u/froggiebaby

Hi! I hope i understand the rules correctly - if not, correct me please.

I’m going to Tirana (Europe) for the first time and have a couple things in mind I’d like advice for - hair, piercing and spa.

I’ve done research but curious of actual local opinions. I can be quite specific about my wants so I’d like fluent English and high skill/attention to detail. Thanks!

Hair: I have long, thin hair + old black dye in it. I’m looking for a long layer / volumizing feather cut that keeps my length. As well as a color/bleach (probably baylage) that won’t ruin my hair. It’s my favorite part of my body and hard to get so long 😅 Olaplex, keratin, whatever treatments needed. Should i go to The Bee? Sona Style? Kri? Tesi Hair? Where else?

Piercing: Unsure if I want a double >!cartilage ear piercing or a single (both spots in mind are unique and would need to accommodate a possible second piercing later, so experience is important to me.) MARVI? Heavyink? Red nd black? Despite all my research i’ve gotten plenty of bad piercings in the US!!<

Spa: I would like a luxury experience as I’ve never experienced it before. Salt room, turkish bath, some sort of wrap or body mask like mud or chocolate. Long massage before a 20hr flight! Any awesome experience you guys had - I am all ears!

Thanks for listening! Can’t wait to visit

Hi! I hope i understand the rules correctly - if not correct me please.

I’m going to Tirana (Europe) for the first time and have a couple things in mind I’d like advice for - hair, piercing and spa.

I’ve done research but curious of actual local opinions. I can be quite specific about my wants so I’d like fluent English and high skill/attention to detail. Thanks!

Hair: I have long, thin hair + old black dye in it. I’m looking for a long layer / volumizing feather cut that keeps my length. As well as a color/bleach (probably baylage) that won’t ruin my hair. It’s my favorite part of my body and hard to get so long 😅 Olaplex, keratin, whatever treatments needed. Should i go to The Bee? Sona Style? Kri? Tesi Hair? Where else?

Piercing: Unsure if I want a double >!cartilage ear piercing or a single (both spots in mind are unique and would need to accommodate a possible second piercing later, so experience is important to me.) MARVI? Heavyink? Red nd black? Despite all my research i’ve gotten plenty of bad piercings in the US!!<

Spa: I would like a luxury experience as I’ve never experienced it before. Salt room, turkish bath, some sort of wrap or body mask like mud or chocolate. Long massage before a 20hr flight! Any awesome experience you guys had - I am all ears!

Thanks for listening! Can’t wait to visit

Hello. Lmk if a better sub but I’ve been wanting to make Limoncello for some time.

I am invited to a wedding but have been so overwhelmed with my job and planning for an unexpected international trip, I had no time to plan a gift. The bride and groom requested something “consumable and homemade”. Yet, the drive to her wedding is 6 hours… I don’t have time to create a dish or dessert while also keeping it cool/undamaged on a road trip.

So I will use this chance to make Limoncello! For wedding in 7 days.. (+ i bought ingredients before i became so stressed..). Sure, also not the best idea but it is what it is! I have found some quick recipes.

Question is: recipe in grams using 100 proof vodka?!

I have Svedka and Smirnoff - best options my town offers.. 750ml each. I will give them whichever turns out best. for lemon peels - i need help. i have read anywhere from 75-350 grams of lemon peels (I have organic, yet wax coated, thoroughly scrubbed. variety unknown. they are quite large). I have also read DO NOT grate (no pith of course), use thick knife-cut peels. also see i should microplain…..

i have 2 bottles to work with but no extra time, they need to start tonight. so i need to make something good the first try… hopefully.

please, can anyone tell me recommended amount/range in grams for sugar, water, juice, peel? I would like something high alcohol but crowd pleasing as I don’t know how much they like vodka taste.

so appreciated. thank you!

Went to squeeze a nice looking haw to see if watering was needed, and each and every leaf just fell off.

Mostly plump, not yellowed or rotted. Just fell right off.
I found the base of the plant had rotted, yet when i dug it up, every single root was strong and healthy. Despite more than half of them had just ‘fallen off’ as well.

No top watering or anything like that. I suspect a pest but this is strange to me :(

For reference, I am a collector of nearly 10 years but absolutely no expert.

Why does this happen?

Looking for a few general recommendations for my Balkans trip to make sure I’m prepared.

3 nights/2.5 days Kosovo, 5 days/nights Skopje-Ohrid, and 6 nights/5 days in Berat-Ohrid-Tirana. I plan on busses with taxis where needed. Ride share and furgon where I can too. The trip is early/mid September.

