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Best places to visit in georgia.

With big cities, iconic small towns, picturesque mountains and a prime spot along the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia is one of the most diverse vacation destinations in the South. To help you decide which Georgia locales are most worth your time and vacation dollars, U.S. News took into account the variety and uniqueness of attractions, availability of accommodations and opinions of everyday travelers to decide the best places to visit in Georgia. Vote for your favorite places below to help determine next year's list.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Jekyll island, callaway gardens, amicalola falls state park, st. simons island, cumberland island national seashore, tybee island, marietta, ga, columbus, ga, arabia mountain national heritage area.

The charm of Savannah is undeniable. From the early 1800's architecture to the romantic Spanish moss-lined streets to the shops, eateries and party-hard reputation of River Street, Savannah gives a nod to the past while bringing its own personality into the present. Plus, the city offers a heavy dose of laid-back Southern hospitality to match, earning it its Hostess City of the South nickname. Spend your time meandering through Forsyth Park and Savannah's 22 squares, filling up on Lowcountry cuisine or spooking yourself on a ghost tour .

If you want to feel like you're in Europe without leaving the U.S., consider taking a trip to Helen . This small North Georgia town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is modeled after a Bavarian Alpine village, so you can expect to find lots of colorful architecture, authentic German fare and fun renditions of German festivals, including an annual Oktoberfest celebration. But beyond its charming atmosphere, Helen offers all kinds of amenities, including more than 200 stores and access to local wineries, plus proximity to Unicoi State Park & Lodge's lake and hiking and bike trails.

For a look at jaw-dropping natural wonders, venture to Tallulah Gorge State Park. Located just west of the Georgia-South Carolina border in the northern part of the state, the park is home to Tallulah Gorge, which measures 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can get a bird's-eye view of the gorge from its rim or obtain a free permit to see it from its floor. Tallulah Gorge State Park also features a suspension bridge that provides fantastic views of the park's five waterfalls, plus more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.

The southernmost of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island beckons to travelers seeking a quiet beach getaway. The entire island is designated as a Georgia state park, meaning conservation and wildlife preservation are top priorities. Visitors can see sea turtles, alligators and other coastal animals at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, lounge on 10 miles of pristine beaches (Driftwood Beach is one of the most photogenic in Georgia) or meander through the historic district (also known as Millionaires' Village) to see homes that have belonged to some of America's richest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers and the Pulitzers.

A trip to Callaway Gardens is all about reconnecting with nature. Tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the small town of Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens features 2,500 acres of gardens, a butterfly center with 1,000-plus butterflies and more than 10 miles of bike and nature trails, among other amenities. Additionally, visitors can head to Robin Lake Beach to swim, pedal boat, paddleboard or simply soak up some sun during the warmer months. Families can also take advantage of the beach's inflatable water playground called Aqua Island.

The Empire City of the South is a hub for business (Coca-Cola, CNN and Delta Air Lines are all headquartered here) and music (rappers have long made Georgia's capital city their home), as well as a family-friendly destination with world-renowned sights like the Georgia Aquarium and Lego Discovery Center Atlanta. Atlanta also houses several impressive historical attractions, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. What's more, the city is solidly on the foodie map thanks to the combination of cultures and traditions represented in its restaurant offerings.

Amicalola Falls State Park gets its name from the Cherokee word for "tumbling waters," so you can expect to see an impressive waterfall during your visit. The North Georgia park's namesake measures 729 feet tall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Amicalola Falls State Park offers hiking trails to the base and rim of the falls, as well as the 8-mile Approach Trail, which connects to the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. If you're traveling with kids, consider staying at the on-site lodge, which offers activities like archery, animal encounters and guided hikes.

With its sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle, the Golden Isles' largest island invites travelers to slow down and relax. Visitors can head to East Beach to enjoy activities like shelling and fishing or make their way to one of the island's golf courses to practice their swing. Plus, St. Simons offers more than 20 miles of bike paths, many of which lead to can't-miss attractions like the World War II Home Front Museum. While exploring, keep an eye out for tree spirits: These faces were carved into the island's oak trees in the '80s by American artist Keith Jennings.

The largest and southernmost of Georgia's barrier islands, Cumberland Island National Seashore offers both a rich history and a beautiful landscape. You'll have to catch a ferry from nearby St. Marys to get here, but the journey is well worth the effort. When you arrive, you'll discover nearly 10,000 acres of protected wilderness and 17-plus miles of secluded beaches. Cumberland Island National Seashore also features multiple historical sites, such as the Plum Orchard Mansion, the First African Baptist Church and the Dungeness Ruins, that tell the story of the Carnegie family, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans and others who once lived on the island.

Situated less than 20 miles southeast of Savannah, this small barrier island has been a popular family vacation destination for more than a century. Tybee Island's miles of sandy beaches and relatively warm weather most of the year make it a prime spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. Additionally, travelers can spend a few hours looking for the island's 200-plus bird species. Other Tybee must-dos include climbing up the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, and participating in educational programs at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.

A haven for historians, this Atlanta suburb, which sits about 20 miles northwest of the city, boasts five National Register Historic Districts and a historic town square. Must-see attractions include the William Root House, Brumby Hall (home to the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum) and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. And no trip would be complete without catching a show at the beautifully restored Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre. Beyond its historical draws, Marietta has an artsy side, with sleek galleries and a monthly art walk, as well as a burgeoning food scene, including a host of buzzworthy restaurants and the Marietta Square Market Food Hall.

Best known as the home of the University of Georgia, the country's first public institution of higher education, and as a bona fide music hub, Athens in northeast Georgia makes for a lively weekend getaway . The university campus is worth a visit, as it is home to the Georgia Museum of Natural History, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Georgia Museum of Art (not to mention some spirited football games). Meanwhile, downtown Athens is the place to go for trendy eats, sweet boutiques and live music venues like the iconic Georgia Theatre.

Georgia might not come to mind when you think of wine destinations, but Dahlonega is worth consideration. This northern town is often labeled the Heart of Georgia Wine Country and features more than a dozen wine tasting rooms, wineries and locally owned and operated vineyards. For a festive atmosphere during your vacation, arrive in May when the annual Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival takes place. Dahlonega is also where America's first gold rush occurred, so be sure to save time for a visit to the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and a former mine.

Activities in this city on the Georgia-Alabama border are centered around the Chattahoochee River. Thrill-seekers can raft down the longest urban whitewater course in the world or zip line across the river at Blue Heron Adventure Park. Meanwhile, those who enjoy more leisurely pursuits can stroll or bike along the 15-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk, which winds past historical monuments and sites like the National Civil War Naval Museum and the experiential National Infantry Museum. Follow the path to Uptown Columbus to shop at local boutiques and bookstores, take in a show or go out for a night on the town.

Featuring more than 40,000 acres of surreal landscapes, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area offers plenty of opportunities for adventure close to Atlanta. The park captivates visitors with its monadnocks (stone outcrops), which were formed over the course of 400 million years. Spend your time hiking through the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve or walking or biking the more than 30-mile Arabia Mountain PATH. The heritage area also boasts nearly 90 geocaches for travelers to find. For those who enjoy fishing, there are numerous waterways ideal for casting a line. But remember, fishing here requires purchasing a Georgia fishing license.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Lake Lanier

Augusta, GA

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Georgia Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Georgia travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Is Georgia on your mind? Then this is your sign to start planning a trip to the Peach State!

There’s so much to see in this southern state, so we’ve put together a guide with all the Georgia visitor information you could need. From historic sites to vibrant cities to beaches to breathtaking mountain views, Georgia has a little something for everyone.

The state of Georgia is separated into several different regions, each with its own unique personality.

Up north, you’ll find Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, a gorgeous area offering tons of great opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other fun outdoor activities. Honestly, it’s home to some of the best trails in the world !

At the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, you can explore the gorgeous river valley via raft, canoe, or kayak even if you’re a beginner paddler.

Northern Georgia is also home to Atlanta, one of the most populous cities in the United States and a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about U.S. history. From Oakland Cemetery to Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Park, the city and surrounding area are full of historic sites that shed some light on the state’s storied past.

Central Georgia offers plenty of southern charm as well as lots of opportunities to get outside.

The Presidential Pathways region in western Georgia is home to five gorgeous Georgia state parks, including the popular Stone Mountain Park.

The region was also a favorite of two U.S. presidents. President Jimmy Carter grew up in the town of Plains, GA (now home to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site) and Franklin D. Roosevelt even built his “Little White House” in Warm Springs.

Once you take a dip in the lake at Pine Mountain, you’ll definitely see why these great men loved the area so much.

To the east you’ll find the Classic South region, a charming area on the Atlantic coast. Take a swim in gorgeous Lake Oconee or visit Augusta National Golf Club, home of the famous Masters Tournament.

Looking to explore Georgia even further?

Head down to the southern part of the state for gorgeous beaches, cute small towns, and more.

In Scenic Southwest Georgia, you’ll find plenty of quaint southern towns, lush vineyards, and lakeside retreats to explore.

To the east, you’ll find Coastal Georgia, a region known for its gorgeous beaches and islands.

The waterfront city of Savannah is a favorite of many travelers for its old-world charm, vibrant arts scene, and many delicious restaurants.

Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, once retreats for America’s elite, now offer anyone the chance to relax in style.

Additionally, the more laid-back Tybee Island is also perfect for families looking to chill out in the sand.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Georgia, a must-visit destination when traveling in America .

Note: This ultimate Georgia guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Georgia Map

Use this Georgia tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Atlanta Travel Guide

Looking for an Atlanta visitor’s guide ? These posts can help!

Eco-Friendly Atlanta: Green Places To Go, Stay & Eat

Exploring Black History In Atlanta’s Often Overlooked Sweet Auburn Neighborhood

Delicious Discoveries: Exploring Atlanta Through Sunday Brunch

Savannah Travel Guide

Looking for a Savannah visitor’s guide ? These posts can help!

22 Things To Do In Savannah For An Amazing Trip

Falling In Love In (And With) Savannah, Georgia

Is Savannah The USA’s Most European City? The To-Go Beer Says “Yes”!

Best Georgia Tours

Explore local culture with a Georgia tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise
• Savannah’s Historic & Secret East Side Walking Food Tour
• Savannah Bonaventure Cemetery Journey
• Atlanta Black History & Civil Rights Tour
• Ponce City Market Food, History and Street Art Tour in Atlanta
• Tybee Island Paddleboard Tour and Yoga
• Bartram Trail Hike + Wine Tasting Tour from Clayton

Renting A Car In Georgia

Need a rental car for your Georgia trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Public Transportation In Georgia

Getting around Georgia by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! You can use this tool for all of your public transportation needs when traveling around Georgia.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Georgia Hotels

Click here to browse the best Georgia travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local properties:

Georgia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Georgia tour. When visiting Georgia — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Georgia travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Georgia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Georgia .

Q: What is the best month to visit Georgia?

The spring and fall seasons are generally considered the best time to visit Georgia. The weather throughout the state is fairly mild during this time, making it the perfect time to explore.

Summers in Georgia can get excruciatingly hot and humid, particularly in areas like Savannah and Atlanta, but you’ll find cooler summer temperatures in the mountains.

Beach destinations like Tybee Island also tend to get extra crowded from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so you may want to consider a visit in late spring or early fall for a quieter, more relaxed vacation.

Q: What should I know before going to Georgia?

There are a few things to know about Georgia before you visit.

If you’re planning on dining out a lot in Georgia, be prepared for big portions. Georgians are very generous when it comes to food and you may be presented with more than your stomach can handle.

Southern food is also fairly heavy, so don’t plan a multi-mile hike after a big lunch of shrimp and grits. Once you taste one of these delicious dishes, though, you’ll absolutely get the hype.

Speaking of food and drinks, sweet tea is the default iced tea option in Georgia. If you want unsweetened iced tea, be sure to let your server know.

There’s usually no need to rent a car if you’re visiting Atlanta. The city has a robust public transportation system featuring a subway, buses, and street cars. This is also the best way to avoid the notorious Atlanta traffic and get to all your desired destinations on time.

And if all else fails, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous in this big city, so there are plenty of ways to get around.

You’ll also run into lots of classic southern accents throughout the state of Georgia. As it is anywhere else in the world, it’s extremely rude to make fun of the local accent.

Don’t imitate it and if you can’t understand what someone said, just ask them to repeat themselves. A little kindness and respect goes a long way wherever you are in the world.

Q: How much money do you need for a trip to Georgia?

Your budget for a trip to Georgia will depend on your itinerary, but the average traveler spends around $128 USD per day in Georgia on transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and other travel expenses.

You’ll tend to spend more in cities like Atlanta and Savannah and a bit less in rural destinations like the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Q: How many days do you need in Georgia?

For a full Georgia road trip, you’ll probably want to plan for at least one week away.

A seven-day trip will give you enough time to spend a few days exploring the city of Atlanta, nearby destinations like Callaway Gardens and Macon, Savannah, and the Golden Isles of St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.

Q: What are the best things to do in Georgia?

You’ll find many of Georgia’s top attractions in Atlanta and the surrounding area. Atlanta is home to major museums like the High Museum of Art , the Fernback Museum of Natural History , the Center for Puppetry Arts , and the World of Coca-Cola .

The city is also a major hub of civil rights history .

At the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park , you’ll find the iconic civil rights leader’s childhood home and gravesite as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King once served as pastor.

You can also visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights , a museum dedicated to civil and human rights struggles around the world, in Downtown Atlanta.

