‘Race Across the World’ – a real TV hit with Europesure Travel Insurance policy purchasers –has returned . Intrepid competitors are journeying along the ancient ‘Silk Road’, travelling from Palermo in Sicily, to Lake Khövsgal in Northern Mongolia. But what are the Silk Road travel risks? If you followed this route, what would you need to know?
Silk Road Travel Risks
This series’ route heads through Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan and Mongolia. Although very different countries, some similar risks exist in all. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are commonplace, so any traveller, in a TV race or not, should be wary around the train stations, markets and popular tourism hubs.
It pays to be prepared, wearing cross-body bags with slash-proof straps, money belts and hidden money pouches and rucksacks securely padlocked, to avoid unzipping. Normal travellers, of course, do not have a camera crew to be their eyes and ears. All travellers must stay alert to theft, but also civil unrest and terrorism threats, in many of these countries.
Road infrastructure is often poor, making self-drive transport another risk. Driving in several of these countries can be truly hazardous, increasing the risk of both injury and exposure.
Weather risks
Another common Silk Road travel risk is that of extreme heat – but also potentially extreme cold too, dependent on the season. Travellers should be prepared for all weather conditions. Dress appropriately, often in layers, and have weatherproof clothing available too.
Holidaymakers and adventurers should always carry water. Wide-brimmed hats, UV-ray protective sunglasses and suncream are hot weather essentials, with sun umbrellas also useful. Footwear needs to be appropriate for the terrain. For those facing extreme cold, gloves, hats, warm clothing and warm sleeping bags are key.
Also commonplace along the route chosen is the risk associated with photography. In most countries, it is illegal to photograph anything connected to the military, whether that is personnel, vehicles or buildings. Avoid photographing anything that looks ‘official’, including airports. Similarly, always ask permission before photographing people.
The appeal of the Silk Road
Travelling along the ancient Silk Road is a unique experience. Between around 200BC and the 15th century, it stretched between China and Europe as a vibrant commercial highway. Silks, spices, porcelain, tea, paper and potentially even the Black Death were transported along both its caravan and maritime routes. Those journeying along it today step into the shoes of Marco Polo, who lived at Kubla Khan’s 13th century court.
There is no one Silk Road. Merchants meandered along various paths to reach their destination. The same can be true today, but the best advice is typically to book with trusted and experienced tour companies. They can help you navigate between regional hotspots, help keep you safe and ensure you leave with wonderful memories, not regrets.
To help Europsure travel insurance policy holders – and other adventurers – further, we’ve taken a look at some of the great things to see and do. We’ve also focused on some other Silk Road travel risks.
Palermo, Bari and Brindisi
Vibrant Palermo, in Sicily bustles, explodes with colour and noise and has truly crazy motorists! Stroll along the promenade and relax on the Foro Italico’s benches, or head into the city and check out the lovely cathedral. Be sure to pay a little extra to head up to the roof for a superb view of the city. Saturday in Palermo is a great time to explore, listen to street musicians and browse local crafts on market stalls. Head to the Quattro Canti Baroque square and you will literally be at the centre of it all. Just remember the theft risk and don’t leave possessions on view in rental cars.
Race Across The World contestants will probably head to Italian port towns, such as Bari and Brindisi, to catch a ferry to Corfu, Patras or Igoumenitsa in Greece. Ther are welcoming cities but be careful around Bari Centrale station at night and avoid Giardini Di Piazza Umberto Park.
Greece
Flash floods and wildfires are regular occurrences in Greece’s summer months. There can be strong sea currents too, so knowing sea safety rules is important. Apply insect repellent if walking through woods, as there is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
Port towns can be riskier, so take extra care if visiting Igoumenitsa. In Thessaloniki, on a Silk Road route, main places to be on guard are in Aristotelous Square and the Ano Polis area. Avoid the latter at night and use your gut instinct when it comes to bars around the town.
