Today, I want to talk about my favorite travel insurance company: SafetyWing.
Who is SafetyWing?
SafetyWing is an insurance company that focuses on affordable coverage for budget travelers and digital nomads (though you don’t have to be either to get coverage). It is run by nomads and expats who know exactly what such travelers need.
SafetyWing offers basic insurance plans (called “Nomad Essential”) for a fraction of what other companies charge, although they are also less comprehensive. To me, they are the best overall travel insurance company out there.
Their standard Nomad Insurance coverage costs just $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (for travelers aged 10-39). That’s one of the lowest prices out there for reliable travel insurance. They are super competitive when it comes to price.
Their coverage extends all the way to age 69, however, travelers aged 60-69 should expect to pay upwards of $196 USD per month for coverage. Still very reasonable, to be honest.
But is the coverage actually good? What about the customer service?
Today I want to review Safety Wing and talk about when it is — and isn’t — worth using so you can better prepare for your next trip and ensure you have the coverage you need.
What Does SafetyWing Cover?
SafetyWing’s standard Nomad Insurance plan is the Essential plan. It’s just $56.28 USD for four weeks of travel (outside the US). That works out to just $1.87 USD per day!
For travelers under age 64, that plan includes the following:
$250,000 USD in emergency medical coverage
$1,000 USD for emergency dental care
$100,000 USD for medical evacuation ($25,000 USD if the cause of medical evacuation is acute onset of pre-existing condition)
$10,000 USD for an evacuation due to political upheaval
$5,000 USD for a trip interruption
Up to $100 a day after a 12-hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. Subject to a maximum of 2 days.
$12,500–25,000 USD for death or dismemberment
$20,000 USD for repatriation of remains
Be sure to check the description of coverage for any conditions that apply.
Its $100,000 USD for medical evacuation is on the low end, but unless you’re heading out into the remote wilderness, that should be fine. (If you want higher coverage, get MedJet.)
Its travel-delay payout is pretty low, but airlines and most travel credit cards provide travel delay assistance too so you might not even need the coverage offered by SafetyWing. Additionally, it doesn’t really cover expensive electronics, which sucks if you have a pricey camera or video gear.
As with most standard travel insurance plans, this one doesn’t include pre-existing conditions or certain adventure sports, so it’s not a good policy if you’re going to do a lot of adventure activities on the road.
They do offer a couple helpful add-ons that I think a lot of travelers will appreciate, including coverage for adventure activities and electronics theft. That means that if you need the coverage, you can pay extra for it. However, if you don’t need it then you don’t have to pay for it, keeping your costs low. I appreciate that, as someone who always needs electronic coverage but who never needs adventure activity coverage (I’m not a big adrenaline junkie).
What’s Not Covered?
The Essential plan is primarily geared towards covering medical emergencies and basic travel mishaps (like delays and lost luggage). Here are some things that aren’t covered:
Alcohol- or drug-related incidents.
Extreme sports & adventure activities (unless you purchase the adventure sports add-on, which is available for non-US residents)
Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups
Trip cancellation
Lost or stolen cash
Nomad Complete: Coverage for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travelers
In 2023, SafetyWing launched Nomad Health (now called their “Complete” plan). It’s insurance for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. This new plan offers a mix of the standard emergency coverage that we’ve been discussing above along with “regular” health care coverage, such as routine visits and preventive care.
The Complete plan also offers coverage in 175 countries, includes wellness benefits, mental health care, and the ability for individuals to choose their own doctor while traveling. They will be expanding coverage too, including an add-on for “electronics theft” (which, as someone who has been robbed while traveling, I think is a great idea).
It’s like the kind of health insurance you’d find in your home country, ensuring that you’re looked after no matter what happens while you’re abroad.
If you’re just heading out for a couple weeks or a couple months, SafetyWing’s Essential plan is the option for you. It’s perfect for emergencies, is super affordable, and is designed for budget travelers. It’s the plan I use when I travel these days.
However, if you’re going to be working abroad or traveling for months (or years), then their new Complete plan is the better option. It offers much more coverage while still being affordable. In fact, it’s the plan I wish I had when I started traveling long-term!
SafetyWing makes it easy to file a claim through their online portal. You just upload all the required documents, screenshots, and photos, and wait to hear back. While claims can take up to 45 business days, most are handled in less than a week (as of writing, the average wait time is four days).
If you read the reviews online, most people who had a negative experience either didn’t know about the deductible (SafetyWing removed their deductible for non-US residents as of 2024) or hated the length of time it took to get paid. But that’s pretty normal for people to complain about.
On the plus side, SafetyWing’s average time to handle a claim is down to just four days. That’s way faster than most companies!
A Note About COVID
SafetyWing does include coverage for COVID-19. As long as the virus was not contracted before your plan starts, then it will be covered (as long as it is medically necessary).
SafetyWing also covers quarantine costs (outside your home country) for up to $50 USD/day for 10 days (provided that you’ve had your plan for at least 28 days).
Pros and Cons of SafetyWing
Here’s a look that the pros and cons of SafetyWing at a glance to help you decide if it’s the best insurance provider for you and your trip:
Most affordable travel insurance out there
Only covers up to age 69
Offers coverage for COVID-19
Limited coverage for gear/electronics
You can buy plans online even if you’re already on your trip
Limited coverage for adventure activities
Easy to submit claims online
No trip cancellation coverage
After being abroad for 90 days, you keep your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country (15 days if you’re from the U.S.)
Up to 2 children under 10 per family (1 per adult) can be included for free
No need to set an end date (subscription renews every 4 weeks)
Two different plans mean you can easily find one that works for you/your budget
Who is SafetyWing Good — and Not Good For?
SafetyWing is designed as mainly medical coverage. Since SafetyWing is designed for the budget-conscious digital nomad, it doesn’t cover some areas that might be more of a priority for a shorter-term traveler. Here’s a quick chart to help you decide if SafetyWing is right for you:
Budget travelers
People traveling with a TON of electronics
Someone looking for simple emergency coverage
Anyone needing comprehensive trip delay or cancellation
People without lots of expensive electronics
People doing excessive extreme sports/activities
Digital nomads who need medical coverage for long-term travel
***
Travel insurance is something I never leave home without. I know it’s a boring topic to read about and research, but it can literally save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills! I never, ever leave home without it. You shouldn’t either.
So, the next time you’re on the road, consider SafetyWing. To me, they are the best travel insurance company out there for budget travelers.
You can use the booking widget below to get a quote (it’s free):
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
These South Australia road trips showcase natural wonders and rugged beauty, whether you want a day trip or a week-long adventure.
South Australia is seriously underrated when it comes to road tripping.
Compared to the East Coast, the West Coast, or even the Great Ocean Road down in Victoria, South Australia is often overlooked when it comes to coastal road trips.
But South Australia has so much to offer for those looking to explore by car. With dramatic coastlines, world-class wine regions, rugged outback landscapes, and white sandy beaches, South Australian road trips showcase the best of Australia.
Here are some amazing road trip routes to consider for your trip to South Australia.
Whether you want a quick road trip to be done in a few days, or a massive expedition around the mountains, these routes are packed with adventure and beauty.
We will also mention some interstate road trips for those with more time to spare. Road tripping from one Australian city or state to another is the perfect way to slow travel and see more Down Under.
Here are some of the best South Australian road trips.
Whether you want to stay in a historic town surrounded by vineyards or camp under the vast Outback stars in a national park, South Australia has a variety of landscapes and cultures that you can explore on a road trip.
Most travellers who visit South Australia will start their trip in Adelaide. Here you can pick up a rental car and explore South Australia at your own pace.
If you’re starting a road trip outside Adelaide, you should still be able to find car hire if the town is big enough.
With stunning scenery, rich Aboriginal culture, sprawling national parks, white sandy beaches, rolling hills, native wildlife, and more, any road trip through the state is sure to impress.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Kangaroo Island
Recommended time frame: 3-5 days
Recommended route: Cape Jervis, Penneshaw, Kingscote, Flinders Chase National Park, Vivonne Bay, return to Cape Jervis
A road trip around Kangaroo Island is the ultimate escape into nature, where raw coastal beauty meets abundant wildlife and rustic charm.
Start with a ferry ride from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, the second-biggest town on Kangaroo Island.
Then head west through rolling farmland and eucalyptus forests toward Kingscote, the island’s main town and a good spot to stock up on supplies or spend the night.
Nearby, you can meet sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, stroll among the wildlife at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, or sample local honey and spirits from boutique producers.
If you want a break from driving, book a coastal safari or a dolphin, seal and swimming boat tour to get the best views of the rugged coastline and spot marine life around Kangaroo Island! Or hit the beach at the beautiful Stokes Bay.
The western end of Kangaroo Island is home to Flinders Chase National Park. This majestic area has dramatic rock formations like the sculptural Remarkable Rocks and the wave-carved Admirals Arch.
On your return loop back to the mainland, stop in Vivonne Bay for a swim, admire the sand dunes at Little Sahara, and stop in at the artisan producers around American River.
With 3–5 days, you can circle Kangaroo Island at a relaxed pace and see more than you would on a day trip.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Recommended time frame: 3-5 days
Recommended route: Adelaide, McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Deep Creek, Cape Jervis
Another one of the best South Australia road trips is the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. With a mix of coastal scenery, food and wine, and relaxed countryside charm, it’s the perfect road trip for those with just a few days to spare from Adelaide.
Start your journey heading south to McLaren Vale, where rolling vineyards meet the sea. Here, you can spend wine tasting, dining at cellar door restaurants, cycling the Shiraz Trail, to soaking up the sun at Aldinga Beach.
As you continue toward the coast, the drive opens up to stunning beach views and quiet bays. Stop at Port Willunga for sunset over the famous beach pylons or enjoy a seafood lunch in the vibrant town of Aldinga.
From there, cruise further south to Victor Harbor, a seaside town known for its horse-drawn tram to Granite Island and excellent whale watching in winter.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the Victor Harbor coastline, get out on the water! Join a Seal Island cruise or a Southern Ocean adventure cruise to spot dolphins, seals, sea lions, and more marine life along the Fleurieu Peninsula.
For something wilder, head toward Deep Creek National Park. This rugged coastal reserve has hiking trails, waterfalls, and secluded campsites that are a perfect addition to any South Australian road trips!
End your loop at Cape Jervis, where you can take the ferry to Kangaroo Island or head back to Adelaide.
Coastal views in Victor Harbor
Flinders Ranges
Recommended time frame: 3-7 days
Recommended route: Port Augusta, Mount Little Station, Brachina Gorge, Wilpena Pound, Arkaroola
The Flinders Ranges are a rugged, timeless landscape rich in Aboriginal culture, geology, and wildlife.
Start the road trip in Port Augusta, a historic outback hub that acts as the gateway to both the Flinders Ranges and the Nullarbor.
One of the first epic places to stop once you enter the national park is Mount Little Station, where you can go camping, hiking, stargazing, and 4WDing.
Then take on the Moralana Scenic Drive, which runs from the Outback Highway to the Flinders Ranges Way. The route is about 30km and has some spectacular views, specifically of the southern edge of Wilpena Pound.
Head north up to Brachina Gorge via Bunyeroo Road, which has more spectacular lookouts of the Flinders Ranges mountains. Razorback Lookout and Bunyeroo Valley Lookout are one of the best viewpoints to visit!
Past Brachina Gorge, there are lots of wilderness campsites where you can spend the night under the Outback stars.
