Tag: Local

7 Tips On How To Get The Most Out Of Visiting Tirana This Summer: From A Local!
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Little by little, Albania has turned into one of Europe’s most beloved budget hubs, but as more people than ever flock to its once-overlooked capital, it’s not that easy to find those amazing-value deals everyone keeps talking about.

And since Mastercard just came out with a report naming Tirana, a place that I’ve been calling home for more than I can remember, the third-fastest growing travel destination in the world, I figured it was time to come here and give you some insider tips on how to truly get the most out of the city.

Having A Set Itinerary With Plenty Of Pit Stops Is Essential

First things first: Tirana is busy, bigger than you think, and this time of year, scorching hot, too.

Throughout July and August, highs that reach the 35°C – 38°C (95°F – 100°F) range are pretty common, so while I know how much fun it is to be spontaneous and see where the day takes you, now it’s not the time to do that.

You’ll want to have a set itinerary with plenty of stops to rest and recharge – of course, keep a list of backup places to see along with their approximate locations on your phone so that even if there’s a change of plans, you don’t have to roam around clueless under the scorching summer heat.

Here’s what a first-time visitor’s day in Tirana can look like:
- 9:00 – 9:30 – Coffee and breakfast at a Mon Cheri, Mulliri i Vjetër, or Sophie Cafe (these are popular chains with locations all over the city)
- 9:45 – 10:45 – Visit Skanderbeg Square (great place to buy some souvenirs, take in the local architecture, and people-watch).
- 10:50 – 12:00 – Visit Bunk’Art 2 (located less than 5 minutes away from the square).
- 12:05 – 12:30 – Quick snack run at a nearby supermarket or byrektore (where you can find freshly-made bureks for less than $0.8 a piece).
- 12:35 – 13:45 – Visit Tirana Castle and the surrounding pedestrian area
- 14:00 – 15:30 – Lunch at Restaurant Era Blloku (traditional dishes at a reasonable price)
- 15:50 – 18:30 – Go back to your hotel/Airbnb and rest (it should’ve gotten too hot to walk around by this time and most of the city is pretty quiet).
- 18:45 – 20:30 – A Dajti Express ride that takes you right to the top of Dajti Mountain just in time to watch the sunset.
- 9:00 – 10:30 – Dinner back in the city either at Pizzeria Deliziosa (Italian), Sakura (Japanese), or Serendiville (Mexican).
Afterward, you can either call it a day or go for a drink in the famous Blloku neighborhood (more on that below).

You Can Get By On Less Than $60 A Day If You Play Your Cards Right

I recently saw a video of a tourist spending two days in Tirana for under $150, and I couldn’t help but think that you can definitely get by on even less.

As long as you keep your meals quick and cheap (e.g., get a $2.5 breakfast sandwich at Mulliri i Vjetër for breakfast, a $0.7 burek for lunch, and a $6 combo meal at OPA for dinner), you’re set up for success.

That Dajti Express ticket I just mentioned is just ~$2.2, entry to Bunk’art costs ~$7, and there are plenty of hotels in amazing locations that charge a little over $40.

Speaking of which…

Finding A Decent, Cheap Place To Stay Is Easier Than You’d Think

Cheap places to stay in the city are easy to come across, but my top tip would be to opt for an Airbnb rather than a traditional hotel – I know that they’re a bit controversial among U.S. travelers, but here, they offer excellent value.

Take this one for example.

It’s right in the city center, has rave reviews, and costs less than $50 a day.

Avoid Using Public Transport As Much As You Can, Especially During Peak Hours

Public transport in Tirana can be challenging to navigate even as a local, especially during the hot summer months when surviving a ride in traffic in an outdated, incredibly crowded bus can be a nightmare.

So my top tip would be to spend a bit more on a more centrally-located Airbnb (search for places close to Scanderbeg Square, Myslym Shyri, Blloku, 21 Dhjetori, Vasil Shanto, Komuna e Parisit, Rruga e Elbasanit, or Liqeni) and book a Green Taxi whenever you need to go somewhere you can’t walk to.

Take Advantage Of The Incredible Food Scene

Not only are traditional Albanian dishes truly as good as they say, but Tirana happens to be such a mix of cultures and influences that you’re guaranteed to find some great food no matter what type of cuisine you prefer.

