It’s now possible to see the abandoned city of Pripyat and even observe the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant from up close—but there are some secrets involved. Here are a few facts you probably didn’t know about visiting this fascinating destination.

Radiation Measurement Checkpoints

As you’ll be visiting a site that is off-limits for humans to live due to a nuclear disaster in 1986, you’ll be screened with a radiation dosimeter upon entering and leaving the zone to ensure you have not been exposed to too much radiation during your visit.

Dining in the Plant’s Cafeteria

Would you believe that part of a standard tour includes eating in the former nuclear plant’s cafeteria? It sure does, and you’ll be served traditional Ukrainian dishes that are thankfully made with ingredients from outside of the nuclear zone.

The Levels of Radiation are Astoundingly Low!

Despite the radiation checkpoints and the specter of a relatively recent disaster, this area is completely safe for visitors, because its radiation levels are now so low. In fact, you’ll be exposed to more radiation on a transoceanic flight than you will be if you spend a whole day visiting.

The post Secrets of Visiting Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

However, there are some things about visiting Chernobyl that will probably surprise you when you go. Here are three things that you might not even believe.

You Have to Pass Government Checkpoints

Even though the amount of nuclear radiation still present in the area surrounding Chernobyl is generally quite low, the Ukrainian government still maintains checkpoints to ensure that workers and visitors in the area don’t leave the area with a potentially dangerous amount of nuclear radiation in their bodies.

You Can’t Enter Any Buildings

While many people dream of exploring the abandoned buildings in Pripyat and its nearby villages, the reality is that it isn’t even legal to do so. In order to reduce potential risks related to nuclear fallout and building damage, you’ll have to observe from outside.

You Can Eat in the Nuclear Plant Canteen

Tour guides which take visitors to Chernobyl typically take the opportunity to take them to the Chernobyl Power Plant canteen for lunch, where visitors are served a traditional Ukranian meal and eat alongside the personnel who continue to work at the site to keep it safe.

The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Touring Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

It’s now possible to see the abandoned city of Pripyat and even observe the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant from up close—but there are some secrets involved. Here are a few facts you probably didn’t know about visiting this fascinating destination.

Radiation Measurement Checkpoints

As you’ll be visiting a site that is off-limits for humans to live due to a nuclear disaster in 1986, you’ll be screened with a radiation dosimeter upon entering and leaving the zone to ensure you have not been exposed to too much radiation during your visit.

Dining in the Plant’s Cafeteria

Would you believe that part of a standard tour includes eating in the former nuclear plant’s cafeteria? It sure does, and you’ll be served traditional Ukrainian dishes that are thankfully made with ingredients from outside of the nuclear zone.

The Levels of Radiation are Astoundingly Low!

Despite the radiation checkpoints and the specter of a relatively recent disaster, this area is completely safe for visitors, because its radiation levels are now so low. In fact, you’ll be exposed to more radiation on a transoceanic flight than you will be if you spend a whole day visiting.

The post Secrets of Visiting Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

However, there are some things about visiting Chernobyl that will probably surprise you when you go. Here are three things that you might not even believe.

You Have to Pass Government Checkpoints

Even though the amount of nuclear radiation still present in the area surrounding Chernobyl is generally quite low, the Ukrainian government still maintains checkpoints to ensure that workers and visitors in the area don’t leave the area with a potentially dangerous amount of nuclear radiation in their bodies.

You Can’t Enter Any Buildings

While many people dream of exploring the abandoned buildings in Pripyat and its nearby villages, the reality is that it isn’t even legal to do so. In order to reduce potential risks related to nuclear fallout and building damage, you’ll have to observe from outside.

You Can Eat in the Nuclear Plant Canteen

Tour guides which take visitors to Chernobyl typically take the opportunity to take them to the Chernobyl Power Plant canteen for lunch, where visitors are served a traditional Ukranian meal and eat alongside the personnel who continue to work at the site to keep it safe.

The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Touring Chernobyl appeared first on Traveler Dreams.