Recommendation: Prioritize Georgia for a 7–10 day itinerary; combine Tbilisi, the Kakheti wine region and Stepantsminda with a single rented car trip (Tbilisi–Stepantsminda ≈ 3 hours). Visa: many nationalities receive 360+ days visa-free entry; daily budget: $30–60. Best months: May–October. Book intra-country transfers in advance for weekends and public holidays.
Slovenia: allocate 5–8 days to cover Ljubljana (1–2 days), Lake Bled (day trip) and Triglav National Park (2–3 days). Schengen rules apply; average daily cost: $80–120. Main airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik (LJU). Trains and regional buses connect major points; rent a car for alpine valleys and early-morning mountain access.
Albania: plan 6–9 days to see Tirana, the UNESCO towns Berat and Gjirokastër, plus 3–4 days along the Riviera (Himara, Dhërmi). Visa: visa-free for EU/US citizens for 90 days in 180; daily budget: $25–60. Road surfaces vary–choose a compact car and avoid after-dark driving on rural routes.
Uruguay: recommended stay 5–10 days – Montevideo (2 days), Colonia del Sacramento (day trip), and 2–4 days on the coast (off-season Punta del Este or quieter José Ignacio). Entry: many passport holders are visa-exempt; daily budget: $50–100. Domestic distances are short; ferries from Buenos Aires to Colonia save an overnight flight.
Oman: allocate 7–11 days to combine Muscat, Jebel Shams, Wahiba Sands and Wadi Shab. E-visa available; many nationalities eligible for visa on arrival. Best months: October–April. Daily budget: $70–150. Rent a 4×4 for desert/ mountain roads; allow extra time for scenic detours and turtle-watching schedules at Ras Al Jinz.
Booking and packing priorities: buy refundable international tickets 6–10 weeks ahead for better fares; verify visa validity and entry requirements per nationality; carry a local SIM or eSIM ($5–20 for 5–20 GB in most places). For inland trips expect mixed road conditions–bring comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket and a universal power adapter.
Georgia – How to plan a 5-day Tbilisi to Kazbegi road trip: visa rules, car hire, and mountain trails
Quick plan and driving facts
Leave Tbilisi before 09:00 and take the S3 Military Highway (≈155 km, 3–3.5 hours without stops) to Stepantsminda (commonly called Kazbegi). Key stops: Mtskheta (20 km from Tbilisi), Ananuri (83 km), Zhinvali reservoir viewpoint (75–80 km). Expect one-way fuel use of ~10–15 L for an economy car; petrol stations available in Mtskheta, Ananuri and Stepantsminda. Bring cash (GEL) – ATMs in Stepantsminda are limited.
Visa and entry – practical checklist
Most EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders enter visa-free for long-term short stays (up to 1 year for many nationals). Confirm your nationality on the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest consulate before travel. If you need an entry document, use the official government e-visa service; avoid third-party visa brokers. Have passport, proof of onward travel and travel insurance ready for checks. Emergency number: 112.
Carry a valid driving licence; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Latin-script licences. Rental cars usually require a credit card for deposit; many contracts forbid crossing into Russia (Larsi border) with rental vehicles – check the contract carefully.
Health: no specific vaccines required for short stays, but travel insurance with mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation cover is strongly advised if you plan high-altitude activity.
Car hire, vehicle choice and paperwork
Book a car in Tbilisi 48+ hours ahead during high season. Providers with local offices and airport delivery include international brands (Sixt, Avis) and local companies – compare full Coverage (CDW), gravel/undercarriage protection and roadside assistance. For paved S3 to Stepantsminda a standard AWD or compact SUV is comfortable; choose a true 4×4 if you intend to drive to Juta or off-road tracks. Ask for winter tyres and snow chains if traveling Nov–Mar.
Required documents at pickup: passport, driving licence, credit card, rental confirmation. Add supplemental insurance for gravel damage when driving unpaved tracks. Confirm fuel policy (full/empty) and whether a second driver is allowed without extra deposit.
5-day itinerary with hikes and timings
Day 1 – Tbilisi: collect car, final provisioning (water, cash, warm layers), quick Old Town walk (30–60 min) and early sleep.