First is cash - how many denar, euro and lek to order ahead of time? Maybe 50 euros a day? How much to pack vs pull from an ATM?
I’ll pay for accommodation online and use my credit card where possible. My travel style is in the middle budget wise. I won’t restrict myself from doing or seeing anything I like (unless the price is crazy, obviously). Love to shop but not much room in my pack.

ESIM - Thoughts on Aerelo? An app I can just add more data too is appealing. Or maybe a plan through Verizon would be easier? I’ll be taking tons of photos/videos, searching, mapping. Looking for budget here

Travel Insurance - What’s most important to cover while I’m there? I assume the basics but I’m healthy and don’t expect anything too crazy. I’m thinking coverage for delays - “Balkan Time”? I’m also worried about missing flights/buses or losing things like luggage. Do you guys bother with insurance at all? Not totally sure wheat to shoot for as most plans cover the same things to a different extent. Also looking for budget here

I will be posting again I’m sure as my travel dates approach. First solo trip! Thanks!

Looking for a few general recommendations for my Balkans trip to make sure I’m prepared.

3 nights/2.5 days Kosovo, 5 days/nights Skopje-Ohrid, and 6 nights/5 days in Berat-Ohrid-Tirana. I plan on busses with taxis where needed. Ride share and furgon where I can too. The trip is early/mid September.

First is cash - how many denar, euro and lek to order ahead of time? Maybe 50 euros a day? How much to pack vs pull from an ATM?
I’ll pay for accommodation online and use my credit card where possible. My travel style is in the middle budget wise. I won’t restrict myself from doing or seeing anything I like (unless the price is crazy, obviously). Love to shop but not much room in my pack.

ESIM - Thoughts on Aerelo? An app I can just add more data too is appealing. Or maybe a plan through Verizon would be easier? I’ll be taking tons of photos/videos, searching, mapping. Looking for budget here

Travel Insurance - What’s most important to cover while I’m there? I assume the basics but I’m healthy and don’t expect anything too crazy. I’m thinking coverage for delays - “Balkan Time”? I’m also worried about missing flights/buses or losing things like luggage. Do you guys bother with insurance at all? Not totally sure wheat to shoot for as most plans cover the same things to a different extent. Also looking for budget here

I will be posting again I’m sure as my travel dates approach. First solo trip! Thanks!

I need to decide between Himare and Ksamil. I’ve done loads of research, watched videos and am still torn 50/50.
I only have this week to rebook my flight/ change routes and hotels.

How I’m feeling (from research, I may be wrong):

Himare - more beaches to explore (though a bit harder to access and smaller), better town exploration, more relaxed vibe, hours closer to my locations (like Tirana and Berat), more activities nearby, scenery - the drier looking cliffs look amazing but not as breathtaking from photos for me?, the more ‘authentic’ beach town is appealing

Ksamil: the water/swimming seems more expansive, beautiful, tropical - so more enjoyable for me (I am excited about swimming to the islands), sandy, would gain the chance to see Gjirokaster/Butrint/Corfu (route/flight change), possibly too many tourists (don’t mind much but also don’t want it insanely crowded without any locals or culture. i’m going in september. I would also like to see some bits of beach without resort style umbrellas everywhere), the bigger city is appealing

Other notes:
- I enjoy cities/towns/villages equally. I like to be stimulated, but whether it is by swimming, exploring, dining, it doesn’t matter much. I am however visiting most small cities/large towns on this trip than big city/village. A variation would be nice.
- I’ve never been to Europe, or anywhere other than non-beach areas in Asia and desert style beaches in Mexico. I want to feel excited and stunned by the scenery :) and town/city secondly

So much detail because I can’t decide for the life of me! I know I will love either but I fear I won’t be able to return to Albania for a very long time. What would you choose? What do you think I should choose? Why?

Thank you soo much

Hi, I am a non muslim from the US, visiting Kosovo and Albania (and Macedonia) in 1 month. I am so happy to visit some mosques.

I mostly packed long sundresses with thin straps. I bought some large and very large scarves to cover my shoulders and hair.
Does anyone have simple to follow instructions or preferably Youtube/social media links for easy styles? What size to use? How transparent can they be if layering it?
I’ve been scrolling for a few days now and 99% don’t cover the shoulders or require a full coverage shirt underneath.

Any tips and advice appreciated to. It will be my first time experiencing any type of Muslim culture - though I’ve heard Kosovo and especially Albania do not appear Muslim at all, it’s really important to me to respect everyone/everything, especially when in places of worship.

Also - what about patterns? Been looking at a muted
black and grey paisley one.

Thanks so much!

Curious about the Albania section specifically but would be happy to take other advice too!

