I started planning for this trip in December. I was turning 25 and it felt appropriate to just do something ‘big’ to mark this important milestone in my life. I had planned to take the trip at the end of January since flights in December are crazy but a few mishaps here and there and I ended up taking the trip at the end of February. When it rains it pours. The same week I was to travel to Baku, I had a work trip scheduled on the same week that could not be moved. So, I landed in Dubai on Wednesday at 3 am, was up and in the office by 7:45 and that night I was packing for my trip and on the way to Abu Dhabi to board my flight.

These and other factors had me questioning whether I really wanted to go on this trip 😂. I am very happy I did though. Anyway, I don’t want to make this long, so I will take you through a few tips, tricks, and highlights on my trip to Azerbaijan.

1. Baku's Beauty: Baku and Azerbaijan, in general, is breathtakingly beautiful, reminiscent of European charm. The city's stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes left a lasting impression. The wine in Azerbaijan is cheap and honestly, so amazing. Consider getting a bottle or two once you’re there and tell me how you like it.

2. Choosing Accommodation: I booked a hotel in the old city. The old city being a tourist destination, it meant I didn’t have to use transport to get there. The tricky part is that taxis drop you off at the gate of the old city and you have to carry your luggage (the rocks are not the most comfortable to pull your suitcase on) to your hotel. This doesn’t sound like an issue until you are almost late for your flight, get lost trying to find the gate of the old city and now are panicky, tired, and sweaty.

3. Getting around I used Bolt app. The prices were quite affordable and easy to use and find taxis. I got Azercell sim card which was honestly quite pricy. Look around till you find an affordable service provider to use. I blame the nerves I had and just needing to get back online for picking such a pricy option. If you can get an e-sim option, consider getting one. I know Airalo offers affordable and great internet offers. Which brings me to my next point, get ready for the mental exhaustion of having to make all decisions by yourself. Like the date of the flight, the hotel, whether to opt for breakfast or not, the places you will see… don’t say I didn’t warn you.

4. Exploring Baku

For Baku, you can get a lot of free city walking tours. You can book one online or pay for a tour to one of the sites outside Baku like Absheron, Gobustan, Shahdag, etc, and get a free walking tour. I found out about the latter a little later so the first day I explored Baku alone my first day there. Other than my melanin making me clearly look like a tourist, it was just the staring at the old buildings that would have given me away. Please don’t leave Baku without visiting the old city. There are a lot of tourist destinations there like the museum of miniature books which for my cheap travelers, is free entry. The second day in Baku, I was working (thank God for hybrid work my guys), but still managed to squeeze in a trip to the museum of miniature books and later in the evening went to Nizami street with my friend Turan (aka, the best and most committed photographer ever)

5. Tour company or self-exploration? Book the tour company. I used Smile Tour and paid 59 manat for a full day trip covering transport to the seven beauties waterfall, went on a cable car to the icy mountains, and Nohur lake. To get there on your own would cost you more so I would advise you to look for one. There are lots of tours and all the travel companies pick up and drop off point is the gates of the old city, so pick a tour company, get comfortable, and get ready to be awed by the beauty that is Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, book the trip, scared and all. That was the main lesson I learned in this trip. The fear will always be there but on the other side of fear, lies a version of you that has the courage to push through the nerves, discomfort, and fear.

And that version is unstoppable! Would I go back to Azerbaijan again? The better question would be when I will be returning to Baku, and the answer is, very soon! There are quite a few places the four days I was there didn’t give me the chance to see.

Depending on the kind of weather you prefer, late February was a bit cold, especially in the evenings, but during the day it was amazing weather. Pack warm. I got to see snow for my first time though, so it was a win for Felistus!

Bye travel friends and I hope to hear about how your own solo trip went!