My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking? If so, are they generally cheaper than those found online?
Yes, lots of people rent out rooms—it shouldn’t be hard to find without a reservation.
I went there 2 or 3 years ago in mid-September, so not peak season, but I think it’s mainly on the coast where you need to book. Inland, I don’t think it’s necessary.
We used Booking to compare different places and get an idea of prices, then negotiated the rate on the spot (without Booking as the middleman), since Booking takes 20% of the price.
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
In the mountains, I think it’s possible, though I never saw tents in the wild.
There are campgrounds.
Is hitchhiking common, easy, and relatively safe in Albania?
No idea, but what’s certain is that Albanians are super friendly.
Once, with rented bikes, I got a flat in the middle of nowhere. We were looking for a repair shop, and at a bar, a guy offered to put the bike in his trailer and drive us back to town (about 15 km!). In the end, a local fixed my flat and refused to let me pay!
Anyway, you won’t break the bank taking buses—they’re really cheap!
Car rentals were actually more expensive than in neighboring countries like Romania or Bulgaria.
If you ever go to Romania, avoid Booking or any other middleman—you can find accommodations everywhere (especially places frequented by locals) with homestays at half the price!
I took a quick look at hotel and guesthouse rates in Shkodër (via Booking.com) for July, and there are quite a few rooms between 24 and 35 € with breakfast included... and plenty under 50 €. Not really expensive for Europe.
Shkodra Backpackers Hotel is at 32 €.
I’ve never stayed in Albania for very long, but I’ve been there several times.
What always struck me about prices were how high they were in grocery stores.
Everything comes from Italy, which is already the most expensive country in Europe for that kind of thing.
Don’t hesitate to eat out at restaurants instead.
Hi there,
I don’t know where you went or what kinds of food you bought, but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t know any country in Europe where food in general is cheaper than in Albania.
We’ve bought food supplies for mountain hikes several times, and I can confirm that prices were much cheaper than in France. Some items not produced in Albania might be pricier, but that’s not the case for most things.
I had a similar experience in Romania where, in a supermarket, meat (I can’t remember which type) was more expensive than in France. It surprised me because when eating out, the prices were really cheap.
I don’t know what you bought or where.
In Albania, they produce almost nothing.
Everything is imported.
I can’t recall the name of that supermarket chain, but everything was more expensive than in Sweden.
Romania’s the same—better to eat at a restaurant.
Sometimes I have a bit of trouble understanding how things work there?
I’ve been to Romania three times.
Since we do a lot of hiking, we usually pack a picnic for lunch... So we do our shopping, often in small supermarkets. All the groceries—cold cuts, cheeses, yogurts, fruits, pastries—are way cheaper than in France!
In Albania (...) everything was more expensive than in Sweden.
In Stockholm last month, I was surprised by the number of Albanians in the grocery stores. Thanks for the insight (by the way, it’s said that Ryanair operates the direct Tirana/Stockholm flight not to let Swedes go sunbathing on a budget but so Albanians can do their shopping cheaply).
I can’t remember the name of that supermarket chain
So the store was Conad—I think it’s an Italian brand—but the other chains were really expensive too.
In Sweden, there are a lot of Albanians or Kosovars; the flights are mostly for them, not so much for Swedish tourists.
Just saying.
I must’ve gotten really lucky shopping repeatedly in small local markets where prices were 2 to 3 times lower than in France.
I didn’t buy lobster caviar or Romanée-Conti either!
That said, I’m not the only one noticing this!
Note: even though it’s not mentioned in this video, meat and chicken are also on average twice as cheap as in France, and fruits and vegetables can be up to three times cheaper.
I was in Albania in May, and we mainly rented apartments, had breakfasts and dinners in the apartment. So we did our grocery shopping and found the bill really gentle…
In Albania, almost nothing is imported.
It was a Conad in the city center, and honestly, it was better to eat at a restaurant. But have those who talk about it actually compared?
There are at least two of us here (on VF) who’ve done grocery shopping all over the country—north, south, coast, etc.—and one thing’s clear: food prices in any little supermarket are at least half as cheap as in France. I really don’t get why you’re so stubborn about an undeniable fact...
Eating out, sure, we did that every night. It’s obviously more convenient and also cheaper than in France, but it’s clear that for those on a tight budget, doing your grocery shopping in Albania and cooking meals in your rental apartment is way more economical than eating out!
I know where I’ve tried shopping, and I also know where I shop in France.
Now, if you’ve found better deals and in France you frequent stores that are much pricier than the ones I go to, that changes the perspective.
I remember pieces of cheese or cold cuts, chicken—everything was at least 3 € each, and it was delicious.
There are definitely discount spots in Albania too, but you have to buy in larger quantities, not just portions for two...
Next time you’re in Tirana, you’ll do some grocery shopping to cook for yourself at one of the chain supermarkets like Conad or Spar, and you’ll get a sense of it.
There are a lot of factors: everything’s imported from countries where it’s already expensive, like Italy, the lek is strong, which means food prices in Albania are very similar to what they are elsewhere in Europe, and then there’s the “small shop,” “small volume,” and tourism effect.
It’s not exactly a secret, by the way:
https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Albania-will-become-more-expensive-in-2025--food-prices-will-exceed-the-EU-average-for-the-first-time/#gsc.tab=0
Now you trust your experience, and I’ll trust mine.
