Young Pioneer Tours

03/11/2024

Over the last few days, our blog has been busy writing some content focusing on South East Asia 👨🏼‍💻

Not only is it where YPT is based, but it's a facinating, diverse, and historical part of the world. While it might be touristy, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, where you will have the whole place to yourself! 🌴

In this spirit, we've written an article focusing on the potential of Dark Tourism in Cambodia, which is also our home base. 🇰🇭

We're also running out Cambodian Dark Tourism tour next April, which you might be interested in joining after reading our post👇
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/dark-tourism-in-cambodia-whats-its-potential/

Cambodia Dark Tourism Tour (April 8th to 16th, 2025), $1195.
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/cambodia-dark-tourism-tour/

Join YPT's Cambodia Dark Tourism Tour as we look at all the major sites related to the Khmer Rouge, as well as celebrate Khmer New Year!

03/11/2024

🚨 Have you heard about our inaugural Gulf Trek?! 🏜️🌍

Back in August, we were thrilled to announce our first ever Gulf Trek — an epic journey through six countries in the Arabian Gulf! 🌟

Forget the stereotypes — the Gulf is so much more than malls and desert! Dive into ancient forts, dazzling skylines, and experience the region’s legendary hospitality. This trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the heart of the Middle East like never before! 🇴🇲🇦🇪🇶🇦🇧🇭🇰🇼🇸🇦

Whether you join for a stage or the entire journey, this is your chance to be a true Pioneer on our inaugural Gulf Trek. 🌍🐫

Read more below and secure your spot to avoid missing out!👇

The Gulf Trek: Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia (January 27th to February 15th, 2025), $695 - $5895
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/.../the-gulf-trek-oman.../

03/11/2024

02/11/2024

🚨 Want to explore of Europe's most secretive and least-known countries? Join our Communist Albania Tour this December! 🇦🇱

In Tirana, you’ll dive deep into Albania’s Communist past, including the notorious Pyramid of Tirana, Enver Hoxha’s house, and iconic statues from the era. However, it's not all about history, as the capital is now a artsy and rather progressive place. You'll see this by visiting BUNK'ART, a former bunker that is now an art gallery. 🎨

Then, we'll take you to Spaç Prison. Thanks to our local contacts, you'll learn firsthand about the harrowing experiences of political dissidents. Explore Albania’s untouched northern capital, Shkodra, which is one of our favourite places to experience authentic Albanian life and interact with locals who lived through the Communist era. 🗨

If that's not enough, you'll discover the underground city of Kukes, constructed to defend against imaginary invaders. Such was the paranoia of the Hoxha regime that 175,000 bunkers were constructed to protect a population of less than 3 million. 📢
Albania's called the "next Greece" of tourism for a reason. Therefore, why not explore this incredible country before the crowds arrive, while also diving into a lesser-known part of history with YPT? 🚎

Communist Albania Tour (December 3rd, to December 9th, 2024), $1395
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/.../communist-albania.../

02/11/2024

𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - Despite some erroneous reports suggesting otherwise, we can now confidently state that North Korea is unlikely to reopen to tourism in December. Our trusted sources in Pyongyang indicate that a resumption in spring 2025 is a far more probable scenario. For reliable updates, turn to YPT.

Read more: https://www.youngpioneertours.com/north-korea-open-for-tourism/

01/11/2024

Have you been liking the Yemen content we’ve been putting up?

Thankfully, the opportunity to visit hasn’t passed you by! As well as our regular Socotra tours, we’re heading back to the mainland next February.

Our numbers are capped for security, so make sure to put your name down to visit this incredible, untouched country before it’s too late!

