Travel Notes- Uzbekistan

Blog & Socials	Check my blog for impressions – click Check out Instagram and Facebook
Workshops	Workshops will be fully catered, we just need to turn up…. But, your own little kit with your needle and snips might be useful.
	Workshop hosts often enjoy seeing something you have made too, if you have something to show.
	A suggested art material list will be supplied for sketching tours.
Food	Food is an integral part of culture and we are there to try it all. Generally, during group meals we choose a range of dishes to share and look for local specialties as we go.
	In Uzbekistan they cook from scratch using fresh ingredients so keeping track of what goes into your dinner is easy enough.
	Uzbekistan cuisine is rich and tasty. It is all based around various meat dishes.
	Vegetarian/Vegan options are very limited in big cities, on the road and in people homes really hard to find. There are lots of salads and bread, you might need to bring a protein source with you.
	Dried fruits and nuts are plentiful in the market
	Wheat/gluten issues, easy to avoid in big cities, on the road days there will be plov [meat and rice dish] or somsa [meat pastries]
	Dairy, easy enough to avoid.
Tipping?	Tipping is not common or expected in Uzbekistan for bags, taxis etc. Restaurants 10% perhaps in fancy places..
	Set something aside for our driver – he will take us safely and comfortably through the adventure of many roads. Think equivalent to a cup of coffee back home per day, per person. Perhaps have a volunteer from the group organize a thank you at the end of the trip and give this tip directly to the driver. Optional but kind.
Health	Drink only filtered or bottled water- never local supply, even for cleaning your teeth
	Check yourself- Drink at least 2 litres of WATER per day. You will feel better for it and less likely to have a funny tummy.
	See your Doctor or a Travel Specialist Doctor before you leave home for travel advice
	Bring adequate medical supplies to cover your needs and the prescription to verify their use
	Menstrual needs- tampons not easy to find. Pads available
Fitness	We get on and off the minibus every day, multiple times
	Bazaars, monuments and just about everywhere BEG to be explored. You need to be able to walk comfortably for an hour or two to explore. Expect some steps.
What to Wear	Keep a light scarf with you always, never know when you need to cover your head.
	Lightweight layers of clothing are good. Light, loose layers work well with the climate. Generally, I find 3 or 4 outfits sufficient, there is always the opportunity to pick up things along the way. Pack a pair of socks and cardigan for the cool of the morning.
	To respect local customs, it is best for skirts or trousers to be mid-calf length at least. Tops -shoulders and cleavage covered. Often places will lend or rent you a cover up- think polyester sack, so better to be prepared and comfortable. Carry a scarf with you.
	If you love 60’s black eyeliner and bold eyebrows- this is the place to indulge your fantasies, you’ll fit right in. Actually, the whole 60’s flowing maxi dress & black eyeliner look would fit right in.
	Leave your expensive jewellery at home
Shoes	Sensible walking shoes such as sneakers or strapped on sandals are the best options. Surfaces are often rough, and you really want your footing stable so you can focus on all the wonderful things everywhere to look at! Pair of rubber thongs or flip-flops are good – often bathrooms can be slippery when wet.
Laundry	Any stop for 2 nights is a good time to send out laundry.
Money	Notify your bank you are going OS and to expect activity in whichever country, possibly transit lounges on the way, too. Otherwise, they might flag unusual activity and block your card.
	Travel Cards can be good for security of your accounts CHECK before you leave that they actually work. A number of times guests have had issues.
	GOOD to have a backup card hidden in your suitcase, so that if primary card/s don’t work or get lost you have a fall-back card.
	ATM- easy way to get cash once you arrive. Easy to find everywhere in Uzbekistan.
	Cash to exchange- good back up but not always easy to exchange at a good rate. Ask at hotel front desk. US$ easy, other currencies not.
	Credit Cards not readily accepted.
Shopping	It happens, there are treasures to find 😊 It helps the local economy.
	If there are things you know you might want, for example carpets or spices do some research. How much would an item back home cost? It will give some starting point in your mind.
	Bargaining is the general way to make a transaction. Not experienced? Google it and practice, generally most prices are negotiable in the marketplace. NGOs and Social enterprises are generally fixed price.
Suitcase	Easier to start with a normal size suitcase and bring a soft bag to carry any extra stuff you acquire rather than a huge suitcase. Not easy to buy a second suitcase at the last minute on the road.
Weather	At this time of year, it is warm in the daytime but perhaps evenings and mornings can be cool; a cardigan and socks appreciated. Usually dry weather, bring moisturizing cream.   Sunny usually, maybe a sunhat?
Power	Power – 240 volts, European adaptor plugs are the most useful.
Begging?	Rarely seen. Don’t give kids little treats, it encourages them to a begging mentality, rather take time to have a little chat- it encourages friendly attitude.

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At Creative Arts Safaris Tours we offer fully escorted, small group tours. CAS focuses on textiles, arts and culture and yummy local cuisine.

On tour we like to get our hands dirty taking workshops, exploring locations and culture. We like to include lots of local experiences.

Our friendly groups are inclusive. They are companionable and well organized allowing a relaxed adventure, great for solo travellers.

They include pickup & drop to airport, accommodation, group travel, sightseeing, workshops, and most meals. Almost everything EXCEPT the shopping – that is your job. Help the local economy.