For a more laid-back southern vibe, visit Savannah, a coastal city that blends the state’s historic charm with a vibrant art scene.

The city’s smaller size makes it perfect to explore on foot or via a classic trolley tour.

Savannah is home to plenty of historic sites including Bonaventure Cemetery (the setting for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil ), the Juliette Gordon Lowe Birthplace (home of the founder of the Girl Scouts), the First African Baptist Church (the oldest Black church in America), and the Telfair Academy (the oldest public art museum in America).

One of the best things to do in Savannah is to stroll through the many parks and squares in the Historic District featuring gorgeous fountains and Spanish Moss trees. While you’re there, stop into some of the galleries displaying works from local Savannah artists.

There are also plenty of ways to enjoy active outdoor adventures throughout the state of Georgia.

The iconic Appalachian Trail runs through the northwestern part of the state and you can enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains at Chattahoochee National Forest . The forest features tons of trails perfect for all levels of hikers and has both campgrounds and cabins available for those who want to stay the night.

Water sports fans should make a point to visit Callaway Gardens , home to Robin Lake , a major destination for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Not ready to get out on the lake?

Stroll through the gorgeous gardens featuring hundreds of gorgeous blooms.

And of course, you can’t miss Georgia’s beaches. Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island offer picturesque views that have attracted beachgoers from across the country for decades.

Q: Where is Georgia?

Georgia is located in the Southeastern region of the United States .

It shares borders with Tennessee and North Carolina (north), South Carolina (northeast), the Atlantic Ocean (southeast), Florida (south), and Alabama (west).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Georgia?

Credit cards — mainly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Georgia. That being said, it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Georgia?

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Georgia.

Q: What is the local currency in Georgia?

The local currency in Georgia is the US Dollar (USD).

What would you add to this Georgia travel guide?

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• Why Georgia
• Destinations
• Things To Do
• Nature & Adventure
• Useful Info

Discover Unique Georgia

Tbilisi - The Capital of Georgia

Kakheti - Region in Eastern Georgia

Sea, mountains, resorts and culture in one place . We’ve got you covered.

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Dariali Monastery

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Wander-Lush

25 Practical Georgia Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

From pointers for planning the perfect itinerary to restaurant etiquette and staying safe on the roads, here are 25 essential Georgia travel tips to know before you go.

The first time I visited Georgia in 2017, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I’m usually one to over-research and over-plan (can you tell?) – but on this particular trip, I was totally underprepared. 

This mostly worked in my favour. Almost everything I experienced in Georgia was a kind of ‘pleasant surprise’: Transport, money, safety, food, accommodation, hospitality – everything just flowed.

• Also read: Tips for visiting the Caucasus region – religion, etiquette and cultural curiosities .

Things have changed in the interim and travelling in Georgia is a bit different to how it was even 5 short years ago. Having lived here for over a year now and travelled to almost every corner of the country, I still learn something new every day.

My job is to absorb information, and over time I’ve picked up some really helpful tips that I wish I had known on my first trip. With so many people looking to visit Georgia for the first time this year, it’s finally time to put everything down on one page.

The last thing I want to do is give too much away or detract from your joy of discovering Georgia for yourself. If you’d rather come in blind like I did, stop reading this right now and go check out this list of amazing places to visit in Georgia instead!

If, however, you like to be prepared and you want to save yourself money, time and stress, then read on. Here are 25 things I think you should know before you visit the country of Georgia for the first time.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

25 practical Georgia travel tips for first-time visitors

1. late spring or fall is a nice time to visit georgia.

Georgia has a relatively mild climate outside of the high-altitude mountain regions. While there’s not exactly a definitive ‘best time to visit Georgia’, there is surely a period to avoid : Peak summer.

Summer is high season for international visitors. On top of that, when things start to heat up (and smog up) in Tbilisi , locals intuitively flock to the mountains or the villages. There’s increased pressure on transport and accommodation throughout the summer months as a result. On the Black Sea Coast, hotel prices go up considerably.

The nicest time to visit Georgia in my opinion is during shoulder season , either in late spring or in fall .

Once the spring rains clear (usually after Orthodox Easter ), temperatures are mild, wildflowers are blooming , and it’s not too crowded yet.

(Check the dates for the Eid al-Fitr holiday – this period does get busy with visitors from neighbouring countries.)

Fall or autumn (September to late October) is another great time to visit as the whole country is in a festive mood. The wine harvest, Rtveli , takes place around this time and if you’re organised, you can watch or participate in grape-picking in Kakheti .

In the capital, the Tbilisoba Festival is held in early October. Temperatures remain mild through to late October, and most mountain areas that are cut off in winter remain accessible until then.

Georgia has an extremely varied geography so temperatures and weather conditions vary a lot depending on where you go. Always do your research before you set out.

Key takeaway: Visit in late spring for hiking or fall for wine season. Avoid the summer months unless you’re going straight to the mountains. Consider winter for a Tbilisi city break but note that some mountain areas are inaccessible.

2. Top georgia travel tip: Buy a local sim card

A sim card is pretty much a necessity in Georgia if you’re going to be using taxis (see my next tip for more) or you need to navigate with Google Maps. It’s so easy and affordable to get set up with a local sim, there’s really no reason not to.

Magti is my preferred provider in Georgia for price, coverage and customer service. A sim card costs 10 GEL and the best deal is an unlimited 4G data package for just 9 GEL (2.50 USD) per week .

Don’t buy a sim card at the airport – prices are higher. Instead, wait until you get into the city and can visit a Magti branch. Registration is done for you at the shop (all you need is your passport) and takes all of 10 minutes.

A word of warning: Don’t always trust Google Maps in Georgia. Some streets and street numbers are way off. It’s pretty good for bus routes in Tbilisi, but TTC app is generally more reliable.

Key takeaway: Magti is the best mobile provider in Georgia. Don’t buy a tourist sim at the airport – wait to visit an office in the city. See my full step-by-step guide to buying a sim card and my recommended apps for Georgia.

3. Always use an app for taxis (and never take a taxi from the airport!)

Most regular taxis in Tbilisi and other cities do not have metres, meaning you need to negotiate the fare with the driver before you set off. To avoid confusion and overpaying, it’s much easier to use an app to book taxis.

Bolt is the most reliable local app and covers the major cities (there is no Uber in Georgia). It’s easy to use and in my experience, you never have to wait more than a few minutes for a driver. Prices are more than fair and you can tip the driver through the app if you want to.

If travelling from Tbilisi Airport to the city , use the airport bus 337, organise a private transfer with GoTrip , or use Bolt.

If travelling from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi, you can either use the train, use Georgian Bus or OmniBus, which are timed to depart as flights arrive, or book a private transfer . Find more info about travelling from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi in this transport guide .

Key takeaway: Always an app to book taxis – avoid hailing cabs on the street and never ever take a taxi from the airport in Tbilisi. See more tips for using taxis in Tbilisi and a comparison of the best apps.

4. Buy a transport card when you first arrive in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has a terrific public transport system that makes it very easy to get around the city. It has recently undergone a big overhaul – new minivans have been introduced, new routes planned, and most importantly, fares have doubled from 50 tetri to 1 GEL per ride .

As of May 2022, buses in Tbilisi no longer have coin machines . To use the buses, metro and cable cars in Tbilisi you first need to purchase one of two rechargeable transport cards.

The white MetroMoney Card is used for single journeys (each journey is valid for 90 minutes), while the blue Travel Card is suitable for anyone who uses public transport more frequently. With this new card, you can purchase a daily, weekly or monthly unlimited pass (capped at 20 rides per day). Both cards cost 2 GEL and are available at the cash desk inside any metro station. Top up with cash using an orange pay box.

International bank cards also work on public transport – meaning you can tap your credit/debit card on the machine as you would with a transport card (just as long as your card has a chip). Note that the fare is higher, around 1.50 GEL per ride versus 1 GEL.

Key takeaway: If you plan to use public transport in Tbilisi, buy a rechargeable MetroMoney or Travel Card when you first arrive. You can also use the MetroMoney card for buses in Batumi. In Kutaisi and most other smaller cities/towns, buses still have coin machines so you can simply buy a single ticket onboard.

5. Be conscious of road safety

The driving style in Georgia is pure madness. Speeding, filtering to create a new lane of traffic where there isn’t supposed to be one, and overtaking around blind corners on single-lane mountain roads are some of the biggest issues.

It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious: Georgia has a terrible track record with road accidents, especially on poorly maintained mountain roads. Things are improving gradually, but it’s something every traveller should be conscious of.

I personally don’t have the stomach for long marshrutka rides anymore (even short taxi trips in Tbilisi make me anxious). When booking day trips or organising transfers, road safety is something that should always be front of mind.

Key takeaway: Be hyper vigilant when it comes to road safety in Georgia. Don’t opt for the cheapest day tour as these companies often skimp on safety precautions. Avoid travelling on the roads after dark and never get into a car with a driver who you suspect has been drinking.

6. Use GoTrip for longer road journeys

One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make on their first visit to Georgia is thinking that because the country is so small, it will be fast and easy to get around. In truth, ‘public transport’ is still quite basic here and it can take a long time to get from A to B. Trains in particular are quite slow (with the exception of the Tbilisi Batumi high-speed train and the trains to Poti and Zugdidi ).

You will come to embrace the clunky marshrutka van as all travellers do, but know there are other (more comfortable and safer) transport options available that won’t break the bank.

GoTrip.ge is one of my absolute favourite services in Georgia. I can’t tell you how many times this platform has saved me. Essentially it’s a long-distance Uber for private one-way, round-trip or multi-day transfers – input your destination/s then choose a driver and vehicle based on their credentials and star rating.

The price is fixed when you book so there’s no need to negotiate the fare, and you can stop wherever you want, whenever you want along the way. Fares are very reasonable and up to 40% cheaper than if you were to find a driver on the street. I especially love GoTrip for journeys such as the Georgian Military Highway where there are lots of places to sight-see along the way.

Visit the GoTrip.ge website and use their Trip Planner to explore routes around Georgia.

Key takeaway: Consider a car and driver for longer journeys and dangerous mountain roads, even if it means paying a bit more. Avoid using marshrutka vans for very long trips, and try to break up long road journeys with an overnight stop.

7. If you hire a car, use a local agent

Georgia is extremely affordable but some things are disproportionately expensive, car hire being one of them. If you want to get off the beaten track by driving around Georgia , the best option is to go through a local agent rather than a brand-name company.

Local Rent is my favourite platform for booking cars in Georgia. They work exclusively with local agents and offer great prices, as little as $34/day for a 4WD. Insurance is typically included and most agents don’t ask for a deposit or credit card. Just note that the car might be a bit shabbier than you’re used to. Because these agents don’t have offices, they’ll even throw in free delivery to your address.

Check availability and prices for your travel dates here on Local Rent .

Remember what I said about road safety and exercise a higher level of caution than normal when you’re driving in Georgia. Most highways are in good nick and there aren’t too many curly road rules to wrap your head around – the main thing is to watch out for other drivers. Here are my insights into the local driving style and top tips for self-driving.

Key takeaway: Avoid renting a car through the usual channels and use a local agent instead. Local Rent is the best platform to find an affordable rental car in Georgia. BUT only hire a car if you’re a confident and experienced driver who doesn’t get spooked by erratic or aggressive drivers.

8. Always carry some cash

While 99% of restaurants and hotels in the city take credit card, smaller cafes, markets, taxi drivers (if you’re using them in rural areas) and smaller guesthouses only accept cash payment. Lari is the official currency in Georgia and you should always carry some on you – especially if you’re headed to the regions or the mountains.

Avoid the currency exchange at the airport – instead, use one of the ATMs in the arrivals hall (there are several) to withdraw GEL. All ATMs in Georgia accept Visa and Mastercard, while Bank of Georgia takes AMEX. Withdrawal fees are usually around 2 GEL (some charge nothing) but you’ll need to check with your issuing bank for other charges. Basisbank and Cartu Bank ATMs have higher withdrawal limits.

Don’t mistake a paybox for an ATM – payboxes are the jukebox-like plastic boxes on every street corner used for paying bills and other services. They don’t dispense cash. ATMs are everywhere on the street and in malls (but not in convenience stores). For peace of mind, it’s advisable to use the ATMs inside bank branches when you can.

Key takeaway: Card is accepted almost everywhere in the cities but it’s handy to have some cash for smaller purchases. ATMs are ubiquitous throughout Georgia but you should always carry cash with you when travelling in rural areas.

9. Understand the tipping culture

Tipping is not part of the culture in Georgia and it is not considered mandatory. But tipping is now expected in most service industries , especially in Tbilisi, and particularly when it comes to tourists.

The common-sense principle that you should only tip if you’re happy with the service applies. Personally I almost always tip because I understand that wages are low (40-60 GEL/day is the average for a restaurant server).

You’ll notice that many restaurants, bars and cafes add a 10% ‘service fee’ onto the bill (on top of 18% VAT). This almost never goes to the server, though – it’s used for other purposes, such as replacing broken plates and glasses.

If you want to be sure your server receives a gratuity, leave an extra tip in cash and try to hand it to them personally. I usually tip 10% for servers and 1-3 GEL for Bolt drivers.

Key takeaway: Tipping is not ‘the norm’ in Georgia, but it is hugely appreciated. If you’re happy with the service, tip your restaurant/cafe server in cash. Remember that the 10% ‘service charge’ added to your bill does not normally go to the waiter.

