The restaurant host’s words, “You will know each other well after this!” rang true as I sat across from two Italian students at Oda Garden, a bustling traditional restaurant in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. The place was packed, a testament to its popularity, but we’d all managed to squeeze in – sharing space with strangers in a charming courtyard buzzing with life. Macrame parasols shaded tables, twinkling lights strung between lemon trees, and a live band belted out Albanian classics, creating an infectious energy that swept us off our feet. It was a perfect immersion into Albanian culture, and the best part? My main meal cost a mere £4.10! This was music to my ears, especially considering I was halfway through my challenge to do a getaway for just £100 – all-inclusive.
My name is Chelsea Dickenson, and I’m a travel expert with a passion for finding the best deals. I believe everyone has a bit of the bargain hunter in them, the person who loves nothing more than stretching their budget to explore the world. This obsession led me to a holiday challenge back in 2017, where I took half the average British holiday spending (£2,000) and aimed to squeeze in as many trips as possible, documenting it all for my YouTube channel.
For over a year, I’d been dreaming of a getaway for under £100, a challenge that included everything from flights and accommodation to food, drink, and activities. The rising costs across Europe made this more difficult than I’d initially expected, but a lucky discovery of £20 return flights to Tirana on Wizz Air sparked my bargain-hunting spirit. These flights included all taxes and booking fees, but the early morning departure meant an early start.
Next, I tackled the transfer costs, booking a budget-friendly National Express bus to Luton Airport for £6 each way, and thankfully, the airport bus to Tirana city center came in at just £3.43 each way. The challenge seemed achievable – but it all hinged on finding affordable accommodation. I knew it would likely be a hostel, but prices had skyrocketed across Europe due to the pandemic and the rise of boutique hostels. Yet, Tirana came through again with a well-rated boutique hostel offering a bed for just £12.67 a night.
My final check was on food and drink expenses. Researching the average cost of living on Numbeo and browsing restaurant menus, I found plenty of options offering dinner for under £6, confirming the challenge was within reach.
And off I went! A slight setback with an overbooked coach nearly derailed me at the first hurdle, but a replacement bus arrived 30 minutes later, giving me just enough time to navigate security and finally land in Tirana, ready to put my budget to the test.
Tirana charmed me instantly with its lush greenery and abundance of restaurants, catering to every taste and budget. The Klarna Travel Report highlighted the importance of exploring local cuisine, with 55% of people citing it as a top motivator for travel. And even on a budget, I indulged in the culinary delights of Tirana. From 43p for a spinach byrek (a flaky, Albanian pastry) to £4.10 for fërgesë (a traditional cottage cheese and pepper dish), delicious and affordable food was readily available.
Culture is another top priority for travelers, according to the Klarna report, with 28% citing it as a key motivator. A free walking tour, found with a simple Google search, led me through the city’s historical heart, leaving a small tip of £1.71 for the knowledgeable guide. I also spent a delightful couple of hours strolling through the sprawling Tirana Park (289 hectares), eventually settling into Hana Corner Coffee, a trendy cafe with a gorgeous outdoor terrace. While my coffee cost a slightly expensive £2.05, it was worth it to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and watch the world go by.
My two-day trip in Tirana cost a total of £99.59, proving that a £100 holiday is absolutely doable! Setting a strict budget forced me to seek out local experiences off the beaten tourist track, which ultimately enriched my trip.
This experience echoed a similar budget-friendly adventure I had in Iceland back in March 2019. Despite Iceland’s reputation for being expensive, I managed to cover everything – including a rental car and petrol – for just £600 per person for a six-night road trip. The key was focusing on affordable food and drink, cooking in the kitchens of our budget-friendly guesthouses. Iceland’s natural beauty, accessible to everyone, also played a role in keeping costs down.
If you’re looking to embark on your own budget-friendly adventure, here are my top tips for booking a cheap holiday:
1.
Flexibility is key:
Be open to different travel dates and destinations. Less popular destinations often offer more affordable prices.2.
Check all costs upfront:
Don’t get fixated on the price of flights alone. Sometimes, spending a bit more on flights can be offset by cheaper accommodation and daily expenses.3.
Consider interest-free payment options:
Services like Klarna can help you spread the cost of your trip without interest, as long as you can pay it off on time.4.
Set a budget and stick to it:
Creating a budget challenge can help you stay on track and discover hidden gems.And the restaurant host was right! The constraints of my budget actually encouraged me to connect with new people and forge friendships I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience otherwise. Later this year, I plan to take on another budget challenge, this time in Korea. It’s not known for being the cheapest destination, but I’m excited to see what I can discover for my money. It will be hard to beat that 43p lunch, though!
So, are you ready to embrace the adventure of budget travel? The world is waiting to be explored, and with a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can experience it all without breaking the bank.
