The first thing people will say to you when you tell them you are going to Albania is ‘Are you crazy? Someone will kidnap you! We have all heard it and of course some doubt starts to appear in our rational mind.
As a solo female traveler, I booked my trip to Albania with much excitement until the night before my flight. Then people’s comments were starting to question my logic. Will someone really kidnap me? Is the movie Taken based on real experiences? Is it safe for me to get into a taxi? What have I done?!!

Entering Albania was the complete opposite to what I could have ever imagined. From the moment I arrived at the airport I had an elderly gentleman pay for my luggage as I didn’t have coins on me upon arrival. He wanted nothing in return; the main words I heard from all locals here were only “to help. ” They are curious about tourists, who are we? Why are we here? How can they help us?

My taxi experience from the airport was also wonderful. I didn’t get kidnapped or stop for a drug deal as some people led me to believe would happen. Some of the elderly drivers didn’t speak much English but were so kind to make an attempt to communicate. The younger locals usually could communicate in English. They and wanted to know more about where I was from as they are curious about other countries.

Walking along the streets of Tirana is like any other city. I felt safer here than in more popular cities like Paris and Rome. I never felt the need to watch my bag or face uncomfortable situations, even late at night

Groups of people, having coffee at the many cafes I passed, are minding their own business. Even while exploring different parts of the city by foot, I didn’t feel like I was entering an unsafe neighborhood like in other destinations around the world.

When I needed help with public transport to the north and the south of Albania, my hotel arranged a taxi for me. My taxi driver parked his car and walked me to the correct bus, explaining to me that I had to wait here until a certain time, then pay the man on the bus in cash. Everywhere, I received the exact hospitality: help, kindness, and more help from absolutely everyone! No drug deals in sight so far!

My experience in the north on the way to Theth was the only time I was questioned my safety for a split second and now I laugh at it. As I was driven along bumpy mountain roads by a non-English-speaking driver, thoughts of the movie “Taken” came to mind.  I had no idea what was happening or where exactly I was going but I was taken to my tour meeting point where I was greeted in the mountains by my Guide. As you travel the paths up north, remember: they may not be the smoothest, but you won’t be kidnapped en route. Just sit back and enjoy the bumpy Balkan ride!

If I am going to be completely honest as a solo female traveler, I did notice a little too much attention from the local males however. They often stared and watched me as I walked by the many cafés around the city. I found this a little awkward, however never ‘unsafe’. During my few weeks here, nobody followed or approached me, and there was absolutely no reason for concern.

Is Albania safe??? Yes, overall, I felt compelled to share my experience in Albania for those who have questions about visiting this wonderful country as it has so much to offer! As in any case, we should always remain aware and vigilant when travelling anywhere in the world.

Happy travels,
The wandering solo traveler