I’ve already talked about some of my favorites.

OPA’s gyros, Deliziosa’s pizzas, Era’s fërgesë, Sakura’s sushi, and Cioccolatitaliani’s tiramisù are all must-tries.

If Your Schedule Allows, Plan A Day Trip To One Of The Many Amazing Nearby Cities

While there’s a lot to love about Tirana, Albania is a surprisingly diverse country with plenty more to take in beyond its capital.

So, if you have a day to spare, why not spend it catching some rays in Durrës (if you do go here, make sure to try the paella at 4 Stinët), taking in the fairytale-like views of Berat, or revel in the historical sites of Krujë?

Enjoying A Night Out Like A Local: Exploring Blloku

There’s nothing locals in Tirana love more than a night out in “Blloku,” by far the city’s liveliest, trendiest neighborhood.

Here, you’ll find everything from upscale restaurants and high-end boutiques to Irish pubs where you can get a specialty beer and a snack of choice for less than $10.

If that combo piqued your interest, make sure to check out Duff or Meduza – neither the atmosphere nor the food will disappoint.

Megi Canco

Having explored over 20 countries in the last 3 years, Megi is committed to bringing the freshest, most up-to-date news and perspectives on the world’s most fascinating destinations.

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June 23, 2024
Sarandë, Albania Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems & Local Tips From An Expert
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The tricky thing about going somewhere that’s just recently become popular is that while everyone wants to see what the hype is all about, few actually know how to get the most out of the experience.

That’s exactly the case with Sanadë (or Saranda), Albania, a place that’s set to become one of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer yet remains unknown to most people.

Where to go? What to see? What’s worth doing? How to stay safe, on a budget, and certain that you’re getting the most out of the experience?

Luckily for you, I’ve already vacationed in Saranda more than a dozen times by this point, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned during my time in the city, answering all of these questions and more in the process.

So, if you’re planning on exploring some of the most gorgeous places on the Albanian Riviera this summer, this is the only travel guide you need.

The Best Things To Do And See In Saranda

While there’s a lot to be said about the value of flexibility and spontaneity when it comes to a great travel experience, when going somewhere as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at least a faint idea of an itinerary will always work in your favor.

In Saranda, however, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotels, bars, and restaurants that seem to have taken over the city, and, as you might’ve guessed, while some are genuinely great places where your money goes a long way, others are just tourist traps not with the time of day.

I’m here to help you figure out where it’s actually worth going.

Where To Stay?

There are some truly fantastic hotels in Saranda (places like Hotel Bahamas and Santa Quaranta offer excellent value for the $100-something price tag), but most locals coming to the city opt for short-term rentals instead.

Now, I’ve stayed in beautiful apartments in the city center for just $40 a night, but these are usually unlisted on booking sites and only found through acquaintances, so if you’re looking for that type of price or experience, you’ll want to reach out to a local or another traveler who’s been to Saranda; Facebook groups are great for that kind of thing.

Alternatively, you can always book Airbnbs, which, generally speaking, are far better-managed and decently priced in Europe than they are in the U.S. – cute little 1-bedrooms in the city center rarely cost more than $50 a night.

Where To Eat?

One thing about food in Saranda is that while it’s not anything groundbreaking, it’s reliably tasty.

Below, I’ll list some of the places I’ve found myself turning to time and time again during my time in the city:
- L’arte Della Pizza
- Balbi 34
- Why Not? – Burger Bar
- Restaurant Pupi
- Oda e Babës
Where To Go At Night?

So, you’ve been to the beach, you had your lunch, and now it’s nighttime and you’re rested, dressed up, and ready to go out – where do you go?

Well, if you’re looking for the classic club experience, Jericho and Vamos are your best bets – during summer there’s a party going on every single night, and unless you’re there during a particularly busy time, you won’t need a reservation, either.

On the other hand, those looking for just a laid-back night with a good drink in their hand can head over to one of my favorite places in the city – Noname Cocktail Bar.

It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes some of the best cocktails in the city for under $10.

The music is great but not so loud that you can’t hear yourself talking, and it’s right on the main promenade so you can watch the people go by and take in that summer sea breeze – it’s always been one of the highlights of my Saranda trips.

