My Travel Experience In Georgia: Top Things To Do And What Not To Do

If someone were to ask me, what is that one place that stayed with you during your solo travel of all these years? Without wasting a second, I’d say it’s Georgia. Nestled between Europe and Asia, this small yet enchanting country stole my heart in ways I never expected. During my first travel experience in Georgia, I was greeted by its stunning beauty, warm hospitality, heavenly aroma of fresh bakery goods, and majestic mountains. From hearty feasts to soulful music echoing through valleys. Georgia is not just a destination, it’s a living, breathing story.

In this blog, I’ll take you through my first hand experience of Georgia, from each corner to Georgia travel tips and mistakes. Whether you are planning a trip to Georgia for the first time or wanting to go back and explore it all again, let me be your travel buddy through words.

How I Began With My Travel Experience In Georgia? 

Firstly, from what I have experienced, it’s crucial to have it all planned before embarking on an international trip. I used to be someone who was spontaneous with their trips but at times, that did not end well. So, I started rigorously searching, and stumbled upon a travel agency named Travel Saga Tourism.

And, oh lord, they have been such a saviour in this solo travelling journey of mine. I got my visa assistance and tour packages from them and have always enjoyed my travels with them. Additionally, whenever I was stuck with flights and accommodation, all I did was reach out to them, and they even helped guide me through the trouble as well.

Read A Reliable Weather Forecast

I visited Georgia in the month of October and observed that the weather can be unpredictable and might be a problem for people aiming to trek in the mountains. Hence, I made sure to do my research via Google, YouTube, and Reddit. And, here are my key takeaways from my travel experience in Georgia:

• The best time to visit: May to October.

• The best time of the day to explore: Late morning and afternoon.

• Nighttime: Ideal for taking a stroll and indulging in a warm meal with locals.

Additional Tip: Make sure to carry warm clothes as the temperature tends to drop down. You can read out a Georgia monthly travel guide to know more about the weather, crowd and budget!

Checked For Visa Formalities

This one still makes me laugh. I reached out to Travel Saga Tourism, all worried and worked up about getting a visa. However, quickly eased my worries by informing me that GCC countries’ citizens do not require a visa for Georgia. However, for your information, if your nationality doesn’t come under GCC, then make sure to opt for a Georgia visa. And, furthermore, helped me out with:

• One on one consultant services they guided me through the essential documents that I needed to carry and gave me a solution for my long stay.

• They provided 24*7 Support.

Additional Tip: Make a checklist of documents and keep them all in one place.

Booked A Direct Flight From UAE

As soon as my trip got finalised, I ran to the page of Georgia at Travel Saga and found the best direct flights. Direct flights features minimal jet lag and maximum adventure, you land early and will be wandering around like a local by noon. Moreover, here are all the direct flights from UAE that I came across.

• Abu Dhabi: A non stop flight to Tbilisi from Abu Dhabi with Air Arabia takes around 3 to 3.5 hours.

• Dubai: With FlyDubai, your flight will take 3.5 hours to reach Tbilisi.

• Sharjah: Book your flight with Air Arabia and reach Tbilisi in around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Additional Tip: Book your flight tickets in advance, as it will help you secure better deals.

Opted For A Comfortable Stay 

In Tbilisi, I stayed in a boutique hotel which smelled like fresh croissants and an old library. Furthermore, when I moved to Kazbegi, I opted for a hotel with a mesmerising view, and that ended up as one of my top travel experiences in Georgia. So, here is a list of stays you can look forward to:

• Tbilisi: Check out Fabrika and Ibis Styles, best for solo travellers looking for socialising.

• Khakheti: Look for guest houses and hotels such as Davitiani and Kera Rooms.

• Kazbegi: For affordable stays, Anano guest house is unquestionably the best one.

Additional Tip: Booking a guest house in smaller towns and rural areas saves you money as well as allows you to meet local families for an immersive experience.

