Many of these remote locations, for one reason or another, happen to be in countries ruled by controversial regimes, usually not particularly good friends with the West.
As a result, we are often facing criticism, with some accusing us of supporting those governments simply by traveling there.
This article explains why there’s nothing inherently wrong with visiting such countries — and why, as long as you’re a conscious and respectful traveler, you should feel free to explore the world without self-censorship.
You shouldn’t be selective with your principles, double standards aren’t good
Fact: The countries typically not accepted to travel are shaped by geopolitics, rather than ethics.
Today, Russia is arguably the country that faces the greatest stigma as a travel destination.
After our recent trips to the North Caucasus republics and Siberia, I received more messages than ever — not about the places themselves, but about the supposed controversy of traveling to what many now see as the West’s number-one enemy.
Some people were polite, expressing disagreement while still respecting my decision. Others, however, were openly hostile.
What I find interesting is that some of the most vocal critics were the same travelers who have always been keen to travel to Syria, or who already traveled there after 2019.
Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad murdered hundreds of thousands of people, while forcing millions to flee the country. His brutal repression originated into a conflict which has not ended yet, since there are still war zones where people live under constant threat.
So if we look purely at the numbers — at the scale of violence, repression, and humanitarian crisis — wouldn’t Syria be an even more ethically difficult destination than Russia?
Why is it OK to visit Turkmenistan, Eritrea and North Korea, the 3 most repressive countries in the world, but it’s not OK to travel to Russia?
We can’t turn a blind eye to what is happening to Ukraine but just because the Russian Government is the biggest strategic rival of the West, doesn’t mean that the lives of Syrians and Afghan women are less worth than Ukrainians’.
If we apply outrage selectively, we’re not standing on principle — we’re just echoing foreign policy and Western media headlines.
Moscow is beautiful, just as it used to be back in 2022
Travel is something personal
Afghanistan is the country in the world where women’s rights are most violated.
Traveling is very personal so, if a certain traveler doesn’t want to travel to Afghanistan because of that, we should respect it because that’s their decision.
Remember that you aren’t traveling there to violate women’s rights further, but to learn, observe, break stereotypes and become wiser.
At the same time, it’s important to stay sensitive to the struggles of the people living under such regimes, and to travel in ways that support them, not their oppressors.
Afghan women in the city of Kandahar, one of the hardest places in the world to live as a woman
It’s not the local people’s fault. Travel to break stereotypes
It’s important to always separate people from Governments.
Leaders like Netanyahu are responsible for military actions in Gaza and yes, he has a large support among Israelis but at the same time, millions oppose his agenda and are horrified by all the violence.
Many Israelis I know feel extremely ashamed of the war in Gaza, just as I’ve met Russians in Moscow who are heartbroken about what’s happening in Ukraine.
Nobody likes war, or to live under sanctions.
Traveling to these countries allows you to get an unbiased perspective of the local’s opinion on the matter, something you’ll never see in the media.
It builds bridges and breaks down stereotypes, which might even work both ways, since it shows locals that not all foreigners are hostile, arrogant, or judgmental.
A nomad woman from the Siberian tundra. What does she have to do with the war in Ukraine-
You actually do more for the country than any armchair activist
An armchair activist refers to the person who likes to express strong opinions about political issues on social media but doesn’t take any action beyond that.
If you travel to countries with controversial regimes and like to post about it on Instagram, you are likely to be the target of an armchair activist, that’s what they do.
As I mentioned in the previous section, don’t let others shame you for your travels, you may actually be contributing more than they realize, as long as you are a responsible traveler, of course.
By backpacking in a country independently, having genuine local interactions, and spending money in local, small businesses, you are engaging more with local humans that most do from their couch.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a self-congratulatory statement.
We are travelers, not activists or humanitarian workers but still, I strongly believe that a responsible traveler leaves a more meaningful footprint than what most people on Instagram believe.
The guy on the left offered me to stay with him when I traveled independently to the Minaret of Jam
Those Governments benefit very little from your travels
Armchair activists tend to argue that no matter how responsibly you travel, part of your money will always end up in the hands of the Government.
Sure, that’s actually true.
During Bashar al-Assad’s regime, for example, the cost of the Syrian visa for Europeans was €70.
That money went directly to an evil Government but, are those €70 making any difference?
In reality, think about it as it was a trade-off.
You pay a €70 visa fee but then, you spend cash €1500 in family-owned hotels, local restaurants, and independent guides, while having genuine human interactions.
No trip is ethically perfect, but a responsible traveler will certainly bring more positive than harm.
Buying xaatar from a locally-owned shop in Aleppo. Buying in these places makes a big difference
Did you ask the local’s opinion?
This doesn’t really apply to places like Russia, but for war-torn countries like Yemen or Syria.
Traveling to Yemen is like slapping on the faces of all the families who have lost someone in the war.
Have you ever asked Yemenis how they feel about foreign visitors?
In my opinion, making such strong statements on behalf of people you have never talked to comes close to colonialism.
There isn’t any tourism industry left in Yemen, locals barely benefit financially from your visit, but there are few countries left in the world where where people are so excited to see a foreigner.
In places like Yemen or Syria, your presence can feel like a sign that the outside world isn’t forgetting them, or even an inflection point that their country is getting better, but that’s something you won’t understand unless you see it with your own eyes.
Yemeni people in Mukallah, the city that has suffered the most in the region of Hadramut
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Travel guide to countries with controversial regimes
Is it safe to travel to Antarctica? Our guide outlines all the necessary safety tips to remember for your journey to the end of the Earth!
When planning a journey to the White Continent, the question of safety in Antarctica naturally comes to mind.
So, is it safe to travel to Antarctica, a continent notorious for its harsh environment, remote location, and intensely cold weather?
This icy wilderness is arguably the most dangerous place on the planet. Yet, despite the extreme conditions, Antarctica offers a one-of-a-kind, magical trip.
Not only is the Antarctic terrain breathtaking, but its wildlife is also unlike any you would find in other parts of the world.
Picture a colony of king penguins hanging around the vast sea ice or a leopard seal stalking its prey in the frigid waters. You might even catch a glimpse of the massive humpback whale.
True, exploring Antarctica comes with its own risks and may not be for the faint of heart.
But with detailed planning, the proper gear, and the help of a trusted tour operator, visiting Antarctica can be the best and safest adventure that intrepid travelers will ever experience.
This comprehensive guide delves into the risks, precautions, and realities of visiting Antarctica to help you plan the perfect trip.
Visit Antarctica and see the amazing penguin colonies up close!
What to Expect for Safety in Antarctica
While visiting Antarctica can be inherently dangerous, you can sidestep these risks with precaution and preparation. That’s why it’s key to understand what to expect on your trip to the frozen continent.
From decoding the unpredictable weather to picking a reputable tour operator, here are our best safety tips.
We know that Antarctica is safe to travel. But is Antarctica safe to travel as an independent tourist? Can you visit the continent without expedition guides?
Even if you obtained the necessary permits from the Antarctic Treaty, DIYing a trip to Antarctica as a casual traveler is very expensive and potentially dangerous. So it’s not the wisest thing to do.
Antarctica doesn’t have commercial flights, hotels, or stores. So, without a tour company or an Antarctic cruise, you would have to charter your private ship, bring your provisions, and find a place to stay, which is nearly impossible.
Worse, in case of accidents, you’re responsible for rescuing yourself.
That’s why booking a tour operator is compulsory when visiting Antarctica. They will provide everything you need, from getting permits to preparing meals.
There’s a misconception that getting to Antarctica is frighteningly complicated. While it’s not easy, it’s not particularly hard either. The continent, after all, has become more accessible to tourists in recent years.
Perhaps the most intimidating aspect of traveling to Antarctica is sailing across the tumultuous Drake Passage.
The Drake Passage is infamous for being dangerous, mainly because of its strong winds, powerful currents, and huge waves. Plus, there’s no land nearby.
So, we can’t blame people for asking the question: is Antarctica safe to travel to? But there’s nothing to worry about.
All modern-day expedition ships can withstand the Drake Passage and the rough seas of the Southern Ocean. They also have state-of-the-art weather tracking systems run by an expert expedition team.
Additionally, the Drake Passage is typically calm during the Antarctic summer months of October to February. In most cases, the only discomfort tourists experience is seasickness.
Most tourists travel to Antarctica by cruise ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in South America.
If you want to skip traveling through the Drake Passage, fly to Punta Arenas, Chile, and then sail to King George Island. Another option is to board an Antarctic cruise ship from New Zealand’s South Island or set sail from Hobart, Tasmania in Australia.
Modern expedition ships are built to handle the Drake Passage.
Extreme Weather Conditions
The White Continent has harsh and unpredictable weather, with strong winds and temperatures that could drop below −43 °C. Even at the height of the summer months, daily temperatures hover between -2°C and 8°C.
Rest assured, there won’t be any severe blizzards during the Antarctic summer, which is the only season tourists can visit. Still, the cold can be dangerous.
Be sure to stay warm by wearing the proper clothing, such as a windproof jacket, waterproof pants, and insulated boots. We also recommend you bring a dry bag to store your valuables during shore landings.
You can check with your tour operator about what essentials to bring. They often provide a complete packing list to ensure you’re safe, well-prepared, and comfortable on your trip.
The weather and rough seas can also affect your schedule. Expect possible last-minute changes to your itinerary.
The remoteness of Antarctica
As one of the most secluded places on Earth, Antarctica seems cut off from the rest of the world.
Don’t expect cafes or restaurants. Neither are there hospitals or clinics, though there are medical facilities at some research stations.
While communications in Antarctica have slightly improved over the years, phone service and Wi-Fi access are still severely limited. Often, these are only available at research stations.
However, your tour operator has access to communication devices that they could use in an emergency. You may even be able to connect to the internet onboard your cruise ship, but only for light usage.
Antarctica may have a few marine predators, but it has no natural land predators that might suddenly pounce on unknowing tourists. And no, polar bears don’t live in Antarctica.
Antarctica’s wildlife is captivating. Mostly covered in ice, the continent is a habitat for penguins, seals, whales, and various species of seabirds.
Are the animals in Antarctica safe to approach?
The animals usually don’t pose any danger to humans. But still, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance when observing them. Follow the rules set by your expedition team not just for your safety but also for the well-being of the animals.
Antarctica’s wildlife is truly incredible!
The Antarctic Landscape
Antarctica is a pristine wilderness of glistening ice sheets punctuated by towering glaciers, jagged mountains, and massive ice shelves that extend into the Southern Ocean.
Although dramatically beautiful, the Antarctic terrain can be treacherous. Among its hazards are crevasses hidden under the snow, slippery ice, and unstable ground. These can make navigation and other activities dangerous.
Ice and snow create a reflected glare, which can irritate the eyes or impair vision. In worse cases, it can lead to snow blindness, wherein too much UV light damages the cornea of the eye.
To avoid untoward incidents, always follow the guidance and instructions of the cruise or expedition staff. The experts are there to keep you safe! Use footwear with good traction for safe passage and to prevent slips on icy surfaces.
Your overall experience in Antarctica may vary depending on whether you pick a traditional cruise or an expedition.
In a nutshell, Antarctica cruises cater to tourists looking for a more comfortable trip, while expeditions are ideal for adventure seekers.
An Antarctic cruise focuses mainly on sightseeing and sailing along the coastline, with minimal shore landings. It prioritizes relaxation and typically has a fixed itinerary, such as visits to the famous South Georgia Island.
On the other hand, an Antarctic expedition highlights exploration of the continent, with activities like hiking, kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and zodiac excursions. Expeditions also have smaller ships, fewer guests, and a more flexible schedule depending on the weather.
So, what does this have to do with your safety in Antarctica?
Expeditions require more physical and mental preparation than a traditional cruise.
Do you prefer the more demanding activities of an expedition? Or do you want a more laid-back trip, enjoying lovely views from the safety of your deck? Whichever you choose, both offer safe and life-changing experiences to travelers.
Cruises or expeditions are two amazing ways to explore the wonders of Antarctica.
Responsible Tourism
Antarctica harbors a delicate ecosystem which needs protection from human activity, including tourism.
For this reason, the Antarctic Treaty, presently signed by 58 nations, requires all tourists to obtain a permit to visit Antarctica.
The vast majority of tour operators process the permit for their guests. You don’t have to apply for it unless you’re traveling independently.
The permit lists what you can do, where you can go, and how to treat the wildlife. It regulates tourism and minimizes human impact on the environment.
By strictly following these guidelines, you help preserve Antarctica’s unique but fragile flora and fauna while ensuring your safety.
In addition, refrain from taking natural objects as souvenirs. Don’t litter or deface historical sites, monuments, and research facilities.
Please note that visiting any part of Antarctica as a tourist without a permit is illegal and could result in fines or imprisonment.
On a side note, you don’t need a visa to visit Antarctica because no one nation owns it. But, depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to enter transit countries, such as Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia.
Antarctica may be one of the most stunning places on the planet, but it’s also inhospitable and unforgiving. Safety is crucial for a successful and unforgettable trip. That said, here are simple tips to keep in mind when visiting Antarctica:
Travel with a Reputable Tour Operator
Tour operators make your trip safer and more enjoyable. They also ensure travelers comply with the rules for protecting Antarctica’s ecosystem.
A reliable tour operator has expert guides, appropriate safety equipment, and efficient emergency protocols.
Travel insurance is essential when visiting Antarctica. Be sure to pick one that covers medical evacuations and health insurance.
Though the continent is generally safe, its extreme isolation and erratic weather make it difficult to access in an emergency.
Besides, having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
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.
Health Safety
Antarctica’s harsh climate and extreme cold can worsen existing health conditions. Medical assistance and emergency services are often inaccessible in Antarctica.
For this reason, you must undergo medical screening and get clearance from your healthcare provider before traveling.
Tour operators will require this medical clearance.
Stock up on your prescription medication if you’re taking any. Be sure you have enough for the entire duration of your trip, plus an extra supply to cover four weeks.
Physical Preparation
We recommend you engage in physical activities that improve your stamina and balance before exploring Antarctica. These exercises help you keep up when walking on uneven terrain and icy ground.
Tourists joining specific excursions, such as climbing or skiing, may be asked to present a certificate of training proving their skillset. The expedition may require additional training before allowing the guest to participate in an activity.
In addition:
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. The cold, dry air can dehydrate you quickly.
Eat well, especially energy-rich foods, to maintain stamina and keep warm.
Immediately inform the expedition staff, the guides, or the medics if you feel unwell.
Know your capabilities and physical limits. Avoid strenuous activities if you’re untrained or uncertain if your body can handle the strain.
Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands to help prevent the spread of germs.
Your worst enemy in Antarctica is the cold, which can lead to hypothermia, dehydration, trench foot, frostbite, tooth pain, snow blindness, and even altitude sickness.
Protect yourself from these hazards by keeping warm and toasty with the proper clothing.
