Pripyat Visit Or The Soviet Union Through Our Eyes

  • Have you ever wondered what destruction happens to a city or region post a nuclear radiation accident?
  • Are you aware of the Chernobyl Plant and Pripyat city, the site of the nuclear accident situated in the erstwhile USSR?
  • Did you know that there are countless documentaries and movies been made about the Chernobyl disaster?

There are countless stories and myths, which abound about Chernobyl. While some say that it was just an accident at a nuclear plant, others point to a warring country being responsible for executing the same. The nuclear accident at Chernobyl happened in the erstwhile USSR era.

This was roughly around the same time when the Cold War was raging between Communist USSR and the Western Capitalist world. The stories, myths, controversies have made Chernobyl somewhat of an urban legend.

Chernobyl has become so famous that it has been featured in a Netflix series. It has also started attracting audiences and tourists from all over the world, who want to see one of the most significant remnants of our modern history.

An Introduction to Pripyat, the city surrounding Chernobyl

Visiting Pripyat today we could only imagine that it was a city of opportunity, where almost every resident had a prestigious job and a promising future. This city is located on the Pripyat River, 3 kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, has been prosperous and advanced since its foundation.

Until April 26, 1986, when the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant forced more than 300 thousand people to leave their homes due to the threat of radiation. This is how the exclusion zone appeared – an area of 2,600 square kilometers, free of people.

Before the Chernobyl incident, Pripyat was one of the most economically developed and bustling cities of the USSR. The trade, commerce, and lifestyle of the people were as good as it could get under a Communist regime. Culturally, Pripyat embodied the best of the USSR. The Chernobyl accident was a major turning point in the fortunes of the city and its inhabitants.

The Problems faced by Inhabitants of Pripyat after the Chernobyl Accident

Many inhabitants were forced to shift to government camps and medical facilities. They were monitored for radiation and many also faced isolation and therapy. Even after the nuclear winter ended, traces of radiation were found in water, soil, etc. The government could not ever settle inhabitants in the city. Many were forced to migrate thousands of miles to different regions, often starting from scratch.

The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant changed hundreds of thousands of destinies, caused enormous economic damage, and a crushing blow to the nuclear industry. In the shortest possible time, the whole city was to be empty, people were not allowed to take anything except documents. Visiting Pripyat now, we can see how much pain it was for people to leave in a hurry all their property acquired over the years.

As Pripyat was a bustling center of trade and commerce, you can still see so many markets, big complexes, theatres, and auditoriums. Many historians have stated that Pripyat was as rich and powerful as Moscow was. However, after the accident, there was just chaos and destruction as far as the eye could see.

Chernobyl

How Chernobyl looks like today?

Here is what you can expect if you visit Chernobyl today

Visiting Chernobyltoday is like returning to the distant Soviet Union. Here you can still see elements of communist propaganda, personal belongings scattered on the streets, and abandoned buildings. The hammer and sickle adorn the lanterns on the eve of the May holidays, which were not destined to take place. Toys are scattered across the schoolyard, abandoned by children in the confusion. The clock in the city shows 11:55 – the time of the power outage.

Visiting Chernobyl safe is possible with the help of the professional guides, who know all the impressive but at the same time safe places of the abandoned city. Chernobyl visit is available in several options:

  1. One-day tour (Includes 27 top locations, lasts for 11 hours including comfortable bus. The price is from 35 euro per person)
  2. Two-day tour (Includes 57 top locations, lasts for 36 hours including top comfortable bus. The price is from 95 euro per person)
  3. Private tour (No restrictions on the number of locations, no limitation on hours – one, two, or even five days in Chernobyl)

Present-day Chernobyl: What is happening?

Whatever tour you choose Chernobyl visit will give you an opportunity to see how nature conquers human error. Pripyat turns into a forest. Houses begin to collapse, asphalt turns into moss, houses grow into trees, wide avenues disappear. Visiting Pripyat, it will be interesting to see:

  • Shelter “Sarcophagus”. It covers the destroyed Unit 4 to protect the environment from continued exposure to radiation.
  • The Exclusion Zone. Excursions along this area are conducted with visits to local “attractions”, museums, and communication with self-settlers.
  • Amusement Park. The official opening of the amusement park was planned for May 1, 1986.
  • Red Forest. It has absorbed a huge dose of radioactive dust. Most of the trees died, and the survivors took on a rusty hue.
  • The Bridge of Death. The townspeople came here to see the burning reactor, not knowing that the radiation level here was one of the highest in the city.

Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of tourists made a visit to Chernobyl and Pripyat. But, believe me, the emotions that you feel when you find yourself in this city cannot be compared with anything.

The Final Word

If you are someone who is fascinated by Cold War history or seeing the height of Communist Power in the USSR, you will love Chernobyl. Even though the city and the region lie in ruins, there is a quaint romance about the place. Describing how you would feel after visiting Chernobyl is something that even the best travel writers cannot do.

Part of the reason is that Chernobyl and Pripyat remain one of those rare places on Earth, which can still give you goosebumps. You have a city, without inhabitants, you have markets without shoppers, and you have buildings without owners.

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Ariana Smith is a blogger who loves to write about anything that is related to technology, She also has interest in entrepreneurship & Digital marketing world including social media & advertising.

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Top 3-Week Itineraries for a Perfect Tour of Europe : T AND TB

BY Mashum MollahFeb 18, 2018

Europe is one of the best holiday destinations in the world. There are a number of Europe packages available online, giving you the ultimate in convenience when it comes to planning your trip. Do your research and finalize on a Europe tour that appeals to your travel goals. In this blog, we cover the five top Europe tour packages you need to consider to make your trip to Europe memorable! London and Paris : London and Paris is the perfect Europe tour package to get a wind of the enchanting, mesmerizing, and magnificent country! By starting your Europe tour in London, you get a taste of what Europe has to offer you. Visit the British Museum, ride the London Eye, stroll in the Hyde park, and visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Take a tour of London on the famous double-decker bus! Do the research, note down places to visit and spend half of your tour to enjoy the beauty of London. Take the Chunnel and travel to Paris. Relive the romance and dive into their famous cuisine and culture. Paris is a must-have in your places to visit when you book Europe packages. The topmost tourist attractions in Paris are The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay. England and Scotland : England and Scotland is another popular choice when booking Europe Packages. The obvious place in England to jump-start your Europe tour is London. With amazing cuisine and tourist attractions, London offers you a bag full of fun activities, delicious food, and historical monuments that ensures a perfect and exciting holiday destination. Take the train north to a small Roman city of York. The city walls build in the early 13th century are still intact and houses one of the oldest and famous cathedrals in Europe. Visit the national railway museum, York Castle, and the Jorvik Viking Centre to get a taste of the history! Edinburgh is the best choice as the last destination on your Europe tour. Being the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh accommodates the Museum of Scotland that is famous for its historic exhibition. Visit the Scott Monument, Scottish National Gallery, Arthur’s Seat, and The Edinburgh Castle for a perfect tour end. Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm : Explore the three interesting and beautiful cities of Scandinavia when booking your Europe tour package. Copenhagen is one of the most gorgeous city of Scandinavia, and a great choice if you are traveling with your family. Visit the magnificent Nyhavn harbor, Tivoli Gardens, Dyrehavsbakken, and the Copenhagen Opera House to get a glimpse of this captivating city. The next stop is Stockholm. A gorgeous city, Stockholm is famous for its City Hall, Vasa, Skansen, Gamla Stan, and the Moderna Museet. The great thing about visiting Stockholm is that there is no shortage of Airports in Sweden, with Arlanda and Västerås both popular options for a city break. The final destination in this Europe package is Oslo, Norway. Ski jump, learn all about vikings and their history, and sneak a peek at the Fjords to experience the perfect Europe tour. Rome, Florence, and Venice : Italy is a dream destination. Three weeks is just enough to tour and get a taste of Italy. The top three cities of Italy are Rome, Florence and Venice. When booking your Europe tour, ensure that you give the maximum time to Florence, as this city has a lot to offer! Start with the enchanting Rome, and visit the famous Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and The Vatican Museums! Next stop is Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. Florence is famous for a number of tourist attractions, such as Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and The Florence Cathedral. Visit all these places to get a glimpse of the beautiful and captivating city. End this Europe tour with Venice, the capital of Italy’s Veneto region. Include Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, San Marco Campanile, and St. Mark’s Basilica in your places to visit in Venice. Barcelona And The French Riviera : Barcelona is a great place to include in your Europe tour. The top places that you need to visit in Barcelona include the Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Familia, The Rambla, and Park Güell. It also has a number of incredible day-trip places nearby, such as Girona, Tarragona, Costa Brava, and Montserrat, you need to take to enjoy the best experiences in Europe! In the French Riviera, Nice is the best choice to make your home base. Take a train from Nice to nearby coastal cities, such as Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes to enhance your experience. Bottom Line : There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to booking Europe tours. Keeping the above list in mind, it is crucial that you do your research and first shortlist a few reputable travel websites that offer Europe packages. Examine each website, and check their ratings and reviews. Finalize on one that has the best ratings and offers the Europe packages to all the popular places that you wish to visit. Always remember to ask for a detailed quote and ask questions to clear all doubts before you book your Europe tour package. Read More : 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip. Travel Tips to Help You Out In Asia. Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events.

