This European Destination is CHEAPER Than Thailand?!

[@discoverglobeliving]

Friendly locals, stunning views, and great prices-I mean Saranda is a gem! Best hidden spot in Europe!

[@mitchandjan]

Right?!!! It's truly a hidden gem! 💎 So much more to explore in that area too! Thanks for watching and dropping a comment! Cheers!!

[@Lisa-oy9ts]

Hi Mitch an Jan. First time tuning in and I just have to say, I really appreciate all the details you give on what you spent. Especially your healthcare plans, not many KZbinrs include that. The details on your cell costs as well. Very very good information! Now a subscriber! Thank you!

[@mitchandjan]

Thank you for subscribing! We are so happy that you found the information useful! Thank you for dropping us a comment to let us know and welcome to our channel!! Cheers!! 🥂

[@TakeTimeToTravel]

Love the view from that balcony! We always look for some kind of outside space in our Airbnbs, and to get a sea view too is amazing. We've subscribed so that we can follow along on your adventures. Cheers from Mexico City :)

[@mitchandjan]

Ahhhh so amazing! Balconies are the best! And a MUST!! LOL. Welcome to the channel. Thanks for the sub - we have just checked out your channel and subscribed to watch too! Cheers fellow Canadians!! 🇨🇦🥂❤️

[@msfranklin1550]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your experiences and keeping track of your expenses for us to see. I love the journey you are on!

[@mitchandjan]

Thanks so much, we appreciate you following along on our journey! When planning our travel lifestyle, we were always curious about actual expenses and WHAT exactly you get for that money, so we are happy that others find this information useful too! Cheers!

[@TracyBirds]

Great video guys! Happy New Year!😊

[@mitchandjan]

Thank you!! Happy New Year to you too! 🥂🥳🌟

[@dawnb8833]

Thank you for the info about phone settings! I need to check mine for sure.

[@mitchandjan]

Honestly - anything (especially photos) that is constantly trying to sync to the cloud is killing your data!! It has made such a huge difference that we are now buying smaller and CHEAPER data packages!! Thanks for watching!! Cheers 🥂

[@lisalowe132]

Hi guys, thanks for the great content. I had a horrible esim experience in November while in Spain. I don't have a slot for a card so kinda stuck with esim. I would love a more detailed video on esims ..... alternatively, has anyone else had esims problems? Keep it up Mitch and Jan!!

[@mitchandjan]

Thanks you for watching!! That is too bad to hear that the esim experience was horrible. I know that once we accidentally deleted one before activating and had to purchase a second esim because you cannot retrieve them once gone! Video idea noted 🙂

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

Love your talking about the importance of the coffee ☕️! I’m living in an extended stay hotel in Mexico and had to buy my own mugs because it does matter 😂

[@mitchandjan]

It's the little things in life that make a difference! 😊 We are loving how many people "get it"!! LOL

[@bob-d3908]

Thanks for sharing your adventures

[@mitchandjan]

Thanks for watching and dropping us a comment! Cheers! 🥂

[@agl5132]

Yes, to the ☕ mug. The best one I ever bought was from an artisan gallery when I lived in Mexico. It keeps my coffee hot so much longer than traditional cups. As for the rain and small bathroom, I've been on the west seacoast of Scotland the past few years, let me tell you about small bathrooms and rain. 😅I could deal with Albania easily. I see many expats that are moving to Albania, Croatia and Georgia. Georgia has a one year visitor tourist stay. I'm getting ready to leave Scotland for sunnier locales and now thanks to you Albania is on my list. ❤👏🏼

[@mitchandjan]

Amazing! Thanks for dropping us a comment from dreary Scotland LOL!!! Albania really is sooo nice - especially for us along the sea is beautiful. So exciting for you! All the best on your travels!! Cheers!

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Great info! Was the bed comfortable in the Airbnb? How was the water pressure in the shower? I wish more people would comment on these things when they leave their review for Airbnbs in Europe.

