With energy bills reaching an unaffordable high amid the cost of living crisis, many Brits have opted to spend the winter months in Albania. The eastern European country has a warm climate, hotels cheaper than rent in Britain and surprisingly cheap alcohol, making it an attractive proposition as a winter destination for Brits.
The Daily Star reports that 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 is also both affordable and available, with eight airlines travelling to the country, and tickets going for as little as £24. With the cost of a pint seemingly increasing with each given hour, the £1 price tag certainly has its upsides for many visitors, and perhaps even more impressively the 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 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 for the Culture Trip site about Albania added: “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.”
Ironically, the increase in the number of Albanian migrants crossing the English Channel has risen exponentially recently. 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.”
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