Turkey
The race route across Turkey is likely to take in Istanbul, where street robbery and pickpocketing is common. Travellers should beware of counterfeit banknotes and be alert. There is a terrorism threat in most countries and Turkey has seen its share of attacks.
Of course, there are some fabulous things to see in Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the 4000 shops in the Grand Bazaar. Just watch your wallet! The Topkapi Palace was home to Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, whilst the Galata Tower will showcase the modern-day Istanbul skyline.
Be particularly wary of the spiking of both food and drink and also a growing methanol poisoning risk. Only drink alcohol that you are sure is safe, served in reputable establishments.
Another Turkish stop-off point might be Antalya, where any traveller should check their travel insurance policy before engaging in water sports. Exploring the Green Canyon by boat, walking the old town of Kaleiçi and visiting the Düden Waterfalls should be absolutely fine and joyous. If heading to Konyaalti or Lara Beach, just remember sea safety rules again and make sure sunscreen is applied and shade sought.
Capadoccia is a definite stop-off on the Silk Route race this year, so read our blog about that experience here.
Georgia
The next stop-off might well be Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, particularly as travel to some parts of Georgia is not advised.
Although Georgia is a beautiful country, with its Caucausus mountains backdrops, stunning landscapes and wine regions, there are significant Silk Road travel risks here. Threats include car-jacking, drink spiking, methanol poisoning, robbery and violent crime, as well getting caught up in political rallies or in weather events such as floods or earthquakes. Check out the requirement for health vaccinations too.
If exploring Tbilisi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), the Sioni Cathedral with its frescoes, and the historic old town. Ancient bathhouses with their mineral-rich waters may also entice you in, whilst you can ride a cable car to visit the Mother of Georgia statue. Watch your belongings in the Meidan Bazaar, if obsessing over the sweet treats, and don’t turn your ankle on the cobbled streets!
Beware the use of public wifi. Only use it through a VPN, as hacking risks are prevalent.
Kazakhstan
All theft risks previously discussed exist here but be especially careful with your credit card. Hide your input of PIN numbers with one hand, whilst carrying out a payment, and be careful to check the card reader you are given. If it looks odd, something may be amiss.
If travelling on public transport, keep bags with you, rather than putting them under your seat or overhead. In overnight compartments, lock the door and make sure you sleep with your valuables. Taking taxis? Make sure you check they are official.
Fraudulent police officers sometimes approach tourists and seek to take advantage, so always offer to go to a police station, if approached, or ask to see credentials. Be cautious about gifts of food, drink and cigarettes too.
Once you have put all precautions in place, there are some wonderful things to see. Highlights include Kolsai Lakes, the sunken forest of Lake Kaindy and the colourful rock formations that grace the spectacular Charyn Canyon.
Whilst the capital, Astana, is highly futuristic, Almaty is a vibrant city that may appeal more. A train connects the two and allows you to travel across seemingly never-ending steppe terrain. Once in Almaty, visit the Zenkov Cathedral, the Central Mosque and the Green Market (Bazaar). Book a six-hour drive and you could hike beside the alpine-like Tuzkol Lake in the Tian Shan mountains.
Beyond this, there is horse riding to be enjoyed in the Katon-Karagay National Park, but check your travel insurance covers this, before leaping into the saddle. At the Ustyurt Reserve, natural wonders await, in the form of pink, blue and white-hued pillars of limestone and chalk.
Uzbekistan
Some of the Silk Road’s most stunning architecture is found here, with Samarkand being the place of dreams. Registan Square is a key Silk Road landmark to soak up, whilst sunset at the Shah-I Zinda necropolis will stay in the memory forever.
Uzbekistan is probably the beating heart of the ancient Silk Road, distinguished by stunning mosques and exquisitely tiled madrassahs, and Samarkand is not the only highlight. There’s lively Bukhara with its twelfth century Kalon Minaret, the Ark Fortress and embroidery sellers. Then there’s Tashkent, boasting artistic metro stations, mud and stone houses, and maybe the oldest existing copy of the Koran (Quran), housed in the Hazrati Imam (Khast Imam) Complex.
