Tiranë, Albania in $640s-$720s RT

Hot take: Tiranë might just be the greatest day trip basecamp on Earth. Albania has a little something for every type of traveler, and the capital is right in the middle of it all.

History buffs will find castles, Roman ruins, and historic villages scattered all over the country, but we're especially big fans of Berat, just a couple hours south of Tiranë. The "City of a Thousand Windows" has barely changed since the Ottoman days, so walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time.

Prefer to get lost in the beauty of nature? Gamti Mountain and Bovilla Lake make for a perfect 2-in-1 day trip featuring some spectacular views of the countryside. But if you're willing to drive a little further, the scenic vistas at Lake Koman are even more stunning.

And if relaxing by the ocean is your bag, head straight for Himarë. It's over three hours from Tiranë, but the shoreline here is arguably the prettiest in the country - and it's a whole lot quieter than trendy Dhërmi or bustling Durrës.