than soft sand. Flip-flops won’t cut it—they slip right off in the water. A good pair of water shoes saved my feet and let me fully enjoy swimming in the Adriatic. Trust me, don’t forget these! Without these, I wouldn't have been able to fully enjoy the arguably best waters in Europe! Tip: get ones that will match your suit for pictures and that have drawstrings so you can tighten them for swimming.
2. Swimsuit That Doubles as a Bodysuit
Packing light meant every piece had to do double duty, which is why I swear by the Infinity One-Piece—a stunningly flattering + versatile swimsuit that transforms into a bodysuit for an effortless day-to-night look. AND it's reversible for even more looks! I wore mine to the beach, then styled it with shorts while exploring town and a skirt for dinner by the water. One piece, multiple outfits, zero hassle. Plus snag the matching skirt for dress look that you'll want to wear on repeat!
Wearing: Baliawear's Infinity One Piece + Wrap Skirt
Trust me, it's the ultimate day to night!
Wearing: Baliawear's Infinity One Piece + Wrap Skirt
3. Comfortable Nude Walking Sandals
Exploring Croatia meant walking a lot—especially on the charming cobblestone streets of the old towns. I needed comfortable yet stylish nude sandals that worked with all my summer dresses and night out looks. I usually wear heels on a night out but with all the walking around town, these kept my outfits chic while ensuring I could walk for hours without discomfort. Tip: Opt for nude sandals to keep your outfits seamless, and if you're petite like me, go for sandals without the ankle strap for an elongated look!
4. Cover-Ups That Go from Beach to Dinner
With limited suitcase space, I needed pieces that could transform. The Attachable Skirt to Dress from Baliawear was my ultimate packing hack. You guys...this skirt attaches to my swimsuit for the ultimate trendy daytime look and then converted it into a dress for dinner! It's the coolest travel hack I've met! One piece, endless possibilities.
Wearing: Baliawear attachable Skirt to Dress-Toile Blue + White Rose Bikini
Wearing: Baliawear attachable Skirt to Dress-Black + Satin Trim Bikini
5. Statement Sunglasses
With Croatia’s breathtaking views, I wanted my outfits to be just as picture-perfect. A chic pair of statement sunglasses pulled every look together, making me feel polished while also keeping my eyes protected under the Mediterranean sun. Designer style at an Amazon price!
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Croatia with just a carry-on meant packing smart—and Baliawear’s travel-friendly designs + some amazon staples made it effortless to create multiple outfits with just a few key items. Less luggage, more looks, and stunning travel photos.
Would you pack these for your next trip? Let me know in the comments!
