Of course, intrepid individual travelers will have several questions about their exciting visit to Georgia, and here we try to answer them all.
Absolutely. A solo trip to Georgia represents an ideal opportunity to explore a unique and rich culture, visit as many places as possible, and of course, sample the wonderful world-class cuisine, albeit there might be too much for one person to conquer!
The longer, the better. At the very least, 7-10 days will give you a chance to enjoy the capital city of Tbilisi, the mountainous gems of Kazbegi, and the sun-soaked splendor of Kakheti (Georgia’s main wine region).
There is no bad time of year to visit Georgia. In the winter, Georgia’s ski resorts are exceedingly popular, hosting international competitions regularly. Meanwhile, in summer, visitors flock to the seaside or cool down in the staggering beauty of the mountains. In addition, in the pleasant warmth of spring and fall the entire country is accessible and a joy to savor.
Georgian Lari (GEL) is the national currency and is used for all transactions, however, the main global currencies such as USD and EUR can be exchanged easily at the abundant bureaux de change across Georgia. While credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, carrying some cash is advisable in remote areas and at markets.
Female solo travelers often describe Tbilisi as one of the safest cities they have experienced. Georgia’s capital has a relatively low crime rate, and incidents of harassment or other offenses targeting tourists are scarce. Nevertheless, it's still important to take standard precautions as you would anywhere else, especially at night.
A refreshing walk at night is something all visitors to Georgia relish in safety with the city center often sprawling with fellow tourists, and the charming nightlife attracting guests to bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. In any case, visitors should apply the same common sense they would in any other city.
As Georgians consider guests to be “gifts from God,” foreigners are given especially warm treatment, as they are gratefully received and royally looked after.
Tbilisi has dozens of food and flea markets, and exploring local markets is the perfect way of learning all about Georgian culture and history, as well as getting a feel for the Georgian people and their humor.
The bazari (market) still plays an important role in everyday life in Georgia, even since the advent of the supermarket and megamalls. In fact, many people here still prefer to get their fresh produce and household bits and pieces at the market, and you’ll find that independent vendors and street-corner fruit and veg stalls are still very much a feature of many neighborhoods.
For a unique shopping experience in Tbilisi, head to the famous Dry Bridge Flea Market, the city’s most popular open-air market offering all sorts of antique and vintage treasures, old records, and much much more.
Residents of Tbilisi don’t think twice about drinking water from the tap, as it’s perfectly clean. However, if your constitution is not one of iron and your stomach can be sensitive, it may be advisable to pick up some bottled water.
Compared to Western countries and even many Eastern European countries, Georgia is indeed still cheap.
Georgians tend to greet each other with a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact. However, close friends or relatives often exchange hugs or even kiss each other on the cheek, albeit the latter is becoming decreasingly common. Some more Western-minded Georgians may even greet one another with a kiss on both cheeks, following the lead of many other European countries, though this would only likely be seen in the more affluent parts of Tbilisi.
“Gamarjoba” means “hello” and “nakhvamdis” means “goodbye.”
“Madloba” means “thank you” in Georgian, which is important to remember when wishing to express your gratitude to the locals.
Overall, exploring Georgia as a solo traveler can significantly enrich one’s experience of the country as a visitor. Following a diverse itinerary will give the individual visitor an unforgettable mixture of adventure, cultural immersion, and making lifelong connections with fellow travelers and locals alike.