Day 2 – Tbilisi → Stepantsminda: depart early; stop 30–60 min at Mtskheta (Svetitskhoveli), 30–45 min at Ananuri; arrive Stepantsminda late afternoon; short acclimatisation walk to village viewpoints; overnight in guesthouse.
Day 3 – Gergeti and Gveleti: hike to Gergeti Trinity Church – 1.5–2 km ascent on foot (approx. 45–90 min, +400 m elevation), panoramic viewpoint at ~2,170 m; afternoon Gveleti Waterfall via short trail from the roadside (30–60 min return). Night in Stepantsminda.
Day 4 – Juta or Sno Valley day trip: hire a local 4×4 from Stepantsminda or use your 4×4. Road to Juta is rough after the Buhara bridge; reserve 3–4 hours total on vehicle + hikes. Hike from Juta to the Chaukhi base area (4–6 hours round trip) or take easier valley walks. Alternative: start a guided multi-day approach to the Bethlemi Hut if targeting Mount Kazbek technical climb (arrange guide, glacier gear, 2–3 days minimum for ascent).
Day 5 – Return to Tbilisi via S3, stop for photos at Zhinvali reservoir, return car by afternoon and head to airport or further transport.
Trails, difficulty and equipment
Gergeti Trinity Church: well-trodden, non-technical, steep sections; trekking boots, windproof layer, water. Gveleti Waterfall: short, muddy in wet weather; trekking shoes suffice. Juta and Chaukhi: route-finding required above tree-line; waterproof boots, trekking poles and a map/offline GPS. Mount Kazbek (5,047 m): requires certified mountain guide, glacier travel equipment (crampons, ice axe, rope), high-altitude clothing; allow 2–3 extra days, check local guiding companies for permits and weather windows.
Carry a basic kit: water (1.5–2 L per person for day hikes), headlamp, first-aid, emergency blanket, charged power bank. Mobile coverage is generally good up to the Gergeti area, patchy above 2,500 m.
Final operational tips: book Stepantsminda accommodation ahead for weekends/holiday periods; check S3 road and Larsi border status if your plans include border areas; download offline maps (Maps.me or OsmAnd) and keep a local SIM for data and Bolt taxi service in Tbilisi.
Albania – Coastal route logistics: ferry schedules, road conditions, and affordable seaside accommodation
Recommendation: Base in Saranda for the southern Ionian stretch and in Vlora for the central coast; reserve Saranda–Corfu ferry 24–48 hours ahead in busy months and allow 3–4.5 hours for a single-day drive along SH8 between Vlora and Saranda.
Ferries & boat services
- Saranda–Corfu: seasonal service (typically May–October). Multiple crossings per day in June–September; crossing time 30–45 minutes; fares commonly €6–20 one-way. Book via Ferryhopper or DirectFerries, arrive 30–60 minutes before departure for passport control.
- Durres–Italy ro‑ro routes (Bari/Ancona): operate mainly in peak months; sailings usually overnight, duration ~7–12 hours; vehicle transport available; fares vary €40–€150 depending on cabin and car. Check operator timetables before planning.
- Local boat runs: Ksamil–islets boats depart every 20–60 minutes in daytime; single short hops €2–6. Private hires for island hopping typically €20–50 per hour.
- Practical ferry tips: print or store tickets offline, expect cash-only ticket booths at small ports, carry passport for international legs, and reserve return journeys for weekend dates.
Roads & driving
- SH8 (Vlora–Himara–Dhermi–Saranda): ~130–150 km; allow 3–4.5 hours because of narrow bends, village traffic and occasional slow trucks–average on-route speed roughly 40–60 km/h.
- Llogara Pass: steep hairpins and short visibility; avoid night driving and slow down after heavy rain due to rockfall risk and loose gravel at the edges.
- Vehicle choice & parking: compact cars handle tight streets and parking better; small SUVs useful for gravel access to secluded beaches; public and private beach parking available–expect fees in popular spots.
- Fuel & services: petrol stations sparse between Vlora and Himara–top up in larger towns (Vlora, Himara, Saranda). Diesel widely available; keep a small cash float for roadside repairs or local mechanics.
- Public transport: minibuses (furgons) link major coastal towns; Saranda–Vlora about 3–4 hours, Saranda–Tirana around 4–5 hours. Timetables are flexible–confirm departure times at local stations on arrival.