For those with a 4WD and a thirst for exploration, continue deeper into the ranges toward Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders. This remote, rocky outcrop is known for its rugged 4WD tracks, rich Indigenous heritage, and world-class stargazing in some of the darkest skies in Australia.
When you’re ready to drive back south towards civilization, take the Flinders Ranges way and stop at more Outback stations, historic homesteads, and hiking trails.
End your epic South Australia road trip around the mountains with a visit to Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre ideal for hiking, scenic flights, or photography.
Driving through the Flingers Ranges is a treat!
Adelaide Wine Country
Recommended time frame: 1-4 days
Recommended route: Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley
A road trip through the Barossa and Clare Valleys is a dream for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone who enjoys rolling countryside and charming heritage towns.
This is one of the few South Australia road trips on this list that can be done in one day! Though we recommend taking a few days to enjoy both wine regions fully before returning to Adelaide.
Start with a road trip from Adelaide to the Barossa Valley, which is only an hour. Spend your days sipping at iconic wineries like Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Yalumba, or discover smaller cellar doors tucked among the gum trees.
From the Barossa, continue north through picturesque farmland to reach the Clare Valley, a smaller but equally charming wine region known for its relaxed, historic town vibe.
One of the best ways to explore is by cycling the Riesling Trail, a 35 km path that winds through vineyards, cellar doors, and old railway stations between the towns of Clare, Sevenhill, and Auburn.
Don’t miss a visit to the historic Sevenhill Cellars, established by Jesuit priests in 1851, or a long lunch at one of the valley’s many gourmet pubs and winery restaurants.
Recommended route: Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Elliston, Baird Bay, Ceduna
The Eyre Peninsula is an amazing South Australia road trip. It’s known for thrilling wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back fishing towns. The Eyre Peninsula has even earned the nickname, “The Seafood Frontier”!
Starting from Port Augusta, you’ll head west toward Whyalla, where you can snorkel or dive with giant cuttlefish in the crystal-clear waters.
Continue south to Port Lincoln, known as the seafood capital of Australia. Here you can feast on freshly caught tuna, prawns, and oysters, or go full-throttle with once-in-a-lifetime experiences like cage diving with great white sharks or swimming with playful sea lions.
Or enjoy some land experiences like a 4WD tour across the sand dunes of Lincoln National Park at sunset, or an Aboriginal cultural tour.
Just west of Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay is another highlight of the Eyre Peninsula. Spend at least a full day in Coffin Bay, where you can explore stunning national park beaches and join an oyster farm boat tour to learn about the Seafood Frontier.
Coffin Bay National Park is a coastal wilderness of white sand dunes, turquoise waters, and rugged limestone cliffs, perfect for 4WD adventures, water sports, secluded beach hikes, and spotting kangaroos by the sea.
Next, road trip along the stunning west coast of the Eyre Peninsula through coastal gems like Elliston, Baird Bay, and Streaky Bay, where towering cliffs and blowholes meet secluded beaches and iconic surf breaks.
Don’t miss the Talia Caves, naturally carved sandstone formations perfect for a quick hike and photo stop. Finish your loop in Ceduna, a quiet coastal town that serves as the launch point for the Nullarbor if you’re continuing west.
Nullarbour Plain
Recommended time frame: 3-10 days, depending on how far you want to go
Recommended route: Ceduna, Nullarbor Roadhouse, Head of Bight, Bunda Cliffs, Eucla, then head west to Perth or south to Esperance
The Nullarbor Plain is an iconic South Australia road trip. This vast, remote adventure crosses the world’s largest limestone plain for roughly 1,200 km from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia.
While this road trip isn’t packed with cool sights like some of the coastal drives, this route gives you a true sense of the isolation and desert scenery of the Australian Outback.
Start your drive in Ceduna, South Australia and head west. Along the way, you’ll drive the famous “90 Mile Straight,” Australia’s longest straight stretch of road.
Other highlights you’ll see on the way include Penong’s giant windmills and the Nullarbor Roadhouse. Next, visit the Head of Bight for spectacular whale watching in winter, and don’t miss the dramatic seaside cliffs of the Bunda Cliffs!
As you cross the border into Western Australia near Border Village, remember to ditch any fruit and veg (strict biosecurity rules apply), and stop at the windswept, sand-covered ruins of the old Eucla Telegraph Station.
Recommended route: Mount Gambier, Robe, Coorong National Park, Goolwa, Cape Jervis, Adelaide
The stunning Southern Ocean Drive is another top option for a South Australia road trip. Starting at the border of South Australia and Victoria, this gorgeous coastal route follows the Southern Ocean all the way up to Adelaide.
You can combine this road trip with our routes for Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula! Or add on the Great Ocean Road and drive all the way to Melbourne! There are many ways to tackle this road trip.
Most people start the Southern Ocean Drive in Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast, where you can explore the stunning Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, and Engelbrecht Cave.
Then stop in Robe, one of the most picturesque seaside towns in South Australia. Relax at Long Beach, take the scenic Obelisk Walk, and grab lunch at a local seafood spot. Wine lovers can stop at Cape Jaffa Wines or Robe Town Brewery for a drink with a view.
Next you’ll road trip along the Coorong, a stunning chain of saltwater lagoons and wetlands known for birdwatching, Aboriginal heritage, and shifting sand dunes.
Stop at the Coorong National Park Visitor Centre, or walk the Loop Road boardwalk trail to see the dunes up close.
Further along the south coast, stop in Goolwa, a charming riverside town at the mouth of the Murray River. You’ll pass even more laid-back surf towns like Normanville, Port Elliot, and Middleton before reaching Cape Jervis.
From here, either take a detour to explore Kangaroo Island or head north along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula towards Adelaide.
Recommended route: Adelaide, Hahndorf, Mount Lofty, Stirling
For a convenient road trip near Adelaide that you can do in a day, explore Adelaide Hills!
With cool-climate wines, lush forests, charming villages, and artisanal food, you can explore all of this in a day or stretch it out into an overnight stay.
Start your journey by heading straight to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement, where you can stroll along the historic main street filled with bakeries, leather shops, galleries, and German pubs.
If you have time, swing by Beerenberg Farm for seasonal fruit picking or visit The Cedars, the former home and studio of artist Sir Hans Heysen.
After soaking up the village charm, continue to Mount Lofty Summit for sweeping views over Adelaide, and if you’re feeling active, go for a walk in nearby Cleland Conservation Park or meet native animals at Cleland Wildlife Park.
From there, cruise down to Stirling, a leafy, garden-filled town with quaint bookshops, cafes, and gift stores. Enjoy lunch at The Stirling Hotel or pack a picnic for the peaceful Woorabinda Lake Reserve.
If you plan to stay overnight, the surrounding villages like Crafers, Aldgate, or Bridgewater offer cozy B&Bs, boutique retreats, and romantic cottages.
If you’re a real foodie, we also recommend touring Adelaide Central Market before or after your road trip to Adelaide Hills!
Coober Pedy
Recommended time frame: 5-10 days
Recommended route: Adelaide, Port Augusta, Lake Hart, Coober Pedy, Breakaways Reserve
If you want to experience Australia’s wild interior, try an Outback road trip from Adelaide to Coober Pedy!
Heading north along the Stuart Highway, the scenery changes from fertile farmland around Port Augusta to the wide, flat salt lakes and plains of the Outback desert.
Stop at quirky rural towns like Woomera, a historic site for Australia’s space research. Or take a short detour to see the otherworldly shores of Lake Hart, a dazzling salt lake that’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Then spend at least a couple of days in Coober Pedy! Known as the “Opal Capital of the World,” Coober Pedy is famous for its mining industry and its underground infrastructure that is made to escape the desert heat.
Then you can either return to Adelaide or continue your Outback adventure! Coober Pedy is right on the way for an Adelaide to Darwin road trip, which is one of the most incredible ways to explore the desert of South Australia, the Red Centre of the Northern Territory, and Australia’s Top End.
If you decide to do the road trip to Darwin after Coober Pedy, don’t miss Uluru, Kings Canyon, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, and Kakadu National Park.
Driving through the Breakaways near Coober Pedy at sunset
Other Australia road trip ideas
Australia is full of natural beauty, white sand beaches, snow capped mountains, Outback scenery and more. Road trips are an amazing way to explore this vast continent.
Any of these South Australian road trips can be modified or extended to include more of Australia’s highlights. If you have a few weeks or months, you can take on some incredible adventures.
Road trip from Adelaide to the East Coast, where you can drive north and visit iconic locations like Sydney and the Sea Cliff Bridge, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Noosa, and the Great Barrier Reef. New South Wales and Queensland both have much to offer!
Or road trip from Adelaide to Perth and head north along the West Coast. Plan your own itinerary in Australia and you’ll be amazed at what you can discover with some car hire and road trip maps!
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But there’s more to Paris than the sites that attract thousands upon thousands of visitors each day.
While I was living in Paris the past few months, I made it my mission to see some of the more unusual, lesser-known (but equally awesome) attractions (that didn’t come with the aggravating crowds that make so many of Paris’ attractions unbearable).
And, while some of the things on the list below might not be “super secret” attractions or activities, they do fall into the category of “overlooked attractions” so I included them.
Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path things to see and do in Paris:
1. Musée Édith Piaf
Édith Piaf is perhaps the most famous French singer from the 1930s to the 1960s, and known around the world for her songs La vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien (which appeared in the movie Inception). She lived in a little apartment in the Ménilmontant district at the start of her career, which has been turned into a tiny museum dedicated to her. You get a glimpse at her life through her gold and platinum records, photographs, clothing, letters from fans, posters, recordings, and sheet music.
Admission is free, but you’ll need to make an appointment.
2. Musée Curie
Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize (and the only woman to win it twice) for her research into radioactivity (a word that she invented). She was the first female professor at the University of Paris as well as the first woman to be entombed in the Panthéon on her own merits. Located in the 5th arrondissement, this museum, in her old laboratory, highlights her radiological research. It’s insightful and eye-opening for anyone unfamiliar with her historic discoveries.
3. Archives Nationales
Opened in 1867, the National Archives houses thousands of historical documents dating back to 625 CE. One of six national archives in the country, the museum sheds light on France’s turbulent past, providing nuanced historical details and context through permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Built by the order of Napoleon I, the building itself (known as the Hôtel de Soubise) is absolutely stunning. It is in the late Baroque style, embracing long columns and lots of statues and sculptures. It features immaculate grounds and gardens as well. They always hold a lot of good exhibitions too.
4. Librairie Galignani
This bookshop claims to be the oldest English bookstore in continental Europe, having opened in Paris in 1801. Prior to that, they were located in Venice and the Galignani name has been associated with publishing books since the 16th century. Age aside, this is a great place to browse as it is absolutely packed with books. You could easily spend a couple hours here hunting through the stacks and shelves. It’s a quiet, quaint shop and the staff are super knowledgeable. If you’re an avid reader like me, don’t miss it!
5. Paris Point Zero
This is the official center of Paris, from which all distances in the city are measured. While it’s just a simple brass star set into the sidewalk near the Notre Dame Cathedral, there are a few popular rituals here that make this a short but fun stop (and since you’ll likely be nearby visiting the Cathedral, you might as well stop here). Some people treat the star as a wishing well, tossing a coin and making a wish (which is why there are usually a handful of coins on the star). Others, however, insist that if you stand on the star with your loved one and kiss, your love will last forever.
6. The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy
Opened in 1898, this gallery is a part of the French National Museum of Natural History. Taking up the ground floor of the building, it’s home to over 1,000 animal skeletons from around the world, including complete skeletons of elephants, large cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as interesting as it is unsettling: all the animals are facing the same way, making it look like you’re in the midst of some undead stampede!
