Undervalued Nation Emerges as Top Travel Destination, Affirmed by Two Travel Enthusiasts: Not Italy, Not France, but This Nation Stands Out Instead!
Two Globetrotters, Alicia Walter and Nathan Stark, Share Their Love for Albania
These travel enthusiasts, who run the popular blog The Passport Couple, have traversed an impressive 47 countries across the globe, yet their hearts belong to the often overlooked gem - Albania.
The couple appreciates Albania for its unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and affordability that led them to call it home. Yet they acknowledge the country's growth, as it's still recovering from its communist past and the 2019 earthquake.
Albania: Breathtaking Nature and Affordable Living
Located across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, Albania is roughly the size of Portugal, and its diverse landscape remains surprisingly underexplored. The Mediterranean climate offers a perfect mix of mild winters and pleasant summers on the coast.
The Albanian Riviera, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, and Theth National Park, teeming with picturesque landscapes, are just a few of the many breathtaking attractions this country has to offer. The infrastructure in Tirana has improved, with Google Maps now available, making navigation a breeze.
Living expenses in Albania are remarkably affordable compared to the USA. Couples can find comfortable apartments in Tirana for less than $500 per month, and groceries rarely exceed $400. The vibrant café culture and expansive green spaces also contribute to the overall affordability and quality of life.
Although public transportation is excellent, walkability remains a significant highlight in Tirana, with pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, bike lanes, and sidewalks that make daily errands a breeze.
Living in Albania: A Balancing Act
While the cost of living and stunning beauty of Albania make it an ideal place for many, it isn't without its quirks. Prime examples include the need to shop at multiple locations for everyday needs and occasional delivery issues due to limited addressing systems.
However, the numerous advantages of living in Albania outweigh the drawbacks. Benefits such as extended visa stays for US citizens make weekend getaways to neighboring European destinations easy and economical. The supportive local community also aids in the adaptation process for newcomers.
For Alicia and Nathan, their dream is still to purchase a home in Italy; for now, they're content in Albania, a country that provides a unique blend of adventure, affordability, and a warm welcome.
What are some drawbacks of living in Albania, despite its breathtaking nature and affordable living? The need to shop at multiple locations for everyday needs and occasional delivery issues due to limited addressing systems are prime examples.Despite these quirks, the numerous advantages of living in Albania outweigh the drawbacks. For instance, extended visa stays for US citizens make weekend getaways to neighboring European destinations easy and economical.Besides its affordability, Albania's location provides an added appeal. Situated across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, Albania's diverse landscape, including the Albanian Riviera and Theth National Park, remains surprisingly underexplored.Alicia Walter and Nathan Stark, the travel enthusiasts behind The Passport Couple, highly recommend Albania due to its unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and affordability that led them to call it home.
