Summer isn’t just coming — it is rushing straight at us. And I don’t know about you, but I keep getting the same question every time I see someone: “So, are you going anywhere this June or July?”

And just for context — here in the Gulf, “going somewhere during the summer” rarely means a quick one-week escape. We are talking about a proper getaway. A month, minimum.

This is the second article in our series where we break down what it actually costs to spend a decent stretch of summer abroad — without tipping into the completely unreasonable. The idea is simple: places that make sense. Good weather (otherwise, why leave?), genuinely nice to live in, and still relatively respectful of your budget. Our first stop was Bali. And now to the second one:

Georgia.

Well, as always, I am here to gently set the scene — just enough to give you a feel for what to expect when you arrive. And Georgia has some genuinely strong points when it comes to a longer summer stay for a remote worker.

First — the weather

This is where you shouldn’t really listen to locals telling you it is too hot. Compared to the UAE, it truly isn’t.

A small life hack: the mountains in Georgia aren’t exactly “in season” in summer, but we still spent a week there — and it was completely worth it. If you are after a cooler escape, think quiet houses, proper blankets, almost no people, and cows passing by in the morning. The only drawback: fewer people usually means only a handful of cafés open nearby.

Second — cafés and co-working culture

Georgia, overall, can feel a little outdated in parts, but the café scene is on another level. Good Wi-Fi, very good coffee, and genuinely pleasant spaces to sit and work. So everyone planning to work remotely will have no shortage of spots to settle into.

Third — the pace of life

We all, at some point, look for a moment to slow down — and summer usually gives us that window, with the workload easing across almost every sphere. Georgia really supports that rhythm. Instead of staying at home and scrolling, you naturally end up outside: walking, stopping by simple cafés, and actually enjoying the season for what it is.

A quick note before we start: all the prices below are averages — aimed at a level of spending that still lets you properly enjoy your time in the country, not just get by. And if you go above that level... well, don’t blame me.

Georgia isn't only an easy destination to enjoy, but also a very visa-friendly one. In most cases, entry is visa-free.

There are a few exceptions — including travellers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and, in some cases, Egypt (depending on residency status). For many African countries, an e-visa is usually required.

One important detail: unlike some other destinations, border control in Georgia can be quite strict. It isn't unusual for them to check your return ticket and accommodation on arrival — so it is best to have everything ready in advance.

Unlike Bali — where we would usually suggest reaching out to property owners directly — here I would recommend a slightly different approach, especially if you are only staying for a month or so.

In Georgia, the best way to experience the country is by moving around. What worked best for us was starting in Tbilisi, then heading to the mountains and wine regions, and eventually coming back. That shift in locations is what really creates the sense of escape — and for that kind of flexibility, platforms like Booking or Airbnb become genuinely useful.

Yes, they typically charge at least 30–50% more than booking directly with an owner. But in Georgia, we had a few last-minute cancellations even with confirmed bookings, so using a platform still feels like the safer option. At least you have some level of protection — and a much higher chance of actually securing your stay (and getting your money back quickly if something goes wrong).

In terms of pricing:

A good Airbnb in Tbilisi — well-located and nicely renovated — will usually cost around 2,000–3,000 AED per month

In Batumi, it is slightly cheaper: 1,500–2,300 AED per month

For shorter stays, like a weekend in Kutaisi or a winery region, expect around 300–700 AED for 2–3 nights.

One important note for summer: make sure your apartment has proper AC. It isn't always guaranteed — and you will definitely need it, even though the overall weather in Georgia is quite pleasant.

If you are trying to keep things budget-friendly, public transport in Georgia is actually a very solid option. A single ride on the bus or metro costs around 1,5 AED and gives you 90 minutes of unlimited transfers. There is also a monthly pass for around 55–60 AED.

Now, if comfort wins (and let’s be honest, for many of us it does), taxis are a great fallback — especially since they are very accessible in Georgia. A short city ride will usually land somewhere around 12–15 AED, while a longer one (around 10 km) is closer to 30–35 AED. We mostly used the Bolt app.

A small life hack: rent a car just for the weekend — from Friday to Monday — to explore outside the city. No point paying for it during the week when it will mostly sit idle.

If you do plan to rent, expect around 370–550 AED for four days (Friday morning pick-up to Monday evening return) for a standard car. If you want something newer or a bit more comfortable, it is closer to 730–920 AED for the same period.

In Georgia, the number of cosy, welcoming cafés honestly feels endless — and somehow, almost every place you walk into turns out to be the one: good food, good drinks, good prices. We definitely fell into that rhythm — breakfast, lunch, dinner out — and quickly realised our bank account was keeping track.

Let’s count together. On average, a meal in a café will cost around 90 AED per person at a good, casual spot. Nicer places can go up to 135 AED, while breakfast is usually lighter — around 50–65 AED.

These calculations are based on one main dish and two drinks. But realistically, who comes to Georgia to have just one dish when you want to try literally everything?

So, if you eat out three times a day like this, it adds up to roughly 3,000–3,500 AED per person per month. Not outrageous, but also not nothing. The good news is, it is very easy to bring that down to around 2,500 AED if you mix in cooking at home at least once a day.

Unlike Bali, Georgia isn’t exactly what I would call a sporty destination. Between the constant flow of khachapuri and khinkali, we somehow gained a solid 3 kilograms.

But the way you unwind here is different — slower, softer, more about the setting than the sweat. Here are a few things we kept going back to:

Wineries & countryside stays

Honestly, it would be a shame to come to Georgia and not visit its wineries and countryside resorts. Think open landscapes, greenery that actually feels like oxygen, animals wandering around, and places where you end up staying longer than planned — sometimes even overnight. A few we loved:

Price: usually around 75–150 AED per person for a tasting without staying overnight.

Horse riding

One of the best experiences — especially if you have ridden a bit before (hello UAE desert training) and feel comfortable riding independently.

Price: around 200–300 AED for 1–1,5 hours

Staying (somewhat) active

Georgia might not be the easiest place to stay in peak shape (being honest here), but it is still possible — if you try. A few places to consider:

Hiking

Probably our favourite. No planning needed — just pick a spot on the map, drive, and go.

Price: free

Insurance is non-negotiable — not so much because healthcare is extremely expensive, but because you often won’t be allowed to enter the country without it. (At least in our case, flying with Air Arabia, it was checked every time.) In many cases, Georgia is already covered under your employer-provided insurance, but it is definitely worth double-checking before you travel.

Personal story: I wouldn’t say the healthcare system is the easiest to navigate in Georgia. At one point, I had a burn on the surface of my eye and only realised (around 7 pm) that I literally couldn’t open it. It wasn’t completely sudden — I just kept thinking it would get better.

What followed was a bit of a struggle. Finding a place that could actually help wasn’t as straightforward as expected: we went to several spots, completely exhausted, before a local stepped in and drove us to the only hospital that was still open. Even then, I had to wait another two hours to see a doctor.

So a small but important note: if something feels off, don’t wait until the evening — go earlier in the day, ideally to a private clinic.

A couple of options in Tbilisi:

I have tried to keep the numbers as realistic as possible. But there are still a few “ifs” and “buts”, so to make things clearer, here are two scenarios: a more budget-conscious version, and a more comfortable, “living in Georgia” setup.

Option 1 — keeping things on the safe side

Total: ~5,900 AED per month

Option 2 — settling in comfortably (with no existing insurance)

Total: ~11,450 AED per month