Hoping to plan the perfect family getaway? Looking for travel ideas for kids, parents and grandparents combined?
Imagine a trip where grandparents get to see the world through their grandkids’ eyes, parents get a break from their daily grind, and kids create memories with the entire family that they’ll remember forever. Multi-generational family vacations are growing in popularity, and for good reason.
Shared memories can often transcend generations and creating memories the entire family can talk about for decades to come is one of the many reasons to travel with an extended family. In todays busy world, carving out some much needed family time gets harder every year.
However, let’s be honest, balancing the needs of different age groups can feel like juggling flaming torches at times. Seniors often have health and mobility concerns, parents are often over stressed, and kids are either glued to their devices or have so many activities going on in their lives that they often don’t know if they’re coming or going.
The good news? With thoughtful planning and the right destination, you can craft a trip that’s as fun as it is stress-free for every member of your family.
How to Plan the Perfect Family Getaway: Ideas for Kids, Parents, and Grandparents
Step 1: Picking Accommodations That Work for Everyone
Your choice of accommodation can make or break a trip. For multi-generational groups, flexibility and space is key.
All-Inclusive Resorts: These are great for stress-free family travel. All-inclusive resorts provide dining, entertainment, and childcare in one convenient package. Everyone can pick their own adventure while staying within arm’s reach of each other and all of them offer day trips if you want more culture or more excitement on your trip. Find the perfect multi-generational retreat with Escapes.ca’s all-inclusive vacations.
Vacation Rentals: If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home vibe, consider an Airbnb or Vrbo. Shared spaces like kitchens and living rooms make family bonding easy, while separate bedrooms provide much-needed privacy. These can be initially cheaper than all-inclusives but make sure you budget in your meals, alcohol and any activities as those will all cost you extra.
Cruises: A family cruise offers a floating resort experience, with options ranging from kids’ clubs to fine dining. Some cruise lines, like Disney or Royal Caribbean, excel at catering to multi-generational groups though you’ll likely pay handsomely for the privilege.
Why All-Inclusive Resorts Shine for Multi-Generational Travel
All-inclusive resorts take the guesswork out of planning. Here’s why they’re perfect:
Everything in One Place: Dining, entertainment, and activities are all covered, so no one has to stress about logistics.
Customizable Fun: Kids can join supervised clubs, grandparents can lounge by the pool have a spa day, and parents can enjoy activities like yoga or water sports.
Budget-Friendly: Upfront pricing makes it easier to plan and avoid unexpected expenses plus a lot of resorts charge the same per 2 person booking as they do for shared rooms. That means that the grandparents can have their own room down the hall from you and the costs don’t double like staying in a hotel. If you have older kids, they could have theirs as well.
Examples to Consider: Iberos Resorts in Dominican Republic, Bahia Principe or Barcelo resorts in Mexico, or Riu Resorts in Montego Bay Jamaica.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Destination
Picking the perfect destination is crucial to ensuring everyone has a great time. Start by considering:
Accessibility: Choose a destination that’s easy to navigate for grandparents who may have mobility concerns. Think resorts with shuttles, flat walking paths, and minimal stairs.
Family-Friendly Activities: Look for destinations that cater to all interests. For example, a beach destination might offer snorkeling and paddle boarding for the adventurous while providing serene beachfronts for relaxation.
Weather and Season: Consider travel times and seasons that are comfortable for all ages. Not too hot for grandparents and not too cold for young kids. If planning a beachside holiday, make sure that the water is comfortable to swim in but not so busy you regret leaving your room.
Top Picks: Mexico’s family-friendly beaches, Orlando’s theme parks, or European destinations like Italy and Spain, which combine culture with family-friendly attractions.
Step 3: Crafting a Balanced Itinerary
The secret to a successful multi-generational family trip is balance. While it’s tempting to pack your itinerary with activities, it’s better to create a schedule that allows for flexibility.
Group Activities: Plan experiences that everyone can enjoy together, such as a guided walking tour, a family-friendly cooking class, or a wildlife safari. Often a shared experience can transcend the mundane because the whole family got to partake in it.