Found The Best Dine In And Cafes

Before going to Georgia, I searched for the top dining options and made a list, but upon arrival, I realised asking the locals entirely changed my food and travel experience in Georgia. So, here are the top local eatery spots:

• Kvarts Coffee: Ditch Starbucks and delight in this unique coffee place where you get a custom portrait on your cup. isn’t that fun and amazing! Find On The Map

• Racha Tavern: An affordable place that serves mouth watering authentic Georgian food. Find On The Map

• Rooms Kazbegi: If coffee with mountain view is your vibe, then this is your go to place. Find On The Map

Additional Tips: Keep in mind, even if you are sitting alone, your portion of the dish will be large, showcasing the generosity and culture of Georgia.

What Was My Itinerary? 

It’s hard to figure it out all by yourself. Hence, I wanted to opt for a tour package, but I was repelled by the idea that I’d have to follow a certain itinerary. That’s when Travel Saga Tourism again came into the picture. Their Georgia tour packages with a customised itinerary allowed me to opt for places and top things to do in Georgia based on my interests.

The flexibility not only made this trip more enjoyable but also enhanced my travel experience in Georgia into something truly special. Here’s the itinerary that I’d recommend.

Best Things To Do In Georgia For A Solo Traveller 

1. Tbilisi: Explore the historic town, discover cafes, and take a cable car to Narikala Fortress. After that, relax in the famous sulphur baths of Tbilisi and discover art spots, stroll at night and savour delicious local food.
   Narikala Fortress: Find On The Map

2. Mtskheta: Visit Georgia’s most sacred church, named Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. In addition, stroll through the streets and witness the view of the two rivers merging via Jvari Monastery.
   Svetitskhoveli Cathedral: Find On The Map
   Jvari Monastery: Find On The Map

3. Kazbegi: This place calls out all the adventurous mountain lovers. Here, you can trek to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Explore the Gveleti Waterfalls and drive through Dariali Gorge for scenic photographs.
   Gergeti Trinity Church: Find On The Map
   Gveleti Waterfalls: Find On The Map
   Dariali Gorge: Find On The Map

4. Kahkheti: Take a wine tour in this region, and visit Alaverdi Monastery for its wine history. Moreover, explore Sighnagi, the city of love.
   Alaverdi Monastery: Find On The Map

Experiences People Often Miss Out On

Whenever I talk to my friends or any traveller, I often emphasise connecting with the country on a deeper level. But how can you do that? Simply, discover off beaten places and indulge in immersive cultural experiences like being a part of a festival. So, here are some more suggestions for the top things to do in Georgia:

Hidden Gems:

• Chronicles of Georgia, a deeply symbolic site and an awe inspiring monument. Find On The Map

• Leghvtakhevi, a secret waterfall in old Tbilisi, felt like a perfect spot for peace and serenity. Find On The Map

• Pankisi Valley, explore the traditions and culture of the Kist people and bask in the breathtaking natural scenery. Find On The Map

Popular Festival:

• Tbilisoba, an annual festival which is generally celebrated in the first week of October. With food, dance, wine, music and community, this festival celebrates the autumn harvest and is a perfect way to blend in with the culture and locals of Georgia.

• Georgia Apple Festival, featuring over 250 vendors, offers live music and serves appetising local food. Don’t miss out on this travel experience in Georgia.

Starting Price: 899 AED
Note: You can also book a Georgia tour package by enquiring about it on Travel Saga Tourism’s official site!

Enquire - Georgia Tour Package

What Not To Do: Georgia Travel Tips and Mistakes

• Mountain Weather: Do not underestimate the mountain weather, it has the potential to change quickly. Keep yourself prepared and carry warm layers and rain gear.

• Transport: While public transport is affordable, I found opting for taxis or shared cabs much faster, which saved me a lot of time. Public transport in major cities is a game changer, but in small towns, I preferred Bolt, a ride hailing app.

