Travel to Albania – Episode 575

Ricardo from Zbulo! Discover Albania

I appreciate the overview and input but find it a bit superficial. For the better or worse the destination is experiencing a boom of tourism that is changing it very quickly. I’m under the impression that if the opinions stated remain unchallenged, this episode will only act as catalyst for negative side effects. I hope to create another perspective on traveling in Albania from my background. I have been living here for five years and am working in sustainable tourism development – Dan and Audrey, who are talking about the Peaks of the Balkans Trek in another episode of the Amateur Traveler, were our guests.

By now I see the rise in visitor numbers as a growing problem, especially as long as those don’t disperse across the country and flock to the same well-known locations causing harm to them. Development pressure is very high, water and power consumption or grey water and trash production are all major concerns. Hospitality is lost when a family-run business who used to host a few travelers every now and then now, is overwhelmed by >1800 guests within the short four months season. The income gap is growing, it creates social disparities and unrest within the communities and only widens the gap between those places that are frequented and others that are off the map.

If you like to travel responsibly, consider adapting your itinerary. Do a little research, try to uncover the soul of Albania – you won’t find at the polished UNESCO sites or beach resorts. Personally, I try to avoid some of spots that I loved visiting few years ago, of those places mentioned Theth and Valbona or the restaurant Mrizi i Zanave that is overrun and heavily commercialized (for Albanian standards). Last week I guided a hiking group through the hidden villages and valleys of Southern Albania. When we traveled passed Saranda we found two cruise ships anchored there, the city overrun and a 30min waiting line in front of Butrint – the contrast could not have been bigger.

Don’t become just another tourist who’s checking off must-see lists while taking pictures of glorified buildings. Explore little side alleys of cities, take your time to talk to locals and head into the countryside for a different experience while searching for the true soul of Albania. Staying with locals, interacting with them and observing their lifestyle is the best way to look beyond the curtain and get to know this country, its people, history and traditions. It’s not the sights and beaches that will remain in our memory, but the personal connections and encounters that will make us remember.

(BTW I never ever managed to spend more than 30$ per person for a multi-course, high quality meal including drinks.)

Caroline from Detroit

Hi Chris! I am a huge fan of your podcast and was so excited when I saw your latest episode was about Albania! Although I am not of Albanian descent, many of my friends and coworkers are. I have been planning to visit for about two years now but for whatever reason, it keeps getting pushed back. Thanks to this episode I am keeping it first in line for my next vacation. I have listened to your previous podcast about Albania and loved hearing about what has changed. Thank you for everything you do and keep up the great work!!

chris2x

Excellent!

Kathy

I am so sorry to read Ricardo’s comment. I visited Albania in 2011, at the end of the summer season, and it was very quiet. I came overland (car and driver) from Ohrid in Macedonia to Korca, car and driver to Gjirokastra and then mini buses and regular buses to Saranda, Tirana (day trip to Kruja) and then Shkodra on the way to Montenegro. While a car would be useful in the north (the ferries on Lake Korman didn’t work for me with buses), you can see a lot without one. I took the car from Korca because I wanted to be able to stop and take photos, but there was a bus. I used Lonely Planet’s Western Balkans guide book which no longer exists. Albania is in their big Eastern Europe book but I doubt it gets much coverage. Bradt has one just for Albania published Jan 2015 with a new edition due May 2018.

Chris Christensen

Kathy my guest wrote:

I am so sorry to read Ricardo’s comment. I visited Albania in 2011, at the end of the summer season, and it was very quiet. I came overland (car and driver) from Ohrid in Macedonia to Korca, car and driver to Gjirokastra and then mini buses and regular buses to Saranda, Tirana (day trip to Kruja) and then Shkodra on the way to Montenegro. While a car would be useful in the north (the ferries on Lake Korman didn’t work for me with buses), you can see a lot without one. I took the car from Korca because I wanted to be able to stop and take photos, but there was a bus. I used Lonely Planet’s Western Balkans guide book which no longer exists. Albania is in their big Eastern Europe book but I doubt it gets much coverage. Bradt has one just for Albania published Jan 2015 with a new edition due May 2018.

Eqerem Aga

If you travel to Albania with public transportation is confusing and a total mass!
The best way is to rent a car and there are many companies when you can rent a brand new car with 15 euro/day.
While Tirana is the capital and travel form there in south and enjoyed beautiful beaches and delicious food or in north where you can rest or walk in the mountains ( Alpet)
The food is cheap and delicious

Stela Bizz al Visit Albania

Albania is the best place to escape if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of everyday life with its beautiful beaches and high mountains perfect for hiking. The country has a lot of culture and history that can be seen in the architecture, cuisine, and museums.