Age-Specific Activities: Include downtime for grandparents, like spa treatments, while kids burn off energy at a pool or playground.
Dividing When Appropriate: Sometimes separating the group for specific activities can allow everyone to get something from the trip that they can’t as a group. Whether that be ziplining through the jungle or going out for a romantic meal, realize that sometimes giving each person their own time can benefit the family as a whole. If nothing else, it gives the family things to talk about afterwards.
Free Time: Build in periods of free time or down time for everyone to explore independently or simply relax if they’re feeling burnt out. We’ve learnt over our many years of travel with our family that when someone hits the burnt out stage that the entire group suffers. Factor that into your time equations when creating your plans and don’t fret about not doing every single thing a new place offers. The point of the trip is family and sharing and not tired and cranky.
Stress-Free Travel Tips
Book Early: Multi-generational trips often require larger accommodations or group bookings. Planning ahead ensures you get the best options and if you’re planning for an all-inclusive getaway, often the best price is well before things start booking up.
Travel Insurance: Cover everyone with a comprehensive policy. It’s especially useful for families traveling with young kids or older adults. There are cheaper plans that cover larger families so make sure you search them out for better deals.
Meal Planning: All-inclusive resorts simplify meals, but for other trips, choose restaurants with varied menus that accommodate dietary restrictions. if you’re cooking for yourself, make sure that you make something your whole family will enjoy. When away from home and cooking for ourselves, we always try to include a few local flavored meals using local ingredients while also throwing in an occasional tried and true family favorite meal to give a small taste of home.
Delegate Responsibilities: To reduce stress, assign roles, such as one person handling transportation while another manages bookings. This helps spread the load of planning a trip and ensures everyone has their say.
Get Everyone On Board: The more each member of your family shares their input ahead of time, the more likely that they’ll enjoy that same activity when it finally arrives. We’ve learnt to prep our kids for our travels more as they get older so that they feel invested in the trip and have a personal activity they’ve chosen that they get to look forward to. It goes a long way to ensuring that the trip isn’t just what this person or that person wants but that there’s something for every member of the family.
Packing and Preparing for a Multi-Generational Trip
Essentials: Bring medications, snacks for kids, and entertainment for downtime. If it’s a long flight, make sure to bring things to make the flight easier with little ones.
Shared Items: Consider packing communal items like sunscreen, travel-sized games, and books. If you have a pool where you’re staying, packing or buying a few small inflatables when you get there isn’t a bad idea either nor is packing large refillable water bottles so everyone stays hydrated on days spent in the sun or on hikes.
Tech Tools: Use apps like Google Maps or WhatsApp to coordinate schedules and stay connected. Look at getting a shared Wifi device or picking up eSims for data for a few of the group if you think you’ll be splitting up often enough.
Light Packing: Encourage everyone to pack light to leave room for souvenirs. We still travel with only carry-ons but with a large family group, consider checking a few bags so that getting around the airport is easier on everyone and boarding/unboarding the plane remains stress free.
Wrapping Up: Embrace Flexibility and Have Fun
No trip is without its hiccups, but the magic lies in creating shared experiences and lasting memories. Embrace flexibility, focus on the moments that matter, and remember, the best part of a family vacation is being together.
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Iraq, where we’ll visit Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Mosul, and more
October 2nd to 12th, 2025
This country is truly an adventure, and this guide contains absolutely everything you need to know to travel to Federal Iraq, including visa procedures, how to move around, where to stay, going through checkpoints, budget, money, security tips, and much more.
By the way, this guide refers to traveling independently in Iraq proper, which includes Baghdad, Mosul, the Marshes, and everything in between, but it doesn’t focus on the autonomous region of Kurdistan. For that, read our Kurdistan travel guide,
IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Iraq.
Introduction: why visit Iraq?
After decades (literally) of being pretty isolated from the outside world, Iraq finally decided to open its borders to international travelers, making a dream for many come true.
This is the cradle of modern civilization and the heart of Ancient Mesopotamia, home to Babylon, the City of Ur and Nineveh, once the center of the world, and today epic archaeological sites awaiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers.