The Best Beach In Saranda

The first beaches you’ll see once you set foot in Saranda are the ones located just beside the promenade.

Now, these are called “public beaches,” but you’ll still get charged if you use the sunbeds here, though the price will be notably lower than what you’ll pay in nearby private beaches – between $4 and $5 for a set of two loungers and an umbrella depending on the month.

With that said, bringing your own umbrella and towels/chair is totally acceptable (which is more than what can be said for most private beaches in Saranda), and obviously free.

However, if you’re coming all the way to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized beach is, in my opinion, a waste of time, especially when there are so many better options.

Sunbeds here are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, but you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck since the beach is clean and well-maintained, the service is great, and the water is just to die for.

There are even small, unoccupied areas where you can lounge around for free, but these are pretty small and rocky, so make sure to weigh out the pros and cons beforehand.

But while this is my favorite beach within Saranda, it still doesn’t hold a candle to the places you’ll find outside the city, so make sure to budget for some day trips during your Albanian summer getaway.

Exploring The Region Beyond The Main City

Saranda is the type of city that never leaves you bored, but there’s just so much to see and do in nearby villages that spending your entire holiday in the city would honestly be a waste of opportunity.

Let’s start with beaches since that’s probably what you’re here to see in the first place.

I’ve loved Pasqyra Beach since the first day I set foot in it.

It was 2013, and this was the first beach I saw that checked every single box – it had padded wooden sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the ground was pebbly but not uncomfortable, there were people there, but it wasn’t too crowded, the sea was as crystal-clear as they come, and I only paid about $7 for a pair of loungers – that’s a great price to pay for what feels like your own tropical paradise.

Granted, that price has gone up to ~$20 now, but not much else has changed.

In fact, this hidden Albanian gem was named the beach with the bluest waters in the world, leaving behind far better-known places.

Other beaches you won’t want to miss out on during your travels in Saranda include Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, but I’d advise against going to Dhërmi – it truly is gorgeous, but over-tourism has unfortunately turned it into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.

For those who want to enjoy something beyond the daily sunbathing sessions, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint National Archaeological Park are not to be missed.

How To Stay Safe And Avoid Getting Overcharged

What most travelers consider before going to Albania is whether it’s truly safe.

I’m happy to report that Saranda is one of the safest places I’ve vacationed in my life.

Even when I walked home at 3 A.M. from the club, I never felt unsafe, not in the promenade (which was still relatively busy even at that hour), nor in the more quiet neighborhoods I had to walk through on my way back.

Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good idea since normal safety precautions are always necessary (especially if you’re traveling alone), but it goes to show just how safe and non-threatening the atmosphere is here.

One risk you do run, though, is that of getting overcharged.

Locals are notorious for trying to squeeze a few extra bucks from visitors, so my top tips to always get fair prices include:
- While the euro has lost quite a bit of power to the Albanian Lek these past few months, 1€ is still not equal to 100 Lek (that’s the exchange rate most businesses quote foreigners), so always use the local currency if possible.
- Stick to bigger money exchange places located in the city center, if you can check out online reviews, all the better.
- When renting a sunbed, always ask other people or an employee about how much they cost BEFORE you actually sit down, that way, you can make an informed decision and avoid any potential confrontations down the line.
- Only go to restaurants where the menus have clearly marked-out prices.
- Only use reputable taxi services like Saranda Taxi 715 (+355 69 669 0142) and try to steer away from random drivers trying to poach tourists in the streets.
And with that last bit of information, you’re now 100% ready to make the most out of your Saranda vacation – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Megi Canco

Having explored over 20 countries in the last 3 years, Megi is committed to bringing the freshest, most up-to-date news and perspectives on the world’s most fascinating destinations.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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.
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April 7, 2024
7 Common Tourist Mistakes To Avoid In NYC (From A Local!)

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Are you planning your first trip to New York City?

I love New York (and I may just be a little biased since I’m from there) so I want you to have the best time on your trip!

That’s why I’m sharing the most common mistakes I see tourists make so you know what to avoid in order to have a great experience in NYC.

These are the top seven mistakes to avoid on your trip to New York:

1. Not Taking The Subway

One of the biggest mistakes that tourists make in New York is not taking the subway.