10. Tourist scams and corruption are rare

As long as you exercise common sense, Georgia is an extremely safe place and Tbilisi is a very safe city. Crime is very rarely targeted at tourists.

Scams do happen on occasion, though. Avoid eating or shopping in overly ‘touristy’ areas (such as the pedestrianised part of Aghmashenebeli Avenue in Tbilisi), and always ask for the price first before committing to purchase something from a market or food vendor. The biggest culprit is taxis and the best way to safeguard against this is to use an app in the cities and book drivers through your guesthouse when you’re in towns or rural areas.

There is one other perennial tourist scam in Tbilisi and Batumi to watch out for. A group or individual, either someone you meet on the street or through a dating app, will invite you for a drink at a local bar then ask you to foot the insanely overpriced bill. (This happened to friends of ours and they ended up getting fleeced for thousands of dollars.)

Be cautious when accepting invitations from strangers and if you do, meet at a place of your choosing. Avoid restaurants or especially bars that are not on Google Maps . Unless they’re brand new, if they don’t have a listing or past reviews you can safely assume this is a red flag.

A few decades ago Georgia embarked on a national project to stamp out corruption (notice how every police station is made of glass?). It mostly worked and today, corruption in all forms is extremely rare , especially where tourists are concerned. It’s not something you have to be wary of.

Key takeaway: Exercise a normal level of vigilance, especially in the big cities, but know that petty crime, scams and corruption targeted at tourists is extremely very rare in Georgia.

11. It’s (mostly) safe to drink the tap water

Can you drink the tap water in Georgia? This is always the subject of debate among expats. Georgians love their spring and mineral waters (e.g. Borjomi ) and for the most part, tap water is of a similarly high quality. Nine times out of 10 when you’re travelling in rural areas and small towns it will be more than safe to drink the tap water.

Many people choose not to drink the tap water in Tbilisi. In this case it’s more of an issue with the pipes than the water itself. If you’re staying in an old building, the water might be tainted with residue from old pipes. In all likelihood it’s still safe to drink but it might not sit well with you.

Key takeaway: Georgia is blessed with mountain springs and mineral waters – always carry a reusable water bottle when you’re travelling so that you can fill up at these natural springs. For the most part, tap water is safe to drink in towns and cities but some people choose to avoid it in Tbilisi. Bottled water is extremely affordable.

12. Understand that the days start late

Tbilisi in particular wakes up late and stays up late. Even in summer when the sun is out before 5am, if you’re on the street before 9, you can hear a pin drop. Banks open at 10am but many people start work mid-morning and continue late into the evening.

Don’t wake up early and expect everything to be open. Georgia doesn’t have a strong breakfast or brunch culture , so cafes in Tbilisi rarely open before 10am ( see a list of early risers here ). Shops, museums, galleries and other attractions tend to open between 10am and 11am. Peak hour falls later, and public transport is always very busy around 7pm on weekdays. Plan your days accordingly.

Key takeaway: Whenever possible, take breakfast at your accommodation (especially when you’re staying in a smaller town or village). Restaurant opening hours are sometimes flexible so it’s best to arrive 15-20 minutes after advertised opening time to be safe. Stick to outdoor activities in the mornings, especially in Tbilisi, and save your museums for the afternoon.

13. Take listed opening hours with a pinch of salt

As I mentioned earlier, Google Maps is far from 100% reliable in Georgia . Sometimes you’ll roll up to an address expecting to find a cafe there and zip, nada, nothing! (This still happens to me fairly often – sometimes I just can’t see the place, other times it’s moved.)

Business owners often neglect to update their opening hours or addresses on Google Maps, so it’s better to check on Facebook or Instagram instead. If I’m visiting a venue for the first time, I will always send a message on social media the day before to check they’re actually going to be open.

When a cafe or restaurant goes out of business, sometimes this doesn’t get updated either – so you’ll find places that are marked as ‘open’ on maps but are actually long abandoned, and other places marked as ‘permanently closed’ that are actually open.

In addition, lots of venues will open up later than their listed hours indicate or close the kitchen for the day at short notice (especially if the water or power is out). This is just something you have to get used to. Always have a Plan B up your sleeve just in case!

Key takeaway: Don’t rely on Google Maps – businesses are much more likely to update their Facebook or Instagram pages if they close down, move, or if their hours change. If in doubt, message ahead to double check.

14. Don’t rush through Tbilisi

If you’re starting or ending your trip in the capital, you might think a night in Tbilisi will suffice. While it’s true that you can see a good deal of Tbilisi’s ‘must-sees’ in a day, if you want to savour the city, you’ll need more time than that.

Tbilisi is the capital of course, but it doesn’t necessarily feel like it. Where other big cities are anonymous and cookie-cutter, Tbilisi has a very unique look and atmosphere that I can’t really compare to anywhere else. This has long been the most multicultural city in the region and all that wonderful diversity still shines through today.

Aside from the historical landmarks, museums and important churches, there are lots of offbeat things to do in Tbilisi , from visiting Stalin’s old printing press to taking an urban hike for a city view . On top of that, there are squillions of cafes, galleries , cute boutiques and wine bars that you can happily spend a day floating between.

Some of Tbilisi’s most interesting neighbourhoods, especially Sololaki, Abanotubani and Chugureti, should be explored at a slow pace by foot. Consider joining a free or paid walking tour for a more in-depth look at the city’s heritage architecture or Soviet history .

Plus, you’ll want at least six meals in Tbilisi so that you can sample a good range of the city’s best restaurants .

Key takeaway: Two to three days is the minimum amount of time you need in Tbilisi if you want to do it justice. If you love cities or you prefer slow travel, you can quite easily fill in 5-plus days in Tbilisi.

15. Remember to pack your bathers for the sulfur baths

I know this is very specific, but a trip to the sulfur baths is a Tbilisi experience most visitors want to have – just make sure it’s memorable in the right way!

Everyone goes nude at the public baths, but if you’re booking a private room with a Kisi massage/scrub treatment, it’s advisable to wear a bikini (women) or trunks (men).

Key takeaway: Pack your swimmers for Georgia, even if you’re visiting in winter. Read more about bathhouse etiquette in Abanotubani here.

16. Stay at family guesthouses when you can

Guesthouses are by far the most popular type of accommodation in rural Georgia. When you stay at a guesthouse, you’re spending the night in a family home – a bit like a homestay .

Home-cooked meals and home-made alcoholic beverages are part and parcel of the guesthouse experience. More than that, guesthouse host families are like travel agents who can organise taxis, tours and tickets, phone ahead to save you a seat on the next marshrutka, call the local restaurant to book you a table… And just about anything else you might need.

I swear by guesthouses, especially in small villages where you might need some help with travel logistics. It’s also a really nice way to meet a family and make a local connection , and to link up with other travellers too.

Needless to say this is one of the easiest ways to show your support for small business and community tourism in Georgia.

Key takeaway: When in doubt, book a family run guesthouse. Not only do they offer affordable accommodation and home-cooked meals, they can help you with all kinds of travel logistics too. Most can be booked online through Booking.com but many only accept cash payment. See here for a full list of my favourite guesthouses around Georgia.

17. Remember that Georgia is a good place to treat yourself

As soul-nourishing as guesthouse hospitality is, it’s nice to treat yourself to something slightly more luxurious once in a while. The good news is that Georgia – a budget-friendly destination by any measure – has a stellar range of high-quality accommodations that are extremely well priced.

In Georgia, you can spend the night in a historic wine chateaux in Kakheti , settle into a ski-in luxury mountain cabin in Kazbegi, go glamping in the heart of the forest in Racha, or curl up in a high-rise boutique hotel overlooking the Black Sea for a fraction of the cost of something similar in Western Europe (or even Eastern Europe for that matter).

It’s within almost every traveller’s budget to splash out on a nice hotel room or a private tour. If you’re supporting a local business at the same time, then why not.

The only area where you don’t really need to fork out extra cash is food . In my experience, a higher price tag rarely equates with better tasting food or more attentive service – so you’re safe to stick to the cheap (or mid-range) and cheerful when it comes to restaurants.

On a serious note: Don’t come to Georgia expecting everything to be dirt cheap or worse, for things to get handed to you for free. No doubt you’ll be the recipient of Georgia’s legendary hospitality at some point in your travels, but remember to be gracious and try not to take advantage of people’s generosity.

Key takeaway: Don’t be afraid to book that beautiful accommodation or private tour if it will enhance your experience. There are other areas where you can save money, such as on food and alcohol.

18. Make sure you do at least one hike

Even as a bonafide non-hiker, I can say this with absolute confidence: You must get out on foot in the mountains, even if it’s just for a half-day trek.

Many people come to Georgia for the sole purpose of hiking. The Mestia to Ushguli trail in Svaneti is arguably the most popular multi-day hike, but there are trails in every national park. Black Rock Lake in Lagodekhi, the Truso Valley near Kazbegi and St Andrews Trail near Borjomi are all great alternative options. If you’re serious about hiking, have a look at the Transcaucasian Trail , a route-in-progress that will soon connect the whole South Caucasus region.

Why hike? There’s no better way to connect with the mountain landscapes that make Georgia so special. It’s not just the scenery, but the cultural diversity and way of life in the mountains that makes hiking a must-do.

Key takeaway: Bring your comfy shoes because a hike in Georgia is mandatory. The Gergeti Trinity Church hike is easily the best half-day trek in the country.

19. Look beyond the mountains

We all know Georgia has majestic mountains, but did you know there’s also mud volcanoes, rainbow hills, volcanic plateaus and primordial Colchic forests in Georgia – sometimes all within the same region?

For a country of its size, Georgia is incredibly diverse in terms of the climate and landscape. Wake up in the mountains, off-road through a semi-desert then eat dinner on a black-sand beach – it’s possible in Georgia.

The Greater Caucasus are obviously a must, but I urge you to explore some of the other landscapes and outdoor adventures Georgia has to offer as well. Some of the most rewarding experiences this country has to offer can be found in the more remote, rugged corners: Start by looking at Vashlovani, Lagodekhi, Machakhela and the newly UNESCO-listed Colchic Forests and Wetlands for inspiration.

By the same token, don’t limit your horizons to the big three cities. Georgia has some incredible smaller cities and regional towns that are every bit as rewarding. My favourites are Gori , Telavi , Oni and Zugdidi .

Key takeaway: The best Georgia itineraries sample as many different landscapes as possible. This will help you appreciate the contrasts – and make those mountains seem all the more stunning. Here are 35+ places to visit in Georgia to get you started.

20. Understand the dress code for visiting religious sites

There is a strict dress code for visiting Orthodox churches, monasteries and convents in Georgia. The same applies for mosques.

For men, this means covered knees (no shorts) and covered shoulders (no singlet tops). Women must cover their shoulders and knees as well, and cover their hair. Some churches in rural areas require women to be wearing a long skirt rather than fitted pants. In my experience, a long jacket that’s zipped up will do.

Ninety-nine percent of religious sites have wrap-around apron skirts and headscarves that you can borrow at the door free of charge. However, I always recommend dressing appropriately if you know you’re going to be visiting a church or monastery. For hygiene reasons, I suggest women carry their own light scarf for their hair.

Remember that many tourist sites such as Vardzia and Uplistsikhe have chapels or churches so you’ll need to dress appropriately if you want to visit this part of the complex.

Although there are no hard and fast rules about how to dress outside of religious settings, Georgia tends to err on the conservative side in this department. It’s unusual for men to wear shorts or for women to wear microskirts (except in Batumi), for example. When visiting rural areas and small villages, it’s better to cover up to avoid making other people feel uncomfortable.

Key takeaway: If you’re going to be visiting lots of religious sites, make sure you pack appropriate attire. Ladies, pack a lightweight cotton scarf and always carry it with you. Try to dress more conservatively in rural areas. See here for my full Georgia packing list and what to wear in Georgia.

21. Watch out for monastery fatigue

Speaking of visiting religious sites – monastery fatigue is real, and it’s something many travellers experience. I have no idea just how many monasteries and churches there are in Georgia, but it’s probably in the tens of thousands. Kakheti in particular has dozens and dozens of splendid monuments to see.

I’ve been here long enough that I can start to appreciate the little design details and historical quirks that set each one apart. But on my first few visits to Georgia, I didn’t know enough to appreciate the differences so everything just started to blend into one.

Something important to mention here is that monasteries are much more than just religious sites: They’re equally historical sites. Georgian culture, literature, music, food, wine – the list goes on – is all so interwoven with the church, it’s impossible to find one without the other. When you visit a monastery, you’re not just learning about religion, you’re immersing yourself in history and culture as well. Where else in the world but Georgia would you visit a monastery to do a wine tasting!?

My advice is to pace yourself – don’t pack too many monasteries/churches into one day, and try to split them up with other activities (in Kakheti, wine tastings do the job perfectly). Look for something memorable, maybe a distinctive icon, to help you differentiate each place.

And be selective about the ones you do visit – don’t feel pressured to visit a monastery you’re not interested in just because someone says you should. (Unless it’s me telling you, because I am very selective about the monasteries I recommend!)

Key takeaway: Most monasteries have little or no signage beyond a basic information plaque so if you want to gain an appreciation (and you don’t speak enough Georgian to converse with the priest), either go with a guide or read-up as much as you can before your visit. This will help you better appreciate each monastery and church that you visit and keep you feeling motivated to see more.