I had to unexpectedly cut my trip down from 5 weeks to 2 and I’ve chopped as much as I could, now I’m left with the “nonnegotiables” for me but still struggling with the time constraint. I don’t get many opportunities to travel and most likely will not return for quite some time, so trying to balance seeing my favorites while not being in such a rush I don’t enjoy myself or run out of physical energy. I know I haven’t planned a leisurely vacation but I keep worrying it could be like a sprint through each place.

Also, I’ll be traveling by bus and know the issues that can come with that. I’ve included an estimate on how much time transit is going to eat up.

Any notes at all appreciated, whether it’s route, length of time, or random things to know would all be appreciated. I’ve got to start booking hotels 😅 Thanks so much

Pristina — 1 night, 0 days
(flying in and landing late, so for convenience)

Prizren — 2 nights, 1.75 days
(perfect i think. 1 day in town and a day trip to Gjakova)

Skopje — 1 night, .75 days
(little sad about this one. too short? fastest easiest way to start in Macedonia. had to steal a day from here to give to the coastal portion)

Kruševo — 1 night, .75 days (possibly private transfer to Ohrid to maximize lake time, if money permits)
(slightly concerned. one day enough?)

Ohrid — 2 nights, 1.75 days
(concerned about this too. heard lots of mixed opinions. i want to see Saint Naum and Bay of Bones at least - don’t think i’ll have time for Trpjeca. also will be a ‘festival’/mostly performances going on outdoors while i’m there)

Vevcani — 1 night, 1 day (possible private transfer to maximize Berat time)
(perfect for me. I love this town.)

Berat — 1 night, .75 days
(enough time)

Himarë — 2 nights, 1.5-1.75 days
(newest addition - couldn’t justify missing the coast. is this where I should stay in terms of proximity to Berat? and just the town itself? enough time?)

Dhërmi — 1 night, 1 day
(this is other option for my coastal base. himare seems like the better choice (more to do, less beach club vibe, slightly closer to Berat). could also do 3 nights in either and make the other just a day trip, but I think I’ll enjoy a full night somewhere a little different while inching my way towards Tirana, too?)

Tirana — 3 nights, 2.5 days (explore Vlore to break up trip/if I want and have time)
(explore the city first day after arrival. next 2 days will be a full city day and then 50/50 Kruje day trip and then more city time. is this enough? am i making the right choice to not sleep in Kruje? I know it’s tourist teapot but I’d still like to visit)

Fly home final day very early morning in

edit: i did change all 3 coast nights to himare. and vevcani to a daytrip from ohrid.
as well as 3 transit trips to private transfer instead of bus… so now 8 hotels instead of 10 and full days to explore instead of sitting on the longest buses.

how to simplify my itinerary? it is doable, i enjoy fast paced travel, but I worry I will be a little short on time to explore and relax.

i added these places for their unique culture, big city/capital fun or nature. I’d like to stay somewhere rural and partake in farm activities that I’ll arrange, such as beekeeping. I love beautiful/charming towns and large/bustling cities.

I think I chose wisely based on my route and use of public transit. I really am liking the amount of time in each too, but would like an extra Tirana/Prizren/Ohrid day, which isn’t possible.

Is there somewhere similar to Jance but easier for transit?
Is spending the first night in Pristina worth it or should I keep Prizren? (Would either skip 1 night Prizren or keep the 2 and steal from another location. Neither sound better to me?)

How much cash would you recommend for each? Itinerary not detailed yet - I plan on doing all the popular activities, explore and eat quite a bit, small souvenirs.

Do you guys prefer an app like Airalo for Esim? I was planning on buying one individually until I heard I can add time/data as I go with these.

I chose to bring a 30-35L bag and very packable day bag i Can keep inside when not using. Is this the best choice? I think so, but bummed I won’t have a suitcase.

Any recommendations on route, where to skip, etc. appreciated. I will probably post more questions when my itinerary is finalized. Thanks so much

Fri Aug 28, 2026 – Sat Sept 12, 2026

Nights
📍 Prizren — 2 nights
📍 Skopje — 2 nights
📍 Janče — 2 nights
📍 Ohrid — 3 nights
📍 Vevčani — 1 night
📍 Tirana — 3 nights
📍 Berat — 1 night

Day 1 – Sat Aug 28

🚗 Depart (my town)
✈️Depart (capital airport) (2:17PM)
(time change)

Day 1 - Sat Aug 29
✈️ Arrive Pristina (6:50 PM)
📍 Pristina → Prizren (25min/$15 taxi to town for dinner, 10min/$7 taxi to station, 2hr/$6 bus to Prizren)
Dinner in Pristina

Evening bus to Prizren (arrive 11-12am)

Check in, eat, explore before bed

Night: Prizren (hotel)

Day 2 – Sun Aug 30
📍 Prizren
Stone Bridge, Shadervan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Fortress hike

