Summer is upon us, and if you’re planning on taking that Transatlantic flight to revel in the Old World’s ancient allure, it’s probably places like France, Italy, and Spain that first pop to mind.
Gorgeous as it may sound, that idyllic vision of Europe with twinkling Eiffel Towers and Instagrammable, pastel-hue towns doesn’t always match the reality on the ground, especially once you factor in the hordes of tourists and the wallet-straining prices.
The average cost of a one-week vacation in Paris is a whopping $4,171 for two adults, and that’s if you’re careful with your spending. Village-hopping down the Amalfi Coast could set you back an equally troubling $4,155.
And let’s face it, it’s not like you’re investing all that money in a stress-free dolce vita, anyway.
The good news is, there’s a lot more to be discovered in Europe if only you’re willing to look beyondthat mainstream, glossy travel TikTok, and who knows, maybe you won’t need to burn through all your savings in the end, nor elbow your way through a crowd to take decent pictures of a particular landmark.
How about you start with these 4 (largely) unheard-of medieval gems?
Despite being mostly rebuilt following the devastation of World War II, which in fact started here, of all places, it exudes medieval charm. Walking through the ornate Green Gate, straight onto the Long Market, feels like stepping into a movie scene.
On the opposite direction, towards the waterfront, right on the banks of the Motława River, you’ll find rows of Late-Renaissance buildings and Europe’s oldest crane, built as early as 1442, as well as Rybka na Wartkiej, one of many traditional eateries serving pierogi and a killer breaded fish.
As far as prices go, Gdańsk is one of the least expensive city breaks across the pond: according to Budget Your Trip, tourists will normally spend $38 on meals, $9.14 on transportation, and $57 on hotels per day, bringing the total one-week cost to $521.
Brno, Czechia
When it comes to its spire-dotted cityscapes and astronomical clocks, we’re all familiar with Prague, but unless you’ve taken an interest in Czechia lately, chances are you’ve not been properly introduced to its less-famous sibling, Brno.
The second-largest city in the country, it has a well-preserved old center characterized by its cobbled streets and café-bordered squares—and may we add, a wide array of noteworthy historic monuments that rarely get the attention they deserve.
We’re thinking the eerie-looking, dark-stone Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, with its twin spires that seem to pierce through to the heavens, home to beautiful Baroque altars, the 13th-century Špilberk Castle, formerly a prison, and Villa Tugendhat, one of the first modernist complexes erected in Europe.
Compared to Prague, is a relatively-affordable destination as a whole: traveling on a budget, expect to pay a daily average of $40 on meals, $2.84 on public transport, and $66 on hotels, or a grand total of $522 if you’re staying an entire week.
Pécs, Hungary
Perhaps Budapest’s closest rival in both beauty and historical relevance, Pécs is a 2,000-year-old city in southern Hungary that traces its history back to a Roman settlement, and prides itself in being among the earliest centers of Christianity in Europe:
Its 4th-century Early Christian Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising an elaborate system of underground tombs richly engraved with Christian symbols.
The imposing Pécs Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, was raised in 1009.
Other important attractions include the (former) Mosque of Pasha Qasim, built by the Turks upon their conquest of the city, now functioning as a church, and Széchenyi Square, with its many fountains, stately edifices, and laid-back eateries.
Wondering how much vacationing in stunning, little Pécs costs?
Based on Budget Your Trip‘s cheapest estimates, that’s roughly $22 on meals every day, $7.95 on commuting, if any at all, considering how walkable it is, and $34 per night on accommodation, totaling $317 for the week.
Timișoara, Romania
A most elegant city in Western Romania, strongly influenced by Austrian-Hungarian architecture, Timișoara may not have the edginess of Bucharest or the Bram Stoker-esque appeal of Brașov, but it certainly has a lot going for it.
Timișoara’s Old Town revolves around the large central square, Piața Victoriei, flanked by majestic, soft-colored Habsburg buildings with decorative facades and wrought-iron balconies.
If you think Moscow’s St. Basil’s is the queen of Eastern European churches, Timișoara offers the next best thing.
Sitting on the south bank of the fast-flowing Bega River, the Metropolitan Cathedral has 11 towers in total, a distinctive patterned-tile roof, and a vibrantly-painted interior, sure to satisfy your craving for Orthodox grandeur while Russia remains off-limits.
Last (but not least), as a traveler on a budget, you’ll feel right at home here: be it tripe soup, grilled sausages, or cabbage rolls, meals will run you $39-a-day, whereas getting around town costs as cheap as $12, between buses and Ubers, and hotels average an economical $50 per night.
Overall, the cost of a week-long stint in Timișoara comes to around $562.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
After many years of delays, it’s finally happening, my friends.
No, not the Electronic Travel Authorization, the other (equally) bureaucratic hurdle facing travelers when landing in the European Union (EU) in the near future—and this includes Americans.
The 27-country-strong block is gearing up to launch its much-postponed Entry-Exit System, commonly shortened to EES, as early as this upcoming fall, and for those of you who are still in the dark about Europe’s new plans, you better get ready for some stricter screening.
EU member states will start fingerprinting and entering your private information into their database for immigration checks from October 2025, and this is how it’s going to play out:
What Is Even An EES?
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past three years, the EU has been considering introducing an Entry-Exit System that will considerably tighten border controls, including fingerprinting all new arrivals.
This is not only to ensure the information on their passport matches their biometric data, but also to crack down on irregular migration, or even just overstayers.
As you might be aware, as a U.S. citizen, you can only be present in the border-free Schengen Zone, which comprises all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, for 90 days out of any 180-day period.
In other words, if you fly to Paris, France, on May 1, 2025, and you spend 7 days exploring the City of Love and other medieval gems nearby easily-accessible with the TGV train, you will then have 83 days left to travel around the Schengen territories until October 28.
This includes countries like Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and many more.
As of right now, the only way border officials have to know whether you’re within the 90/180-day rule is verifying entry and exit stamps manually.
You know where we’re going with this…
Once the EES launches, fingerprinting will make these checks way easier, as it will act as both a ‘check-in’, and ‘check-out’ device every time you cross an external European border, and any overstayers will be immediately flagged by the system.
And trust us when we say, if you don’t want to get a hefty fine, or worse, even banned from returning to the Old Continent, you should make sure you’re in compliance with the rules.
How Do We Know The EES Is Launching In October?
It seems that, following months of endless debates and back-and-forth, an agreement was reached by the EU’s Interior Ministers in Brussels last March.
In the words of the Polish Minister of the Interior, Tomasz Siemoniak, ‘October is our horizon‘ for the start date of the EES.
No official date has been set yet, but at least we have a month to work with now.
The one major roadblock is the various stages of preparedness seen across the EU: while some countries already have the technology in place and are ready to start the fingerprinting, others are nowhere near launching.
We have to remember that this will apply not only to passport, but all land and sea borders, and a number of European countries have multiple border checkpoints with non-EU, or non-Schengen states in the vicinity, that are not as well-equipped as an international airport.
For that reason, the European Commission is planning to be ‘flexible’, and allow for a phased introduction of the Entry-Exit System.
What Is The Path Ahead?
In short, European nations will have 2 options: either launch the system all at once, across all its checkpoints, or in a ‘phased manner’.
