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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Kupang Guide – Gateway to East Nusa Tenggara and West Timor
19 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Kupang isn’t a city that often finds itself on Southeast Asia’s mainstream travel routes, but for those exploring deeper Indonesia or making their way overland to Timor-Leste, it’s a name that will inevitably pop up. Whether you’re here in transit or l …
Ultimate Zhangzhou Guide 2025
19 May 2025 / by Steven Zhang
Zhangzhou, tucked away in southeastern Fujian, is a hidden gem that blends rich history, culture, and natural beauty. This coastal city is often mentioned alongside nearby Xiamen and Quanzhou under the name “XiaZhangQuan”, yet its charm is frequently o …
Rambutan: The Exotic, Hairy Fruit with a Sweet Heart
19 May 2025 / by Andy Khong
The Rambutan (Nephelium Lappaceum) is a tropical fruit native to South-East Asia, known for its unique appearance and sweet, juicy flesh. Often described as looking like a sea urchin or a hairy lychee, the Rambutan is as intriguing to look at as it is …
Sumatra: Untamed Island of Diversity and Culture
19 May 2025 / by Andy Khong
Sumatra, the sixth-largest island in the world, is one of Indonesia’s most under-rated travel destinations. Lush rainforests, smouldering volcanoes, misty highlands, and vibrant local cultures collide in this untamed paradise. While Bali and Java often …
Can Foreigners Fly To Damascus Airport? Your Complete Guide To Traveling In And Out Of Syria in 2025
18 May 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
For almost the full duration of the civil war, foreigners were not recommended to fly to Damascus Airport. A mix of air raids from Israel, sanctions against Syrian airlines Cham Wings and Syrian Airways, and other logistical concerns made the route for …
What is Red Tourism And Why Is it So Hot Right Now?
16 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Red Tourism, or being a red tourist company, is a stick we often get hit with at YPT. The truth, of course, is that we are much more than purveyors of this particularly niche genre. What is also true, though, is that the company was to some degree foun …
The Long March Explained: The Epic Saga of CCP
15 May 2025 / by Steven Zhang
In the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative of modern history, the Long March marks a turning point when the revolution came back from the death. Picture a group of soldiers crossing towering snow-covered mountains, trudging through muddy grasslands, an …
The Retro Datong Hotel
14 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
One firm hobby we have at YPT is staying at old state communist hotels in China, such as the rather retro Datong Hotel in Shanxi Province, Peoples Republic of China. Why do we enjoy this so much? Well party because it offers a window into how communist …
The Ultimate Datong Guide 2025
14 May 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
If you look up the 20 worst cities in China, Datong usually makes the list. Why? Well, the reasons are numerous, but having been one of the most polluted cities on earth certainly hasn’t helped. From the grimy skies to its industrial past, it hasn’t ex …