You might have heard that the subway is unsafe or you might just feel overwhelmed at the prospect of navigating the subway system.

But I promise you that the subway isn’t that bad! It’s much cheaper than taking taxis or Ubers everywhere, and it’s almost always faster than driving too, thanks to New York’s insane traffic.

Taking the subway is just $2.90 per ride. You can buy a MetroCard in most subway stations and load it up with however much money you want.

If you’ll be in New York for more than a few days, it often makes sense to pay $34 for a 7-day unlimited MetroCard instead of paying per ride.

2. Staying In Times Square

Another mistake that first-time visitors make in New York? Choosing a hotel in Times Square.

There is so much more to NYC than Times Square. I understand that on your first trip to New York, you probably want to see Times Square, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay in Times Square. It’s the least authentic and most touristy area in the city.

If you do want to stay in Midtown, I recommend choosing a hotel near the southern end of Central Park. This is a great area within easy walking distance of many tourist attractions including Central Park, lots of museums, and Broadway.

If you want to stay in a more hip Downtown neighborhood, Chelsea is a good option because it’s between Midtown and cool neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, West Village, East Village, SoHo, and more.

3. Eating At Chain Restaurants

There’s a running joke about the giant Olive Garden restaurant in Times Square. Don’t come to New York and eat at the same chain restaurants you can find all over the United States!

New York is one of the best foodie destinations in the world, and you can find a wide variety of cuisine for every taste. It truly is a melting pot of different flavors and cultures.

So skip the chain restaurants and instead try some authentic local cuisine. If you aren’t sure where to start, a food tour is a great activity to book in NYC!

You can’t leave NYC without trying a classic New York slice from Joe’s Pizza or a bagel with your choice of toppings from Ess-a-Bagel.

4. Not Observing Proper Sidewalk Etiquette

There’s a stereotype that New Yorkers are rude, which I don’t think is quite justified.

If you ever need help with directions or want a recommendation for where to eat or things to do, New Yorkers are actually very helpful and approachable.

But one thing that does irritate New Yorkers? When tourists stop right in the middle of a sidewalk.

This disrupts the flow of foot traffic, and in a city as busy and crowded as New York, that’s a problem. Similarly, you should stick to walking in the correct “lane” on the sidewalk (same sides as how cars drive.)

If you do need to stop to check where you’re going or send a text message or take a photo, step off to the side and don’t block the sidewalk where people are walking.

5. Overpaying For Tourist Attractions

It’s no secret that NYC is a pricy destination, but you can save money on tourist attractions.

For example, many popular museums in New York have a “suggested donation,” but you can actually pay whatever you want, even if that’s just $1. Some of these museums include the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Brooklyn Museum.

Many other museums have one day per week where you can enjoy free or pay-what-you-wish admission.

When it comes to Broadway shows, you can often score cheap tickets for shows online by using TodayTix. Or you can try your luck waiting on line (side note, New Yorkers say on line and not in line) at TKTS, a booth in Times Square with deeply discounted same-day tickets.

Another popular (and expensive) thing to do in NYC is visit an observation deck. There are so many to choose from: the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge, and more. You really only need to visit one, though!

I personally recommend Top of the Rock — in my opinion, it offers the best skyline view of NYC, and it’s the only place where you can see a direct view of the iconic Empire State Building.

6. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

As I mentioned above, you shouldn’t be afraid of taking the subway in New York!

But my personal favorite way of getting around the city is on foot. New York is very walkable, more than any other city in the United States, and you can get to many places on just your own two feet.

Because you’ll be doing a lot of walking in New York, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes. I recommend sneakers — even in the summer, I would never wear sandals walking around NYC because you just never know what’s on the streets.

If you’ll be visiting New York from December until March, you’ll definitely want a pair of water-resistant boots and some warm wool socks in case of snow, icy rain, or slush.

7. Not Leaving Manhattan

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes you can make in New York is not leaving Manhattan.

New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan is by far the most popular with visitors, but it’s worth getting off the beaten path.

If you have a limited amount of time in NYC, I would recommend spending at least half a day (or a full day) in Brooklyn. You can start off by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan and then stroll around the charming neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights before stopping for a bite to eat in the DUMBO neighborhood right along the waterfront.