Those opting for the latter would kick off a 6-month transition period from October, and would be required to properly register 10% of incoming travelers after the first month.
For the first 60 days, they may also operate the EES without the biometric controls, i.e. the much-dreaded fingerprinting.
After 3 months, they must be ready to operate the system with all biometric functionalities, and they should finally be able to register ‘all people’ towards the end of the 6 months.
This will avoid any further delays, as it will enable European states to move at their own pace.
The wait is over, guys: get ready for some (more) border scrutiny by fall 2025.
How Will The EES Work?
If you’re wondering how exactly the EES will work, it’s simple:
You’re still required to bring a valid passport to the EU, and on top of that, it should remain valid for an additional 3 months beyond your intended date of departure.
Come October, however, once you scan your U.S. passport in an e-Gate, you will be instructed to provide your fingerprints and get photographed—this should take an additional 2-3 minutes for every traveler, and that’s considering they’re tech-savvy and don’t faff around, so beware there might be significant delays.
Once that’s done, you’re good to go, and you won’t have to do it a second time, or at least until your biometric data is stored in the EU database.
Based on what we’ve been informed previously, this might be a 2-year period if you’re not a frequent traveler, though that’s yet to be confirmed, and we’ll be sure to rectify this should it be necessary when the time comes.
As for the ETIAS, the new ‘digital visa’ applying to Americans and visa-exempt travelers, in general (or dare we say it, the other European boogeyman), you don’t have to worry about that until late 2026… at the earliest.
Worry not; we’ve got you covered, and we’ll be sure to fill you in on any updates on that front, too.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
For a number of years now, Europe has been touting the release of a digital travel permit, or in technical terms, an ETIAS, that would apply to all Americans flying to the continent.
From 2021 up until now, it’s been delayed more times than we can count.
Though some news outlets reported earlier this year that 2025 would be the year entry requirements for flying to Europe would change, we really called it, as usual, and predicted back changes would come in 2026 at the earliest.
The ETIAS website has finally launched, and along with it, a confirmation from European Union authorities that the new document will only become an official requirement in the last quarter of 2026.
In their words, “no action is required from travelers at this point”.
If you’re wondering what an ETIAS is, or what exactly does a digital travel permit means, it functions essentially as an online visa, though it isn’t formally called one, without which you will not be able to enter Europe.
Many countries have released different versions of this over the years, under different acronyms: ETA, NZeTA (for New Zealand), and even ESTA in the case of the U.S.
Yep, you might not know this, but the U.S. also requires Europeans and many other foreign nationals to apply for this permit before traveling.
You simply wouldn’t be aware if you’re an American, as it’s your home country and thus visa requirements don’t concern you, or Canadian, who have an exemption.
Europe’s ETIAS will be imposed on all current visa-waiver countries that enjoy low-bureaucracy access to the European Union.
This includes allies like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
It will cover a whopping 29 countries who are part of Europe’s single customs union and border-free Schengen Area:
Soon enough, the small Mediterranean country of Cyprus will also join the Schengen Area, potentially before 2025, so watch out for that one (link).
Essentially, before traveling to any of the countries listed above, U.S. citizens will have to first request their ETIAS permit, or else they will not be able to board their flights.
It’s hardly exciting news when visa requirements change for Americans—remember Brazil? (link)—but hey, at least the EU is keeping it simple!
Once the ETIAS goes live, all you have to do is create an account on the official website, already available here (link), fill out the form, answer a series of security questions pertaining to your character, personal life, and travel purpose, and pay a 7 euro fee.
Usually, Electronic Travel Authorization forms take between 10 and 15 minutes to be completed, and they’re usually processed immediately, or only a few seconds upon submission.
Once your ETIAS is approved, which should happen instantly for most, unless you’re deemed to be a high-risk traveler or a criminal, you will receive it on the same email you provided when creating your account.
An ETIAS is valid for short stays in the aforementioned Schengen countries, namely 90 days out of any 180-day period.
Not individually, but across all of Schengen:
Hypothetically, if you’ve flown to France, kickstarted the clock, and used up 7 of those days in Paris from May 1, 2025, then you will have 83 days left to visit other Schengen countries until October 28, 2025.
As the EU Commission has stated, “you must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay”.
Travelers may leave and return at any time, as long as they respect the 90-180 day rule, and their ETIAS remains valid.
Those who are found to be in breach of the short-stay rule, something that will become far easier to catch as soon as the accompanying Entry-Exit System (EES), gets put into motion, might be penalised.
Depending on the length of overstay and the severity, this could involve having their ETIAS revoked, and thus their travel privileges, getting issued hefty fines, and a worst case scenario, even a multiple-year travel ban.
ETIAS will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, or it may expire sooner if your passport is due to expire earlier.
EU authorities are reminding tourists once again that their passports must not be due to expire for at least 3 months following their intended date of entry.
In the event it is expiring sooner, they will not be able to board EU-bound flights, or other transportation modes even in the possession of a valid ETIAS.
For all the dual U.S.-EU nationals out there, we hear your concerns:
You are not affected by these changes, as you are a citizen of the European Union as well.
However, in that case, you should make sure you always book any EU-bound flights using your EU passport.
Travelling to Europe on an American one, you will need an ETIAS, even if you can show proof you’re European too.
It’s a simple rule:
Going to the U.S.? Blue passport so as to bypass the ESTA requirement.
Flying to Europe? Grab the red one, and you’re exempt from ETIAS.
It’s a fast-changing travel landscape and an increasingly confusing world to navigate.
Travel requirements for Americans are changing across the board, and you don’t want to left out of the news loop only to get an unpleasant surprise at the airport, or arriving at a foreign border.
Check out all the latest updates, including a similar one from the U.K., here. (Link)
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
If you’re planning on crossing the pond this spring or summer for a much-needed culture-infused sunny break, there’s one country in particular that should be at the top of your list.
According to Mabrian, a travel intelligence firm, Spain has already captured a whopping one-third of global travel demand for the region for 2025, with approximately 33% of Southern Europe-bound arrivals heading to this destination.
In Europe in general, it accounts for 12% of the rising demand, especially in the shoulder and low seasons, and that’s hardly a surprise: just check the (oddly-pleasant) weather for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria right now, in the middle of winter.
Spain as a whole is set for yet another record-breaking year in tourism, but if you’re wondering where travelers are being drawn to the most, these are the top 5 cities:
Palma de Mallorca
Capturing 4.1% of tourists landing in Southern Europe, Palma de Mallorca is the capital of its namesake Mallorca, an island worth visiting for the scenic callas lapped by turquoise waters and verdant hills strewn with rolling vineyards alone.
Gorgeous as all of Mallorca may be, with resort zones in Pollença and Alcudia drawing in big crowds, Palma is undoubtedly its crown jewel: dating back thousands of years, it has a rich amalgamation of Roman, Vandal, Moorish, and medieval-era landmarks.
Its magnificent cathedral, La Seu, or Cathedral of Santa Maria for English speakers, is the most easily recognized symbol of Palma’s skyline and perhaps the magnum opus of the Catalonian Gothic movement, with intricate rose windows and flying buttresses.
