MIR’s Jake Smith, Director of Special Projects, has lived and worked in Central Asia for years, gathering first-hand knowledge of this part of the world. Enjoy his insider’s guide to some of the most stunning stops along the route through the Tien Shan Mountains – from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Kashgar, China. Read More
As experts in travel to Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia and beyond, it's always gratifying when word of our tours and destinations is noticed and shared. Here are some of MIR’s recent mentions in the press... Read More
MIR co-founder and president, Doug Grimes, journeys overseas for months each year, looking for new experiences in favorite old places and updating itineraries to bring you the best of the best in MIR’s slice of the globe. He recently returned from Moscow and reported that it has gone through a major transformation over the last three or four years. Because of all the recent updates, he suggests travelers spend a few extra days in Moscow to really take in the city and all its beautiful architecture, pedestrian streets, cool restaurants, museums and cultural events. Here are four recent changes that have given Moscow a different look and feel today, and make the city a fabulous place to explore. Read More
When people think of Hungary, they usually picture its capital, Budapest. But there are many charming places in this old country. One of them is Eger. Read More
Steeped in layers of complex history and epic landscapes, Armenia encompasses one of the most captivating corners of the Caucasus. Set in a region that’s still unfamiliar to many Americans, this little landlocked nation is considered one of Europe’s most ancient inhabited places. Its extraordinary collection of centuries-old monuments and rich, deeply ingrained culture stand as a firm testament to its age and importance. Here are 10 ways to discover Armenia before everyone else does. Read More
Yakutsk is one of the coldest big cities on earth – so cold it’s entirely built on permafrost. Most of its buildings are on pylons or stilts, made of wood or concrete, so they won’t melt the permafrost. Lisa Peterson, MIR Private Journeys Specialist, traveled to this land of extremes on a summer trip. She knew it would be a lark, but it also turned out to be seriously cool. Read More
Jake Smith joined MIR after several years of living and working in Tajikistan. Having visited many times, the small town of Penjikent remains one of his favorite places to hang out. As Jake points out, Tajikistan has an abundance of treasures to offer a traveler. Here he shares a list of seven attractions that he recommends each visitor see while in Penjikent. Read More
The bounteous country of Georgia in the South Caucasus is a heaven-on-earth kind of place. Georgia has everything a traveler could want. Now is the best time to travel to the Republic of Georgia. It’s gaining steam as a must-see destination thanks to an ever-expanding list of travel expert recommendations and acclaim. Go see it for yourself before this under-the-radar destination hits the big time. Check out this list of 5 wonderful experiences you can have in the gorgeous and welcoming country of Georgia. Read More
Travel and food writer Carla Capalbo has published the first of a planned series of lightweight, small, pocket-style guides on Georgian food and wine. Perfect for carrying in a pocket or daypack, these little guides are available in Georgia as well as in the U.S. In Georgian Khachapuri & Filled Breads, she introduces 10 of Georgia’s most delicious breads from different regions of the country. Carla has worked hard to make her recipes accessible to anyone, even if the exact ingredients can’t be found. Preparing and baking a few of these recipes is almost as good as being in Georgia – almost. Read More
A compact jewel of a country, blue with lakes and green with forested mountains, the little landlocked republic of Macedonia might just be one of Europe's most intriguing and underrated travel gems. Surrounded by Greece, Albania, and Bulgaria on the Balkan Peninsula, this tiny nation has occupied a long forgotten and under-explored corner of the globe, but today is ready to step out of the shadows of its frequently overlooked — yet historically significant — past. Whether you're searching for vibrant art and culture or seeking out thrilling new landscapes and outdoor adventures, here are six reasons to plan your next trip to Macedonia. Read More
MIR’s Jake Smith, Director of Special Projects, has lived and worked in Central Asia for years, gathering first-hand knowle... Read more
A recent feature in Men’s Journal Magazine about adventurous — yet still accessible — far north destinations included b... Read more
Pin this page