When dressing for extreme conditions, layering is key. Wear thermal underwear as the base layer, polyester or fleece as the middle layer, and a weatherproof jacket and snow pants as the outer layer.
Invest in high-quality footwear. Insulated, waterproof boots with excellent grip are ideal for walking on ice-covered terrain.
Protect your extremities from the wind and cold with gloves, a warm hat or beanie that covers your ears, wool socks, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
And just because Antarctica is cold doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburned. Apply liberal amounts of waterproof, sweat-proof sunscreen with at least SPF 45.
Don’t forget the lip balm to prevent your lips from chapping.
Also, wear polarized sunglasses or goggles outdoors to protect your eyes from reflected glare.
Staying warm in Antarctica starts with the right gear!
Be Prepared for Emergency
Accidents and emergencies are unlikely to happen as long as you go by the rules and policies set by the cruise crew members or expedition team.
Even so, you should familiarize yourself with the safety protocols of your cruise or expedition. These include knowing the evacuation plan in case of an emergency.
It would also help to know the location of first-aid kits and emergency communication equipment.
Navigating the Terrain
Guides know best when it comes to exploring Antarctica, so take their lead and always follow their instructions.
Listen to safety briefings and note which areas are a no-go.
Never stray from the group or wander off marked routes. Cracks, crevasses, and deep holes might lie hidden beneath the snow.
Be extra cautious of slippery surfaces and uneven ground. A trekking pole may help you keep your balance and avoid a fall.
If you want to walk on glaciers or snowfields, you should have the proper gear and training.
Don’t get too close to glaciers or spots with overhanging ice, which can cave in unpredictably.
The Antarctic Treaty strictly regulates tourism in Antarctica, so scams are uncommon but do happen.
Of course, Antarctica doesn’t have taxi scams or vendors selling overpriced fake souvenirs. Scamming, if it happens, will likely occur during your pre-travel preparations.
In February 2024, a fake travel agency duped a dozen doctors from Kolkata, India, into paying for a sham trip to Antarctica.
In a different case, scammers in Italy sold fake passports to 700 people, promising them citizenship of a made-up country in Antarctica.
To avoid falling victim to a scam, do thorough research, read reviews, look for hidden charges, and only book through trusted agencies. Be wary of sketchy travel websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
Booking your Antarctica trip with a tour operator will lower the chance of being scammed. But be sure to pick a legit company accredited with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).
Solo Travel in Antarctica
Yes, you can visit Antarctica as a solo traveler. And it’s safe.
But unlike your other solo travels, you can’t explore Antarctica alone, as doing so is unsafe and irresponsible. You have to join an organized expedition or an Antarctic cruise.
Solo traveling to Antarctica is a fantastic way to meet new people. If you’re uncomfortable with big crowds, opt for an expedition, as it has fewer guests than a cruise.
Many expedition ships offer solo cabins for those who want privacy. Some waive the single supplement fee or the extra charge solo guests pay to stay in a room alone.
If you don’t mind some company, there are same-sex cabins you can share with other solo travelers.
It’s possible to travel solo in Antarctica and even team up with fellow solo adventurers.
So is it safe to travel to Antarctica?
Because you can only visit Antarctica with a registered tour operator and explore with expert guides, it’s actually a very safe place to travel!
Antarctica does pose numerous risks. It is the most remote and treacherous continent on earth, after all. But this makes the island highly regulated, and you’ll never be navigating this icy landmass alone.
You will always have trained and knowledgeable tour guides helping you along the way. Just heed their advice and take extra care to prepare for such an adventurous trip.
But with proper planning, adherence to rules, responsible tourism, and the help of a trusted tour operator, you’re sure to have a very safe and utterly memorable trip.
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Update 2025: The border between Georgia and Abkhazia has been closed since 2020. Today, you can only visit Abkhazia from Russia, for which you’ll need a double-entry visa. Read our Russian visa guide for more information.
I was in no man’s land, walking the couple of kilometers that separate Georgia from Abkhazia, still thinking about the last thing that the Georgian officer told me:
Don’t trust Abkhazians – He said after handing my passport back.
It wasn’t the first time I had crossed a non-friendly border but this was the first time I heard an immigration officer saying something like that.
I was getting closer to the Abkhazian border and, as soon as I arrived and said hello to everybody with a big smile, the Abkhazian officer told me:
This bottle of water is not allowed here. Remove the label.
Yes, in effect, my water had a label written in Georgian, and Georgian-related things are not allowed in Abkhazia.
Shit… That was pretty intense.
Things were about to get very interesting and I couldn’t be more excited to be there.
Welcome to the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia.
This guide contains everything you need to know to travel to Abkhazia, including tips and a 6-day itinerary
Georgia is a complicated country and, in order to make the most out of your visit, I recommend you read 1 or 2 books before your trip. Read: The best books on Georgia country
In this travel guide to Abkhazia you will find:
our recommended travel insurance for Abkhazia
IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in an unrecognized territory like Abkhazia, but you must select ”GEORGIA’‘.
Introduction to visiting the Republic of Abkhazia
Important – Before you read, please note that I don’t intend to get into politics. Seriously, I am not on any side but I am just a traveler who wants to show the beauty of Abkhazia in the same way that I have been showing other places in Georgia. It is not my business to claim whether Abkhazia is a republic or not and if I say it, it is because this is how Abkhazians say it, not because I care about it. I just want to show the world what my eyes saw from a traveling perspective.
In 1992, after the Soviet Union’s dissolution, Georgia was planning to abolish the Soviet-era constitution and restoring the 1921 Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.
As a response, in fear of losing their autonomy in favor of Georgia, Abkhazia declared independence unilaterally.
As a consequence, the Georgian army invaded Abkhazia, which turned into a bloody war but, with the help of different Caucasian militias from the south of Russia, Georgia was defeated by Abkhazia.
Abkhazia was in the hands of the Abkhazians, and the ethnic Georgians, who were nearly half of the total population, were either killed or forced to flee the country and that is the reason why there are so many abandoned buildings.
Don’t forget to read my travel guide to Tbilisi, which also includes off-the-beaten-track things to do
Partially abandoned train station in Sukhumi – Abkhazia travel
After a couple of years, Abkhazia was self-proclaimed an independent Republic.
However, nobody in the international community recognized it, so Abkhazia went through a long period of autarchic darkness.
It was only in 2008, after the Georgian-Russian war, that Russia recognized it as a country and decided to back them up economically, in exchange for military presence, among other things I believe.
Today, it is only recognized by a small bunch of countries which, besides Russia, includes Venezuela, Nicaragua, Syria and a few Pacific Islands.
The flags from these countries are waving in the center of the city.
As I said, I don’t want to enter into politics but, regardless of whether they have the right to be independent or not, from a traveling perspective, traveling to Abkhazia feels like being in a different country:
There is a border, you need a country visa, they use the Russian Rubles, cars have an Abkhazian license place, the architecture is different and, as per the people, the culture is slightly different and they speak a distinct language named Abkazh, a Caucasian language that has nothing to do with Georgian.
Abkhazia is, seriously, an amazing destination you can’t miss.
Inside an abandoned building in Sukhumi – Visit Abkhazia
🪪 How to get a visa to Abkhazia
Calm down.
Many travelers seem to be particularly overwhelmed about getting a visa to visit Abkhazia, but you just need to make an easy online application and cross an easy border, that’s it.
You can apply through the official website. Just fill out the application and send them a hard copy of your passport, as stated. You don’t need to pay anything, for now.
After 5 working days, they will email you a security clearance which you need to show at the border. Remember to print several copies, as either Georgian, Russian or Abkhazian authorities may keep one.
Important – The security clearance is not a visa but just the key to enter Abkhazia. Once you are in Abkhazia, you need to pick up your visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sukhumi, within 2-3 days of your arrival. The visa price depends on the length of your stay: I stayed 1 week and paid 350RB (5USD). By the way, you can pay by credit card. This is the location: 42.999895, 41.018142.
My visa to Abkhazia – Visiting abkhazia
How to travel to Abkhazia from Georgia
Very easy.
You first need to take a train to a border city named Zugdidi.
From Tbilisi, there is a night train and morning one. The morning train leaves at 8am and arrives at 1:45pm, whereas the night train arrives at 6-7am.
If you come in the morning, the border will be less busy but it doesn’t open until 8-10am, so you may have to wait for a bit.
Buy your tickets a few days in advance. I bought them online on matarebeli.ge, but you can also get them at the station in Tbilisi.
The train journey to Zugdidi is a very touristic route, as it is the main getaway to Mestia, so the train is packed with tourists, but nobody was traveling to Abkhazia other than me.
The border is less than 10km away. I went to the main bus station in Zugdidi and didn’t find a marshrutka (but there should be one because I took it on the way back), so I jumped into a taxi and paid 8GEL (1.80USD).
You need to tell the guy granitsa, which means border in Russian.
A ceasefire monument you can find in no man’s land. The question is: who paid for it, Abkhazia or Georgia? – can you travel to Abkhazia
The border to enter to Abkhazia is divided into 4 stages:
Georgian border – It took me 20 minutes. They don’t stamp your passport because, in their eyes, you aren’t leaving Georgia.
A few kilometers of no man’s land – You need to walk 2 or 3km and cross the bridge that goes over the Enguri river.
Abkhazian border – It took me 30 minutes.
Russian checkpoint – Despite not even being their country, the Russians authorities are the most annoying. It took me two hours to cross it, not only because it was slower but because they took me to a different room and ask loads of questions about my previous trip to Iran.
After the Russian checkpoint, congratulations.
You are officially in the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia.
If you crossed in the morning, you will find marshrutkas that go straight to Sukhumi.
Otherwise, you will first need to go to Gale (50RB) and then take a second marshrutka to Sukhumi (200RB).
Important information for those coming from Russia – The Russian border is open but you can’t enter from Russia and leave through Georgia, basically because Georgia doesn’t recognize that border, so you won’t be allowed to get in. On the other hand, if you enter Abkhazia through Georgia, you are technically allowed to enter Russia (as long as you have a valid visa) but, if you ever try to come back to Georgia, you may be banned from entering the country or pay a fine.
Welcome to the Republic of Abkhazia – Border – How to travel to Abkhazia
⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Abkhazia?
Tell any Georgian that you want to travel to Abkhazia and they will freak out and tell you that you are completely nuts.
Their opinion is, of course, a little bit biased but we can’t forget that the region is well-known for its crime, especially the southern part, close to the border with Zugdidi, around Gale.
I actually know two cases of people who got robbed there in summer 2018. One was an acquaintance of me and the other was the guys from Kathmandu and Beyond. Read their story here.
The south of Abkhazia used to have the largest population of Georgians and, since all of them left, here you find more abandoned buildings than anywhere else, so robbing tourists is a way to fight their misery.
Don’t be afraid of visiting the south though.
You can go there and explore the different towns during the day, no problem, but if you decide to explore some of the abandoned factories outside, go with a local or a big group.
The rest of the country (my suggested itinerary), however, is safe and everybody is friendly and kind. I remember sitting in a café for breakfast when some random people that were next to me paid for my meal, and I had barely talked to them.
Friendly Abkhazians playing backgammon, somewhere in Sukhumi – Is it safe to travel to Abkhazia
There is no Consulate representation
On the other hand, remember that, in Abkhazia, there is no embassy representation, so if you get into trouble, losing your passport, for example, I don’t know what you could do. Just be aware of this.
🚑 Travel Insurance for Abkhazia
There are no embassies in Abkhazia so, if the unlikely happened to you, better to have proper insurance.
The problem is that most companies won’t cover travel in Abkhazia because it is an unrecognized territory.
The one which does is IATI Insurance, and I recommend it for the following reasons:
All types of plans for all budgets
If you select Georgia (or Europe), you will be covered for travel in Abkhazia.
Covers senior citizens too
The readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount.
💰 Important information about money when you travel in Abkhazia
Currency – They use the Russian Ruble.
Don’t bring Georgian Laris – Except in Gale, you won’t be able to exchange your Laris, so it is better to bring Rubles. You can get them anywhere in Tbilisi.
ATMs – Unlike what you may read in other blogs, most ATMs do accept international credit cards.
How much does it cost to travel to Abkhazia? – The food in Abkhazia is substantially more expensive than Georgia but accommodation is very cheap:
Breakfast – 300RB
Plate of khinkalis – 250RB
Beer – 100RB
Coffee – 80RB
Budget accommodation – From 6USD for a private room
Some fruits in Abkhazia are crazy expensive – Travel in Abkhazia
📍 Places to visit in Abkhazia – 6-day itinerary
The reason for traveling to Abkhazia is not only political but the country is actually beautiful.
In fact, some Georgians claim that Abkhazia is the most beautiful part of Georgia, one of the reasons why it being taken from them is so painful.
You should also know that, during the Soviet Union, Abkhazia was a major touristic destination for Russians and other people from the Soviet Union and, if Abkhazia had not gotten its independence, today it would be the top resort destination in Georgia, not Batumi.
Map of the places to visit in Abkhazia
Day 1, 2 – Sukhumi
Sukhumi is awesome and, even if you only had 2 days to travel to Abkhazia, I still recommend you come and visit it.
Sukhumi is the capital of Abkhazia, a city that, somehow, tries to be cool among all the abandoned buildings and the Soviet-era stuff.
The center of the city is dominated by the abandoned Parliament, which in the past, used to be occupied by the Georgian authorities and, instead of re-occupying it, the Abkhazians left it there.
It is the most impressive abandoned building I saw when I visited Abkhazia and you can actually hang around for as long as you want.
Otherwise, besides going in search of more abandoned buildings (they are everywhere, really), the promenade is pretty cool, as it has a lot of Soviet stuff, as well as a lot of local life.
The background of Sukhumi is dominated by some mountains which you can go up to check the views, visit Bagrat fortress and some abandoned monuments.
Budget Guest House – Roza Guest House – A really good guest house with a very big garden. The owners are a young family which is super nice. I really enjoyed my time here.
Nicer – Guest House GUMA – Also a guest house but it has a better location and it is of a higher quality.
Sukhumi train station – Visit Abkhazia
Day 3 – New Athos
With nearly 1700 years of history, New Athos is the prettiest coastal town in Abkhazia, with blue-turquoise water and dense green forest that grows near the edge of the water.
New Athos is an actual touristic town and you are likely to see loads of Russian tourists around, but many of them are pretty cool, as New Athos is sort of an alternative destination for the average Russian tourist.
In New Athos, you must climb up to the Greek fortress (200RB) on the top of the mountain, to check some incredible views of the bay.
Views from the fortress
Moreover, the New Athos Monastery is one of the prettiest I have seen recently, really. It was built by monks in the 19th century and is a real blessing to your eyeballs.
Apparently, there is also a very impressive cave but I didn’t have time to go there.