Just opposite the cathedral, Almudaina is a palace combining Islamic and Gothic elements, representative of Palma’s diverse breadth of architecture, whereas Castell de Bellver, sitting on a prominent hill with views of the city, is a uniquely circular-shaped, 14th-century castle.
If you’re looking for that hidden gem beachgoers are missing out on, the Arab Baths should definitely be on your bucket list: built in the 10th century by Mallorca’s at-the-time North African rulers, it has columned chambers and courtyards you’re free to wander through.
Alicante
Over in the Spanish mainland, with high-rises encroaching on a palm-lined, golden sand beach, Alicante is a vibrant resort city boasting year-round warmer temps––just so you know, they’re currently sitting at a pleasant 65 degrees right now in the dead of winter––and lower prices than average.
When you think that going to a tapas bar for patatas bravas and some sweet tinto de verano in a whitewashed Barrio de la Santa Cruz costs $15 or that you can book a room only a few steps away from the beach starts from $40, it’s hardly a surprise tourists are flocking in here.
More specifically, 4.4% of all Mediterranean arrivals, and among the pleasant surprises awaiting them in this offbeat Spanish gem, there’s Explanada de España, a long coastal walk paved with colorful, patterned mosaics, a hilltop, medieval Santa Barbara Castle, and a bustling Mercado Central:
The best spot in town for sampling fresh produce, sampling the seafood––the paella here is arguably up there with the best in the country––and browsing the local delicacies, this market is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
In desperate need of relaxation? Look no further than Postiguet, a postcard-ready beach at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle welcoming guests to crystal-clear seas, a wide range of amenities, and mid-range restaurants with terraces for sunset views.
Malaga
The gemstone of Spain’s Costa Del Sol, a sun-drenched stretch of coast to the southeast of Spain, Malaga is a sprawling port combining resort city and open-air museum vibes, from the ruin-littered historic center, down to the parasol-sprinkled Malagueta beach.
As part of Andalusia, the hottest destination in Spain as a result of its geographical proximity to Africa, Malagueños and Malagueñas enjoy shorts weather for most of the calendar year, and chances are you won’t need to pack a raincoat irrespective of season.
Malaga’s greatest appeal, however, is its enviable collection of historical structures: for instance, there is a 1st-century Roman Theater built onto the side of a central elevation now dominated by an Islamic 11th-century fortress, the Alcazaba.
Then there is a nearby 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, occupying yet another hill that overlooks the urban maze that is Malaga and its azure seas, and let’s not forget Malaga’s iconic Plaza de Toros, an intact bullfighting ring that continues to host select events.
Albeit a fascinating cultural ensemble, Malaga’s hustle and bustle can get a tad much at times, especially with the summer crowds––it captures 6.4% of Southern Europe’s arrivals––so if you’re in need of a breather, head out to the verdant, waterfall-dotted Montes de Málaga Natural Park.
Barcelona
At the runner-up position, capturing a whopping 21.7% of all arrivals to Europe’s southern half, Barcelona is the quintessential Mediterranean getaway combining resort city vibes and Old World allure.
Its Barceloneta golden-sand strip, backed by high-rise condominiums and glass-and-steel skyscrapers, is a favorite among beachgoers, and for those who love history, the medieval Gothic Quarter is filled with picturesque alleys, plazas, and locally-run tapas bars.
Despite having an unlimited cultural offer, Barcelona’s pride and joy is undoubtedly its Gaudí heritage, best evidenced in the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Expressionist chef-d’oeuvre that is Casa Batlló, and the lush Park Güell, best known for its curvilinear shapes and bright colors.
Barcelona tends to get quite busy irrespective of season, so if you’re hoping to beat the crowds, you should leave the bustling streets of Eixample behind and head instead to an offbeat Gràcia, where you’ll find independent boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries.
Other attractions first-time visitors wouldn’t normally pay attention to include Refugi 307, a Spanish Civil War-era bomb shelter now housing a museum, the Roman Necropolis buried beneath Plaça Vila de Madrid, and the serene Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona’s oldest park featuring a maze.
Madrid
Leading with a 24% share, the capital of Spain is officially the number one destination in Southern Europe right now, and this, to some, might be surprising, considering it doesn’t sit on the coast.
Madrid doesn’t need Mediterranean beaches or palm-lined promenades to woo tourists, though: dubbed Iberian Paris, it is characterized by expansive, leafy boulevards flanked by Belle époque buildings, sprawling green zones, and a host of world-class museums.
The most visited of them all, Prado is home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and Raphael, and if you’re visiting Europe primarily for the magnificent architecture, exploring the area around the portico-bordered Plaza Mayor is a must.
Besides Madrid’s top landmarks, namely the aforementioned Prado, the richly-decorated Baroque Royal Palace, and Parque El Retiro, here are some unique, unexpected things to do in the city in 2025:
Escape the heat and go underground at Andén 0 (or Zero Platform), a historic metro station dating back to the early 20th century, still served by retro-style carriages, or take a leisurely stroll in Cementerio de la Almudena, probably one of Europe’s prettiest burial grounds, littered with ornate chapels and tombs.
Away from El Retiro’s crowds, Quinta de los Molinos is a much more peaceful park with wide avenues strewn with almond trees, and don’t forget Parque del Oeste, in Western Madrid: it will look it’s most beautiful in spring when the rose gardens are in full bloom.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Are you heading to Europe this summer, but you’re dreading the thought of spending hundreds of euros a night, if not thousands, on an Amalfi or Greek island getaway?
Despair not: there is a much cheaper alternative, with seas an unbelievable turquoise color, an Old Town dating back to ancient times, and the cheapest all-inclusive hotels across the pond.
Experts at Britain-based agency TravelSupermarket have scoured the map of Europe for the most affordable sunny getaway this year, and they’ve reached the conclusion it’s Alanya, in Türkiye (formerly called Turkey), that takes the crown:
Turquoise Seas, Ancient Wonders & It’s Dirt Cheap
You might have heard of Antalya, with its lively Konyaaltı beach and a plethora of Greek and Roman ruins, where beachfront stays start from an affordable $62-a-night and grabbing a takeout Döner kebab for dinner will cost you an average of five bucks.
This includes a similarly-named Alanya, roughly 83 miles east of Antalya, that does not benefit from having its own international airport and a constant influx of tourists.
Despite its relative anonymity, it boasts an incredibly picturesque historic center, with cobbled streets bordered by colorful Ottoman houses, featuring the iconic overhanging, covered wooden balconies and a wall-encircled port hugging the teal waters of the East Mediterranean.
Alanya is a cultural treasure of Türkiye, with a long history spanning thousands of years and the rise (and fall) of many an empire.
Its golden-sand Cleopatra Beach is said to have been visited by the Egyptian queen herself on her visit to the then-Roman provinces in Anatolia, and standing on a rocky outcrop towering over the beach, there is the monumental Seljuk fort.
Perhaps Alanya’s most distinguishable sight, the octagon-shaped Red Tower, dating back to the 13th century, rises high above the sea of red-tiled roofs, and it now houses the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya.
How Cheap Is Alanya Effectively?
In sum, this is as Turkish a city as it gets, with minarets dotting the skyline, its fair share of kebab takeout spots, and a lively marina lined with upscale seafood restaurants where a three-course dinner will cost only a small fraction of what you’re used to pay in Western Europe.