Whether gazing upon the amazing ceiling of a blue-tiled mausoleum, strolling vine-strewn courtyards, tucking into the national dish of plov, or viewing the Tosh-Hovli Palace or Kuhna Ark citadel in the walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan may just steal your heart.
Just beware incidents of civil unrest, bogus police officers and pickpockets in places such as the bazaars of Bukhara, the Alayskiy market in Tashkent, or Khiva market.
Kyrgystan
This peaceful country will welcome you – and the race participants – with extensive mountain ranges, glorious lakes and friendly people. It’s tempting to hike around a lake such as Sary- Chelek but do check your travel insurance terms before you do. Incredible gorges, mountain passes and the Chichkan National Park may beckon but also catch out poorly prepared hikers who suffer a misfortune or don’t check the local weather reports.
If submerging yourself in the capital Bishkek’s rich culture and Soviet-era architecture, check out Victory Square, the Revolution Militants Square and the vibrant bazaars. There’s even an hourly changing of the guards to be seen in Ala-Too square.
Mongolia
This is where the race concludes but where a cultural adventure begins for some Europesure Travel Insurance policy purchasers. Visiting Mongolia can be a huge culture shock, but also an entrée into another way of living and an appreciation that less can be more in life.
The metropolis of Ulaanbaatar, with its high pollution, manic traffic and significant gadget and money theft risks, particularly during summer and winter festivals, can assault the senses. Have your wits about you, only jump into a licensed cab and keep the 102 police number at hand. It may pay you to download the UB Cab, trackable taxi app. Make a copy of your passport and keep it separate from your actual passport, to be carried at all times.
Knowing the cultural rules in Mongolia is essential, whether that relates to always showing respect to Lord Buddha, not revealing your wrists, removing a hat when greeting elders or receiving objects with the right hand. There are more to learn! LGBT relationships are not generally accepted and the buying of souvenirs relating to any protected wild animal species is illegal.
Beyond the capital, the remote landscape fosters a nomadic culture, nurtured amidst spectacular landscapes and scenery. Food is basic, often mutton, yogurt or horse-milk based, or completely indescribable. Be courteous in at least sampling this, if invited to eat with a Mongolian family in a nomadic ger. Men should enter on the right; women to the left and coats should be removed. Never use the left hand to take food from a shared plate.
Travelling on the Trans-Mongolian Railway can either be exhilarating or challenging. Always hide valuables under a shirt and in a money belt. Other transport can be hard to manage and you are best advised to travel with those adept at negotiating the tricky landscape with its poor infrastructure, dust storms, extreme weather changes and heavy rainstorms that can make routes impassable. With horse thieves operating too, you do not want to get stranded.
Remote travel and travel evacuation
If there is one common factor at play in much of this Silk Road trip, it is the remote nature of many of the stop-offs, coupled with poor medical infrastructure. This is particularly true in the ‘Stan’ countries, and particularly Mongolia - a Third-World country. With many hazards, falling ill or incurring an injury in this vast country could have devastating consequences.
For this reason, if this is a trip you relish, ensure you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy, like Europesure Travel Insurance protection, before racing off. As long as you follow the rules and make sure your existing health conditions are covered, this will give you vital backup, should the worst occur. With instant access to a medical team, who can arrange a rescue from where you suffer your medical incident, by whatever means necessary, you effectively purchase peace of mind.
With this support, you can be air-lifted or taken to a suitable medical facility. This may well be in another country altogether or back in your home country in Europe. Just ensure you always have access to a phone, which may mean having a local SIM card and planning ahead by charging up a power bank whenever you can. Note the medical emergency number provided on your travel insurance documents and keep it at hand.
The need for medical repatriation is often a totally ignored component of all-essential travel insurance, despite it having the highest value, for those who require it. Competitors on Race Across the World will not have to think about such things, but you, as an independent traveller, certainly do. The message is, wherever you are racing, don’t leave the start-line without it.