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5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip

BY rimshaatherDec 2, 2021

Everyone should travel abroad and explore the mysterious corners of the world at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to start your journey than Europe, which literally has it all. From quaint little hamlets to breathtaking natural wonders, bustling spired cities to soul-soothing golden beaches, Gondola rides in the Venetian canal to romantic candle-lit dinners atop the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention, the friendly indigenous folk, the local cultural events, and the refreshingly unique food. Indeed, traveling across Europe is sure to turn your life around for the better, enriching it with precious memories of interesting adventures. But there are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you can begin this Euro trip. Let me help you with a few backpacking tips if you prefer to travel on foot and point you in the right direction. Here are 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip: Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in one of those pricier hotels, then go for it. But if you’re a backpacker, then you might want to save on the accommodation costs, for which there are plenty of options. Here are a few helpful backpacking tips: 1. Seasonal Selection: If it is during wintertime that you decide to begin your Euro-tour, then head over to the places with the best skiing facilities and the most tasteful New Year parties, like Finland, Sweden or Austria, etc. In the case of the spring season, perfectly balanced between the dying winter and the emerging summer, select Netherlands, Greece, France, or Ireland as your European destinations, in full bloom. For an autumnal golden view mixed with browns and greens, travel to the Mediterranean. As the tourist traffic dies down, enjoy the pleasant quietness of the coastlines and explore the eerie cities of Spain and Italy, etc. Finally, if the hot summer season is your choice for the trip, then make your way to the Baltic regions, the eastern Slovenian mountains and the wonderful Balkan coastline. Just make sure to pick your season wisely and not begin your journey haphazardly. 2. Euro-Train Travel There are many ways you could go around Europe, but the best mode of transportation for backpackers is the railway. It is featured in many wanderlust movies, like Before Sunset (2004) which shows the characters getting the most out of their journey via train travel. You can order these movies by visiting here, for further inspiration. Why the train, you ask? Well, for starters, you can better enjoy the multi-colored view of the European landscape from your train window, rather than from an airplane. Other than that, if you sleep overnight in your cabin on one of those long rides, then you’ll save on accommodation costs. Plus, most countries require a single train pass, like a Eurail or an Interrail Global pass, in order to become accessible. Cool, right? 3. Accommodation Options Visiting Europe is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From searching hotels in west London to packing your bags for the southernmost tip of Prague, there is so much to do. If you truely want things to be just right, here are a few useful tips: Guesthouse: This is a private mode of lodging, where the hosts allot one separate section of their house to a paying guest for staying in. It also goes by the name of the bed and breakfast. You can book your spot in such guesthouses online by going for digital accommodation apps like Airbnb etc. They give a much homelier welcome than the super-formal hotels, so you won’t feel home-sick. Hostel: Also known by the name of an ‘inn’, this accommodation system goes way back to medieval times. It is an establishment that gives inexpensive lodging and food to students, workers, and travelers mostly. Book your rooms beforehand to avoid any sort of inconvenience. Camp: If you want to truly test yourself and connect with the nature on the rawest level, then book your spot on a well-equipped camping site. It is not only quite affordable, and but comes with a special bonfire bonding. University Stays: Most of the universities in certain countries offer cheap lodgings to students. You can avail of this option as well. There are other accommodation options too, but these are the ones which I’d recommend. 