Opt. Gjkova trip if staying longer 

Night: Prizren (hotel) 

Day 3 – Mon Aug 31
🚐 Prizren → Skopje (2hr/$10 bus)
📍 Skopje
Old Bazaar, Macedonia Square, Stone Bridge

Night: Skopje

Day 4 – Tue Sept 1
📍 Skopje
Matka Canyon

Fortress hike

Flexible city day

Night: Skopje

Day 5 – Wed Sept 2
🚐 Skopje → Janče (3.5hr/$10 bus to Debar, 25 min/$15 taxi)
📍 Janče
Village walk and hotel check in

Night: Janče

Day 6 – Thu Sept 3
📍 Janče
Mavrovo region

Hiking options, explore village 

Cheese and honey experiences

Night: Janče

Day 7 – Fri Sept 4
🚐 Janče → Ohrid (25 min/$15 taxi to Debar, 2hr/$6 bus)
📍 Ohrid
Old Town, Kaneo viewpoints, lake promenade

Night: Ohrid

Day 8 – Sat Sept 5
📍 Ohrid
Swimming, boat excursion, paraglide, churches and viewpoints

Night: Ohrid

Day 9 – Sun Sept 6
🚐 Ohrid → Vevčani (1hr/$6 or direct 40min/$25 taxi)
📍 Vevčani
Stop in Struga @ transfer to explore

Explore Vevcani

Night: Vevčani

Day 10 – Mon Sept 7
🚐 Vevčani → Ohrid (same as above)
📍 Ohrid
Return after breakfast

Additional lake time, swimming

Night: Ohrid

Day 11 – Tue Sept 8
🚐 Ohrid → Tushemisht → Pogradec → Tirana
📍 Tushemisht / Pogradec / Tirana (60min/$4 bus, 15min/$3 bus (or walk 1.25hr), 3.5hr/$7 bus) 
Cross via Sveti Naum border

Explore Tushemisht village

Walk lakeside or short taxi to Pogradec

Lunch on the Pogradec waterfront

Buy onward bus ticket in Pogradec to Tirana 

Night: Tirana

Day 12 – Wed Sept 9
📍 Tirana
Full city day

Skanderbeg Square, New Bazaar, Blloku district, markets and cafés

Opt. day trip to Kruje or Durres 

Night: Tirana

Day 13 – Thu Sept 10
🚐 Tirana → Berat (2.5hr/$7 bus)
📍 Berat
Take the earliest practical morning bus

Mangalem Quarter, Berat Castle, multiple markets, sunset viewpoints 

Traditional cooking or bread-baking experience

Opt. Roshnik visit 

Night: Berat

Day 14 – Fri Sept 11
🚐 Berat → Tirana (same as above)
📍 Tirana
Relaxed morning in Berat

Castle and old town photography

Final Balkan evening Tirana

Night: Tirana

Day 15 – Sat Sept 12
✈️ Depart Tirana (6:00am)
Easy airport transfer from nearby hotel 

Flight home (19 hr 58 mins)

Arrive in Boise (capital airport) 

I need to buy tickets within the next 2 days. Here is a simplified summary of my handwritten itinerary. transit times are slightly wrong, that’s ok, I can adjust the plan. I want general advice on this trip as far as: go/don’t go, time in each place, route, as I was very emotionally torn between here and other parts of Balkans. This is my best middle ground for my interests and route I’ve found.

Yes, it’s busy, which is good for me. but is it TOO busy to enjoy? It cannot be lengthened. I’ve done months of research but simply don’t know from experience/can’t decide between my choices.

Thank you

(I can technically take one extra day if worth it, but I will return with only an evening before a full week of work. It will need to be an important day to add.)

Phase 1: Sarajevo Sights & Separate Day Trips

Friday, August 28, 2026 — Arrival & Recovery (Sarajevo)

Transit: Land at SJJ. 20-minute taxi to Old Town. ½ day to rest and walk the bazaar.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 — Sarajevo

Transit: None (Pure non-travel day).

Activity: Full day exploring capital neighborhoods, copper markets, and cafes.

Sunday, August 30, 2026 — Sarajevo

Transit: None (Pure non-travel day).

Activity: Full day visiting local art galleries and Gallery 11/07/95.

Monday, August 31, 2026 — Sarajevo (Lukomir & War Day Trip)

Transit: Guided 4x4 tour round-trip. Short taxi to war sites.

Activity: Excursion to Lukomir highland village, Tunnel of Hope, and Trebević bobsled track.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 — Sarajevo to Jajce & Travnik Day Trip

Transit: 1.5-hour morning bus to Travnik; 1.25-hour afternoon bus to Jajce; 1.25-hour evening bus back to Sarajevo.