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7. Petite Ceinture
In use from 1862 through 1964, the railway circling Paris was abandoned when the city expanded beyond its limits. It’s mostly hidden behind buildings and covered in wild plants and grass now, though some sections are now officially open to the public. You’ll find all sorts of flowers and street art along the tracks.
While some sections are illegal to visit, near Parc Georges Brassens you’ll find a section of the tracks known as the ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ that is both free and legal to visit. It’s located in the 15e arrondissement.
8. The Salvador Dalí Sundial
This surrealist sundial was created by world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Located on Rue Saint-Jacques, it’s a mix of a human face and a scallop shell (the symbol of the Camino to Santiago, since the street is named after the saint). While the sundial doesn’t actually work, it’s nevertheless an easy way to see a piece of artwork by one of the most famous artists in the world.
9. Le Passe-Muraille
This iconic bronze sculpture is located near Montmartre, making it an easy stop on your itinerary. It’s based on a character from The Man Who Walked Through Walls (Le Passe-Muraille), a short story by Parisian Marcel Aymé published in 1941. In the story, a man gains the ability to pass through walls and he uses the skill to get up to no good. At the end of the book, though, his power fades just as he is passing through a wall…and he gets stuck. If you get up close to the sculpture, you’ll see that the hands of the statue are extra smooth, thanks to countless people taking photos of themselves trying to pull the man free.
10. Montmartre Cemetery
While the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most popular in Paris, for a more secluded stroll, check out the Montmartre Cemetery. Plenty of people visit the top of Montmartre for Sacré-Coeur and the view, but few take the time to wander this cemetery sitting at the foot of the district. It opened in 1825 and is home to many cobwebbed mausoleums, as well as a handful of stray cats. You won’t see many people here, so you can explore in peace.
11. The Museum of Counterfeiting
Opened in 1972, this museum is home to counterfeit items that have been collected by France’s customs agents and police (as well as donated items from brands and consumers alike). There are over 500 items in the museum, ranging from counterfeit art and luxury goods to more mundane items, like cleaning supplies. While some knockoffs are impressive in their duplicity, it’s also funny to see just how bad some counterfeiters were!
12. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)
This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends almost 5km along the old Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated a few decades afterward. Until New York built their High Line, it was the only elevated park in the entire world. (And, honestly, this is way nicer than the NYC High Line).
You’ll find lots of trees, flowers, ponds, and places to sit along this long path that stretches from Bastille to the edge of Paris. It’s a long, easy, and beautiful walk. You won’t find many people here. Even on a nice day, it’s rather empty. It quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Paris and I can’t recommend coming here enough!
13. Canal Saint-Martin
Stretching 4.5km, the Canal Saint-Martin is a man-made waterway commissioned by Napoleon. Construction finished in 1825, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine via both above-ground locks and underground tunnels. While not any secret spot (on a nice day, you’ll find the canal lined with people), it’s mostly a spot for locals who want to have a picnic and relax. So, say no to the Seine, and come have your outdoor picnic along the canal. It’s more relaxing and there will be fewer people!
14. Museé de Montmartre
Founded in 1960, this museum is located throughout two buildings that date back to the 17th century. Over the years, the buildings were home to many famous writers and painters. The gardens of the museum were actually renovated to look more like the gardens in Renoir’s paintings (there is also a vineyard nearby that dates back to the Middle Ages but it makes horrible wine). The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide variety of paintings, posters, and drawings.
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While the main sights in Paris are always worth checking out, if you want to be more than a tourist and develop a greater appreciation for the City of Light’s unique and complex history, visit these unconventional and unusual attractions in Paris.
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Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide? Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company in the city.
The Nenets are an Indigenous people of Arctic Russia, renowned for their nomadic lifestyle and deep connection to reindeer herding in the remote, unforgiving tundra of northern Siberia, in a region named Yamalia.
Despite their isolation, it is now possible for travelers to visit Nenets camps, a rare opportunity to meet a truly nomadic culture, while witnessing one of the rawest travel experiences.
When it’s best to visit the Nenets: winter or summer?
Travelers interested in this particular part of Russia are often not sure about which season is best for going to Yamalia.
The truth is that both seasons offer incredible experiences, but they’re dramatically different. Here are 30 photos that will help you decide which season is best to travel with us to Yamalia.
Remember that we have the following shceuded for Nenets:
In summer, the landscape is more beautiful, with the tundra being green and covered in wildflowers.
Another great advantage is that you are going to see much more reindeers, since in summer, Nenets need to gather them every day for carrying out different types of tasks.
In summer, Nenets often don’t wear their traditional reindeer-made clothes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take amazing photos, plus remember the weather is much more pleasant than the freezing Siberian winter.
However, the main advantage of coming here in summer is that you’ll get to witness the migration, as Nenets families move with their reindeer and sledges every one or two days—a dynamic, ever-changing scene that few outsiders ever get to see.
In winter, the whole tundra is frozen, and temperatures drop down to -20ºc and -40ºc. The tundra isn’t as beautiful as in summer but the weather and snow add an epic touch into it. From a weather perspective, it’s colder and more uncomfortable, but don’t worry, chums (local tents) are warm and cozy.
Nenets wear their traditional, reindeer-made clothes, making them particular photogenic.
In winter, you won’t witness Nenets migration (unless staged) but you will be able to see other activities like ice-fishing, or ice collection for their water.
South Ossetia is a breakaway republic that declared independence from Georgia in 2008.
However, it has only been recognized as an independent country by a handful of states—Russia, Venezuela, Vanuatu, Nicaragua, and Syria—making it one of those “ghost countries” that exist in a kind of geopolitical limbo.
This separatist republic, however, has always been the most difficult to visit.
This blog tell you everything you need to know to travel to South Ossetia, including visas, how to get there, places to visit and more.
In this travel guide to South Ossetia, you will find:
Introduction to traveling to South Ossetia
Why are there two Ossetias?
In 1922, as part of a broader Soviet strategy to weaken nationalist movements and centralize control the region of Ossetia was split into two:
North Ossetia became Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR) within the Russian SFSR
South Ossetia became an Autonomous Oblast (AO) within the Georgian SSR – the lowest level of autonomy in the Soviet system.
Over the following decades, South Ossetia pushed for a greater autonomy, which was never granted.
South Ossetia main flag and emblem
South Ossetia becomes an independent territory within Georgia (1991-2008)
When the USSR collapsed and Georgia became an independent country, South Ossetia became instantly part of Georgia.
Nevertheless, South Ossetians refused to be under their control, so fighting broke out between Georgian forces and South Ossetian separatists.
A ceasefire was eventually reached, leaving South Ossetia as a de facto independent territory within Georgia. At the time, Georgians made up roughly one third of the population in South Ossetia, and the border with Georgia was open and fully operational.
Tensions, however, always remained.
South Ossetia becomes an independent country (2008)
In 2008, Georgia started a war by bombarding Tskhinvali, accusing Russia of violating agreements by sending troops through the Roki Tunnel and distributing Russian passports to South Ossetians
That short, 5-day war ended with South Ossetia becoming a fully independent country, but only recoginzed by:
South Ossetian passport first pageSouth Ossetian passport front page
Why isn’t Russia absorbing South Ossetia?
Russia already absorbed Crimea, while Ukraine is work in progress, why not taking over South Ossetia?
Russia already gets a lot of benefits from South Ossetia, they fully control it economically and military, but not making it formally part of Russia benefits them even further: it blocks Georgia from joining NATO, since the alliance won’t admit a country with unresolved border disputes.
The Embassy of Transnitria in Tskhinvali
How to get a visa for South Ossetia
For visiting South Ossetia you will need to apply for a permit, which will allow you to collect your visa on arrival at the border.
Permits can only be issued by the South Ossetian migration office, so you’ll need someone local – such as a friend, guide or tour operator – to apply on your behalf.
This local person doesn’t necessarily need to be South Ossetian, but Russians can also obtain the permit for you at the respective office in Vladikavkaz (North Ossetia).
Keep in mind that permits take 30 to 60 days to be issued, so apply well in advance.
What are the South Ossetian permit requirements?
A passport copy and a double-entry Russian visa.
Russia considers South Ossetia as an independent country so, when entering South Ossetia from Russia, you are technically leaving Russian territory and because the border between South Ossetia and Georgia is closed, you will need to return to Russia the same way you came, so a a double-entry visa is strictly required.
Do you get any stamp or proof in your passport that you have traveled to South Ossetia?
No, you don’t.
Russia will issue a brand-new migration card, but they won’t stamp your passport.
Similarly, the visa for South Ossetia is issued as a separate piece of paper.
Therefore, except for your pictures and souvenirs, there won’t be any official proof that you’ve been to South Ossetia, meaning you can travel to Georgia afterwards without issues.
The visa for traveling to South Ossetia
How to travel to South Ossetia
Traveling to South Ossetia from Georgia
The border between Georgia and South Ossetia has been closed since 2008.
Traveling to South Ossetia from Russia
The only way to enter South Ossetia is from Russia via the Roki Tunnel, located 1.5 hours from Vladikavkaz.
From the border to Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, it’s another 1.5 drive, so roughly 3 hours in total.
However, border formalities on the Russian side can take up to 4 hours, including waiting time and questioning.
In my case, we were 2 foreigners and the total waiting time was 2 hours and 50 minutes. The Russian authorities were friendly but did ask loads of questions, mostly related to my travels – based on the stamps in my passport. They also went through all the pictures on my phone, so make sure to delete any controversial photos before arriving.
On the other hand, the South Ossetian side didn’t take more than 10 minutes.
To be honest, I don’t know if there is any public transportation between Vladikavkaz and Tskhinvali but either way, I strongly recommend entering South Ossetia with the same person who applied for your permit.
The border town in South Ossetia
South Ossetians and their culture
Ossetians are an ethnic group native to the central Caucasus.
Today, the population of Ossetians live spread across North Ossetia and South Ossetia, but they are essentially the same people, with their regional, local differences, just like most nations around the world.
Ossetian is the language spoken by all Ossetians, which is highly related to Iranian, but they use the Cyrillic alphabet and virtually everyone speaks impeccable Russian.
Other than that, while North Ossetia is today more developed and much closer to the Russian culture, South Ossetia remains more traditional, visible in the rural villages and lifestyle of most people in South Ossetia.
The general opinion of South Ossetians toward Georgians is deeply negative.
Georgians are widely seen as aggressors and oppressors, blamed for carrying out ethnic cleansing and mass displacement.
This sentiment is particularly strong among the younger generation, who have grown up with no contact with Georgians and have been exposed to decades of anti-Georgian propaganda, largely driven by Russia.
That’s the general opinion, you asked for it 😉
There are some exceptions, of course—especially among older generations who coexisted with Georgians during Soviet times—but the general rule is that, according to South Ossetians, Georgians are the worst of all evils, and Russians are their saviours.
If you’re travelling in South Ossetia, it’s important not to contradict them—they are extremely sensitive about the topic, and I say this from personal experience.
As someone who lived in Georgia for almost a year and has a big sympathy for Georgians, I tried to give a balanced, unbiased opinion on that matter, not necessarily supporting Georgians, but suggesting that perhaps Georgia’s attack was influenced by obvious Russian provocations—that Russia was looking for an excuse—and that the only real beneficiary of the war was Russia.
However, it was simply impossible to convince them of any of this.
Some South Ossetians hanging our in a pretty area near Tskhinvali
Money & budget for South Ossetia
After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Georgia introduced the Georgian lari but Russia retained the ruble as its currency.
