Armenia or Azerbaijan?

[section8]

Emirates Airline has some super cheap airfares ($429/RT) from Seattle to those countries next Fall. Both have long layovers in Dubai on the return.

Which would you pick and why?

How is Emirates as an airline?

[Lincoln]

If it was me i'd choose Armenia ...the reason why is when i lived in London i worked with a few Arnenians and found them to be awesome, i ended up being invited to loads of weddings (really long winded affairs)...they are a spirited and driven people and love their drugs,i like the Amenians.

[section8]

That's how I'm leaning. Armenia looks great.

[Bill Barilko]

Armenian food looks outstanding

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Q4UGkWGvBZtTodFI01Ntg

[section8]

I may actually pull the trigger on this. Would I have to get a passport?

[cuchulainn]

A Ralph’s Club card should be fine.

[lolasf]

They're having killer sales to Algeria too. I spent some time checking it out this morning, I would love to go.

[Xerius]

I'd opt for Armenia. Both countries have very friendly, hospitable people and relatively similar cuisine, but Armenia has more diverse scenery and more engaging historical/cultural draws. Azerbaijan has Baku, Şəki, and the southeastern foothills of the Caucasus, which are interesting and attractive, but probably only good for a week to ten days at best. Armenia, while smaller, could easily occupy you for two or three weeks (especially if you're keen on tacking on Karabakh).

But if you're going all the way to the Caucasus and it's your first time, the real pearl of the region is Georgia. Just saying.

As for Emirates, I've flown them several times (including two separate trips this year) and found them top-notch. Service and amenities are excellent, seats - even in cattle class - are comfortable, and food is actually fairly decent as well. They and Singapore are probably the best airlines I've been on. Not a big fan of the red-eye return flights direct from UAE though....

[section8]

I'd love to hit Georgia too, but this would be an opportunistic trip and based on the bizarrely cheap airfare. I'm going to have 7-10 days on the ground.

They're having killer sales to Algeria too. I spent some time checking it out this morning, I would love to go.

I'd love to spend some time along the Algerian coast but my wifu vetoed it already.

[leela]

Can't advise on the destination, but Emirates is an excellent airline. I'm prepared to pay a premium and have an extra stop with them, for my African flights. They're that much better than the alternatives.

[Lost Soul]

Armenia all day.

Check out polar's pictorial in the travel journalism branch.

[section8]

goddamn it. The fares have shot up already.

[Citizen Baba]

Coming from Georgia, Armenia was a snooze. Homemade food may be good, but in restaurants, it's not. They are mostly for socializing and giving the housewife a break. There are some interesting ancient churches and artwork.

I haven't been to Azerbaijan.

[simon_in_exile]

Emirates is excellent - have flown many times with them. I need to get myself to Armenia and Azerbaijan at some point - it's a short hop from Moscow. Do Americans need a visa for Azerbaijan? Brits do, but Armenia and Georgia are visa-free: worth considering in case those fares plummet again.

[GLimpet]

Fly Dubai does cheapies from DXB to Baku so worth checking them out for other destinations in the area.

AZ Visa regime changes according to government whim but last time I sent someone there, UK, USA and Aus needed visas. UK fee was much higher for some reason.

[rezuar]

Another vote for Armenia, if you can’t squeeze in Georgia.

[polardude1]

A vote for Armenia and try and get a taste of Georgia

[Citizen Baba]

You should ask polardude to post his photos.

[strife]

Emirates is the best. Can't help as to the destinations.

Lola, I've heard that Algiers is an awful city, and very mixed things about the country. I have dreams of a trans-Sahara drive through Algeria, but not possible to take that much time off at this point in my career.

[micvan]

Georgia is amazing! Armenia is interesting but I much preferred Georgia.

[Electrolyte]

Been to both and I vote for Armenia. More to see and better food. Haven't been to Georgia.

[lolasf]

Lola, I've heard that Algiers is an awful city, and very mixed things about the country. I have dreams of a trans-Sahara drive through Algeria, but not possible to take that much time off at this point in my career.

Well, let me know when you're ready, I'll go with you. I don't know that we'd be that much safer together, but my mom would feel better about it.

[simon_in_exile]

Georgia is amazing! Armenia is interesting but I much preferred Georgia.

I’ve got 8 days in late October (daughter’s school half term) and am debating whether to:
a. fly into Yerevan and out of Tbilisi and spend eg 3 days Armenia and 5 in Georgia, or
b. fly in and out of Tbilisi and spent the whole time in Georgia.

Haven’t figured out how to get around - if we hire a car (as friends have done) then it’s likely option b, but if the mountains are all snowed under by then maybe option a is better.

Thoughts, anyone??

[polardude1]

I got aroud Armenia and Georgia in shard taxis, but you have so little time, it would be best to hire a driver. The country is small enough where yo can base yor self in Yerevan.

If you're going to Tatev Monastery in the south, you can stop and visit Noravank Monastery on your return. If your traveling by land to Georgia, yor cna vist the tonw of Alaverdi on the way to. Tblisi.
Tatev


Noravank


The scenery arond Nravank is very colorful and dramatic

[Geoffers]

I’m another fan of Georgia, good wine and friendly people.

[Electrolyte]

Just got back from Azerbaijan. Much more developed than when I went 12 years ago. Great food. But I would still recommend Armenia ahead of it (and still haven't seen Georgia).

[rezuar]

Just got back from Azerbaijan. Much more developed than when I went 12 years ago. Great food. But I would still recommend Armenia ahead of it (and still haven't seen Georgia).

Georgia will blow your mind away. I really wish I could go there one day.

[simon_in_exile]

Georgia was OK. I loved Armenia.

[Citizen Baba]

Georgia was OK. I loved Armenia.

That's funny. I was the exact opposite.

Did you go to Svaneti?