[@mitchandjan]

Thank you! Also, thank you for pointing that out - we inconsistently talk about our bed and water pressure in the Airbnb! The bed wasn't the worst, but was medium firm and a thinner mattress, so decent for the first few weeks, but we were ready for a better mattress after a month. The water pressure was fantastic!! Interesting though - they must pump water in the city (we think to tanks on the roofs). No water towers in sight and we lost electricity for about an hour one day and we also lost water! We will make note to cover bed comfort and water pressure in all of our review videos!! Thanks for watching and for the constructive comment!! Cheers!! 🥂

[@lvngitcouture]

Wow, the view in December!

[@mitchandjan]

Yes, its gorgeous!! 😍

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

Informative video. I'm sure that Hoxha is spinning in his grave. LOL. Aside from the big brand names like Airbnb, VRBO, etc., what locals can you recommend to contact directly for rentals in Sarande? Thanks.

[@mitchandjan]

Glad you found this informative 🙂 We were only in Saranda for a month and do not have any local contacts for rentals. We use the common platforms that we are comfortable with for now, even though they cost more.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Subscribed from the south of France 🇨🇵🇪🇺.

[@mitchandjan]

Well hello and welcome!! Thanks for subscribing and dropping us a comment! Cheers!

[@moniquegoerzen9430]

Hello from BC and swimming in 4 degrees..19 sounds amazing. Looks like a location for the list.

[@mitchandjan]

Hello BC!!! Wooo! Yes, 19 degrees is so warm for canadians LOL. We have actually decided that we are starting to sound soft and have made a pact to swim in every body of water wherever we go by the sea from her on out!! LOL. Definitely a must visit! Albania is an all round amazing place!! Thanks for watching and also dropping a comment! Cheers! 🥂

[@karenhawkins1275]

🍷 Cheers! Such a great trip!

[@mitchandjan]

Thanks! We loved it! Cheers! 🥂

[@estelladog1]

Did you know a lot of the language or much of a barrier?

[@mitchandjan]

Hello! Great question! The Albanian language is actually quite tough for us. Even simple please and thank you was hard to say and remember - "thank you" in Albanian is like a 5 syllable word! LOL. We finally picked up hellp, good bye and thank you, but there is a LOT of english spoken!! No barrier at all! When there was a small bariier (at the market or buying fish at the marina) gestures, smiles, pointing and typing numbers on your phone calculator got you by with ease! The people are so friendly and open. Definitely do not worry about a language barrier - at least not in Saranda!

[@jasonwatts_wattstraveling]

Hi guys!👋 Fellow Canadian travelers here. Just wondering where in Thailand (and Vietnam, since you mentioned it in the video) you stayed that cost more than $3100 CAD for a month? We've stayed many months in Vietnam, Thailand, and Albanian over the last year and Thailand and Vietnam were easily $1000 less than that and that included renting a scooter monthly. Your Airbnb had a great view but we stayed in Saranda in November in a sea view (not sea front) apartment for less than $600 CAD per month. Are you just comparing it to a Canadian cost of living when you say it's ts cheap?

[@mitchandjan]

Hello fellow canadians!!! 🇨🇦. We compared this stay in Saranda to our stay earlier this year in Koh Samui! We definitely struggled to find a place there that was cheap and really liked, but also we realize we were on a touristy island! Vietnam was definitely cheaper, just not by much. We were just shocked that our budget came in lower than Thailand becauseThailand is the quintessential "Budget destination"! Thanks so much for watching guys!! Cheers!! 🥂

[@pg618]

Similar apartment in danang Vietnam for 600 bucks.

[@mitchandjan]

Danang is amazing and the MOST affordable for sure!! Loved our time there and praying for the beach there now!! 🙏🏻

[@loriday9625]

Ok, I have so much to say with regards to this video. First of all, great find on the Airbnb. I can make do with a small bathroom for that view as well. And the vessel you drink coffee out of matters… tremendously! It’s the little things, right? The apron, coffee pot and slippers…couldn’t agree more. We’ve gone so far as purchasing a capsule coffee maker in Portugal. It didn’t work and had to be returned. Ever try doing that in Portuguese? Without a receipt? 😂 Makes for a great story. The cost of living for a month is fabulous and certainly adds to the draw of Albania. Definitely do a packing video…love those things. Since the current water temperature here in Nova Scotia is 3 C, an ocean temp of 19C is definitely swimming temp. I’d be in it every day. Cheers!