Activity: Dedicated day trip to see Jajce Waterfalls and Travnik Fortress without your heavy luggage.

Phase 2: Mostar Base & The Scenic Train Forward

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 — 🌟 The Scenic Train to Mostar

Transit: 2-hour morning scenic Talgo train south through the canyons [the_scenic_train_morning].

Activity: Arrive in Mostar at 9:30 AM [the_scenic_train_morning]. Full bonus day exploring the Old Bazaarand watching the Stari Most bridge divers.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 — Mostar (Blagaj Day Trip)

Transit: 20-minute local bus each way.

Activity: Full separate excursion to the cliffside Blagaj Dervish Monastery.

Friday, September 4, 2026 — Mostar (Počitelj Day Trip)

Transit: 30-minute local bus each way.

Activity: Full separate excursion to the medieval Počitelj stone fortress.

Phase 3: Montenegro Mountains First

Saturday, September 5, 2026 — Mostar to Durmitor National Park

Transit: 3.5-hour private transfer tour vehicle east across the border.

Activity: Sightseeing shortcut drive through Sutjeska National Park. Check into your mountain guesthouse in Žabljak.

Sunday, September 6, 2026 — Durmitor National Park

Transit: None (Pure non-travel day).

Activity: Full-day wilderness hiking around Black Lake.

Monday, September 7, 2026 — Durmitor National Park (Tara Canyon Day Trip)

Transit: Short local taxi round-trip.

Activity: Full separate excursion to the massive Tara River Canyon Bridge.

Phase 4: Polished Coast & The Isolated Dubrovnik Overnight
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 — Durmitor National Park to Kotor

Transit: 2.5-hour direct downhill morning public bus.

Activity: Afternoon exploring Kotor modern marina and old town dinner.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — Kotor Town

Transit: None (Pure non-travel day).

Activity: Full day dedicated entirely to Kotor town, climbing the 1,350 fortress steps, and exploring the Venetian core.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 — Kotor (Perast Day Trip)

Transit: 20-minute local bus each way.

Activity: Full separate day trip day to Perast for the boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks. Return to Kotor to sleep.

Friday, September 11, 2026 — Kotor to Dubrovnik Overnight

Transit: Direct 1.5-hour morning coastal bus or taxi north across the border to Croatia [google_maps_tool:find_directions].

Activity: No sightseeing combined with travel. Check straight into your Dubrovnik hotel. Spend a completely free afternoon and night exploring the walled city and enjoying your final seaside dinner.

Phase 5: The Departure
Saturday, September 12, 2026 — Dubrovnik to home

Transit: 20-minute taxi from the city to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).

Below is my itinerary. I recently transitioned from a 5 week trip, to a 2 week. I know it is a busy trip and it’s not possible to see it all, but I think this may be a good balance for me. I enjoy fast pace travel and activities but like time to unwind and explore deeper as well. I would rather see many places (without an extreme hurry) than base myself in one country/city.

None of these countries are negotiable.
In my research, though it may look zig zaggy in the beginning, this seems to be the best route for short public transit times and maximizing my actual exploration time per destination. The shortest times in each destination is for the places very small or not worth the extra time to me (Pristina,
Lin, etc.).

Other things:

- I want a rural experience with a translator in Drelaj. I considered Junik but Drelaj seems more or what I’m interested in from this type of experience. I understand Peja is a better base for this but I much prefer Gjakova as I value the town itself and won’t be doing extensive outdoor activities (hiking, mountaineering, etc.).

- I really love gritty, rough around the edge cities - so, Tirana. Should I add time here? I can’t exceed these exact dates and don’t want to lose time anywhere else and be sad about it. If worth it, should I remove a bit of Berat time? Or?

I must book tickets this week, so I’m hoping my airport choices are the most logistical in terms of no backtracking and short bus rides. Any minor changes or advice to maximize my time is greatly appreciated!

Also, for my convenience, I’ve researched the recommended time in each destination, though it obviously varies, and compared it to the time I will actually have there. It doesn’t include transit time, just exploration hours.

Thanks so much!

