What If You Could Stop Working 10 Years Earlier?
The maths of living abroad don't just mean a cheaper life. They mean you might not need a salary at all. And that changes everything.
The maths of living abroad don't just mean a cheaper life. They mean you might not need a salary at all. And that changes everything.
Albania wasn't on my original list. After a month in Vlorë, I understood why the people who find this place tend to stay. Here's what I found, what it costs, and the honest trade-offs.
After a month in Vlorë, certain moments stood out more than the obvious highlights. These are the five things I'd tell a friend about over a coffee.
I expected to eat affordably in Albania. I didn't expect to eat this much healthier. After a month in Vlorë, I was cooking fresh ingredients more than I ever did at home, spending less than I would in the UK, and eating better food.
Vlorë has one bay but half a dozen completely different beaches along it. Here's what each one is actually like, from sandy stretches to shingle coves, so you can pick the right part of the coast for your stay.
A step-by-step photo guide to reaching Kuzum Baba, the 70-metre hilltop viewpoint above Vlorë. The path is tricky but the panoramic views are worth it.
The intercity bus from Tirana to Vlorë costs 700 LEK and takes under three hours. It's not easy to navigate the first time, this post and photos show exactly what to look for.
As a lifelong English tea drinker, I expected to struggle in Albania's coffee-obsessed café culture. Instead, I discovered çaj mente, and it became a genuine health bonus.
Planning to stay in Vlorë for a few weeks, not just a holiday? Here's the essential overview with links to the detailed guides.
I visited Vlorë in September and October. The tourists had thinned, the sunbeds had vanished, and the city felt like it belonged to the people who actually live there.
Vlorë is compact and easy to navigate, but where you base yourself matters. Here's an honest breakdown of the main areas and what each offers.
Vlorë doesn't have a buzzing digital nomad scene yet, but the right cafés exist if you know where to look. Here's where I worked and where I found people to talk to.