You are reading this article probably because you are planning to travel to one of the most beautiful place on the earth. Yah literally it is one of the most beautiful parts on the earth. People with good heart and simple life style made me to rethink of my live. (What really am I doing ?)
Technically Georgia is located in Eurasia, but its own people describe it in a very lovely way, it’s the balcony of Europe. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi. Georgia covers a territory of 69,700 square kilometres (26,911 sq mi), and its 2015 population is about 3.75 million. Georgia is a unitary,semi-presidential republic, with the government elected through a representative democracy.
They speak they own language and most of them know how to speak Russian, but most of them do not know to speak English. When we spoke to some of the locals they just stared at us as we are people from Mars. so be prepared for the surprise.
So if you have not visited Georgia yet, pack your bags, book your tickets and just get going….
Requirements
I traveled from UAE, The requirements may vary from the country you are travelling or your nationality. You need to have valid Flight Ticket and Hotel Reservation. The visa is on arrival for most of the nationalities. You may have to have over 5000 AED of bank balance but you can always double check with a travel agent before you book your ticket.
On your own or through a travel agent
If it is your first time to travel or you do not want to waste your time on looking for the best hotel and booking the flights, googling for the best places to visit in Georgia. There is an easy option.
Just contact a travel agent. If you are travelling from UAE I would suggest you to check out Holiday Factory these guys are so professional and just saved more of my time. I simply had to give them a call then they did the rest, In two days I got all the required documents.
Holiday Factory will arrange your ticket, then book your hotels, pick and drop you from the airport and also they have reasonable tour packages inside Georgia. So you only have to worry about how to spend your vacation the most amazing way.
But If you want to save some bugs you can travel on your own, there are plenty of hotels and tour agencies in Georgia.
Must have checklist – Honestly this is my own check list.
Better to have a checklist so you will not miss any important things, specially some must have things such as Brush, or Sweaters (if it is winter).
Summers tend to be hot, while winters are cold in Georgia. This means that you’ll need a variety of clothing, suited to all seasons. Also, the clothing style in Georgia tends to be on the conservative side, and most people wear darker colors. I went on autumn which is a perfect time to visit if you love cold and hot weather at the same time. Or if you want to see Snow and Water on the same place 🙂
Carry US Dollars and you can exchange it to Georgian currencies (Lari), but better to keep some Dollars a swell, some Tour agencies may accept only Dollars.
Here is my personal check list, you may can use this for your travel.
Important Travel Documents & Finances
These are some of the most crucial items on your list! Before you pack your favorite tee, make sure these items are packed and secured.
- Driver’s license and/or personal ID
- Passport / Visa
- Cash / wallet
- Credit / Debit cards
- Airline tickets
- Itinerary printouts
- Copies of passport
- Travel insurance documents
- Emergency contact info
Toiletries & Essential Bathroom Items
Don’t get caught scrambling for toothpaste when you arrive at your destination in the middle of the night. Make sure these essential hygiene products are packed and ready when you need them.
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Personal hygiene items
- Skin care / lotion
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Brush / comb
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hair Gel
Clothing and Outerwear
Check the weather before you depart, to make sure you’re prepared for the elements and the environments where you’ll be trekking.
- Tees
- Sweaters & other tops
- Jeans
- Socks
- Shoes
- Underwear
- Gloves
- Scarf, Hat
- Pajamas / Bottoms
Electronics & Gear
- Mobile phone & charger
- Camera, charger & memory card
- Laptop
- USB cables
In Georgia the power outlets are having only 2 round pins, so bring your multi socket power plug, or you might get it from the reception.
Health & First Aid
- Vitamins
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid Items
- Water Bottle
Additional Everyday Basics & Travel Essentials
- Travel Pillow
- Reading material
- Journal
Food
- Noodles
- Biscuits
- Chocolate
It is pretty hard to find Halal food restaurants in Georgia, so better bring some dry foods.
Packing Tips
Keep in mind the baggage limits on your flight. Weigh your bags before you go to the airport to make sure they are not too heavy!
When you fly, carry hard copies of all of your documents in your carry-on luggage
Where to stay – Hotels, Hostels or Road
There are hotels pretty much everywhere and they are quite cheap, its up to you where you want to rest, most of the time you will be out enjoying the nature. If you book through a travel agent then they will arrange your hotel as well.
What to eat – Wine, Bread and Pork that’s what they fill their tummy with.
If you are a vegetarian still you are lucky, you will get to eat fresh and super healthy vegetables (vegetables and fruits taste different here) and they are very much fresh.
Halal foods are also available in the Tbilisi city, but you have to specifically ask for Halal food, since some may say it is Halal but it is not. Hotels breakfast includes Halal foods, I stayed for 4 days and all 4 days the breakfast was Egg and Bread.