Skopje: 1 Full Day + 1 Half Day + 2 overnights (1-2 recommended ✅)
Lake Ohrid: 1 Full Day + 2 Half Days + 3 nights (2-4 days recommended ✅)
Prizren: 1 Full Day + 1 Half Day + 2 overnight (1-2 days ✅)
Pristina: 1 Half Day (1 half day ✅) 
Tirana: 1 Full Day + 1 Half Day + 2 overnight (1-2 days ✅)
Berat: 1 Full day + 1 Half Day + 2 overnight  (1-1.5 day ✅)
Gjakova: 2 Half Days + 2 overnights  (1 day ✅) 
Drelaj: 1 Half  Day (1 half day ✅)
Lin: 1 Half Day (hour or two ✅)

Phase 1: Western Kosovo Culture
Day 1: Friday, September 4, 2026 — Departure
Transit: Fly Boise (BOI) to Pristina (PRN).
Day 2: Saturday, September 5, 2026 — Arrival in Gjakova
Transit: Land at PRN. 1.5-hour bus west to Gjakova. ½ day to explore the Grand Bazaar.
Day 3: Sunday, September 6, 2026 — Gjakova / Drelaj Day Trip
Transit: 1.5-hour private transfer to Drelaj for 1:1 culinary homestay. 1.5-hour return to Gjakova.
Day 4: Monday, September 7, 2026 — Gjakova to Prizren
Transit: Short 45-minute morning local bus south to Prizren. ½ day to explore.
Day 5: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 — Prizren (Pure Non-Travel Day)

Phase 2: North Macedonia Exploration
Day 6: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — Prizren to Skopje
Transit: 2.5-hour morning bus east to Skopje. ½ day to explore.
Day 7: Thursday, September 10, 2026 — Skopje (Pure Non-Travel Day)

Phase 3: Lake Ohrid & Lin Excursion
Day 8: Friday, September 11, 2026 — Skopje to Lake Ohrid
Transit: 3-hour morning bus to Ohrid. ½ day to explore.
Day 9: Saturday, September 12, 2026 — Lake Ohrid (Pure Non-Travel Day)
Day 10: Sunday, September 13, 2026 — Lin Village Excursion
Transit: Lin short day trip (45 min each way) and back to Ohrid.

Phase 4: Central Albania Finale
Day 11: Monday, September 14, 2026 — Lake Ohrid to Berat
Transit: 3-hour morning bus west to Berat. ½ day to explore.
Day 12: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 — Berat (Pure Non-Travel Day)
Day 13: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — Berat to Tirana
Transit: 2.5-hour morning bus north to Tirana. ½ day to explore.
Day 14: Thursday, September 17, 2026 — Tirana (Pure Non-Travel Day)
Phase 5: The Post-Trip Buffer
Day 15: Friday, September 18, 2026 — Fly Tirana to Boise
Transit: 35-minute taxi to Tirana Airport (TIA). Arrive in Boise same day.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 — Rest Day

Hi! This is likely far more info than necessary but I am using this as a place to vent ? as well as seek advice - so bare with me if you’d like.

I am 24, I’d be a first time female solo traveler. My dreams to travel have been life long - growing up I swore I would see every country. That doesn’t seem quite plausible now… I’ve had a couple layovers abroad, spent a month in Japan (put my heart and soul into creating that trip) and a week or so in Mexico for a fishing trip with family. These were years ago… and I swore to travel annually :/

I am now planning 4-5 weeks in the Balkans… I have jumped through so many hoops at my job trying to secure my position - paid or not, I just want to keep my job. I live in a town of about 4-5,000 residents total. We are known to have a couple “good” places to work - the rest are kind of shit shows (management, motivation and care of employees, less in pay, etc.). I work at one of the “best” places to work and have advanced multiple positions through the company. I have the best coworkers and work environment I could imagine - it’s really my 1st or 2nd favorite job ever (aside from teaching (I have worked since 14)). However, the stress of this job, especially during tourist season, is manageable, but very difficult.

If I choose to go on this trip, I must forfeit my position. I worked hard for it and I want to keep it - but the nature of my job - they cannot survive 4-5 weeks without a great candidate filling my position.

My work offers 2 weeks (10 work days off) annually. It does not matter if I make $8 or a $150,000 salary, nor how far in advance, nor how much PTO I have….

I’ve built very strong bonds with every employee, including my superiors. They don’t want me to go, even supported this long trip and offered to help in any way possible, but alas, it is not possible without resigning…
I believe they would instantly hire me back if my position had not yet been filled. That being said, my position must be filled ASAP to support the business, and they must immediately start interviewing. So, it is questionable if I could get my job back or not.

As of now, I have dirt cheap rent and total bills ($300 compared to $1500 if I lived in the nearby city or anywhere else, really) as well as family across the street… a free and reliable pet sitter for my cat. I may go to college again or start a more formal career (or start a family) in the near future. I will not be living in my current spot for more than a couple years and will have a fraction of the funds and savings I do now. I may not have another opportunity to travel this comfortably until I’m in my 30’s.

Knowing that, it seems obvious to travel and achieve my dreams, especially while I’m young and have time to see much more too. But, with the amount of people I would disappoint, the lack of money when I return (still comfortable but a decent chip out of my savings), the struggle to find a decent new job, etc., I worry it is not smart to abandon my job.

i just need to be corrected or comforted? in my decision. My head has been a mess for a few months and not able to think clearly as my travel dates have grown closer while trying to navigate HR/Leave departments….

