Its always met with a smile and a little giggle. Mother Teresa, born Anjez Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was Albanian! Apparently, this tradition came from communism as all religion was outlawed and the only holiday that isnt religious is New Years. So please, always carry your licence. Ive been there twice and will go again as soon as I can great places! According to the UK Foreign Office, public safety is generally good, and there are very few reports of crime aimed at foreigners or tourists, although pickpocketing does happen. Did you ever wonder if you are the type of person who would visit Albania? Vaccinations:Be up-to-date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for visitors to Albania. Telephone:+(355) (0) 4-2247-285 churches and mosques to understand the diversity of Albanias history and culture. You can get more holiday itineraries in Albania by purchasing my itinerary pack here. decades had his first name burned into the mountainside above Berati You dont have to worry about the language barrier when you travel to Albania as you can always get past it with some English and sign language. Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(355) 4 224 7285. Google maps hasnt provided me much insight. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and the extent of police and emergency services in their area. Read more: 17 of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. Albania has a very long tradition of wine making, dating back to the ancient Roman era. Heres a few dishes you must try when you travel to Albania: In general, Albania is a safe country for all visitors. Love this Albania Travel Guide? Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers. Travel outside of urban areas is particularly dangerous. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Albania is a country in the southeast Balkan region next to the Ionian, Adriatic sea. If youre stuck on what to pack for your trip to Albania, check out my Albania packing list before you start jetting off on your holiday! Albanians are also very loud. If youd like to switch things up, try the orange wine. . If youve chosen Albania as your summer vacation destination and you like the heat, visit in July. This is to pay respects to loved ones that have passed. Hey! To be completely honest, I have heard both positive and negative stories about racism in Albania. I have a question I hope youll be able to answer. The standard of Albania's health care system is poor and they have insufficient numbers of qualified medical practitioners. The people are incredibly friendly, so you should consider asking a local for some recommendations! The flora of Albania makes 30 percent of the entire European flora. If a single man goes out with a single woman, its usually considered that they are together. Theres always something interesting to try and something to spend money on. Disregard for traffic laws is widespread. For example, bus timetables can change with a click of the fingers, and the only people who would know would be the locals. Albania is one of the least dangerous places in Europe. The roads are slowly getting better, but if youre a driver yourself, you will need some patience. I still struggle with this if Im honest. Things are slowly changing for the better. The prices vary depending on the season. Usually, the two different parts can understand each other a little. Traffic Laws:You may be asked to show your passport in addition to a U.S. or international drivers license if stopped. National Tourist Information Albania National Tourism Organisation Traveladvisor in Albania: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation. In depth guide! Thanks! The temperatures will be pleasant and youll be able to enjoy all your activities. Background. Check the prices and availability of flights to Corfu here. Enjoy the welcome dinner in Chateau Linza Hotel with a wonderful view of Tirana. Believe it or not, I have found Albania to have better Wi-Fi than in New Zealand. They use a lot of olive oil, white (feta) cheese and eat lots of fruit. This Albanian social ritual is something you must be a part of while youre in the country. Road conditions vary and are especially poor in rural areas in winter months and during inclement weather. Another advantage of visiting during the cold months is that youll be one of the few tourists in Albania. Thank you very much Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. One of the biggest ancient graves have been found near Korca in 2018 which archaeologists believe are more than 5000 years old! If you really want to impress the locals when you come to Albania its a great idea to learn a few words. Buses are even less expensive, but theyre slightly slower. Its an Indo-European language that relates to no other language in the world, it has its own roots. Unfortunately, in 1997 the government collapsed after a dodgy pyramid scheme. Albanian Tourist Information. Also I have an extra local insight as my boyfriend is Albanian. No matter where in the world you are from, or where you are going, they can hook you up with the best deal! Same-sex married couples cannot apply for family residency permits, but they may register individually. The Bradt guide takes a look at how and where to explore the rich heritage of the country, with historical background and practical information. If you are thinking of a more permanent move then you check out my article where I go through the prices of renting, food and utilities. Most taxi drivers speak some English, so communicating wont be an issue. The adrenaline rush combined with the beautiful scenery will make for an unforgettable experience. In the summer there is a bus running from Saranda to Pristina. Since Albania is a relatively poor country, the state of the healthcare system is pretty much the same. I have Albanian friends .I have always been interested in visiting Albania. Read more: 24 Incredibly beautiful places to visit in Albania. Not required for U.S. citizens. 