There is an Indian restaurant (Thaj Mahal) in Tbilisi, which is famous among tourist, and they are expanding their branches to other cities very soon, so Halal Food crisis may be resolved in the near future.
Ask for Kacha Puri, which is made of wheat and cheese, available in most of the places. They also have river fish which taste yummy.
Best places to visits in Georgia – the more days the mote places
Georgia is a beautiful country shaped by rugged mountains, rivers, valleys and meadows. This amazing country lies in the middle of Caucasus region and has unspoiled natural beauty to complement its unique culture.
There are ample of things to do in Georgia, be it exploring the country on a horse back or simply savouring the delicious Georgian cuisine. The country offers something for every section of travellers.
I traveled for 4 days and yet it was not enough for me complete my wish list, but managed to visit the most famous spots.
Tbilisi City – Walk like a local talk like an alien.
Georgia is an Orthodox Christian country, and you will find beautiful churches every single corner of the country. They all have their own fascinating stories.
You do not need a guide for this tour, go out on your own, explore the fascination architectures, walk through the houses and take some memorable selfies. Take a ride on the Cable car which will take you to the Narikala Castle. Here are some list of places you can visit in the Tbilisi city.
- Sameba (Saint Trinity Church)
- Abanotubani
- Narikala Castle
- Rustaveli avenue
- Mtatsminda park
- National Botanical Garden of Georgia
Package Price: 15 – 20 USD
Kazbegi – To the the mountains with snow
There was one church in particular that caught my attention, the Gergeti Trinity Church. It’s a very famous landmark in Georgia. It’s located next to Mount Kazbegi at 2170 meters above sea level.
You will witness snow on your way to Gergeti Trinity Church even on autumn . You might need to wear a thick sweater since it is freezing cold. Well you may not ! one guy on our group was wearing a thin T-Shirt and Shorts. Was taking selfies in the Snow. (Strange things do happen in Georgia)
Try to stop by these spots on your way to Kazbegi.
- Sour water reservoir zhinvali
- Ananuri Castle
- Mineral Water Spring
- Gudauri – Will be able to see snow on Autumn and Winter
- Panorama Arch of friendship
- Holy Trinity church of Gergeti
Package Price: 25 – 30 USD (Including Lunch)
Borjomi, Rabati and Vardzia – Nature and Architecture blends with History
This is the longest trip. Which covered three famous locations in Georgia full of nature and history, you might need to keep your camera switched on always.
Burjumi has one of the largest natural park in Europe and you should visits the famous Mineral Water Park.
The old stone Rabati fortress, the main sight of the Akhaltsikhe town, is standing on the small hill on the very shores of the Potskhovi river. Its name comes from Arabic meaning “fortified place”. It is located on the western suburbs and can be seen practically from anywhere in the city.
Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River, thirty kilometres from Aspindza.
I am sure you can’t explore all of the spots on these three cities but at least try to visit these special locations.
- Borjomi – Borjomi Park and Mineral Water Spring.
- Green Monastery
- Rabat Fortress
- Vardzia Cave Monastery
Package Price: 40 – 50 USD
There are some other attractions which I could not cover on my 4 days trip, but I wish to visit Georgia again and complete my Georgia’s wishlist.
These are some other famous spots you could visit:
Kakheti, Mtskheta, Gori, Kutasi
How to travel with in georgia – Nice people but be a bit smart
It is totally alright to travel alone, the Georgians are nice people, as you know Georgia is a very less corrupt country this is why you will notice all the police stations are built with glass.
There are buses and Taxis everywhere so you can take a Taxi for shorter destinations but they might over charge you. I saw railways but never had the chance to see a single train, not sure if they have passenger trains.
If you are not sure with the public transport, go to a place called Maydan in Tbilisi, where you will find many tour agencies with reasonable tour packages.
What to do and what not to.
Be careful on the road, the people are nice but not the cars. You will find they have both right-hand and left-hand cars, which was super awkward for me.always use the subways or the bridges.
There are beggars near parks and churches, it seems some child beggars will not let you go until you give money and you will have to give to all of them or be bit wise not to give them at all. Just deal with it.
If you are a Muslim, Do not eat food without checking if its Halal.
I love Georgia and love to come back again, it is a great place to spend your vacation with your loved once. I bet you will say the same words. Georgia will never end to surprise you, the only best thing we should do is to preserve its Nature and value its identity.
#preservegeorgia #lovegeorgia
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2 Comments
Hello,
The blog is best Georgia is very memory place and best adventure is looking joyful. thank you for share us
Hi Eric,
Indeed Georgia is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been, for sure I will be travelling back. thanks for the comment.