Ordering the full Turkish breakfast spread served at Kaleiçi Meyhanesi Alanya will set you back by $15 tops, while dinner with a view at the Sade Lounge, overlooking the port, can run you up an acceptable $29––and that’s if you’re eating lavishly.
For those on a budget, eating out at any local-frequented eatery in the Old Town is an inexpensive $8.46, on average––you can easily find them by avoiding the bustling squares flooded with European tourists.
When it comes to accommodation, the research shows us the average price for a 7-day, all-inclusive break in Alanya comes at a cheap US$708, so let’s have a look at some of the hotel listings in offer and check if this adds up:
Beachfront Hotels From $253 For The Entire Week
There are exactly 84 hotels in and around Alanya offering all-inclusive deals in the high season, with the cheapest one being Keopatra Ada Hotel, where an all-paid-for, week-long stay costs a mere $253.
At this rate, you shouldn’t expect an overload of luxury: we’re talking a single room with a balcony, a decent breakfast, and chances are your dinners won’t be prepared by a renowned chef.
Think a $30 all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet, but make it Turkish.
The top-rated hotel for customer score and low price is Ramira Joy, only a few steps from Cleopatra Beach, and equipped with an on-site restaurant, a hamper for spa services, and 4-star amenities, starting from $402.
Now, for the truly luxurious properties, they’re not a far cry from what you’d expect to pay in 5-star resorts in places like Cancun or Punta Cana: for instance, a double deluxe room at the stately Serenity Queen Hotel on Konakli Beach, costs $2,046 to book for the week.
The hotel features spa facilities, a kid-friendly water park, fitness areas and lush gardens, and higher-quality food is served.
According to Booking.com, 57 out of the 84 all-inclusive hotels will cost under $638 to book for the week, which seems to support the average rate reported by TravelSupermarket.
It’s safe to say that whether you’re traveling on a strict budget or you’re used to that Caribbean level of splurging, Alanya will feel like a steal of a deal.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
You may know Mexico already for its white-sand beaches, glitzy resort zones and buzzing beach bars, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg:
With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of the most culturally-charged countries in the Americas, and if it’s Old World charm you seek, rest assured you’ll find as much of it south of the border, a short 3 to 4-hour flight away, as you would across the Atlantic.
Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that a growing number of U.S. travelers is flocking to an offbeat Queretaro instead of the usual beach hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean: not only is it among Mexico’s finest offers in terms of city breaks, but it’s also European-pretty:
Queretaro Is One Of The Prettiest Cities In Mexico
A gem of central Mexico, Queretaro is a UNESCO-listed settlement dating back to the early period of European colonization, famous for having a historic center that’s been largely preserved as the centuries passed.
When you think of a city in the Americas, you probably picture steel-and-glass and endless rows of skyscrapers lining buzzing boulevards, and though that may apply to other larger cities, including Mexico City, it’s not the aesthetics that apply to Queretaro:
Picture narrower, pedestrianized streets lined with brightly painted facades, a plethora of Baroque churches, each of them unique in character and just as ornate as the next, and numerous plazas bordered by laid-back eateries.
Oh, and if you’re wondering whether Queretaro is just surface-level beautiful, you should know it is oftentimes considered the birthplace of Mexican Independence: it is here the revolt against Spanish rule erupted in the 19th century.
An Intact Colonial Center Awaiting Discovery
Among Queretaro’s most historically significant sites, there’s a pink-stone Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, built in 1752, a Franciscan monastery now housing the Regional Museum of Queretaro, housing art that spans from the pre-Columbian to the colonial era.
In the heart of town, the Teatro de la República is a stunning Neoclassical venue that was once at the front of Mexico’s war for independence: it is where Emperor Maximilian I was tried, the same monarch who opposed freedom from Spain and got executed as a result.
Speaking of whom he would meet his tragic end up, Cerro de las Campanas, a centrally-located hill now topped with a chapel marking the place where the execution took place––regardless of the dark past, the view from the top is breathtaking, dare we say.
Looking for more important historic landmarks? From Casa de la Corregidora, formerly owned by Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, the woman of the hour of the Mexican War of Independence, to the 74-arch, 18th-century aqueduct, Queretaro’s rich Spanish heritage is boundless.
It’s European Pretty And This Affordable?
Other than architectural value and history, Queretaro is one of the most affordable destinations in the sun-drenched center of Mexico, from the local-owned eateries, serving delicious enchiladas queretanas and strawberry tamales for around a dollar, to the inexpensive accommodation:
A 5-star standard room at Casa Inn Premium Hotel will cost you from $68 a night, and the City Express by Marriott is even more budget-friendly, starting at $63 for a queen room, with breakfast included, and within walking distance of the main attractions.
Looking for cheap eats while in town? Make sure you add the locally-run Zandunga to your list, especially if you love huevos rancheros ($5), and a well-frequented Santa Cecina, for a big selection of tacos and parrilladas, with prices ranging from a mere $1.26 to $4.35.
Queretaro is a world-class cultural city break. It has beautiful sights evocative of the bygone Spanish Empire, at its most elegant at that, and it will hardly break the bank if you think places like Cancun or Cabo are a bit out of budget for you.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Fairytale castles, ancient cities dating back to times immemorial, and beautiful architecture just about everywhere you look: Europe is calling, and it’s high time you answered.
This year will be one of the most exciting ones for US-Europe travel yet, as not only is connectivity increasing between North America and the Old Continent, but a host of unexpected flight routes are launching, some of which had never been available before.
Starting in either spring or summer, these are 4 brand new Transatlantic flights launching soon we’re most looking forward to in 2025:
San Francisco to Terceira, Portugal
Starts: June 3
Frequency: 1x weekly
Aircraft: A330neo
Price: from $1,101 one-way
Flight duration: 12h5m+
For the first time this year, the West Coast of the U.S. will be connected to the Azores archipelago in Portugal by means of a direct flight offered by TAP Air Portugal once a week from San Francisco International (SFO) to Terceira (TER).
Home to around 53,311 inhabitants and with a mainland-sized 153 square miles, it is one of the biggest in this island chain, located halfway between North America and Europe, and it’s an unusual pick for TAP, considering Terceira’s relative anonymity and isolation.
If there’s one lesson we learned from these recently-launched Greenland and Faroe Islands flights, however, it is that no island is too remote or too small a destination to accommodate big airlines, especially when Americans are craving off-path adventures.
As for Terceira, it is a volcanic island best known for its hilly interior, hydrangea-flanked roads, which loop around a rugged coastline, and its picture-perfect capital, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed full of colonial fortifications and churches.
New York-JFK To Bari, Italy
Starts: June 3
Frequency: 1x weekly
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamline
Price: from $485.63
Flight duration: 8h40m+
Beginning next summer, Italian carrier Neos Air will begin operating the first-ever flights between New York (JFK) to Bari (BRI), the capital and cultural heart of Italy’s much-overlooked yet awe-inspiring Puglia.
A more laid-back version of Amalfi, it is a culturally rich region laying claim to both natural and manmade wonders, from Alberobello, an ancient settlement dotted with conical-roofed stone huts called trulli, to the scenic coastal cliffs strewn with whitewashed towns.