South Ossetia never fully integrated into post-Soviet Georgia after 1991 so, until 2008, they used both the Georgian lari and the Russian ruble.
When South Ossetia became an independent country in 2008, they abandoned the Lari for good, while adopting the Russian ruble as their official currency, mainly because they didn’t have any financial or base to support its own currency, plus they heavily rely on Russian aid, investments and all sorts of support.
Therefore, in South Ossetia, they use the Russian ruble.
Credit cards, ATM and exchanging money in South Ossetia
South Ossetia is economically integrated with Russia, so sanctions imposed on Russia equally apply here.
Places to visit in South Ossetia: a 3-day itinerary
Unless you are planning to do some hiking, South Ossetia is a small region which you can easily visit in a few days.
Here are the places we visited in South Ossetia in 3 days.
South Ossetia itinerary map
Places to visit in South Ossetia in 3 days
Tskhinvali, capital of South Ossetia
Tskhinvali might be one of the hardest capital names in the world to pronounce.
Rather than a proper capital city, Tskhinvali feels more like a small provincial town. Its southern edge lies right at the border with Georgia.
The city is about 50km from Gori, a popular town in Georgia for being Stalin’s birthplace.
To be honest, there’s not much going on in Tskhinvali, the main highlights being things related to South Ossetia’s independence, such as the Parliament and several Georgian war memorials.
The city also houses a very insightful National Museum and intrepid travelers will certainly enjoy dropping by the embassies of Transnistria and Abkhazia, two breakaway republics with a similar status that recognize South Ossetia.
In fact, our local fixer turned out to be a friend of the Transnistria main representative, with whom we had a few glasses of wine.
The Parliament of South Ossetia is an unmissable place to visit in Tskhinvali
Monastery of Tiri
Tiri is a beautiful Georgian Orthodox monastery dating back to the 8th century that for centuries, played a key role in the spread of Christianity in the South Caucasus.
While some locals – including our fixer – claimed the monastery is Armenian, evidence clearly suggests that it’s Georgian, since it lies within a region that was part of medieval Georgia, plus, architecturally, the ornamentation, and inscriptions are consistent with early medieval Georgian church styles, not Armenian.
The Monastery of Tiri is one of the landmarks to visit in South Ossetia
Ertso Lake
Located at 1,700–1,800 meters above sea level, Ertso lake is a striking, alpine lake easily accessible from the road to Kvaisi, and a great stopover for a picnic lunch.
Ertso Lake in a not very beautiful day in South Ossetia
Kvaisi
Today, Kvaisi is a sleepy town located in western South Ossetia, bordering the province of Racha in Georgia.
Back in the day, however, this mountain town was the industrial and mining hub of South Ossetia, the legacy of which can be seen in the abandoned factories, faded murals, and concrete buildings.
If you are into urban exploration and crumbling Lenin statues and Soviet stuff, it doesn’t get any better than in Kvaisi.
An abandoned mining factory in Kvaisi
Akhalgori (Leningor)
Akhalgori is the most politically sensitive town in South Ossetia.
Until 2008, Akhalgori was the only part in today’s South Ossetia still under Georgian government control, with over 90% of its population being ethnic Georgians.
The town saw no direct battle during the 2008 Russia-Georgia war but after the ceasefire was signed, South Ossetian and Russian forces took over that small piece of territory, displacing most of its Georgian population.
Akhalgori was the original Georgian name and South Ossetians reverted to its Soviet-era name, Leningor.
This is the village of Akhalgori or Leningor
Alpine Brewery
Just outside of Akhalgori, there is a small beer producer named Alpine Brewery.
Your fixer should be able to arrange a visit , followed by a beer tasting, but don’t expect anything fancy. It’s a very local experience, where they’ll likely just hand you a few bottles for you to drink after the tour.
This is what our beer tasting consisted of
Stalin statue
Stalin: Georgian or South Ossetian? Some Ossetians claim that Stalin was South Ossetian, but there’s no historical evidence to support this. If you ever hear it while traveling in South Ossetia, consider it a nationalist narrative rather than a fact: Stalin was born inGeorgia, he was ethnically Georgian, spoke Russian with a Georgian accent and that claim was never promoted during Soviet times.
I have traveled extensively across all the former Soviet Union countries, but it was in South Ossetia where I for the first time I saw a full statue of Stalin (not just a bust) still standing in its original location, exactly where it was first erected in the 1940s.
Before this, I had seen other Stalin statues (only a few though) but they were either busts or had been moved to parks or open-air museums—no longer in their original settings.
As you know, most Stalin statues across the USSR were removed after the speech and report delivered by Nikita Khrushchev on The Cult of Personality and Its Consequences.
This marked the beginning of a broader process of de-Stalinization, during which monuments were dismantled, cities renamed, and Stalin’s legacy critically re-evaluated across the Soviet bloc.
One of the very, very few Stalin statues that remain in the former USSR
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More than a decade ago, I set foot in Bangkok for the very first time. It was my first solo backpacking trip, but as it turned out, the Thai capital would be bombarding me with a series of firsts. A friend, who had been living in Bangkok at the time showed me around and decided it was time for me to have a proper immersion. He led me into my first gay club and dragged me to my first drag show. For the first time since I could remember, I felt completely and unapologetically myself in a foreign land. Bangkok wrapped me in a kind of warmth that I didn’t know I was missing — a mix of loud celebration and quiet acceptance.
That’s why it’ll always have a special place in my heart. It’s not just because of the parties, the food, or the culture (though, yes to all of that). To me, Bangkok isn’t just another stop on my travel map. It is my safe space.
If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and planning a trip to Thailand, here are my top tips to help you experience Bangkok the way it was meant to be: safe, fabulous, and full of pride.
1. Visit during #BangkokPride for peak LGBT energy.
June is Pride Month. Last year, I attended Bangkok Pride for the first time. But it wasn’t just my first Pride in Thailand — it was my first Pride, ever. Before that trip, I had never marched, never waved a rainbow flag in public, never stood shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people shouting for love and equality. But something about Bangkok made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. I didn’t just feel tolerated or accepted. I felt celebrated.
During Pride Month, Bangkok transforms. The streets come alive with rainbow flags, music, and people from all walks of life showing up in full color. The atmosphere is joyful, inclusive, and deeply emotional. Thailand is already one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia, but Pride turns that friendliness into full-on solidarity. Locals, expats, and travelers all come together in one big, beautiful parade. Even corporate allies step up with Pride-themed events and support.
Bangkok’s celebrations keep getting bigger every time. This year, Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 promises to be one of the largest and most inclusive Pride parades in Southeast Asia, as the city celebrates diversity, freedom, and gender equality. Here are the details including the route.
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM onwards
Route: From National Stadium BTS to Ratchaprasong
Organizers: Bangkok Pride in collaboration with human rights groups, LGBTQIA+ communities, local businesses, and allies
Highlights: Parade floats, drag shows, mini-concerts and live performances from local and international artists. There will also be awareness zones, education booths, and safe spaces for discussions. And of course, expect fab fashion and artistic expression all over!
And that’s not all – Pride celebrations are happening all month long across Thailand, with events like Pattaya Pride, Samui Pride Nation, and Chiang Mai Pride lighting up the country with love, diversity, and joy.
2. Stay in or near the Silom area.
Although the Silom district is a business center by day, it transforms into a party central when the sun goes down, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. Located right in the center of the city and served by both BTS and MRT, Silom is where skyscrapers meet sass, and the corporate crowd gives way to drag queens, go-go dancers, and queer travelers just looking for a good time.
Silom is home to Bangkok’s most iconic gay bars and clubs. Just off Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4, you’ll find some of the city’s most legendary queer venues. Soi 2 is the wild one, lined with high-energy nightclubs like DJ Station and G.O.D., where the beats are loud, the boys are sweaty, and the drag shows hit like a shot of tequila to the soul.
Soi 4 is where you pregame. It’s lined with gay bars like The Balcony Pub and The Stranger Bar aka House of Drag Queens.
Bangkok in general is friendly toward LGBTQ+ travelers, but Silom feels like a queer sanctuary. People are used to seeing all sorts of expressions here. No one bats an eye at same-sex couples, flamboyant outfits, or spontaneous dance-offs in the street. Whether you’re solo, partnered, or with a whole group of friends, this area has your back. It’s also got great food, local markets, and lush green spaces like Lumphini Park just a short walk away. There are also a few LGBTQ+-friendly spas and saunas nearby if you’re looking to unwind (or explore, no judgment).
3. Catch a drag show.
Way before RuPaul’s Drag Race made drag mainstream, this art form and creative expression has always been fierce, sickening, and iconic in Bangkok. You’ll find everything from classic pageant queens to boundary-breaking performers.
Earlier, I mentioned Stranger Bar in Silom, so let’s talk about it more. It’s a rather cozy bar and so unassuming, you’d miss it if you’re not paying attention. But once you go inside, you’ll be greeted by stellar performances that can be – depending on your timing – campy, comedic, charismatic or captivatingly chaotic. It has shows every night in regular intervals, so if you arrive and there seems to be nothing happening on stage, just wait a few more minutes.
But of course, we can’t talk about Bangkok’s drag scene without mentioning the phenomenal Pangina Heals, host of Drag Race Thailand, who also took the world by storm when she was controversially eliminated on Rupaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World. And here in Bangkok, Pangina and her drag family’s standard of over-the-top excellence is in full display at House of Heals.
4. Support queer-owned or allied businesses.
From cute cafés to queer-run hostels, Bangkok’s LGBT+ entrepreneurs are creating beautiful, inclusive spaces. Seek them out. You’ll feel good supporting the community — and probably get better coffee, cocktails, or conversations than at the big chains.
The city is also full of allies, which is most evident during Bangkok Pride Month when the biggest malls and other establishments splash their exteriors and interiors with various rainbow-themed decors and offer fabulous discounts or free activities.
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise to begin with, but with all these deals, chances are you won’t be leaving without some serious retail therapy. So make sure you pack light and leave a big space in your luggage for worth-it finds!
5. Be proud, but read the room.
In general, Thailand is famously on the right side of history when it comes to LGBTQIA+ issues. Bangkok’s queer scene is warm, vibrant, and generally very open.
But here’s the tea: you still have to stay aware and respectful of your surroundings. Know that public displays of affection (PDA) aren’t super common. Holding hands? Totally fine. Tongue-wrestling in the BTS Skytrain? Maybe save that for the club after dark or get a room. If you’re on the BTS or walking through a temple even when on your way to Pride, maybe don’t blast RuPaul at full volume. It’s not about dimming your shine. It’s about knowing when and where to turn it up.
While Thailand is accepting, it remains a religious country. Respect has always been among its cultural cornerstones. Blend pride with cultural sensitivity. You can be confident and still be considerate. You can slay and stay respectful.
Bangkok is one of those places where being LGBTQ+ doesn’t make you stand out, it just makes you part of the fun. Whether you’re here to party, explore temples, indulge in Thai food, or all the above, you’ll find a safe space, a craving for equality, and a whole lot of love. So pack your best crop top, stay hydrated, and don’t forget: in Bangkok, the only thing hotter than the weather is diversity. And you. I’m sure you’ll be fierce, too!
Advertiser Disclosure Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the OG of premium travel cards. Since its launch in the 1980s, it’s always been known for its exclusivity, suite of perks, and stellar customer service.
