In fact- I was genuinely surprised by just how much I enjoyed it, and would love to return one day and explore more of the country. The Albanian Mafiaisa real thing. Its very interesting and pretty cheap country. You'll have a great time. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Your email address will not be published. For us inviting someone to your house is a gesture of hospitality and usually there are no bad intentions behind it. Is Albania Safe for Solo Female Travellers? - Alex Getting Lost Although violent crime occurs in the country, tourists are rarely involved. A good place to start researching countries you know nothing about, including Albania, is foreign travel advisories. Albania is a very safe for women, and the . It can also be used to scare off potential attackers. Crime is one of the primary concerns for people visiting Albania. Dont! Corruption in Albania is high, and dont get me wrong- organised crime does exist here. . We love going to Albania for the wine and raki, but you cannot mix this with a night drive. Although Albania has a problem with organized crime, mafia groups are rarely interested in ordinary tourists. The main reason I decided to visit Albania was because I saw how quick, easy, and cheap it is to reach it by ferry from the Greek island of Corfu. When travelling alone, it is best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If something happens its just bad luck (wrong time wrong place) like it would happen to you in every other country. Pay attention to your surroundings. But, this question is nothing more than the curiosity of the locals. I felt very safe there and people were really friendly. Is Albania safe for solo females? While we love traveling to Albania (and weve both traveled here solo), there are some common-sense Albania safety tips that you need to follow while here. I didn't rate ksamil, I much preferred the area you are staying and up the coast in vlore. Yes, Albania is very safe for a solo female traveler. You can only hope the departure time people say is correct. Be sure to check out Albanias cities, such as bustling capital Tirana or UNESCO-protected Gjirokastra, which provides an insight into Albanias unique Ottoman-inspired culture. In 2021, local news calculated that crime occurred at a rate of 146 incidents per 100,000 people. Even though the country is safe for women, here are some tips that you should follow when you are out in a foreign country all by yourself. According to World Bank data, the homicide rate is only 2 incidents per 100,000 people. Avoid demonstrations whenever possible. I just got stole by the police in 350 euros In a car trip (he wanted 800! Here are some useful phrases to know: hey i am in Tirana for the weekend, my friend and me want to know what are the must sees/visits? Scams are also common in Albania. i live in albani and in durres its safe tirana and vlora too but i dont know about the borders im going with blero for this thats rude anonymouse, You are probably not from the Balkans Anonymous :). Though organizations like U.N. Women and the Center for Legal and Civic Initiatives, improving the quality of life for these women has become a real possibility. Article seems to be biased as far as the border area with Kosovo( not part of any country completely independent as it stands) is concerned. These are the main points that made me feel very safe while traveling in Albania:if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'voicesoftravel_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-voicesoftravel_com-medrectangle-3-0'); There is no doubt that Albanian people are amicable. There are no central bus stations and public transportation is a headache (more on that later). Dont leave your drink unattended, dont drink too much if youre traveling alone, be wary of any men who try to get your attention, etc. As the title says, I'm debating visiting Albania, most likely by myself, but no one I know has been, so it's hard for me to figure out what it's like. Yes, it is; but only as long as you follow a . How Safe Is Albania for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad The Canadian government also offers tips in its travel advisory for Albania on how to manage petty theft. It is best to avoid travelling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Sexist laws and cultural norms limit womens rights in Albania. Is Albania Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Concerns | Travellers The guy drove me to my accommodation, and it all felt safe. You can also give the policy info to an emergency contact whos not traveling with you. There is no reason to be dangerous because Kosovo is Albania they are Albanian people over there same as in border with Macedonia where 50% of population is Albanian , same as border with Montenegro where 50% of population is albanian, same as border with Greece where a lot of population near the border is albanian population, it was albanian land before. Although violent crime in