Bari itself is a medieval maze of narrow streets leading to charming piazze and Baroque cathedrals, and you should know seafood here reigns supreme––there’s countless locally-run trattorie to try, but if you’re looking for authentic cuisine at reasonable prices, try Mamapulia.
Nonstop flights to Bari will be available weekly from June 3 to October 15, making it easier for Americans to reach the boot of the Italian peninsula over summer and even the fall, when temperatures are at their most pleasant and the seas tranquil and warm enough to swim in.
New York-JFK to Catania, Italy
Starts: May 22
Frequency: Daily
Aircraft: Boeing 767-300(ER)
Price: from $1,088
Flight duration: 9h10m+
2025 is the year US-Italy connections are at their apex, and further proof is the newly-announced New York (JFK) to Catania (CTA) flights, the first ever to link the trendy holiday island of Sicily to North America.
This one caught us by surprise––we thought that if flights to Sicily were ever launching, these would undoubtedly be hosted by the regional capital and largest city Palermo––but we can’t say we’re mad at Delta’s choice of destination:
Catania is a sprawling port city sitting at the foot of Sicily’s main natural attraction, Mount Etna, and a cultural center of the sorts, filled with world-class museums, ornate palaces, and public markets, most notably La Pescheria, ringed by top-notch eateries.
Flight start as early as May 2025––in our opinion, the best period to visit southeastern Sicily due to the milder temperatures, smaller crowds, and cheaper prices: staying at the Etnea Palace, within walking distance of all Catania’s main landmarks, will set you back by $34-a-night.
Newark To Bilbao, Spain
Starts: May 31
Frequency: 3x weekly
Aircraft: Boeing 757-20
Price: $774
Flight duration: 7h30m+
Forget Barcelona, Madrid, and the like: if you’re keen on experiencing a different side of Spain, away from the crowds of the Mediterranean and the overwhelming heat, you have to add an offbeat Bilbao to your bucket list (and thanks to United, now it’s a 7h30 flight away).
The largest city in the historical Basque Country, Bilbao is an innovation-driven city lining a fast-flowing Nervión River, characterized by a skyscraper-dominated center and a medieval-era Casco Viejo––if you’re asking us what’s Bilbao’s pride and joy?
That will have to be the Guggenheim Museum, a modernist structure on the waterfront, with swirling shapes and curvilinear edges that feel almost like it’s in permanent movement, even though it’s perfectly immobile.
From Bilbao, you can also visit other smaller, incredibly scenic towns along the Basque Coast, most notably Donostia-San Sebastián, a quaint seaside settlement encroaching on a long sandy strip, and Lekeitio, famous for its lively harbor and unspoiled beach.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Traveling to Europe in winter is not an idea that appeals to most people:
It’s cold, for sure, daylight hours are limited, especially up north, and across many countries, locals are not exactly at their most welcoming selves––can you really blame them when it’s 23°F out?
Like everything in life, there is always an exception to the rule: in this case, not the freezing temperatures, but how exciting, lively, and welcoming a city can be despite the bleak weather, or more interestingly even, as a result of it.
Believe it or not, Stockholm is the perfect city break during the festive break, ranking the highest for friendliness across the pond, according to Condé Nast Traveller, and offering a fairytale-like winter experience (with the medieval Old Town and fascinating History to go with it).
It’s far from being a sunny getaway, but it might as well melt your heart:
Discover Sweden’s Colorful Medieval Capital This Winter
The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is built across 14 islands distributed around an archipelago on the Baltic Sea, all connected by as many as 50 bridges, an extensive underground system––which we’ll get to in a bit––and multiple ferry routes.
With a population of over 1.6 million people, it is the largest city not only in Sweden, but the whole of Scandinavia, so it can feel a little overwhelming at first, with so much to see and so little time, but if you’re visiting this winter, a good place to start is Gamla Stan.
Swedish for ‘Old Town’, this centrally-located island is famous for its cobbled streets and skinny, ocher-colored houses dating back centuries.
It’s true Stockholm is kinder to sightseers in summer when it’s (somewhat) pleasant out, and there’s more sunshine compared to the rest of the year, but we’d argue winter is when it’s at its most magical:
It is the friendliest city in Europe, as per the latest survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, where it scored an impressive 94.07, and indeed, walking into any bakery or restaurant or asking locals for directions, you’ll be greeted with politeness and a hospitable smile.
Maybe it’s the mysa spirit, maybe it’s the fact you can never get grumpy with a happy tummy full of cinnamon buns from Café Saturnus, the pride and joy of Stockholm’s coffeeshop scene; either way, Swedes are ready to welcome you with open arms.
And you know what they say, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing:
It’s So Beautiful You Won’t Mind Being Outside
Stockholm is meant to be seen on foot, and you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
Temperatures range from the mid-20s to low 40s in winter, and this is the Baltic Sea, after all, so it gets windy––definitely make sure you wear enough layers to protect yourself from the teeth-chattering cold and don’t hold back on the mulled wine and hot choccie.
Warning given: don’t miss a snow-dusted, 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral dominating the skyline, the majestic Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family––yep, they have one of their own, in case you didn’t know!––and the spearing, red-brick City Hall.
For unashamed wintery fun and an overload of culture, make sure you pay Skansen a visit: a short ferry ride away from the city center, this is Stockholm’s world-famous folk park, depicting life in a rural part of Sweden as if it was still the olden days.
Add to that winter markets filled with stalls, offering a wide range of products, from fine smithing and ceramics to Swedish street food faves like sausages and pickled herring, and historical celebrations with traditional music and dance, and you get the gist of it.
Escape The Cold Underground
Stockholm is hella cold this winter, and while there’s definitely some sightseeing to be done, and the freezing temperatures shouldn’t keep you from exploring the picturesque Gamla Stan, you can always take refuge in one of many indoor attractions:
Check out Moderna Museet, a vast collection of modern and contemporary art housing lesser-known work from artists like Matisse and Picasso, or Vasa, a museum entirely centered around a well-preserved, 17th-century warship.
The ABBA Museum is another must-do while in Stockholm, a thrilling exhibit (and celebration) of Sweden’s greatest musical act, and don’t forget about the often-overlooked Stockholm Metro:
‘Wait, the metro?’
Yes, the metro.
Forget about London’s dirty tube seats and the rampant pickpocketing plaguing the Paris underground: Stockholm’s is a literal gallery of surrealist art, with stations that have ceilings that look like boiling lava or spaceships and any other creative design in between.
We’re not talking about one or two stations: each of them has a particular, individual characteristic that sets them apart, with bright colors or psychedelic patterns, and the metro system itself is considered the world’s longest art gallery.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
If you’ve ever been to Europe before, you know how incredible it feels crossing from country to country without ever having to clear customs, be it flying, taking a train, or simply driving across a border: that’s all thanks to the Schengen Zone!
Going from Italy to France is as easy as crossing the state line between Arizona and California: no border posts, and definitely no questions asked.
In effect since 1995, this customs union unlike any other in the world has effectively abolished passport control traveling between 29 countries, greatly facilitating movement, trade, integration… and also leading to security concerns in recent years.
Considering people can move freely between most of Europe, whether they’re law-abiding citizens or not, one cannot so easily discredit Schengen-skeptics, especially following the recent migrant crisis and how exposed some countries have become to external threats.
