To help you make the most of your trip, here are 10 common mistakes travelers make when visiting Georgia:
1. Underestimating Distance and Travel Time
Georgia is a small but very mountainous country and travel takes longer than it may seem on Google Maps.
For example, a trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi may take 3–4 hours, depending on the weather, road conditions and traffic. Another good example is the road to Tusheti: the distance from Telavi to Omalo is not even 100 km. According to Google Maps, it takes around 2.5 hours, but in reality, it may take up to 4 hours.
Don’t overload your itinerary. Try to plan fewer destinations with more time in each and consider guided tours to save time and energy.
2. Renting a Car Without Understanding the Road Conditions
Driving in Georgia can be challenging due to narrow roads (especially in the mountains) and drivers can be unpredictable.
If you’re planning to rent a car, do so only if you’re confident driving in mountainous areas. For Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti and other mountain regions, consider hiring a local driver or joining a tour.
3. Trying to See Everything in One Short Trip
A lot of people expect to see Kazbegi, Kakheti, Svaneti and Batumi in 4–5 days, which is simply impossible.
If you only have a short amount of time, plan realistically and focus on 1–2 regions. You can always come back. Better to explore a couple of places fully rather than “scroll” through them.
4. Assuming Everything is Cheap
Georgia is affordable, but not everything is budget-friendly.
Dining at nice restaurants, visiting during high season and choosing the wrong itinerary can add up. If a tour seems too good to be true for a very low price, it probably is.
5. Expecting Everyone to Speak English
In the capital, Tbilisi, many people, especially the younger generation, speak English. However, in rural areas, fewer people speak it fluently.
It’s always helpful to learn a few basic Georgian phrases. Don’t hesitate to use a translation app if needed.
6. Skipping Kakheti, the Wine Region
Some travelers visit Georgia and stay only in Tbilisi, a big mistake.
Georgia is well known for its wine culture and Kakheti is the best place to experience it. Even if you don’t drink wine, there are plenty of reasons to visit: beautiful views, amazing food and incredible hospitality. If possible, visit a local family for lunch.
7. Visiting Kazbegi without Checking the Weather
The weather in the mountains changes very quickly, so always check the forecast before you go.
You can still enjoy the trip in bad weather, but the beauty of the area, Mount Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church, is best experienced in clear conditions. The best period to visit Kazbegi is from the beginning of May until the end of November. Once the heavy snow falls in November, it will stay until April, which causes roads to shut down.
8. Visiting at the Wrong Time
Georgia is beautiful year-round, but experiences vary by season.
- Summer is best for mountains, hiking, trekking and leisure.
- Autumn is ideal for the harvest season.
- Winter is perfect for skiing and snow, which is abundant in Georgian mountain resorts.
Depending on what your goal is, choose the season accordingly.
9. Not Having Cash
While you can pay by card in many places, it’s always best to carry some cash for small shops, farmers’ markets and rural areas. You can find ATM’s in every town.
10. Not Booking Your Trip in Advance
During high season, Georgia can get quite busy.
It’s best to book must-do trips—such as Kakheti, Kazbegi, Mtskheta and Gori—in advance to avoid limited availability and higher prices. Check the content of the tour carefully to fully understand its concept.