Georgia Travel Essentials
Useful Travel Information for Your Trip to Georgia
The beauty, history, and culture of Georgia make it an excellent destination for travelers of all types. Whether you’re looking to hike mountain pathways and marvel at awe-inspiring views, immerse yourself in history, or for a dazzling city break, Georgia is filled with options. So where to start?
We’ve put together this list to help you plan and prepare for your journey to Georgia. We’ve got everything: what to pack, when to visit, and what to eat while you’re there. So, have a look through this essential travel guide to Georgia to find out more. What are the essentials when traveling to Georgia?
1. The basics
Phone numbers, outlet adapters, and the practicalities
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As with any trip, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the basics covered on your trip to Georgia. Grab some Georgian Lari, the local currency, to make sure you’ve got cash just in case. The international dialing code for Georgia is 011 and, though you most likely won’t need it, if you find yourself in an emergency, you’ll want to dial 112.
Regarding electricity, the standard voltage in Georgia is 220 V and 50 Hz and they use type C and F outlets, so make sure you’ve got the right adapter to charge your phone. Also, consider buying a phrasebook and trying out some useful phrases, it might just earn you a smile from the locals.
2. When is the best time to visit Georgia?
Snowy mountain winters, hot summer sun
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The best time to visit Georgia of course depends on your reason for going. Skiing fans will want to take to the slopes in the colder half of the year, with December to April being the best months for great snow and open slopes. You’ll find it busiest in December and January.
If you’re not looking to ski, however, you’ll probably find spring and autumn the best times for a visit. While the climate is generally mild, it can get very hot in the summer, with temperatures regularly reaching 95°F (35°C) in July and August with some thunderstorms. You’ll find the warmest weather by the coast, with the coolest temperatures in the mountains.
3. What to pack for your trip to Georgia?
Practical clothing and modest coverings for religious sites
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The best clothing options for when you’re out and about in Georgia during the warmer months are loose-fitting light clothes that will cover you mostly. Coverings, including scarves, will also be necessary if you’re visiting many of the churches and monasteries, as they require shoulders and knees to be covered, and for women to cover their hair as well.
If you’re up for a hike, more covering will help protect you from the sun and the insects, but add some bug repellent for extra protection. Of course, you’ll want good walking shoes to trek through the countryside. And be sure to bring a rain jacket and a water bottle so you’re not caught out.
4. Where to stay in Georgia?
A host of options for all budgets and types of adventure
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With its rising popularity as a tourist destination, there are plenty of places in Georgia to stay. Ski enthusiasts will find the mountaintop chalets convenient and exciting, while there are numerous hostels and guesthouses dotted throughout the country that offer a traditional charm. For the more daring there are even wild camping sites to pitch up a tent in the heart of nature.
If you’re looking for a more refined place to stay, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are spectacular hotels in the major cities, available for all budgets. Check out hotels.com to find out the best hotels in Tbilisi, Batumi, and other parts of Georgia.
5. What is the best way to get around Georgia?
Georgian public transport options
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If you want to see more of what Georgia has to offer, you’ll need to travel, and there is a variety of transport options available. Train travel is a convenient, fast way to make your way from one place to the next. On the other hand, there are the marshrutka vans. Somewhere between a bus and a taxi, these minivans are the most affordable and fastest method of travel throughout Georgia. They travel set routes but stop whenever you wish. There are also taxis available.
If you’re more of a nature lover and not afraid of some exercise, then hiking through the spectacular Georgian scenery can be highly rewarding.
6. Sightseeing in Georgia
Natural wonders, historic buildings, and modern cityscapes
Considering its size, Georgia has a huge variety of natural wonders, history, and fascinating sights. As you explore this stunning country, you’ll discover gorgeous monasteries and churches perched atop the mountains, such as Gergeti Trinity Church. But there are also astonishing sights underground, such as Vardzia, a city and monastery built into the mountains themselves as a series of caves.
In the east of Georgia is Tbilisi, the capital city, filled with exquisite architecture, history, and city attractions. You’ll even find the historic sulfur baths, said to have health benefits. On the west of the country, you’ll find the shores of the Black Sea and the city of Batumi with stunning beaches. This is well worth a visit.
7. What to eat and drink in Georgia?
An eclectic blend of different cuisines that becomes something unique
Georgia’s location means you’ll find a blend of eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian flavors as you explore its cuisine. If you’re lucky, you might even get to join in with a traditional Georgian feast, called a supra.
Khinkali dumplings, the Georgian take on a beloved classic, and deliciously gooey khachapuri cheese bread are found on menus throughout the country. As a treat, try some churchkhela, nut and grape candy sticks you’ll see hanging like candles from stalls. All this food can be washed down by a refreshing glass of wine, produced right there in Georgia, one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world.
8. Notable towns in Georgia
Georgia’s urban wonders
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While Georgia’s landscape is magnificent, so are its cities, from Tbilisi, the capital in the East, to Batumi where it sits on the coast of the Black Sea. You’ll find a blend of the old and the modern in these Georgian cities. Beautiful old buildings crowd the streets, with gems of modern architecture nestled among them.
Tbilisi’s enchanting Old Town and urban attractions will not disappoint. You can also visit charming Kutaisi, a cultural hub for the country and birthplace of many authors and poets, or modern Batumi with its skyscrapers, parks, and beaches. There’s also Stepantsminda, a small town near the peak of Mount Kazbegi, known for its astounding vistas.
9. What is Georgia’s history and culture?
From medieval to modern and everything in between
Georgia’s history as a country is a long, rich tale that you will see written into the architecture and landscape. Throughout the years, since it was a seat of power in the 10th century, it has endured through many political upheavals, at times being claimed by Turkish and Persian empires, as well as the Soviet Union. However, the culture and people have persisted, maintaining their identity.
There are many museums and historical sites throughout the country that document and preserve this history. Medieval castles and monasteries stand atop the mountains, offering views of not just the landscape, but also the past.
10. What are Georgia’s main annual events?
Folk festivals, religious celebrations, and the wine harvest
It’s no surprise that a country with such a rich heritage has a host of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. One of the most well-known is Tbilisoba, held in October, which celebrates the history of Tbilisi. It features traditional music and dancing, sporting events, and markets selling food, drink, and handicrafts.
Villages often celebrate traditional folk festivals, such as Berikaoba, a masquerade held in spring, and Lamproba and Giorgoba in early spring and September, which both celebrate the country’s patron saint, St George. Rtveli, the harvest festival, honors Georgia’s long history of wine making. Chiakokonoba is marked on the Thursday before Orthodox Easter, it’s no longer celebrated as widely, but you may still find bonfires being built on this day.
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