The country, however, is much more than just archaeological sites; Iraq is made of its people, kind-hearted Iraqis who will accompany you in your journey, offering you unprecedented doses of Arab hospitality and generosity.
Jaw-dropping shrines, the lively streets of Baghdad, and a surprisingly elaborate local cuisine: there are many reasons to travel to Iraq.
🪪 How to get a tourist visa for Iraq
Update March 2025
Since March 1st, visa on arrival is no longer available for entering Iraq.
Instead, an e-visa for traveling into the country is strictly required.
The e-visa costs 165 USD, takes 24 hours to process, and allows you to enter Iraq through the following entry points:
Baghdad International Airport
Basra International Airport
Jordan-Iraq border
Kuwait-Iraq border
Iran-Iraq border
Saudi-Iraq border
Which countries are eligible for the e-visa?
All EU passport holders, and also the United States (yes, Americans can travel to Iraq), United Kingdom, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland
Bonus: What happens with the rest of the nationalities?
If you are not one of the lucky countries, you can still travel to Iraq, but you will need approval from the respective Ministry, something which you must arrange through an authorized Iraq tour company.
For this service, they charge $250, plus you need to join one of their guided tours.
This approval takes up to 4 weeks.
Book one of our tours to Iraq
Check below our upcoming Iraq departures:
How long is the Iraq visa valid for?
The visa allows you to travel in Iraq for 60 days.
How much does the Iraq visa cost?
Today, the Iraqi visa costs 165 USD.
What is the airport procedure?
Collecting your Iraq travel visa is surprisingly easy.
You just need to show your e-visa to the respective authorities and collect the visa sticker.
Is the Federal Iraq travel visa valid for the Kurdistan region?
Yes, it is.
Once you are in possession of an Iraqi tourist visa, you can travel freely all over the country, from Baghdad to Erbil, including by land.
Update 2025
Is the Federal Iraq travel visa valid for the Kurdistan region?
Yes, it is.
Once you are in possession of an Iraqi tourist visa, you can travel freely all over the country, from Baghdad to Erbil, including by land.
Update 2025
Since January 2025, the visa for Kurdistan ($75) is also valid for Federal Iraq.
My tourist visa for Iraq
✍️ How to sign up for a tour in Federal Iraq
Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!
Against the Compass has several Iraq expeditions scheduled all year long, and the next one is on:
And we will try to find other travel buddies you may travel with. Otherwise, know that we can also organize private, tailored trips.
In Babylon with one of our past groups
🚑 Travel Insurance for Iraq
Most travel insurance companies don’t cover for travel in Iraq, except for IATI.
I recommend it because:
Only travel insurance company that covers Iraq
They have different plans for all budgets
Covers senior citizens too
Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount.
📚 Useful books for planning your trip to Iraq
Iraq Travel Guide by Bradt
If you follow my blog, you will see that I always recommend Bradt guides for all destinations, so Iraq will be no different. They have the most insightful guidebook to Iraq.
The Rise of the Islamic State by Patrick Cockburn
This is my favorite journalism book ever and it is written by Patrick Cockburn, one of the world’s top experts on the Middle Eastern conflict. In this book, he gives an extremely perceptive introduction to the origins of ISIS, with many references to Iraq, of course. A really useful book to understand the complexity and origin of the conflict.
A pictorial guide to Iraq by Sian Pritchard-Jones & Bob Gibbons
My friends and fellow travelers Sian and Bob just published this pictorial guide to Iraq which also contains fresh and actionable advice to the country.
⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Iraq?
Safety is the number one concern for people visiting Iraq.
From the war between Iran and Iraq in 1980 to Saddam’s Hussein regime, the US invasion in 2003 and the more recent ISIS rule, decades of conflict and religious sectarianism made Iraq an actual war-torn country, labeled by all international media as one of the most dangerous destinations in the world.
While it’s true that for decades, Iraq was a pretty dangerous country to travel to, the situation has drastically improved.
