Let’s take a trip to Moon Island, a spot that might not pop up on your standard travel itineraries but is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Dandong, China.  It’s one of those places that, while not on the tourist radar, has a quirky charm and some fantastic views that are just […]

Dushanbe, whose name means “Monday” in Tajik, began as a humble weekly market, yet has blossomed into the vibrant cultural and political capital of Tajikistan. This city of contrasts seamlessly blends tree-lined boulevards, Soviet-era monuments, and traditional Tajik culture with the energy of a rapidly modernizing metropolis. Against a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains, to […]

Alright, folks! Buckle up because we’re diving into the history and charm of the Beijing Railway Station. This isn’t just any train station; this place has seen a ton of history—the kind that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time just by standing at its gates. The Modern vs. The Historic Now, if […]

Nestled at the foot of the towering, beautiful Tien Shan mountains, Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Not only does it offer something for every traveller, the former capital of Kazakhstan remains the country’s cultural and economic hub. To visit Almaty is to see the successful blend of modern sophistication with a rich […]

A common question travelers ask when planning a visit to Albania is: what should I pack? As an often-underrated destination, Albania offers a mix of rugged natural beauty, fascinating history, and diverse climates. Whether you’re exploring the coastline in summer or hiking the mountains in winter, being well-prepared is essential. Having traveled through Albania in all seasons—during […]

The flag of Bangladesh is distinctive and notably atypical compared to many other national flags. Some observers have pointed out its resemblance to the flag of Japan, and there is some merit to this observation, particularly due to the red circle at its centre. However, the flag of Bangladesh features this red circle on a […]

The Serbian flag is a relatively recent design, officially adopted on November 11, 2010. However, its tricolour pattern and symbolic elements have deep historical roots. Featuring horizontal stripes of red, blue, and white alongside a double-headed eagle, the flag proudly reflects its Slavic heritage and cultural identity. What does the Serbian flag symbolize? The Serbian […]

Officially known as the Republic of Croatia, this beautiful, historic nation is situated along the Adriatic Sea and has been an independent country since 1991.  However, Croatia’s origins as a distinct state date back to the 7th century. Despite evolving borders and periods of foreign rule – including its time as a constituent republic within […]

When Sudan gained independence from joint British-Egyptian rule in 1956, the nation introduced the first Sudan Flag. Although the design changed in 1970, the Sudanese flag remains a powerful symbol of the country’s hard-won freedom and intricate identity.  Over the years, the flag has embodied both unity and division within Sudan, reflecting the nation’s navigation […]

If you ask people how many “stan” countries there are in the world, most people will dismiss you as a geography geek or pretentious traveller.   However, if you were to ask this same question on a YPT trip, you’d likely get a solid answer. There are seven stans countries – Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, […]