Explore the Former USSR
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Central Asia
Eastern Europe
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Eastern Europe
Central Asia
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Latvia
Lithuania
Estonia
Nuzzled up in Europe's northeastern corner, the Baltic countries unveil to travelers centuries worth of invasions and foreign influence seen through its architecture, cuisine and historical landmarks. But despite its tumultuous history, three countries have emerged since the fall of the Soviet Union and have become, uniting around their shared experiences and national pride. I was fortunate enough to visit all three Baltic countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - in Winter 2022. Here are my travel guides to help you plan your trip to the Baltics!
Central Asia
Eastern Europe
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Eastern Europe
Central Asia
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Armenia
The Caucasus region, comprised of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and parts of Russia, is wedged between the Black and Caspian Seas. Thomas de Waal describes the region so: "Culturally, they are on the border where Islam meets Christianity, and where democracy meets authoritarianism." It's a fascinating region from a historical perspective and is unmatched in terms of its cuisine. I have been fortunate enough to drink in the delicious landscapes and wine in Armenia and Georgia, and I share my experiences through my travel guides below. I am still planning a trip to Azerbaijan, so check out my planning guide as well!
Central Asia
Eastern Europe
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Eastern Europe
Central Asia
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Kyrgyzstan
Kazakhstan
Tajikistan
Central Asia is, hands down, the best destination for budget backpackers! Outdoor enthusiasts can find countless hikes to emerald-blue lakes and walk the sandy trails of the Silk Road in this relatively unknown travel destination. I studied abroad in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and had the time of my life! Tajikistan, Uzbekistan are on my horizon (the latter of which might prove difficult due to political and visa reasons), but in the meantime, I've created some planning guides for those in the same boat as me. Check them out below!
Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan
Central Asia
Eastern Europe
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Eastern Europe
Central Asia
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Moldova
Ukraine
Belarus
Eastern Europe encompasses more than just the post-Soviet countries, but since this is a post-Soviet travel blog, I'll use this region to describe Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. In my travels I've visited Belarus and Moldova, and I hope one day to eventually experience Ukraine. At the time of writing this, Russia continues to illegally attack Ukraine, and as such, I do not recommend visiting. Belarus and Moldova are relatively small countries and I was therefore able to visit many of their regions in a short amount of time. Check out my guides below for recommendations and travel information!
Central Asia
Eastern Europe
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Eastern Europe
Central Asia
The Baltics
The Caucasus
Russia
Russia
After my time in Russia was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I intended to return as soon as possible. However, due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, I don't see myself returning for the foreseeable future. I lived in Russia for six wonderful months, during which time I was able to visit some truly magical places in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. While I don't advise visiting at the present moment due to the ongoing war, I ask you not to write off traveling to Russia in a post-war future. So I hope this travel guide finds you at a time when you feel that traveling to Russia is appropriate and safe!
Melissa
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