Albania is usually targetted to locals and not travelers, nevertheless travelers should always be smart. Public Transport In Albania Means of transportation are various in Albania but not very reliable. It can be really hard (sometimes impossible) to buy a physical guidebook in English once youre in Albania, so if you like having your guidebook in your hands you will need to bring it with you from home. Not only are Albanians a generally friendly and helpful bunch of people, they are hugely proud of their culture and heritage and are keen to show this to visitors to the country. Visiting albania and kosovo is very safe everywhere. Gjirocaster, Vlore, Albanian Alps, and Tirana also have excellent accommodation spots. Slovenia. Women in Albania. Good on you, Albania! In addition, there are no bus timetables, and sometimes, the organization needs to be better done. Albanians are incredibly friendly One of the best things about travelling to the Land of the Eagles is that wherever you go, from the capital city to the Riviera, from the mountains to the historical towns, you will be welcomed by the locals. Did I see any scary people? This post just made me book my flights and I am super excited for it! When I stayed I paid a local guy 2 euros a day to park the car in his garden parking Which I read about in the reviews! About the author: Nicolettais a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. The next day, her son offered to take me to Zvernec Island. Here are some basics: pershendetje (hello), faleminderit (thank you), mir (everything is fine), naten e mir (good night), mirupafshim (goodbye). High corruption rates and high poverty rates also affect the crime rate. The one time I thwarted a pickpocket (in Italy, of course) was because I saw him out of the corner of my eye. After I came out, his mum immediately started chatting with me. Here are five facts about womens rights in Albania that illustrate Albanians struggles. There is no war in any border. I have been to Tirana, Sarande, Durres, Ksamil, Gjikaster just to name a few. 7 year old girl killed 3 days ago 5 meters from shore by an off duty cop in third incident in a month. How much easier would it be to just leave your backpack at the table while you go to the restroom? Albania does have many men being outside all the time. From what I know so far, I would say that Albania is a lot safer than many people would assume it is. I was traveling Albania as a solo female for 2 weeks and always felt safe. Its a really beautiful country; Im getting so many messages at the moment from solo travellers who are off to Albania, I love that its becoming popular. Albania is a relatively safe country to travel to. Women in Albania - Wikipedia I didn't have any safety issues. So I returned to the bus station, hoping some bus driver would know. Crime rates are highest in big cities such as Tirana, Tropoja, Durres, and Vlora. If you dont want to buy a new backpack with safety features, you can use amoney beltinstead. It has an amphitheater, museums and many cultural events take place here. Drove from north to south in a day with a private tour and it was super cheap. Im deadly serious when I say I never felt unsafe as a woman traveling in Albania, however that doesnt mean I didnt use common sense when I was getting around. And the police were not who one went to in order to report a crime. When it comes to Tirana, it is a colorful European capital, much more bright and green than people usually expect. ), "Kur sht mnyra m e mir pr t shpenzuar para?" She even gave me an entire bottle to take home with me. Foreign visitors are significant to Albania's economy, and foreigners are welcomed everywhere. . Is Albania Safe? (2022, Everything You Need To Know) - Journeying The Globe And now that Albania is out of those dark days, Muslims, Christians and other religions co-exist very peacefully, with religious discrimination being practically unheard of in the country. Dont keep your headphones on when youre walking alone. I am happy that here is a space to share our opinions. . Unfortunately, sometimes the quality doesnt match the photos and description online (my experience in Ksamil), but its still okay. Albania can be a safe destination for solo female travelers, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. It happened to me in Tunisia and Iceland. Albanians, regardless of religion, tend to wear whatever they feel like, unless visiting a mosque or church- where just like anywhere else in the world, you should cover up. If you don't like traveling on the beaten track, change your plans and go somewhere else. . Albania is safe for solo female travelers. Keep some cash and a backup credit card in a separate place so you always have a way to get home if something happens. The north, and especially the border with Kosovo (including Kosovo as well) are some of the most welcoming places to visit. Therefore, Albania is among the safest choices for holidays in 2020. Is Albania Safe? Albania is generally safe