Georgia

Georgia rewards both rushed travelers and slow explorers. You can hit the highlights in 6 days, comfortably cover the country in 10–12 days, or take 15–20 days to truly absorb its layered history and landscapes. Most visitors start in Tbilisi, the capital, spending 2–3 days wandering Old Town's cobblestone streets, soaking in the famous sulfur baths of Abanotubani, and taking the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views.

From there, the country opens up in multiple directions. Head north on the Georgian Military Highway to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) for dramatic mountain scenery and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church perched at elevation. Venture east to Kakheti, the wine region with 8,000 years of winemaking heritage, and the fairytale town of Sighnaghi. Or explore west toward Kutaisi and the Svaneti region, where medieval towers dot villages like Mestia and Ushguli.

Use the Hello app to organize your itinerary by region, track your budget in Georgian Lari (GEL), and split costs with travel companions as you move between destinations. The beauty of Georgia is that distances are manageable—most journeys between major regions take 3–5 hours by marshrutka (shared minibus) or private car.

Georgian cuisine is a revelation: khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and fresh herbs define the food culture here. Every region has its own specialties. In Tbilisi, wander Vake or Saburtalo neighborhoods for trendy wine bars and traditional restaurants serving pkhali (vegetable pâtés) and adjarian khachapuri—a boat-shaped bread with cheese and egg that's almost a spiritual experience.

Georgia's wine scene is world-class and remarkably affordable. A bottle of natural wine from a local winery costs 15–30 GEL ($5–10 USD). Visit Kakheti's wine regions to taste qvevri wines—fermented in traditional clay vessels—directly from family producers. Many offer tastings and meals for minimal cost.

Dining out is budget-friendly: a hearty meal at a local restaurant runs 20–40 GEL ($7–13 USD). Street food like khachapuri from bakeries or fresh pomegranate juice from vendors costs just a few Lari. Use Hello's expense tracker to monitor your food spending in GEL, and the app's expense-splitting feature when sharing meals with fellow travelers. Pro tip: eat where locals eat—if a restaurant is packed with Georgian families at lunch, the food and prices will be authentic.

Georgia's public transport is cheap and cheerful. Minibuses (marshrutkas) connect every town and village for just 1–3 GEL ($0.35–1 USD) per journey. They're chaotic but efficient—locals will help you navigate. For longer distances or comfort, book private drivers through your accommodation or travel agencies; expect 100–200 GEL ($35–70 USD) for a day's driving.

Tbilisi has an excellent metro and tram system costing 0.20 GEL per ride. Taxis are abundant and cheap—a 5km ride costs around 10–15 GEL. Download Yandex Taxi or Bolt for transparent pricing.

Stay connected with an eSIM to avoid roaming charges—Georgia has excellent 4G coverage even in mountain villages. Use Hello's eSIM feature to grab local data and stay in touch with travel companions without surprise bills. Mobile networks like Silknet and Caucasus Online offer affordable local SIM cards if you prefer.

One practical note: the Georgian Military Highway between Tbilisi and Kazbegi is stunning but mountainous—travel during daylight and avoid winter weather unless you're experienced. Always check current travel advisories, and avoid the Russian-occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to safety concerns.

Georgia is genuinely affordable. Budget travelers spend 30–50 GEL ($10–17 USD) daily on food and transport; mid-range travelers comfortable with 80–120 GEL ($27–40 USD) enjoy guesthouses and restaurant meals. The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). ATMs are plentiful in cities; smaller towns may require cash.

Georgians are famously hospitable—expect toasts, feasts, and genuine warmth. Religious heritage runs deep: you'll encounter ancient churches and monasteries everywhere, many UNESCO-listed. Dress respectfully when entering religious sites.

Weather shapes your experience. Winter (December–February) brings snow to mountains and skiing to Gudauri; spring and autumn offer mild weather and clear skies. Summer (June–August) is warm but crowded. March, when you're likely reading this, is transitional—cool mornings, pleasant afternoons.

Use Hello to budget in GEL and track spending across regions. The app helps you see where money goes—whether it's wine tastings in Kakheti or mountain guides in Svaneti—so you can adjust on the fly. Georgia rewards curiosity: talk to locals, accept dinner invitations, wander unmarked trails. This small country punches far above its weight in natural beauty, history, and hospitality.