22. Don’t skip the wine region

Cultivating grapes, fermenting wine and raising a glass of Saperavi at a Supra feast are all fundamental aspects of Georgian identity. Just as you can’t visit the country without seeing a few monasteries, no trip to ‘the cradle of wine’ is complete without a jaunt through the wine region.

I say ‘the’ wine region, but what I really mean is a wine region. Kakheti might be the biggest, most productive and most popular wine route, but there are vineyards all over Georgia . Maranis (cellars) in Imereti (outside Kutaisi ), Upper Adjara ( a day trip from Batumi ) and Racha all showcase traditional winemaking methods.

You don’t go to a winery just to drink wine – you also go to learn about Qvevri technology , Georgia’s 8000-year tradition of fermenting grapes underground in clay vessels . Even if you don’t drink alcohol or you have no interest in wine, it’s an opportunity for a hands-on lesson in Georgian culture.

Key takeaway: Kakheti is a great choice for a wine tour, but remember there are vineyards and cellars all over Georgia. Wherever you go, be sure to visit a mix of commercial and small family wineries that use Qvevri techniques so you can observe the traditional methods.

23. Come hungry!

Is it rumours of ‘soup dumplings’ as big as your hand and ‘cheesy bread’ topped with melted butter and egg yolk that are drawing you like a magnet to Georgia? Don’t worry, you wouldn’t be the first traveller to be lured here by their stomach.

It doesn’t take long to realise there’s way more to Georgian cooking than just Khinkali and Khachapuri – though both those dishes really are very good.

Marigold, blue fenugreek, sour plum, kiwi, pomegranate, homemade cheese, tandoor bread and the best tomatoes on earth – it’s all waiting for you in Georgia, and in combinations and concoctions you’ve likely never encountered before.

The food here continues to blow me away every time I eat out, especially when I’m travelling in the villages. Unexpectedly fresh, always packed with flavour and fiercely regional, Georgian must be one of the most underrated cuisines on the planet.

Just be strategic with your meals! It’s not a bad idea to skip breakfast so that you can concentrate on lunch and dinner, the two biggest meals of the day traditionally.

Key takeaway: Get your fill of Khachapuri and Khinkali then look beyond the typical dishes to discover the wonderful world of Georgian cuisine. Tbilisi has many restaurants that specialise in regional dishes but it’s even better if you can taste them in-situ. Samegrelo, Upper Adjara and Racha are my personal favourite foodie destinations in Georgia.

24. Never eat Khinkali with a knife and fork

This one is fairly self-explanatory. There’s only one way to eat Khinkali and that’s with your fingers – it’s the only way to ensure you don’t miss a single drop of that delicious meat juice!

There are of course some exceptions: Non-meat Khinkali is sometimes eaten with cutlery, and you can use the tip of your fork to harpoon the meat dumplings if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.

Key takeaway: Put that knife and fork away. Read more restaurant etiquette tips here, and don’t forget to download a free copy of my Tbilisi Khinkali Guide so you know where to find the best dumplings!

25. Learn a bit of Georgian before you arrive

Someone once told me that state, religion and language are the holy trinity in Georgia.

The Georgian language has monumental significance as a symbol of cultural identity and sovereignty. Unlike some other post-Soviet countries , Georgia held onto its tongue through thick and thin. People are incredibly proud of their language and everything it represents.

Learning a few words of Georgian will not only help you interact with people and break the ice, it’s also a nice way to demonstrate your respect for the country and the people. Believe me when I say that locals will hugely appreciate you making even the smallest effort.

As someone who’s spent the past year or so trying to learn Georgian, I can tell you it’s very challenging. Learning the characters of the Georgian alphabet is a great place to start. Helpfully, every letter is ‘pure’ and pronounced the same way no matter how it’s written or where it falls in a word. Once you know your k from your k’ , you’ll be surprised how much you can read and understand.

Georgians are normally very open (beneath that sometimes hard exterior) and happy to chat about any topic. But it’s a good idea to warm up to each other’s company before you start talking politics or religion . By the same token, don’t be surprised if someone you just met asks you your age, marital status and whether or not you have children (and if the answer to the last one is ‘no’, they might weigh in with their opinion on your life choices!). Personal questions are fairly common , don’t be surprised if people pry. But money is rarely discussed.

Key takeaway: English is widely spoken in Georgia but it pays to learn a bit of the language. Use an app such as Write Georgian to master the beautiful characters and watch free YouTube tutorials such as this one to practice basic conversational Georgian.

What did I miss? Do you have any extra Georgia travel tips to share? Let me know in the comments below.

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
• The best time to visit Georgia : Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events

29 Comments

Thanks for a fantastic guide to Tbilisi and Georgia, it has been priceless help for our first visit this last week!

Thanks so much, Johannes!

Hi Emily, Fabulous article. This and the rest of your site is helping us considerably with planning our trip to Georgia this September. We love the detail you go into. Thanks heaps.

Thanks Ken, very happy to hear it!

Hi Emily, First of all, I would like to thank you for sharing so many updated tips for a great discovery of Armenia and Georgia. Your website is definitely my 1st source of information for my oncoming trip to both countries. From what I read on your website, you are away visiting Albania, etc at the moment, but could you possibly tell me if there is a train between Tbilisi and Yerevan on Monday, Oct 23. With the changes in the timetable, it is difficult to know for sure which is which between odd and even days. I asked the hostel people in Tbilisi, but they did not bother to check and said they did not know… Looking forward to your answer. Have a great time in the Balkans, Guy (France)

Hi Guy, the timetable does indicate that there is a train on October 23 (Tbilisi to Yerevan). If you are in Tbilisi now, I would pop down to the station to check and buy tickets if you can.

Thanks very much for the well wishes. Safe travels!

Mrs Emily, I would like personally to thank you for this amazing blog. It has really helped me organise my trip to Tbilisi this November!

Thanks Eirini! So happy to hear that. Have a wonderful trip to Georgia!

Wow, this is a bunch of information…. It is not easy to find good information about Georgia as it is still an underestimated holday destination .

Thanks Jos! Glad you found it helpful.

Hello Ms. Wander Lush, your blogs have been my BIBLE for planning my trip to Georgia this September. Thank you for all the information for any possible question I had in mind. Really looking forward to the holiday!

Thanks Vinodini, so glad the site has been helpful. Wishing you a terrific trip!

Hi Ms Emily,

Me and my friend will be travelling to Georgia and Armenia this coming Friday. And I’m so lucky to find your blog about these two countries which is very informative and useful for our travel plans. We we’re able to arrange our trip smoothly because of your blog as our reference…such as taking overnight train for Armenia trip, group tours, souvenirs shops, food and budget tips. Keep it up and thank you so much.

Hello Jasmin, that’s so great to hear! Thank you for your comment. I hope you both have a wonderful trip! Safe travels!

Hi again Ms Emily.. just quick question, which one they prefer for currency exhange, euro or in dollars? Thanks again.

Hi Jasmin, it is better to withdraw local currency (lari) directly from an ATM if possible.

wow couldn’t find a better blog about Georgia,we are on our initial stage to plan a trip to Georgia from India and we have got the perfect itinerary from this blog,thank you so much Emily for this amazing blog, going thoroughly in and out of it.

Thanks so much Suchi!

Wow! Such an elaborate post! I just bumped on this link and with the information given here it sounds so easy to me now. I might plan a trip soon but do you recommend coming to Georgia with a 15month old?

Hi Akanksha, thanks! Georgia is generally a family friendly destination, you just have to be aware of a few things such as road safety. But there are certainly lots of fun things for families to do!

Thank you so much for your insight! I plan on traveling there with a group in May, do you have any travel tips for groups of 10?

Hi Jasmin – transport will be your biggest consideration. Feel free to email me with any specific questions and I will try to help out.

Thank u for ur guidance. We should book red bus tour or should we visit the places by ourselves? Can we get Halal food easily in Tbilisi?

Hi Imran – it’s really up to you, but in my opinion walking around Tbilisi is bliss so I think it’s much better to explore on foot. You’ll see a lot more! There are plenty of Halal restaurants in Tbilisi, especially around Aghmashenebeli Avenue and Marjanishvili Metro Station. Enjoy your trip!

DIDI MADLOBA I just moved to Georgia and your tips are extremely helpful. Well done, informative and interesting. I am so glad I found your blog. Thank you!

Thank you Lucie! Welcome to Georgia!

thank you very much for information

I am planning to travel to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan next Spring. I cannot eat gluten. Is this going to be a problem do you think?

There will be limitations but I think you’ll be fine as long as you plan ahead. A lot of guesthouses can cater to dietary requirements. Lots of dishes in this region are veg and meat based.

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The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024

Are you an independent traveler and planning to travel to Georgia country soon? Then this is the Georgia Travel Guide you’re looking for! Here is everything you need to know about traveling and backpacking in Georgia in 2023!

Georgia is a small country right at the intersection between Europe and Asia, sandwiched between Russia in the north and Turkey in the South.

It’s an ancient country tugged away in the Caucasus Mountains and home to very determined people who, despite a tough history of war and conquerings, still strongly value their unique religion, culture, and centuries-old traditions!

Georgia, or Sakartvelo as the citizens call it, is slowly becoming a very popular touristic destination. After living there for almost one year, I understand why travelers are drawn to this magnificent and wild country!

With this Georgia travel guide, I want to help you prepare for your trip to Georgia. I cover everything from visas, entry requirements and safety to transport, accommodation, food, useful apps and cultural etiquette so you’ll have a great time traveling in Georgia, the country!

Discover Georgia’s Highlights or go on a unique Georgia Trekking Adventure to Tusheti , Racha , Vardzia , Katskhi and Chiatura on one of my Georgia Adventure Tours !

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Georgia

• 19 important things to know before traveling to Georgia
• 15 Best Places to visit in Georgia

3 Fantastic Georgia Travel Itineraries

• Tours & Experiences: Adventure Tours in Georgia – Georgia City Tours
• Rent a car in Georgia
• Travel insurance for Georgia
• Book your stay in Georgia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Traveling to Georgia country in 2024 – Georgia Entry Requirements

Georgia is open for tourism and has opened its borders to all international travelers (see visa section).

1.1 Georgia entry requirements Covid-19

Foreign citizens taking any mode of travel by air, land or sea, no longer need to present proof of Covid-vaccination or a negative PCR test result.

1.2 Georgia vaccination requirements

You don’t need any compulsory vaccinations to go backpacking in Georgia.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Rabies are recommended. Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the country of Georgia.

I wasn’t vaccinated for Rabies when I traveled and lived in Georgia and even though there are a lot of stray dogs in the country, I never dealt with aggressive ones. In case you get bit, just go immediately to a doctor for a check-up.

2. Georgia Visa Requirements

2.1 do i need a visa to go to georgia.

If you want to visit Georgia, I have good news: Georgia is very generous with its tourist visa regulations!

Citizens from the European Union, North America, Australia, and the countries on this list can enter Georgia visa-free for 365 days !

This means that you can just show up at the airport of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi or at any land border and you’ll be allowed to enter Georgia.

If your country of residency is not on that list, you’ll have to apply for an e-visa , which will allow you to stay for 30 or 90 days , depending on your home country. You can check that out here .

2.2 How to get a Georgia e-visa?

What do i need to apply for a georgia e-visa.

• Document proving the purpose of travel (if it’s tourism, just provide your itinerary with proof of accommodation)
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel and health insurance
• A bank statement or document proving sufficient financial means to cover your travel expenses in Georgia
• Vaccination document/PCR test

Where to apply for a Georgia e-visa?

You don’t need to go to an embassy or consulate. You can apply online on this website .

All you need is a credit or debit card and scanned copies of your documents . Fill in the online application, upload the scans of your documents and pay. That’s it!

After 5 working days, you receive your e-visa. Print it out and bring it with you on the day you enter Georgia.

→ Important: You can apply for an e-visa only if you are NOT in the territory of Georgia.

How much does an e-visa for Georgia cost?

A standard tourist visa for Georgia costs 20USD + 2% service fee.

→ Important: You can’t enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia, two Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, on a Georgian visa. It’s currently not even possible to visit South Ossetia from Georgia. You can enter Abkhazia but only on foot and with a special visa. Read more about it in this travel guide to Abkhazia

2.3 How to renew or extend the Georgia e-visa

You can’t extend your visa for Georgia but you can easily renew it.

If you’re a citizen of a country that gets a free visa on arrival, you can simply renew this visa by crossing the border into one of Georgia’s neighboring countries, staying there for a few days and coming back. You’ll receive a new (free) visa upon your return.

If you entered Georgia with an e-visa, you can apply for a new one.

However, if you have an e-visa for 90 days, you’re allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days so you can only apply for a new visa every 6 months.

If you have an e-visa for 30 days (you can stay 30 days within 120 days), you can re-apply every 3 months.

2.4 What happens if I overstay my Georgia visa?

If you are not able to leave Georgia, you must apply to a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency or to the branch of the Public Service Hall. It takes the 3 calendar days to make a decision after submitting the request.

If your term of legal stay in Georgia has expired, you will have to pay the administrative fine before or after leaving Georgia.

The fine for staying for 3 months after the expiry of the term of legal stay is 180 Georgian Lari (around US$60), for staying longer than 3 months the fine is 360 Georgian Lari (around US$120).

You will be denied entry and not be issued a new visa for Georgia until you’ve paid the administrative fine for overstaying. In addition to the fine, you might get banned from entering Georgia for 2 to 5 years.