This has been recently proved by the visit of Pope Francis in March 2021, thanks to whom – no kidding – Iraq finally opened its borders for tourism.
I traveled around Iraq independently, moving around by public transportation and I was particularly surprised by how calm and peaceful everything seemed to be, especially Mosul and around, an area occupied by ISIS just a few years ago.
Except for the endless checkpoints, everything else seemed pretty normal when traveling in Iraq, with the particularity that Iraqis, in general, were always extremely kind, helpful, and generous, like nowhere else you might have been to.
Nevertheless, remember that religious sectarianism still exists across the country and that occasional bombings may happen from time to time, in Baghdad in July 2021.
Iraq is mostly safe to travel but even experienced travelers should keep an eye open because we can’t forget that the country is highly unstable.
Always stay up-to-date with the latest security updates but, instead of reading biased newspapers or the Iraq travel advice FCDO, do contact the local people.
For that, Iraq Travelers Café is an invaluable source of information, where you can get in touch with English-speaking Iraqis.
What about the Kurdistan region? Kurdistan is a different story. The region has always been safe, which is why it has been open to international tourism for quite a while now. For a better understanding, read: Is Kurdistan safe?
There’s army and police everywhere you visit in Iraq but they are super friendly always
🤔 Iraq independent travel vs organized tour
Wanna travel to Iraq with Against the Compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Iraq, where we’ll visit Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Mosul, and more
For most people, Iraq is perceived as a challenging country to travel to, a destination only aimed at experienced backpackers, the reason why most travelers tend to visit Iraq with a local guide or on an organized tour group.
Traveling in Iraq independently – aka backpacking in Iraq
You would be surprised to know that independent travel in Iraq is completely doable, in fact much easier than in countries likePakistan or Afghanistan.
There’s plenty of public transportation, most cities have a range of hotels and local Iraqis are super helpful.
The only challenge you may encounter, however, is police and army checkpoints.
Some checkpoints are pretty easy to get through, but some may come with their own challenges, for which is best to have a local contact, which you can easily get from Iraqi Travelers Café. More on checkpoints later.
Nevertheless, some previous experience traveling alone in Arab countries like Palestine or Lebanon is highly recommended.
Martyr’s monument in Baghdad, an unmissable monument in your trip to Iraq
Traveling in Iraq with a local guide or on a group tour
That’s what most people do, and it’s fine.
Against the Compass (this site) is leading group expeditions into Federal Iraq.
With its bustling bazaars and lively districts, Baghdad is a thrilling city with so much going on, the destination within Iraq where you need to spend at least one day.
This is Shabandar Café, a must-see in your trip to Iraq and one of the oldest cafés
Learn about the Islamic State’s legacy
The rule of the Islamic State in the north of Iraq is still latent in people’s life, living history I call it.
Witnessing the city’s reconstruction and the Iraqis’ struggle to return to normality is an unmissable part of their history to experience.
This is the oldest mosque in Mosul, destroyed during the liberation from ISIS
Touring the Mesopotamian Marshes on a boat
The Arab Marshes are a wetland ecosystem in south Iraq, a huge aquatic landscape in the middle of the desert, home to a distinct cultural group named the Marsh Arabs. Going through the Marshes on a traditional boat, visiting the different islands and the local people is a great experience.
A Marsh Arab
Witness one of the largest pilgrimages in the world
The city of Karbala, along with Najaf and Samarra, are the holiest cities for Shia Muslims, cities that every year receive millions and millions of pilgrims from all over the world, especially from Iran.
The shrine in Karbala
Discover Iraq’s ancient history
Iraq was the heart of Ancient Mesopotamia, the people who developed the first cities, writing and agriculture, between 10,000 and 3,000 BC.
Discover Iraq’s glorious past by paying a visit to the most relevant archaeological sites.
Ancient Babylon
🕌 Iraqi culture, language and religion
Iraqis are proud Arabs, something you are likely to notice throughout your travels in Iraq.
They comprise 75% of the total Iraqi population, the rest being Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, Yazidis, Armenians, Mandaeans, Shabaks, and other minority groups.