• Atmosphere: My initial solo travels used to be all about rushing and covering every place. But, during my second time in Georgia, I met Evan and Lara, who had a different travel style. Their idea of slowing down and just soaking in the serene atmosphere stuck with me.

• Learn a few Georgian Phrases: Not everyone speaks English. I had no idea how easy and fun things get when you know at least the basic phrases to strike up a conversation with the locals. So, I learned a few like Gamarjoba (Hello), Madloba (Thank you), Nakhvamdis (Goodbye), Ki (Yes), and Ara (No).

• Permit Pass: Many people don’t know that you need a border pass for Tusheti. As a traveller, you cannot apply for these permits, but your guide can and will.

• SIM Cards: This one will always top my Georgia travel tips and mistakes. For Georgia, I recommend getting a SIM named “Magti”. I initially used another one that worked okay, but failed in the mountains. However, with Magti, I didn’t face any issues afterwards.

Georgian Food You Cannot Miss!  

Georgia serves you with the most comforting and heart-warming meals. So, here is a list of Georgian local cuisines I delve into every time I go.

• Khachapuri: Oven baked bread filled with fresh sulguni cheese.

• Mtsvadi: Marinated meat chunks, grilled over an open fire.

• Lobio: A traditional dish made from beans coupled with onion, garlic and aromatic herbs.

• Khinkali: Mouthwatering soup dumplings filled with meat and juicy broth.

• Wine: Try out one of the most authentic white and red wines.  

How To Book And Pay?

Travel Saga is your trusted partner to experience this journey. You can easily book international tour packages directly on our website or get in touch with our sales team to secure your reservation.

Contact Us

•  Phone: +971 4 268 4645
•  WhatsApp: +971 50 339 9740
• Email: booking@travelsaga.com

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• Cash at our office (Get Directions)
• POS credit/debit card machine
• Secure online payment link

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• MasterCard | Visa | American Express | UnionPay

Conclusion 

Exploring Georgia felt like embarking on a new adventure every day; you don’t know what’s in the box for you. But, there is this sense of comfort that it’s going to be great. A budget friendly country that’s also rich in experiences. In addition, the flavourful food, scenic landscapes, challenging treks and history reflected in every corner make this country worth visiting. So, include all the top things to do in Georgia while planning your itinerary with Travel Saga Tourism.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

Should you go? Absolutely.

Questions That Arose In My Mind While Planning A Trip To Georgia 

When I was planning my trip out, there were a lot of questions that were raised in my head. And, it was quite inconvenient to research and find out the true answers. So, I have got a list of questions prepared to help you out. Dive in.

Q. What should I keep in mind when visiting churches and monasteries in Georgia?

Remove your shoes while visiting sacred places. And, also, respect the culture and dress modestly and cover your head with a scarf.

Q. What are common travel mistakes tourists make in Georgia?

From my experience, Georgia travel tips and mistakes include underestimating travel times, changing money at the airport, and skipping travel insurance. Furthermore, over packing and treating Georgia as a short stopover.

Q. Is Georgia a safe country to visit, especially for solo or female travellers?

With low crime rates, Georgia is usually considered as a safe country for solo or female travellers. Although, it’s advisable to be cautious of your surroundings, and download offline maps, and learn emergency numbers.

Q. What should you not do at a Georgian feast or supra?

Do not interrupt the Tamada (toastmaster) and don’t drink competitively. In addition, don’t bring sensitive topics, and do not bring your own food.

Q. Is it safe to drink tap water in Georgia?

The top Georgia travel tips and mistakes include not drinking water from taps. The varying water quality and contaminants resulted in violating federal protections. So, I will highly suggest buying mineral bottles.

Q. What are the budgeting mistakes to avoid when travelling in Georgia?

If you want to experience the top things to do in Georgia while being on a budget. It becomes essential to cut down on other expenses. Avoid airport currency exchange, eat at local places and do not overorder. Do your research well for budgeted stays, and avoid expensive taxis. Furthermore, use GoTrip for intercity transfers as it is comparatively cheaper.