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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What’s it like taking the Smile Air Joyride in Palau?
9 December 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Generally speaking I am a “yes man”, so when I was asked if I wanted to do the Smile Air Joyride in Palau for $220 I simply said “yes”. It was only later that I learned that this was a plane journey where they take the door off the plane before you fly …
What ECOWAS Is and the Revolutionary Challenge in West Africa
8 December 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
If you have spent any time in West Africa, you have probably heard of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. On paper, it is a regional powerhouse, created in 1975 by fifteen countries to promote trade, cooperation, and political stabil …
The Nouadhibou Guide
8 December 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Being the second city in a country that is notoriously one of the most boring in Africa hardly makes Nouadhibou exactly a metropolis. It is, though, an extremely important part of Mauritania, with its links to both the Iron Ore train and Western Sahara …
The History of the Mesopotamian Marshes and the future of the delicate ecosystem
8 December 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
The Mesopotamian Marshes are an incredible ecosystem at the bed of the Euphrates and Tigress rivers. The ecosystem is made up of the Central marshes, Hawizeh marshes (South of the Euphrates) and Hammah marshes (South-West of the Euphrates). The populat …
Lebanon’s Curse Of Half-Finished Projects – 5 Of The Most Iconic Lebanese Buildings That Are A Must See But Are Yet To Be Completed
8 December 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
Lebanon is an incredible country blessed with fertile lands, prosperous coastlines, friendly people and centuries of fascinating, successful empires. However, Lebanon has also faced hard times – civil wars, territory incursions, an economic crisis and …
4 Less Crowded Alternative Destinations To The World’s Most Popular Tourism Sites
7 December 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
While some of the world’s most famous sites may leave you a little disappointed (and frankly with a thin wallet), I propose 4 less crowded alternative destinations to the world’s most popular tourism sites In every country there are a couple of ‘must s …
Can You Drink in Algeria?
6 December 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Algeria is a Muslim majority country so most people assume there is no drinking. The reality is more complicated. Yes you can drink in Algeria in some cities such as Algiers, Oran and other urban areas where hotels, restaurants and bars cater to foreig …
What is Mauritanian Cuisine like?
6 December 2025 / by Gareth Johnson
Mauritania cuisine is not a exactly fine dining. It is a harsh, hot country where food is about survival, not indulgence. The desert climate and limited infrastructure mean that fresh vegetables are scarce, fish is only reliable on the coast, and meat …
Why is Jordan Still Facing a 60% Drop In Tourism?
6 December 2025 / by Caitlin Graham
This may seem like an easy question and answer – Why is Jordan still facing a 60% drop in tourism? Perhaps because of regional instability since 2023. However, if this was the case, we would likely see a drop in tourism rates in all surrounding countri …
