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Adventure Awaits!

3 Day Sahara Desert Tour

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Find me on Instagram

hannahlogan21

🇨🇦 curvy travel & finance writer
✈️ 68 countries 📍home
✏️ Forbes | Lonely Planet | Fodor’s Travel | Financial Post + more
👇blog & group trips

Hannah Logan
I had no idea what to expect from Uzbekistan.⁣
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As one of the ‘Stan’s’ this country automatically comes with a reputation. So when I told people that I was travelling there I was met with a lot of apprehension and warnings to be careful. ⁣
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But the truth is I felt safer and more comfortable in Uzbekistan as a female traveller than I have in many other countries around the world. ⁣
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I was never harassed or catcalled. Instead I had shy locals approach me, often teenagers, hoping to practice their English by having basic conversations with me. As I was taking photos in old town Bukhara a young boy, maybe around 13 was pushed towards me by his family. I saw his mother and father watch proudly as the boy asked me where I was from and if I liked his country. The smile on that boy’s face when I told him I loved it was priceless. ⁣
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In the shops I was always treated with respect. While shop keepers and artists were predominantly male, they were always happy to chat with me. They let me look without harassing me and treated me fairly when haggling. ⁣
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In the streets and at the restaurants we joined the locals dancing. Men danced with me but at a distance. Nobody grabbed me or got too close. It all felt respectful and friendly. At one point a few young men did try to chat me up but a local girl told them to go away and pulled me over to her friends. While I am very appreciative of the female camaraderie, I also did not feel unsafe or threatened by the men. ⁣
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As a predominantly Muslim country I did worry a bit about my wardrobe. But in the end everything was far more casual than I anticipated. We were asked to cover up a little more visiting mosques but scarfs were provided if we didn’t have our own. ⁣
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Of course, like with everywhere else, common sense applies. Especially as a female traveller. However, everywhere I went I felt welcome. I felt safe. And I felt comfortable. ⁣
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Uzbekistan surprised me in the best way and I hope you consider adding it to your own travel list. ⁣
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#uzbekistan #samarkand #silkroad #mosque #femaletraveltips #womenwhoexplore #centralasia #curvytravelblogger
I’m hosting a second Antarctica group trip in pa I’m hosting a second Antarctica group trip in partnership with Intrepid Travel and this one is gonna be big!⁣
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In January of 2025 I’m joining the 23-day expedition to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula for the Antarctica trip of a lifetime. I’m inviting you to join me and offering a limited-time discounted price!⁣
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Right now Intrepid travel is offering 10-15% off all cabins for this voyage but they have given my guests a special discount code to save an extra 5% on top of this sale. That means you can save 15-20% my ESBT Antarctica 2025 trip!⁣
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Full details on the trip itinerary and how to book in the link in my profile (under group trips) or comment here and I will send you details. Heads up though, this deal is only available until December 4th!⁣
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Questions? Drop them below!⁣
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#traveltuesday #antarcticaexpedition #Antarctica #esbtgrouptrips #grouptrips #antarcticpeninsula #girlslovetravel #womenwhowander #7thcontinent #travelsale
Just call me princess Jasmine. ⁣ ⁣ Aladdin is Just call me princess Jasmine. ⁣
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Aladdin is one of my favourite Disney movies and the beautiful buildings of Uzbekistan had me feeling like I had stepped out of real life and into Agrabah. ⁣
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Unfortunately there was no magical Genie, however, the Disney vibe really did come to life thanks to the fact that my brain constantly looped the Aladdin soundtrack. Specially Prince Ali which I sang on a daily basis (my poor group 😂). ⁣
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Scroll for video proof because after singing it for days in the streets it was no surprise when they pulled it up for me in Karaoke. ⁣
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#bukhara #uzbekistan #aladdin #centralasia #silkroad #sheisnotlost #princeali #disneykaraoke
We all have that one piece of clothing that comes We all have that one piece of clothing that comes with us on every single trip and for me, it’s my evolve top from @encircled_ . I’ve been a fan of this shirt since 2015 and it’s literally come on every single trip with me. ⁣
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Part of why I love this top so much is its versatility. The sleeves can be adjusted in length and you can wear it forwards with a scoop neck, or backwards for a higher neckline. ⁣
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The option to keep a little more covered up made it perfect for the spiritual and religious sites in Samarkand so I could stay both comfortable and respectful. ⁣
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Grab one for yourself during Encircled’s Black Friday Sale on now! ⁣ # ad
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#uzbekistan #samarkand #shahizinda #travelfashion #blackfridaysale #supportsmallbusiness #encircledclothing #whatiwore #curvytravel
Once upon a time Samarkand was a main trading cent Once upon a time Samarkand was a main trading centre along the Silk Road and all roads in Samarkand led to this spot: Registan Square. ⁣
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Registan Square,  as we see it today, has three unique Madrassas, each facing a square. At one time, this square held a bazaar. Today, you’ll find it filled with tourists eager to step back in time, take photos, or even to shop. ⁣
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Madrassas were schools but these beautiful buildings, which date back to the 15th and 17th century, no longer function as education centres. Instead the halls and doorways are filled with shops offering some of Uzbekistan’s finest souvenirs. Silk scarves, embroidered suzani pillowcases, handmade ceramics, metalwork, and more. ⁣