Now, Schengen seems to be hanging by a thread as numerous members suspend the accord and reinstate border control with their neighbors.
Could this be the end of an era?
If you’re used to a Europe without borders, here’s how traveling in the continent could feel somewhat different in 2025:
France Sends A Clear Signal To The Whole Of Europe
This month, France caught the European community by surprise by reinstating border control on all of its land crossings, affecting travel to and from six neighboring countries, as well as airside checks, in response to a noticeable increase in cross-border crime.
For the time being, travelers coming into France from Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland will be required to produce valid documentation, and inform border officers on the reason they’re visiting the country.
This just sounds like any international border crossing experience, which doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, but again, this is the passport-free Schengen Zone we’re talking about, that people have been able to transit virtually unchecked for decades.
Despite the nature of Schengen, member states have always reserved the right to impose border control, albeit temporarily, if they feel there is a need for stricter checks: that’s been case during the global pandemic, and earlier in 2015 during the peak of the migrant crisis.
As per Schengen rules, the introduction of checks can only be temporary, up to six months––does that mean this measure will be short-lived, and that in half a year, France and the Schengen territories will be back to normal?
Well, not quite.
France Is Not The Only One…
There is a six-month validity period, yes, but this can be renewed immediately should a country deem it necessary: that’s been the case with Denmark for years, that has notified the European Commission of intra-Schengen border controls every six months.
In Denmark’s case, renewals have been incessant since at least 2016.
So far, France’s temporary controls are set to expire on April 30, 2025, but we have good reason to believe further renewals are in the cards, looking at the bigger picture: currently, there are 7 other countries that have effectively suspended Schengen.
These are:
Until May 11, 2025, due to high levels of irregular migration, an increase in smuggling activities, disproportionate pressure on the asylum system, and security risks associated with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East––land borders reinstated with Hungary and Slovenia.
Until May 11, 2025, due to terrorism-related events and organized crime in neighboring Sweden, instability caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, Russian espionage, increased migratory pressure, and others––all land, air, and sea borders with other Schengen countries.
Until March 15, 2025, due to migration flows that pose threats to public order and security, smuggling activities, safety concerns pertaining to the Russo-Ukrainian war, and the situation in the Middle East––all land borders with Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.
Until December 18, 2024 (pending renewal), due to the Middle Eastern turmoil and risk of terrorist infiltration in Italian soil, as a result of an increase in migration flows, and the continuation of violence in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war––all crossing points with Slovenia.
Until June 8, 2025, due to high levels of irregular migration, migrant smuggling, cumulative pressure on the migration system, and an increase in criminal incidents at reception centers––land and air borders reinstated with Belgium and Germany.
Until May 11, 2025, due to threats aimed at their energy sector, likely sabotage attempts on Russian intelligence service’s part, and ongoing improvements in infrastructure protection––all land, air, and sea borders between Norway and any Schengen country.
Until December 21, 2024 (pending renewal), due to the unstable situation in the Middle East that poses a threat to Slovenia’s public security, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and organized crime––land borders with Croatia and Hungary.
Until May 11, 2025, due to the recent escalation of terrorism in Europe, an increase in gun violence and gang-related activity, and ongoing armed conflicts––all internal Schengen borders, including land, air, and sea crossing points.
Though not officially declared, spot checks have also been known to take place in Croatia, the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), Spain, Switzerland, and Finland, and border control via land continues be enforced for Bulgaria and Romania.
You can check all the latest information on the temporary reintroduction of border control within the Schengen Zone here.
What This Means For U.S. Travelers And Other Non-European Tourists
Traveling to and from the countries listed above, you’ll be required to clear customs, even if your point of departure is another European country.
How will this work, you may be wondering?
After all, most of these European borders are but imaginary lines now that border posts have been dismantled, and you’re right: for the most part, it still doesn’t feel like a hard border.
However, if you’re traveling by bus or train, you shouldn’t be surprised if border guards step onboard––you won’t get stamped again, if you’ve already been stamped in another Schengen country, but they will verify your passport and travel documents, as well as ask you questions.
Digital nomads and long-term travelers in Europe should be particularly vigilant, as there is no tolerance for overstayers: the Schengen accord may be paused temporarily in these areas, but the 90-day rule still applies, and those caught staying longer will face severe consequences.
These may be in the form of a hefty fine, immediate deportation from the Schengen Zone, or in extreme cases, even a re-entry ban, so make sure you keep you follow the rules.
In other words, you should:
Respect the 90-day rule: Americans cannot be present in the Schengen territories for longer than 90 days out of any 180-day period
Have your documentation ready: this involves presenting your passport, supporting documents that you’re a tourist in Europe, and proof of return journey
Be prepared for delays if you’re traveling via land: as police thoroughly checks vehicles and documents, border crossings will inevitably take longer
We don’t know how long Schengen will remain fractured the way it is now or if this is a new reality we’ll need to adjust to, but in any case, you should be prepared for stricter checks traveling to the Old Continent next year.
Fingerprinting And Travel Permits Required From 2025
Additionally, Europe is bringing in its new Entry-Exit System from 2025:
This means that, soon enough, Americans and other foreign visitors will be required to get fingerprinted and registered upon landing in a Schengen country, again for security reasons, with their information to be stored in a database for up to three years.
They’re not stopping there: in 2025, the ETIAS will come into force, too.
If you’re a U.S. passport holder, your nationality alone will no longer grant you the privilege of boarding a Europe-bound flight: you’ll need to apply for their online travel permit, costing 7 euros, to be allowed to travel in the Schengen Zone.
You read that right.
Unless you have obtained pre-authorization, you will not be permitted to enter Europe.
Intra-Schengen checks, fingerprinting, new travel permits… this is Europe 2025 for you (and you thought pandemic restrictions were bad enough).
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
As a digital nomad based in Europe, I have traveled extensively around the continent, working remotely from every country you can possibly name across the pond, from the tourist hotspots of France and Italy to the lesser-known Baltic states and the multicultural Balkan Peninsula.
Nope, I haven’t skipped the millionaire-owned micro-state of Monaco, war-raging Russia and its neighbors, nor newly-born Kosovo, one of the poorest states in Europe.
With over 40 European countries under my belt, I was bound to have a personal favorite by now.
That one special place that keeps pulling me back, where I could actually see myself staying longer than the usual three months or even putting down roots at some point down the line, and that somehow feels like my home away from home.
When I set out to visit every European country as a digital nomad, never would I have expected an unheard-of, post-communist state most tourists mistakenly believe to be dangerous, and even not worth seeing, to rank at the top of the list by the end of the five-year journey, yet here we are.
It’s beautiful Albania that stole my heart, and this is why I believe it is the strongest contender for European Digital Nomad Capital:
Why Albania Of All Places?
Unless you’ve been country-hopping around Europe as a tourist for a while, having had to come up with ingenious ways to extend your stay beyond the restrictive 90-day Schengen rule, it is unlikely you have passed through Albania, much less heard of it.
We’re here to remedy that together, but first, where even is Albania?
Geography isn’t everyone’s forte, so I won’t dawdle and waste your time going into the specifics of it: all you have to know it is located across the Adratic sea from Italy, and just north of Greece.
