Georgia: A budget-friendly European travel experience

With its mountains, old cities, beaches and rich history, Georgia has become an attractive destination for travellers. Interest in the country is also growing as it offers an opportunity to experience a European atmosphere at a relatively low cost. 

Indian travel content creators Akshita and Josh recently shared their experience of a seven-day trip to Georgia on a budget of just 70,000 rupees. The cost of travelling to Georgia from Bangladesh will, however, vary depending on factors such as airfares, visas, accommodation and the time of travel. Their experience can nevertheless offer Bangladeshi travellers several ideas for planning a budget trip.

Airfare should be one of the first major considerations when planning a trip to Georgia. Comparing fares across different routes and airlines from Dhaka to Tbilisi and booking tickets in advance can help reduce costs. Travellers should also factor in additional expenses such as baggage, meals, seat selection and transit costs rather than considering only the basic ticket fare.

Visa requirements should also be checked carefully before travelling. Bangladeshi citizens should consult official sources for the latest Georgian visa and entry requirements at the time of travel. Preparing the necessary documents, including a passport, proof of financial means, travel plans and accommodation bookings, in advance can help avoid last-minute complications during the visa process.

The image shows the Ananuri Fortress complex with its medieval stone walls, watchtowers, and a central church overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir in Georgia. Photo: Collected

For a seven-day trip, travellers can begin by making Tbilisi their base. In Georgia's capital, visitors can explore the Old City, Liberty Square and Mother of Georgia. Various viewpoints around the city also offer views of the mix of Tbilisi's old and modern architecture. Using local transport can help keep daily travel costs relatively manageable.

A day trip can then be planned to Sighnaghi and Kakheti. Sighnaghi is known as the 'City of Love', while Kakheti is famous for Georgia's wine culture. Alongside its wine traditions, the region's mountain scenery, small towns and rural surroundings also attract tourists.

Travellers looking to explore Georgia's mountains can include Kazbegi in their itinerary. The area is particularly known for its snow-covered mountains and scenic natural landscapes. Before travelling to mountainous areas, however, it is important to check the weather forecast and road conditions. Travel may take additional time during winter or adverse weather.

The mountains of Georgia. Photo: Collected

Food expenses are another important consideration for budget travel. Setting a daily food budget can make it easier to keep overall costs under control. In tourist areas, local food can often be more affordable than international or Indian cuisine. Bangladeshi travellers should also learn about the ingredients and flavours of local dishes in advance, particularly if they follow a vegetarian or specific diet.

Accommodation also requires planning. Alongside hotels, travellers can consider apartments or Airbnb-type accommodation. Travelling with several people can provide an opportunity to share accommodation costs. However, instead of focusing only on the lowest-priced hotel, travellers should also consider its location and how easily they can reach tourist attractions and public transport from there.

The final two days of the trip can be reserved for Batumi. The city can be reached by train from Tbilisi. Located on the Black Sea coast, Batumi offers an experience quite different from Tbilisi's mountainous and historic surroundings. With its beaches, coastal setting and relaxed atmosphere, Batumi can be suitable for resting towards the end of the trip.

A seven-day itinerary could include Tbilisi on the first day, Sighnaghi and Kakheti on the second, Kazbegi on the third and the remaining attractions in Tbilisi on the fourth. On the fifth day, travellers can take a train to Batumi and spend the final two days exploring the city.

The 70,000-rupee budget shared by Akshita and Josh was based on their journey from India and their own travel plans. It would therefore not be appropriate to assume that the same amount would cover a trip to Georgia from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi travellers will need to determine their total budget based on airfare from Dhaka, visa costs, travel season, accommodation standards and local transport.

However, comparing flight and accommodation costs in advance, booking tickets according to the travel season, using local transport and avoiding unnecessary expenses can help keep a trip to Georgia relatively within budget.