Tips For Traveling To European Countries: Albania

When you are traveling to Europe, you may miss Albania as it is not the largest country by any means. It is local lore that Albanians can trace their ancestry to Illyrians.

Culture

Before you travel to another country, it is important to understand the differing cultural norms that may be the exact opposite of what you are used to. In Albania, if one shakes there head from side to side, that will indicate an affirmative answer, while up and down denotes a negative. If you are greeting another, you would shake hands as is traditional in most countries.

The dress code is casual. Ladies should dress modestly unless the situation requires it, as in a bathing suit when going swimming. If you plan on going to see a friend who lives and is from Albania, it is customary to bring a token of your thanks for their hospitality, but unlike some countries, flowers are not a suitable gift. If you are addressing a gentleman of the country, you should use Zoti, and when addressing his wife, Zonja.

How to get around the country

If you are staying in the city, you can catch public transportation by way of bus or taxi for a minimal fee.

For those that are a bit adventurous, you can try a cable car ride through the Dait Oark on the way to Tirana. You will travel for about four kilometers and will pay only six fifty euros. You may also hire a luxury yacht that is fully staffed. You may visit the Tirana Bank where you can do all your currencies exchanging and can access your bank account through your Visa check card or credit card.

Dining

You may want to bring a sweater when dining out as indoor heating is not always available in restaurants. There may be a price difference between what a regular customer will be charged and what you will be. This may also hold true for any shopping you are planning to do for souvenirs.

Wilderness Sites

For those who enjoy more natural settings Albania offers some exquisite areas for most outdoors sports and activities such as canoeing, hiking and many others.

Accommodation

Most of us travel on a budget, but if you do not and want the best accommodation in Tirana, you can stay at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers which offers five star service and is located city center making it accessible to every activity you would enjoy in Tirana. If you would rather not stay in the city, you may choose to go a bit more rural by staying at the Hotel Mondial which offers all the conveniences with a more traditional décor and architectural design.