Rise in Albania bookings as Brits seek winter sunshine on a budget
ALBANIA is being touted as the destination of choice for Brits seeking sun this winter on a budget.
Thousands will jet off as the weather takes a turn for the worse in old Blighty. The Canary Islands and the Caribbean are usually high on the list for British holidaymakers vacating over the festive period and into the New Year.
But, with energy bills reaching an unaffordable high amid the cost of living crisis, many British sunseekers are reining it in somewhat and opting for cheaper alternatives. With its warm climate, reasonably-priced hotels - some said to be cheaper than renting in the UK - and surprisingly cheap alcohol, Albania is said to be fitting the bill for more and more people as a winter destination.
Living there is, on average, 64% cheaper than the UK, with travel experts adding that Albania has experienced a jump in trips to the country recently.
A spokesman for Travel Republic said: “September is the month when most people hot foot it over to Albania, and they tend to stick around for four.”
Travel to the Eastern European country, north-west of Greece and separated by the south-east coast of Italy by the Adriatic Sea, is affordable and available. Eight airlines travel to the country from the UK and tickets are going for as little as £24.
With the cost of a pint in the UK increasing all the time, vacationers will be pulled in by £1 pints at many Albanian
resorts. Even more impressively rent for a beachside three-bed apartment would be just £280 per month, while five star hotels can cost as little £30 a night.
The idyllic Greek island of Corfu is just a half-hour boat trip away, and the coldest the Albanian climate gets during the winter months is in the low 20s. One pensioner who regularly travels to Albania said: “I visit as it is just so much cheaper and nicer than the UK in winter, especially at the moment.
“I can end up with my British pension still in my wallet at the end of the month. It is a no brainer.”
Francesca Masotti, who regularly writes about Albania for the Culture Trip site, said: “One of the best things about travelling to the Land of the Eagles is that you will be welcomed by the locals.
“Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll ever visit. Albania is also one of the least dangerous places in Europe. But visitors need to make sure they bring a pair of elastic-waist trousers with them, because the cuisine is fantastic and completely affordable.”
While the country is said to have many perks the number of Albanian migrants crossing the English Channel has risen sharply of late.
Clandestine Channel Threat Commander Dan O’mahoney told the Home Affairs Select Committee: “The rise has been exponential and we think that is in the main due to the fact that Albanian criminal gangs have gained a foothold in the north of France.”