Essential Travel Tips & Emergency Info

Travelling through Central Asia is an unforgettable experience, but it helps to be prepared for the practical realities along the way. Here you’ll find important guidance on local customs, etiquette, and day-to-day travel tips, along with the emergency contacts and official resources you can rely on if something doesn’t go to plan. Print or write down this information and keep it handy— it’s designed to give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your journey.

Getting Around

Exploring the Five Stans means experiencing the region in a variety of ways — by private coach, plane, and train. Central Asia is vast, and to truly take in its incredible landscapes and cultures, there will be some longer coach journeys.

Outside the capital cities, road conditions in Central Asia can be quite bumpy at times, and traffic delays are possible. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend bringing suitable medication to ensure a more comfortable journey. Rest assured, your journey will include regular comfort stops so you can stretch your legs, freshen up, and use the bathroom. Many stops also offer refreshments or snacks, making them a welcome break along the way.

To keep things easy for our groups, lunch is usually enjoyed at rest stops, where facilities can comfortably accommodate everyone. These travel days are part of the adventure—a chance to see more of the region between the highlights.

Essential Travel Tips

Dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees in rural and religious areas
Squat toilets are commonly used outside hotels, and as they can be challenging for those with limited mobility, we recommend being prepared for this style of toilet in some areas
LGBTQ+ couples may share hotel rooms, but public affection should be avoided
Be mindful that horse meat is common when dining
Support local and family-run businesses
Border crossings can be slow, especially when travelling in a group, so patience is important
Visa processing and formalities may take over an hour, and procedures can sometimes feel a little unstructured or unpredictable

Photography

Uzbekistan

Avoid photographing government buildings, military areas, border zones, metro stations, airports, and train stations—these locations remain restricted even if signage isn’t always present.
Some religious or cultural sites may ask for permission or prohibit photography entirely—always ask before shooting.

While some restrictions on metro photography were eased in 2018, it’s best to double-check current rules on site.

Turkmenistan

Photography is heavily regulated near sensitive locations (e.g., government buildings, ministries, military sites, airports). Unauthorised shots can result in confiscated equipment and serious repercussions.
When in doubt, ask permission—especially at official buildings or strategic installations.

Kazakhstan, Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan

Although official sources do not highlight specific photography restrictions, it's widely expected that government, military, or airport zones should be avoided unless explicit permission is given.
Always follow posted signs or ask your guide when you're unsure.

Our top tips for photography in the 5 Stans

Scenario	What to Do
Visiting official or sensitive areas	Do not photograph unless you’ve been explicitly allowed.
Exploring mosques or religious sites	Look for signs; when in doubt, ask.
Taking photos in rural areas or of locals	Be respectful—ask consent before photographing people.
Doubting the rules	Always prioritise safety and respect over the perfect shot.

Official Travel Advice

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to your home country's official travel advisory website for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
America: https://travel.state.gov/
Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

Emergency Contact Information

For any urgent matters during your trip, you’ll have a set of dedicated emergency contact numbers provided in your final travel documents. In the case of medical emergencies or accidents, please prioritise calling these numbers or the local authorities. For tour-related issues, your tour leader will always be your first point of contact.

For non-urgent questions, you’re welcome to reach out to Inspiring Vacations at any time via email (support@inspiringvacations.com), through the website chat (www.inspiringvacations.com), or by phone (+61 3 9917 7350).

To help us resolve any issues quickly, it’s important to let your tour leader or local representative know straight away if something comes up. They can often resolve concerns on the spot, and if not, they’ll escalate them to their manager to ensure they’re addressed.

We also value your feedback—post-trip surveys can be submitted online within 30 days. But the best way to improve your experience is by letting us know during your journey, so we can make things right in real time.

Tip: We strongly recommend downloading WhatsApp before you travel. It’s the most widely used tool for sharing updates, transfer details, and quick communications with your tour leader and fellow travellers.