Solo adventure traveler and long-time Eagle Creek partner, Margherita Cara, recently packed up her favorite Creeker gear and made the long journey to Albania.
She spent two weeks traveling around multiple locations to hike, explore castles, and soak up a little beach time.
Margherita is a known packing pro, so it’s only fitting we kick off her journey recap with a look at everything she packed.
Packing List: Two Weeks, Carry-On Only
Never one to check a bag, Margherita has shown us time and time again how it’s not just possible to pack for multiple weeks in a single carry-on, it’s easy with the right gear.
For two weeks in Albania, Margherita took:
- Tour Travel Pack 40L
- Pack-It® packing cubes
- 1 Shoe Sack for sandals and flip flops
- 1 Isolate Cube for tops
- 1 Reveal Cube for underwear, PJs, and swimsuits
- 1 Isolate Compression Cube for bottoms
- Packable Backpack
- Explore Hip Pack
Days 1 & 2
Margherita kicked off her trip by landing in Tirana and catching a bus to Shkoder for two nights.
Highlights Include:
- Exploring old town
- Visiting the lake
- Biking the Mesi bridge
- Staying at Scodrinon Hostel
Days 3 & 4
From Shkoder, Margherita moved on to Theth for a little outdoor adventure and exploration.
Highlights Include:
- Hiking trails to the Blue Eye
- Theth waterfall (and Valbona, weather permitting)
- Staying at Rrashkadoli guesthouse
Day 5
Next on the itinerary was Vlore. A quick stay here helped break up the longer trek south.
Highlights Include:
- A sunset on the beach
Day 6 & 7
Seaside days reign in Himare, the next stop on Margherita’s list. It’s a perfect place for a quiet couple of days with a great view.
Highlights Include:
- Quiet vibes
- Seafood restaurants
- Staying a Pine Side for some camping
- Waking up to the sound of the sea
Day 8 & 9
From chill seaside to bustling tourist city, Saranda delivered a little more liveliness without stepping too far from the water.
Highlights Include:
- Exploring the beach
- Ksamail
- The Blue Eye
- Staying at Saranda Backpacker's Hostel
Days 10 & 11
From here, Margherita swapped seaside views for mountainous ones in Gjirokaster.
Highlights Include:
- Exploring the castle
- Ali Pasha’s bridge
- Hikes in the valley
- Browsing antique shops
- Staying at Stone City Hostel
Days 12 & 13
As the final days of her trip closed in, Margherita traveled from Gjirokaster to Berat.
Highlights Include:
- Exploring old town
- The Berat Castle and Citadel
- Discovering the canyon (tubing optional)
Day 14
The final day brought Margherita back to Tirana for one night in the capital before her departure.
Highlights Include:
- Exploring the main square
- Learning Albanian history in Bunk’Art 1 and 2
We’re not sure where Margherita’s travels will take her next, but we’re certain of two things: it will be somewhere captivating, and she’ll only bring a carry-on. Follow along with all her adventures on Instagram: @duamima_