2. My primary interest is in the ethnographic and photographic documentation of traditional skills, so I am researching what potential there may be. You can take the shuttle (Rinas Express) from the centre of Tirana or travel by taxi. (as this would take me long time to arrange) or only passport? Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. It was proclaimed in Vlore in 1912. A prominent moment was when Ismail waved the first flag of independent Albania from the balcony of the assembly of Vlora. The entrance to the National Museum in Tirana costs less than 2, and most museums have the same prices. I find myself drawn to this area of the world more and more. July and August are hot and busy, especially on the riviera, and should be avoided. Useful Info: Books - Articles Arrive/Depart Albania 25th December Christmas Day: Albanians dont celebrate Christmas day like other countries. The bus ticket costs around 2, while the taxi fare is around 18. Theres one at the airport if you fly into Tirana. Read more: 11 lessons I have learned from living in Albania. Faith-Based Travelers:See our following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers:There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Albania. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. Rruga Stavro Vinjau, 14 We would appreciate too your recommendation on special beach places. For more information on residency permits in Albania, please see the Embassy, High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc. This flag was inspired by Skanderbegs (a national hero) flag which had been used 400 years beforehand. Tap water is not safe to drink. Read more: Albania Travel Restrictions: Travelling Albania in 2021. Tirana, Albania Next week Ill be there, yuhu! My boyfriend is black so this concerns me. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best. Nowadays I just try and laugh and give a good old stare back! For example, prshndetje means hello and faleminderit means thank you. The prices go from 10 to 35 for a one-way ticket, depending on your starting point. Super interesting. You can find accommodation for a reasonable price and there are great cheap food options. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.. Fuel and repair services are common in populated areas, but there is no formal roadside assistance. Theres a bunch of different ways to travel to Albania, and the method you choose depends on where you are coming from, how long you have, and what your budget is. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Country Summary: Law enforcements ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. Use public transportation to get around, just like the locals do. We are happy to help you! The civil unrest saw a lot of anger and violence from the citizens of Albania, many fled from the country for a better life. Museum tickets and public transportation fares are very affordable. If youre interested in low-cost airlines, Wizzair has flights from Budapest, London and Dortmund. Where the heck is Albania?! Unfortunately, corruption in Albania is still alive and well. Look left and right multiple times before crossing the street, get used to the honking and the speed. Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Albania! So very very much to explore and I do that both with my Albanian friends and with Swedish tourists who I bring to share it with. The civil unrest went on for 6 months and when visiting Albania, you will see for yourself that Albania is still recovering. Many only discuss communism and the civil war as the history of Albania but the real history dives way older than that. Basically, it will be like living with the locals. The Embassy may be able to assist crime victims with the following: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abductionandcustoms regulationson our websites. Theres always something interesting to try and something to spend money on. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. Im glad that you have chosen Albania as your holiday destination. Its an alcoholic spirit which can be between 20-80% and the dangerous thing is, you never really know how strong it is. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(355) (0) 4-2247-285 Check the latest prices and availability of flights to Tirana here. General Information about Albania Geographical Position Albania is a country in South-Eastern Europe, in the West of the Balkan Peninsula, between the geographical coordinates: 39 16' latitude and 42 39' longitude. Most people travel by bus. On the other hand, the Albanian Alps offer great hiking opportunities for mountain-lovers. Albanias climate is divided into 3 zones: the warm coast, the continental interior and the cold mountains on the north. Every day from 09.00-17.00 . But if youre travelling to Albania during the colder months, please add a winter jacket to this list! Reissued with updates to health information. "Pulling down the statues of Albania's real-life Dr. Click here to get $35 off your first stay on AirBnB. Whether youre a backpacker or someone who needs more comfort, Albania covers it all. 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