Thanks for the support!

I’m torn. Which to visit for either 1 night 1 day/or day trip?
I want to add ‘adventure’ to my trip but don’t love strenuous hikes. Rafting is difficult too, but I want to give it a try. I will be in both areas, coming from south in Tirana, seeing croatian islands, and finishing middle area to Sarajevo for flight.

Omis - day trip from Split and zipline after. can stay overnight if needed but priced more attractive in Split area.

Konjic - overnight or day trip between Sarajevo and Mostar. interested in bunker, not a ton else, but know I would love to explore anywhere.

I think Konjic may??? be prettier to me. But i also will have to travel through here twice and back track if my itinerary stays the same. I like the water and the more rugged wilderness.

Omis is nearly??? as pretty to me (pictures hardly help my choice) and would add to my Croatia time, which is lacking compared to Bosnia. I like the pirate history and town itself more than Konjic, minus the tourist aspect. There are more activities I enjoy to do here but I will have less time than in Konjic, so not very relevant.

Both seem to be roughly similar transit times via train or bus (Split, Mostar, Sarajevo (among other places)). I have no particular preference over coast/high peaks/etc.. so want to see somewhere stunning and have a lot of fun… which i am sure is both. I want an amazing zipline but i believe I can do this elsewhere.

the shorter time rafting in Konjic appeals to me as I am brave - but neurodivergent. a long trip could be too strenuous or overstimulating in terms of length. Or not! I love adrenaline but can lack patience or energy at times.

the zipline as well as a day trip from split, which i already have 1 from Split, yet 2 from Sarajevo, is appealing. extra little night in Split area and more no-travel time in Sarajevo (though city time in Sarajevo would be extended, it would be more relaxing to chill here before flight home).

the only thing similar i have done was a wooden boat on Hozugawa in Japan (class 2 rapids, very brief class 3. mostly 1 and some 2 though i assume).

which would you pick?

I’ve made many versions of this itinerary and was recently happy with it until I double checked travel times and noticed some holes - had to redo about half of it.

I will be traveling by public transit only (taxi, bus, train, etc.). Looking for input and opinions on these questions:

*(I have from the 28-29th of August to the 1-2nd of October -it’s too long) What 4 days should I skip to depart by the 2nd? What would you skip/shorten? Hopefully this will help relieve the every day roadtrips, it’s clearly too ambitious.)

*Is Shkoder worth the overnight? To break up the bus from Tirana to Kotor? Without venturing to the Alps? 

*Should I add somewhere near Zadar to break up the long trip from Split to Rovinj? and take the 4.5hr ferry?

*Is Lin an interesting overnight or not worth it? It’s closer to Berat by bus, but is Pogradec the better choice?

*Is there a faster route out of Durmitor/Zabljak without backtracking or sacrificing time at other locations? I can’t figure one out while still taking the scenic train between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Thank you

Itinerary:

*28: fly to tirana (lost, time change
day)
*29: land in tirana (sleep, dinner)
*30: travel to ohrid in afternoon and stay night (3hr)
*31: see ohrid (full day)
*1: bus to pogradec/drilon miday for a few hours. see lin and stay night there
*2: travel to berat for the night early afternoon (3hr)
*3: see berat and spend night
*4: berat to tirana early afternoon (2hr)
*5: tirana
*6: tirana
*7: tirana to shkoder early afternoon (2hr)
*8: shkoder
*9: shkoder to kotor (4hr with customs) in morning
*10: kotor
*11: perast and budva (both optional) day trips
*12: kotor to durmitor/zabljak travel
in early morning (4hr)
*13: durmitor
*14: durmitor to dubrovnik in morning (must transfer niksic and herceg novi. stop to relax. 8hr)
*15: dubrovnik
*16: dubrovnik - mostar (3.5hr)
*17: mostar and blagaj for a meal
*18: pocitelj and Kravica falls (2.5hr bus and taxi)
*19: mostar - sarajevo (2hr)
*20. sarajevo
*21: sarajevo - lukomir for night (1.5hr)
*22. lukomir - sarajevo (1.5hr)
*23: sarajevo
*24: travnik and jajce (night in Jajce) (2hr and 1.5hr)
*25: morning in jajce - split (5hr.
rest/transfer Bugoino and Livno)
*26: split
*27: split
*28: day trip to hvar or brac (1-2hr roundtrip)
*29: day trip to trogir (1hr round trip)
*30: split to rovinj in morning (8hr)
*1: rovini
*2:pula (1.5hr round trip)
*3: rovini - liubliana (4hr)
*4: lake bled (1.5hr)
*6:lake bled - ljubljana (1.5hr)
*6: depart and arrive home

I’ve made many versions of this itinerary and was recently happy with it until I double checked travel times and noticed some holes - had to redo about half of it.