How to get to New Athos from Sukhumi
You can easily reach New Athos on a day trip from Sukhumi and marshrutkas run from the main bus station in Sukhumi. It costs 70RB.
Epic New Athos Monastery
Day 4 – Gagra
Gagra is a very touristic beach town.
I didn’t like it, basically because I grew up in a very similar place in Catalonia, so there was nothing new for me and I would have preferred to have this day to explore the area around Gale.
It is a place to just chill at the beach and eat at the many promenade restaurants so, for solo travelers, it can get a bit boring, especially because there are no people to hang out with, basically because nobody speaks English.
What is interesting about it, however, is that this is the warmest town in the entire Black Sea coastline and apparently, in winter, the temperature is high enough to swim, so Gagra has always been a popular getaway for Russians escaping from their utterly freezing weather.
This is the reason why you see so many strange plants such as exotic cactus and things like that, which is very weird, taking into account that we are at the very doors of the Great Caucasus.
Ah, almost forgot! There is an abandoned Music Club which is worth checking out. Right here: 43.290811, 40.260667.
Abandoned music club in Gagra – Really cool
How to get to Gargra from Sukhumi
Marshrutkas cost 130RB and it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Gagra
Budget Guest House – Sunset Guest House – Really cool place. For budget travelers, look no further.
Nicer – Guest House Oniks – Similar concept to the previous but it has higher standards.
Stinky smoked fish somewhere in Gagra – Russians love it, as well as people from Central Asia
Day 5, 6 – Camping at Lake Ritsa
Who would ever say that, at the very shores of this lake, Stalin himself used to spend his holidays in his personal dacha (Russian summer house).
Lake Ritsa was, in fact, a very popular spot for the Soviet elite and, today, you can still visit Stalin’s dacha and, for a few rubles, they will show you the bed where he used to sleep, the toilet where he used to shit and even his personal boat.
The tour is in Russian and nobody speaks English but it was fun enough.
Stalin’s dacha is on the opposite side of the main touristic part of the lake.
Lake Ritsa – Epic
The lake is actually very touristic but this shouldn’t pull you out from coming here because it is pretty big and, like always, people just go to certain areas of the lake.
The place we camped was totally empty, so we had the place for ourselves.
On the second day, we trekked to what is called the Small Ritsa, which is a smaller version of the main lake. It is a half-day trek and we only saw one other group of trekkers.
Alternatively, there are many roads and trails around the lake waiting to be explored.
Good morning from Lake Ritsa – This dog followed me the whole day
How to get to Lake Ritsa from Sukhumi
There is no public transportation, so you need to take a taxi or hitchhike.
I hitchhiked and got picked up by two young Russians who I camped with, so I was very lucky.
You can also book a tour from Sukhumi, which costs around 10USD, but I wouldn’t go there by bus, as you will only have a few hours to enjoy the most touristic part of the lake, without time to go to the other side or even trek to the small Ritsa.
Where to stay in Ritsa Lake
We camped but, if you don’t have a tent, there are a few hotels around, none of them budget though.
I left the lake at around 1pm, after coming back from Small Ritsa and my Russian friends dropped me off in New Athos, from where I took a marshrutka and the driver dropped on the main road between Sukhumi and the border.
I waited for a lift, crossed the border in just a few minutes and, once in Zugdidi, I took a marshrutka to Tbilisi. I think I arrived around 1am.
❗ More information for traveling to Abkhazia
📢 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.
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If you only have one day in Sydney Australia, and want to see the highlights, we’ve created this 1 day itinerary to give you a taste of this very walkable city. We’ll explore Sydney’s history, enjoy waterfront views at the Sydney Opera House, dip into some art and culture and enjoy the relaxing green space of the Botanic Garden.
Sydney 1 day itinerary
For those with an additional day or two, or anyone wanting more time at the beach, we also have some day trip ideas. Just a short bus or ferry ride from the city centre, you can dip into Sydney’s beach lifestyle at Bondi Beach, Manly or Watsons Bay.
If you are visiting Sydney for the first time, whether on a cruise or as part of a wider tour of Australia, this 1 day Sydney itinerary offers something for everyone.
Bondi Beach Sydney
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Let’s start our day in Sydney at Circular Quay. Not only is this where the cruise ships dock, but all the harbour ferries come and go from here and it’s centrally located on bus and train routes.
Keen to see Sydney?
Here’s a quick version of the Sydney highlights in one day. All the attractions mentioned are free to visit, although of course you’ll need to budget for refreshments and any booked tours. We also have a short and printable version of this itinerary to download below.
The Rocks – an historic neighbourhood where the colony was founded. (1 Hour)
Coffee break at Museum of Contemporary Art ground floor cafe
Sydney Opera House – Sydney’s most iconic cultural attraction (1 Hour)
Royal Botanic Garden – 30 hectares of lawns, trees and themed gardens (1 hour)
Lunch break at Farm Cove Eatery in the Botanic Garden
Option to head to the beach at Bondi, Manly or Wilson Bay for the afternoon or alternatively stay in central Sydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales ( 1 hour) – a free art gallery of indigenous and other Australian artworks – or alternatively
Hyde Park Barracks (1 hour) – a free museum dedicated to the experiences of the convicts who helped found Sydney
MacQuarie Street – (30 mins) – walk past some of Sydney’s imposing 19th century government buildings
Martin Place (Central Business District) – (30 mins) – soak up the buzz of Sydney’s business district
Ice Cream at Messina Gelato
Walk back to Circular Quay – admiring the varied architecture along George St or Pitt St (30 mins)
Sunset drinks at the Opera Bar, Sydney Opera House
Circular Quay and CBD Sydney
The early history of the Sydney area
Before we visit the areas that formed the first colony in the early 19th century, we need to acknowledge the Gadigal clans of the Eora Nation who lived here before those English settlers arrived. These aboriginal people lived in family clan groups all around the Sydney Bay area, living from harvested plants, fish and seafood that were plentiful in the area.
Australia Museum, Sydney Australia
Many place names in Sydney originate from aboriginal descriptions, and indigenous rock carvings can be seen around the Sydney Bay area.
A few aboriginal men such Benelong and Bungaree acted as mediators and interpreters between their culture and the early settlers – they are remembered in place names around Sydney. However, over time the Gadigal territory around Sydney was taken over by the new colony, and conflicts often arose between the two cultures.
You can discover some of the stories behind these early contacts in the Cadi Jam Ora Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden and the Yiribana Gallery in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as well as in other museums around Sydney.
The Rocks
The neighbourhood known as The Rocks is a grid of streets to one side of Circular Quay, named after the rocky cliffs that you’ll see as you walk through the area. This was the commercial centre of the earliest colony, with warehouses for stores and close packed houses.
The Rocks, Sydney Australia
Water was supplied from The Tank stream that ran through the area into Sydney Bay. Later, a road (now Argyle street) was hewn through the sold rock, known as ‘The Cut’, which allowed the colony to expand.
Today the area is less residential and more of a tourist hub, with art galleries and souvenir shops. Since cruise ships dock right alongside this area, it can be crowded in high season. Nevertheless, we found the area charming, and care has been taken to promote high quality Australian souvenirs and crafts in the shops here.
We recommend spending an hour looking around ‘The Rocks’ – here’s what to look out for;
The Museum of Contemporary Art is worth visiting on another day, but for our 1 day in Sydney we recommend a coffee stop in the pleasant terrace cafe.
Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Australia
Walk past Cadman’s cottage and the warehouse buildings of Campbell’s Stores, now housing restaurants. In front of you is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, another landmark of the city.
Cadman’s Cottage, Sydney Australia
Skirt back to Playfair Street, a pedestrianised area where there are many 19th century buildings, now housing galleries and craft shops. The Rocks Market with craft stalls is held here at weekends. There’s more shopping and some street food stands in the adjoining Rocks Centre.
Campbell’s Storehouses, The Rocks Sydney Australia
Stop at The Rocks Discovery Museum (free) located in one of the older buildings, to learn about the area’s history.
At The junction of Playfair Street and Argyle Street, look right to see how the road was cut through the rock, now running under the highway leading to the Harbour Bridge.
The Cut, Argyle St, Sydney Australia
Continue your stroll down some of the narrow lanes, such as Nurses’s Walk to soak up the area’s atmosphere.
Coffee Stop: We recommend the ground floor cafe of the Museum of Contemporary Art for a coffee in the shady open air terrace with views of the harbour.
Cafe at Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Australia
Now walk past the ferry piers at Circular Quay and along the Eastern Pontoon to the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Opera House
The Opera House is Sydney’s best known landmark, sitting on the prominent Bennelong Point overlooking the harbour. It was intended to build Sydney’s reputation as a world class centre for culture and the performing arts, replacing a tram depot that previously stood on this spot.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
After an international design competition in 1957, the design of Danish architect Jorn Utzon was chosen, with shell-like roof structures housing two large concert halls, a restaurant and smaller performance spaces.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
The actual construction caused an engineering conundrum and Utzon was forced to resign from the project. Eventually the building was completed by an architectural team led by Peter Hall and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Sydney Opera House is a magnet for visitors, who swirl around the different levels of the building to take their photos. But to see the interiors you’ll need to book a tour, which is worth planning ahead as they are often booked up on the day.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
We recommend spending an hour here on our 1 day Sydney itinerary, so here’s what to look out for;
View the building’s exterior from all angles and levels. You can walk up the steps on the land side, walk around on the harbour side and explore the different levels of terraces housing bars and restaurants.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Walk up the steps to enter the foyer and get a sense of the interior, which is as much as you’ll see inside without taking a tour. Here you’ll find the ticket sales counters, a small gift shop and a kiosk cafe, with some seating in the Lounge area.
Foyer at Sydney Opera House, Australia
Back on the ground level, there’s a passage under the steps leading to a bar by the Midden by Mark Olive restaurant, where there are sometimes photographic exhibitions.
Head down the steps or escalator to the lower ground level visitor centre. There’s a small gift shop and some exhibition space about the building of the opera house. Tickets are also sold here for the opera house tours, although these are often sold out on the day so better to book ahead.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
On this lower ground level is the House Canteen, with Asian inspired all day dining and the Opera Bar, which we recommend for a sunset drink.
Opera Bar at Sydney Opera House, Australia
Check back at dusk when there are often colourful light projections onto the sails of the opera house – while we were there there was a daily Baud Gili projection taking place several times after sunset.
Take a tour of Sydney Opera House, Australia
We highly recommend taking a tour of Sydney Opera House if you have more time another day, to see the stunning interiors of the Opera House. On our tour, we really enjoyed the sculptural quality of the building, stories of its construction and close ups of the distinctive roof tiles and structure.
Close ups of the roof tiles at Sydney Opera House, Australia
We also booked tickets for a ballet performance of Nijinsky, which was a fun evening, offering another way to experience the Opera House from the inside. If you are Sydney for a while, check what’s on, as it’s a memorable experience.
Heather attending a performance at Sydney Opera House, Australia
Now walk through the Opera House Gate into the Botanical Gardens.
Botanic Gardens of Sydney
We recommend spending up to an hour in the Botanic Gardens and having lunch there – it’s a calming oasis after the crowds around the Sydney Opera House. The 30 hectare garden overlooks Farm Cove and was the site of the first farm planted, to sustain the European colony.
Heather in the Botanic Garden Sydney Australia
After entering from the Opera House Gate, follow the path slightly up hill to get a glimpse of Government House through the railings, which is the office and residence of the Governor of New South Wales.
Botanic Garden Sydney Australia
Tip: If you want to have a picnic in the Botanic Garden, a great place is the Bennelong Lawn, tucked between Government House and the Sydney Opera House, where you can sit under a shady tree looking down over the Opera House.
Best place for a picnic – Bennelong Lawn, Botanic Garden Sydney Australia
There are a number of ‘gardens within gardens’ in the Botanic Garden of Sydney, as well as plenty of lawns and shady trees to sit and relax. We recommend wandering around for an hour, making your way up through the garden, in the direction of the exit opposite the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Our favourite garden spots were:
Succulent Garden, Botanic Garden Sydney Australia
The Succulent Garden – a walled area with cactus and other sculptural succulents
Palace Rose Garden – with a pergola of climbing roses as well as beds of bush and species roses
The Palm Grove – full of colourful kaffir lilies in springtime
The Calyx – a modern glasshouse with a living green wall that hosts exhibitions and events
The Herb Garden – a formal garden with aromatic plants
Cadi Jam Ora – with boards telling the stories of first encounters between the Gadigal people and the European settlers
Cadi Jam Ora Botanic Garden Sydney Australia
Lunch stop: We recommend a relaxed light lunch in the ground floor Farm Cove Eatery, within the Botanical gardens. If you prefer a more formal table service lunch, try the Botanic House restaurant by Luke Nguyen on the upper floor, offering an upscale Asian fusion menu.
Botanic House restaurant, Botanic Garden Sydney Australia
After lunch it’s time to enjoy one of Sydney’s outstanding museums and galleries. We have two recommendations for you, both of which are free. You should allocate at least an hour to each of them, so it’s better to choose one or the other, as you probably won’t have time for both.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
The gallery is a haven for art lovers, with the focus on Australian art and photography and a strong collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. We especially recommend the newer glass wing, where you can see some Aboriginal art in the Yirbana Gallery.
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Australia
The Art Gallery campus comprises two connected buildings, the original 19th century sandstone classical facade, and the newer glass pavilions named Naala Badu.
Naala Badu Wing, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Australia
If you are short of time, I’d enter the glass pavilions first, as this is where the Yirbana Gallery is located. The gallery, meaning ‘This way’ in the language of the Eora people, houses the collection of Aborigonal and Torres Strait Islander art, and is one of the highlights of the whole museum.
Indigenous art in the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Australia
The galleries of the 19th century building also offer beautifully displayed collections of Australian and European art. I enjoyed the way that art from different eras was mixed together in the galleries, based on themes, rather than centuries, which give the galleries a lively and contemporary feel.
After spending around an hour here, walk across the Domain, an open green space, to Hyde Park Barracks Museum.
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
If you are interested in the early beginnings of Sydney as a colony, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum covers the convict history of those who were deported from England to build a new life here.
Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Australia
The classically proportioned sandstone building, by convict architect Francis Greenway, is beautiful in its own right and was built by convict labour in 1819. It originally housed convicts who slept in cramped rows of hammocks. Later the building provided accommodation for newly arrived female immigrants until they could find work.
Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Australia
The rooms are based on different themes and take you on a journey from the first arrival of the convicts after a long sea journey, to the work they were set to do and the expansion of the new colony.
It’s a relaxing museum to visit, since you are provided with an audio guide and headphones, that automatically start their commentary as you pass through each room.
Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Australia
If you’ve spent your time at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (you probably won’t have time to do both museums), you can still admire Hyde Park Barracks from the outside.
Then walk down Macquarie Street to see some of the 19th century historic buildings, from the early days of the colony, as you make your way back to the starting point at Circular Quay.
