Albania is emerging as a budget-friendly Mediterranean destination with a rich blend of scenery, cuisine, and history. It offers a variety of attractions, from the Ottoman stone houses of Gjirokaster and the Albanian Riviera's pristine beaches to the culinary culture in Tirana and the Butrint Archaeological Park. Accessible via direct flights from the UK, Albania is suitable for both short breaks and extended vacations. The article suggests ten activities, including urban exploration in Tirana, experiencing biodiversity at Lake Ohrid, indulging in Albanian cuisine, engaging in water sports, hiking the Albanian Alps, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the beaches. Accommodation options and travel tips are provided, including currency advice and transportation options like furgon minibuses.

Albania is emerging as a budget-friendly holiday destination in the Mediterranean, offering a mix of beautiful scenery, rich history, and diverse cuisine. The article suggests various activities and places to visit, such as the capital city Tirana, the Albanian Riviera, UNESCO-protected cities like Berat and Gjirokaster, and natural attractions like Lake Ohrid and the Albanian Alps. It also provides practical travel tips, including transportation options and the best times to visit.

European countries celebrate Easter with unique traditions, from Spain's Semana Santa parades and France's 'flying bells' to Poland's national water fight, Śmigus-Dyngus. The UK has egg rolling competitions, while Greece follows the procession of the Epitaphios. Florence, Italy, hosts the Scoppio del Carro, an explosive event with a historical chariot filled with fireworks. In Norway, the Easter crime tradition, Påskekrim, involves indulging in crime dramas and mystery novels during the holiday.

Easter is a significant event in the Christian calendar, and Europe is home to unique traditions, from solemn processions to water fights. Spain's Holy Week parades feature Catholic brotherhoods and intricate processions, while France has the 'flying bells' tradition where church bells stop ringing and are said to return from Rome with Easter eggs. Poland celebrates with a national water fight on Wet Monday, a tradition dating back to the 14th century. In the UK, egg rolling competitions symbolize the stone at Jesus' tomb. Greece's Epitaphios procession and Italy's Scoppio del Carro in Florence, involving a fireworks-laden cart, are other notable traditions. Norway has Påskekrim, where people indulge in crime fiction during Easter.

Kherson, Ukraine, experienced multiple shelling attacks from Russian-occupied areas, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. Russian military personnel celebrated Orthodox Christmas, while in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Russian shelling killed one and wounded two, including a child. Ukrainian Air Force downed 21 of 28 Russian drones. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa visited Ukraine, pledging $37 million to NATO for drone detection systems. Over 100 residents evacuated from Belgorod, Russia, after Ukrainian attacks. Russian President Putin and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church made statements referencing the war during Orthodox Christmas celebrations.

Kherson, Ukraine, experienced multiple shelling attacks from Russian-occupied areas, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. Russian military personnel celebrated Orthodox Christmas, while in Kharkiv, Ukraine, shelling killed one man and wounded two, including a child. Ukrainian Air Force downed 21 of 28 drones launched by Russia. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa visited Ukraine, pledging support and announcing a $37 million contribution to NATO for drone detection systems. Over 100 residents evacuated from Belgorod, Russia, after attacks from Ukraine. Russian soldiers held Christmas services on the front line, and President Putin spent Christmas Eve with families of military personnel. Patriarch Kirill referenced the war in his Christmas interview.

Two people died in attacks in Kherson, with Ukrainian Air Force downing 21 of 28 Russian drones. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, during a surprise visit to Ukraine, pledged $37 million to a NATO trust fund for drone detection systems. Over 100 residents of Belgorod, Russia, were evacuated due to ongoing attacks. Russian soldiers celebrated Orthodox Christmas, with military priests leading prayers at the front line. President Vladimir Putin joined families of fallen soldiers for Christmas Eve masses, and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church referenced the war in his annual Christmas interview.