3. When is the best time to visit Georgia?

You can visit Georgia the whole year round, depending on what you want to see and do during your trip.

If you want to do some hiking, then the period between May and September would be the best time. All the roads to the mountains are open and the temperature is pleasant for camping.

It’s also the only period in the year that you can visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region and Khevsureti. The landscapes there are absolutely breathtaking and you’ll find some very unique and ancient settlements.

How to visit Tusheti, one of Georgia’s most remote regions

Svaneti , another breathtaking mountain region of Georgia, is accessible all around the year though and you can enjoy hiking in summertime, skiing in winter, and immerse yourself in culture and traditions, or learning about ancient legends during fall and spring.

21 Top Things to do in Svaneti, the Wild Heart of the Caucasus

If you love skiing and you don’t mind the cold and snowy weather, then you should visit Georgia between the months of December and March.

Georgia is just magical during the winter! It might be cold but everything turns into a beautiful winter wonderland.

Even Batumi , Georgia’s most extravagant city on the Black Sea coast, isn’t spared by the snow.

No matter at what time of the year you visit Georgia, you’re in for a beautiful treat!

3.1 Is Georgia good in summer?

The period between May and mid-September is the warmest time in Georgia. This is probably when most people prefer to travel.

Packing light clothes, camping outside, swimming in lakes and rivers, jumping in the sea, and chasing waterfalls,… The roads are also open to the country’s remote regions and villages.

Summer is the best time for wild camping and hiking . The hiking trails in Svaneti, Tusheti, Khevsureti, and the Tobovarchkhli Lakes trail – which is probably one of the hardest routes – can only be covered in the summertime.

Though in July and August, Tbilisi – the capital – gets too hot. Temperatures can be between 35°C and 42°C. Most locals move in August to the mountains and seaside.

Some vendors, shops, cafes, and even dance studios close in Tbilisi and pop up in Batumi for a month.

Top Things to do in Batumi – The Complete City Guide to Georgia’s Las Vegas

3.2 Is spring or autumn a good time to go backpacking in Georgia?

Spring or autumn is absolutely a good time to travel to Georgia!

One big reason for visiting Georgia in the fall is to explore the 8000 years of winemaking tradition .

The wine harvest in Georgia starts from the end of August (in Kartli and Kakheti) and lasts till early or mid-October (in Imereti, Racha, etc ) depending on the weather that year.

Springtime is when winemakers open the Qvevri , a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine. Opening Qvevri is a sacred ritual during which they lit candles, say a prayer or a toast, and taste the first sips of the wine from the previous year’s harvest.

Oh Georgia, Sweet Motherland of Wine!

Spring and fall is the best time for generally exploring the country without getting hit by the suffocating heat or getting frozen.

It’s also a great time for photography-vast fields covered with flowers, trees blooming, or leaves turning into many colors in the forests.

3.3 Is Georgia nice in the winter?

Winter in Georgia is a paradise for winter sports lovers!

Georgia has several ski resorts. Gudauri is a 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and probably the most popular due to its closer location to the capital Tbilisi.

Svaneti has 2 ski resorts in Mestia and Tetnuldi . This is the best option for more advanced and adventurous skiers and snowboarders.

Bakuriani ski resort is good for professionals and is also child-friendly. Accommodation is generally cheaper compared to Gudauri. This is where most locals enjoy their winter vacations.

From Bakuriani, you can take a snowmobile adventure trip to Tabatkhuri lake and pay a visit to the largest Paravani lake, both frozen enough in winter for people and animals to freely walk on them.

Local families drill a hole in the ice to catch fish and are happy to take visitors on that adventure.

Goderzi ski resort is located in the Adjara region. It’s slightly trickier to access but the journey is unforgettable.

There is no public transport going directly to the Goderdzi ski resort. It can be reached by taxi from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe, the nearest big cities to the Goderdzi Pass, or you can get to Khulo center by public transport from Batumi.

From the Tourist Information Center in Khulo transport departs every day from the Information Center on the following schedule: from Khulo to Goderdzi at 11:00 and from Goderdzi to Khulo: at 16:00.

A complete guide to skiing in Georgia including the best ski resorts.

4. Where should you go in Georgia?

Georgia is a small country so you might think it can easily be covered in a week. But the reality is that Georgia is very diverse and has so much to offer.

While the places and itinerary must resonate with your personal preferences and available time, here are some suggestions:

If you’re interested in medieval fortresses, century-old monasteries, ancient cave cities, and Unesco World Heritage Sites, you should definitely visit the monasteries in Mtskheta , the Gergeti Trinity Church , the Gelati Monastery , and the cave cities of Vardzia , David Gareja Lavra , and Uplistsikhe .

15 amazing and most beautiful places to visit in Georgia

If you like unique and unusual places, don’t skip the Katskhi Pillar , the cable car city of Chiatura , and the Chronicle of Georgia in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi and Batumi are some of the many great cities to visit in Georgia and if you’re more an outdoorsy person, you’ll love the regions of Kazbegi , Svaneti , Borjomi , and Tusheti .

These are just a few of the beautiful places to visit while backpacking in Georgia !

5. Fun and unique things to do in Georgia

Georgia offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities. Try to put at least one of the following in your itinerary to get the best experience in Georgia:

• Wine tasting/ harvesting/ qvevri making :

Georgia is the homeland of wine , so it comes as no surprise that any activities related to wine are a must-try.

Starting from making qvevri (a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine) and putting them in the ground to simple wine tasting and making churchkhela with grape juice, these activities will give you an insight into the Georgian culture, which is so different from everything else you’ve experienced before!

If you’re traveling in Georgia in the fall, try to participate in the wine harvest. If you happen to be around in spring, you should join the qvevri opening ritual during which you get to taste the first taste of the previous harvest!

• Hiking in Georgia:

Georgia is a top hiking destination. If you like conquering high picks, the Caucasus mountains are here to challenge you.

If you enjoy less hardcore walks but still want to immerse yourself in nature, hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, easy day hikes, and camping spots are waiting for you.

A great resource for hiking in Georgia is Caucasus Trekking on which you’ll find an overview of all the hikes and treks in the country!

7 Beautiful Hikes in Georgia

• Join one of the traditional folk festivals in the mountains:

The highlands of Georgia are fascinating! Not only because of the beautiful nature, but they’re also rich in culture.

The “highlanders” of Georgia organize yearly traditional folk festivals. Such festivals often have thousands of years of history.

If you have the chance, don’t miss out on the early spring festival Lamproba in Svaneti and the Atengenoba festivals in Tusheti in the summer.

During these festivals, locals first pay a visit to their chappels and sacred places. Then they brew beer (which is considered a sacred drink in Tusheti), participate in horse races, have local dances, and sing traditional songs.

The festivals end with the blessing by the Ukhutsesi , the eldest and most respected member of the community.

Read more about the traditional festivals unique to Georgia .  

• Discover Georgian folklore:

There’s nothing like Georgian folklore and nobody knows it better than Levan , member of the renowned folk band Adilei .

Levan is a singing coach and runs folk tours. He can take you to rural Georgia and unfold the 5000 years old melodies with you. 

• Explore Soviet leftovers:

While locals confusingly cringe at that, westerners can’t hide their excitement exploring post-soviet architecture and other leftovers in Georgia.

There are people visiting Georgia just to discover whatever has been preserved from the soviet past. Starting from residency buildings to Soviet sanatoriums in Tkhaltubo and abandoned factories, there is so much to explore. 

Tip: To better understand the consequences of the soviet past in Georgia, visit the Ergneti home museum of war by Lia Chlachidze.

Lia Chlachidze decided to turn her bombed house- that was nothing but 4 walls after the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia – into a museum.

She renovated the house and collected all the memorabilia from her neighbors to display in her impromptu museum to raise awareness about the issue and struggles of the locals.

While this place is often neglected by most tour guides, it is visited by many individual adventurers, ambassadors, and other officials from all over the world.

The museum is completely free for visitors. Listening to Lia’s stories is a whole new experience. If you have a chance, bring a Georgian or Russian-speaking person with you to better communicate with Lia. 

6. Georgia Travel Insurance

While some websites state that it’s mandatory to have travel insurance when traveling to Georgia, I’ve never been asked about it.

Traveling without insurance is a risk so I highly recommend getting one, especially when planning on hiking , skiing or horseback riding in the mountains.

An accident can happen fast and it’s better to be fully insured to avoid expensive medical costs.

I highly recommend the travel insurance provided by IATI . If you’re planning on doing adventurous activities and trekking in the mountains at high altitudes, I recommend the Backpacker Insurance by IATI .

The IATI Backpacker Insurance also covers Covid-19 and offers good long-term plans.

The 3 best budget-friendly travel insurances for travelers.

7. How to get to Georgia country

7.1 what airport do you fly into for georgia country.

There are 3 international airports in Georgia to which you can fly to.

1) Tbilisi International Airport

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and this is the country’s main international airport. The airport is about 17km from the city center.

How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city center and back?

• By taxi: 

There will be plenty of taxi drivers at the airport who will be very happy driving you to the city center! The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 min and costs 30-60 Gel .

If you don’t want to bargain for the price, download taxi apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim in advance and order a taxi on the app. This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

There’s a minibus (#37) that runs 24/7 from the airport to the metro Station Square. It can take up to 45 minutes to reach the city center as it stops everywhere along the way. You can learn all about Tbilisi municipality transportation here .

You can take a train from the airport to the main train station in Tbilisi, however, it only runs at 8.45 am and 6.05 pm.

2) Batumi International Airport

Batumi airport is the second biggest international airport in Georgia and is located 2km south of the city of Batumi .

How to get from Batumi airport to the city center and back?

You’ll have to bargain for the price but a taxi to and from the airport should cost between 15 and 20 GEL .

This is why the best is to order a taxi through apps such as Bolt , Maxim or Yandex . Your trip will cost only 5-6 Gel if you are staying in the new part of the town.

Just keep in mind that Batumi is a resort town and during the high season in July and August prices double or triple and that includes taxi fares as well. From September on, things slowly go back to normal.

There’s one bus (#10) that runs regularly from the airport to Batumi center and back.

The bus stop is in front of the terminal and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center. It costs 0.30 GEL and you pay on the bus itself.

3) David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport

This airport is about 14km west of the city of Kutaisi.

How to get from Kutaisi airport to the city center and back?

  A taxi between the airport and the city center of Kutaisi costs around  20 GEL.

• By bus: 

There are buses going from Kutaisi airport to the city center of Kutaisi ( 5GEL) . You can purchase tickets for these buses at the Georgian bus counter right near the exit of the terminal.

Airport Transfers in Georgia

If you are arriving in either the Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi international airports and you immediately would like to travel to other destinations, airport transfers are provided by the following companies where you can book your tickets online:

• Georgian Bus

7.2 How to travel to Georgia country By road

You can enter Georiga overland from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (read our border crossing report here ) .

For more info about the different border crossings, go to  this page  on Caravanistan.

How to travel from Europe to Asia by road

7.3 How to travel to Georgia by ferry

It is possible to travel to Georgia by ferry as Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey , Russia and Ukraine are bordering the Black Sea from where you can take ferries to the ports of Batumi and Poti in Georgia.

It is very hard to get any reliable information online regarding scheduling, so the best is to visit the closest port in the country you’re in and ask there.

8. Is it safe to travel to Georgia country?

Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve been to! You can walk around with an expensive camera late at night and nobody will try to rob you. The Georgians are very respectful and genuinely nice people!

The Patruli – Georgian Police – is really helpful. Their cars are patrolling streets 24/7.

If you have an emergency and see a police car passing you, just wave a hand and they’ll stop for you. Or you can dial 112 , it’s the Georgian 911.

There are just a couple of things you should be careful about:

As a woman alone it is safe to travel or hitchhike in Georgia but … men will stare at you. A lot!

Some guys will try to hit on you and – even though it’s their full right to try to seduce a girl – they don’t easily take no for an answer. Don’t be afraid to be rude if they don’t leave you alone. It’s the only way to keep the guys at a distance.

You can always make up a story about your “husband”, who works in the embassy or is a wrestling champion. As ridiculous and heartbreaking as it sounds, having a strong male patron works miracles in masculine cultures.

Be careful on the road . The Georgian drivers often have dangerous driving behavior ! ALWAYS buckle up whenever you get in a car and be VERY careful whenever you cross a street.

There aren’t many pedestrian crossings and even if there is one, the cars might not stop for you, not even when there’s a stop sign or when the traffic light is red … They like to ignore the traffic rules.

Even though the situation is improving every year, it is still better to be careful than sorry. How many drivers obey traffic rules can also vary from city to village.

9 months of hitchhiking in Georgia: the good, the bad and the untold stories

Never go hiking in the mountains without proper equipment, and preferably, don’t go alone .

The mountain regions are sparsely populated, there are wild animals and stray dogs and if something happens, there’s no one around to help you. Be adventurous but don’t be stupid!

9. Money and currency in Georgia

9.1 what currency do they use in georgia.

The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari , abbreviated to GEL .

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 3.08 GEL
• €1 Euro = 3.35 GEL
• £1 British Pound = 4.02 GEL

9.2 ATMs and payment methods in Georgia

ATMs are almost around every corner and you can withdraw GEL and USD everywhere. Many ATMs offer EURO too.

For other currencies, it’s better to withdraw GEL, USD or EURO and exchange at exchange boxes, banks and microfinance companies.

Most of the shops, except small vendors, have POS terminals so you can pay both in cash and by card.

