More and more European cities are accessible by direct flights from Vilnius, giving travelers more opportunities to explore not only the final destination but also the surrounding regions. In some cases, one flight can become the start of a trip through two or even three countries.
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“We notice that travelers are planning their holidays more boldly and flexibly. Many see the chosen destination not as the final goal, but as a gateway to a wider region. This approach allows you to experience more cultures, taste a variety of cuisines, and see different landscapes in one trip,” says Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale, Head of Corporate Communications at Wizz Air.
Tirana – more than Albania
Albania has become one of the fastest-growing European travel destinations in recent years, attracting visitors with its coastline, mountain views, and vibrant cities. However, Tirana can be much more than just a weekend getaway.
After exploring the capital of Albania, travelers can head south towards the Albanian Riviera. Places like Saranda and Ksamil are famous for their clear waters, scenic beaches, and relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere.
From Saranda, a short ferry trip can take you to the Greek island of Corfu, allowing you to experience a completely different cultural environment during one holiday. For those who want to make the most of every travel day, one flight to Tirana can easily turn into an exploration of both Albania and Greece.
Podgorica – gateway to the Balkans
Although Montenegro’s capital is often overshadowed by the country’s famous coastline, Podgorica can be a great starting point to explore the entire Balkan region. Within Montenegro itself, travelers can visit the Bay of Kotor, Budva’s beaches, or the stunning landscapes of Durmitor National Park. But the adventures don’t have to end at the country’s border.
The northern part of Albania is reachable by a short car trip, and those who enjoy longer routes can continue their journey towards Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Historic towns, mountain roads, and Adriatic coast views make this region especially attractive to those who like flexible travel styles and spontaneous discoveries.
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Traveling through several countries also has other advantages. Instead of returning to the airport multiple times, travelers can conveniently move by land transport and discover places they might not have thought of before.
One day you can wander through a historic Balkan old town, the next – relax on a Greek island beach.
This way of traveling also offers the opportunity to compare different cultures, cuisines, and natural landscapes during one holiday. One day you can wander through a historic Balkan old town, the next – relax on a Greek island beach or enjoy fresh seafood on the Adriatic coast.
The very concept of holidays is changing. Instead of choosing one destination and staying there for the entire trip, more and more people use direct flights from Vilnius as a start for broader adventures. From exploring Sicily beyond Catania or discovering northern Italy from Milan, to lesser-known places in Poland from Gdansk, island routes from Cyprus, exploring the Caucasus region from Kutaisi, or combining several Balkan countries into one trip – one flight can open up an entire region.
For travelers who seek not the number of visited destinations but the richness of experiences, this can be one of the smartest travel trends today.
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