Vacation can always have its downsides, with many bad things that can happen to us. There is no popular destination which is immune of crime, incidents, accidents, etc. There is only a difference how often they happen, or how bad they can go. Split is not an exception. It is considered as a safe place, just like Croatia in general, especially compared to some bigger and busiest cities or resorts. We can start with something very obvious - nowhere in Croatia you will see armoured vehicles and soldiers or policemen with rifles around popular spots. Of course, it's not really big comfort for someone robbed or being a fraud victim, not to mention something even worse. If you follow media, it's easy to find some bad experiences tourists went through in Split, from theft to racial or gender violence. Is it something to worry about? Yes, because it's better when there is no any of that. Does it make Split unsafe place in general? No, or not yet, because statistics is still strongly on our side.

However, it's better to be prepared. There are probably thousands of places, online and offline, where you can find advices how to stay safe on the vacation, so I won't talk about travel insurance, accommodation risks, cash vs. cards, caution in nature, etc. Let's just stick to some rules which could be applied to Split, and here is the top ten list.

1. Let's start with basics anyone should take care of when travels. Do you know emergency phone number in Croatia? If not, it's 112, and through that one you can reach fire brigade, police, ambulance and mountain rescue services. If anything happens, or if you see something you may find threatening, call that number, and you will be redirected to a service you need.

2. Big crowds are perfect hunting ground for pickpockets and thieves of all kinds, especially in narrow streets of labyrinth-like Diocletian's Palace. It's not something as common like in some bigger destinations. But if you attend events in public spaces like Peristyle square, or at Riva, or if you take a guided or self-guided walking tour, or join some of pub crawls, be careful, and be aware of what's going on around you. If you see someone sneaking into your group, notice others about it. Precautions are usual; always carry your bag in the front, keep money, cards and documents in different places, and try not to display money or jewellery in public. Likewise, don't hang your purse on a chair in a restaurant, especially if it's behind your back. If get robbed, go back to number one of this list. If you catch someone you consider a suspect, don't try to solve everything on your own, or to take justice in your hands. Call the police.

3. Beaches in Split are beautiful, but they also hide some dangers. Even with security guards, and people taking care of sunbeds, thieves love crowded beaches. Some of those in Split have lockers for rent, which is always a good solution if you really need to carry anything of value. Try not to take any of them to the beach. If you do, make sure someone keeps an eye on your things, especially phones, tablets, e-readers, cameras, wallets, credit cards, documents. Even your room or apartment's keys can be attractive enough. Rules of conduct are always the same. If you see someone, tell to people responsible for the beach. If you are a victim, call a police.

4. In these days navigation on smartphones is inseparable part of travelling, but try not to stare on it all the time, especially while trying to find your way through some of maze-like neighbourhoods in Split. Everyone can memorize few turns ahead, right? Otherwise, that phone in your hands can mean "Here, take it and run". Same goes with memorizing a place where you're staying. Don't rely completely on your phone, piece of paper with address written on it doesn't need any battery. Also, if you see someone following you, don't go to your accommodation, otherwise you are opening your doors to unwanted visitors.

5. Beware of soliciting. It goes from accepting a walking tour offer, to taxi, to pub crawl or some other super special discount bonus in a bar or club, or even changing money to local currency on a street. Make sure that those soliciting have a right to do it, either guiding license displayed, or marked taxi, or any kind of identification. By accepting anything else you are taking a risk on your own. Same case is with joining any kind of games offered on the street, like "find a ball under cap". You can't win there, those who you watch winning are usually part of the scam.

6. Split and some other places in Dalmatia became popular also for its parties, and that always bring some dangers, because alcohol is usual "side dish" of that kind of spending time. First, crowded clubs can be another hunting ground for pickpockets. Second, sometime it takes just a spark to create an incident. Any kind of spark, ranging from real or imagined flirting, to excessive loudness, to rude behaviour like spilling drink around, etc. When having fun, sometime it's hard to hold everything under control, but try, safety is fun, too. Also, if notice anyone else behaving badly, or trying to provoke, stay aside. Remember the saying "By yielding you conquer".

7. Even riskier can be a pub crawl. Not per se, of course, it's a legitimate business. However, the only reason people join there is to drink, and to drink fast. When drinks hit you, level of awareness falls down rapidly, especially if you end your "the best night you won't remember" at the beach. If someone you don't know offers to walk you to your accommodation, better call taxi. And don't leave your drink unattended. Of course, the best advice on this field would be - don't get drunk too badly.

8. No matter what and why happened to you, you are a victim, and there is no excuse for any kind of violence. Unfortunately, there are people who would find any "reason" or look for provocation for causing an incident, even to attack you. If you see anything going in that direction, move. If there is any kind of rally, and if it's not something you would agree with, don't go. If someone is throwing provocative remarks on you, yield, or get into some more populated spot until you feel safe, or ask some police officer for protection. Trust your instincts.

9. Blend in as much as possible, don't wear obviously touristy attire, like going home from your beach in a swim suit, with a backpack on your shoulders, and big inflatable flamingo in your hands. It won't only attract those who like to operate in crowds, but can also cause a decency fine in some parts of town.

10. ATMs can be a risk, too. When pulling money out of it, see if you can get info on exchange rate and/or commission before it's too late. If you are afraid of skimming, go to a bank