In the summer, Coney Island is also a great destination in Brooklyn to visit. This seaside neighborhood has an old-school amusement park, a boardwalk, and beaches.

Dale Peterson

Dale is a full-time traveler and writer with over 6 years of experience. She’s traveled to more than 55 countries around the globe and specializes in covering solo travel and digital nomadism.

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April 4, 2024
Travel Mexico Like A Local, These Are Mexican’s Top 9 Vacation Destinations
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Mexico is a beautiful and versatile country with so much culture, nature, and fascinating locations to explore. Mexicans enjoy their local experiences and choose the best destinations for holidays and vacations.

If you love Mexico, a new report might provide more insights on what to do and what to visit in this fascinating country. The online travel agency Best Day recently shared data about Mexicans’ vacation habits.

According to the information shared by the Mexican travel news site Reportur, in the report, Best Day shared the top 9 destinations for locals:
- Cancún
- Acapulco
- Puerto Vallarta
- Playa del Carmen
- Riviera Maya
- Riviera Nayarit
- Ixtapa
- Mazatlán
- Huatulco
The report studied Mexican searches and reservations and those were the most visited during the last few weeks. Santiago Elijovich, Best Day Vicepresident, said: “Mexicans really want to go on vacation and summer is an ideal time to do it. This was reflected in this season’s sales since we obtained an increase of 68% compared to the summer of 2021, which makes us very happy”

It is not a surprise that top destinations like Cancun, Acapulco, and Puerto Vallarta rank among the first results. We’ve also noticed common grounds with American vacation interests: Cancun ranked as the most popular destination for American travelers.

Mexicans Prefer Beach Destinations

Best Day’s report stated that Mexicans prefer beach destinations. The top 9 locations are famous for the beautiful beaches with delicious weather and pristine waters, and represent 70% of the sales for vacation purchases made by Mexicans.

The travel agency also highlighted that 40% of Mexicans prefer to book vacation bundles —including hotels and transportation or tours—, and 33% only hotels. The average stay in the Mexican Caribbean is 5 days and on the Pacific coast 4 days. Mexicans have also made reservations for 3 to 4 people on average, demonstrating that summer is ideal for family vacations.

Best Day’s CEO, Alejandro Calligaris, said that it was a good sign to see Mexican travelers’ interest increase. Calligaris stated: “Surviving this crisis and learning from it points us to several opportunities for the future. It became clear that, after so many restrictions, people really want to travel, and it is a dream that we can make come true. And that comes with new travel habits, which we have to be aware of.”

Mexicans and foreign visitors are eager to enjoy the beauty and the relaxing benefits of the spectacular Mexican beaches.

About The Top 9 Destinations

The favorite destinations in the Mexican Caribbean are Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. The Quintana Roo region has been one of the favorites for travelers from all over the world and it also pleases Mexican travelers’ interest.

Visitors can find all kinds of accommodations, from impressive all-included resorts with private beaches and unique attractions to hostels and rentals that fit everyone’s budget. All visitors can have unforgettable experiences, from VIP access with all kinds of luxury to beautiful public beaches —like Playa del Carmen’s public beach and super tasty and cheap restaurants with incredible tacos and ambiance.

On the Pacific coast, literally on the other side, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Ixtapa, Mazatlán, and Huatulco offer adventure travelers incredible ocean experiences and also hidden spots for those who prefer quiet locations.

Puerto Vallarta offers travelers amazing nightlife and a great variety of restaurants. The Riviera Nayarit has “Magic Towns” —recognized by the Mexican government for their preserved cultural and historic richness— such as Sayulita and Mexcaltitán. Surfers and culture explorers can have a blast at many spots in this region.

At all destinations, visitors can enjoy common and popular activities like snorkeling, catamaran sailing, kayaking, and fascinating tours to explore local nature. From impressive cenotes in the Quintana Roo region to amazing rock formations in the Pacific. And, of course, admire and enjoy the Mexican culture and have a taste of its rich gastronomy.

Read More:

Canadian Cities With Direct Flights To Cancun This Winter

4 Reasons Why Cancun Airport Is The Smoothest Entry Point Into Mexico

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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August 31, 2022