Affordable seaside accommodation
- Towns and typical nightly rates (EUR): Saranda–budget €20–40, mid €45–90; Dhermi–budget €25–45, mid €50–110; Himara–budget €20–45, mid €40–95; Ksamil–budget €30–60, mid €60–140. Peak dates can push mid-range rates higher.
- Types and booking: family-run guesthouses and private apartments offer best value; hostels in Saranda for solo travelers; campsites near Dhermi and Gjipe for low-cost stays. Reserve at least 3–4 weeks ahead for July–August.
- Money and amenities: many small properties prefer cash–confirm card acceptance before arrival. Ask explicitly about air conditioning, included breakfast, sea-view premiums and parking; negotiate weekly discounts for stays over three nights.
- Location tips: choose beachfront promenades in Saranda to avoid steep climbs; in Dhermi and Himara pick accommodations within a 10–20 minute walk to the main beach for easier day-trips and ferry access.
Slovakia – Castle‑hopping by train: ticket options, timetables, and realistic day‑trip budgets
Take an early InterCity/REX from Bratislava hl.st. to Trenčín (typical travel time 1h10–1h40); buy a return ticket and plan 2–3 hours on site for Trenčín Castle (15–20 min uphill walk from the station).
Ticket options and buying tips
- ZSSK point‑to‑point tickets: purchase online at zssk.sk or the ZSSK mobile app, or at station kiosks. One‑way fares vary by train type – regional (Os/R) cheapest, REX/IC faster and slightly costlier.
- Price examples (one‑way, typical ranges): Bratislava–Trenčín €6–€10; Bratislava–Poprad €9–€16; Bratislava–Košice €12–€22. Roundtrip is usually double single fare unless a day return discount applies.
- Private operator RegioJet runs some long routes; check regiojet.com for offers and seat reservations. Interrail/Eurail are accepted on most ZSSK national services; supplements may apply for private or international premium trains.
- Regional short hops (under 50 km): buy at the station if you need last‑minute travel; on some regional trains the conductor will issue tickets onboard with a small surcharge.
- Seat reservations: optional on most Slovak services. Reserve for peak times or on RegioJet to secure a seat on morning departures.
- Timetable sources: zssk.sk for official schedules, idos.cz (Slovakia + Czech timetable search) for combined rail+bus connections; check the app the evening before for platform changes and cancellations.
Sample itineraries, timetables and connections
- Bratislava hl.st. → Trenčín
- Typical departures: hourly from 06:00 to 09:30 (IC/REX/fast regional mix).
- Travel time: 1h10–1h40 depending on train type.
- Arrival to castle: 15–20 min uphill walk from Trenčín station; local bus routes OR short taxi (~€4–€6).
- Recommended departure: 07:00–08:00 to have 4–6 hours on site and return on an evening IC.
- Bratislava → Bojnice (via Prievidza)
- Typical departures: several direct/regional trains early morning; travel time ~2h15–2h45 with one transfer possible.
- Local transfer: short bus or taxi from Prievidza station to Bojnice Castle (~10–15 min, €2–€6).
- Plan a full day (6–8 hours) for castle visit, town walk and return.
- Poprad–Spiš Castle day hop
- Poprad-Tatry → Spišská Nová Ves trains run hourly; travel time 30–60 min depending on stops.
- Bus from Spišská Nová Ves to Spišské Podhradie/Spiš Castle ~20–25 min, frequent connections in high season; taxi ~€8–€12.
- Combine with a late afternoon return train to Poprad or onward to Košice.
Realistic day‑trip budgets per person (examples)
- Bratislava → Trenčín (day):
- Transport roundtrip: €12–€20
- Local transfer/walk: €0–€6
- Castle entry: €3–€6
- Lunch + coffee: €8–€15
- Total – low: €25; typical: €35–€45; comfort: €55+
- Bratislava → Bojnice (day):
- Transport roundtrip: €18–€30
- Local bus/taxi: €2–€6
- Castle entry (guided tour): €8–€12
- Lunch + extras: €12–€20
- Total – low: €40; typical: €60–€75; comfort: €90+
- Poprad → Spiš Castle (day):
- Transport roundtrip: €8–€14
- Bus/taxi to castle: €2–€10
- Castle entry: €8–€10
- Lunch: €8–€12
- Total – low: €30; typical: €40–€50
Practical tips: buy return tickets to save time at stations; check last return trains (major routes often have services until 22:00–23:00); carry small cash for rural bus drivers and castle ticket booths that may not accept cards.