It’s an ethnically diverse country but these figures might have changed in recent years, especially those of Yazidis, Mandaeans and Turkmens, whose numbers have drastically decreased due to violence unleashed against them.
A man from Mosul cooking kubba
Getting to know local Iraqis
Before traveling to Iraq, I expected Iraqis to be very generous, similar to their Arab neighbors, but what surprised me the most is that they could be perfectly equal to Pakistanis, Afghans or Iranians – you know, the most hospitable countries in the world – unprecedented hospitality in the Middle East.
Topics aside, making friends in Iraq is particularly easy, and a lot of fun.
Local Iraqis will always be super happy to hang out with you, to show you around, something truly appreciated in a country where chances to meet other travelers are scarce.
They can, however, be over-protective sometimes, and will always want to pay for all your meals and buy you souvenirs. This made me feel awkward but that’s their culture, you are their guest and, although you should always attempt to pay for your own food, just go with their flow.
In Nasiriya with some local friends
Language spoken in Iraq
Arabic is the common language throughout Iraq, understood by pretty much everybody, except for a large portion of Kurds.
English is relatively commonly spoken among highly educated people but not the rest of Iraqis, especially at checkpoints, so learning some Arabic words can prove very useful.
Religion in Iraq
More than 90% of Iraqis are Muslim, divided into Shia and Sunni Muslims by ≈ 50%, depending on the report.
This extreme division dictates Iraq’s everyday politics and is one of the reasons why religious sectarianism flourishes.
There is a large proportion of Christians too, around 7% according to some reports, mostly living in Baghdad, Mosul, and Erbil.
A destroyed church in Mosul, or what’s left from it
Close to Mosul, there is a city named Bakhdida, home to 300,000 people, 90% of whom are Christian, the largest Christian city in Iraq and perhaps in the whole Middle East.
Pope Francis visited it in March 2021, where he said Mass in a recently restored Catholic church that had been burnt down by ISIS.
A priest from the Catholic church in Bakhdida
🍲 Cuisine in Iraq
Before traveling to Iraq proper, I had spent two weeks in Kurdistan running two expeditions, eating nearly the same thing every single day.
In Iraq proper, where I also traveled for two weeks, I thought I’d be eating the same dishes again, but I was wrong.
While it’s true that shawarma, falafel, and grilled kebabs abound everywhere, being their staple foods, there are many must-try, elaborate dishes defining Iraq’s rich, complex history.
In the north, I found the food to be more sophisticated, more varied, probably because of their proximity to Syria and also because the land is more fertile.
The classic Syrian foul for example, which is like hummus but made of beans, could be found everywhere in Mosul.
In the south, I ate mandi on a few occasions, consisting of rice with meat on top, and the national dish in Yemen, but also in neighboring Saudi Arabia.
Alcohol in Iraq You would be surprised that liquor shops in Iraq abound, especially in Baghdad and Mosul, where you find the largest Christian populations. Drinking in the street is technically not allowed in Federal Iraq, but you can do it in your hotel and in Baghdad there are many Western-style bars. Kurdistan on the other hand, is way more permissive than Federal Iraq, with far more liquor shops.
Anyways, some more must-try dishes when you visit Iraq are:
Kubba – Consisting of a couscous paste filled with meat. It comes in plenty of different sizes and shapes, depending on the region in Iraq. I was always down for kubba 🙂
Kubba 🙂
Masgouf – An old Mesopotamian dish consisting of a huge fish from either the Tigris or Euphrates, which they grill for hours sometimes.
Masgouf 🙂
Kahi with Geymar – The national breakfast, consisting of a sweet pastry with honey or syrup, covered with a creamy, thick white cream made from buffalo milk. Amazing.
Local breakfast
Gus – Similar to shawarma but eaten with broth and floating pieces of bread. Typical from Mosul.
From mid-October until March, when the temperature is pleasant.
You should know, however, that in winter, especially from December until January, the northern part (Mosul and surroundings) can get pretty cold (0ºC).
The south is warmer but it can also get chilly at night so, if you are traveling in Iraq during winter time, do bring some warm clothes.
