10 Tips for Your First Visit to Georgia

Georgia (“the real one” to every American traveller I met) is a country nestled in the Caucasus, between Turkey and Russia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

For a somewhat off-the-beaten-path destination, it’s not the sort of place that’s top of mind. However, lately I’d noticed Georgia picking up some buzz amongst my friends. I gave it some cursory research, and found enough to pique my interest.

As I stitched together the bookends of my trip to Eurasia earlier this year, it would’ve been a shame to skip it. I swapped my Turkish lira for Georgian lari and spent nine days in the neighbouring country, a wonderful place in all of its own distinct ways.

Here are 10 tips covering my impressions from my first visit to Georgia.

1. Get to Know the People and Story of Georgia

The Kartvelian people, as Georgians refer to themselves, are known for their kindness and hospitality.

Historically, their land has been invaded by larger empires on multiple fronts, while also welcoming diverse travellers along the Silk Road. Through it all, they’ve developed not only a sense of fierceness, but a sense of openness.

This has cultivated a proud society which is friendly to foreigners, whether tourists or immigrant groups over the centuries.

The locals I met were all extremely personable. Whether a chatty tour guide eager to talk about any topic, or an elderly woman who doesn’t speak a word of English opening her home kitchen to visitors, there’s a real earnestness about them.

Nowadays, there’s a bit of a generational divide. The older folks have more of an affinity for the Russian ways, whereas the younger ones have a stronger interest in aggressively Westernizing and modernizing.

Georgia is still trapped in widespread poverty, suffering from the effects of occupation by the Soviet Union. Political corruption still reigns, not necessarily with violence or oppression, but electoral subversion and crooked money. In spite of some recent steps forward, the low standard of living is unmistakable.

In a country where median rent outpaces the median income, it’s sad to see the youth looking for a way out as their only path to upward mobility. It’s also inspiring to see those who choose to stay with the faithful resolve to build a better society for their countrymen.

2. Binge on Next-Level Soul Food

If Georgia is known first for its…