We know what you’re thinking: if it borders these two popular vacation spots, could Albania be yet another off-path Mediterranean destination waiting on the sidelines to be discovered?
The short answer is a resounding Yes!, and the shocking part is it’s been deliberately concealed for decades.
What we mean by that is it was actually kept hidden, so we wouldn’t blame you for not having the foggiest idea about Albania beforehand: as customary in Eastern Europe in the 20th century, the country was ruled by an iron-fisted communist regime.
Why Haven’t You Heard Of Albania Before?
Albania’s dictatorship was among the harshest in Europe, with very few people being allowed to leave the territory, and likewise, only a select number of visitors were allowed to enter well into the 90s, meaning this wing of the Mediterranean was virtually off-limits only three decades ago.
In case you’ve been wondering, Albania is now an open, progressive state, having adopted democratic principles since the collapse of communism and being on a firm path to aligning with the Western World: it joined NATO in 2009, and it has applied to become a member of the European Union.
The latter aspiration has not been as successful yet, but we’ll get into that soon enough – the question is, why has this unsung, troubled nation surpassed every other Southern European competitor to become my safe haven as a digital nomad?
I don’t know about you, but like any self-proclaimed Europhile, this continent’s immense cultural wealth was a decisive factor in my decision to stay a whole five years so far, and my dear fellow nomads, sure Albania has a lot going for it on the culture front:
Hospitality Is At The Heart Of Albanian Culture
Albania is a one-of-a-kind-country, in the sense that its language (Albanian) is not closely-related to any other languages on the periphery, like Serbo-Croatian or Bulgarian share similitaries, and its culture is markedly different from the Slavic-dominated Southeastern Europe.
Family is extremely important, and it’s not uncommon to find nuclei of relatives living together in the same neighborhood, or even the same street, and to them, hospitality is not only a long-standing tradition, but a national value.
In the words of renowned Albanian novelist Ismail Kadare, who couldn’t have phrased it better:
‘Of God and the guest, you see. So, before it is the house of its master, it is the house of one’s guest. The guest, in an Albanian’s life, represents the supreme ethical category, more important than blood relations. One may pardon the man who spills the blood of one’s father or of one’s son, but never the blood of a guest.’
There were certainly occasions where Airbnb hosts would invite me to partake in rounds of raki tasting shortly after we’ve made acquaintances, and hospitable locals would invite me back to theirs to share high-spirited conversations and a hot meal.
As a digital nomad traveling solo, actively seeking to distance himself from other expats to fully immerse in the local way of life, it was definitely not a challenge to befriend Albanians, even if the older generations are more proficient in Italian than they are in English.
If anything, my rusty Italian and poor attempts at mouthing basic words in Albanian would get me humorous smiles in response, friendly pats on the shoulder, and more raki invitations: I’m not sure previous writers have coined this already, but Albanians are the Latin Americans of Europe.
The Whole Of Albania Should Be A UNESCO Heritage Site
We know you’re here for some of that Old World flair, the cobbled towns with origins lost to time, and fairytale castles Disney has tried their best to emulate in kitsch theme parks, and you’ll be glad to know Albania has its fair share of manmade wonders.
From the Accursed Mountains in the north, home to the ethnic village of Theth, best known for its rustic cottages and solitary church, to the medieval citadel in Kruje, south towards a UNESCO-listed, Ottoman-built Berat, and the Stone City of Gjirokaster, this country’s beauty is truly boundless.
The 296-mile long Mediterranean coast is littered with historic port cities as well, including Durres, where a 5th-century castle still stands, the charming Vlore, with its Italian-inspired, pastel Old Town, and the hilltop, whitewashed village of Dhermi, overlooking the turquoise sea.
If you’re looking forward to wearing your Indy Jones hat again, Butrint is a vast archaeological zone dating back to the 10th century BC, encompassing flooded Byzantine palaces, partially-preserved colonnaded agoras, and a landmark Greek theater.
The point is, Albania may not be as popular as some of its closest neighbors, for the reasons already outlined above, but it certainly does not suffer from a shortage of heritage sites. In fact, it’s almost as if it’s taken a page from the book of every other Mediterranean hub in the vicinity:
A Potpourri Of Everything That’s Great About Europe
With Its Own Little Albanian Twist
Some of its settlements are as ancient as Italy’s, it is just as warm as Greece, the pebbly beaches as pristine as Croatia’s, the local cuisine rivals Spain’s, and it is as topographically diverse as France, with a territory that comprises both towering alpine peaks and a subtropical coast.
I’m not averse to harsh winters myself, and I’m a firm believer that, in order to truly appreciate the balmy days of summer, you need to experience the changing of the seasons, but if you can live without the occasional snow, coastal Albania will not disappoint.
Temperatures can plummet to negative levels in northern Albania, but much of the coast remains perfectly sunny and a pleasant 64°F. Having visited in February myself, I was surprised to find that the additional wool coats and puffer jackets I packed ‘in case’ were not at all necessary.
If you’re hell-bent on escaping the cold, the laid-back coastal village of Ksamil, a stone’s throw away from the lively harbor city of Saranda, is your best bet at year-round springtime weather, with lemon trees, soft white-sand beaches and teal-colored waters making up the scenery.
Don’t Come To Albania On A Strict Diet
Albania may be isolated in terms of language and culture, but the food served in Albanian homes and restaurants is typically Mediterranean and Eurasian in character, having been heavily influenced by Italy, Slavic gastronomic practices, and even Turkish cuisine.
Its cheese and spinach-filled, flaky-dough byrek pastry is a variation of the Turkish burek, the cold cucumber soup takes direct inspiration from Bulgaria’s tarator, and I could certainly draw parallels between Gjirokaster’s qifqi rice balls and the more mainstream Italian arancini.
That being said, there are a number of native delicacies only Albania can lay claim to, with my personal favorites being the deep-fried petulla fritter, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, typically served with butter and jam, and tavë kosi, lamb baked in yogurt.
Given Albania’s ample selection of dairy and hearty meat-based dishes, not to mention the fresh seafood and fruit growing in abundance in the verdant hinterland, rest assured you’ll never go hungry here, whether you’re staying in a small qytet on the shores of the Adriatic, or the sprawling capital city of Tirana.
How Nomad-Friendly Is Albania?
How about digital nomad infrastructure, a.k.a. long-term rentals, availability of coworking cafes, foreigner-friendly services, and so on?
I’ll be honest with you: outside major urban centers, life as a remote worker can be challenging (at times).
That is particularly true in the off-season, when restaurants and guesthouses on the coast typically close down, and getting around without a car is an adventure you don’t want to embark on.
Albania is nothing short of stunning, but it’s years behind in development compared to the average European country.
For that reason, I would recommend you spend most of your time in a large city like Tirana, where there’s enough of a social scene and nighttime services to keep you entertained, as well as bus connections to the resort zones on the Adriatic coast, unless a quaint village life resonates with you.
Tirana Beyond The Grey Clusters Of Communist Apartment Blocks
Tirana may not be the prettiest of capitals – much of the old city has been razed to the ground in favor of a modernist makeover – but you can’t deny it is intriguing, with communist-era bunker museums, artifical lakes and eccentric high-rises dominating the skyline.
If you’re a regular cafe-goer, you should probably know Albania is a global leader in the number of cafes, with around 654 such establishments per 100,000 inhabitants.