While it does have the highest fee in the game ($695, See Rates and Fees), it offers a ton of bang for your buck. You’ll more than come out on top if you take advantage of all that this premium card has to offer. It unlocks the most comprehensive lounge access of any card, includes elite hotel status, has tons of travel perks, and offers hefty statement credits.
I personally love this card, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s my review to help you decide if it’s right for you.
What does the card offer?
This card unlocks a ton of lounge access, elite status benefits (enrollment required), travel perks, special hotel discounts, and luxury goods and service credits. Here’s a glance at just some of the benefits:
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on the first $500,000 spent per calendar year)
Earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked on American Express Travel
Travel insurance coverage including secondary car rental insurance, trip interruption and cancellation, lost luggage reimbursement
Access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection (for eligible Card Members)
Up to $200 in airline credit (Valid on one qualifying airline that you must choose in advance. Valid on incidentals only, not airfare.)
Up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.)
Up to $199 annual CLEAR® Plus statement credit (covers an annual membership) per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal)
Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. (Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.)
Using Your Membership Rewards Points
You’ll earn Membership Rewards points with The Platinum Card® from American Express. These are some of the most valuable transferable points out there, thanks to their impressive suite of travel partners:
Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio)
Aeromexico Rewards (1:1.6 ratio)
Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
ANA Mileage Club (1:1 ratio)
Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
British Airways Club (1:1 ratio)
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
Choice Privileges (1:1 ratio)
Delta SkyMiles (1:1 ratio)
Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
HawaiianMiles (1:1 ratio)
Hilton Honors (1:2 ratio)
Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio)
JetBlue TrueBlue (250:200 ratio)
Marriott Bonvoy (1:1 ratio)
Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
Singapore KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)
You can also use your Membership Rewards points to book flights and hotels in the Amex Travel portal. (This isn’t the best use of your points. I’d generally advise against it; it’s always best to transfer your points to travel partners rather than using the card’s travel portal.)
Breaking Down the Amex Platinum’s Credits and Benefits
I love Amex cards for their perks and benefits, and the Amex Platinum comes with over $1,500 worth of them. It’s like a little coupon book. Here’s what you get with the card:
Perks for a Streamlined Airport Experience (Lounge Access, CLEAR Plus, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck) One of my favorite perks of this card is that it offers the most comprehensive lounge access out there, and to some of the best lounges in the game. The Centurion Lounges are stellar, as are the Delta Sky Club lounges. You’ll also get access to the Priority Pass network of over 1,700 lounges around the world.
The Amex Platinum also gets you to the lounge quicker with statement credits that cover services to expedite airport security. You’ll get up to $199 annual CLEAR® Plus statement credit (covers an annual membership) per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal). You’ll also receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®.
Keep in mind that if you’re approved for Global Entry, you’ll also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. So, if you’re traveling internationally, just go with Global Entry. The process is a bit more involved (you have to go for an in-person interview), but it’s worth it.
Airline and Hotel Credits The Platinum Card also offers up to $200 in airline credit, which sounds great at face value but can be a bit of a pain to use. The credit can only be used on one airline, which you must pre-select, and you can only use it for incidentals, not airfare. However, if you regularly check a bag (and don’t already have an airline credit card that offers free baggage as a perk), you’ll use up that $200 in no time. (You can also use it on things like paid seat selection and in-flight food and beverage.)
The card also offers up to $200 back in statement credits on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. These are usually pretty luxurious properties, so you won’t be getting any free hotel stays with this benefit alone. But if you’re looking to splash out with a high-end hotel or resort stay, $200 off is pretty nice.
Plus, the Amex Platinum offers complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite and Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which offer extra perks and benefits when staying at these properties.
Lifestyle Statement Credits The “lifestyle” statement credits are where this card can be a bit less useful depending on your spending habits. My favorite of these is the $200 Uber Cash benefit. It’s distributed as $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus you’ll get a bonus of $20 in December after adding your Card to your Uber account.
That said, I do find it a bit annoying that you can only use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. (when you select an Amex Card for your transaction), since I’m often out of the country.
(To receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.)
Other lifestyle credits include up to $50 biannual Saks Fifth Avenue credit and up to $155 Walmart+ Credit when you use your Platinum Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership.
You’ll also receive up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit via up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. (This is an easy set and forget if you subscribe to any of these.)
Amex Offers In addition to all those statement credits, you’ll get access to Amex Offers. With these, you can save money or earn bonus points with select retailers. The offers are ever-changing and targeted, meaning you won’t have the same offers as another cardholder. The majority of these offers are “spend X, get Y amount back.”
The Amex Platinum’s Travel Insurance Last but not least, you’ll get great travel insurance with this card. No matter where you’re going, travel insurance is the most important thing to get for your trip. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but I know from experience that if you do, you’ll be glad to have it. I’ve had to use it around the world, from Argentina to South Africa to Italy. Each time something has gone wrong on the road, travel insurance has helped me recoup my costs. While I always recommend purchasing a standalone travel insurance policy, many travel cards offer travel insurance as a perk for no additional cost (apart from the card’s annual fee). While I wouldn’t solely rely on the card’s travel insurance, it’s a nice benefit.
Here are the travel protections that the Platinum offers:
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $10,000 per person, per trip (on round-trip tickets only, $20,000 per 12 consecutive month period)
Trip delay coverage up to $500 if the delay is six hours or more (on round-trip tickets only, two claims per 12 consecutive-month period)
Emergency evacuation and medical transport coverage: no limit; must be coordinated via the Premium Global Assist Hotline
Cell phone protection up to $800 minus a $50 deductible (two approved claims per 12-month period, and you must have paid your cell phone bill with your card)
Lost luggage coverage up to $3,000 per person
Secondary car rental coverage
Keep in mind that to be eligible for these protections, you have to pay for your trip (or cell phone bill) with your Amex Platinum. Also, always be sure to always read the fine print so that you understand exactly what’s covered!
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Who is the Amex Platinum for?
The Amex Platinum is best for frequent travelers who’ll use the premium perks, like easier airport experiences and elite status at hotels. If you can also take advantage of a few lifestyle credits, it’s a solid deal. I’d say just run the numbers and see if the value adds up for you. (And read my post on picking a travel card if you need more help.)
As with any rewards card, you should not get this card if you’re already carrying a balance or plan to carry a balance. Interest rates for travel cards are notoriously high and the points just aren’t worth it if you’re paying interest each month.
This card is also not for anyone with poor credit, as you need excellent credit to qualify. (If that’s you, check out the best credit cards for bad credit so you can start improving your score today.)
***
The Amex Platinum isn’t cheap but if you travel often, the perks can easily outweigh the hefty annual fee. From airport lounge access to generous travel credits, it’s a card built for those who live life on the move. If you’re a frequent flyer looking to travel smarter and more comfortably, I think this card is worth it.
Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It’s how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I’ll show you:
How to Pick a Credit Card
How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending
How to Redeem Your Points
And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
From culture and coffee to everything trendy and tasty, this Melbourne backpacking guide is your budget-friendly ticket to exploring Australia’s most artistic city.
If backpacking Australia is on your bucket list, Melbourne hits the spot.
How? You might wonder. Not the Australian city notorious for its overpriced lattes and unreliable weather, both of which are no-no’s for the budget-conscious, outdoor-loving backpacker.
But here’s a little not-so-secret. Despite being Australia’s second most expensive city, Melbourne is a gold mine of cut-price offerings if you know where to look.
We’re not only talking about museums galore that the city has gotten so good at, partly due to its unpredictable weather. We mean gorgeous gardens, stunning street art, and breathtaking beaches—all free to explore.
Then, there are the buzzing bars with cheap drinks (yes, they exist!) and wallet-friendly eateries with surprisingly good food. Even cheap shopping.
And if you need some cash to fund your stay in Melbourne, no worries. You can apply for a working holiday visa and earn while travelling.
Add to this the variety of accommodations (including cheap ones), and you’ve got a city with all the ingredients of a backpackers hub.
So, when are you backpacking Melbourne?
It’s possible to explore Melbourne on a budget – check out our top tips!
Melbourne Backpacking Guide
Our complete guide to backpacking Melbourne covers visas, transport, things to do, accommodation, food recommendations, and more!
Before you live your dream of backpacking Australia, you must get a visa before travelling.
The only exception is if you’re a citizen of New Zealand. In such a case, you can get a visa upon arrival.
Visa requirements vary based on your citizenship, length of stay, and whether or not you plan to work. Please checkAustralia’s Home Affairs website for more info.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
Working Holiday Visa
Not only does this visa allow you to visit Melbourne, but it also lets you travel across Australia while working legally and earning money.
The working holiday visa is open to backpackers aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some.) You must be a passport holder of one of the eligible countries, such as France, South Korea, Canada, and many more.
With this visa, you can stay in Australia for 12 months. You can extend the visa twice and get an additional 12 months per extension.
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa is for those seeking to enter Australia for tourism, business, or seeing family and friends. It’s open to all countries.
The length of stay varies, ranging from three months to 12 months max.
You can’t work with this visa. However, you may participate in short-term volunteer work or study for up to three months.
eVisitor Visa
This visa allows you to visit Australia multiple times for tourism or business. It’s free, valid for 12 months, and non-extendable. You can stay in Australia for up to three months for each entry.
You must be a passport holder of one of the 50 eligible countries to qualify to apply for an eVisa. The process takes 24 to 48 hours but could be longer.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
An ETA is an electronic travel permit that lets citizens of certain countries enter Australia without a traditional visa.
Like the eVisitor visa, the ETA is multiple-entry and valid for 12 months, with stays up to three months per visit.
One of the main differences between the two is the cost. The eVisitor visa is free of charge, while the ETA has a service fee of $20 AUD.
Another is the set of eligible countries. The ETA covers North America, Asia, and some parts of Europe. The eVisitor visa focuses mainly on European countries.
Getting around Melbourne city center and the suburbs is a breeze because of its efficient and well-connected public transport system.
You get a slew of options, from trams and trains to buses and bikes. There are even boats for travelling across the Yarra River or to Port Phillip Bay.
Cash is not accepted. You need aMyki card to pay for most public transport.
Grab one at train stations, 7-Elevens, the airport, vending machines, or online, and you’re all set to explore central Melbourne.
Airport transport
Most international flights head into Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, though you can often also score a cheap flight into Avalon Airport.
Melbourne offers a range of convenient airport transport options for travelers.
The SkyBus runs from Tullamarine Airport and the city, with a SkyBus Avalon City Express for Avalon Airport.
Public buses are also available, as are most rideshare apps.
Trams
Among the major cities in Australia, Melbourne has the most extensive tram network. During the day, trams run roughly every 10 minutes and 15 minutes in the evening.
Stops, where you board and get off, are well signposted. They also display route numbers, maps, and timetables.
Free tram zone
Did you know you can cruise the Melbourne CBD on a Free City Circle Tram without spending a cent?
Melbourne has a free tram zone. This circuit passes attractions like the Harbour Esplanade, the Docklands, and the Flinders Street Station.
Look for the retro-looking city circle trams. They offer free rides around the city center from 10 am to 9 pm on Thursday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday to Wednesday.
The trip takes about an hour and comes with an audio commentary about the sights along the routes.
Please note that if you begin or end a journey outside the free zone, you will need your Myki card.
Melbourne has amazing public transport.
Trains
Trains are the swiftest and most practical way to travel long distances across and outside Melbourne. Most routes run from 5 am to midnight, Monday to Thursday. They run all night on weekends.
Flinders Street Railway Station is the hub for travel within the city and nearby suburbs.
The Southern Cross Station services trains arriving and leaving from interstate destinations and other major cities like Adelaide in South Australia and Sydney in New South Wales.
