Albania on a Shoestring

Unfortunately I didn’t get to spend as much time as I had hoped in Albania due to time restrictions and there’s just so much to see! The first time I went through I drove from Budva, Montenegro through Shkoder, Albania and over to Kosovo. Then when I came back through I was driving from Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia to Tirana and back up to Montenegro.

NOTE: If driving from Montenegro to Albania, there are no customs on the Albanian side. I freaked out the first time because I thought I missed getting my passport stamped and I’d be in trouble once I got to the Kosovo border. But there weren’t any Albanian customs at the Kosovo border either. The only time I encountered Albanian customs was the North Macedonia - Albania border, and even then they didn’t stamp my passport.

Shkoder, Albania

The north is known for its mountains and natural beauty, so if you have time I definitely recommend spending some time hiking out there! If I had more time I would have explored the town of Theth.

Tirana, Albania

I was surprised how modern and beautiful Tirana was! If you get the chance and like museums, I recommend Bunk Art, which talks about the history of Albania in depth but does it in a fun, interactive way. If I had more time to explore Albania, I’d definitely go back and explore the beaches in the south. The coastline down there I hear is stunning!

Top Things to do in Budva, Montenegro

On my solo road trip around the Balkans, one of the towns I wanted to stop at along the Adriatic Coast was Budva in Montenegro, known for its nightlife and city walls. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Budva!

Wander the Old Town

Nothing beats spending the early morning wandering the tiny nooks and crannies of medieval European towns, and Budva is no different! Grab a coffee and pastry from a local bakery and walk around and take photos before the crowds arrive. Wandering in the evenings are amazing as well! There’s little pizza windows where you can grab a bite as you explore.

Relax on the Budva Riviera

The shoreline is similar to the French Riviera, and is a great place to sit in the sand and enjoy the water and sun. Unfortunately it does get very crowded in the summer; when I visited in early October it was the perfect time; there weren’t too many people and you could still wear shorts and a tank top.

Sventi Stefan

A small islet that’s home to Montenegro’s most famous and exclusive hotel. You don’t have to stay there, but there’s a great view from above that’s picture-worthy!

Top Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

CROATIA

After visiting Lake Bled, Slovenia, my goal was to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia. I took a bus from Lake Bled to the train station in Lesce Bled, a train to the capital city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, then a bus to Zagreb, Croatia. Buses are a great way to get around Europe, check out Flixbus! I was planning on taking buses all the way down to Dubrovnik, but it was about a 24-hour trip, whereas I could take 1-hour flight for $100. Long-story short, I made it to Dubrovnik before embarking on my Balkans Road Trip! Here are my top things to do in Dubrovnik Croatia!

DUBROVNIK’S CITY WALLS

This is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Dubrovnik, but personally I couldn’t bring myself to pay 30 Euros to do it. If you do decide to go, check it out early in the morning right when it opens to avoid the crowds.

STARI GRAD

Check out the unique Old Town area for some historical context of Dubrovnik!

MOUNT SRD

You can either hike to the top or take a cable car ride up! Highly recommended for a gorgeous sunset view.

TAKE A DIP IN HIDDEN POOLS ALONG THE COAST

One of my favorite pools is located at Hotel Excelsior! It’s open to the public and free of charge.

Everything you need to know about Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled, Slovenia has been high on my bucket list as a photography destination for a long time now! After Bratislava, I took a series of trains (six, actually) through Austria and down to Slovenia. It was quite the logistical adventure, but totally worth it!

HOW TO GET TO LAKE BLED

If you’re coming via public transportation, you can take the train to Lesce Bled and there’s a bus right across from the train station that takes you straight to the lake every hour. Make sure you have Euros on you, they only accept cash.

WHERE TO STAY

Most hotels are located on the eastern side of Lake Bled, but the whole lake is easily walkable. It took me about thirty minutes to walk from one side to the other, and there are beautiful paths that make it so lovely to explore. The west side of the lake is closest to the famous island with the church.

RENTING A PLETNA BOAT

These pletna boats are the local rowboats you’ll see on the lake. A lot of shops have shut down due to covid, but I was able to rent one for an hour for 20 Euros from Lake Bled Boat Rental. This is also the only way to visit the church on the island; there’s a strange rule that says you can only visit using vehicles of natural elements, meaning you cannot go via SUP board.

BEST RESTAURANTS

I explored Europe for a total of forty days, and hands-down my favorite meal was here in Lake Bled at Restaurant Sova Bled. Everything was so unique, and it was great to try Slovenian food with a modern twist!

Must-See Things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia

I’m going to be honest, Bratislava wasn’t that exciting of a city for me but I definitely think it’s beautiful! If you’ve seen the movie EuroTrip, Bratislava is nothing like it. Here are the must-see things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia!

OLD TOWN

This was personally my favorite part of Bratislava; the alleyways are all so picturesque, fun to wander, and have that typical European city feel.

BRATISLAVA CASTLE

The castle is probably the #1 thing to do in Bratislava! There’s also a nice view of the city from here.