There are no Starbucks, but there are plenty of local-owned and Mulliri Vjeter coffeehouses around.
Mulliri Vjeter is the oldest coffee chain in Albania, and stores are typically rustic in character, offering visiting nomads free WiFi and a cozy nook to work from. Central Tirana is loaded with those, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss their signature Capuccino Chocomel.
It’s truly no wonder Tirana has proudly taken up the mantle of Europe’s center for digital nomadism, hosting a Digital Nomad Conference since 2022 and with an expat community that continues to grow year after year.
The Top 5 Best Digital Nomad Destinations In Albania
The way I see it, the top five best destinations for digital nomads in Albania are:
Tirana: the exciting capital city, packed with quirky cafes, oozing urban art, and full of verdant parks for temporarily escaping the city crowds and crazy traffic
Shkoder: the cultural heart of Northern Albania, famous for its revitalized, restaurant-lined Old Town and an imposing 2,400-year-old Rozafa Castle
Durres: the busiest port, offering ferry connections to Italy and distinguished by its ruined, recently-unearthed Roman amphitheater and Venetian Tower
Saranda: the largest city in the Albanian Riviera, bounded by the teal-colored waters of the Adriatic and within short driving distance of the up-and-coming leisure zone of Ksamil
Elbasan: the fourth-largest city in Albania, and one of its food meccas, where I tried the best jani me fasule on the trip (make sure you add Taverna Kala to your list of restaurants)
Albania Is The Cheapest Country I’ve Been In Europe
It only took me a couple of days of being in Albania to understand, at least in part, why nomads like me are finding an unlikely home in this overlooked Adriatic gem: prices are the cheapest I’ve seen anywhere in Europe.
On average, Albania is 40.6% less expensive than Western Europe, with meals in inexpensive restaurants costing an acceptable $10.43, based on data gathered by Numbeo, and monthly expenses for a single person capping at roughly $700, excluding rent.
Even though accommodation costs aren’t included in this estimate, rent can be up to 69% cheaper than Paris or London, two overpriced cities that will wipe your wallet clean if you’re not careful enough. Luckily, living costs are nowhere near as exorbitant in Albania.
A quick Airbnb search led me to find seafront condos in Vlore for only $617 per month this April, whole apartments with dedicated workspaces in Saranda for a negligible $343, while in Tirana, there are private, centrally-situated flats for as cheap as $520 monthly.
It Is Incredibly Safe For Foreigners
Not only is Albania remarkably cheap to live in, it is just as safe as fellow Southern European states Italy and Spain.
That’s not my own judgment, but the U.S. State Department’s, which officially considers Albania a low-risk destination, as seen here.
Having spent most of my time between Tirana, Shkoder and Durres, never once did I feel unsafe walking the streets during the day, or get ‘jumpy’ in crowded areas, as much as I normally do in busier areas of Barcelona, or sketchy zones of South Dublin.
While I wouldn’t take my chances going for a late evening stroll in Tirana – Albanian cities are not particularly well-lit at night – crime levels are under acceptable levels, and visitors are rarely, if ever, affected by violence.
Your main concern here is pickpocketing, though I never felt the need to hide my phone when out in public, and judging by the amount of jewelry Albanian women wear and the fancy sportscars the men drive, nobody’s visibly worried about petty theft, either.
Naturally, general safety advice applies, but odds are you’ll be fine. Once I was lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of crashing waves at a busy Ksamil beach, with my laptop bag by my side, and I startlingly woke up to find it still untouched where I left it.
I’m not sure this fortunate outcome was an exception to the rule, or whether Albania is really so safe your personal unattended items will be probably left alone, but it doesn’t change the fact I’ve never felt on edge, nor remotely suspicious of the people around me.
Believe it or not, I’ve saved the best for last:
Are You A U.S. Passport Holder?
You Can Stay An Entire Year In Albania
Every digital nomad based in Europe has a love-and-hate relationship with Schengen.
In case you’re not familiar with the term, it corresponds to a 27-country-strong, passport-free zone where customary cross-border checks typically do not apply.
All of Europe’s top destinations are signatories to Schengen. I’m talking France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Spain, and the list goes on: flying, taking trains, or boarding ferries between any of the Schengen states, you will not be subject to passport control.
The only downside to Schengen? You can only be present in the Schengen territories for 90 days out of any 180-day period. In other words, if you’ve used up your 90 days in Spain, another Schengen country can’t be your next destination for another three months.
In Albania’s case, the strict Schengen policy does not apply, as it is not a member of the European Union (EU), and it is not bound to join the borderless area anytime soon in the future.
Foreign nationals get a whole 90 day-stay in Albania, irrespective of time spent elsewhere in Europe.
If you’re an American citizen, however, you’re issued a whole year-long tourist visa upon arrival, on the basis of being a U.S. passport holder alone, making Albania the perfect long-term destination, if you’re not merely looking for a grey zone to wait for your Schengen clock to reset.
Despite being outside the EU, Albania remains at the heart of Europe, sharing land borders with four other countries, and boasting low-cost flight connections to the entire continent, with fares starting from $19 on Ryanair.
What Are Some Of The Main Downsides About Life As A Nomad In Albania?
What are some of the negative aspects about life in Albania as a digital nomad, you may ask?
I have already touched on some of those throughout this article, but I would say some of the main ones include:
The lack of public transport (good luck getting from point A to B if you’re not renting a car and you have reservations about hitchhiking)
With the exception of the main motorways linking Tirana to the coastal ports and resort towns, the regional road network can be quite precarious, with lots of potholes and missing road signs (if you’re driving, I would advise against hitting the gas, especially after sundown when visibility is lower)
Reception can be poor in remote areas, particularly up in the mountains, so make sure you save your drafts working from your computer during that bumpy ride up the Accursed range, or you might have to write that 1,500-word article from scratch again (not that it’s happened to me…)
This is no spotless, idyllic, First-World European country: basically, as much as you try to turn a blind eye, you can’t easily ignore the poverty-stricken areas
Nomad-friendly facilities, like work-friendly cafes and coworking offices may be harder to come across outside cities like Tirana, Shkoder and Durres (I would add Berat and Gjirokaster, but compared to the capital city, they are not even close to being considered well-equipped)
Social attitudes in Albania are pretty carefree, considering this is one of Europe’s handful of Muslim-majority countries, but I wouldn’t encourage you to show affection with your same-sex partner in public if you don’t want to get grumpy Albanian nonos to curse you lowly, or more rarely, an unfriendly shoulder bump
If you’re flying, your only way into and out of Albania is via Tirana: mind-boggling as it may be, there are no airports yet on the Adriatic Coast, and the country’s only other operational international airport is located in Kukës, near the Kosovo border (with a single seasonal flight route to Basel in Switzerland)*
*The easiest way to get to Southern Albania is actually flying first to the Greek island of Corfu, which lies just offshore, and then take a ferry to Saranda. The journey takes just over half an hour on average.
Needless to say, the good far outweighs the bad, and I can’t wait to be back in Albania myself this summer. I’m now based in Paris, and there’s no way I’m sticking around to see how utterly anarchic this city will get once the Olympics – or should I say Hunger Games? – commence.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