Buses
Buses cover areas trams and trains don’t go. Most operate from 6 am to 9 pm on weekdays. On weekends, trips usually start at 8 am.
Out late on a Saturday? Don’t fuss. Night bus services are available after midnight on weekends. Just wait at a designated stop and hail the bus as it approaches to signal the driver you want to board.
Weekend night network
If you find yourself out after midnight on a weekend, you can catch one of the city’s all-night public transport. It includes metropolitan trains, trams, and late-night buses.
If you’re travelling outside Melbourne, there is a 2 am coach service to some regional areas.
Ferry
Though not the most popular mode of transport, ferries are excellent for sightseeing along the Yarra or travelling to nearby islands.
If you want to escape the bustle of the city, you can take a ferry from mainland Australia to the quieter Phillip Island and even to Tasmania.
Venture to Phillip Island on a day trip from Melbourne!
Taxis/Ride-Sharing Services
These are perhaps your best option if you’re short on time or travelling late on a weekday.
Taxis charge an overnight rate between 10 pm and 5 am. Silver Top and 13 Cabs are two of the top taxi companies in Melbourne.
Ride-sharing services are a bit cheaper. Melbourne has several, with Uber, DiDi, and Shebah being the most popular.
Car Hire/Rentals
We recommend car rentals for long-distance travels, such as a day trip to the Great Ocean Road or the Great Otway National Park.
If you’re backpacking Melbourne, having a car is more of an inconvenience, as parking is expensive and hard to find.
Bike rentals, however, are another story. Melbourne is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Australia, boasting a great cycle lane and several bike-hire outlets.
You can take bikes on trains, though only folding ones are allowed on buses and trams.
E-scooters are an alternative to bikes for exploring the city centre and nearby neighborhoods.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
What To Do – Backpacking in Melbourne on a Budget
Backpacking through Melbourne without draining your wallet is definitely doable and wholly worth it.
There are the electrifying urban vibes, street art that dazzles, and the natural beauty of green spaces that will energize you. And they’re all free to explore!
First stop is Hosier Lane, the city’s most artistic laneway, with its swirling array of colours. The street art and graffiti are free to see, which lures dozens of art lovers and curious tourists.
To top it, the walls are also free to paint. (We recommend you check the requirements at theCity of Melbourne website before bringing your paintbrush.)
What’s unique about the Hosier is the artwork is ever-evolving as graffiti artists create new pieces and paint over old ones.
The lane is a short walk, but if you want to take a break or grab some drinks, you will find cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the street.
Other spots to see street art in Melbourne are AC/DC Lane, famous for its rock ‘n roll tributes; Meyers Place, sprinkled with hidden sculptures; and Yarra Place, with its elegant and commissioned murals.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, there are free guided walks along Melbourne’s laneways to see the street art.
Melbourne is filled with amazing street art.
Go museum hopping
Melbourne is not Australia’s cultural capital for nothing. A testament to this is the city’s wealth of museums.
Pick your style. Melbourne has you covered. And you don’t have to shell out a dime to enjoy some of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
National Gallery of Victoria
Opened in 1968, the National Gallery of Victoria has two galleries offering free entry to its main collections. The galleries have over 70,000 artworks from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.
Occasionally, the museum hosts talks, tours, films, and late-night openings. Though NGV is generally free, some special exhibits and events require a ticket.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
A mecca for movie lovers, ACMI is a whole universe of films, digital art, television, and everything to do with screen culture.
In this interactive Melbourne museum, you’ll hear the origin stories, explore the technologies, and learn about the artists who contributed to the development of motion pictures around the globe.
While entry to ACMI is free, some exhibitions and special film screenings may require a ticket.
City Gallery
A hidden gem tucked in the City Hall, the City Gallery is a treasure chest of 8000 artworks and artefacts about city life.
If you want a glimpse of Melbourne’s past and present, the gallery is a great place to start your discovery.
Those are just three of the top museums in Melbourne. There’s more to see, including the Australian Music Vault, Science Gallery Melbourne, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Victoria Police Museum.
For a city studded with skyscrapers (over 77, in fact), Melbourne has a lot of green spaces. It’s the polar opposite of a concrete jungle, with parks and gardens scattered throughout.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A serene oasis in the middle of bustling Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens covers 38-hectares of woodlands, lakes, and about 50,000 plants from 8,500 species displayed in 30 collections.
Join the 1.5-hour free guided walking tour to learn about the garden’s diverse flora.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is free, except for special events and areas like the National Orchid Garden.
Escape to the greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Fitzroy Gardens
The Fitzroy Gardens are not only famous for their flora, but also for their history and architecture.
Throughout the park are historical structures, including Cooks’ Cottage, the Band Pavilion, and the Spanish mission-style Conservatory.
Other top attractions in Fitzroy are the Scarred Tree, and a miniature model of a Tudor village. It’s a highlight for any backpacker when you explore Melbourne!
Abbotsford Convent and Heritage Gardens
Abbotsford is mainly known for its 19th-century buildings, but the gardens are easily a show-stealer. It’s the perfect shady spot for picnics, strolls, and relaxation.
Formerly an orphanage and an age-care facility, the convent now houses art studios, cafes, galleries, a school, and a radio station. It also hosts several events, including workshops, markets, music festivals, and exhibitions.
Other gardens to check out are the Chelsea Australian Garden and the Carlton Gardens, home to the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
Bask in the Beach
From the sweeping stretches of Ninety Mile Beach to the massive riffs of Bells Beach, Melbourne is a pro when it comes to sand, surf, and sun.
If you want a beach closer to the city centre, St Kilda (6 km from the CBD) is a lovely place to swim and sun bake.
Stroll along the St Kilda pier at sunset, and you might see a colony of the popular Australian penguins. For an adrenaline rush, try the hair-raising rides at Luna Park, the oldest amusement park in Australia.
And if you’re wondering where to find those rainbow beach huts you saw on a poster at the airport, they’re on Brighton Beach, just nine minutes from St Kilda.
With over 600 stalls selling anything from fresh fruits and locally-produced dairy to clothes and hand-crafted souvenirs, Queen Victoria Market is an experience, not just a destination.
For many foodies, gastronomic adventures are the chief reason for visiting markets. If you feel the same, consider joining a market food tour.
Other markets to visit are South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market, and Grazeland.
People watch at the Federation Square
Across the Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is the pulsating heart of Melbourne. Almost all free walking tours and city excursions start here, thanks to the square’s proximity to many attractions.
With its live music, exhibits, outdoor screenings, and pedestrians rushing about, the square isn’t for those seeking quiet. Still, it’s a charming hangout for a sundowner or a nightcap as you watch people go by.
Check out Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne!
Top 5 things to splurge on in Melbourne Australia
Just because you’re on a backpacker budget doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to something nice. When in Melbourne, some things are just worth splurging on.
Cheer for Your Team at The G
Melbournians love their cricket, and one of the best venues to see a thrilling match is the Melbourne Cricket Ground, also fondly referred to by the locals as The G.
Not a cricket fan? Perhaps you can score a ticket for one of the games in the Australian Rules Football League instead.
But game or no game, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a fascinating place to explore on a guided tour. It’s, after all, Australia’s favourite stadium and comes with a sporting museum to boot.
Skydeck at the Eureka Tower
On the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower is the Melbourne Skydeck, Australia’s tallest viewing deck.
Suspended from the Skydeck is the Edge, a glass cube 300 metres above the streets of Melbourne. With the Edge Experience, you can step inside and take in incredible views of Melbourne and beyond.
Looking for something more thrilling? Try the Melbourne Skydeck Voyager. This state-of-the-art VR technology features 6-D pod chairs that will take you soaring over iconic destinations in Victoria.
Seeing Melbourne bathed in the golden hues of sunrise is surreal. But imagine doing it hundreds of feet above the ground on a hot air balloon.
If you want something unique to brag about when you get home, an hour-long balloon flight over Melbourne is it. After all, no other major city in the world allows commercial hot air balloons to fly over their CBD.
As if drifting over the city isn’t exciting enough, not knowing where you’ll travel and land makes the journey even more thrilling. Balloon flights in Melbourne depend on the day’s wind conditions, so your route is always a surprise.
Alternative: Afraid of heights or hate dragging yourself out of bed at dawn? You can view Melbourne from the water on a Yarra River cruise.
The Regent Theatre has endured a lot since it opened in 1929 as a picture palace. Think flood, fire, threats of being turned into a carpark, and two decades of closure.
Fast forward to today, the theatre hasn’t only earned a spot in the National Trust of Australia. It has also maintained its reputation as the premier venue for blockbuster stage productions, from musicals to operas and ballet.
Alternative:More into indie performing arts? You might find your perfect fit at the La Mama Theatre, Fortyfivedownstairs, or Red Stitch Actors Theatre. If you prefer Hollywood classics in a single-screen cinema, check out The Astor.
Day Trip to the Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley, Victoria’s most popular wine region, is just half an hour from Melbourne. The best way to explore this stunning countryside is, of course, on a wine tour.
But there’s more to the valley than its world-class wineries and vast vineyards. Go on a steam train ride and search for wildlife if you’re looking for a bit of adventure.
If it’s gorgeous scenery you’re after, try horseback riding across the rolling countryside.
Be sure not to skip the free tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
Alternative: Want to see Victoria’s scenic coast instead? Plan a day trip on the Great Ocean Road. You’ll find some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders along the way, including the 12 Apostles National Park.
Explore the countryside of the beautiful Yarra Valley.
The Best Backpacker Accommodation in Melbourne
Yes, you can backpack and visit Melbourne without blowing your whole travel budget on a bed. The city has plenty of budget-friendly stays where you can save money, cook your own food, and sleep in style.
Private hostel room? Lively dorm? We’ve lined up our top picks.
Nomads St Kilda
If you’re looking for a place that’s not smack in the middle of Melbourne’s bustle but is only a quick tram ride from the CBD, Nomads might be the right match.
But don’t expect it to be far away from the action. After all, it’s only a five-minute walk to the beach and buzzing Acland St.
At the hostel, you can pick a shared room or private unit. There’s also a pool, a free city walking tour, and a bar that hosts nightly events. So, silent disco, anyone?
Space Hotel
Luxury meets budget–that is Space Hotel‘s promise. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, this hostel offers spacious, modern, and comfy private and shared rooms.
Facilities include a gym, lounge, games space, and a cinema.
Bounce Melbourne
The award-winning Bounce Hostel is right across from Flinders Street Station, just a short hike to Melbourne’s epic laneways. It means you’re at the core of Melbourne’s nightlife, food scene, and culture.
Room options include dorms, private, and family. You’ll have access to a bar, restaurant, lounge, and laundry facilities. There’s also internet, luggage storage, and a city tour, all for free.
Cheap Places To Eat in Melbourne
Melbourne is a foodie playground, even on a backpacker budget. While you can save money if you whip up your own meals, it wouldn’t hurt your wallet to eat out occasionally.
Here’s where you can score some cheap eats (no, not fast food) without sacrificing flavor.
Queen Victoria Market is the place to be!
Queen Victoria Market
Grab fresh deli snacks, hot jam donuts, and fresh fruits. If you visit Melbourne between April and May, you might experience the Hawker 88 Night Market and its array of street food.
Food trucks
You’ll find these rolling flavor bombs all over the city, especially around places like the Welcome to Thornbury food truck park in Northcote.
Plus, you can buy from mobile caterers like El Chivi Food Truck, known for their mouthwatering Uruguayan steak sandwiches.
