Travelling as a Ukrainian and a Woman in 2023: Experiences and Advices by Yuliia Berkuta

Yet, mesmerizing videos of the beauty of Ukraine and the peaceful life there before Russia started the illegal invasion of this country, calling the world for help, published by Yuliia, are a strong reminder that she, just as every other Ukrainian has been deeply affected by the war, and suffered its consequences.

In an interview for AtoZSerwisPlus.com, Yuliia has unfolded some of her experiences, advises for women travelling, and the ways her life has changed in the last year.

Since February 24, Yuliia, who is a travel photographer and blogger, has been unemployed.

“…society is busy with other things such as survival, struggle, support for each other, and rebuilding the country that is being destroyed every day,” she says, pointing out that international companies have suspended their activities in Ukraine in order not to expose their employees to danger, and Ukrainian companies, when possible, prefer to help the army and volunteers, rather than promote their products through influencers.

She also notes that currently, for security reasons, Ukraine has harsh restrictions on where photos can be taken, including a complete ban on drones, that Yuliia actively uses in her creative work, which can be seen on her Instagram profile.

“With constant shelling and blackouts, heating and water cut-offs, people do not think about travelling and are more focused on satisfying basic needs. So, my work as a travel organizer and personal trips are now almost on pause and I have less opportunities to create content for portfolio and social medias,” she says, expressing her belief and hopes that the war will end and she will be able to go back to the passion and work.

Yet, until that happens, Yuliia will continue to get glances at her car, as it has happened since the war started. And though the majority of people she meets with during her trips express their desire for the war to end as soon as possible, she still claims that most people not realize the scale of the tragedy in which about 40 million Ukrainians live.

Travelling as a Woman: Safety Tips & Advises

Research made in 2018 had revealed than 83 per cent of women claim they have experienced one or more safety-related concerns or incidents while traveling in the prior year. The experience has impacted their travel choices and behaviours.

After having travelled for many years, since at a young age, Yuliia has some very important advises and tips from women travellers, in order for them to be safe at all times.

The number one advise is that before every trip, women travellers must be informed carefully about their destination country, and what is accepted and what not in their culture.

“It is worth familiarizing yourself with the general cultural characteristics of the countries you are going to, so as not to get into a situation where your actions may be perceived as disrespectful to local residents,” she notes.

In addition, she advises women who are travelling on a budget not to always look for the cheapest options through intermediaries, as they are not always safe.

According to her, it is better to go through online short-term rental services like Airbnb and Booking while always reading the reviews carefully.

“I also recommend keeping a close eye on your drinks and food, especially if you’re having them in the company of people you’ve just met,” she says, adding that one should always lock the hotel room with e key and never give their passport to anyone.

When asked which are the safest places to travel to in her experience, Yuliia says that if one follows general safety rules, is cautious, and critically evaluates strangers, then every country is conditionally safe, just as every country is conditionally dangerous, if one does not pay attention.

“After all, there are people everywhere with both good and bad intentions, and you need to be able to distinguish between these intentions and avoid unwanted contacts or situations in time,” she asserts.

Northern Lights: Europe’s Miracle Everyone Should Witness

To Yuliia, the Northern Lights is that one phenomenon that every traveller should experience at least once in their life. According to her, the whole hunting for the lights is an adventure in itself.

“I am a person who endlessly confesses in love with nature in all its manifestations, and probably the most amazing thing created by nature that I have seen, is the Northern Lights. It is an incredible experience to see how it appears and dance in the sky,” she notes.

She also invites all travellers to explore Ukraine once the war is over.

“We are very hospitable people with an age-old history, interesting culture and delicious cuisine,” Yulia says.

Before 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, Ukraine used to welcome over 20 million foreign tourists every year, with a record of 23 million marked in 2012. However, since then, the number has dropped to ten million, and even lower since February 24, when the Russian military started the occupation of Ukraine.