Cash, shoes, and sunscreen: 11 simple travel hacks for your trip to Albania

Albania is Europe’s latest “IT-COUNTRY” and it’s not hard to see why: pristine, secluded beaches, rugged, scenic landscape, and a rich story to tell. 

The past few years have seen this Balkan hotspot skyrocket to the top of every backpacker’s bucket list, with tourism increasing by 34% in 2024 according to the Albanian Times. It’s affordable, accessible, and still considered an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ destination. 

This year, I backpacked solo through Albania for two weeks and picked up a few tricks of the travel trade along the way. Here are 11 travel hacks to make your Albanian adventure a little easier. 

1. Go on Contiki’s Albania trip!

Our team recently launched an exciting tour through Albania, visiting awesome locations like Shkoder, Vlore, and Tirana, the capital city. If you’re eager to jump on the Balkan bandwagon but don’t want the hassle of organizing every last detail, book yourself a spot for 2025 on Albania Beaches and Peaks!   

2. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need

While the rest of the world debates becoming a cashless society, Albania continues to favour notes and coins across the country. Most supermarkets, restaurants, transport, and even accommodation will exclusively take cash as payment, so be sure to take out extra before arriving and plan your budget accordingly. Conveniently, the Euro is often accepted, but change will always be given in Leks.  

3. Don’t plan, be flexible!

Most cities in Europe are conveniently linked by trains, but intercity buses and shuttles are all the rage in Albania. Unfortunately, transport can’t be booked in advance, and there is limited information about bus timetables online, making it difficult (not impossible, though) to pre-emptively map out your itinerary and reserve accommodation. Instead, I would recommend researching some of the best things to do in Albania, but embrace your spontaneous side and design your itinerary one city at a time.  

4. Be prepared for travel sickness

Bus travel in Albania is a crazy adventure all on its own, and you’ll no doubt have some hilarious and bizarre stories to share when you’re back home. For example, there was no air conditioning on my bus from Sarande to Himare (in the middle of a heatwave), but the three bus drivers persevered with the door wide open for two hours.  

A far cry from 5-star comfort, the drivers are fast and the roads are windy, so be prepared with some travel sickness tablets to avoid feeling unwell on the journey.

5. Stay in hostels

Staying in shared dorms is the ideal way to save money and meet new people. In Albania, they are the perfect place to pick up a few important travel hacks from fellow travellers. Not sure where to go next? Freaking out about public transport? Ask your new friends and the hostel staff for advice. 

Additionally, Albania’s hidden gems, like the Osumi Canyon and Blue Eye, can be harder to explore without a car. But fret not, most hostels in Albania organise activities like walking tours, canyoning expeditions, and boat parties, making it easier to see more of this spectacular country. 

6. Bring appropriate footwear for the land and sea

Most cities and towns in Albania are walkable, but their paths can be steep and rocky. Consider leaving your fashionable slides at home and opt for a practical pair of hiking boots so your feet stay comfortable and supported while traversing the streets and mountains of Albania. 

For days spent swimming in the Adriatic, add a pair of protective reef shoes to your packing list. Stretches of the Balkan coast are notorious for sea urchins, sharp rocks, and other hidden hazards – reef shoes will keep your feet safe and prevent nasty injuries.  

7. Travel in peak season

Dodging peak season is a great way to avoid crowds, pricey accommodation, and expensive transport. Though, it can also present its own unique set of challenges: the weather can be unfavourable, buses and public transport run less frequently, and certain places that can’t afford to open without busloads of tourists might shut down until the next busy period. Albania is a country designed for peak season travel, so if you’re thinking about holidaying along the Balkan coast or trekking through the countryside, consider travelling concurrently with the tourist season to ensure there’s always a bus to take and a place to stay. 

If you want to travel off season though, you can do it stress-free on a Contiki tour – your trip manager will take care of everything while you sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views from the comfort of your coach.  

8. Make sun-safe packing decisions

Summer in Albania is hot and fierce — the temperatures surpass 40 degrees Celsius and there can be sporadic and unpredictable heatwaves. Though this weather is perfect for long days swimming in the sea and relaxing on the beach, it can be dangerous for your skin and health.  

Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, sun safe clothing (think long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats), and stay close to the shade to avoid a nasty sunburn. Before you go, invest in a portable fan to make those sweltering days a little more bearable. Bring along a trusty water bottle and electrolytes to stay hydrated and energised under the sun. 

9. Remember to rest

Whether you’re a slow-morning traveller or a 10,000-steps-a-day-sightseeing-guru, backpacking can be mentally and physically draining. It’s important to prioritise downtime and schedule rest days to avoid becoming sick. Give yourself a much-needed break and spend a few hours journaling, taking an afternoon nap, or sitting somewhere quiet to think about the meaning of life. 

10. Research things to do before you go

Arriving in a new city is always exciting, often confusing, and sometimes even stressful. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, research your Albania itinerary and things to see and do before you arrive so you’re not swamped with endless ideas when you get there. Known for its history and scenery, Albania has sights and activities for all types of travellers. Check out what museums there are, which beaches are the best, and what eateries are not-to-be-missed. 

11. Take a taxi to preserve your energy

If Albania taught me anything about travel, it’s that sometimes it’s worth taking a taxi instead of trekking up a steep hill in a heatwave and arriving at your hostel drenched in sweat and regret just to save four euros (true, traumatic story). Bus stations are typically located outside the city, and it can sometimes be a fair hike to your accommodation. Taxis in Albania are cheap and easy to come by, so don’t hesitate to take one to the city centre to avoid wearing yourself out before the sightseeing has even begun. Believe me, your precious budget will forgive you! 

If you decide that Albanian bus travel just isn’t for you, inquire with some taxi drivers about taking a ride to your next destination. This option is still considerably cheap by budget travel standards.