4. Cultural Delve Once you reach a place, be sure to collect as many experiences as you can, and such experiences begin once you indulge in the local cultures. Festivals are a major part of any culture, so plan your trip around such events in advance. There’s the orange battle festival in Italy, the bullfight in Spain, the shamrock-jeweled St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, and the interesting naked run Roskilde festival in Denmark, etc. In addition to such events, be sure to savor the curious, indigenous cuisines. Instead of going to the expensive restaurants, save on your backpacker’s budget by eating like the locals. Refresh your taste buds with the multi-colored street food. Popular dishes include French crêpes, Denmark’s smørrebrød, the Italian trattoria, currywurst of Berlin and the Belgian fries, etc. Apart from this, the best option would be to cook your own food. Handpick ingredients from the local markets, which come with their own titillating flavors. Markets are a hubbub of interesting activity. Don’t forget to add them to your tour. Do buy small souvenirs, like key chains, to hang from your backpacks. 5. Nightly Forays One word: pubs. Even though the days are full of invigorating explorations, nights are equally alive with inebriation in the European countries. So, there are plenty of reasons to stay up late and go on nightly forays. There are hipster dives in London and Berlin, ruin bars in Budapest, and wine tastings in France and Italy. Moreover, the flamenco music scene in Seville, historic pubs of Oxford, and cafes in Brussels are a must-visit too. Do not miss out on these dark, happy hours by wasting them away on sleep. One important tip that you should definitely keep in mind is that your safety is your own responsibility once you go backpacking tips across Europe. So, do not take any chances with expensive cameras or jewelry, and always be on your guard. Especially, when you go on the roads less taken and explore under-the-radar areas, like Berat or Olomouc. Be sure to take the basic precautions to stay safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How long is the backpacking trip to Europe? A:  For larger Europen sites you will need 2 to 4 full days and 3 to 5 nights. For smaller sites, you will need 1 to 2 days maximum. So it all depends on how much time you can spend on your trip to Europe.  Q2: Is backpacking to Europe is cheap? A: If you choose the peak time which is the Summer season, then it is going to be expensive for you as well as the place will be crowded. To have a smooth trip to Europe with any crowd and also where accommodations are 50% cheaper, travel during the shoulder or offseason. Q3: Are hostels in Europe safe? A: Not that much, the common security issue you will face is theft, especially in larger cities like Paris and Rome. therefore the hostels have lockers that save your belongings from getting robbed. But always carry your purse along with your passport, credit cards, IDs with you.  Q4: Is there any age limit to take a trip to Europe? A: Hostels and Hotels will only allow you if you are 18 or above, otherwise a guardian accompanying you will be nice. Exception when counted, Germany’s Bavarian Region does not consider this age thing in most hostels.  Wrapping Up: So, whenever you plan your backpacking tips journey, be sure to pay attention to the aforementioned tips. These will surely benefit you in the long run and make your Euro-trip bump-free. Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe

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10 Tips for Traveling Across Europe

BY Ariana SmithFeb 20, 2021

Europe is a jewel of a continent. From the west to the east, no country is the same as the last, with each nation having its own unique customs, architecture, and must-see attractions. Traveling across Europe is fairly easy thanks to the fact the vast majority of it is landlocked, meaning it’s common for people to travel across the continent on an extended break rather than simply visiting one country and then coming back to visit another the following year. Whilst traveling from country to the country might seem effortless, there are a number of things you need to be aware of. When traveling to somewhere in Europe such as Ireland, make sure to book a reputable airport transfer company in advance. If you’re thinking of traveling across Europe, make sure you keep these 10 tips in mind before your trip commences. 1. Currency Changes: Time zone changes are a given, but currency changes aren’t. You’d be forgiven for thinking that most European countries use the Euro, but they don’t. Not every country on the continent of Europe is in the EU (such as the UK, Norway, and Turkey). Regardless of whether a country is the European Union, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to use the Euro. Such countries include: Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Hungary Poland Romania Sweden It’s always worth keeping Euro with you as some countries that don’t normally use the Euro will accept it as a form of payment, but you should be mindful of the currency of the countries you’re going to be visiting and make a note of the exchange rates. 2. Opening Hours (Siestas) Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going, you’ll likely encounter different opening hours to what you’re used to. This mainly applies to hot countries like Spain where it’s traditional for the locals to take a siesta during the hottest part of the day. This results in many businesses closing at noon for two hours. In tourist hotspots and resort areas, this might not be the case as businesses attempt to maximize profits, but in hidden gem areas that are off the beaten track, it’s more likely that this long-term tradition will be adhered to. So, you need to make sure you’re aware of closing times and societal opening hours before you’re caught short and in need of urgent supplies but can’t get any. 3. Temperature Changes: Europe is a very varied continent that spans over 1,339 miles from the east to the west and 2,076 miles from north to south. Whilst it’s one of the smallest continents on Earth, it encompasses sub-arctic and desert landscapes all in one. If you’re planning on traveling from the west to the east, or the north to the south, you’re likely to experience all of these temperatures during your trip, so you need to pack accordingly. Whilst you might be okay wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in Rome, you will most definitely want sturdy boots, wooly mittens, and a big parka coat by the time you get to Russia. The last thing you want is to freeze (or melt) and have to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe for every country you visit. 4. Pack Light: We’ve just said to pack for every eventuality, but in the same breath, pack light. Europe is full of narrow streets, winding roads, and dainty amenities, and that can make lugging two 20kg suitcases extremely difficult. You’re more than likely going to be taking several types of transport and constantly be moving from place to place, so the last thing you want is to pack up your entire life every other week and drag it along some impractically small cobbled streets. Instead, take two of everything, with enough fresh underwear to last a week. That means two jumpers, two pairs of jeans, two skirts/shorts, two dresses, etc. There will be plenty of launderettes around to wash your clothes for you, and whilst going to the launderette every week might not sound too pleasant, neither does dragging your whole wardrobe down the winding, single file, cobbled streets of Greece. 5. Travel By Ground: Europe is – mostly – a landlocked mass (with the exception of some islands and parts of Scandinavia). Europeans also rely heavily on trains to get to and from places, and this means the countries are typically well connected by railway lines. If you’re planning to travel across Europe, do so by train as much as you can. It’s cheap, it’s fast and it gives you the chance to take in much more of the natural beauty the continent is home to. If you’re going to be traveling to islands like the UK and those in the Mediterranean, ferries are an option that is still often cheaper than flying. When it comes to getting to hard-to-reach locations, taxis are your friend. Whether you opt for Uber or an independent company like Place2Place, taxis are rife in Europe and easy enough to hail down. Once you get to your destination, you may wish to rent a car with the help of a site like StressFreeCarRental.com to give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and go exactly where it is you would like to. 6. Comfortable Shoes: As mentioned, Europe is home to many narrow streets, cobbled roads, and elevated inclinations. There’s a LOT of walking to be done, so make sure you pack a comfy pair of trainers or flats because this is one continent where – no matter where you are – you won’t be able to appreciate it in a pair of heels. 7. Reservations: Most of Europe is flooded by tourists at any given time of the year which results in almost every restaurant being rammed almost all of the time. If you’re a spontaneous diner, you’ll need to change your ways – and fast. Europeans work on a basis of reservations. You might even need to reserve a seat in a bar because it gets so busy! Make sure to call up a day in advance to book your place, otherwise, you’ll find yourself eating a McDonald’s instead of a traditional local delicacy, and that would be a complete waste of a trip. 8. Tap Water: Depending on where you go, tap water in Europe varies, so it’s best to stay away from it. Bottled water is incredibly destructive to the environment, but tap water in Europe could be incredibly destructive to your digestive system, so it’s all about weighing up the risks. By this, we mean the number of minerals in the water can change drastically which could cause nausea or diarrhea. It’s important to remember the tap water in Europe is perfectly safe to drink and is strictly monitored, but it can vary from place to place which means your stomach could get a little upset by it. This is something to keep in mind. 9. Food Tourist Traps: Earlier we mentioned making reservations, but it’s also important to note to avoid food tourist traps. Major attractions will be dotted with eateries and coffee shops, and whilst they’re practical, they’re also double the price and half the quality of other local places. Venture just a bit further out and you’ll find some beautiful places full of local delicacies that are much better prepared and much more reasonably priced. 10. Flight Compensation (EC 261): In the event you do travel by air across Europe, the good news is, you’re covered by EC 261 which is a flight compensation scheme. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, is canceled or if you’re denied boarding, you’re entitled to compensation and the airline must provide accommodation where necessary. This applies to all flights taking off or landing in European countries, regardless of if the airline does not belong to an EU member state. This is a nice little bit of protection should things take a turn for the worst. If you are looking for great day tour options, then booking someone like Collins Day Tours is a great idea. These are just 10 tips for traveling across Europe, but the biggest tip of all is to HAVE FUN! Read Also: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists