ttt111222

Would like to travel to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. I do not speak Russian, English is the only language I speak. Most of my travelling has been independently to off the beaten track destinations. Unforntunately, most of the destinations I have been don't have many guide books and I often have to refer to Lonely Planet for advice. Lonely Planet is not ideal for me, I don't want to rough it and I am necessarily on a time rich cash poor travel schedule.

I would like to hear from anybody on fodors who has travelled in the Caucaus independently, was it easy/safe/etc? I am a solo female traveller and I'd prefer to avoid tours if possible.

Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thank you.

thursdaysd

I (older female) traveled solo to Georgie and Armenia. I decided that Azarbaijan wasn't worth the cost of the visa given I couldn't go on to Iran.

You can click on my name for an abreviated TR here, or go direct to my blog, starting here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...ttered-batumi/

Parmenter

Other than recovering from the usual difficult TBS airline connections, Tbilisi will certainly not be a problem for solo travel and language. The GTM Hotel, overlooking the 'Old Town' (especially the room with a Old Town/River facing balcony) is good value for money. Hotels can arrange transfers from the TBS airport. There is appox an 18% surcharge on credit cards so plan to use cash Lari.
For one day trips I would recommend the Davit-Gareja Monastery complex and the old city of Mtskheta. One can easily reach Mtskheta by public transport or taxi and I would recommend a private guide for Davit. You can find such travel agencies in the 'Old Town; but your hotel can so arrange.
Also, Kazbegi is well worth a visit. Crowded or very crowded mini-buses go there. If your finances permit you might consider googling "Tours by Locals" and arrange an overnight near Kazbegi. I would not recommend you do Kazbegi in one day.