You need to bring cash money when visiting remote villages and regions, such as Tusheti, Svaneti and so on.

9.3 What credit cards are accepted in Georgia country?

Visa and Mastercard are the common cards in Georgia, as well as Amex, though the latter might not be accepted in small shops due to its higher charges.

Other than the mentioned above, major US, UK and Australian cards are also accepted here.

Before you use an ATM, check the logos on it to make sure they match your card.

9.4 Where to exchange money in Georgia

Exchanging money is easy in Georgia. There are exchange offices in every town and city. You will pass many of them as you walk around.

If you want an easy way to find them, just go to the biggest marketplace/bazaar and you will surely see one. Some close at 6 pm, others remain open until late at night.

Exchanging money is also possible at banks but they usually offer worse rates than exchange offices. Most bank branches open at 9 or 10 am and close at 6 or 7 pm. Some branches work until 8 pm. Almost every big bank has at least one branch that is open 24/7, usually at airports.

There are also several microfinance companies where you can exchange money. Rico Credit has many 24/7 branches around Georgia and they offer good exchange rates.

9.5 How much money do you need in Georgia?

If you are coming from a western country, Georgia will feel cheap for you.

City transport, taxis, and street food are relatively cheap. For the price of a pint in London, you can have a 3-course meal in Georgia, if you dine in a modest restaurant. In supermarkets, while prices on most products will surprise you, some might cost you more than in your home country.

Overall, traveling in Georgia is still really affordable, even though prices up every year.

How much does it cost to travel and live in Georgia?

9.6 Tipping in Georgia

Tipping in Georgia is not mandatory. Be aware that most restaurants include a 10% or 15% service charge in the bill.

Most people get confused and think that the service charge are tips for the waiters in reality, the money goes to the restaurant owners and hardly ever fills the pockets of waiters who are notoriously overworked and underpaid.

While you have no obligation or cultural pressure to tip, if you are happy with the service and giving away an extra couple of dollars won’t damage your budget, leaving a tip might make a big difference for the waiter(s).

10. How to get around Georgia

10.1 getting around tbilisi.

Getting around Tbilisi by public transport is quite convenient, cheap and easy. Local public transport includes metro, bus, minibus, and 3 ropeways around Tbilisi.

The first step is to purchase a “Metromoney” card , a universal card used to pay for public transport and minibusses in Tbilisi. Owners of this card benefit from a discount system .

The “Metromoney” card costs 2 GEL and you can buy it at the metro stations and at the Rike-Narikala ropeway. The card isn’t personal so if you’re in Tbilisi for only a short time, keep the receipt and you will be able to return the card within a month.

You can top up the card at any metro station, at both stations of the Rike-Narikala ropeway, via the express payment machines of “Bank of Georgia” and at service-centers.

Since 2022, the Tbilisi Transport Company offers following subscription fares for public transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi-University ropeway):

• 1 GEL: 90 minutes unlimited free travel – payment is possible with ” Metromoney” card, as well as with different bank cards.
• 3 GEL: 1-day unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 20 GEL: 1-week unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 40 GEL: 1-month unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 100 GEL: 3-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 150 GEL: 6-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 250 GEL: 1-year unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• Rike-Narikala ropeway fare:one-way fare is 2.5 GEL.
• Turtle Lake (Kus tba) ropeway: one-way fare is 1 GEL

It was hard to figure out the specific routes and schedules of the buses, but after a couple of months I found out that you can use Google Maps .

Just type your current location and the address or area you want to go to and dear Google will give you the time and number of the bus, metro or minibus you have to take!

You can also use the Journey Planner on the Tbilisi Transport Company website or download their app on your phone.

10.2 Getting around Georgia by mashrutka (minibus), minivan or taxi

If you want to travel like a local, you should travel around Georgia by mashrutka or minivan.

Taking a mashrutka is the cheapest way to get around in Georgia. It’s the main public transport for the locals to travel in and around cities and across the country.

Some marshrutkas have a fixed schedule, some depart when they are full.  You’ll find them at bus stations of any city and town.

For short distances, you pay the driver once you get off. If you’re going on a long journey by mashrutka, you pay upfront at the ticket office (in case you’re at a bus station) or the driver himself.

Lately, shared taxis and minivans became popular alternatives to marshrutkas. They may cost a couple of GEL more, they have no fixed schedule, they depart as they are full but have way fewer seats than marshrutkas so they don’t take long to bring you to your destination. They are a bit more comfortable as well!

You’ll also find them at bus stations of any city and town.

When taking a taxi within a city, be aware that some drivers like to take advantage of unwary foreigners. Before you get in the taxi, make also sure you agree on the price! Some taxis have a meter but there are a few cheeky drivers who will turn it off if they see you’re a foreigner.

That’s why it’s a good idea to order a taxi on apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim . This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

10.3 Travel around Georgia by train

There aren’t that many train lines in Georgia and some of the trains are very slow but it’s quite an experience! Check the website of Georgian Railways for routes and timetables.

The fastest and most straightforward train ride is the one between Tbilisi and Batumi. You pay 24 GEL for a seat in economy class and you can comfortably sit back, relax and look out the window to watch the marvelous views passing by.

You can buy tickets at the train station or online, on the website of Georgian Railways where you’ll first have to register. If you’re having a hard time navigating the website, ask for help in the hostel/ hotel you’re staying.

10.4 Taking domestic flights in Georgia

Georgia isn’t a big country to travel in but if you want to save some time, you can always opt to take a domestic flight.

Vanilla Sky offers regular domestic flights to Batumi, Mestia and Ambrolauri from and to Natakhtari airport, which is located 32km from Tbilisi. The company offers free transfers from Tbilisi to Natakhtari. 

You can buy the tickets online exclusively in the office or on their website .

Vanilla Sky also offers Air Taxi service, which means that you can rent an aircraft for any period and any purpose (passenger transportation, air trips, air shooting).

10.5 Driving in Georgia

You can travel around by driving your own car or by rental car . They drive on the right side of the road in Georgia. Here’s a useful checklist with all the requirements and driving rules.

The state of the roads is generally ok although I would recommend you to rent a 4WD if you’re planning on driving in the mountains.

Be careful! They say that if you want to stay safe on Georgian roads, forget the rules that apply in your country and understand (if you can) how they function in Georgia. Expect the unexpected!

I really love the Georgian people but they can be crazy drivers! Up until now, it’s the only country where I haven’t felt safe on the roads! They love overtaking on blind bends and speeding like crazy while simultaneously checking their phone.

Petrol stations and convenience stores are situated within a reasonable distance from each other on the main roads. You can find them in small towns and on village roads too. Though if you are going to remote areas, it might be a good idea to store fuel.

Be aware that there are different types of fuel available in Georgia so go to official-looking gas stations and make sure you get the right petrol for your car!

In case you’re renting a car , ask the rental company to write down in Georgian which fuel you need so you can show this at the gas station.

If you’re an experienced and confident driver, then going on a road trip through Georgia will definitely be worth it! You’ll be able to get to very remote places and camp under the stars!

10.6 Hitchhiking in Georgia

I mainly traveled around Georgia by hitchhiking and it was an adventure on its own! Although I nearly peed my pants a few times, due to the recklessness of the drivers, I had a great time hitchhiking!

In 2017, my average waiting time before getting a ride was 5 to10 minutes, which is pretty good! Even during the pandemic and now in 2022 traveling in Georgia by hitchhiking is still easy.

If you want to hitchhike, I’d recommend learning some basic Georgian. Even though it can seem difficult at first, it’s always possible to remember very simple words such as Hello (gamarjoba), Bye (kargad), Thank you (madloba) and Sorry (bodishi).

Locals truly appreciate your effort and failing attempts to nail difficult Georgian sounds can be a great ice-breaker and ends with good laughter and bonding.

If you want to build deeper connections and have more insightful conversations, English is mainly useful with the younger generation (-35) and Russian with the older one.

Though, before starting speaking in Russian with Georgians straight away, please ask them if it’s their preferred language.

11 tips to learn Russian quickly and effectively

It’s not unusual in Georgia to end up with a gallon of homemade wine while you’re hitchhiking (a gift from one of our drivers)

11. Where to stay in Georgia – Accommodation in Georgia

Whether you want to camp (in the wild) or stay in a hostel, guesthouse, or luxurious hotel, Georgia has it all!

11.1 Hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Georgia

There are plenty of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in nearly every city, town and village in Georgia.

Hostels are the cheapest option, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm. You can also find a nice private room, starting from 15 USD per night.

There are also some really nice hotels and boutique guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and major towns, from mid-range to luxury. The average price for a room in a mid-range hotel is usually around $40 per night.

I always use booking.com to find the best hostel and hotel deals.

11.2 Glamping in Georgia

In the last few years, several glamping places have emerged in Georgia.

One of the most distinguished is Glamping Tago in Khulo municipality.

“I really believe that people are more lonely now than ever before. I think this is in large part due to social media, people being addicted to their smartphones that they kinda think they are connected with others but in reality, they are not.

Glamping Tago is a social place, first of all, where people can immerse in nature and connect with it, with themselves and each other.” , says Jonas, the young Belgian who turned a rural Adjarian village Tago into travelers’ beloved sanctuary in just one season.

Glamping Tago is a vegan/vegetarian/pet/kid-friendly place. They buy all products from local farmers and employ locals to run the place.

Other honorable mentions for glamping are Wine Space , Glamping Georgia , and Jewelberry Glamping .

11.3 Camping in Georgia

There are a few designated camping areas in Georgia but nobody will tell you off if you pitch your tent somewhere in a meadow or a forest. Just be aware of wild dogs and animals.

Don’t keep your food in the tent, but hang it in a sealed bag in a tree, at a small distance from your campsite.

If you’re planning on camping in the mountains, keep in mind that it can get cold at night.

12. Georgia food and drinks

The food in Georgia is finger-licking delicious! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, you’ll enjoy the Georgian cuisine!

12.1 What is the most popular food in Georgia country?

The most popular dish in Georgia is khachapuri . It’s a gooey cheese-filled bread that looks a little like pizza. Rich in carbohydrates and dairy, it could cause a lot of trouble to lactose-intolerants but they might find the cramps worth it!

Almost every region in Georgia has its own version of khachapuri .

12.2 Georgian dishes you have to try

Georgia is a small country and nobody expects to discover such a variety of dishes and flavors in such a small territory, but Georgian cuisine amazes visitors.

A whole blog post can be dedicated to the food of each region of Georgia, but here I will give a short review and include as much as I can.

• Pastries: Georgian bread- Tonis or Shotis Puri – is a treat itself. Aside from khachapuri, there’s also osuri khachapuri (bread with potato and cheese mix), mchadi (cornbread), chishtari (cornbread and cheese), lobiani (bread with beans), chakhrakina (bread with spinach or beetroot leaves ), etc…
• Soups: kharcho, chakhokhbili, chashushuli, khashi, matsoni soup, chikirtma etc…
• Meat dishes : mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque), kuchmachi, kashlama, tabaka (whole chicken), kupati (spicy sausage), apkhazura,…

10 dishes from the G eorgian cuisine that you absolutely have to try

12.3 IS vegan and vegetarian food available in Georgia country?

it’s a common misconception that Georgia is not a vegan/vegetarian-friendly country. To debunk the meat, I will tell you that ¼ of the year Georgians are fasting, which means that they go vegan.

Generally, Georgians tend to love meat and consider vegan food as side dishes, this is why amazing vegan dishes are a little underrated but let me name some of them here: Lobio (beans) and Green Lobio, Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplants with walnuts), different kinds of Pkhali, Ajapsandali, Gebzhalia, Gomi with sulguni, Elarji.

You definitely won’t starve as a vegan/ vegetarian in Georgia, on the contrary!

12.4 What is the most popular drink in Georgia?

Alcohol flows freely in Georgia. From Georgian craft beer to homemade wine to the notorious chacha (a Georgian pomace brandy, ranging between 40% to 65% alcohol…). You’ve got to try it all but please, consume in moderation!

The most beloved is wine. No wonder because Georgia is after all the homeland of wine !

Georgians love a good toast and they drink wine with abundance but as a foreigner, it’s often hard to keep up with all these toasts and drinks. I’m talking out of experience…

Read more about the drinking traditions in Oh Georgia, sweet mother of wine . You’ll also find tips on how to prevent a hangover…

13. What should you pack for a trip to Georgia?

13.1 what should i wear in georgia.

Georgia has all the climate zones, from subtropical to semi-desert and alpine.

The climate along the coast of the Black Sea is rainy and mild, with average temperatures of 20°C in summer (June – September) and 5°C in winter (December – March).

The climate in the central and eastern areas of Georgia is arider, with average temperatures of +25°C in summer and 0°C in winter.

The mountains have an alpine climate, with heavy snowfall in winter. The average temperature in the mountains in summer is +20°C and -20°C in winter.

Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling. If you’re planning on doing some hiking and camping in the mountains, bring warm clothing, even during summer as it can become cold at night.

As a woman, it’s okay to wear miniskirts, short shorts, and tops (if you don’t mind being stared at by some men). Only if you want to visit a church, you’ll have to cover your legs and arms and you’ll also have to cover your head with a scarf.