Itinerary will be in photos! I will be traveling by public transit only (taxi, bus, train, etc.). Looking for input and opinions on these questions:

*(I have from the 28-29th of August to the 1-2nd of October -it’s too long) What 4 days should I skip to depart by the 2nd? What would you skip/shorten? Hopefully this will help relieve the every day roadtrips, it’s clearly too ambitious.)

*Is Shkoder worth the overnight? To break up the bus from Tirana to Kotor? Without venturing to the Alps? 

*Should I add somewhere near Zadar to break up the long trip from Split to Rovinj? and take the 4.5hr ferry?

*Is Lin an interesting overnight or not worth it? It’s closer to Berat by bus, but is Pogradec the better choice?

*Is there a faster route out of Durmitor/Zabljak without backtracking or sacrificing time at other locations? I can’t figure one out while still taking the scenic train between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Thank you

Itinerary:

*28: fly to tirana (lost, time change
day)
*29: land in tirana (sleep, dinner)
*30: travel to ohrid in afternoon and stay night (3hr)
*31: see ohrid (full day)
*1: bus to pogradec/drilon miday for a few hours. see lin and stay night there
*2: travel to berat for the night early afternoon (3hr)
*3: see berat and spend night
*4: berat to tirana early afternoon (2hr)
*5: tirana
*6: tirana
*7: tirana to shkoder early afternoon (2hr)
*8: shkoder
*9: shkoder to kotor (4hr with customs) in morning
*10: kotor
*11: perast and budva (both optional) day trips
*12: kotor to durmitor/zabljak travel
in early morning (4hr)
*13: durmitor
*14: durmitor to dubrovnik in morning (must transfer niksic and herceg novi. stop to relax. 8hr)
*15: dubrovnik
*16: dubrovnik - mostar (3.5hr)
*17: mostar and blagaj for a meal
*18: pocitelj and Kravica falls (2.5hr bus and taxi)
*19: mostar - sarajevo (2hr)
*20. sarajevo
*21: sarajevo - lukomir for night (1.5hr)
*22. lukomir - sarajevo (1.5hr)
*23: sarajevo
*24: travnik and jajce (night in Jajce) (2hr and 1.5hr)
*25: morning in jajce - split (5hr.
rest/transfer Bugoino and Livno)
*26: split
*27: split
*28: day trip to hvar or brac (1-2hr roundtrip)
*29: day trip to trogir (1hr round trip)
*30: split to rovinj in morning (8hr)
*1: rovini
*2: pula (1.5hr round trip)
*3: rovini - liubliana (4hr)
*4: lake bled (1.5hr)
*5: lake bled - ljubljana (1.5hr)
*6: depart and arrive home

Hello, I planned a trip and it is too rushed as well as too long. Below is the basic version of my rough draft itinerary - I’m curious what destination(s) YOU would skip and why.

Greece seems like the obvious one to get rid of but it’s so nearby and I love greek culture… I will eventually spend a trip in Greece but may not see this island. If I do skip it, I will fly into Tirana, so Corfu may actually make more sense.

Is Durmitor more “worth” the trip than Theth for nature lovers? The activities available there are intriguing too.

Is Butrint worth going to Sarande? That’s the main reason it ended up on my list. Or are there ruins (of the same scale) I should see instead closer to my destinations?

Again, just looking for some outside perspective. Maybe a top 5 places you would consider skipping would help me in my decision.

Anywhere to add or adjustments to time spent in each is welcome too. I will however be keeping Albania, Montenegro, BiH and Croatia on the itinerary. Thanks!

(Full itinerary in comments!)

Hello, I planned a trip and it is too rushed as well as too long. Below is the basic version of my rough draft itinerary - I’m curious what destination(s) YOU would skip and why.

Greece seems like the obvious one to get rid of but it’s so nearby and I love greek culture… I will eventually spend a trip in Greece but may not see this island. If I do skip it, I will fly into Tirana, so Corfu may actually make more sense.

Is Durmitor more “worth” the trip than Theth for nature lovers? The activities available there are intriguing too.

Is Butrint worth going to Sarande? That’s the main reason it ended up on my list. Or are there ruins (of the same scale) I should see instead closer to my destinations?

Again, just looking for some outside perspective. Maybe a top 5 places you would consider skipping would help me in my decision.

Anywhere to add or adjustments to time spent in each is welcome too. I will however be keeping Albania, Montenegro, BiH and Croatia on the itinerary. Thanks!

(Full itinerary in comments!)