for solo female travellers. [5] Albanian women from the northern Gheg region resided within a conservative [6] and patriarchal society. I was traveling Albania as a solo female for 2 weeks and always felt safe. According to official Albanian government statistics, crime rates are slowly increasing. Hopefully, you will have a safe, fantastic trip, but its better to be prepared just in case. Many people know about the Albanian mafia, especially if theyve watched the movie Taken, where the Albanian mafia are the main villains. However, more violent incidents are rare. For the most part, Albania is a safe place to visit. I was looking into Albania for while. And more specifically, is Albania safe for women travelling alone? The only place that disappointed me with the price vs. quality in terms of accommodation was Ksamil. Here are some reasons why Albania is safe for solo female travelers. Even though these armed gangs spare foreigners and tourists, for solo travelers, going to the region is a big no-no. I am a British Albanian living in London originally from Durres, a seaside town only a few miles away from the Capital. In fact, you may also find it overwhelming to explore an area with a scant number of tourists or even locals. Recently, however, this topic has received greater publicity as it becomes an increasingly pressing issue for thousands of citizens. If you are the kind of person who gets lost in navigation, public transport is the right option for you. Golden gold shop in Chinatown Bangkok Use a credit or debit card instead and only carry enough cash for the day. The country is known for its hospitality and friendly locals, and the crime rate is low. This question is often on the minds of travelers. Im not entirely too sure where the reviewer got their information from. If you need a ride, use a reputable taxi service or public transportation. I felt perfectly comfortable using public transport, or asking for help or directions if I needed to. But the bus left us near the main square at the bus station. I traveled in local Albanian buses with random people, who not even speak English and it still felt safe to me. That is an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. But NOT safe in terms of transport. Its a good idea to know what you would do in a country if something were to go wrong. Is Albania Safe? 11 Tips to Stay Safe in Albania - Sofia Adventures Albanian people are also helpful and accommodating. Quite cheap, although Turkey is even cheaper. I like to have one copy in my backpack, one copy in my day bag, and email a copy to myself in case I literally get everything stolen. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I decided, if it was safe enough for a young foreign lass to live there, it was 100% safe enough for a young foreign lass to visit. Albanians are mostly warm and hospitable people, but there's always the risk of getting scammed if you're a tourist, and this also applies to Albania. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Is Albania safe for solo female travellers??? However, as with any country, it is always best to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you put your valuables in a place where a pickpocket cannot easily reach, such as a money belt, zipped cross-body bag, or front pocket of your pants. Well. Dress modestly: Due to Albania's conservative culture, visitors, particularly women, are expected to present themselves modestly. Take precautions to make sure that if a theft does happen, it wont be absolutely devastating. In 2008 there was an explosion on a motorway near Tirana originating from one of these depots. As long as you take common sense precautions against pickpocketing, you should have a safe experience. There is a similar program forCanadians. As Ive mentioned in my other articles, you need to be very flexible in Albania. . So when I arrived in Korce the day before, I asked a guy at the bus station when buses leave for Gjirocaster. YES. Solo Female Travel in the Balkans -- Are the Balkans Safe? . 9 What, do you give your cab driver your social security card? Super cheap, almost everyone speaks English, and lots to do and see. If not, search on the internet for some group tours. Luckily, Albania has changed a lot since then. On this website, I create Travel Itineraries for you to explore European countries more in-depth. Your email address will not be published. That starts with not letting your stuff be easily snatchable! In Albania, political demonstrations are frequent. Numbers don't lie, and according to the Global Peace Index, Albania ranks at number 52 out of 163 countries, making Albania safer than the United Kingdom, France and the United States (the United States ranks at number 121 on the list). Just because there is a schedule, doesn't mean there actually is a schedule, so you can count on waiting for buses, trains, etc. Thats totally a bias. (What is the best way to see the sights? I mean that youll often be put into a situation when a bus leaves