13.2 Travel essentials for Georgia

Here’s an overview of all the essentials you should pack for your Georgia travel trip:

• Water Filter Bottle : There are several water supply companies in Georgia whose main job is to filter and control the water quality. However, the water in Tbilisi sometimes tasted like chlorine and in some buildings, the water pipes are pretty old and rusty. If you don’t want to take risks, you can always filter the water using a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . I highly recommend this reusable bottle with a microfiltration device. It allows you to safely drink the tap water and fresh mountain water from rivers and streams without becoming sick. When you drink water using a bottle like this, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.
• Power bank :  you might not always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Georgia are of type C and F (the same as in the rest of Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you sometimes have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Georgia. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring biodegradable toilet paper with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears into the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly! It’s also really bad to flush the paper into the toilet as the drains block easily so use the small bin provided.

14. Can I fly a drone in Georgia country?

Yes, flying drones is allowed in Georgia as long as your drone doesn’t weigh more than 25 kg, doesn’t fly faster than 54km/h and you have liability insurance.

You can fly your drone everywhere in Georgia, except near airports, border areas, military, and governmental buildings, high tension power lines and crowded areas.

My photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers

15. How is the internet in Georgia country?

15.1 what is the best sim card in georgia and how to get one.

It’s very easy and cheap to get mobile internet in Georgia. I suggest the mobile operator called Magticom .

You can buy a sim card for about 5 GEL at any Magticom shop (you’ll see them everywhere in the big cities). Bring your passport as you’ll have to get registered.

Once you’ve got your sim card, install the Magticom app on your phone. Once it’s installed, you can set up the app in English. Enter your phone number, add a password and you’re ready to buy credit at any moment of the day.

I used to buy 4000 MB for only 10 GEL per month. You can also get unlimited internet for 150 GEL per month.

In case you’re a digital nomad and you need to work online, you can count on the internet in the big cities. It might be a bit slower in some hostels but in general, it’s reliable and fast.

I rented a flat and had my own private connection (that came with the apartment). Just keep in mind that once or twice a month there might be a power cut, even in Tbilisi or in Batumi, but they usually never last longer than 4 hours.

16.2 Recommended apps and websites for Georgia Travel

• Maps.M e :  This is one of the most practical apps you could use to navigate in Georgia. You download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate :  Translates written and spoken Georgian or Russian. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• Metrogeorgia.ge: for buses between Georgian cities and Turkey
• Georgian Bus and Omnibus : for airport transfers between cities of Georgia
• TTC : official public transport application for Tbilisi bus and metro
• Railway.ge : for domestic and international train tickets and 1331 if you want to call them.
• Vanillasky.ge – for domestic flights
• Taxi Tbilisi
• scootscoot.ge
• tkt.ge : Tickets for events, train and bus trips, football matches and more
• Safe You : a safety app for emergency situations. A great SOS call app that works for iOS and Android. The application has an SOS button that a woman can use if she is in danger and needs protection. For installing the application, follow these instructions.
• 112: the unified emergency number in Georgia. The 112 service is free of charge from all fixed-line and mobile networks even if the number is disconnected from both sides or there is no SIM card in the mobile phone.
• USA2Georgia and Postalon.ge : for international shipping services.

16. Culture and etiquette in Georgia

Despite repeated periods of foreign occupation, the country’s rich and ancient historical roots date back thousands of years.

Georgia’s monumental architecture, unique traditional music, colorful dances and art combine to give the country, and its hospitable and gracious citizens, a strong sense of national identity.

Georgians call themselves Kartveli and their land is called Sakartvelo. These names were taken from Kartlos, who was a descendant of Noah.

The foreign name of Georgia has been used all over Western Europe, and it is believed to come from the country’s patron saint, St. George or the Greek word “ Georgios” which translates as farmers/people who work on land. The latter makes the best sense as Georgians have been renowned as people who worked on land and Georgia has always been famous as an agricultural country.

Georgians are one of the most hospitable people I encountered. They truly believe that guests are a gift from God so you can expect many invitations for a meal when you visit small towns and villages.

This meal will probably turn out to be a supra, a large dinner party involving many toasts with wine. Beer was traditionally used to toast to the enemy so it’s an outdated tradition to never toast with beer, which some people still follow.

If you get invited, bring flowers, sweets or chocolate for the hosts. Make sure that you give an odd number of flowers since even numbers are given at funerals.

The common greeting is a handshake while saying ‘Gamarjoba’ (which means ‘hello’). Once a person knows you better, you might get greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

17. What is the religion in Georgia country

Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Georgia and there are many centuries-old churches and monasteries that you can visit all over the country.

The Georgians are religious but most of them are not church-goers. People merged religion into traditions and practice it vaguely.

You might see Georgians making a cross while passing churches and for many that’s the biggest act of practicing their religion. Yet, you’ll see a lot of icons of the different saints in households, cars, and mini-buses.

One of the most important saints in the country is Saint Nino, known as the Enlightener of Georgia. Many girls are named after her (Nino, Nini, Nina). She’s the woman who preached Christianity in Georgia and the reason why this religion was adopted as the state religion in the year 330.

Saint Nino’s cousin, Saint George, is considered the patron of Georgia. They say there are 360 churches in Saint George’s name, so people could pray to him in a different church every day of the year.

There is a big Muslim community in Georgia as well as Jewish, Catholic and other religions.

Georgia has always been at the crossroads of cultures and religions. The fact that there are an Orthodox Christian church, Armenian church, Mosque and Synagogue on the main square in Tbilisi speak for itself.

18. Is English spoken in Georgia country

The younger generation in Georgia speaks English while for the generations that got education during soviet times, Russian is their second language.

Both languages can be really useful when traveling in Georgia, but I would not recommend learning Russian solely for traveling in Georgia. Most young people in Georgia don’t or even prefer not to speak Russian.

Georgian is the official language of the country. It’s a Kartvelian language that is over 2000 years old (!). It’s one of the oldest spoken languages in the world and probably the hardest one to learn with its complicated grammar rules and peculiar throat sounds. The language has very little in common with any other spoken languages. Georgian also has its own alphabet.

Georgians are fully aware that their language is difficult and spoken only in their small country. They don’t expect tourists or even foreigners living here to be nearly fluent, but you can definitely brighten up their faces with smiles with simple “Gamarjoba” (which means “hello”).

The Georgian people had to fight hard for centuries to preserve their language. Even nowadays, many people mistake Georgia for the state in the USA or even with Russia, due to Georgia’s Soviet past.

It’s extremely important for Georgian people to let the world know who they are and even the slightest interest you express in their language and culture is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

19. Recommended books about Georgia

Bradt’s Unique Travel Guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for all travellers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to backpackers of all ages.

In Culture Smart! Georgia , you’ll be guided through the past and present-day realities of Georgia, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn with this book how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.

If you’re planning to visit all the countries in the Caucasus, then Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a very useful book!

Georgia is a truly marvelous country waiting to be explored. I hope this post will guide you through your journey and that you’ll enjoy your time there as much as I did!

If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below or send me an email .

Related Posts

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Georgia Itinerary – 3 Great Travel Itineraries to see the best of Georgia (country) in 2024

The Complete Svaneti Georgia Travel Guide – 21 Things to do in the Wild Heart of the Caucasus Mountains

How to get to the Chronicles of Georgia in Tbilisi

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More georgia travel resources.

• Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city
• Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
• Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
• Discover the Chronicle of Georgia , Tbilisi’s hidden gem
• Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
• Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
• Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
• Visit Katskhi Pillar , the most incredible cliff church in the world
• Travel Guide to Vardzia , the ancient cave city of Georgia
• Visit Svaneti , the wild heart of Georgia
• Visit Tusheti , Georgia’s most remote region
• Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
• Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
• 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
• Georgia, motherland of wine
• From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea

15 thoughts on “The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024”

What a informative webpage! Will definitely follow all blogs and social media. Thank you it helped to start planning a hiking solo trip to Georgia!

Hi Es, happy to hear this! Have fun with your preparations!

Never been so interested in reading out the entire vlog going line by line. All the information provided seems so detailed and hope it can make my georgia trip so easier. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Jazeel!! Wishing you a great time in Georgia!

Hey! I read this article to plan my trip to Georgia. And I must say I haven’t seen such an elaborate and well written travel guide ever! Pls keep on doing the great work. Helps all the travelers!

Thank you so much Manish!!

Thank you so much for all the information you shared! I am excited to explore Georgia and this is a great guide to get me started!

Hi Gina, that is so great to hear! Thank you! We wish you a beautiful trip to Georgia and let us know if you’d have more questions about traveling to this stunning country!

Thanks for sharing your insights! I’m heading to Svaneti in Sept by myself and plan to do the 5 day hike to the glacier. Do you think it’s safe for a solo female traveller? I can’t get a sense as to whether there are many people on the same hiking trails. Thanks!

Hi Camila, Svaneti is currently a popular place for hiking so you’ll meet other people on the trail. It’s also a safe place for a solo female traveller. If you’d like to have some company, you could always post a message in the Facebook group ” Georgian Wanderers”. But if you like to do it on your own, you should be fine as well. Wishing you great adventures in Georgia! Happy travels!

Thank you so much for such an informative blog. I´m trying to convince my family to go to Georgia this year and I thing your blog will be of great help for that. Just one question: do you think this is a safe/enjoyable country for kids? I have a 5 year old boy (very used to road trips) and I´ve been wandering if this would be also appropriate for him. Best regards and congratulations!

Hi Nuno, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy reading our blog! I hope you can convince your family to go to Georgia as it’s such a beautiful country (we miss it there and are thinking about returning as soon as we can). Georgia is very safe for kids and for travelers in general. It’s honestly one of the safest countries I’ve visited during my +7 years of traveling! The Georgians also love children so you don’t have to worry about anything! Hope this will convince your family and if you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them! Warmest wishes, Cynthia

Thank you for providing such an in depth guide to traveling in Georgia! This was very helpful. Georgia has been on our bucket list for quite a long time but we haven’t yet made it to that country. Now we want to travel there even more!

Hi Desiree, you’re very welcome! We spent 11 months in Georgia and really loved our time there. It’s a beautiful destination and I hope you can make it one day to visit it! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would have more questions!

Oh, that is so great to hear!! Glad that our website provides you with good information!! You’ll enjoy your trip, both countries are very beautiful and special! Do you already have an idea which places you want to visit?

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Six Flags Over Georgia Tickets Discount: 7 Ways to Save Up to 56%

Planning a budget-friendly vacation to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta can be an exciting yet challenging adventure, especially with families or couples looking for incredible discounts and insider tips.

Planning a budget-friendly vacation can be a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to please everyone in the family or find the perfect getaway for a couple’s retreat .

Luckily, Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta offers an ideal escape without breaking the bank. With its thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and variety of entertainment options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, with a range of discounts and nearby affordable accommodations, your dream vacation is closer than you think. Ready to uncover all the insider tips and tricks to make the most of your trip to Six Flags Over Georgia? Let’s dive in!

What's in this article?

What Six Flags Over Georgia discount tickets are available?

Planning a visit to Six Flags Over Georgia can be even more exciting when you know there are numerous discount ticket options available . Whether you’re a member of AAA, active military, or part of a senior group, there are significant savings to be found. Additionally, discounted group rates and special promotions make it easier for everyone to join the adventure while keeping your budget in the green.

Six Flags Over Georgia Tickets Discount: The most budget-friendly option is purchasing your Six Flags Over Georgia discount tickets with Tripster. Snag special deals and extra savings without the hassle. Cart your tickets, checkout, save your cash. Time to make your visit to Six Flags Over Georgia tickets more affordable without sacrificing any of the fun!

Local’s Discount: While Six Flags Over Georgia does not specifically offer locals-only tickets, residents can still benefit from various other discounts. Seasonal promotions, online exclusive deals, and special events often provide opportunities for extra savings. You can also grab your Six Flags Over Georgia discounts with Tripster!

Six Flags Over Georgia Military Discount: If you’re currently serving or have served in the military, take advantage of the military discount Six Flags Over Georgia offers. Show your valid military ID at the gate to save significantly on your admission. It’s a small token of appreciation for your service, making a family outing more affordable.

Six Flags Over Georgia Season Pass: Getting a Six Flags Over Georgia Season Pass can be an excellent way to enjoy endless thrills throughout the year without breaking the bank. With unlimited visits during the season, you can experience all the rides, shows, and attractions as often as you like.

Related: Best Tips For Six Flags Over Georgia (Including Which Ride You Should Ride First)

Plus, Season Passholders often receive exclusive benefits such as early park access, special event invitations, and discount perks that can make your visits even more memorable.

Additionally, if you find yourself wanting more after a day of fun, you can easily upgrade your day admission ticket to a Season Pass to keep the thrills going all season long.

AAA Discount: Six Flags Over Georgia offers fantastic discounts for AAA members, making it easier for families and couples to plan a budget-friendly visit. By showing your AAA card at the gate, you’ll receive exclusive savings on admission and in-park purchases.

Additionally, AAA members can often find even better deals by purchasing tickets online in advance.

Senior Discount: Unfortunately, Six Flags Over Georgia does not offer a specific senior discount on their tickets. However, seniors can access some fantsitc savings online. Get the best deal by purchasing your tickets through Tripster, where you can find special offers and reduced prices for Six Flags Over Georgia.

Group Discounts: Yes, Six Flags Over Georgia offers fantastic group discounts for parties of 15 or more, making it an excellent choice for family reunions, corporate outings, or school trips.

Related: The Best Nightlife in Atlanta (Including the Most Amazing Skyline View)

These group discounts provide substantial savings and often include extra perks like complimentary tickets for group organizers. To learn more, you can visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Are there any hotels near Six Flags Over Georgia?