Macquarie Street
Named after Lachlan Macquarie, one of the early governors of New South Wales, Macquarie Street was set out in the 1800’s. It was intended as a ceremonial route from the harbour, with a number of imposing public buildings. Many were designed by a convict architect, Francis Greenway and are still used today for government or civic purposes.
Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Australia
Spend half an hour walking along the street, to admire the architecture of these imposing buildings as you head towards Martin Place.
Hyde Park Barracks – Built to house convicts and later accommodation for newly arrived female immigrants, now a museum.
St James’ Church – across the street from Hyde Park Barracks, with an elegant exterior and steeple. The interior is quite simple, but there’s a beautiful modern stained glass window in the side chapel.
St James Church Sydney Australia
The Mint – formerly a wing of the Sydney Hospital, later used as a mint, to process the gold discovered in Australia. The building has been beautifully restored and houses a small coffee shop and some limited exhibits, with museum offices at the back. You can walk through the portico to see the courtyard space behind.
The Mint Macquarie Street Sydney Australia
Sydney Hospital – this is a working hospital and the current building stands on the site of the original Sydney Hospital, which was built with two wings, now the Mint and the Parliament Building. At the front is a replica of Il Porcellino, the brass boar statue that stands in Florence, Italy.
Sydney Hospital Sydney Australia
Parliament House – a mirror image of The Mint, this now houses the State Parliament of New South Wales, however tours need to be booked in advance.
State library of NSW Sydney Australia
A little further is the State Library of New South Wales, but our route now takes us across the road from the Parliament Building, and down the hill to Martin Place in the Central Business District.
Central Business District (CBD)
Cross the road and head down the hill into Martin Place and the Central Business District (CBD). Depending on where you are staying, you may want to catch the train or bus from Martin Place back to your accommodation.
Martin Place, Sydney Australia
It’s a 10-15 minute walk back to Circular Quay from here, but if you prefer, hop on a 333 bus from Martin Place or the light railway (tram) from Wynyard stop, to take you back to Circular Quay.
If returning on foot to Circular Quay, you could now walk back along Pitt Street or George Street through the Central Business District, soaking up the atmosphere of suited office workers catching an after work drink or heading home.
Central Business District, Sydney Australia
It’s fun to observe the different ages and styles of architecture, with a mixture of 19th century buildings and sleek modern office complexes.
Messina Gelato Sydney Australia
Ice Cream Stop: We highly recommend the amazing ice cream at Gelato Messina (25 Martin Place)
Aperitifs at The Opera Bar, Sydney Opera House
Finish your day with an early evening drink at The Opera Bar, set on the lower concourse of the Sydney Opera House. When the weather is fine, the atmosphere is buzzing and there’s often live music to accompany your sunset drink with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Opera Bar at Sydney Opera House, Australia
It’s a fine way to end your day in Sydney.
Opera Bar, Sydney Opera House, Australia
Spend a second day in Sydney?
If you have a second day in Sydney or just want to pack in some beach time, we have three different options, for excursions to Bondi Beach, Watsons Bay or Manly.
Each of these excursions warrant a full day. However if you don’t mind a packed itinerary, you could spend the morning in central Sydney visiting the Rocks, Sydney Opera House and Botanical garden. Then make a shorter excursion to spend the afternoon in Bondi Bay, Watson’s Bay or Manly.
Heather at Pavilion on Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
A day at Bondi Beach
Bondi is Sydney’s best known surf beach and has something for everyone. It’s a huge beach but can get very busy in summer and at weekends.
Things to do in Bondi Beach
Chill out, sunbathe, swim and people watch on the broad expanse of sand at Bondi Beach. This is known as a surfer’s beach and you can book lessons with Lets go surfing or one of the other surf schools that operate here. If you go swimming, check the height and strength of the waves and only swim between the red and yellow flags that are surveyed by lifeguards.
Swim between the flags – Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Icebergs – Bondi’s famous ocean pool is located at the south end of the beach and is a good place to swim if you find the crashing surf a little too challenging. There’s an entrance fee (10 AUD when we were there) and a cafe inside. Upstairs is the Bistro, which is technically a member’s club but they welcome all visitors as long as you have an ID and sign in at the entrance.
Icebergs, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
The Pavillion – this seafront pavilion has been fully renovated as a cafe, arts and community hub. Inside, it’s a 1930s beauty with great views from the first floor balcony, which serves drinks in summer. There’s an art exhibition space, information centre and green shady courtyard, with regular music and theatre events. The two cafes Glory Days and Surfish are great to hang out in the day, with Promenade Restaurant for chilled lunches, evening drinks and dining.
Pavilion on Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Brunch on Bondi beach – Australians love coffee culture and brunch is an art form, nowhere more than Bondi Beach. The cafes in front of the pavilion (Glory Days and Surfish) are great for daytime coffee and snacks with a sea view. But if you want to brunch like a local, head to Speedo’s or The Depot, both at the north end of the beach. There are numerous other great places that are further from the beach, such as Blackwoods, but they are set in more residential areas.
Brunch at Blackwoods Bondi, Sydney, Australia
Check out the murals along the beach – Between Bondi Pavilion and the Skate Park, the wall backing the beach promenade has a series of murals, many with a beach theme.
Bondi Beach Murals, Sydney, Australia
Shopping around Campbell Parade – Many of the top swimwear and fashion brands have branches at Bondi Beach, and you’ll find them along Campbell Parade, Gould Street and Hall Street.
Lifeguard mosaics Campbells Parade, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Hang out at the Bondi weekend market – it’s held at Bondi Beach Public School on Campbell Parade on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is for food stalls and farmer’s market, Sunday for crafts and vintage.
Bondi Beach Market, Sydney, Australia
Walk some of the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail – Even if you only have an hour or two to spare, you could make it as far as Tamarama beach or Bronte beach where there’s a lovely ocean pool.
Bondi to Clovelly walk, Sydney, Australia
Getting to Bondi Beach
Bus: From Circular Quay or Martin Place take the 333 bus all the way to Bondi Beach. Journey time around 40 mins.
Train + Bus: From the centre take the train to Bondi Junction. From Bondi Junction bus station (right above the rail station) take the 333 or 380 bus to Bondi Beach. Journey time 45-60 mins.
North Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Refreshment stops in Bondi Beach
There are numerous good options – these were our favourites.
Drinks on the beach – Surfish or Glory Days
Brunch – Speedos or The Depot
Dinner – Promenade, North Bondi Fish or Rocker
Cafes at The Pavilion on Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
A day in Manly
Manly is another popular surf beach and you get the bonus of a ferry ride to get there, seeing Sydney Harbour from the water on the way.
Things to do around Manly
From Manly wharf where the ferry stops, follow the crowds along The Corso, a pedestrianised boulevard, to reach Manly’s main surfing beach.
Manly beach is known for its rolling surf and you can book a lesson with Manly surf school. Due to the strong waves and rip currents, you should only swim between the red and yellow flags which are patrolled by lifeguards.
Manly Beach Sydney Australia
To find calmer waters, walk along Marine Parade at the south of the beach, past the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic reserve which is a good spot for snorkelling. A little further is the Fairy Bower sea pool where you could take a dip, then continue to Shelly Beach, which is a more sheltered beach for swimming.
Fairy Bower Pool Manly Sydney Australia
Shelly Beach Sydney Australia
Walk up onto the headland above Shelly beach, for a bird’s eye view of the surfers hanging offshore ready to catch the waves.
Surfers at Manly Sydney Australia
For a longer circular walk continue from the Shelly beach car park on the Shelly Beach to Barrack Precinct walk. The trail takes you over the headland, past Old Quarry Swamp and we ended up at Collin’s beach. From here, follow the coast path around to Little Manly beach and return to the Manly ferry wharf. This walk takes 2-3 hours.
Heather at Old Quarry Swamp above Manly Sydney Australia
With a whole day to spend, you could make the Manly Cove to Spit Bridge coastal walk, passing numerous small beaches and rocky swimming places. From Spit bridge, return by bus to Manly, or catch an Uber back to central Sydney.
Heather on the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk Sydney Australia
If you just have an hour to spare you could walk from Manly ferry wharf and Manly Cove to the next bays of Delwood beach and Fairwood beach for some swimming off the rocks. Being on the Sydney Bay side, you don’t get the crashing surf of the main Manly beach.
Fairlight Beach Manly Sydney Australia
Getting to Manly
From Circular Quay take the ferry to Manly. Ferries normally run at least 3 times an hour. Journey time 25 mins
Ferry to Manly Sydney Australia
Refreshment stops in Manly
Brunch in Manly Sydney
The Bower near Shelly beach – coffee and brunch with a view of the ocean
The Boathouse on Shelly Beach – brunch and lunch on the beach
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk Sydney Australia
A day at Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay has some nice beach areas, but it’s mainly known as a relaxing place to eat fish and chips and take some short walks up onto the headland at the mouth of Sydney Bay.
Things to do around Watsons Bay
Eat fish & chips at Doyles. They have a busy sit down restaurant, but we preferred to order from the takeaway counter next to the ferry pier and use the seating area behind it, which offers the same view over the water. Tip: If you don’t like too much fried food, they have plenty of healthier seafood options.
Fish & chips at Doyle’s Watson Bay
At the end of Marine Parade, walk past all the pretty cottages in Cove Street, to arrive at Camp Cove Beach, with its cute beach kiosk cafe (try their fresh orange juice). The beach is sheltered, with calm water for swimming.
From Camp Cove Beach, walk up onto the headland past the canons, to the Hornby Lighthouse.
Heather at Hornby Lighthouse Watsons Bay Sydney Australia
From the Watsons Bay ferry wharf, walk across Robertson Park and up onto the walking trail at Gap Bluff. Here you’ll see the contrast between the calm waters on the harbour side and the crashing waves on the ocean side, where the tragic wreck of the Dunbar in 1857 is marked by its salvaged anchor.
Gap Bluff Watsons Bay Sydney Australia
If you have a whole day to spend, you might like to hike the coastal path in the direction of Rose Bay, past a succession of lovely coves and beaches. Even if you only have half a day, you could fit in swims at Kutti Beach, the Parsley Bay wharf and arrive at Shark Beach, before retracing your steps.
Heather at Shark Beach Sydney Australia
Gettingto Watsons Bay
From Circular Quay take the ferry to Watsons Bay. Normally runs 2 times an hour. Journey time 30 mins. Tip: As the ferries are not as frequent later in the day, be sure to check the afternoon ferry times for your return trip.
Watsons Bay Sydney Australia
Refreshment stops in Watsons Bay
Doyles – restaurant or takeaway for fish & chips or seafood
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel – for sunset drinks
Camp Cove Kiosk – for coffee, orange juice and snacks
Watsons Bay Tea Rooms – for drinks and light meals
Many of us dream of going to Disneyland. It’s where we can live our favorite fairytales and meet our favorite Disney characters. For us Filipinos, the one in Hong Kong is the most accessible — no visa required and takes only around two and a half hours flight from Manila.
Located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland brought classic attractions and thrilling rides closer to us. Aside from the rides and attractions, vibrant parades, spectacular nighttime shows, and themed dining experiences are experiences visitors can look forward to.
If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong to go to Disneyland, allow us to help you plan your trip. We’ve been to Hong Kong Disneyland multiple times and we’ve gathered some tips that could help make your trip hassle-free. We’re sharing all of that in this article so you can make the most of your magical journey in Disneyland!
Before booking your Disneyland tickets, keep in mind that prices vary depending on the day. Tickets are more expensive on weekends and holidays, so if you have the flexibility, visiting on a weekday can save you money. For example, in June, a ticket on a Tuesday costs HKD 669 (around P4,955), while the same ticket on a Saturday jumps to HKD 759 (around P5,620). That’s a difference of HKD 90 or roughly P660. This amount could go toward food or other expenses, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
Beyond the price, weekends also mean larger crowds, leading to longer wait times and fewer rides. By choosing a weekday visit, you’ll not only save money but also maximize your time in the park. One more thing to note: Disneyland Hong Kong occasionally closes on Wednesdays during certain seasons, so be sure to check the park schedule when planning your trip.
2. Early Park Entry Pass is the key.
Disneyland Hong Kong’s opening hours vary by day and season, usually starting between 9:30 and 10:30 AM. The later it gets, the more crowded the park becomes, so arriving early gives you an advantage with shorter wait times.
Among all the attractions, World of Frozen sees the longest queues almost immediately. Not only is it the park’s newest addition, but Frozen Ever After is also one of the best rides. To make the most of your visit, head straight to this area as soon as you enter the park.
For an even better experience, consider getting the Early Entry Pass. This allows you to enter the park one hour before the official opening and enjoy the Frozen attractions before the crowds arrive. While it comes at an extra cost, it’s well worth it for the time you save.
If you have the Early Entry Pass, look for the dedicated entrance on the side. Even if you see a long line forming at the main gate, proceed directly to this special entry point, where staff will scan your booking and let you in. As tempting as it might be to stop for photos in front of the castle, prioritize heading straight to World of Frozen. That one-hour head start is the best opportunity to experience the area’s rides before the general crowd rushes in.
You can get the 1-Day Ticket + Early Park Entry Pass here.
3. Don’t forget to submit the Park Visit Reservation.
Some special tickets, like the Early Entry Pass, don’t require advance reservations. However, ALL guests — valid regular ticket, membership card, or ticket voucher holders — must register their visit date on Disneyland Hong Kong’s official website, regardless of where they purchased their ticket.
This policy helps manage the crowd and ensures the park doesn’t exceed its capacity. If they anticipate overcrowding, they may stop admissions, so reserving your date in advance is essential. Fortunately, the process is quick and easy.
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland Official Website
If you book through platforms like Klook, KKDay, or other third-party merchants, you’ll receive a voucher with a ticket reference number. For Klook, this number is located beside the QR code on the right side of the voucher. To register, visit Disneyland’s reservation website, just click “Next” to start the process. Enter your email or mobile number, select “Park Ticket,” and input your ticket reference number. Then, choose your preferred date and confirm your reservation. That’s it!
On the day of your visit, simply present the ticket or voucher from the merchant where you made your booking to the staff at the entrance gate, and you’re good to go!
4. Plan where and what to eat.
Before heading to Disneyland, plan where you’ll eat because food inside the park is quite expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can bring your own food and drinks, but there are restrictions. Here are a few examples of what food items you can and cannot bring.
Allowed Food Items
Small, individually portioned food like apples, chips, bread, and sandwiches.
Non-alcoholic drinks in small PET bottles, such as cold tea, bottled water, or soda.
Prohibited Food Items
Large food items that require slicing. For example, whole pineapple or watermelon.
Anything that needs reheating or hot water.
Perishable foods like sashimi or items with strong odors, such as durian or fish.
Alcoholic beverages, canned drinks, or glass bottles.
