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After finishing university in 2019, Ellie Larkins took what she expected to be a short escape and ended up changing her life. That single journey grew into full-time travel and a commitment to van life, and she now spends most of her time on the road. The experience is a reminder that a small decision can create long-term momentum: what begins as a break from routine can become a sustainable way to live. Along the way Ellie discovered Albania as an affordable, quiet and surprising destination for vegan travel, learning how to cook and adapt while moving between mountains and beaches, which she describes using the idea of open-ended travel as a life philosophy.
From student routine to a mobile lifestyle
Ellie didn’t set out with a detailed plan to travel forever; instead she followed curiosity after graduation and found that road life suited her temperament. The transition from study corridors to a tiny kitchen in a camper was gradual but decisive, and it taught her practical skills like simple meal planning and vehicle maintenance. She frames her experience as experimenting with van life—a deliberately small, mobile household centered on flexibility. Living on the move allowed her to grow in unexpected ways: gaining confidence, learning to accept uncertainty, and trading conventional career timelines for seasonal work and volunteering like Workaway. That approach made exploring off-the-beaten-path Europe possible and meaningful.
Vegan travel in Albania: how it works
Traveling as a plant-based eater in Albania requires adaptability rather than relying on restaurants. Ellie emphasizes staples such as bread, beans, rice and seasonal vegetables as the backbone of daily meals, while van cooking amplifies independence. In practice this means learning local names for dishes, asking about ingredients, and carrying simple supplies that turn a few raw items into a filling meal. Albania’s food scene isn’t saturated with dedicated vegan venues, but with a little flexibility you can eat well. Ellie describes this approach as practical budget vegan travel: straightforward, nourishing and compatible with a mobile lifestyle.
What to eat and what to watch for
There are several Albanian dishes that frequently turn out to be unintentionally vegan. For example, white bean soup and many rice-based dishes often need only a quick ingredient check, while vegetable stuffed peppers and aubergines are common in home cooking. Traditional pies like byrek may be vegetarian when filled with spinach or other greens, but always confirm the fat used in preparation. Condiments such as ajvar (a red pepper spread) are excellent for flavoring simple van meals. For confidence on the road, Ellie recommends carrying a short translation note explaining dietary restrictions and practicing the phraseology that works best in rural contexts, a tiny tool of cross-cultural communication.
Why Albania stands out for van lifers
Ellie highlights three qualities that make Albania attractive: affordability, low tourist density, and abundant nature. Many sites are inexpensive or free, the coast features quiet coves, and mountain roads open onto dramatic vistas. Driving in Albania means winding through landscapes where you’ll encounter grazing animals and remote villages, and sometimes snow-capped peaks in shoulder seasons. The pace is slower, which suits those practicing slow travel—lingering in places rather than rushing through. Importantly, locals tend to be curious and welcoming, often asking travelers why they have chosen Albania, which opens doors to memorable exchanges and unexpected hospitality.
Must-see spots and remote camping
There are particular places Ellie recommends for anyone exploring by van. The entrance hike to Palumbo Cave rewards visitors with stalactites and canyon views and is a good short wilderness stop. Berat, the hillside town famed for its stacked white houses, combines architecture and a castle that invites exploration. For coastal solitude, Gjipe Beach offers the chance to camp freely near the sea, often in the company of friendly local dogs rather than crowds. These examples illustrate how Albania’s mix of caves, castles and quiet beaches suits a van lifestyle oriented toward discovery rather than checklist tourism.
Practical advice, safety and the road ahead
Ellie’s practical guide for fellow travelers boils down to a few clear rules: use apps like Park4Night to find legal or tolerated spots, arrive early to claim a site, and stay flexible when plans change. Driving in rural areas means negotiating narrow and winding roads where local drivers may be faster—so patience matters. Regarding safety, Ellie felt comfortable traveling alone and believes Albania suits families, groups, and confident solo travelers, though public transport can be limited and having a vehicle is a clear advantage. Today she lives in Australia with her partner and their dog and still balances van travel with casual work and volunteering, keeping the spirit of exploration alive while planning whatever comes next.