BLUE CHURCH

St. Elizabeth’s church was built in an art nouveau style and is very distinct! It’s a little difficult to get a photo of it since it sits in a random part of Bratislava, but still beautiful to check out.

The Best Viewpoints in Gdansk, Poland

After visiting Portugal, I wanted to check out some new countries in Europe that I haven’t been to yet! One of which was POLAND; Poland is a huge country, and I had plans to visit Krakow and Warsaw but my flight was cancelled. Luckily I found a $20 flight via Wizz Air to Gdansk and decided to go for it!

Gdansk is such a cute little city and is easily doable for a weekend trip. It’s known for its tall and narrow colorful Old Town, which has a similar style to what you’d see in Amsterdam. That’s because of its historical ties to the Netherlands and Belgium. Anyways, here’s a guide to the best viewpoints, photo spots, and things to do in Gdansk, Poland!

MAIN TOWN HALL

The second tallest building in Gdansk, if you climb up to the tower you can find a great view of the Royal Route and historic part of the city!

ST. MARY’S CHURCH TOWER

The lookout is right above the bell tower, another impressive view of the Royal Route, but also the Town Hall and the iconic houses!

ST. CATHERINE’S CHURCH BELL TOWER

Check out for a great panoramic view of both the Old Town and Main Town!

The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Lisbon, Portugal

PORTUGAL

Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, is a captivating country with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Known for its distinct architecture, colorful tiles, and charming coastal towns, Portugal offers a truly unique experience to its visitors. The country boasts a diverse range of attractions, from the vibrant city life of Lisbon to the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley. Enjoy wandering through cobblestone streets, indulging in delicious pastries, or basking in the sun on its stunning beaches. Portugal is a destination that effortlessly combines old-world charm with modern flair, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a memorable adventure.

There’s so much to explore in Portugal, but sometimes all we have available is a weekend trip. Here’s my guide for the best itinerary and suggestions for the perfect weekend getaway in Lisbon, Portugal!

Getting There

It’s not necessary to rent a car, but it definitely helps if you want to give yourself more options to explore. We rented the cheapest car available, and it turned out to be a convertible Fiat; one of my favorite memories of Portugal was driving down the coast at sunset with the top-down.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, captivates visitors with its unique charm and rich heritage. This city effortlessly blends old-world traditions and modernity, creating an enchanting mix of narrow cobbled streets, majestic plazas, and contemporary architecture. The colorful facades of buildings, adorned with intricate tiles known as azulejos, lend a picturesque backdrop to the bustling neighborhoods. Lisbon's character is defined by its hilly terrain, which offers panoramic views from its many miradouros (viewpoints). Exploring Lisbon means indulging in delicious pastéis de nata, meandering through the historic Alfama district, and soaking in the lively energy of Bairro Alto's vibrant nightlife. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and an abundance of cultural experiences, Lisbon is an unforgettable destination that captures the hearts of all who wander its beguiling streets.

• Ascensor Da Bica: If you find yourself wandering through the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal, make sure to take a ride on the Ascensor da Bica. This picturesque funicular is not just a means of transportation, but a cultural experience that takes you on a journey through the city's historic heart.

• Time Out Market Lisbon: A Culinary Delight in Portugal's Capital
  If you find yourself in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal, make sure to carve out some time to visit the renowned Time Out Market. Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Mercado da Ribeira, this food lover's paradise is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
  The concept of Time Out Market Lisbon is simple yet brilliant. Bringing together the best of Lisbon's culinary scene under one roof, it offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a wide array of local flavors and dishes. With its convenient location, just a stone's throw away from the Tagus River and surrounded by other exciting attractions, it's no wonder that Time Out Market Lisbon has become a staple for all food enthusiasts exploring the city.

Sintra

Sintra, a picturesque town nestled in the hills of Portugal, is a treasure trove of enchantment. Its magical ambiance and rich historical surroundings make it a destination like no other. At the heart of Sintra lies the stunning Pena Palace, an architectural marvel that leaves visitors in awe. With its vibrant colors and intricate detailing, the palace stands out against the lush greenery that surrounds it. Stepping through its grand gates is like stepping into a fairy tale. As you explore its elegant rooms and expansive gardens, you can almost imagine the royalty and nobility who once walked the same halls. Sintra and Pena Palace are the epitome of beauty, captivating travelers from all over the world with their undeniable charm, and is the perfect day trip from Lisbon being only thirty minutes away.

Praia da Ursa

Praia da Ursa, located on the magnificent coastline of Sintra, Portugal, is an enchanting gem tucked away between towering cliffs and mesmerizing turquoise waters. As its name translates to "Bear Beach," visitors are met with a natural wonder resembling the shape of a bear, created by the colossal rocks that pepper the landscape. This pristine and secluded paradise offers a perfect retreat for beachgoers seeking tranquility and stunning panoramic views. If you’re looking to visit Portugal’s stunning coast but don’t have time to go to Algarve, Praia da Ursa's rugged charm and unspoiled beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurous souls eager to immerse themselves in the raw splendor of Portugal's coast.