Looking for a quiet weekend getaway in Europe? Albania is your best pick. Located on the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe, it is practically an open museum.

The country has mountains and beaches, historical ruins, and beautiful towns. All this, topped with the exquisite Turkish and Balkan cuisine, make Albania a preferred destination for many.

The land, air, and sea borders to the country are open to visitors from across the globe—and with minimal requirements or entry protocol changes following the coronavirus outbreak. There are no quarantine or testing regulations for entering Albania. Only travelers showing symptoms of coronavirus would require tests and/or quarantine.

Before you schedule a trip to Albania, it is important that you consider the regulations and advisory information issued by your native country. Also, stay updated with the latest travel guidelines issued by Albanian authorities.

What to See When in Albania

While there is a lot that you can see and do when in Albania, here are our top picks that you must not miss:

1. Go on challenging yet equally rewarding hikes through the Albanian Alps.
2. Explore the city of Shkoder for a day or two. If you cannot budget that much time, at least visit the Rozafa Castle, the highlight of the city.
3. Enjoy a 360-degree view of Tirana at the Sky Tower bar. Any time is a good time to sip beer in the rotating café, but the sunsets are magnificent.
4. One of the quirkiest museums in the world is BUNK'ART. It is a museum about Albanian history and is literally located in a bunker built by the dictator Hoxha.
5. Enjoy peace and quiet at some secluded, walk-only beaches like the Gijipe Beach.
6. Visit natural water springs like Sarande and Gijrokaster, and take a dip in some of the clearest, coldest water you’ll ever see.

Albanian Travel - How to Stay Safe

Please adhere to special coronavirus-related precautions issued by Albanian authorities. These precautions include maintaining social distancing and wearing masks when in public places.

Other than this, there are other risks that you may face when in Albania.

• Precautions Against Medical Risks

  Exercise these pracautions:

  • Get proper vaccinations to avoid illness.
  • Hikers and people going on treks should carry insect and mosquito repellant.
  • Drink only bottled water, and avoid street food.

  The medical facilities in Albania are fair enough for emergency care and treatment, but travel experts recommend getting more comprehensive treatment in your native country. Conversely, you can look for medical evacuation to nearby countries with better facilities.

  Blood transfusions are not recommended, as single-use disposable needles may not be available.

  People with existing medical conditions should carry ample stock of medication. This helps avoid hassles of having to find them at local stores.

  All in all, if you have a medical emergency while in Albania, it is better to either get care at a trusted hospital or explore options for medical evacuation or repatriation.

  The costs for these medical expenses could be overwhelming. To prevent breaking the bank, buy travel medical insurance beforehand. This will ensure that money constraints don’t affect the healthcare treatment that you receive, as well as complete peace of mind during the trip.

  While traveling to Albania, ensure that your plan covers medical expenses related to coronavirus treatment. If not, it is wise to look for special Albania coronavirus insurance.

  Your travel insurance for Albania should necessarily include coverage for theft, related injuries, and loss of important documents. This offers the assurance of financial aid and peace of mind.

  Also, check your country’s travel advisory warnings before traveling to stay updated about high-risk areas that should be avoided.

• Accidental Injuries

  While trekking or even at the beach, accidents are possible. While planning your Albanian vacation itinerary, it is imperative that you look to identify the activities that involve risks. You should then get an insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage for those risks.

  Hikers should take special precautions against ticks.

• Frauds and Scams

  Not every Albanian businessman is a fraud. However, frauds and scams are common occurrences. And it is better to stay vigilant while indulging in any monetary transactions.

• Natural Disasters

  No country is safe from natural disasters, and Albania is no exception. While this shouldn't dissuade you from traveling, this calls for preparations. It is wise to look for travel insurance coverage in Albania that includes accidents, injuries, and losses due to natural disasters.

Buying Travel Insurance in Albania

Travel to Albania offers a wide range of cultural experiences and memorable moments. If you don’t want uncertainties, risks, and accidents to water down the fun, it is better to have comprehensive insurance coverage. As discussed, the risks while traveling to Albania are many. However, there is some degree of risk whenever and wherever you travel, so they should not prevent you from exploring the beauty of this Balkan nation.

Before you buy travel insurance, it is important that you analyze the policy products offered by different providers. This will help you get an idea about what kinds of premiums, coverage, and terms and conditions are offered.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your policy providers, and take time to study the fine print of your policy before purchasing. Visit Albania with complete peace of mind and assurance that help is available at hand with Albanian travel insurance.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.