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The complex is huge and each nook and cranny begs to be explored. You can easily spend an entire day here, especially if you want to take photos. The blue and green tiles, dramatic archways, and of course the famed golden mosque are all camera-worthy. ⁣
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Your best bet is to come early in the morning (tip: you can bribe the guards for early access) before the crowds come. But keep in mind many shops don’t open until at least 9am. It’s also worth coming back at night for the light show, which is free of charge to stand outside of the gates. ⁣
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#registansquare #registan #registansamarkand #madrassas #silkroad #samarkand #uzbekistan #centralasia
⁣ ⁣ This is the Gur-i Amir complex or the Amir ⁣
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This is the Gur-i Amir complex or the Amir Temur Mausoleum. The final resting place of Timur, a great conqueror and head of the Timur Empire. And according to the legend, his tomb is cursed. ⁣
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Temur ruled for about 35 years but died on his way to China. The tomb was never meant to be his, but his untimely death meant his was buried here next to his son and, later, another son and two grandsons. ⁣
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According to the story, two inscriptions were carved in the tomb upon Temur’s death. The first reading ‘ When I rise from the Dead, the World Shall Tremble’. The second allegedly said ‘Whosoever disturbs my tomb will unleash an invader more terrible than I”. ⁣
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The tomb, which was completed in the early 1400s, was opened by a Soviet architect on June 20, 1941. Only two days later, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. ⁣
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A curse? Or just chance. Who knows. But it seems like Stalin believed the curse and ordered the remains of Temur to be reburied with full rights. ⁣
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#amirtemurmausoleum #guriamir  #samarkand #uzbekistan #centralasia #silkroad #mausoleum  #bluetiles  #beintrepid
⁣ This is Shah-i-Zinda⁣  ⁣ Located in Samar ⁣
This is Shah-i-Zinda⁣
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Located in Samarkand, it’s one of Uzbekistan’s most photographed sites. While the glimmering teal and blue tiles may give this site the look of an ancient royal palace, it’s actually a necropolis that dates back to the 14thcentury.⁣
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The name Shah-i-Zinda translates to ‘tomb of the living king’ in reference to the fact that the cousin of the Prophet Muhammed was buried here. Although there are many more tombs to be seen including those of Timur’s female relatives (Timur being a great conqueror after the time of Ghengis Khan). ⁣
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This ‘avenue’ of Mausoleums is famed world-wide as one of the best examples of Muslim tile work and a must-see when in Samarkand. It’s open to tourists although please make sure to dress respectfully as it is a scared pilgrimage site. Most people choose to visit during daylight hours though it is accessible and lit up at night as well. If you are looking to escape the crowds, you might want to save your visit until the evening as many people are superstitious about visiting a graveyard after the dark. ⁣
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#uzbekistan #samarkand #shahizinda #bluetiles #necropolis #silkroad #beintrepid #sheisnotlost #womenwhoexplore #centralasia
Tiled mausoleums capped with turquoise blue domes. Tiled mausoleums capped with turquoise blue domes. ⁣
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Towering mosques with painted gold designs. ⁣
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Sprawling Madrassas with arched doorways. ⁣
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Endless markets with handmade silk carpets, colourful suzani embroidery, and patterned ceramics. ⁣
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Giant tandoor ovens with juicy somsas and carts offering freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. ⁣
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Uzbekistan was an absolute dream and the videos and photos really don’t do it justice. ⁣
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So much more to share about this incredible part of my Central Asia adventure but here’s a taste of what’s to come. ⁣
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#uzbekistan #samarkand #bukhara #centralasia #beintrepid #silkroad #madrassas #mosques #architecturephotography
As a solo traveller I wasn’t sure how I would fe As a solo traveller I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a bit group trip through Central Asia. But wow am I ever glad I explored Kyrgyzstan with a local guide. ⁣
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The country is beautiful and blew my expectations out of the water. But I can easily say I would never have had the same experience on my own. ⁣
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While English is spoken among some locals in the big cities of Bishkek and Osh, once in the countryside English is pretty much non-existent. So is public transportation. If you don’t rent a car, good luck getting around. And even if you do, some of the roads and drivers are pretty sketchy. ⁣
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Sure independent travellers can find a yurt camp and a homestay but will you know the scenic secret photo stops? Local spots for natural hot springs? The stories of the history behind monuments and historic sites?⁣
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Probably not. ⁣
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Kyrgyzstan, as beautiful as it is, isn’t really set up for tourism. And honestly that’s part of its magic. It’s quiet, it feels ⁣
‘Untouched’ and the hospitality from the locals- who are always so excited to see you and say hi- is next level. ⁣
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So my suggestion for all of those who are keen to explore this country after seeing my stories, don’t try to travel here alone. Hire a local guide or do a tour like I did. It will make a world of difference while exploring this country. ⁣
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PS: I’m on the 17-day Central Asia tour with @intrepidtravel . Not sponsored or affiliated, just an epic trip with an amazing guide. ⁣
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#kyrgyzstan #centralasia #yurtcamp #hotsprings #kyrgz #beintrepid
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