If your budget allows, consider trying some of the park’s food because it’s part of the Disneyland experience. Snacks from food stalls, like ice cream bars, popcorn, and corn on the cob, cost around HKD 30–50 (P215-355). For meals, we dined at Starliner Diner in the Tomorrowland zone, where a two-piece fried chicken meal or a Marvel burger meal costs around HKD 140 (P995).
Marvel Burger Meal (Left) and Two-Piece Fried Chicken Meal (Right)
Drinks, like soda and bottled water, are typically HKD 30 (P215), but you can save money by bringing your own or carrying a reusable water bottle. The park has drinking fountains for free refills, allowing you to spend more on food rather than beverages.
5. Timing is everything.
Toy Soldier Parachute Drop (Left) and RC Racer (Right)
Aside from World of Frozen, several attractions tend to have long wait times due to their popularity or the ride’s slow-moving nature. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to prioritize these rides early in the day. Roller coasters, for example, usually have slow-moving lines because they can only accommodate a few people per ride cycle. The same goes for RC Racer and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, where wait times can often exceed an hour.
On the other hand, some attractions may have long lines but move quickly. One example is Mickey’s PhilharMagic. It’s a 4D show with a large-capacity theater, so a lot of people can enter per screening, making the wait shorter than it appears. Another attraction with a fast-moving queue is It’s a Small World, where guests continuously board the ride, allowing for a steady flow of visitors.
The same applies to the performances in Theater in the Wild, such as Festival of the Lion King or Let’s Get Wicked, which features Disney villains like Ursula, Gaston, and Maleficent. Since these shows follow a set schedule, it’s important to time your visit accordingly. If the line is long when you arrive, don’t worry — these venues have a huge capacity, so you’ll most likely get in. TIP! Watch one of these shows during the hottest part of the day so you can take a break from the heat.
Meanwhile, some attractions don’t tend to have long wait times at all. In Tomorrowland, the Iron Man Experience and Ant-Man & The Wasp usually have shorter lines, possibly because of their more hidden location at the far end of the park. By planning your route and prioritizing popular attractions wisely, you can maximize your time and make the most of your Disneyland experience.
6. Assess which attractions suit your senior companions.
Disneyland isn’t just for kids. Kids-at-heart of all ages can have just as much fun at the park. While some rides twist and turn wildly, plenty of more relaxed attractions still offer excitement without being too extreme. If you’re traveling with a senior citizen, it’s important to gauge which rides they can handle, as some attractions are not suitable for guests with heart conditions or other medical concerns.
Hong Kong Disneyland Senior-Friendly Attractions
Since every senior has a different fitness level, we can’t say which rides will be perfect for your mom or older companions, but we can share which attractions our team’s senior family members enjoyed. These are the following:
Frozen Ever After (Left), Jungle River Cruise (Top Right), and Mystic Manor (Bottom Right)
Frozen Ever After was a favorite. It’s mostly a calm boat ride with stunning visuals, except for a surprise reverse slide at the end that adds a bit of thrill without being overwhelming.
It’s a Small World is a completely tame alternative, which offers a similarly charming boat ride experience without any surprises.
Iron Man Experience is a 4D simulation ride that’s immersive but not too intense.
Ant-Man & The Wasp: Nano Battle, where you shoot targets, but without any sharp drops or spins.
Mystic Manor was another fun and engaging ride, while the Jungle River Cruise was a relaxing and refreshing experience.
Festival of the Lion King at Theater in the Wild, Moana: Homecoming Celebration in Adventureland, and other live shows and parades are also big hits among our senior companions.
If there are rides they might not be comfortable with, they can always take a break on a nearby bench or relax at a restaurant while the rest of the group rides. One thing is certain: just like everyone else, seniors will get tired at Disneyland. The park is vast, requiring a lot of walking, and the heat can make it even more exhausting. So, be sure to remind them to take breaks and stay hydrated throughout the day.
7. Secure your spot for the Momentous night show.
Momentous Nighttime Spectacular is the highlight of any Hong Kong Disneyland visit. It’s a breathtaking 20-minute spectacle that brings everything magical about Disney to life. If you’ve been to Hong Kong Disneyland before and think you can skip it because you’ve already seen a fireworks show there, think again. This isn’t just an update; it’s a completely new experience.
As soon as you’re done with the rides, make your way to the area in front of the castle and secure a good viewing spot — ideally right in the center. While fireworks are still part of the show, they’re no longer the main attraction. Instead, Momentous is now dominated by stunning, vivid projections that transform the castle into a moving canvas, featuring scenes from beloved Disney movies accompanied by an emotionally powerful soundtrack. The visuals are so dynamic and immersive that calling it just a “fireworks display” doesn’t do it justice.
Momentous Nighttime Spectacular finale (Left) and heading towards the exit with our senior companions (Right)
Depending on the season, Momentous usually starts at either 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, but you’ll notice that guests start gathering two hours in advance to claim their spots. It’s best to do the same. Once you find a prime location in the middle, don’t leave because it gets incredibly crowded fast. If you step away, you might not get your spot back.
The show is truly magical and nostalgic, with moments that might even bring tears to your eyes. Before it ends, make sure you have your dependents (kids and seniors) or anyone else in your group close by, because as soon as it’s over, thousands of people will move toward the exits at the same time. Holding on to your companions will help ensure that no one gets separated in the massive crowd.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be small, but it boasts plenty of accommodation options for tourists. It is divided into three main regions — Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui are located in Kowloon, the city center’s traditional side, while the Central Business District is found on the more modern Hong Kong Island. The New Territories region is home to Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong International Airport.
The best area to stay depends on your itinerary, but you can check out our Where to Stay in Hong Kong article for a more in-depth explanation. For quick reference and recommendations, here are some of the top accommodations in Hong Kong based on online user reviews.
Getting a travel insurance is optional, but we highly recommend this, especially when traveling abroad. Travel can be unpredictable, and though we hope we’ll never use it, having it gives us peace of mind in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For international destinations, consider PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Don’t forget to use WORTHIT for a special affordable rate.
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.
Over the past nineteen years as a business owner, I’ve used countless business cards. Some have been amazing and elevated both my travel and my business. Others have been…well, lackluster.
One of the best? The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. It comes with a lot of world-class perks and benefits, quality customer care, and a solid rewards structure (especially on large purchases).
While the annual fee is pretty high ($695, pay over time available. See Rates and Fees), for me, the travel benefits, along with all the statement credits, make the card worth carrying. I think it’s a great choice for business owners who travel frequently.
In this breakdown, I’ll detail the card, what you get, and why I like it.
What is the Business Platinum Card® from American Express?
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a travel rewards card geared towards business owners. (Remember: even side hustles and freelancing count as businesses so you can get this card even without being an LLC.) First, let’s go over some of the best things you get when you sign up, which make it a no brainer to get for the first year:
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1x points on other eligible purchases.
1.5x points per dollar on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
Complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, featuring more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. Access is limited to eligible Card Members.
Up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA Pre-check every 4 years.
Up to $199 yearly CLEAR® Plus credit (subject to auto-renewal)
Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline.
Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties. (Distributed in up to $50 increments per quarter. Hilton for Business program membership is required.)
$150 credit with Adobe on eligible annual prepaid business plan purchases of Adobe Creative Cloud for teams or Adobe Acrobat Pro for teams on the Business Platinum Card through 6/30/25.
Up to $120 per calendar year in statement credits for purchases made directly from any U.S. wireless telephone provider (up to $10 back per month).
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)
No foreign transaction fees
Using Your Membership Rewards Points
You’ll earn Membership Rewards points with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Since Amex has a well-rounded suite of travel partners, Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable points out there.
These are Amex’s current 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)
Most transfers are instant, though some can take up to 48 hours.
You can also use your Membership Rewards points to book flights and hotels in the Amex Travel portal. I generally wouldn’t do this though as it’s not the best use of your points. It’s always better to transfer them out to one of their partners. However, you can get 35% points back when you do book via their portal so just compare the points costs between both before making a decision.
Breaking Down the Business Platinum’s Credits and Benefits
Amex cards are well-known for their plethora of perks and benefits. They’re a big reason I love their cards. And, if you can take advantage of all that it has to offer, the Business Platinum boasts over $1,700 worth of value. But, with so many categories and so much fine print, it can be hard to keep track of whether a benefit is actually useful for your spending habits. So, to help you decide if the card is right for you, I want to break down some of the major categories of benefits:
Airport Experience Credits (Lounge Access, CLEAR Plus, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck) One of the best things about this card — and what makes it a standout for frequent travelers — is the unbeatable airport lounge access. You’ll get into some of the top lounges worldwide, including the excellent Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when you’re flying Delta, with up to 10 visits per year).
On top of that, you’ll get complimentary access to the huge Priority Pass network. If having a quiet space to relax, grab a drink, or get some work done is a priority when you travel, this card has you covered pretty much anywhere.
I also appreciate that the Business Platinum helps you get through the airport faster. It offers up to $199 in statement credits each year for a CLEAR® Plus membership, which speeds you through security lines.
You’ll also get a credit for Global Entry (up to $100 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years), depending on which one you choose. I personally recommend going for Global Entry. It takes a little more effort (there’s an interview), but it includes TSA PreCheck too. It’ll save you a ton of time if you travel internationally.
Airline and Hotel Credits Another travel-related benefit is the up to $200 airline credit. Unfortunately, it comes with a fair number of restrictions, making this credit a bit more annoying to use. It can only be used on one (pre-selected) airline, and you can only use it for incidentals, not airfare. But if you don’t have an airline credit card that offers free baggage, it can be useful to have. You can also use the credit for airline expenses like paid seat selection or on-board food and drink.
The Business Platinum also offers a few Hilton-related benefits. First, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits at Hilton properties when booked directly. Since these credits are distributed in quarterly $50 increments, you’d have to stay in a Hilton property at least four times a year to get the full value of this credit. But if you’re on the road a lot, that can be easy to do.
Second, the Business Platinum offers complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status (as well as Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status), which offer extra perks and benefits when staying at these properties.
Business-Related Statement Credits The Business Platinum card comes with some great perks to help lighten the financial load of running a business. Expenses can really add up if you’re managing a business while traveling, so I appreciate that the Business Platinum helps offset these costs.
You can get up to $400 in statement credits on U.S. Dell purchases (through June 30, 2025, split into $200 chunks every six months). There’s also up to $360 back per year on Indeed ads (up to $90 each quarter), which is great if you’re hiring as your business grows.
If you use Adobe tools, there’s a $150 credit available when you prepay annually for eligible Adobe Creative Cloud or Acrobat Pro plans for teams. And to keep you connected on the go, you’ll get up to $120 a year for purchases made directly with U.S. wireless providers — that’s $10 back each month.
Amex Offers On top of all those valuable statement credits, the Business Platinum gives you access to Amex Offers, an easy way to save some cash or rack up extra points with a wide range of retailers. These deals rotate regularly and are personalized, so what shows up for you might be totally different from what another cardholder sees. Most of the time, it’s a simple setup like “spend X, get Y back.” I always check Amex Offers before I purchase. (The personal card offers this too.)
The Business Platinum’s Travel Insurance The Business Platinum also comes with great travel insurance. While I still recommend buying a standalone policy for medical, this card includes strong built-in coverage like trip delay, trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, and medical transport. It also includes cell phone protection for damage or theft, a rare but valuable perk. For a maximum of $800 per claim, with a limit of two approved claims per 12-month period, when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim.
So, while you could get away with the card’s insurance if you book the trip on the card, I wouldn’t rely on it completely. But it’s better than most!
Should you get this card?
The Business Platinum is ideal for frequent travelers who can make the most of perks like smoother airport experiences and hotel elite status. If you can take advantage of a few of the business-related statement credits, the statement credits alone make the high annual fee worth it. I get a lot of value from the card through the statement credits that make carrying the card after the first year really worth it.
While it’s true you only get 1x point per dollar spent on anything under $5,000 (which isn’t as good as many other cards), the points back on redemptions and the tons of statement credits, elite status, Amex offers, and partners you don’t find anywhere else make this card essential for any business owner.
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.
Travel has become really expensive. Post-COVID, the entire world seems to be traveling again and prices just keep rising. I am astonished at how high they have gotten. But it’s a product of rising costs and out-of-control demand. Everyone just wants to travel. We’re all looking for an escape.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad. Airfare has started to go down again, there are more deal-finding websites online, free walking tours in more cities, and more opportunities to bypass the traditional travel infrastructure and connect directly into the local way of life via the sharing economy.
As we navigate the post-COVID world of high prices, I want to share some tips and tricks on how to travel on a budget this year!
1. Change Your Mindset
Changing your mindset might not be a traditional budget tip, but it’s important nonetheless. Constantly remind yourself that travel is possible while taking concrete steps to make it a reality. Action begets action — even if it’s just baby steps.
Start with a “yes, I can” mindset. Don’t think “I can’t travel” — think “What’s one thing I can do today to make my trip closer to reality?”
Life is a mental game. Do one thing every day that gets you closer to your trip and you’ll find yourself building unstoppable momentum.
2. Come Up with a Savings Plan
Unless you’re Bill Gates, we all need to save more money. But how do you do that? While life is expensive, I do believe there are always ways to save a little more. There’s always something you can cut. A little bit of savings adds up a lot over time.
First, start by tracking your spending. Write down everything you spend money on for a month. Groceries, rent, eating out, Netflix — everything. You can’t figure out where to save if you don’t know where your money is going.
Next, start a savings account specifically for travel. That way, you’ll have a dedicated space for your travel fund and you can watch it grow. That progress will keep you motivated. Even if it’s just a few dollars a week, every penny counts. The more you save, the more you want to save.
Finally, start cutting. Maybe it’s going to Starbucks, maybe it’s saving on gas by carpooling to work or cutting back on eating out. We all have things we can cut. Find yours.
Here are some posts on how to save money:
3. Score a Flight Deal
One of the things that people always tell me holds them back from traveling more is the cost of flights. But, let me tell you, there are a lot of deals right now.
All the airlines are trying to fill planes and are offering a lot of deals for summer and fall travel right now. After all, they need to make up for a lost year and are desperate to get people on planes.
The key to finding a cheap flight is to be flexible with your dates and your destination. If you have your heart set on “Paris in June” you’ll be forced to pay whatever the flight costs. But, if you open that up to “France in the summer” — or even “Europe in the summer” you’ll be able to find much cheaper flights since you’ll have a lot more wiggle room to test dates and destinations.
I like to use Google Flights and Skyscanner to browse my options. I type in my home city and then pick “everywhere” as my destination. I then base my plans around where I can fly to for the least amount of money.
Both websites also let you sign up for price alerts so you’ll get an email if the price for your ideal trip happens to drop.
And if you really want to find amazing flight deals, consider joining a flight deal site like Going. It’s the best website for finding flight deals from the US and has saved me a fortune over the years. It’s not free, but new users can get 20% off a Premium membership with the code NOMADICMATT20.
Other helpful flight deal sites are:
The Flight Deal – Incredible deals for flights all around the world.
Secret Flying – Another site with amazing flight deals from around the globe (they find a lot of Asia/Africa/South America deals not found elsewhere).
4. Get Points!
Collecting points and miles is a great way to travel on a budget. By getting point-yielding credit cards and using a few simple techniques, you can get hundreds of thousands of miles — without any additional spending (you can even earn points just by paying your rent!). These points can then be cashed in for free flights, free hotel stays, and other travel rewards.
I’ve earned countless free flights, upgrades, and hotel stays from my points and miles. By optimizing my spending and paying attention to which cards earn the most points where, I’ve saved thousands of dollars — and you can too!
Here are some resources to help you begin:
Even if you aren’t American, you still have options, as points and miles have gone global:
Once you have points, use platforms like point.me (for flights) and Awayz (for hotels) to manage them. These platforms help you maximize your points and miles so you earn more free flights and hotel stays.
5. Use the Sharing Economy
The sharing economy has led to a plethora of new money-saving and community-building platforms that have made travel even more affordable, personal, and accessible. It’s never been easier to get off the tourist trail, connect with locals, and experience their pace of life. I live by these websites when I travel! You should too.
Here are some of the best sharing economy sites to help you get started:
Trusted Housesitters – The most comprehensive website to find house-sitting gigs. You watch a place on vacation while the homeowner is on vacation.
EatWith – Allows you to eat home-cooked meals with locals (it’s the Airbnb of food). It always leads to interesting encounters, so it’s one of my favorite things to do.
BlaBlaCar – A ridesharing app that pairs riders with verified locals who have a spare seat in their car.
RVShare – Allows you to rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
6. Find the Free!
The world is awash with amazing free travel resources (like this website) that can help you travel on a budget. No matter where you are going, there’s probably a blog post on what to do and see there for free or cheaply. Someone has been there and they’ve written about it! Make the best use of all of them to help you plan your trip.
My favorite search term is “free things to do in X.” You’ll always get a result!
Additionally, don’t be afraid to walk into a hostel — even if you aren’t staying there — and ask them what to do for cheap. Their clientele is budget-sensitive, so they always know what to do and where to go for little money.
Local tourism boards will also have tons of info on free things to do as well (more on that below).
7. Stick to Public Transportation
If you’re on a budget, skip the taxis and rideshares like Lyft or Uber. Unless you can lower your cost by sharing a ride with other passengers, public transportation is going to be the most cost-effective way to get around. Not only will it save you money but you’ll get to see how the locals travel too.
Google Maps usually can give you a basic overview of the public transportation options and prices available. You can find information about day passes and/or multi-day passes from your local hostel/hotel staff (as well as from local tourism offices). For cheap intercity travel information, check out Rome2Rio.
8. Use Local Tourism Offices
Local tourist offices are a wealth of knowledge. They exist solely to provide you with information on what to see and do. They often have tons of discounts not found anywhere else and can also keep you updated on local events, free tours, and the best spots to eat. They can help you find public transportation discounts and/or multiday passes too.
Don’t skip the local tourist office! They are a severely underutilized resource.
9. Get Cheap Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the biggest fixed costs travelers have, so reducing that cost can lead to big savings on the road. I’m sure many backpackers would sleep in a barn if it were the cheapest accommodation they could find! Heck, I’ve slept in hammocks in national parks to save a buck!
Since you have to stay somewhere every night, reducing this expense can save you a lot of money on the total cost of your trip. Stay in hostels, use Couchsurfing, stay in empty university dorms, camp, or try an Airbnb.
Since there are a lot of ways to cut your accommodation costs, here are my posts on how to get accommodation deals:
10. Eat Cheap
Other than accommodation, food is one of the biggest travel costs. After all, everyone needs to eat. But there are lots of ways to eat on the cheap:
Also, use the five-block rule. There seems to be this magical wall that surrounds tourist areas. Most people don’t go past it. It’s been my experience that if you walk five blocks in any direction from a major tourist area, you end up losing the crowds and finding the local restaurants.
In my experience, tourist restaurants don’t care about quality since those tourists aren’t coming back. Residents do care so places catering to them need to be better — and more affordable – or they go out of business. Those are the places you want to eat at. Use the above resources to find where the locals eat and avoid crappy food!
11. Travel Like You Live
The majority of people in your destinations don’t spend lots of money per day like tourists do. Neither do you in your day-to-day life. So take that mentality with you. Walk, take public transportation, grocery shop, spend a day in a park, and look for deals. Do the things you do at home every day to keep your costs down.
Too many people get into this mindset that when they go on the road, they just have to spend, spend, spend, spend. That’s not true at all. There’s no law that says you have to spend more. Be smart with your budget — just like you are at home. That will help you save money and prevent you from going home early (and broke).
12. Work & Volunteer to Lower Your Expenses
If you’re a long-term traveler, consider volunteering or doing a work exchange to lower your costs. There are tons of options out there such as farm stays, working in hostels, teaching in schools, and more.
You’ll usually need to commit for a week or more, however, these opportunities enable you to get a much deeper and more nuanced travel experience. Here are some websites to help you find suitable opportunities:
Worldpackers – Worldpackers offers travelers a chance to find volunteer experiences overseas. In addition to hostels, they can help you find experiences with NGOs, homestays, and eco-projects all over the world!
WWOOF – WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a program that connects you with farms all around the world where you can work in exchange for room and board.
Helpx – Like Worldpackers, Helpx offers exchanges such as farmstays, homestays, B&Bs, hostels, and sailboats.
Workaway – Workaway is a lot like HelpX, except it has more paid job opportunities (though it has volunteer opportunities too).
***
While prices may be higher than they were pre-pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to plan a budget trip without breaking the bank. By being flexible, getting creative, and embracing the right mindset, you’ll be able to get out the door in no time. And it won’t cost you a fortune either.
All you have to do is take that first step. Remember, action begets action. Once you start moving, everything else gets easier. So don’t wait!
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
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.
Looking for the best Northern Territory road trips? Have an incredible time on one of these epic adventures!
Northern Territory road trips allow travellers to experience all the diversity and wonders that this remarkable Australian state has to offer.
There are lush swimming holes with turquoise waters like Bitter Springs and Katherine Hot Springs.
There are wild natural wonders like giant Termite Mounds in Litchfield National Park, the sacred monolith of Uluru, or the precariously placed boulders of Karlu Karlu.
You can find towering canyons like Ormiston Gorge or Redbank Gorge in the West Macdonnell Ranges, or Kings Canyon near Uluru.
There are famous landmarks and hidden gems that lie off the beaten track.
The Northern Territory also has Aboriginal people and communities whose culture dates back at least 65,000 years.
Whether you want to tour an Indigenous art gallery in Arnhem Land, or grab a beer at a country pub in Tennant Creek, the Northern Territory is full of culture, nature, and fun things to do.
These road trips are amazing because they allow for extended exploration of this incredible state. In your own car, you can soak in the landscape, plan your own itinerary, and take your time visiting different local attractions.
Road trips are an amazing way to explore the Outback!
8 Best Northern Territory Road Trips
Most travellers will likely start their road trips in Darwin or Alice Springs. These are two of the main travel hubs where you have amenities like hotels, rental car offices, and well-connected airports.
Darwin is the perfect starting point for any road trips in the Top End. These destinations may include Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park, Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park, and Arnhem Land.
Alice Springs is the main starting point for a road trip in the Red Centre. Popular destinations here include Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the McDonnell Ranges.
Of course, you can also do road trips between Darwin and Alice Springs, which will bring you through the heart of the Northern Territory. In this case, you may be able to hire a car in one place and drop it off in the other.
So take all of these road trip ideas as inspiration, and be sure to do your own planning and preparation before you start your adventure.
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.
Kakadu National Park
Recommended time frame: 3-5 days
Total distance: 600–800 km round trip (from Darwin, loop through Kakadu National Park, and back)
4WD required? Only for certain areas of the park like Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Maguk Campground
As the second largest national park in Australia, Kakadu National Park measures almost 20,000 square kilometres.
This vast expanse of wilderness showcases the wild beauty of Australia’s Top End. And it’s only a 2.5 hour drive from Darwin!
Many visit Kakadu National Park as a day trip from Darwin, but we recommend spending 3-5 days road tripping around this magnificent park.
How you decide to explore within Kakadu National Park is totally up to you.
We definitely recommend checking out the incredible rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, and learning about Indigenous culture at Bowali Visitor Centre.
For some of the top waterfalls, head to Motor Car Falls, Gunlom Falls, Maguk Falls, Twin Falls, or Jim Jim Falls (some of which may require a 4WD to access).
Other top things to do on a Kakadu National Park road trip include spotting crocodiles at Cahills Crossing, cruising the Yellow Water Billabong at sunset, flying over the park in a scenic flight, and discovering Indigenous culture at the Warradjan Cultural Centre.
Visit the official website for Kakadu National Park to learn more about the best things to do in this stunning national park.
Litchfield National Park
Recommended time frame: 1-2 days
Total distance: 300–400 km round trip (from Darwin, loop through Litchfield National Park, and back)
4WD required? Only for certain areas of the park like the Lost City, Surprise Creek Falls, and Sandy Creek Falls
An alternative to driving through Kakadu National Park is Litchfield National Park.
Litchfield is much closer to Darwin at just an hour from the city. Litchfield is also much smaller than Kakadu, making it an easier road trip to tackle if you’re short on time.
You can easily explore the highlights of the park in one day, though 2 days is better! This gives you more time to enjoy the lush natural beauty without rushing.
Must-sees in the park include Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Buley Rockhole. All offer a majestic cascade, a refreshing swimming hole, and a glimpse into the rugged Northern Territory scenery.
Florence Falls and Wangi Falls also have their own campgrounds if you are staying overnight.
Tolmer Falls is another amazing waterfall, though it doesn’t have an accessible swimming hole. The Magnetic Termite Mounds are also a wild expression of nature that you can see on your Litchfield road trip.
Check the Northern Territory government website for current park conditions and alerts!
Serenity at Wangi Falls
Arnhem Land
Recommended time frame: 5-10 days
Total distance: 1,000 to 2,000 km (round trip, depending on route)
4WD required? Yes, and a permit for access to Aboriginal land from the Northern Land Council (NLC) is also required
For the best insight into Indigenous culture, land, and history in Australia, plan a trip through Arnhem Land in the Top End.
You can easily start this drive in Darwin or Katherine, and extend the trip for a few days or a few weeks depending on how much time you have.
Start with a drive through Kakadu National Park along the Arnhem Highway.
Stop at Ubirr or Nourlangie to see the ancient Aboriginal rock art before continuing past Cahills Crossing into Arnhem Land. Make sure you check the tide times before crossing, as the river can be treacherous at high tide.
Then explore Gunbalanya, where you can check out hand-crafted artworks at the Injalak Arts Centre.
For a lovely insight into the rich culture of the Aboriginal coastal lands, explore Maningrida. Here you can join traditional cultural tours, do some amazing fishing, and visit the Maningrida Arts and Culture Centre.
Other places to visit in Arnhem Land include Ramingining & the Arafura wetlands, where you can spot abundant wildlife in the protected waterways, or Nhulunbuy, where you can visit pristine beaches on the Gove Peninsula and learn about Yolŋu culture.
Total Distance: 600-900 km (from Darwin, down to Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park, return to Darwin)
4WD required? No, unless you want to go beyond Katherine Gorge and see some more remote areas
Katherine and the surrounding Nitmiluk National Park is a highlight of any Northern Territory road trip itinerary!
Most people start this journey in Darwin and then drive to Katherine along the Stuart Highway.
You can easily stop at Litchfield National Park along the way if you want to combine some of these road trip ideas.
Upon arriving in Katherine, relax in the soothing Katherine Hot Springs before exploring the highlights of the area.
Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) is the crown jewel. Here you can go for canoe or kayak rides, boat tours, or scenic helicopter rides to get the best views of the canyons filled with water from the Katherine River.
Other things you can do if you have time include the Katherine Outback Experience or splashing in the gorgeous swimming hole at Edith Falls.
Don’t miss Katherine Gorge in the Northern Territory.
Darwin to Alice Springs
Recommended time frame: 4-6 days
Total distance: 1,500 km
4WD required? No, the Stuart Highway is fully sealed
Drive through the centre of Australia with an epic road trip from Darwin to Alice Springs!
As Darwin and Alice Springs both have international airports, you can easily start this road trip in one location and finish in the other without doing a return trip.
Darwin to Alice Springs takes you through the heart of the Australian Outback along the Stuart Highway.
On the way south, stop in Litchfield or Katherine along the way to soak up some of the Top End natural beauty. The Katherine Hot Springs will feel like heaven on this massive road trip!
Other iconic landmarks where you can break up the drive to Alice Springs include the classic Daly Waters Pub, the Outback town of Tennant Creek, the refreshing waters of Mataranka Hot Springs or Bitter Springs, and the unique rock formations of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles).
Once you make it to Alice Springs, enjoy the local culture and scenery. You can try a hot air balloon flight, explore the Alice Springs Desert Park, or connect with Aboriginal culture at the Araluen Art Gallery.
Consider extending your trip down to Uluru and the Red Centre for the ultimate NT road trip. (Just combine this road trip with the following option for the Red Centre Way).
The Red Centre Way
Recommended time frame: 5-7 days from Alice Springs
Total distance: 1,135 km loop
4WD required? Only if you plan to drive the Mereenie Loop where a 4WD is recommended
Many highlights of the Northern Territory lie in the Red Centre. That makes this one of the most popular road trips for travelers!
To cut down on driving time, you can fly directly into Ayers Rock Airport in Yulara instead of Alice Springs. Because Yulara is much closer to Uluru and Kings Canyon, your road trip will be shorter. But you will likely miss out on the Macdonnell Ranges, which are closer to Alice Springs.
Most travelers start the trip in Alice Springs. From here, you can drive through the gorgeous West Macdonnell Ranges and see natural wonders like Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek, Standley Chasm, Redbank Gorge, and Ormiston Gorge.
Next, explore the rugged beauty of Kings Canyon. You can drive here via the magnificent Mereenie Loop if you have a 4WD. Be sure to take on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which showcases the best views of the cliffs and valleys.
Then it’s time to explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park! Hike incredible trails like the Valley of the Winds or the Uluru Base Walk, and make sure you catch the sunrise or sunset over Uluru.
Enhance your Uluru experience with a scenic flight, astronomy tour, Fields of Light experience, or a guided walk with the area’s Traditional Owners.
Binns Track
Recommended time frame: 10-16 days
Total distance: 2,200 km from Mount Dare in South Australia to Timber Creek in the Northern Territory
4WD required? Yes
4WD enthusiasts who want an adventurous trip across the Australian Outback should consider taking on the iconic Binns Track.
Only accessible with a high clearance 4WD, the Binns Track is on most hardcore adventurers’ bucket lists. The route is extremely remote with few amenities along the way, so advance planning and preparation is essential.
You’ll start in the Simpson Desert of South Australia, where you can experience bush camping and the vast quiet of the Outback.
Then head into Alice Springs and the majestic peaks of the East Macdonnell Ranges. Here you can take on some hikes with stunning views and go swimming in tranquil gorges.
Next, traverse more of the Outback and stop in rural locations like the Devils Marbles, Tennant Creek, Renner Springs, and Judbarra/Gregory National Park before making it to Timber Creek.
From desert dunes and rocky escarpments to tropical savannah and limestone gorges, this 4WD adventure will reveal a less-popular but breathtaking side of the Outback.
4WD required? Not required, but recommended for unique places like the Gibb River Road
This road trip combines the incredible landscapes of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
You can explore the Kimberley region, one of the most breathtaking and wild areas of Australia.
Start with the previously outlined Darwin to Katherine road trip. Enjoy the nearby attractions like Katherine Hot Springs and Edith Falls before continuing into the remote desert of Western Australia.
Pass unique landmarks like the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle, Mirima National Park, Halls Creek, Geikie Gorge, and Mimbi Caves.
And make sure you leave some downtime for just relaxing in any gorgeous, secluded Kimberley spots you find along the way. Many consider this to be the most beautiful part of Australia.
Upon arriving in Broome, celebrate your epic drive with a peaceful sunset camel ride across Cable Beach!
The Bungle Bungles
Travel Tips for your Northern Territory Road Trips
The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s more remote and beautiful states.
The area is rich with ancient rock art and Indigenous history, as well as breathtaking natural beauty.
To ensure your road trip is safe and enjoyable, make sure you are prepared!
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.
Always remember to fuel up
Some parts of the Outback are sparsely populated. You can drive for hundreds of kilometres without seeing any homes, businesses, or petrol stations.
So it’s super important to always fuel up your vehicle whenever you have a chance. It doesn’t hurt to have extra fuel stored in your car as well, just in case.
You don’t want to wait too long in between fuel stops! There is basically no worse place to be stranded without fuel than in the middle of the Australian desert.
Road trips in the Northern Territory should always avoid the wet season (December – March).
Especially in the Top End, where thundering waterfalls are scattered all over the landscape, the wet season can lead to floods and road closures.
So plan your road trip for the dry season!
While the summer months are wet in the Top End, they are also exceptionally hot in the desert. Places like Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs are much more pleasant in the cooler winter months. So plan your road trip according to the seasons for the best experience.
The wetlands of Kakadu and the Top End are inaccessible in the wet season!
Research your accommodation options
Most road trips around the Northern Territory will be a few days or longer. The state is massive, and highlights tend to be very spread out. So unless you’re just doing a quick day road trip to somewhere near Darwin or Alice Springs, you’ll need to make sure you organise accommodation!
Most places in the Northern Territory aren’t as touristy as other parts of Australia like Queensland or New South Wales. So accommodations don’t fill up as quickly.
However, some small Outback towns have fewer accommodation options. You really don’t want to show up at a hotel and find there is no availability, so definitely book your stays in advance!
In a big city centre like Darwin, you should have no problem finding a hotel to start your road trip.
For smaller towns, I would recommend calling at least a few days ahead to book a stay. You can also research free campsites and caravan parks around the Northern Territory.
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!
From seeing sunrise over Uluru to exploring Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu National Park, here are the top things to do in the Northern Territory.
A haven for adventure seekers, the Northern Territory is where the spirit of the Australian outback comes to life.
With its vast red deserts, crystal-clear waterholes, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and laid-back tropical towns, the Northern Territory offers a raw and powerful connection to nature and culture.
The Northern Territory offers vastly different landscapes.
Visitors flock to the lush waterfalls and diverse wildlife of the Top End, where Darwin is the major travel hub. The Top End has some of the most exquisite national parks in Australia, and Darwin is the gateway to it all.
Further south in Alice Springs, you’ll find a spirited outback town brimming with character. Explore the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, or head down to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders – Uluru.
Here are the best things to do in the Northern Territory, from waterfalls and famous landmarks to beaches, gorges, swimming holes, hikes, and more!
Whether planning a solo adventure through the Outback or a fun-filled family getaway at Kakadu National Park, the Northern Territory has no shortage of exciting things waiting for you to discover.
Here are our top recommendations for things to do in the Northern Territory!
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.
1. Visit Uluru at sunrise or sunset
Rising 348 meters above the desert floor, Uluru in the Northern Territory is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason.
Beyond its spectacular natural beauty, it holds deep spiritual significance for the Anangu people, the traditional landowners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
What makes Uluru even more magical is its transformation at sunrise and sunset. As the sun moves across the sky, it changes colors, from deep reds to soft oranges and purples. It’s a sight that will leave you in awe!
If you’re lucky enough to visit at dawn or dusk, you’ll see why Uluru is considered a place of deep connection, not just to nature but to the culture that has cherished it for thousands of years.
Uluru is most magical at sunrise or sunset.
2. Hike through the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta
The hike through the Valley of the Winds takes you to the heart of the Kata Tjuta rock formation, a series of giant, ancient domes that rise dramatically from the desert floor.
The Valley of the Winds walk boasts panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Some paths wind through the rugged terrain, offering glimpses of the rock’s deep crevices and vibrant colors.
Before you set off on the hike, stop by the Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre nearby.
The Cultural Centre is a great place to learn about the deep spiritual significance of Kata Tjuta to the Anangu people, and the history and culture of the region.
3. Explore the dramatic cliffs of Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park
Nestled in the heart of Central Australia, Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park is surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient sandstones, making it one of the most incredible places in the Northern Territory.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking to the falls. It can be challenging, but the reward is worth it – you’ll be greeted by a plunge pool perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day!
If you’re driving, make sure you have a 4WD. Even in the dry season, Jim Jim Falls is only accessible with a high clearance 4WD.
For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a 4WD tour from Darwin. It’s a great way to see the falls and other amazing sights in Kakadu National Park if you don’t have your own 4WD.
4. Cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park
Enjoy a relaxing cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, one of the top attractions in the Northern Territory. It’s a peaceful way to explore the area’s spectacular scenery.
As you glide along the Katherine River, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, you will be completely immersed in the beauty of Central Australia.
The gorge stretches for over 12 kilometers, boasting breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife like freshwater crocodiles and diverse birdlife.
Cruise through the serene waterways of Katherine Gorge.
5. Discover the Outback at Alice Springs Desert Park
If you’re keen to dive deep into the heart of Outback Australia, the Alice Springs Desert Park is a brilliant place to start.
Located just a short drive from Alice Springs, exploring this massive park is like a crash course in the natural and cultural wonders of the Northern Territory.
While here, wander through desert habitats, watch free-flying birds of prey in action, and even learn how Aboriginal people have survived in this harsh yet beautiful land for thousands of years.
The park introduces you to the Northern Territory’s landscapes, especially if you’re heading further into the Red Centre.
Visiting this place is educational, eye-opening, and surprisingly peaceful, with those vast Outback skies stretching above you.
6. Swim in the Waterfalls of Litchfield National Park
Swimming in the stunning waterfalls of Litchfield National Park is one of the best ways to cool off during your adventure in the Northern Territory.
Florence Falls and Wangi Falls are two of the park’s most popular attractions, thanks to their crystal-clear water and lush surroundings. Buley Rockhole is another amazing place for a swim.
Florence Falls and Wangi Falls each have their own campground as well if you wanted to spend longer in the park.
But most travellers visit the area on a Litchfield National Park day tour from Darwin. It includes lunch and takes you to all the must-see spots, so you can relax and enjoy without any stress.
Litchfield National Park is packed with amazing waterfalls.
7. Experience the Mindil Beach Sunset Market in Darwin
No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without a visit to Darwin. While here, dive into the city’s vibrant food scene and explore an exciting mix of flavors and cuisines.
At sunset, the whole town seems to flock to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. You’ll see families, friends, and kids gathered around Darwin’s waterfront with blankets, chairs, and snacks, ready to watch the sky change colors as the sun sinks into the horizon.
The food choices at Mindil Beach Sunset Market are epic, featuring a variety of delicious options. Whether you’re craving Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, or even Brazilian, Greek, and Portuguese, you’ll find it all for around $6 to $12 a dish.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the food and sunset views! There’s also an arts and crafts market where you can browse unique handmade jewelry, funky tie-dye clothes, Aboriginal art, and quirky treasures from places like Indonesia and Thailand.
Exploring the Tiwi Islands is like stepping back in time, where you can experience ancient Aboriginal culture firsthand.
Located just off the coast of the Northern Territory, these islands are home to vibrant Aboriginal art and traditions, which have been passed down for generations.
A visit to the local Aboriginal art gallery is a must. Browse through stunning pieces that reflect the islands’ rich history and connection to the land.
Besides discovering ancient aboriginal culture, explore remarkable natural sights, from pristine beaches to lush landscapes.
The Devils Marbles or Karlu Karlu is one of the most impressive sights you’ll come across in the Northern Territory.
Scattered across the arid desert landscape, these massive, rounded boulders seem to balance impossibly on top of one another, glowing a brilliant red at sunrise and sunset.
Located in the heart of the Northern Territory, the area is culturally significant. In 2008, the land was officially returned to its traditional owners and is now jointly managed with Parks and Wildlife rangers.
Wander around the reserve, and you’ll encounter unique arid desert wildlife, such as the black-headed goannas peeking out from between the rocks.
The unique rock formations of Karlu Karlu
10. Soak in the Thermal Pools at Mataranka
Tucked away in the quiet corner of the Northern Territory, the Mataranka Hot Springs is like a serene escape into nature’s spa.
Located within Elsey National Park, these crystal-clear thermal pools maintain a soothing temperature of around 34°C year-round, making them perfect for a relaxing dip.
Surrounded by lush paperbark and palm trees, the rock pools provide a tranquil setting to relax and soak up the unspoilt beauty of the Northern Territory.
The gentle flow of the warm water and the sounds of native wildlife create a peaceful ambience that’s hard to beat.
11. Take a Scenic Flight Over Arnhem Land
For a truly unforgettable experience, hop on a scenic flight over Arnhem Land, one of the most remote and culturally rich regions in the Northern Territory.
As you soar above this vast wilderness, you’ll see rugged escarpments, winding rivers, and lush floodplains that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel tiny in the best possible way.
This untouched corner of the Northern Territory is home to Aboriginal rock art sites and sacred landscapes, many of which can only be truly appreciated from above.
Walking the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Australia, offering dramatic views over sandstone cliffs, lush palm-filled crevices, and the vast outback beyond.
This 6-kilometre loop takes around 3 to 4 hours, beginning with a steep climb known as “Heart Attack Hill” before levelling out along the canyon’s edge.
Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient rock domes, sheer 100-metre drops, and the beautiful Garden of Eden—a shaded oasis with a waterhole nestled deep within the canyon.
Best done at sunrise to beat the heat and catch the golden light, the walk is a must-do for adventurous travellers wanting to experience the raw, rugged beauty of Watarrka National Park.
Kings Canyon has spectacular scenery.
13. Explore the West Macdonnell Ranges
Located near Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges (called West Macs by the locals) are filled with epic hikes, stunning swimming holes, and epic gorges.
Glen Helen Gorge is definitely worth checking out on your trip to the Northern Territory. The views are incredible, especially with Mount Sonder looming in the background. It’s one of the highest points in Central Australia, and it shifts in colour as the sunlight moves across the sky.
Just a short drive away, you’ll find Ellery Creek Big Hole, a picturesque swimming spot surrounded by red cliffs and cool, shaded areas.
Another swimming spot that is just as gorgeous as Ellery Creek Big Hole is Ormiston Gorge. The gorge features a near-permanent waterhole, situated about 500 meters from the visitor center, making it an ideal spot for swimming.
Other highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs are Simpsons Gap, Redbank Gorge, and Standley Chasm. Both are striking geological formations that showcase rugged red cliffs and peaceful natural beauty.
You can see all the best parts of the West Macdonnell Ranges on a day trip from Alice Springs!
14. Experience a classic Australian Outback Town in Tennant Creek
Another one of the best things to do in the Northern Territory is road trip through the remote Outback of Australia.
Tennant Creek is approximately 1,000 km south of Darwin and 500 km north of Alice Springs, serving as a key stop along the Stuart Highway.
It’s extremely isolated in the middle of the desert, but it’s a convenient stop on road trips between Darwin and Alice Springs.
The town’s rich history includes being the site of Australia’s last major gold rush in the 1930s, and it continues to have strong ties to mining, with recent efforts to revive operations at the historic Nobles Nob mine.
Tennant Creek is also known for its Aboriginal heritage, exemplified by attractions like the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre, and natural landmarks such as the nearby Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.
The town offers a blend of cultural experiences, historical significance, and access to the expansive landscapes of the Northern Territory.
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!
IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Syria.
🇸🇾 What is it like to travel to Syria today
Since the war in Syria started in March 2011, the country has gone through many different stages that have affected tourism there in different ways.
Traveling to Syria from 2011 to 2018
From 2011 until early 2018, Syria was a proper war zone that was off limits to foreign tourists.
Traveling to Syria from 2019 to 2025
Only at the end of 2018 did certain areas across West Syria finally gain stability, when the regime of Bashar al-Assad decided to open the country to international tourism.
At the beginning, foreign tourists were something rare, the local authorities always being very suspicious but, little by little, tourism started to come back, reaching its peak in 2023.
Independent travel in Syria, however, wasn’t really allowed by then.
In October 2023, the spillover from the war in Gaza and neighboring Lebanon slowed down tourism to its minimum.
Traveling to Syria with the new Government (2025 onwards)
In December 2024, Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) overthrew the regime of Bashar al-Assad and took over the country, initiating a new era for Syria.
This group is pretty much the local branch of Al Qaeda in Syria. During the war, they were called Al Nusra, the people who took over Aleppo, Maaloula, and Krak de Chevaliers.
Today, they switched their name to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, but they are essentially the same dudes.
However, HTS is saying that they have become more moderate, claiming that they will respect the great diversity of Syria.
Until yesterday, Syria was a pretty secular and relaxed state, but I am finding it very hard to believe that they will allow that level of secularism, which was so characteristic of Syria.
They won’t be as extreme as the Taliban in Afghanistan, but new Sharia rules will certainly apply, so Syria is likely to change.
📰 New vs old Government. What’s changed from a Syrian travel perspective
From a travel perspective, Syria is very different from what it used to be until 2024.
Here’s a small summary of all the differences.
The people at checkpoints now have long beards. Unlike the previous shaved-off army guys, the new soldiers are all jihadists who used to fight for Al Nusra, all of them having long beards.
The country’s new flag is waving everywhere. Syria has a new flag, which has already been recognized by the United Nations.
Bashar al-Assad’s portraits are all gone. The image of former dictator Bashar al-Assad used to be omnipresent, but his portraits and photos are now all gone and considered relics.
Everyone talks about how awful Bashar al-Assad was to the country. The one thing that surprised me the most was realizing the hatred that most Syrians had for Assad, everyone is talking about it.
Independent travel is now allowed. Let’s see how long this will last, but proper independent backpacking in Syria is now completely possible.
Newly opened areas. Many places that used to be off-limits, such as Idlib or north of Aleppo in Afrin, are now open for anyone, with no restrictions.
New Sharia rules. Nobody is sure about this yet, but what I can say is that some liquor shops and bars that were fully functional are now closed, but not because HTS forced them to do so, but because Syrians are afraid of their reaction.
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Please note that this video was filmed and posted in 2023, when Syria was still under Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
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The Old City of Damascus – The columns belong to an old Roman Jupiter temple – Is Syria safe?
🛫 How to get to Syria
How to travel to Syria by land
1 – How to travel from Beirut (Lebanon) to Damascus
Traveling to Damascus from Beirut is the easiest way to travel to Syria.
Beirut is only 115km from Damascus and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours, including the customs process.
If you book a full tour for Syria, your transfer from Beirut to Damascus will certainly be included.
Otherwise, independent travelers should know that shared taxis to Damascus depart from Charles Hélou bus station, running all day long. In my case, I got to the station at 3 pm and waited for no more than 15 or 20 minutes.
The cost per person shouldn’t be more than 20-25 USD. A private taxi will cost you 100-125 USD.
You can also travel to Syria from the border north of Tripoli.
Shared taxis to Tartus cost around 15 USD and they leave until 8pm from this station.
It is only a 65km journey, so it should be fairly quick.
3 – How to travel from Amman (Jordan) to Syria
The border between Jordan and Syria is open, but the journey from Amman is way longer, plus the border crossing can take a long time, sometimes the whole day.
If you book a full tour for Syria, your transfer from Amman to Damascus should also be included.
Otherwise, there’s a bus company named Al Kamal that runs a daily bus service from Amman to Damascus, departing at 2 pm.
Buses depart from an international bus terminal located in southern Amman. Tickets can be purchased there, or you may also book them at their central office, located here.
A bus ticket costs 25 JOD.
4 – How to travel from Turkey to Syria
Today, the border between Syria and Turkey is closed to foreigners.
How to travel to Syria by air
With the new change of Government in January 2025, many airlines are resuming their flights into Damascus International Airport, including Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways.
However, I am not sure if flying directly into Damascus is more convenient than coming from Beirut, for the following reasons:
Flights into Damascus are expensive, plus you will also have to pay for your visa (at land borders, the visa is free).
The transfer from Beirut to Damascus takes 3 to 4 hours, which could actually be faster than your flight connection.
By the way, in addition to the airlines mentioned above, you can also fly to Damascus with Cham Wings, Syrian Air,and Iraqi Airways. The problem, however, is that you can’t book your flight tickets online, but only at their respective office, in cash.
Along with how to get a visa for Syria, safety is the other big question mark for anyone traveling to Syria.
Look, the war is practically over in West Syria, and cities like Aleppo and Damascus are relatively safe.
You see children roaming around, the old city of Damascus is packed, and everything seems just fine.
I still remember the first time I traveled to Syria in 2018. I was in Damascus for Christmas and, for the first time since the beginning of the war, the streets of the Old City of Damascus (and Aleppo as well) were filled with Christmas lights and celebration.
Celebrating Christmas in Damascus – How to travel to Syria
The atmosphere was full of joy, happiness, and both Muslims and Christians were celebrating such an event with very big enthusiasm (there is a huge Christian community in Damascus).
I really don’t know whether the country is now safer than with Bashar al-Assad, but what I can tell you is that bazaars, old cities, and cafés are equally packed.
When it comes to safety, I didn’t see any big difference versus how it was before, from a tourism perspective, at least.
From a local perspective, however, Syria has become unsafe for certain minorities, such as the Alawites and the Druze, both suffering persecution from the Islamist armed factions linked to the current Government.
By stable, I mean that they have been relatively safe since the end of the war in 2018.
These places – all of them part of our Syria Tours – include:
Damascus, Maaloula, Bosra, Homs, Aleppo, Krak de Chevaliers and Palmyra.
Still, keep in mind that this is a post-war zone, which means that it is highly unstable and things could change overnight.
Lesser stable areas to visit in Syria with the new regime
Today, I’d personally avoid traveling along the Syrian coast, including Latakia and Tartus, but especially Latakia, since that’s the heartland of the Alawites, the most hardcore supporters of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
There have been reports of massacres against Alawites in Latakia in 2025, mainly perpetrated by fighters aligned with the Syrian Government. It’s not safe to go now.
New areas you can visit with the New Government
Idlib
Idlib might be the most relevant newly opened area you can visit in Syria.
Until 2024, Idlib was the only region controlled by HTS, from where they expanded to the rest of the country.
Idlib was and still is backed by Turkey. They use the Turkish Lira and only Turkish phone reception works here.
It’s also a super conservative region, even more than Raqqa. Most local women wear a niqab, and female tourists are obliged to wear a hijab.
Raqqa and beyond
Today, Raqqa is controlled by the Kurdish forces, who annexed the region to their new so-called state of Rojava.
Raqqa and all of Rojava used to be open if entering Syria illegally (sort of) from Iraqi Kurdistan, but with the new Government, you can now enter from West Syria, as long as you have the necessary permits for entering Rojava.
We visited Raqqa in 2025 through the main road coming from Hama.
Long Live Aleppo – Is it possible to travel to Syria?
👨👩👧👧 The people – The Syrians
Language spoken in Syria
Levantine Arabic is the official language.
You should know that many English-speaking people left the country but you will always find someone who does.
In any case, try to learn some Arabic before traveling to Syria.
Religion in Syria
Around 65% of the population are Sunni Muslims but, like in Lebanon, in Syria, there are many different religions, including a large Christian population. Bashar Al-Assad is Alawite, a Shia branch.
Friendly Syrians, always – Visit Syria tourism
🙅♂️ Responsible tourism and ethics in Syria
How do Syrians feel about tourism?
According to the UN, around 500,000 Syrians have been killed, nearly 5,000,000 escaped from the country and several million more who are still in the country need humanitarian assistance.
Many people are skeptical about traveling to Syria, claiming or thinking that it’s a direct way of supporting Assad’s regime, hence it is disrespectful to all the people who have been affected somehow.
My opinion is that, before making any judgment, we should ask the actual Syrians living in Syria what they think about it.
If you ever go to Syria, I doubt you will ever talk to a single Syrian who isn’t happy to see a foreign tourist.
In 2018, when the war was still recent, Syrians who spoke English approached me, asking a lot of questions and showing their gratitude for visiting their country.
Hello, how are you?
Well, alive, thank God! – A random Syrian told me
That was a couple of years ago. Today, tourists in Syria are more common to see and for them, it’s an inflection point that their country is, very slowly, going back to normality.
More friendly Syrians – How to visit Syria
How to be a more responsible traveler in Syria
Syria is a post-war zone, where millions of people have lost their houses and relatives, much like Haiti, so please, be a sensitive tourist.
Don’t say war but crisis or situation instead
You will see that many Syrians themselves don’t really use the word war but they prefer to say other less harsh words.
Syrians hanging out in a destroyed building in Homs
Don’t take selfies with damaged buildings
Seriously, this is one of the most disrespectful things you could ever do and you would actually be an asshole if you did it.
Empathize with the locals
When you are in an area full of destroyed buildings be polite to the people, say hello, shake hands and just be nice with them.
Collaborate with the local economy
In Homs and Aleppo, you are likely to see small businesses open among all the ruins. Do buy things from them.
In Homs, I saw one small bakery shop in the practically destroyed souk; I couldn’t resist buying one kilo of sweets there, which I gave to a young boy that was looking for something among the trash.
The streets of Homs, which is around 40% destroyed – Is it safe to visit Syria now
🛺 Transportation: how to travel around Syria
You can travel around Syria by local buses and shared taxis.
To be very honest with you, I’ve only done proper backpacking in Syria once, in 2018. In my following visits, I was either with our groups expeditions, or traveling around by car with my Syrian friends.
However, I know for a fact that moving around Syria by public transportation is completely possible, especially when moving between cities.
The main bus station to go anywhere north of Damascus is located here, from where you can go to Aleppo, or Homs. I also took a shared taxi from Aleppo to Homs, and from Homs to Damascus. Easy.
When you travel in Syria, you’ll see that Bashar Al-Assad face is everywhere
💻 Internet and connectivity in Syria
Wi-Fi in Syria
Wi-Fi works relatively OK in most hotels, at least the ones listed in the accommodation section of this travel guide.
Can I get a SIM Card for Syria?
By the way, note that as of today, eSIMs are not available in Syria.
You can get a Syriatel SIM Card in the official store. There’s one right next to Merjeh Square.
Get a VPN for traveling in Syria
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 that is typically censored in Syria.
I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.
💰 What you need to know about money before traveling to Syria
In Syria, they use the Syrian Pound (SYP), a currency that has been fluctuating like crazy for the past 10 years.
Before the crisis, $1 equaled 50SYP.
In 2018, during my first visit, $1 equaled 490SYP.
Today, you can exchange $1 in the black market for up to 10,200 SYP.
As a consequence, Syria is suffering from massive inflation and the problem is that most salaries haven’t increased accordingly.
The new Syrian bill with Bashar Al-Assad’s face on it. Nowadays, this is around 50 cents.
Exchanging money in Syria
You can exchange both Euros (€) and USD ($) but USD can be exchanged at a better rate.
If you bring 100 USD notes, keep in mind that they only accept the new ones with the blue line.
If you have Syrian Pounds left when you leave, you can exchange them for Lebanese Pounds or USD in most exchange offices in Beirut, at the official bank rate, which means that it won’t be so good.
Where can you exchange Syrian Pounds?
The best is to exchange at the exchange offices you find before reaching the border. With our groups, we always exchange in a Lebanese town named Chtoura.
ATMs and credit cards in Syria
Because of the foreign sanctions, in Syria, you can neither pay by credit card nor using ATMs. You must bring all your money in cash.
Update 2024: Due to the current financial crisis, the same rule applies to Lebanon. If you are traveling to Syria from Lebanon, you must bring enough cash for visiting both countries.
How much does it cost to travel to Syria?
These are the prices of the most typical things:
Lunch in a local restaurant: 50,000 to 80,000SYP
Food in a nice restaurant with wine: 150,000 to 250,000SYP
Breakfast (like hummus or ful): 35,000SYP
National Museum: 25,000SYP
Aleppo Citadel: 2,5000SYP
Bus from Damascus to Aleppo: 50,000 to 70,000SYP
Budget Hotel in Damascus: $35 to $45 for a private room
Mid-range hotel in Damascus: $60 to $90 for a private room
Taxis within cities: 40,000 to 60,000SYP
Local shared taxi Aleppo to Homs: 100,000 to 150,000SYP
The Citadel of Aleppo – Traveling to Syria
Are the Syrian cities really destroyed?
This seems to bring a lot of confusion, so let me explain it to you:
Damascus
Only the outskirts of Damascus are destroyed, as there was a bloody battle there. That area is off-limits to tourists.
The Old City and the new part of town remain intact.
Aleppo
A percentage of the Old City is destroyed, as well as some areas from outside the city.
Most of Aleppo isn’t damaged but some very important sites from the Old City, like the Great Mosque, are gone.
Nowadays, however, the city is being rebuilt and people are slowly coming back.
Homs
One of the most affected cities by the war.
Approximately 40% of the city is destroyed and that includes its bazaar, one of the liveliest and most important souqs in all the Middle East.
Palmyra
The Temple of Bell was destroyed by ISIS but Palmyra is a massive archaeological site and many of its wonders can still be seen.
the Old City of Aleppo – Is Syria a safe place to visit?
📸 Taking photos when you travel in Syria
You can take photos of everything except for one thing: military stuff.
Yes, it is very obvious but the problem is that there is military stuff everywhere, especially in Damascus.
In Damascus, it happened a few times that I took a picture of some cool building or whatever, from relatively far away, and didn’t realize there was a checkpoint right next to it.
Of course, the soldiers approached me but, after quickly checking my passport and my camera, very kindly, let me continue.
In Damascus Old City, there are checkpoints everywhere, so pay attention before taking any photos.
A soldier in Aleppo’s citadelDamascus bazaar is really good to visit
🏨 Accommodation: where to stay in Syria
Syria is well-sorted with good hotels. Here are my recommendations.
Where to stay in Damascus
Budget Hotel: Green Hotel. Clean, Wi-Fi and just outside the Old City. The guy from the reception spoke English.
Green Hotel in Damascus. I paid 15 USD for this room. It was simple but clean, and everything you need!
Boutique Hotel: Beit al Mamlouka. A small hotel at the heart of the old city.
Luxury: Beit al Wali. One of the best hotels in the city.
Where to stay in Aleppo
Budget: Aleppo Palace. Good, affordable option in Aleppo, with great views of the new part of town. It’s located right next to the I Love Aleppo sign.
Mid-range: Laurus. A little bit further but way better than Aleppo Palace and not much more expensive.
Budget, mid-range: Al Waleed. Very nice basic hotel with a very lively café just downstairs.
Where to stay in Al Mishtaya
Al Mishtaya is a Christian village near Krak de Chevaliers.
They have a pretty good brand-new hotel named Vila Rosa Hotel.
Where to stay in Palmyra and Busra
Today, you can’t stay in any of them because there are no hotels.
🍲 The food and alcohol in Syria
In the last few years, I haven’t traveled to many countries that are famous for their food, but Syria is.
Being an olive-oil-rich Mediterranean country, the ingredients used in their cuisine are fresh and similar to the ones we used in Spain, Italy, France, and Greece.
The food is actually pretty much the same as in Lebanon, with their own regional variations, of course.
From the classic hummus to kibbeh (local steak tartar), different sorts of grilled meat or a typical dish of Aleppo consisting of meatballs in cherry sauce, the food in Syria is so varied.
For me, however, breakfast is the best part, as they always serve different variations of hummus and ful deep in super tasty olive oil and vegetables.
As per alcohol, you should know that Syria has a large Christian population, so alcohol is easily available, especially in the Christian district of the Old City of Damascus, where there is a street filled with bars and many liquor shops.
You can actually buy a $1 beer and drink it in the street!
Hummus for breakfast 😀
❗ More information for traveling in Syria
📢 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 Syria destination
Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East
I hope this Syria travel blog will help you to plan your trip. I will try to keep it updated but, if you have more updates, please let us know in the comments section. Thanks 🙂