you at a remote bus station, and youll have to get to the town center. Albania is a conservative country, so it is important to dress modestly. Dont get lost on your phone in transit or in a taxi. Looking for more articles about Albania? (Although after a friend of my dads strongly advised against travelling to Albania, my dad got in touch with me again a few days later. Yes, Albania is very safe for a solo female traveler. This is my experience travelling Albania as a solo female. So please think and study about something before you give wrong conclusions about any places and people! The only problem about driving in Albania is that the roads aren't just for cars - they are for people, parking, dogs sleeping, etc. For many travelers unfamiliar with Albania, theres a lot of confusion about the current state of the country that might leave them wondering is Albania safe to travel to. Your email address will not be published. I prefer to have these features built into my bag instead, but I know for a lot of people a money belt is a less expensive investment than a new bag. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best US Vacations You Can Take in 2023, The Best & Worst Times to Visit St. Louis in 2023, The Best Time to Visit Romania in 2023 | When to Go, The Best Time to Visit Merida, Mexico in 2023 | When to Go, The Best Time to Visit the Mediterranean in 2023, The Best & Worst Times to Visit Myanmar in 2023, Where to Stay in Edinburgh in 2023 | Best Areas & Hotels. If something does go wrong and your cards and passport get stolen, you need to be able to get them replaced. How safe is Albania? : r/albania - Reddit But their operating hours could be a catch. All family members are close to each other and always ready to help and support. Is Albania a good tourist destination or is it one I should skip? The most notable crimes are burglaries, theft, and domestic violence claims. Albanians are extremely welcoming and hospitable. Dont leave your cell phone out on the table. Woman travelling alone in Albania - is it safe 8 years ago Save Hi, I am concerned for my daughter who wants to travel for 2-3 weeks in Albania on her own. Yes, Tirana is safe for tourists. Sauntering up mountains with bells around their necks, for all to hear. The good news is that although people perceive Albania as a violent, crime-ridden country, violent crime makes up a small fraction of the overall crime rate. i would love to hear about experiences!! Throwing that statement in there is unrelated to the actual reason for this website. For example, not all governments agree that you need to exercise caution when visiting Albania. Tourists flock to towns along the Albanian Riviera such as Dhermi and Saranda. I didnt really know a lot about the place I would be visiting, because lets face it guys- not a lot of people actuallygo there. Choose parking locations carefully. This country does have some issues but they are mainly in the north of the country, on the border with Kosovo (a part of Serbia), since, over the years there have been many political incidents and quarrels with Serbia regarding the territory of Kosovo. Petty crime involving pickpocketing is common, especially if you're using public transportation. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. Your email address will not be published. Albanian families are big - many couples have at least three kids. This article about Is Albania safe for solo female may contain affiliate/compensated links. And most importantly, THERE REALLY WERE GOATS! We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. . The country itself ranked 53 out of 57 all over the world - and looking at it this way, there is no safer country that you could go to as a woman. There is no denying that traveling alone is fun yet anxiety-inducing. (What is the best way to travel? What I mean by saying that Albanian buses are reliable is that theyll take you from one town to another. Albania is a Muslim-majority country. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. If you must travel at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone. Best Natural resources in the whole Balkan! This includes learning about the culture, customs, and safety of the area. Jungfrau Travel Pass Or Swiss Travel Pass: Which One Is Better. If you are planning to visit a local bar, make sure you keep tabs on the drinks you have. The bus stopped on the way at some random coffee shop, too. I would recommend you to visit Theth/Valbone area. Albania is a very affordable country to visit. Most people think of Albanias repressive communist period or tumultuous 1990s, with civil war, economic freefall, and high rates of organized crime, when they think of the country. Save yourself the disappointment and bring a mini-rescue pack ofwet wipes&hand sanitizer. So if you want to avoid these situations, stay at your accommodation later at night. | Safety Concerns, Is Punta Cana Safe to Visit in 2023?
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