Journey back in time as you explore ancient mud cities and traverse dramatic wadis in the heart of Yemen’s Hadhramaut region! This tour is designed for

01/11/2024

Depressed about the Halloween parties being over? Why not start comfirming your New Year plans? 🥳

Well, don't worry... we've still got spaces on our Cuba New Year: Che Guevara and Missile Base Tour! 🇨🇺

Not only will you get to make all your friends jealous by ringing in 2025 in Havana, one of the best, quirkiest cities in the world. You will also do this having experienced all the hidden gems in this incredible country! 🍾

But be quick, we're going to need to close bookings soon. Read more below if you're interested!👇

Cuba New Year: Che Guevara and Missile Base Tour (December 26th to January 4th), $1195
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/cuba-new-year-tour/

31/10/2024

New Tour Dates Alert! 🚨

Following the success of our first Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour last month, we are delighted to announce that we have confirmed the dates for next year! 🇷🇺

This is your chance to visit six republics, two unrecognized states, two federal subjects, and two independence days! 🕺

You can join us for just part of the tour or all of it, but we recommend locking it in your diary now. Read more below👇

Ultimate Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour (September 9th to October 1st, 2025), $1695 - $7595

Young Pioneer Tours have always been at the forefront of adventure tourism to unique and sometimes unrecognised destinations. This is your chance to not only

31/10/2024

It’s not exactly a secret that we're the experts at going to some of the world's most remote places. However, even we’re impressed to offer you TWO inaugral tours to some of Polynesia’s most remote islands! 🏝

First, join our Skyward Polynesia Adventure, and travel via private charter flight to places that commercial airlines simply don’t go! ✈️

Visit Samoa, American Samoa, Wallis, and Niue, before ending in the paradise of Tahiti. You'll traverse the International Date Line, experiance beautiful and rich Polynesian culture, and visit some of the least-visited territories on earth.

But that's nothing compared to our next location... we're then off on our Pitcairn Pacific Cruise Tour to the smallest self-governing territory on earth. 🇵🇳

After a 32 hour boat journey, you'll spend 3 nights staying at a local homestay on Pitcairn. See the remains of the HMS Bounty, hang out in the “capital” Adamstown, and check out the island’s stunning nature. 🛶

Skyward Polynesia Adventure: American Samoa, Wallis, and Niue (January 6th to 12th, 2025), $7795
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/skyward-polynesia-adventure-tour/

Tahiti Paradise & Pitcairn Pacific Cruise Tour (January 12th to 21st, 2025), $7495
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/tahiti-pitcairn-island-cruise-tour/

30/10/2024

One last nostalgic post for today...

Have you been missing our Guyana updates, since we wrapped up there last weekend? Thankfully, we've been writing again, and have written a blog on what it is like to visit Kaieteur Falls - "the most powerful waterfall in the world." 🇬🇾

Check it out below, and maybe it will inspire you to join one of our future tours to the country!👇

Kaieteur Falls, located in the virgin Guyanese rainforest, is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in South America.

30/10/2024

We know it's probally strange to be thinking about your Spring plans at the moment, especially as the weather gets colder for us in the Northern Hemisphere.🐰🌷

However, these things have a habit of creeping up on you... so why don't you join us on our Turkmenistan Spring Tour next March! 🇹🇲

Spending 8 nights in every corner of the country, this is one of our most comprehensive tours to Turkmenistan. As well as the "essential" sites - such as dazzling Ashgabat and the Gates to Hell - we also take you to the Yangykala Canyon, the Caspian Sea, and the glamorous, bizarre Awava tourist site, to name a few! 🌆

Being popular, though, it sells out quickly, so get your name down soon and let us know if you have any questions!

Turkmenistan Spring Tour (March 24th to April 1st, 2025), $1495.
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/turkmenistan-spring-tour/

30/10/2024

Have you been missing our Myanmar content since our Lighting Tour wrapped up? 🇲🇲

Don't worry, we got you! Our guide Chris has written an excellent and thought-provoking piece on how to visit the beautiful city of Mandalay. He goes onto discuss his favourite places there, as well as the emotions of being there right now. 📖

Check it out via the link below!👇

No city in Myanmar evokes the romance of history and grandeur quite like Mandalay. Despite current challenges to tourism, Mandalay is still well worth a

29/10/2024

Tired of spending New Year's Eve queuing for an underwhelming fireworks show or listening to relatives drop 'honest' opinions over dinner? Then spend it with our favourite Babushkas parting in a place the world doesn’t think exists!

All the countries of the former USSR take this holiday seriously. After Lenin cancelled Christmas for being too “religious,” the Communists offered New Year as a replacement – and we (still) think it more than makes up for it! Having started in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, we’ll head to the most Soviet republic of them all, Transnistria. ⛪

Ring in midnight at our favourite restaurant that’s stuck in the 1960s, featuring $3 Kvint Cognac (a USSR favourite), $1 vodka, and local smoked cheese before watching the fireworks with Lenin’s statue in the background. In other words, it’s much better than standing in Times Square and watching Mariah Carey butcher your favourite songs… 🍸

But the party doesn’t stop there! You’ll get to tick off another Republic less than 24 hours into the year by visiting Gagauzia. It’s the most obscure part of Europe’s least-visited country, with the region home to the Gagauz people who speak a Turkic language yet are Orthodox Christians. Three republics, vodka that flows like water, and the (Communist) party to end all parties. We’ll see you there! 🍶

Transnistria and Gagauzia New Year’s Tour (December 30th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2025), €595.
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/transnistria-gagauzia-new-years-tour/
🎆

Start your new year in an unrecognised country! Officially known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), and often referred to as the last of the

29/10/2024

It's not exactly a secret that we're history buffs here at YPT, especially when it comes to all things Soviet! 🏛

We've also been feeling a bit creative recently, so created some blog posts on the fascinating geography and history of tourism in the USSR. ✒

Whether you’re interested in exploring Soviet monuments, historic sites, or stunning landscapes across Eurasia, we’ve got something for everyone. To bring this to life, we offer group tours in ALL FIFTEEN former Soviet republics! 📑

Explore these posts and discover what inspires you - then join us for an adventure on one of our tours!👇

Soviet Geography - https://www.youngpioneertours.com/map-of-the-ussr-soviet-geography/

Soviet Tourism - https://www.youngpioneertours.com/visit-the-soviet-union-and-eastern-bloc/

By using and analyzing a map of the USSR, and related maps, we can gain insight into the Soviet Union's complex structures and global reach.

29/10/2024

YPT's All Guyanas tour had a fantastic final day in French Guiana! 🇬🇫

They started their morning by venturing to Devil's Island, one of the most infamous former prison colonies in the world. Throughout the 19th and even into the 20th century, it was thought that only 2,000 of the 60,000 people to be interned here came out alive.

Then, the group enjoyed a city tour of Cayenne, French Guiana's capital. It was a fascinating mix of French and South American architecture, and we were blessed with a final sunset! ⛪

28/10/2024

At YPT, we pride ourselves on constantly delivering you new and exciting tours, as while still running our long-standing favourites.

In this spirit, we are excited to announce the our Complete Caucasus Tour to Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia is returning next June! We've just posted the dates and schedule for this fast-paced, immersive tour, which starts in Baku and ends in Yerevan. 🇦🇿🇬🇪🇦🇲

Check out more information via the link below, or shoot us a message if you have any questions.👇

Complete Caucasus Tour (June 11th to 21st, 2025), €2495
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/complete-caucasus-tour/

28/10/2024

Still hesitating on New Year plans? Join us in Iraqi Kurdistan! 🎆

Join us this New Year in Iraqi Kurdistan for quite the alternative celebration in this beautiful, safe, and historic region. 🥁

Often called a "paradise on earth," explore ancient such as the Koya Fortress, the only Yazidi shrine at Lalish, and the world's oldest continuously inhabited city in Erbil. 🏛

From natural wonders like Lake Dokan and Bekhal Waterfall to meeting locals who’ve experienced the region's resilience firsthand, this tour promises to be a fun and eye-opening journey. We'll celebrate the New Year at a top restaurant, followed by a rooftop party and fireworks over the Erbil Citadel! 🎉

Iraqi Kurdistan New Year Tour (December 26th, 2024 to January 1st, 2025), $1145
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/kurdistan-new-years-tour/

27/10/2024

Our All Guyanas tour has left Suriname before and crossed over into... France? 🇫🇷🇬🇫

Yes, believe it or not, French Guiana is treated like any other French départment, so after clearing immigration they were using Euros and eating croissants in the heart of South America! 🥐🥖

The tour first headed to the town of Saint-Laurent-de-Moroni, where they paid a sobering visit to a transportation camp. Here, people were processed from France and made to work as slaves.

