Dsegh, 2019
ME
Anyone who knows me will associate my existence with Armenia in some way and I don't blame them. It's all I talk about.
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My name is Arpa. I call DC home, but my heart is in Armenia. And whenever the rest of me is there, I can't sit still. I'm kicked into overdrive, eager to explore the unexplored with an unquenchable thirst for all things Armenian.
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I've discovered Armenia through the eyes of a visitor, volunteer, and repat, searching far and wide for some of its best kept secrets; inside Yerevan and out. And over the last ten years, I've crossed paths with some of the most inspiring people, places, and experiences along the way; hidden gems that any traveler bound for Armenia ought to know.
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Planning a trip there isn't easy, though, because you won't find quality content about the subject online. That's why I'm often the first person friends approach for recommendations on where to go and what to do, see, eat, and experience in Armenia.
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My recommendations don't exist on Google because to me, Armenia's all about the journey, not the destination. The country has more to offer than Google knows, which is what drove me to kick-start this platform and highlight Armenia's finest: from its bustling wine and underground EDM scenes, to BnBs galore in landscapes untouched and other secrets I want to let you in on.
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I'll work around the clock to keep this platform updated, relevant, and insightful. I want to provide you the tools you need to experience Armenia to its fullest in hopes that you'll be yearning to return, hungry for more.
ARMENIA
In April 2018, Armenia's citizens shocked the Diaspora and rest of the world as they celebrated one of their largest victories in modern history, the Velvet Revolution. It was a peaceful transition of power, ending decades of civil unrest and political turmoil. Since then, Armenia has spiraled into a frenzy of development, prompting economists to title the country 'champion of economic growth' among Europe's emerging markets.
In 2019, Zvartnots Airport welcomed more than three million passengers, its highest traffic ever on record. And as low-cost carriers from Europe enter the Armenian market, that number is only expected to rise and further bolster a flourishing tourism industry.
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The beauty of Armenia lies in its culture, people, spontaneity, and accessible remoteness. Even its most untouched and serene destinations are within reach, closer than you think. Yet travelers are frequently pigeon-holed into tourist traps, unaware that a greater experience is just up the road. That's where Armenia becomes authentic and really starts to show off.
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Did you know, for example, that you can dine in a cave near Noravank? Or paraglide over Lake Sevan? Have you heard of the hundreds of mom and pop BnBs across the country, many of which are just an hour's drive from Yerevan? Have a picnic near Saghmosavank and take up hiking for the day while you're at it!
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While these ideas all sound fun, where do you even begin to plan them? They don't get the attention they deserve online, so let's change that.
YOU
Armenia isn't just a place. It's an experience. A profound one that really starts to take hold once you're immersed in it.
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This isn't actually easy to do when the typical tour bus shuffles you from church to church, paying no mind to the value of your journey between, which itself is an experience. Comfort zones don't help either, so try to avoid both; it goes a long, long way in Armenia.
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My advice?
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Keep an open mind
Stay flexible, be spontaneous, and just go with the flow.
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Follow curiosity
Venture off the beaten path for roads less traveled.
Engage with your surroundings
Slow down and take it all in. Approach people and ask questions.
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Armenia takes some effort and is best discovered at your own pace and on your own time. With that in mind, let's talk about your trip.
YOUR TRIP
It's going to fly by, whether you're in Armenia for a week or an entire month. And if you're not careful, you'll find yourself settling inside Yerevan's bubble, cafe and bar hopping days on end until it's too late to explore something more.
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Don't get me wrong. Yerevan has plenty to offer, but so does the rest of the country. And with a little guidance, planning, and time management, you can explore it all to connect with Armenia on a personal, more meaningful level, regardless of the duration of your stay.
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So don't sell your trip short! Get fired up and plan ahead using the resources on this platform to personalize and enrich whatever experience it is you're on the hunt for.
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Welcome to Armenia.
