But travel insurer Europe Assistance believes the countries, alongside Morocco, Dubai and India are the places where more of us will be holidaying next year.



The insurer has seen changes in the insurance needs of customers and has been developing a medical network in these countries to help people if they fall ill or have an accident.

Albania is a mountainous country in which about 70 percent of the land lies above 300 m.

Albania is one of Europes poorest countries and continues to face severe difficulties adjusting to the new Europe after decades of Stalinist isolation. Only in 1985, after the death of Enver Hoxha, its President, did Albania, began to develop contacts with the outside world. More recently, conditions were worsened by regional political instability and the collapse of pyramid investment schemes in 1997. New components of the economy, such as tourism, which were mostly set up with foreign investment, suffered badly in the wake of the 1997 upheaval. Nonetheless, Albania now enjoys access to funding from the main international donor bodies such as IMF, World Bank and EBRD, as well as growing contacts with major European countries, such as Italy and France. Albania hopes to follow the rest of Eastern Europe into the European Union and NATO.

Unemployment is high and poverty widespread. The infrastructure is crumbling and corruption deters foreign investment. Agriculture, an important sector, relies on antiquated equipment and old-fashioned methods.

In recognition of progress with political and economic reform in Albania, a Stabilisation and Association agreement with the EU was signed in June 2006 after three years of talks.

The EU is keen to encourage further reform, particularly as regards stamping out organised crime and corruption and developing media freedom and property and minority rights

Despite this, travellers can enjoy Albanias wild and mountainous landscape, with its extensive forests, sandy beaches and many beautiful lakes. Bathed by the Adriatic Sea, the southern coastline remains unspoilt and many activities such as swimming, diving, sailing and fishing are possible.

The origins of the Albanian people are shrouded in some mystery and their language is unique.

The climate is mostly mild and temperate and typically Mediterranean. Winters are cool, cloudy and wet, summers are hot, clear and dry. The interior of the country is cooler and wetter. Tiranas average daily high is 8 in January 25 in July.