Albania, ‘an emerging gap year destination’ for 2011 travel

TIRANA, Nov. 2 – Albania has been ranked as the top emerging country to which those planning a gap year could travel, in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011 guide published recently.
“Albania is very much off the beaten track, but if you think about where it is, you look at it on the map, it simply can’t remain off the beaten track for much longer,” the magazine said.
Tom Hall, editor of Lonely Planet, explained that the eastern European country is surrounded by countries which have either been popular for a long time, or have recently become more common travel destinations.
For those seeking an opportunity to explore on a gap year adventure, Mr Hall recommended a road trip starting in Albania’s highlands, moving through the Gramoz Mountains and finishing in Saranda.
“Such a journey could be the ideal opportunity for those taking a gap year to relax between voluntary work, or work experience assignments.”