Advisories '09

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[edit] Things to keep in mind while traveling

Primarily, we are concerned with physical safety and health. Unlike many other places we've been, this is actually an issue this year as we head from a former war zone (Serbia) to a country that seems to have annual terrorist attacks (Turkey), to a country which has for years been in the midst of a revolution and also recently a war zone (Georgia), and finally to a country where corruption seems to be the name of the game (Azerbaijan.) I do sometimes wonder if we're doing something stupid.

[edit] Serbia

  • We are required to register with the local police upon entering the country, according to WikiTravel Belgrade.
  • The Serbian Dinar is hard to exchange abroad, so we ought to take out as little as necessary and spend it all there.

[edit] Bulgaria

  • Expected to declare our purpose of visit and a contact address upon entering the country. Hence, we need to have a hostel booked ahead of time.... :-)
  • Bulgarian drivers are known to be aggressive and not to yield right-of-way. (Sounds a lot like Hungary, if you ask me.)
  • Check that cabs display their fare (should be .59 during the day, .70 during the night; in no case >1.00), and the driver's name should be clearly displayed (in the cab or outside the cab?)
  • According to travel.state.gov, "organized crime syndicates" are widespread. Good times.

[edit] Turkey

Avoid anything in the south-east corner. Terrorist attacks on the Mediterranean coast. We have to consider whether it's safer to travel by train or bus.

[edit] Georgia

  • We have been seriously advised to not stray from the beaten path here. Luckily, we have a local guide.
  • Hit the small section of Georgia just south of Batumi for beautiful beaches. Batumi itself is overrun by tourists, apparently.

[edit] Azerbaijan

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