[@loriday9625]

Forgot to mention your striped tee, Jan….love it. Brand please?😀

[@mitchandjan]

LOL!! Thanks Lori! The little things are so important! ❤️ The coffee maker return sounds like a great story! We are definitely going to be making a packing video soon - especially with alleged "big changes" coming in 2025 to standardize carry on sizes, weights and other restrictions across all airlines and enforcement stepping up (crap! LOL). You definitely need to put Albania on your list (just not in the crazy busy summer!!!) it is an all round wonderful place in our humble opinion! Thank you for always following us along and leaving a comment! We appreciate you!! Cheers!! 🥂

[@mitchandjan]

LOL. Thank you! It was a random find at Winners!! C&C California (I had to go check the label!) LOL. Btw.....I have left my Merino quarter zip somewhere in Zakopane, Poland....so I am in mourning. LOL

[@loriday9625]

@@mitchandjan Noooooo! If you want to replace it, try Decathalon if you can find one. They have some nice merino stuff (cheaper) but only in black I think.

[@loriday9625]

@@mitchandjan the size of the carryon doesn’t matter to me, it’s the weight! Aer Lingus put my suitcase and backpack on the scale together for the combined weight. It was a problem since apparently my backpack weighed as much as my suitcase! LOL

[@dmiller2055]

How safe is it?

[@mitchandjan]

That is a GREAT question and you will be pleased to know that it is SO safe!!! As a once female solo traveller, I would not hesitate to come here and would feel safe walking the streets at night, after dark without hesitation. Especially these smaller towns on the sea! We never felt uncomfortable. Thanks for asking! Cheers 🥂

[@KB3TLE]

WOW It is a very nice view - but I really prefer not to 'need' a coat hanger (!) - which isn't needed in S E Asia ? Cold weather sucks & I hate it. Seems cheap - only if your from a part of the world that is outrageously expensive ! Many decent furnished apartments in Jomtien or Hua Hin can be had for 8000 baht / mo. if you look around. Walk to the beach for the view & save a lot ! -?- Vacation prices are much higher. - - - The 2 of you spent as much on food alone as my entire budget would be in Thailand (?) by myself !!! But I'm known to be frugal and a bit thrifty w/o sacrificing a lot of wants though. - - - If your content - that is what counts and it appears you are. Being alone I am used to smaller budgets. Half of what you spent for the month would do me in Thailand Vietnam Cambodia or even many areas of the Philippines. ---- Enjoyed the video - happy trails to you both !

[@mitchandjan]

LOL about the coat hanger!! This is true - not needed in Thailand (unless of course a raincoat for the rainy season!). We understand that we are not the most frugal travellers and we are trying to demonstrate a mid-range budget on our travels. I am sure you would be shocked then to see what we spent in Thailand earlier in the year because it was ACTUALLY more than Albania! If you haven't seen it, that cost of living video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2faeJiAgJhseM0si=za0oiUMchmS8cWRY Cheers!!

[@nncadi1]

what's wrong with the shower?

[@mitchandjan]

LOL!! It was honestly quite adequate!! But when you bent over to wash your feet or shave your legs, the curtain stuck to your a$$! LOL. Also the shower head tended to fall out of its holder and onto your head. But always grateful for warm flowing water...so we adapted 😊

[@nncadi1]

@ wow😂

[@winnerwinnerchickendinner8809]

Can't have everything included compared where you are coming from for the price you pay for.

[@mitchandjan]

We were very happy with all that we got for the price we paid! 🙂

[@phillipbirt2344]

Albania cheaper than Thailand: clickbate bullshit! I'm currently in Cha Am, Thailand - paying £12 per night High Season in a nice hotel (large room with balcony; AC; fridge; king size bed; en suite and daily maid service + less than 100 yards from the beach!) I eat out twice per day (Western, not local food) and my total daily food bill is £10. A large bottle of beer (620 ml) is equivalent to £2.40. 7 kilometres on a motorbike taxi costs £1.50. So on and so forth. The weather is great, circa 30° and sunny every day. Cheers from Thailand.

