Young Pioneer Tours
Blog
Welcome to the Young Pioneer Tours Blog, the place where we we keep you informed about everything YPT, from current tours, to future tours and a whole lot of eclectic stuff in between.
YPT first started blogging in 2008 and are considered the best North Korean Travel blog that there is.
But, as Young Pioneer Tours have expanded our locations, so have we expanded our blog. Now we have one of the best travel blogs in the world!
And while most of our content is about the numerous destinations we go, including travel guides and what to pack, we also delve into more serious subjects such as the safety of certain destinations, as well as how LGTBQ+ friendly the places we visit are.
While the vast majority of our content is produced in-house, we are always on the look-out for guest bloggers and writers. Want to write for us? Then simply get in touch.
You can also check out our sister publication YPT Life.
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What Is the Iranian Money and Why Is It So Confusing? Your Guide To the 2 Iranian Currencies
16 March 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
Iranian money is one of the most confusing currencies in the world – mainly because it is not just made up of one currency, but two. What adds another layer of confusion is that both these currencies are on display on the same banknote. The currency ex …
Iraq eVisa Update – Iraq Launches eVisa Scheme
15 March 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
On February 28th 2025, the Iraq Central Government through the Iraqi Interior Ministry announced an Iraq eVisa update – that there will be an immediate suspension of Visa on Arrival (VOA) applications and instead, a pre travel authorization for visa on …
Oh Youth! – One of North Korea’s Most Authentic Romantic Comedy Films in the 90s
14 March 2025 / by Steven Zhang
Ever wondered what romance is like in North Korea? Oh Youth! offers a rare glimpse into the views on love among middle-class Pyongyang residents in the 1990s. The Youth Street in Pyongyang Table of ContentsTHE PLOT OF OH YOUTH!The Title of Oh Youth!Bac …
The Best of Rason Hotels – DPRK Guide 2025
12 March 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Rason, located in the far northeast of North Korea, is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with borders stretching across Russia, China, and the East Sea of Korea (Sea of Japan). This area stands out in the country due to its more experimental nature in term …
The Best of Libyan Cuisine
12 March 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Libyan cuisine, much like the country itself, is rich in history, deeply rooted in Mediterranean and North African flavours, and full of influences from centuries of trade, conquest, and migration. Yet, despite its diverse influences, Libyan food remai …
How to Get a One Day Passport in the UK
12 March 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
If you need a passport in a hurry, the UK actually offers a surprisingly efficient way to get one—provided you’re willing to pay. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, have an unexpected trip coming up, or simply forgot to renew your passport in time, t …
North Korean Bond Explained: Does It Exist in 2025?
11 March 2025 / by Steven Zhang
North Korea is, in a literal sense, perhaps the most orthodox socialist country operating under a strict socialist state ownership economy system. But have you ever wondered the existence of North Korean Bond? During our recent visit to North Korea, we …
Monica Macias Interview – The YPT Podcast: S3, Ep3: The Black Girl from Pyongyang
10 March 2025 / by Justin Martell
“Black Girl From Pyongyang” by Monica Macias is available from Duckworth Books Table of ContentsWhat is the Current Travel Situation in North Korea?What Unique Experiences Did Monica Macias Have in North Korea?What New Travel Opportunities are YPT Offe …
Timor-Leste: Icons of Faith and National Identity
10 March 2025 / by Andy Khong
Timor-Leste, a predominantly Catholic nation in South-East Asia, is home to two of its most significant religious and cultural landmarks: Cristo Rei of Dili and the John Paul II Statue in Tasi-Tolu. These monuments stand as powerful symbols of the coun …
