moomkin

Most flights that I book myself only have first name, family name requirements. When I looked at the Blue Panorama website when my friends had trouble last year then the Boxes were for First Name, Family Name. I also don't think I have ever seem my middle name on a boarding card. I have several stubs beside me for a variety of airlines and none have my middle name. Blue Panorama is definitely a scam!

I feel your pain!! As I said though, both sets of travelers coming to me, got away with it in Milan. They had to cough up in Tirana though but maybe cheaper for you that way.

Here's the link to Blue Panorama's tale of woe....... https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Airline_Review-d8729037-Reviews-Blue-Panorama-Airlines

Oops! Their scam is that the name on the passport must match the name on the boarding card. I've been involved in two misfortunes with them. Both times it wasn't mentioned in Milan but only at check-in at Tirana. However, I know of several people who have been rumbled in both directions. Have a look at the forums on TripAdvisor and you will see there are hundreds of 'victims'. If you can sort it with them for free before you leave, it would be better otherwise chance it. Maybe the TA effect might help on this occasion.

In the blloku you are ten minutes, 15 max, walk from anywhere for boozers. I imagine around Tiawan centre will be TA country. I personally like pub +39 but maybe Whisky bar for sitting out but you will not be lost for pubs!

For the time between breakfast beer and lunch then the Free Walking Tour which is done from the steps of the Opera House every day (maybe twice a day now) is a not miss. I've been on it several times and send all of my guests. Usually the guide is a guy called Gazi but it is either him or his friend. A two hour, 3km walk (starting at 10am I think) but he will give a fantastic, concise and comprehensive history of Tirana and Albania. It is free and will break the time between breakfast and lunch. It will be on tripadvisor for details. I think he will point out the pubs too! No obligations at all to pay but you can give a tip at the end.

No online boarding to anywhere from Tirana airport I'm afraid...they say it is the system but I think they like to see the whites of your eyes (and to make sure they are the same as your passport!). Oh, and on flights to/from Tirana. Anyone on Blue Panorma please make sure that if you have a middle name, then it is on your booking. The barstewards charge €60 euro to change it on the boarding card! You can tell when Blue Panorama is checking in because of the scuffles at their desk!

Most of the Clients are mafioso! (of a sort). (Allegedly!), a night in there will cost more than months salary for the average Albanian . In effect it's a bit like the Edinburgh go-go's with a few more flashing lights. I'm sure they have a menu beyond drinks but it is mainly cocktails and it will be €10 ish. The girls are from the usual other parts of Eastern Europe but prostitution is illegal in Albania and despite what it might look like on the surface, it is a very conservative society. Definitely the owners of the 4th element have a bit of wasta.

Depends on where and what you are drinking. Most local draft is sold in local grills 'zgara' and in those a frothy half litre will be 80cents or so. Local beers are mainly lager but are very good. Try Tirana, Korce or Peja from Kosovo, if you see them on draft. In the center you can get most usual draft European beers, for €3 to €4 ish. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Excluding the 4th element I presume! I'd say if you are on the lash day and night, great food and drink for 200 pound in 3 nights. However, depends what you go for. €15 for a great lunch dinner with beer and wine. Night is a pub in the Blloku, 30-40€. However, if you go budget, a litre of raki will knock you out for about three days and that's about €3!

No online boarding to anywhere from Tirana airport I'm afraid...they say it is the system but I think they like to see the whites of your eyes (and to make sure they are the same as your passport!). Oh, and on flights to/from Triana. Anyone on Blue Panorma please make sure that if you have a middle name, then it is on your booking. The barstewards charge €60 euro to change it on the boarding card! You can tell when Blue Panorama is checking in because of the scuffles at their desk!

Its the only strip club in town! Doesn't open until way after my bedtime! Food is fantastic in Albania, lots of restaurants and cheap as chips. If the weather is good then nice 'al fresco' food and drinks near the market on Rrugga Shemsi Haka (near Stephan Centre), about 500m from the Opera/Tirana International hotel. Similarly around the Taiwan Centre which right beside Blloku for beers in the sun.

I spend quite a bit of time in Albania so know Tirana fairly well. Quite conservative but lots of bars in the Blloku area. And then of course there is the 4th Element!

I'll be in Tirane for the next few weeks so if anyone gets a little 'stuck' then I'll be happy to advise. Still not decided if is winter yet so very pleasant at the moment. Think it is OK for next week too.

Dozens of exchanges in central Tirana. They will change pounds and Euro to Lek. Very low transaction charge at most and it doesn't matter which currency you have with you. Certainly no need to change pounds to Euro in the UK, to then change into lek at an exchange in Albania. I regularly use ones around Wilson in central Tirana and never been ripped off. I also have one that takes scottish notes at the board rate so do not worry. There is a 24 hour exchange at the carousels in arrivals at Tirana airport. You can either change 20 quid their or pay the taxi with Euro; normally I get a taxi to central Tirana for 1500lek or less, then change what you need at a street exchange into LEK. If you have something you want to change back then just go to most exchanges and they will convert back to sterling at the board rate You can use euro in a lot of places but will lose a little in each transaction since prices are generally in LEK. Have a great trip and gezuar!