Take a tour around Africa, especially these countries. Learn and discover Why You Should Add Albania & Morocco to Your 2025 Travel Bucket List.
To tell the truth, if you’re like most people who are thinking about taking a vacation in 2025, Albania and Morocco are likely not the first places that come to mind. Most likely, you’re hearing more about Dubai, Thailand, Greece, or France. However, it is precisely the reason I am writing this.
The most breathtaking experiences can occasionally be found in locations that no one is yet to speak about.
I started trying something different in 2024; instead of pursuing “popular,” I began pursuing “unexplored.” I discovered two unexpected nations as a result of that choice: Morocco and Albania. These two locations transformed my perspective on travel, and they should be at the top of your 2025 bucket list if you’re searching for warmth, culture, authenticity, and affordability.
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I’ll explain why.
Why You Should Add Albania & Morocco to Your 2025 Travel Bucket List
Albania: The Best-Kept Secret in Europe
All I had heard about Albania before I went there was what I could find online, which wasn’t much. It is a nation nestled in the Balkans, directly across the ocean from Greece and Italy. The majority of people lose out when they skip it.
In Albania, I discovered unadulterated beauty. It didn’t feel touristic, either. It was authentic.
Amazing Nature Away from the Crowds
I’ve visited Greece. Despite its beauty, Santorini is highly filtered for Instagram, busy, and costly. The Riviera in Albania, however, remained unaltered.
The villages are quiet, the beaches are pristine, and the air is clean from Sarandë to Ksamil. For less than $1.50, you could have coffee, sit by the water all day, and simply breathe.
Hikers will love the Albanian Alps—yes, Albania has mountains. I will never forget the well-known Valbona to Theth path. Imagine a place with majestic mountains, azure rivers, and pure, life-giving air.
Cost-effective, but not inexpensive
Let’s discuss money. Are you aware of how spending a week in Europe may drain your finances? That writing is reversed in Albania. At a good restaurant, a full lunch costs about $6. Accommodations are surprisingly modern and pleasant, and transportation is inexpensive.
But don’t get it twisted – it’s reasonably priced, not low-quality. The kindness of the staff was one of the greatest I’ve ever experienced. Locals were kind, patient, and truly helpful. You feel more like a visitor than a client.
The past That remains intact.
Albania has endured a lot, including isolation, communism, and Ottoman dominion, but this history is evident, which is what makes a visit seem unique. In Gjirokastër, I strolled past castles and cobbled lanes that seemed to be from a another century, and in Berat, I saw old stone buildings built up a hillside.
You don’t simply travel to Albania. You sense it.
Morocco: A Place With Stories on Every Street
Let’s go on to Morocco, the colorful, hectic, and dynamic cultural explosion that I was unprepared for but soon fell in love with.
Don’t believe that Morocco is only camels and deserts. On its own, this nation is a whole globe.
Cities With A Lively Pulse
I’ll admit that it might be intimidating at first, especially since I started in Marrakech. Literally, the streets are alive. The markets, or souks, are teeming with textiles, ceramics, spices, and music. People approach you in an attempt to converse, sell, or offer assistance.
But after a few hours, it became clear that there was a pattern to this turmoil. You don’t want to go once you’ve had it.
I then traveled to Fes, which resembled a medieval labyrinth. Hidden gardens, old mosques, and narrow lanes. Next comes Chefchaouen, the well-known blue city. It is just as stunning as the photos, yet they cannot capture the tranquility that this location offers.
There’s No Trick About the Sahara
Although I had previously seen sand dunes, nothing were ready me for the Sahara.
You don’t “capture” the sensation of scorching sand underneath your feet as the sun rises, the quiet at night, or sleeping beneath the stars in the desert. You experience them.
Morocco caused me to slow down. I noticed it once more. The colors of a sunset over the dunes, the simplicity of mint tea, and the weight of desert solitude all served as a reminder of why I travel.
Culture Without Watering It Down
What about Morocco appeals to me the most? It is blatantly authentic.
The streets resound with the call to prayer. The Moroccan cuisine—tagines, couscous, harira soup, and fresh olives—isn’t “internationalized.” What about the people? Despite their intense pride in their culture, they are always willing to share it with others in a compassionate way.
You rapidly learn to appreciate other people’s rhythms, which is beneficial. It has a lot of power.
The Reasons Both Need to Be on Your List
Despite their stark differences, Albania and Morocco both provide what most contemporary travel locations no longer offer:
- Genuineness and affordability
- Greeting residents
- Deep history, a rich culture, and unforgettable experiences that last long after you’ve left
More significantly, they are reachable. Some visitors find it easier to enter because Albania isn’t (yet) in the Schengen area. Morocco also offers favorable visa procedures to a large number of nations.
Both provide unforgettable travel experiences free from the pressure, publicity, and exorbitant prices of more “popular” locations.
Things to Consider Before Traveling
From one traveler to another, allow me to share some advice with you:
- Don’t overlook the countryside in Albania. Although Tirana is cool, the smaller villages are where the country’s spirit is found. Purchasing a local SIM card is worthwhile and reasonably priced. Additionally, keep cash on hand because not all places accept cards.
- For Morocco: It helps a lot to know a few simple French or Arabic phrases. Especially in rural places, dress modestly. Additionally, before the ride begins, always agree on the cab fare.
- Above everything, keep your mind open. You will learn more from these locations than from any travel guide.
Go Beyond the News
Making travel plans based on what’s popular or where other people are going is simple. However, I’ve discovered that the most fulfilling adventures frequently begin when the noise ends.
Morocco and Albania don’t shout for attention. They mutter. They appeal to those who are adventurous, open-minded, and inquisitive. They will also tell you stories you will never get tired of if you pay attention.
Be brave when creating your 2025 travel bucket list. Pick locations that people could miss.
Put meaning ahead of promotion. Prioritize depth over show. Select Albania. Morocco is a good choice.
