It is not until you’ve taken an Albania road trip that you can really appreciate the beauty of this country.
The first time I did this, I did it on an impulse. It was one of those “Life is too short to be sitting at home” moments that nudged me towards the right direction. It nudged me towards Albania, a secret jewel of the Balkan Peninsula.
Perhaps it was the proximity that led me there. Or, perhaps it was a deep desire to get lost in a different culture. Whatever it was, I’m glad I did it. Because, oh my, was I mesmerized with the beauty of the landscapes. Amazed with the history, and touched by the warm hospitality.
So, if you’re looking for your next adventure, this is your chance! After all, life is too short to be sitting at home.
Albania Road Trip: Adventure Awaits From the North to the South
From the north to the south, Albania is an epitome of adventure. Wherever you go, you’ll have something to see. Something to experience.
The Albanian Alps, nestled in the north, are a must-visit for nature lovers. Furthermore, towns like Valbona and Theth are the highlights in the north as well, featuring awe-inspiring waterfalls, warm and welcoming guesthouses, as well as incredible hiking trails.
From the north to the south,
Albania is an epitome of adventure.
The lively capital, Tirana, is perfect for taking a driving break. Its colorful architecture will take your breath away, and the vibrant café culture will draw you right in.
Surely, the south also has a lot to offer. Gjirokastër, known as the Stone City, is where you go for the amazing views of the mountains and the valleys.
Anyway, you’ll make your own plan. What I’m trying to emphasize is that, wherever you go, you can have an adventure.
Important Practical Tips for Your Albania Road Trip
Going on an Albania road trip without taking some practical things into account is not a good idea. In fact, no road trip is a good idea without a touch of practicality.
Sure, I get that you may want to just get up and go. But, just a bit of consideration can make a huge difference.
So, let’s see what you have to keep in mind.
When the Time Is Right
The time is always right to have an adventure. At least that’s what people say.
Well, not quite.
Okay, you can grab your bags and set off at any time you want. But, once again, a bit of planning won’t hurt.
Every season has different things to offer. The summer is ideal for exploring the coastal areas and the beaches. Winter in Albania can be magical, but a lot of roads may be closed due to snow. And then, the spring and the autumn, with the mild weather and thin crowds, are excellent for exploring both the mountains and the coast.
In the end, it all depends on the type of a road trip you want to take, and where you want to go.
Understanding the Roads
When traveling to any country, you have to know the road conditions.
And, in Albania, those conditions can vary significantly. While the main highways are well-maintained, the roads can be much narrower in rural areas. Expect unpaved sections, and occasional potholes.
Yet, this shouldn’t deter you from your plans.
It was Babs Hoffman that once said: “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey”
She meant it metaphorically. We also mean it concretely.
Choosing Your Rental
You arrive at the airport, and you grab the first rental car you find. Half-way through Albania, though, you realize that it is not suitable for all the roads you wanted to take. Oh, well, there goes your plan.
A scenario you’d much rather avoid, isn’t it?
Well, then, you have to be smarter about choosing your rental. Think about the terrains you want to explore. SUVs, for example, can be perfect for those off-the-beaten-path destinations. After all, they can handle the unpaved paths and the inclines much better than a smaller vehicle.
Naturally, consider the number of passengers and the amount of luggage as well. Then, remember to check what the basic insurance covers, and add more if you feel it’s necessary.
Finally, check the requirements and the policies of the rental car company before deciding anything. This way, you’ll avoid any surprises.
Packing Smartly for Your Albania Road Trip
Don’t forget those road trip essentials
that will come in handy in emergencies.
For most people, packing can be the fun part. Until they arrive at the destination, and realize they’ve brought a lot of things they don’t need. What’s worse, they may realize they haven’t brought a lot of things they do need.
So, check the weather conditions to pack the right clothes.
But then, don’t forget those road trip essentials that will come in handy in emergencies. From emergency kits and navigation, to cash… You could need it all. Especially the cash, because there are areas in Albania where card payments may not be accepted.
Learning the Language to Enhance the Experience
English can get you very far in Albania, if you’re traveling through major cities.
Yet, things get more difficult in the rural areas. So, it would do you good to learn some key phrases in Albanian.
“Hello”, “Thank you”, and “Help” are the most necessary words you should learn. But, if you have more time and enjoy learning new languages, feel free to learn more. You never know when it may come in handy.
Planning Your Budget
No matter where you go, you have to plan your budget wisely.
Luckily, Albania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. That makes things much simpler. But, it still doesn’t eliminate the need for planning.
Check the fuel costs, and keep in mind that the larger towns and cities may have lower prices.
Then, consider your accommodation options. In this case, you may find more budget-friendly places in smaller towns. Still, there are quite affordable options even in Tirana itself.
Ultimately, what you will choose depends on your personal finances.
Creating an Itinerary
Having an itinerary organizes your journey,
helping you squeeze in plenty of attractions.
Remember what I said above about a little bit of planning making a huge difference? Well, now is your time to do it.
Create an itinerary before you set off. This will make all the other decisions much easier. You’ll know where to stay, which rental to choose, and how to pack.
Most importantly, having an itinerary organizes your journey, helping you squeeze in plenty of attractions. Winging it may be tempting, but it sure makes you miss out on a lot.
Want to explore the country from the north to the south?
Book the perfect tour and enhance your Albania road trip experience.
To Sum Up
An Albania road trip is the perfect choice for everyone. Both adventurers and more relaxed travelers can organize the journey so as to fit their needs.
The best part? The size of the country allows you to see everything, from the north to the south, in a relatively short amount of time.
So, make your plan and pack your bags. No excuses.
It’s time to stop sitting at home. It’s time to live.
As Oscar Wilde put it: “Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.”
