Should Black Women Travel to Albania? What They Don’t Tell You…
If you're a Black woman planning a trip to Albania based on those dreamy YouTube videos—stop. Just stop. I need to talk to you.
Because what they don’t tell you in the vlogs—you know, the ones with dreamy drone shots, fresh seafood, and vague claims about how "affordable and amazing" Albania is—is that sometimes, it's a straight-up disaster for solo Black women travelers. And trust me, I found out the hard way.
This is not a hate piece. This is your travel survival guide. A real one.
Durrës, Albania - my seaside view from my balcony.
Why I Went to Albania
Like many of y'all, I fell for the YouTube hype. Black women influencers were out here talking about the food, the peace, the affordability, the beauty. I needed an escape, and they made Albania sound like the next Bali.
So I packed my bags, booked a place, and headed to Durrës, Albania with plans to stay for 30 days.
I lasted five.
Where I Stayed and What I Got Instead
I booked an apartment in Durrës through Booking.com. It looked decent online. Reality?
No heat. And I was there in winter.
No amenities.
No deliveries unless you paid in cash — and sometimes it had to be Lek, other times Euro.
Most businesses didn’t take cards.
Everyone smoked. Inside restaurants. Inside ferry terminals. Inside their lungs, inside my peace.
You ever try eating seafood while inhaling Marlboro Reds? I don’t recommend it.
The Real Albania: Not What They Promised
Here’s what I thought I was going to get: clean beaches, culture, connection.
What I got:
Crumbling buildings and debris
Wild dogs (yes, multiple packs)
Dog poop — even on the beaches
Panhandlers who tried to take food out of my hand
Aggressive men who would walk up and start talking to me in rapid Albanian like I was supposed to respond
It was depressing. It was chaotic. And it felt hostile. Not openly, but that quiet kind of "you don't belong here" energy that sticks to your skin.
I started wearing a mask and hat not for COVID—but to blend in. Because I stood out. And the stares? They weren’t curious. They weren’t flirty. They were unsettling.
Safety Check: Absolutely Not.
At one point, I thought, Okay, I can push through. Just get to the next city. Maybe Tirana will be better.
But then I encountered a pack of wild dogs in what was supposedly a tourist zone. I had a moment—standing in front of a crumbling building, cigarette smoke in the air, and no one to call if something happened—and I thought: I gotta go.
Let’s Talk Money: It’s Cheap But Not Worth It
Yes, Albania is affordable. Meals were cheap. Housing? Also cheap. But getting Euros, converting money? Fees on fees on fees.
Plus, you’re paying for frustration. Paying to not know which currency is accepted. Paying in time and safety. And when that apartment turned out to be a scam? I was done.
Internet was fine, to be fair. Food ranged from okay to good. Beach was fine from a distance. But nothing makes up for feeling disrespected and unsafe.
Durrës at night. I got accosted by panhandlers a few minutes later.
Why the Hype?
Honestly? I think folks get swept up in affordability and the thrill of discovering the "next place." Plus, you can stay in Albania for twelve months on your US passport. People use it to establish a home and then fly out from there and travel through Europe and Asia. But to me? Not worth it. But those YouTube vlogs? They're curated. They're not lies exactly—but they leave out everything that matters for Black women.
Things like:
Feeling safe
Feeling seen but not targeted
Basic infrastructure
Clear communication (linguistically and culturally)
Kindness
Modern amenities (listen if you want the farm life, you go ahead, but I need deliveries and credit card services)
Reliable public transportation
Medical care (hard to come by — another thing they don’t tell you)
I had none of that in Albania.
The country had poor infrastructure and all I saw were men—on the corner, smoking. I’m like, “Don’t y’all fools see your country needs you to help build it up!” And listen, I ain’t building up another country. Me and my slave ancestors did that in the States. We done—done. I want to land my plush behind in a country that gives softness, beauty, and erases the struggle, not add to it.
So I Left. By Ferry. To Italy.
I caught a ferry from Durrës to Bari, Italy. And the difference? Night and damn day.
Italy welcomed me like an old friend. Women were warm and friendly. Gentlemen helped with luggage. People smiled. The food sang. And I felt human again. If you're looking for an affordable, beautiful destination? Italy > Albania. Hands down.
You can read about my full Italy experience here: Black Women, Read This Before Booking That Trip to Italy!
I loved Italy so much I am hosting a Writing Retreat! Book here!
Final Word: Should Black Women Travel to Albania?
No. Not solo. Not right now.
If you're desperate to go, go with a group, go with a plan, go with real expectations. Albania might work for some folks, but if you’re a solo Black woman looking for peace, softness, and safety? Sis, this ain’t it. The soft life should make my life softer not harder.
I would feel bad but then I went to my old friend Reddit because I thought it was just me. It wasn’t. People from Albania were warning people not to go to Albania. Check for yourself.
Let folks keep hyping it. I’m going to keep telling the truth. If you are a woman looking for the soft life there’s other countries.
Want help planning a trip that won’t have you dodging wild dogs and second-hand smoke? Need a Travel Companion or Travel Scout? Book a Travel Consultation. I’ll help you get it right the first time. I will tell you the truth. No affiliate links. No Instagram and YouTube lies for ad revenue money.
Stay smart. Stay safe. Stay sovereign.
Read more at www.stephanieshephard.com