Oman – Organising a self‑drive desert excursion: 4×4 rental requirements, permits, and overnight camping spots
Rent a low‑range 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol or Prado with lockers preferred) with explicit written permission from the rental company for dune driving, full off‑road insurance (or documented waiver), two full‑size spare tyres, recovery kit and at least 40 litres of additional fuel.
Rental requirements
– Driver documents: valid national driving licence in Latin characters; if licence uses a non‑Latin script carry an International Driving Permit. Passport and entry stamp required for identification.
– Age and deposit: most companies set minimum age 21–25; major firms often require drivers under 25 to pay an extra fee. Credit‑card deposit typically OMR 200–1,500 depending on vehicle class and insurer.
– Insurance and permitted use: basic CDW usually excludes off‑road and dune driving. Obtain a written rider or purchase “off‑road cover” from the company. If the contract forbids sand driving, do not attempt dunes without a licensed operator.
Vehicle specification checklist
– Low‑range transfer box and high/low ratio.
– Factory or aftermarket recovery points front and rear; at least two rated soft shackles/D‑shackles.
– Minimum two full‑size spare tyres, tyre repair kit, compressor and tyre gauge (sand pressures ~15–18 psi).
– Recovery gear: sand tracks (e.g., MaxTrax), tow straps, rated snatch strap, shovel, hi‑lift jack or bottle jack suited to vehicle, snatch block.
– Fuel and water: main tank full plus 40–60 L in metal jerry cans for remote crossings; 4–6 L drinking water per person per day reserve.
– Communications: local SIM (Omantel/Ooredoo) for general use and a satellite messenger or satellite phone for remote sectors; GPS unit with preloaded tracks and paper maps as backup.
| Permit / Notification | When required | Where/how to obtain | Typical processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local access to Sharqiya (Wahiba) Sands | No formal state permit for casual camping; rental company must allow dune driving | Confirm written authorisation from rental company; notify nearest police station or Wali if staying remote more than one night | Immediate if rental agreement permits |
| Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) crossings | Permit required for deep desert and border areas; restricted zones near UAE/Saudi borders | Apply via Royal Oman Police (ROP) or through licensed tour operator/sponsor | 1–5 working days; fee varies |
| Protected areas (Ras al Jinz, some reserves) | Designated camping only; park permits or guided visits for turtle sites | Reserve through Ministry of Environment or local park office / authorised operator | Immediate to 48 hours |
Overnight camping spots (practical notes)
– Sharqiya (Wahiba) Sands: best access via Al Wasil / Al Kamil; commercial desert camps available for booked stays. Free camping allowed on dunes outside village buffer zones – choose a high crest away from tracks and downwind of villages. Nighttime temps drop; expect 10–15°C lower than daytime.
– Jebel Shams rim (Grand Canyon area): secure, well‑marked viewpoints and private campgrounds near Al Hamra; altitude brings much cooler nights and strong winds–use sturdy pegs and avoid exposed ridgelines if forecast shows winds above 25 km/h.
– Wadi Bani Khalid / Wadi Shab access roads: overnighting near wadis is common but keep 200–300 m from water pools and local houses; fires discouraged–use gas stoves. Expect basic facilities at popular pull‑outs.
– Ras al Jinz turtle‑watch area: stay in the designated centre or nearby guesthouses; wild beach camping often restricted to protect nesting turtles.
Operational tips
– Fuel planning: allow a 30–40% buffer beyond route distance. Interior fuel stations can be 200–400 km apart on some legs.
– Recovery protocol: never attempt a deep sand climb with a single tyre buried–deflate tyres, maintain momentum in low range and use recovery boards to dig out; use shackles on rated recovery points only.
– Permits and sponsorship: if planning deep desolate crossings, use a licensed operator as your sponsor for ROP permits; an operator also provides local trackers and emergency contacts.
– Safety and etiquette: camp at least 500 m from villages, avoid driving over vegetation, pack out all waste and carry printed copies of rental agreement clause authorising off‑road use.