Hi everyone, We re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the…
Hi there, I’m planning a 16-day itinerary: Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou, Skoura, Valley of the Roses, Dades Valley and Gorges, Todra Gorges, Tinghir, Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga, Tamegroute, Draa Valley, Nkob, Djebel Saghro, Boulmane Dades, and back to Ouarzazate.
I’m debating whether to add the Ziz Gorges and then Telouet.
Are the Ziz Gorges really worth the trip?
Is the Telouet site (which is in ruins) really worth the detour?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi everyone!
My friend and I are planning a trip to Paris, and we're looking for a cheap place to stay. If you have any recommendations for a budget-friendly accomodation, we'd really appreciate them.
Also if you know any reliable car rental companies that aren't too expensive, please share your suggestions in the comments.
Thanks for your help ;))
Hey everyone!
I’m heading back to India after more than 15 years and I’d love to know what the cost of living is like these days.
I’m planning a trip for just under a month—Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Kolkata—mostly by train and taking it slow.
We’re traveling as a couple, so we’ll be splitting accommodation costs.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Small travel note: trip planned for early 2027.
Hello Voyage Forum members.
For my wife’s birthday and her 64th year, I’d love to plan a two-week road trip with her—using our own car—preferably avoiding overly touristy spots, so off the beaten path where possible. That said, we wouldn’t mind stopping at must-see places along the way. The trip would cover Emilia-Romagna and/or Tuscany if combining both regions is doable in that timeframe, with the option for some hikes during the period. We’re looking at late November 2026. I’d prioritize the most authentic accommodations, ideally with breakfast included, without exceeding 100 € per night if that’s possible. So, stays like private rooms in hostels or homestays would be perfect.
Based on these details, I’d really appreciate any recent tips or insights from Voyage Forum members to help me plan this surprise anniversary trip.
Hello everyone,
This is my first time traveling to Italy
For a short cultural trip
From October 8th to 17th
Solo as a senior woman
I booked my one-way ticket with FlixBus
From Lille Europe
On October 8th at 11:55 PM
I arrive at Porte de Maillot (Paris Pershing)
At 3:05 AM
And I’d like to get to Palermo, Italy
Starting October 9th
I’ve checked tickets—prices are sky-high everywhere, and there are even scams
Can you advise me on how to get to this city
Affordably
By train, plane, or bus
I need to arrive by October 9th
For my hostel room
Which is located at
Address provided
5.4K followers • 426 following
Travel, meet, be surprised, and fall in love with Palermo
Book at: www.acasadiamici.com
Via Dante 57, Palermo | +39 091 7654650
Palermo
acasadiamicihostel
+39 328 317 2205
A Casa di Amici, a place to live!
And from Palermo, how do I get to the hostel where I’ve booked?
I’m counting on your support and understanding
To make things easier before I arrive
And to recommend the best ways to get there
Safely
Can I count on you?
Thanks for your trust.
Looking forward to your advice, best regards.
Hi,
My trip to the Algarve, which was postponed, is now taking shape.
On October 13th, I’m leaving for 2 weeks. When I arrive, I’ll be staying in Lisbon for 3 nights. So, I’d love to find somewhere affordable and well-located to stay—any suggestions would be great!
After that, I’ll head to Faro, where I plan to rent a car. Would it be best to rent directly from the airport? I can’t seem to find any agencies in Faro city where I could pick up the car and drop it off at the airport at the end of my stay. Is it possible to return a car at 6 AM at the airport?
Can I get the Portuguese motorway pass in France?
Thanks so much for your help!
Jofra
Hello,
Does anyone know a good local French-speaking agency for a discovery/trekking trip in Maharashtra? For about 3 weeks, a custom trip, but not too expensive!
Thanks in advance,
Laura
Hi,
I’m looking for recent opinions on where to stay: Ella or Haputale.
Doesn’t Haputale also have the added advantage of the train?
Thanks for your input!
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
Hello,
I’d like to travel from Lille in the North of France to Italy safely and on a budget.
Preferably by bus.
If you have other ideas, I’m all ears!
I’m interested in any suggestions.
How can I get to Italy?
Which city is the cheapest?
The most visited?
Is it safe, please?
Thanks for your replies.
Best regards,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to spend 8 days or more in Georgia, and I love multi-day hikes at a moderate level.
Any tips?
Is it easy to exchange money in Tbilisi?
Is Kutaisi worth a visit?
I’ve heard the Black Sea is meh.
And apparently, the food and drink are amazing everywhere in Georgia.
So, is it worth checking out a wine region?
Thanks a lot!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
After more than ten solo trips to India, I’ve decided to explore a new country: South Korea.
In October, I’ll be flying Lyon-Delhi, then in November Delhi-Seoul. I’ll be staying in this new (for me) country for over a month.
My main motivation when traveling is discovering a country through the people (locals) I meet. In India, I made friends through Couchsurfing that way.
I’m currently getting in touch with host families (via Servas), but if you have any ideas for authentic and budget-friendly accommodations, I’d love to hear them.
I’ll plan my route based on my hosts, and I’m also thinking of spending a few days in Seoul and Jeju.
Hi there,
I’m heading to the Greek island of Ikaria for two months and I’m looking for any tips or advice—especially on budget-friendly accommodation options like a room to rent or staying with locals. Thanks!
Hi everyone, I'm traveling solo in Spain for 8 days without a car, on a tight budget. What train/bus route do you recommend between cities, and where can I find the best prices? Looking forward to your tips! Thanks
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