Staying at a nearby hotel in Atlanta can make it easy to take advantage of early park access and avoid long morning commutes. For convenience, many hotels offer shuttle services to and from Six Flags Over Georgia, which can save you on parking fees.

Why not go ahead and book your hotel and Six Flags tickets together with Tripster unlocks additional savings, making your vacation even more budget-friendly?

A few great hotel options include:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Six Flags
• Comfort Inn & Suites near Six Flags
• Holiday Inn Express Atlanta West – Theme Park Area

How can I save money with Six Flags Over Georgia packages?

One great way to save money is by bundling your Six Flags Over Georgia tickets with other local attractions. Not only can these deals provide significant discounts, but they also offer a convenient way to explore multiple family-friendly destinations. Some of our favorite Atlanta combos include:

• Six Flags Over Georgia + Georgia Aquarium Ticket Combo
• Fun Spot America Atlanta + Six Flags Over Georgia Ticket Combo
• Six Flags Over Georgia + IFLY Atlanta
• Six Flags Over Georgia + Medieval Times Dinner

What other Atlanta attractions are nearby?

Atlanta offers a vibrant mix of activities for every interest, from historical tours in the heart of the city to family-friendly adventures. There’s never a shortage of activities to explore on an Atlanta family vacation . Here are a few you might want to visit while you’re in The Big Peach:

Georgia Aquarium: Are you intrigued by marine life? The Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit, housing thousands of animals across its diverse exhibits. It offers an immersive experience where you can marvel at aquatic wonders and even participate in unique encounters like swimming with whale sharks.

Fun Spot America: Located in the heart of Atlanta, Fun Spot America offers a variety of thrilling rides and family-friendly activities. This amusement park is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure without breaking the bank. Visitors can enjoy go-karts, roller coasters, and arcade games, making it a great spot for a fun-filled day.

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta: Located inside Phipps Plaza, LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta offers an interactive and imaginative experience for kids and families. With attractions like the LEGO 4D Cinema and the MINILAND model of Atlanta, it’s a great spot to add to your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the LEGO building classes, perfect for little architects to learn new skills while having fun!

Zoo Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, offering a diverse range of wildlife exhibits that delight visitors of all ages. Nestled in Grant Park, it features unique attractions such as the Giant Panda Conservation Center and the African Savanna exhibit. A family day out at Zoo Atlanta can be both an educational experience and a memorable adventure, making it a perfect complement to your trip to Six Flags over Georgia.

Medieval Times Dinner and Show: For an immersive dining experience unlike any other, consider visiting Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in nearby Lawrenceville, GA. This family-friendly attraction features live jousting, awe-inspiring horse performances, and a hearty four-course meal fit for royalty. It’s an unforgettable way to step back in time and add a touch of medieval magic to your trip.

What are others saying in their Six Flags Over Georgia reviews?

Reading Six Flags Over Georgia reviews from other customers can give you valuable insights into which rides are must-try and what to expect in terms of wait times. You’ll find that many guests share their strategies for maximizing fun and managing budget, which is especially handy for families and couples.

Related: These Are the Most Iconic Restaurants in Atlanta Every Foodie Needs to Try

Plus, firsthand accounts of park cleanliness, staff friendliness, and food quality can help you better prepare for your visit.

Six Flags Over Georgia FAQs

What age is free at six flags over georgia.

Children two years old and under can enjoy Six Flags Over Georgia without a ticket, making it a great value for families with little ones. Remember to bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate, just in case it's required at the gate. This generous policy makes the park an even more appealing destination for families planning a budget-friendly trip .

What are the best times to visit Six Flags Over Georgia?

To make the most of your visit to Six Flags Over Georgia, it's best to plan your trip during the weekdays in the early spring or late fall. These times often experience lighter crowds, which means shorter wait times for rides and attractions. Additionally, visiting right after the park opens or later in the afternoon can provide a more enjoyable experience as the park tends to be less crowded during these hours.

Does Six Flags Over Georgia charge for parking?

Yes, Six Flags Over Georgia does charge for parking. The standard parking fee is $25 for general parking and $35 for preferred parking, although prices are subject to change without notice. It's a good idea to purchase your parking pass in advance online to save time and ensure availability.

Is Six Flags Georgia cashless?

Yes, Six Flags Over Georgia has transitioned to a cashless payment system for a more efficient guest experience. This means you’ll need to use credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments for all purchases within the park including Cola Coca Cola Freestyle machines located throughout the park. If you arrive with cash, the park has cash-to-card kiosks available for your convenience.

Is Hurricane Harbor included with my admission to Six Flags Over Georgia tickets?

Yes, Hurricane Harbor is indeed included with your Six Flags Over Georgia ticket, offering fantastic value for your visit. This means you get access to both the thrilling rides of Six Flags and the refreshing water attractions of Hurricane Harbor without any additional cost.  Be sure to pack your swimwear so you can fully enjoy the wave pool, lazy river, and exciting white water water slides!

Where is Six Flags Over Georgia located?

If you're planning a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia, you'll find it at 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168 . This location is just a short drive from downtown Atlanta, making it an accessible and exciting destination for your next family adventure.

How can I book my discount Six Flags Over Georgia tickets today?

Booking discounted Six Flags Over Georgia tickets with Tripster is a smart move for budget-conscious families and couples. You’ll not only save money but also ensure a hassle-free experience by securing your tickets in advance.

Plus, with Tripster’s straightforward booking process, planning your fun-filled day at the park becomes a breeze.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore all the thrilling rides and attractions without breaking the bank. Start your unforgettable adventure at Six Flags Over Georgia by booking your discounted tickets through Tripster today !

Written by Katherine Keller

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Whether here for the day or a multi-night stay, with so much to see and do in Alpine Helen, you’ll want to plan your visit from start to finish. Alpine Helen/White County CVB invites you to request a free travel guide so you can chart a course for an unforgettable experience while you’re here!

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• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Resort
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle, Train & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,275
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 227
• Total Price from: US$ 2,048
• Jun 26 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 29 Only 2 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Baku, Azerbaijan

Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

• Activities City sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='5501'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Private Vehicle, Bus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,285
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 571
• Total Price from: US$ 1,714
• Jul 04 Only 3 seats left
• Jul 08 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Batumi, Georgia
• Ends Batumi, Georgia

Hiking in the Georgian Caucasus

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Mountains
• Accommodation Guest House, Hotel & Resort
• Transport 4WD Jeep & Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,820
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 270
• Total Price from: US$ 1,550
• Jun 23 Only 1 seat left
• Jul 21 10+ seats left

• Starts Yerevan, Armenia

The Best of Georgia and Armenia

• Activities Walking tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Walking tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Mountains & Wine tasting tours 'data-more-tripid='17247'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House, Resort & Hut
• Transport Bus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,460
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 200
• Total Price from: US$ 3,260
• Jun 22 Only 7 seats left
• Aug 31 Only 10 seats left

Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

• Activities City sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='8787'>+2 more
• Transport Private Vehicle, Bus, Train & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,495
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 449
• Total Price from: US$ 4,046
• Jul 04 Only 2 seats left
• Jul 22 Only 5 seats left

Best of Georgia & Armenia

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Wine tasting tours
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,749
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 438
• Total Price from: US$ 1,311
• Jun 22 Only 8 seats left
• Jul 20 Only 7 seats left

Best of Georgia

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Explorer
• Transport Coach, 4WD Jeep, Private Vehicle & Train
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,495
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 499
• Total Price from: US$ 1,996
• Jun 01 10+ seats left
• Sep 07 10+ seats left

Cycling in Georgia

• Activities Bicycle tours & Active and outdoor
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,200
• Special Deal (9%): - US$ 200
• Total Price from: US$ 2,000
• Jul 06 Only 6 seats left
• Aug 31 Only 2 seats left

A Week in Georgia

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train
• Age Range 16-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,548
• Special Deal (9%): - US$ 223
• Total Price from: US$ 2,325
• Aug 24 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK to TBILISI (42 days) Kyrgyzstan to Caucasu

• Activities Overland Journeys
• Accommodation Camping, Hostel & Hotel
• Transport Ferry & Train
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,685
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 185
• Total Price from: US$ 3,500
• Sep 10 10+ seats left

Bishkek To Tbilisi (59 Days)

• Accommodation Camping, Home-stay, Hostel, Hotel & Resort
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,512
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 227
• Total Price from: US$ 4,285
• Aug 24 10+ seats left

Uplistsikhe cave town and Borjomi Group Tour

• Trip customizable
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 12-75 yrs

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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💡Travel benefits explained

🚄 db ticket euro 2024, 🌍 interrail pass euro 2024, 🚋 36 hour travel pass, uefa euro 2024: ticket holder travel benefits.

Monday, June 3, 2024

Article body

Did you know?

Travelling by train and public transport will be the most convenient and sustainable option to get around. Luckily, EURO 2024 ticket holders will have access to discounted national and international train tickets, as well as a 36 Hour Travel Pass for public transport!

• DB Ticket EURO 2024 – Train travel within Germany
• Interrail Pass EURO 2024 – Train travel across Europe
• 36 Hour Travel Pass – Public transport in the region

To make use of your travel benefits, you will need your Fan Pass . The Fan Pass is brand new for EURO 2024 and provides access to exclusive perks which will enhance your experience on-site. Your Fan Pass is free and now available for all ticket holders on the UEFA EURO 2024 app .

Plan your journey on the DB Website or DB Navigator App to see what services you’ll be travelling on.

• Purchase a DB Ticket EURO 2024 for single journeys between host cities that involve long-distance services such as IC (InterCity), ICE (InterCity Express), or EC (EuroCity) trains.

• Purchase a Interrail Pass EURO 2024 for international arrival to Germany and during your stay in Germany for journeys that involve long-distance services such as IC, ICE, or EC trains.

• Use your free 36 Hour Travel Pass on matchday and the day after to travel within the city and on slower services within the region ( see map below ). If you’re travelling between Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, you can simply use your 36 Hour Travel Pass, as long as your journey doesn’t include ICE, IC or EC services.

4, 5 or 7-day passes: 17 January – 13 July

10 or 15-day passes: 17 January – 8 June

33 European countries

This includes the option to travel in your country of residence, but is limited to two journeys (one to leave and one to return).

Full list of railway operators

How it works

• Take as many trains as you like on each of your travel days.
• To use and activate your Interrail Pass, download Interrail’s Rail Planner App .
• Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only valid in combination with your EURO 2024 Fan Pass . All ticket holders will have access to a Fan Pass for free. You will need to show your Fan Pass when travelling on the train – just like a railcard.
• For some trains, it is mandatory to book seat reservations . Be sure to make them early, as trains fill up quickly. Please check the reservation policy of each train you plan to take.
• Trains will be busy, so it’s strongly recommended to book a seat reservation even if it's not mandatory. Otherwise, you may need to stand.

❓ FAQs: Interrail Pass EURO 2024

Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 can only be used to travel between 9 June and 21 July.

Depending on which option you choose, it is either valid for a month within this period (4, 5 and 7-day passes) or the full period (10 or 15-day passes).

The end of the travel period is 21 July for all passes , even if you activate your pass less than a month before this date. For example, if you choose to activate your pass on 13 July to travel to the final in Berlin, your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 will become invalid after 21 July.

No. It’s only available for European citizens (not German residents) and non-Europeans with an official residence in Europe. German residents can benefit from the DB Ticket EURO 2024 for train travel within Germany instead.

You can purchase one pass per EURO 2024 match ticket.

No, only match ticket holders are entitled to use the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 for travel. Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only valid in combination with the EURO 2024 Fan Pass.

You can either travel together, or they can transfer their match ticket to you. Once you have a match ticket in your UEFA Mobile Ticket app , you can access your EURO 2024 Fan Pass in the UEFA EURO 2024 app . On board the train, simply show your Fan Pass together with your Interrail Pass.

You will need to show your free EURO 2024 Fan Pass on each train. The Fan Pass will allow you to prove that you have a match ticket, even when match tickets have not been sent to your mobile phone.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only available to match ticket holders. If you don't have a match ticket, you can purchase any other regular Interrail Pass.

The EURO 2024 Fan Pass is brand new and will provide you with access to exclusive perks for your tournament experience. The Fan Pass is available for free on the UEFA EURO 2024 app .

On the train, the Fan Pass works just like any other railcard or discount card. Show it to the conductor together with your valid Interrail Pass EURO 2024.

Yes, you can buy one pass per match ticket. However, if you’re going to multiple matches, purchasing a single Interrail Pass EURO 2024 with more travel days could be a better option.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is personalised.

Check out the full list of railway companies covered on the Interrail website.

The Interrail Pass EURO 2024 allows for up to two journeys in your home country: one to leave and one to return.

For all questions relating to the Interrail Pass EURO 2024, please contact Interrail:

For questions relating to your EURO 2024 match ticket, have a look at the Ticket FAQs .

Match ticket holders are entitled to a 36 Hour Travel Pass for the entire regional public transport network at no additional cost.

⏳ Validity period

From 06:00 on your matchday until 18:00 the following day.

🎫 How to get your pass

Your 36 Hour Travel Pass is included in your free Fan Pass .

• Download your Fan Pass on the EURO 2024 App .
• Simply hop on board and have your Fan Pass ready to show to inspection staff if requested
• No need to scan the Fan Pass before boarding the metro, train or bus.

🗺️ Travel area

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

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