CBD
Yes, the CBD. You’ll be surprised how many affordable options there are in the alleys of the city centre.
Chinatown is always a hit among budget-conscious backpackers and students. Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street also have a lot of budget-friendly Asian restaurants. Banh mi, ramen, Korean BBQ bowls–you name it.
For vegetarian or vegan options, Crossways, on Swanston St, offer tasty and affordable plant-based meal combos.
Good to Know: Look for lunch specials. Many restaurants around the city offer discounted midday meals.
There you have it, the ultimate guide to backpacking in Melbourne. Hope this helps you plan your trip. And if we missed anything, let us know in the comments.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!
Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan:
September 14th to 27th, 2025
If you ever decide to travel to Pakistan, I promise you that you will have the adventure of your lifetime.
From hitchhiking on tractors and psychedelic trucks to driving over extremely narrow mountain roads built on a cliff 1,500 meters high, soldiers who voluntarily give you their AK-47 for taking a photo, the most striking landscape and the fact that you can camp in the middle of a paradise completely by yourself.
Traveling to Pakistan is definitely, the ultimate experience and adventure.
However, this isn’t particularly an easy place to travel in.
Going on a trip to Pakistan requires a little bit of preparation, as well as quite a lot of things to know beforehand.
This Pakistan travel guide contains everything you need to know, including all travel information regarding visas, transportation, cultural etiquette, cultural behavior, costs and more!
In this Pakistan travel guide you will find:
our recommended travel insurance for Pakistan
With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Pakistan.
📰 What’s it like to travel in Pakistan today
Before 9/11, Pakistan used to be a tourist country.
Well, not that touristic, but its breathtaking mountains were a popular stopover for backpackers going along the famous Hippie Trail.
In fact, in the Northern Areas, you can find a few backpacker hostels which somehow, are the remains of what used to be a popular destination for intrepid backpackers.
The 9/11 attacks, however, along with a big bunch of unfortunate events, usually involving Taliban activity and loads of violence, put an end to the emerging tourism industry.
Fortunately, things have changed.
In the last couple of years, the security situation in Pakistan has dramatically improved and the Northern Areas of Pakistan are, once again, filled with intrepid backpackers who want to visit some of the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery you will ever see, and experience the hospitality Pakistan is famous for.
Nevertheless, despite this massive tourism increase, Pakistan still remains raw, authentic, and genuine, and it will stay like that for a very long time, especially because it is not an easy country to travel to: tourist infrastructure is in an embryonic stage, it is difficult to move around and you won’t meet many foreigners, so that’s why I personally believe that only experienced travelers should go to Pakistan.
However, traveling in Pakistan is one of the most rewarding traveling experiences one can ever have.
random locals, somewhere in Astore Valley
🪪 How to get a visa for visiting Pakistan
Here you have the most updated information
Today, it’s possible to travel to Pakistan with an e-visa.
Join our Pakistan expedition
Join a group of like-minded travelers to visit some remote and off-the-beaten-track valleys in the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
By the way, they also offer a mobile app (available at the same link) where you can submit your application directly from your smartphone.
How long is the Pakistan e-visa valid for?
By default, you will get a single-entry visa, which allows you to stay in Pakistan for 3 months.
How much does the e-visa for Pakistan cost?
As of September 2025, the new e-visa for Pakistan is free of charge.
How long does it take to get the e-visa?
Although the official website states that processing takes 7–10 days, most travelers report receiving their visa within a few hours of submission.
How to make a visa extension for Pakistan
If you need a longer stay or multiple entries, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for more than 6 months directly through the same online portal.
My visa for Pakistan, with both the entry & exit stamps, which I got at the Consulate of Barcelona. That was back in 2017, when an e-visa for Pakistan wasn’t available yet.
🗺️ How to sign up for a tour in Pakistan
Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!
14 days exploring the Northern Areas, including driving through the Karakoram Highway, as well as exploring the barely visited valleys of Shimshal and Astore.
Against the Compass has the following scheduled Pakistan expedition:
🚑 Travel insurance for traveling in Pakistan
Pakistan is an adventurous destination, so we recommend going there with proper travel insurance.
Their backpacker plan covers all types of adventure activities, including trekking
Very competitive prices
Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount
Rakaposhi Base Camp, one of the top and most accessible mountains I climbed when I visited Pakistan
⛅ Best time to visit Pakistan
Pakistan has many different regions, ranging from sea-level, flat deserts to 8,000-meter peaks, so each season will present its own peculiarities.
Traveling in Pakistan in winter (mid-November to February)
The best time to visit the south part of the country, especially Sindh province. Those lands may not have the mountains Pakistan is famous for but this is the most religiously diverse region in Pakistan.
On the other hand, most mountains in northern Pakistan remain totally inaccessible in the wintertime. You can still get to the Northern Areas through the Karakoram Highway, but you won’t be able to visit any side valley.
Traveling in Pakistan in summer (June to September)
The best season for visiting the Northern Areas, especially if you like trekking in high-altitude mountains.
Traveling in Pakistan in spring & Autumn
I personally traveled to Pakistan in April and May and the mountains were at their best, as the weather was gorgeous (most days), plus they weren’t busy with domestic tourism.
Traveling in Pakistan during Ramadan
A topic by itself, with its pros & cons.
Lost with Purpose traveled in Pakistan during Ramadan and wrote this insightful post.
This photo was from mid-April. Not bad!
🛫 How to travel to Pakistan
How to travel to Pakistan by air
Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have international airports connecting with Istanbul and many Middle Eastern cities, especially Doha and Dubai.
How to travel to Pakistan by land
Pakistan shares a border with Iran, Afghanistan, India, and China.
How to travel from Afghanistan to Pakistan by land
With the new Taliban Government, the border crossing at Khyber Pass is fully open, and no permits are required.
We crossed it in 2023, it’s quite an adventure.
Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing back in 2023!
How to travel from China to Pakistan by land
At 4600 meters above sea level, this is one of the highest border crossings in the world.
Khunjerab Pass, the Pakistani-Chinese border and one of the highest border crossing in the world
🕌 Cultural behavior and facts when traveling in Pakistan
Urdu, which is like Hindi, is the official language
However, each region has its own (or several) local languages, so different from each other. English is widely spoken among educated people, like in India.
Pakistan is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries
From the South Asian-looking people of Punjab and Sindh; to the people of the Pashtun areas, closer to Iran or Afghanistan; the pagan culture of Kalash; the Shias from Gilgit and Nagar; the Ismailis of lower Hunza and the Wakhis (and also Ismailis) of upper Hunza.
Traveling in Pakistan is like traveling in several, different tiny countries. It’s fascinating.
Remember, you are the guest
People tend to say that, in Iran, Sudan and Iraqi Kurdistan, you find the most hospitable people in the world.
Well, clearly, they haven’t visited Pakistan.
Whereas it’s true that these countries are very hospitable, Pakistanis bring it to the next level. In this country, you are the guest, which means that the locals strive for you to have the best possible time in their country or region.
The hospitality can even be overwhelming
During your trip to Pakistan, you’ll be invited for lunch, dinner and even to stay at people’s houses so many times that, on many occasions, you will have to refuse.
After your refusal, they will insist once again, over and over.
They will also insist on carrying your bag and offering you food one hundred times even if you say that you are full.
These are their cultural rules and you are the guest.
So overwhelming, but just don’t get angry
One day, some random men who I had never seen before came to my hotel at 7:30 am in the morning, knocking at the door of my room, waking me up from a very good sleep.
Apparently, they heard that there was a foreigner in the village, so they just wanted to hang out with me.
I got a little bit angry, continued sleeping but then I kind of felt bad, as all they wanted was to show me around the village.
Paying for meals
For some reason, Pakistanis always want to pay for your meals to the extent that it gets awkward.
I personally didn’t like it, especially when I could see that the local people didn’t have much money.
If possible, try to back them up.
Wearing a Shalwar Kameez
The traditional Pakistani dress, which 80% or 90% of Pakistanis wear, is called shalwar kameez.
Should you wear it?
It’s not compulsory but, if you do, the locals will really appreciate it, especially in the Pashtun areas.
Islam
Pakistan is the most conservative country I’ve ever been to.
You should be careful and always respect their rules.
If you do, they will also respect you and you will have the best time in their country.
Multan shrine, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan
⚠️ Security and safety when you travel in Pakistan
Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan:
May 18th to 31st, 2025
Pakistan is not dangerous but you should be cautious.
You might have read from other blogs that Pakistan is one of the safest countries in the world.
Personally, I wouldn’t say that. Whereas I think that Pakistan is not a dangerous country, in some areas, it’s better to be cautious, especially in the southern part of the country.
However, the situation is only getting better and better
Seriously, safety in Pakistan has improved exponentially.
Police are there to help you
Throughout your Pakistan travels, you’ll be continuously interrogated by dozens of different policemen and people from the army.
Who are you? Why are you here? Where are you going?
Unlike in other countries, in Pakistan, the police and military are pretty cool and, for your own security, they are commanded to ask you these questions.
Update: This doesn’t really apply in the north of Pakistan any longer, but more like in the south, Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
Bring passport & visa photocopies
It’s good to bring loads of photocopies because, at some check posts, if you have a passport copy, you don’t have to get out of the car. Otherwise, you are going to waste your time.
Occasionally, you get a personal guard, for free
For security purposes, in some areas, you will get a personal armed guard.
Sometimes, you might have to pay for his meals but, according to the police, you are not forced to.
Update: This doesn’t really apply in the north of Pakistan any longer, but more like in the south, Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
Having a personal armed guard seems kind of cool but, to be honest, it’s not that much
The first time you get an armed guard you get kind of excited. However, after half an hour, you might start hating him because he will put you under a lot of restrictions.
Pakistani intelligence is one of the best secret services in the world
One of the reasons why Pakistan is not a dangerous country is thanks to the Pakistani intelligence, which is considered the best intelligence corps in the world, even better than the CIA.
Be aware that they are watching your steps and they will always know where you are.
I remember that, while hiking around a remote area in the Astore Valley, a man wearing a salwar kameez (the traditional Pakistani clothes), came to me and said, ”You are the Spanish, right?” Yes, he was from Pakistani intelligence.
For further information on safety, including which areas are the safest, read my post: Is Pakistan safe?
I know, I am quite a badass… 😀 – My trip to Pakistan
💃 Solo female travel in Pakistan
Women traveling solo is more common and safer than you think
Women tell wonderful things about their experiences during their journeys through Pakistan, but they also say that this is a particularly challenging destination, home to a very conservative, patriarchal society who don’t really know how to deal with foreign women.
I’m not the most qualified person to talk about this topic, however, but Spanish traveler Leti Lagarda backpacked in Pakistan solo for 2 months, and has written a compelling guide about it, which will tell you everything you need to know about solo female travel in Pakistan, including:
Wi-Fi is often bad, so I recommend getting a SIM Card for your trip to Pakistan. In larger cities, however, hotels will often have decent wI-Fi, good enough for simple browsing.
In the Northern Areas, Wi-Fi is generally awful, if present at all.
SIM Card in Pakistan
4G works reasonably well across the country, except in the Northern Areas.
I recommend getting either ZONG or Telenor.
In the Northern Areas, you can buy a SIM Card from a regional provider named SCOM, whose offices can be found in Gilgit and Karimabad. Nevertheless, remember that there’s very little coverage throughout the region.
Hiking around Kalam, Swat Valley, one of the most beautiful places I from my Pakistani trip
eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Pakistan
Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination.
With Holafly, you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Pakistan.
Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code: AGAINSTTHECOMPASS
Get a VPN for traveling in Pakistan
You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
Your connection will be much safer.
Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Pakistan.
I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.
In Pakistan, they use the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) and approximately:
1USD = 280 PKR
Cash & ATMs
Pakistan is a cash economy, so better bring cash, especially in the Northern Areas.
You can find ATMs in all big cities but not all of them will accept foreign cards.
How much does it cost to travel to Pakistan
But before, a few things you need to know:
In Pakistan, everything is negotiable: Everything can be bargained for, especially the hotel rooms. Expect to pay different amounts from other guests.
Always come with a reference: When you travel in Pakistan, contacts are very important and that’s why in either hotels or trekking tour companies if you come referenced by a local, you will get a better price.
In any case, this is a pretty cheap country and I think you can easily travel to Pakistan for less than $20 a day, sleeping in private rooms and eating 3 meals outside.
These are the (approximate) prices of the most typical things:
Local meal – 150PKR
Local meal in a mid-range restaurant – 250-500PKR
Meal in a fancy restaurant of Lahore – from 1500PKR
Private room in a budget hotel – Up to 1500PKR
Private room in a mid-range hotel – Around 3,000PKR
Long bus rides (Islamabad to Gilgit) – Around 2,500PKR for a VIP ticket (you want to get a VIP, trust me)
Pakistani rupees! – Pakistan travel blog
🛺 Transportation for traveling around Pakistan
You’ll get used to the mountain roads
Most mountain roads are very scary as they are extremely narrow and built on insanely high cliffs. Don’t panic. You’ll just get used to them!
You will learn to be patient
In aalmost every long bus journey I took, we had a breakdown. Sometimes, we were stopped for two hours!
And one day, we stopped because the bus ran out of gas!
Psychedelic trucks are a way of life
Everybody falls in love with the trucks in Pakistan, as they are so particularly decorated that they are a blessing to your lens.
A typical Pakistani truck!
Ways of moving around when you travel in Pakistan
Traveling around Pakistan by train
Pakistan has an extensive rail network connecting many cities in Sindh, Punjab and also Peshawar.
Daewoo is a premium bus company that can take you anywhere across Afghanistan.
For traveling to the Northern Areas, I recommend NATCO.
Both these companies are considered high-end as per Pakistani standards. Alternatively, local minivans are much cheaper, but they are very uncomfortable.
One of the worst bus trips I have ever taken was in a local minivan from Mingora to Chitral, a 12-hour ride in the tiniest minivan ever, but a great local adventure and experience.
Hitchhiking in Pakistan
Hitchhiking in Pakistan is too easy, easier and faster than traveling by public transportation, especially along the Karakoram Highway.
Everybody will want to pick you up!
As a general rule, on the KKH, I didn’t hitchhike on motorbikes (there are too many accidents) and cars with women inside.
Traveling around Pakistan by plane
Flying can be pretty convenient as well.
Traveling by bus from Islamabad to the Northern Areas, including Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu takes ages (from 15 to 20 hours).
There are flights connecting Islamabad with all these cities. You can book them on PIA.
Remember, however, that for flying to and from Gilgit, it’s recommended to book several days or weeks in advance. Also, bear in mind that many flights get canceled due to weather condition.
Crazy (and beautiful) roads – How to visit Pakistan
🍲 Food, drinks, and alcohol
Food is extremely oily
Pakistanis love oil too much. They put tons of it in absolutely every meal, including in the steamed rice, which they will always fry afterwards. When you are in a restaurant, always ask for half fried.
It’s almost dry
In the Sindh province and Islamabad, you can find liquor stores. In the rest of the country, alcohol is only available on the black market, but most locals (who drink) can get it for you easily.
Expect to have ten cups of chai a day
Chai, which is tea with milk, is a way of life in Pakistan and a sign of hospitality.
Tap water, watch out!
Don’t dare drink tap water. In the northern part of the country, the locals will tell you that the tap water is good, as it comes from the mountains and glaciers. This may be true, but I still got sick when I drank from a mountain fountain. Always use a water purifier.
You’ll get sick
I don’t know anyone who didn’t get sick in his stomach when traveling in Pakistan. Try to avoid salad, food stalls with flies (they are hard to find) and don’t drink tap water.
This meal, in particular, was one of my favorite ones in Pakistan – Pakistan travel information
🏨 Accommodation when you are traveling to Pakistan
There are all types of hotels across the country, from budget rooms to a few hostels and luxury hotels.
Booking sites such as Hostelworld and Booking.com are increasing in popularity but, depending on the destination you travel to, you may not find a lot of options or, at least, no budget hotels.
If you want to stay in a budget hotel or local guesthouse, you may have to read blogs or ask anyone online. In my Pakistan Itinerary, I give some options.
Anyway, there are a few things you need to know about accommodation in Pakistan:
Prices can be negotiated to the extreme
Whenever they tell you the price, ask if they have a cheaper room. Seriously, on many occasions, I managed to get half of the initial price.
If you are on a budget, always ask if they have a dorm
Surprisingly, many hotels have dorms and they don’t tell you until the end of the negotiation. The good thing is that, since there are not many backpackers, you are most likely to get the dorm just for yourself!
It can be hard to find decent, cheap accommodation in certain parts of the country
In cities like Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and basically anywhere outside of Swat Valley, Chitral, Northern areas, Islamabad and Lahore, finding decent (budget) accommodation can be challenging.
Couchsurfing is very popular!
There are loads of profiles, especially in big cities.
If you want to know all my hotel recommendations per city, read my Pakistan Itinerary
Husseini bridge, Hunza, a top place to visit when traveling to Pakistan
❗ More information for traveling to Pakistan
📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
All guides and articles for traveling in Pakistan destination
That’s everything you need to know! If you think I forgot something, please let me know! Ah, and remember that, in Pakistan, you shouldn’t plan too much! Welcome to the country of unexpected events. From endless bus breakdowns to time-consuming check posts, new local friends and paradises where you want to spend ages, during your Pakistan travels, you will realize that nothing will go according to your plan.
Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan:
September 14th to 27th, 2025
Pakistan is in fashion.
Backpackers and travelers alike from around the world are realizing that Pakistan is not only a beautiful country, but it can offer some of the most ultimate adventures.
Despite this recent massive increase in popularity, however, Pakistan is still miles away from being a proper tourist destination and proof of that is that still today, some people can only relate Pakistan to negative things, such as terrorist attacks, Taliban activities and Islamic radicalism.
I partly attribute these negative associations to the Westen media, which has done nothing but portray the worst face of Pakistan, especially since the 9/11 attacks.
That’s why, in this post, I wanted to show you 60 photos of Pakistan that you won’t see in the news, because Pakistan is simply awesome.
60 Photos of Pakistan that you won’t see in the news
Pakistan is the only country home to the 4 highest mountain ranges on Earth, including the Himalayas, the Karakorum, the Pamirs and the Hindu Kush.
In fact, the second-highest mountain in the world is found in Pakistan, K2 (8,611meters) and it belongs to the Karakoram range.
Besides those internationally famous mountains, Pakistan is also home to several dreamy valleys and which you don’t want to miss. I spent 2 months backpacking in Pakistan, and spent most of this time in the mountains. Here are some of my favorite pics.
Rakaposhi base camp, camping at around 3500 meters above sea level, right next to a giant ice wall, from where we could hear the continuous sound of avalanchesSame place as the previous photo, but from over a ridge, at the bottom of mount Rakaposhi (7,778 meters)Here we are at Nanga Parbat base camp. Absolutely mind-blowingThis is also Nanga Parbat (8,100 meters) a couple of kilometers before the base campThis is the village of GulmitIn Pakistan, we walked over glaciers full of crevasses, the first time in my lifeThese are the kind of glaciers we walked through. The man in the photo is a local Pakistani mountain guideClimbing a glacier with some Thai friendsWith some friends in Yezyl, one of the most beautiful glaciers in Pakistan, in Shimshal ValleyMore pictures of Yezyl glacier in ShimshalThis is Passu suspension bridgePakistan, however, is also home to beautiful lush green valleys. This is Swat, in Kalam districtMore pictures of Passu peaksSame place, Kalam, in Swat. The region of Swat has big similarities to Switzerland. This is one of my most favorite pictures.
This picture was taken on the hike from Hussaini to Passu suspension bridge
The hike to Borith lake
Hanging out in a hotel in Swat. It looks like a dreamy hotel, and it really was but seriously, it was just a very basic shack in the middle of the mountainsIn Swat, you find some of the most beautiful forests in the countryRocking my salwar kameez, somewhere in the Swat ValleyBeautiful Swat Valley 🙂Somewhere in the Astore Valley. With some local, Pakistani friends, we went for a long fishing weekendThe Astore Valleys sits on the other side of Nanga ParbatAnd it links to Pakistani Kashmir, which you will reach if you follow this trailWhat I loved about the Astore Valley is that you get pretty damn amazing views but also, those mountains are filled with tiny villages, so you get in touch with the local culture as well Enjoying my time in a local village in Astore ValleyDuring the day, my Pakistani friends spent all day fishing. I spent some time fishing with them in the morning but then, I was exploring the surroundings just by myselfEpic views in the Astore ValleyLooking over Astore Valley. I really love this picture I absolutely love these human encounters. Those moments make me feel very happy when I am travelingOr this oneI mean, isn’t that beautiful? Being able to explore those striking mountains and, at the same time, being the only tourist in a place full of hospitable, kind-hearted localsCheck out this tiny settlementExploring the Astore Valley was perhaps, my best experience in Pakistan
Pakistan is also famous for the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world that links Islamabad with Kashgar ( China), and also goes over Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest border crossings in the world, around 4,600 meters.
The Karakoram HighwayFrom the Karakoram Highway, you get to see bridges like this oneThe views from across the previous bridgeOr these mountains, perfectly visible from the window of your carTraffic jam in the Karakoram Highway. And you will be able to see plenty of Pakistani trucksThe main town in the northern part of the Karakoram Highway is Karimabad, inhabited by the Hunza people (an ethnic group who practice a very moderate branch of Islam) and home to Baltit fortSame, but a different perspectiveMore photos of the Karakoram HighwayAnd moreThis isn’t the Karakoram Highway but it is a crazy side road that leads to Fairy Meadows, close to Nanga Parbat base camp. The beginning of this road is at a junction in the Karakoram Highway
But Pakistan is not only about landscapes, but also beautiful people who will be continuously blessing you with their hospitality, and the thing you will always remember the most when you get back home, are the interactions with the local people.
Expect, literally, hundreds of house, lunch, dinner and tea invitations.
Local Pashtuns, in PeshawarThese guys are just fucking awesomeThe people here are truly authenticAnd street photography opportunities are greatYou not only get to see the Himalayas but also camels and beach!I met these 2 guys in Astore ValleyAnd the cultural diversity is also great. This is a Kalash woman, an ethnic group from northwestern Pakistan with traditional, pagan beliefsAnd this Hollywood-actor looking man is from a very remote Pakistani village, right across the Afghan border
And then, of course, you get all mosques and shrines Pakistan is famous for. You may already know it from the news, of course, but, did you know they were so beautiful?
This is Bdashi mosque, the most impressive mosque in LahoreAnd then you have this Sufi shrine in Multan. Sufism is the mystical branch of IslamAnd the second most important mosque in Lahore, Wazir KhanThis isn’t a famous mosque but I like it. You can find it in ChitralThis photo might be more similar to what you have seen in the news but still, it’s fucking awesome
More information for visiting Pakistan
📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