[@mitchandjan]

We appreciate your passion and would love for you to check out our Thailand cost of living video from earlier this year as we ACTUALLY spent more for a month in Thailand. We realize that we operate on a mid-range budget and are not extremely frugal, but assure you that in OUR experience, Albania was cheaper. Cheers!!

[@teaminsights7611]

Affordable for who? Yes for americans only! Majority of people from other countries would find $800 for 28 days expensive. Also sorry but thailand is way cheaper than albania, Changmai rent is $200 for a month while restuarant food is 1$, no way Albania is cheaper

[@rickyp6815]

what can you get for 7000 baht in CM these days?

[@2Rugrats9597]

$200 a month in Chiang mai for a yearly rent and if not yearly it will be a basic necessity dump. Remember people dont mind paying for safety and access to the beach etc. Sorry if thats not in your budget and there just explaining for other People to see. No reason to get that deep or butt hurt about it

[@teaminsights7611]

Im renting there right now 1 bedroom apartment for 190$ id be happy to share pics and proof of my rent if you dont believe me. You have to shop around and negotiate. If you go to the places all expats go to in CM obviously it will be more expensive.

[@teaminsights7611]

@@2Rugrats9597 when they use cheaper than thailand that bothers me because its completely false! And click bait! $800 might be cheap for americans but its not generalist for all countries and people around the world

[@2Rugrats9597]

@ Well, aren’t they Americans? most of the people who probably watch there youtube are from U.S. ,Canada, UK, Australia. Your way too serious, go Find another channel that caters to the people your talking about

[@x-cskilover225]

Cheaper than I thought. Awesome view from patio! ❤

[@mitchandjan]

It's crazy how affordable this destination is! 🤩 Happy New Year John!! 🌟❤️

[@timallison8560]

that is a ton of money for being in albania off season. ouch.

[@mitchandjan]

We were super pleased, but you must be a good bargain hunter!! LOL. Thanks for watching! Cheers!! 🥂

[@hmoto7108]

Unfortunately not the climate or beautiful beaches.

[@mitchandjan]

Beautiful beaches in Albania! Just different than sandy Thai beaches!

[@JayandSarah]

No way is Saranda cheaper than Thailand we’ve lived in both for months on end.

[@mitchandjan]

Way! LOL In our experience it was! We have a Thailand Cost of Living from Koh Samui - check it out! Cheers 🥂

[@JayandSarah]

@ that’s the most expensive ripoff place in Thailand

[@acaciomadeira5147]

Don't know how you think it's cheaper than Thailand whatch alot of thai vlogs can't see you spending like $700 for food and rent cost even in a super nice hi rise in bankok for 1 bedroom comparable is like $700

[@mitchandjan]

We can only speak to our experience in Thailand on an island, near the beach. Bankok would certainly be different, but not on a beachfront either. We do have a Thailand cost of living video as well, and we completely understand that both of these locations could be done cheaper. We enjoy showing people our experience, based on our budget and tastes, so they can see all options! Cheers! 🥂

[@VWApachey]

Sadly, you have really got this very wrong ..... Bulgaria is even cheaper than Albania and Thailand is definitely cheaper than Albania ... Yes, a lot of places are a lot cheaper than America, where everything is overpriced and crazy .

[@mitchandjan]

In OUR experience, Thailand was a more expensive month earlier in 2024!!. We have a cost of living video in Thailand if you want to check it out!! We were shocked as well!

[@VWApachey]

Ok, will do​@@mitchandjan

[@brendataylor8388]

The people there are not very nice🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mitchandjan]

We found quite the opposite!! The people were lovely in our experience 😊

[@brendataylor8388]

@ I’m very happy to hear that! First time😉

[@drewcrav773]

Cheaper then thailand......lol ohhh k

[@mitchandjan]

In our experience it was! We have a Thailand cost of living videoo if you want to check it out!! Cheers!🥂