Summer is a weird and wonderful time.

It's a time when the days are long and filled with light, the sun is shining (unless you live in the UK, of course) and people feel most alive.

As this beautiful period comes to an end, I thought it'd be a good opportunity to look back into some of the best moments and experiences our team has had.

​The Broke Backpacker team is spread wide and far, adventuring all around the globe. So we thought we’d show you some of the team’s favourite places that they’ve been this summer.

You might notice a pattern or two, I don't know, but it seems like one destination in particular stole the show this year...

Tomás - Albania 🇦🇱

Albania was definitely a surprise for me. I had heard so many things about it already, but I wasn’t expecting it to still blow my mind like it did. 10/10 absolutely stunning scenery.

This picture was taken upon arrival into Theth, after completing the long but rewarding hike all the way from Valbona. The north of the country is really, really beautiful.

Jeff - Naples 🇮🇹

I showed up to Naples with very little research (very unlike me) and it became one of the biggest pleasant surprises I've had while traveling.

There was way more to see than I had time for, but I still made room for underwater Roman mosaics while snorkeling, 2,000 year old quarries turned WWII bunkers, and the most beautiful shopping mall I've ever seen (pictured below 😳)

Aiden - China 🇨🇳

China is easily the best place I travelled to in recent years. What really got me was just how much it constantly surprised me with every stop being better or at least different from the last.

The highlight was probably the Cyberpunk Mecca if Chongqing (thing Ching Chong in reverse...). Although the food throughput was also the highlight.

Taya - Albania 🇦🇱

Again, Albania for me. I hadn't heard much about the south of the country and although it is my mission to make it up to the North and hike (thanks for the FOMO, Tomás 😉) I was pleasantly surprised by a trip that was booked only 6 days prior.

We rented bikes, explored, got stranded on said bikes, and ate our weight in moussaka. Sure, the coastline was beautiful, but it was the people that'll be my main reason to return. Despite it being the peak of summer and tourists flocking in full force, the majority of interactions with locals were tinted with warmth and curiosity. Plus, the moussaka did slap.

Alex - Bali 🇮🇩

Hard to pick just one spot, but I have to go with Bali. Highlights included living in luxury for £20/night in Ubud, visiting Trunyan Cemetery where we saw how the original Balinese people “bury” their dead above the ground, and swimming with dolphins in Lovina (although my girlfriend may disagree with that last one after being stung by a jellyfish…)

We’re a bit too old to really enjoy the whole party scene now, but love the general positive vibes and welcoming locals, especially in Ubud.

Clair - Albania 🇦🇱

This summer I ventured into the spectacular Albanian Alps. Hiking from Valbona to Theth through towering limestone peaks and leafy forests was nothing short of epic. The vast Lake Komani with its icy mountain streams made for a truly unforgettable “swimming” experience.

The country has a fascinating culture and history. The food was incredible, cheeses, pastries, grilled meats and amazing salads of all kinds was also a highlight!

Have you got a favourite destination you visited this summer?
We'd love to hear it 😊

Travel far. Spend less. Live more.​
- The Broke Backpacker