Young Pioneer Tours
Blog
Welcome to the Young Pioneer Tours Blog, the place where we we keep you informed about everything YPT, from current tours, to future tours and a whole lot of eclectic stuff in between.
YPT first started blogging in 2008 and are considered the best North Korean Travel blog that there is.
But, as Young Pioneer Tours have expanded our locations, so have we expanded our blog. Now we have one of the best travel blogs in the world!
And while most of our content is about the numerous destinations we go, including travel guides and what to pack, we also delve into more serious subjects such as the safety of certain destinations, as well as how LGTBQ+ friendly the places we visit are.
While the vast majority of our content is produced in-house, we are always on the look-out for guest bloggers and writers. Want to write for us? Then simply get in touch.
You can also check out our sister publication YPT Life.
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How to get from Port Moresby to Jayapura
11 January 2026 / by Gareth Johnson
For the initiated there are actually two countries called Papua namely the independent state of Papua New Guinea and the occupied West Papua (aka Republic of West Papua). Both share the same languages, ethnicities and indeed cultures, with Port Moresby …
5 Of The Most Historically Significant Sites ISIS Tried To Destroy In Syria And Iraq
10 January 2026 / by Caitlin Graham
ISIS did a lot of destruction in Syria and Iraq. Notably, they were unfortunately able to destroy some of the worlds richest archeological and religious sites. Below is an unfinished list of UNESCO sites ISIS tried to destroy (emphasis on tried to). Wh …
Experiencing An Incredible Chaldean Christmas Eve Mass in Baghdad – December 24 2025
6 January 2026 / by Caitlin Graham
It was an honor that for Christmas Eve 2025, our YPT Christmas In Iraq tour group were invited to attend Chaldean Christmas Eve mass in Baghdad. After many years of war, the Christian community in Iraq have become, understandably, relatively insular. M …
Hugo Chávez The Guy Before Maduro
5 January 2026 / by Gareth Johnson
To understand Venezuela today and the context in which Nicolás Maduro came to power, you need to start with Hugo Chávez. He was the man who transformed the country, reshaped its politics, and created a movement that still dominates Venezuelan society. …
Staying at the Loloata Resort in Port Moresby
5 January 2026 / by Gareth Johnson
As the experts in all things travel to PNG and Port Moresby, we are always looking for more things to do in the capital, which is what let me to try the Loloata Resort. Located just on the outskirts of the capital and indeed a boat ride away to the isl …
Yangjialing Revolutionary Site – Yan’an Guide 2026
5 January 2026 / by Steven Zhang
The Yangjialing Revolutionary Site holds a special place as the cradle of ideological innovation and political unity. Yangjialing was where the Communist Party of China shaped its core theories, held landmark meetings, and formed a shared vision for th …
Syria’s New Currency – Dropping 0s and Public Figures
5 January 2026 / by Caitlin Graham
A year after the Assad regime was toppled in what was a surprising end to 2024, the transitional government has launched Syria’s new currency which has now entered circulation. A decree from current President Ahmed Al Shara has pledged the eventual wit …
Pakistan Suspends Visa On Arrival And Reinstates Evisa January 2026
5 January 2026 / by Caitlin Graham
Pakistan suspends Visa On Arrival (VOA) for nationalities on January 1 2026, making tourists revert to the older Evisa system. Travelers are now required to use updated online application procedures, despite a more liberal visa policy introduced in mid …
