Solo Female Travel to Azerbaijan
Located on the Caspian Sea, the naturally-rich country of Azerbaijan is one of the most diverse countries in terms of history, food, nature, and architecture. There is something for everyone in Azerbaijan and it is easily explored as a solo female traveler or one that likes to take adventures in small groups.
Advantages of Solo Travel in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan provides a serene mix of dramatic nature and modern architecture that will leave any traveler wanting more. From the imposing mountains of the north, perfect for exploring and epic hikes, to the innovative capital of Baku, the ancient history and endless attractions offer a great trip to curious tourists. The country, although not large in size, is able to provide something for the tastes of all kinds of travelers.
Baku’s ultra-modern and clean aesthetic coupled with a strong culture of hospitality makes the city feel safe and welcoming, even if you are walking around by yourself at night. Brilliant hospitality is common all over the country and its not uncommon for families to see solo female travelers pass by and offer them a warm meal and a relaxing break. These interactions provide a unique insight into the true culture of the country and the Azeri way of life.
Challenges of Travelling Alone in Azerbaijan
Although Azerbaijan is developing rapidly and the tourism industry is one of the main sectors growing fastly, there are still challenges one will meet in Baku that can impact one’s trip. One of the main challenges is language, especially when traveling outside of Baku. Most people in the country speak Azeri which is a relatively difficult language to grasp. In the cities, you will find small pockets of Russian speakers. Once out of the cities, it will be extremely difficult to communicate in a language other than Azeri.
Tourism infrastructure is still in its early stages of development and although it is available, there are still many challenges that can cause long delays. Outside of the main towns and cities, road conditions can be poor and the infrastructure is recommended to be tackled only by experienced drivers. Along with poor road conditions, driving standards throughout the country may not be to the same standard as you are used to. Car ownership has boomed within the country, which mixed with a lack of suitable roads and highways, can mean congestion between cities and large towns.
Azerbaijan has had a turbulent history in recent times and this has caused some areas to be off limits to visiting tourists or difficult to reach. It often requires special knowledge and permits to visit these areas of the country which are hard to obtain. Although they exist, these autonomous regions may not be differentiated on local maps and accidently crossing the borders can cause huge amounts of trouble and problems.
Solo Female Friendly Small Group Tours
Azerbaijan is an incredible country that deserves the attention and praise it garners from travelers. The best and most secure way to see the country in an independent, albeit stressless manner is by joining the solo friendly small group tour through the Caucasus. You will gain insight to a country that is receiving more and more attention throughout the years as it embarks as being the host country for several sporting and cultural events. The tour will also allow you to experience the ease of a trip through the Caucasus while still fulfilling the desire to travel solo or independently.