Who was Cheburashka? The beloved fictional character appeared during the Soviet era captivating children and adults alike. Cheburashka appeared in children’s books and later on television. The adored character was created by the Russian writer and poet Eduard Uspensky. Uspensky created Cheburashka as a character featuring in the book, Gena the Crocodile and His Friends; […]

YPT tours to Azerbaijan YPT’s Azerbaijan tours will make you discover a land of fire and hospitality. The Republic of Azerbaijan is uniquely located on the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia. The capital city, Baku, tells the tale of centuries of empires, who came to the region as rulers and traders. From Caucasian […]

Which country passport stamps are considered controversial in Europe? This blog can help you avoid scrutiny of your travel intentions, delays, detention, and even refusal to enter a country.

Having recently hearing about a dacha that was for sale extremely cheaply it got me thinking about them as a whole. That is because of the fact that while many in the west would not have heard of them, they are so culturally important in the old USSR. In its simplest form it is a […]

Officially known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the Soviet Union was a vast and influential state that existed between 1922 to 1991. Although it may no longer exist, its legacy continues to shape the countries that emerged from its collapse.  The USSR was comprised of 15 national republics for much of its […]

Travel during the Cold War was not for the faint of heart. For those brave, curious, or politically aligned enough to cross into the communist world, it was a trip filled with red tape, strict regulations, and often, a hefty dose of propaganda. Despite the challenges, people did visit the Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc, and […]

YPT offers tours to Kazakhstan Polygon, formally known as the Semipalatinsk Polygon Nuclear Test Site. The Polygon is perhaps one of the most important global sites you’ve never heard of, and until recently, it was entirely closed to tourism. Between 1947 and 1989, hundreds of nuclear devices were detonated in this top secretive area, heavily […]

YPT Tours to Russia Young Pioneer Tours is pleased to announce the resumption of our Russia tours and travel packages, with exciting trips planned for 2025 and 2026.  This was after Russian tours were resoundingly voted by our Pioneers as the destination they would most like to see us again running tours to. And we […]

Ah, the Karelo-Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic (Karelo-Finnish SSR), one of the Soviet Union’s many intriguing, if somewhat obscure, socialist experiments. Established in 1940 and dissolved in 1956, this short-lived republic was a curious blend of Russian and Finnish cultures, wrapped in the classic Soviet style of the mid-20th century. But what makes the Karelo-Finnish SSR […]

When one thinks of Europe, Buddhism might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, nestled in the vast steppes of southern Russia lies Kalmykia, a fascinating and unique republic known as the only Buddhist region in Europe. With its rich history, distinct culture, and striking landscapes, Kalmykia offers an intriguing travel experience […]