To end the day, the group went to the Guiana Space Center, home of the European Space Agency. The agency takes advantage of French Guiana's closeness to the equator, making launches easier. 👩‍🚀

27/10/2024

Dreading the thought of enduring another miserable January? Join us in vibrant West Africa! 🇧🇯🇹🇬

Our Voodoo Trails adventure starts in Benin, which is well-connected to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Africa. We'll explore lively markets and important historical sites tied to the transatlantic slave trade. To unwind, we'll spend time on beautiful beaches—perfect for relaxing and recharging. 🏖

Afterward, we head to Togo, a hidden gem packed with natural beauty and cultural attractions in a land just 50km wide and 500km long. The capital, Lomé, boasts the best Voodoo Fe**sh Market in Africa—both culturally fascinating and a dream for photographers. 📸

Although Benin and Togo are often considered "twins" due to being Francophone countries and their Indigenous African religious practices. However, we'll discover their unique histories - Benin's Marxist past contrasts sharply with Togo, a nation ruled by the same political family since the 1960s and closely aligned with the West. 📜

This is our first group trip to Benin and Togo, so you’d truly be a Pioneer on this journey! We can’t wait to have you with us!

Voodoo Trails Tour: Benin and Togo (January 26th to February 6th, 2025), €3795
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/.../voodoo-trails-tour.../

26/10/2024

Our Guyanas Tour has rested overnight and jumped straight back in by exploring Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. 🇸🇷

The group had a super packed day, which started by visiting the Mosque, Synagogue and Church, showing the peaceful co-existence of religions in Suriname. Then, they checked out the UNESCO Old Town, Fort Zeelandia, and the central market - all before lunch! 🕍⛪🕌

In the afternoon, the tour hopped on a boat and explored a former sugar plantation as well as spotting Pink Belly Dolphins! 🐬

26/10/2024

Our Alternative Egypt tour has just wrapped up, by ticking off those final "alternative" sits in Cairo. 🇪🇬

The group saw more of the lesser-seen side of Cairo, including the Garbage City, the Coptic neighbourhood, and the tent market. 🏙

26/10/2024

Our Guyanas Tour had a long trip from Georgetown, Guyana, to Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. 🇬🇾🇸🇷

Despite this, the group made the very most of their road trip, which consisted of a bus to the border, a ferry across to Suriname, and then another bus to Paramaribo. After all, it's about the journey, not just the destination! 🚐⛴

25/10/2024

Our Alternative Egypt Group has spent today stomping around the "alternative" sites that Cairo has to offer 🇪🇬

A main highlight was a visit to the Military Museum, the official museum of the Egyptian Armed Forces. As well as the usual YPT tank photos, they even stumbled on a North Korean Painting! 🎨

25/10/2024

Discover the Balkans' best-kept secrets with us this November! 🤐

We're running not one but TWO tours to the Balkans in the next month, taking you to all Seven Republics of the former Yugoslavia as well as Albania! 🇸🇮🇭🇷🇧🇦🇲🇪🇷🇸🇲🇰🇽🇰🇦🇱

Our Ultimate Yugoslavia Tour is on the road for 12 days, before our Communist Albania Tour spends a week in that mysterious nation.

These tours are perfectly designed to run back-to-back, and we'd love to have you join us on them! Interested? Check out the tour pages below, or shoot us a message👇

Ultimate Yugoslavia Tour: Tito’s Winter (November 22nd to December 3rd, 2024), €795-€1695
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/ultimate-yugoslavia-tour/

Communist Albania Tour (December 3rd, to December 9th, 2024), $1395
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/communist-albania-tour/

For almost 5 decades, the People’s Republic of Yugoslavia (which roughly translates to ‘Southern Slav Land’) consisted of the territories of Bosnia and

24/10/2024

YPT's Alternative Egypt group has spent today exploring the White Desert, checking unusual rock formations such as the Chicken and the Rabbit 🇪🇬

The tour then set up camp among the dunes, and was even treated to a comet show! ☄