Worst season to travel to Federal Iraq
Summer, late spring, early autumn.
During the warmer months, all Iraq can be too hot for traveling so, unless you can stand extreme heat (40 to 50ºC), I don’t recommend visiting Iraq at that time of the year.
What about Kurdistan? Kurdistan is a mountainous region, with extremely cold winters and extremely hot summers. In December-January, most of the region is covered by snow but in spring, the whole region is covered in lush green and colorful meadows, making it a visually appealing season to travel to. Autumn is a great season too, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful fall colors. Remember to check my Kurdistan itinerary
It gets chilly in Iraq in December, even during the day, that’s why I wear a jacket
🛫 How to get to Iraq
How to travel to Iraq by air
The International Airport of Baghdad has connections with pretty much any city in the Middle East, especially Dubai, Doha, Beirut, Amman and Riyadh.
If you are coming from Europe, Istanbul is a common stopover, Pegasus having the cheapest fares.
Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan, has an international airport too, with similar connections to Baghdad.
Getting from Baghdad International Airport to the city center At the arrival terminal, there are branded official taxis that can take you to the city for 40,000IQD. To make it cheaper, you can take the bus (9,000IQD) that takes you out of the airport security zone. From there, you can take a taxi for 12,000-15,000IQD
How to travel to Iraq by land
Now that you can get a visa for Iraq at all landborders, things have improved a lot when it comes to overlanding into Iraq.
Traveling from Turkey to Iraq
You can easily cross into the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
There are direct buses from the city of Diyarbakir to Zakho, the first Kurdish town, and a visa is available on arrival.
Traveling from Iran to Iraq
You can also cross into both Kurdistan, and the rest of Iraq, and the visa is available at both.
You cross the border on foot because direct transportation is not available.
In Iraq, they use the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) and approximately:
1 USD = 1300 IQD
Exchanging money in Iraq
Exchanging money in Iraq is fairly easy.
Exchange offices are plentiful, but one small issue I encountered is that Euros (€) are not accepted everywhere, especially outside of the big cities.
US dollars, however, can be changed all over.
This wasn’t the case in Iraqi Kurdistan, where both USD and € are widely accepted.
Withdrawing money in Iraq
ATMs are accepting both VISA and Mastercard but you need to look for them. It’s better to bring cash with you.
Also remember that except for a few fancy places, you can’t pay by credit card in Iraq, but only cash.
How much does it cost to travel in Iraq independently?
Baghdad was obviously the most expensive city in all Iraq, while Mosul was the cheapest.
Kurdistan lies somewhere in between and the rest of Iraq is pretty affordable. These are the cost of the most typical things:
Visa: 80USD
All entry sites to archaelogical sites cost 25,000IQD
Budget (but comfortable) hotels in Baghdad: from 60,000IQD
Budget (but comfortable) hotels in the rest of Iraq: 25,000IQD – 40,000IQD
Bottle of beer in a liquor shop: 1,200IQD – 1,1200IQD
Local eateries: 5,000IQD to 8,000IQD for a local meal
Fancy restaurants: main courses starting at 14,000IQD
Taxi rides within cities: 3,000IQD – 7,000IQD
Transportation between cities: 5,000IQD – 25,000IQD depending on distance
Average daily backpacking budgetfor Iraq Starting from $45 – $65 a day
The 10,000 dinar bill features the twisted minaret from Al Noori mosque, today destroyed due to the war
🛺 Transportation: how to travel around Iraq
Moving around Iraq by public transportation is fairly easy.
Typically, most towns and cities are connected with either local shared taxis or minibuses.
The local shared taxi is always a bit more expensive than the bus, but it’s way faster and more comfortable. I only took shared taxis and I recommend you do the same.
Shared taxis I took (with prices):
Baghdad to Karbala – 10,000IQD (115km)
Karbala to Hilla (Babylon) – 2,000IQD (45km)
Hilla to Najaf – 7,000IQD (60km)
Najaf to Nasiriya – 10,000IQD (250km)
Nasiriya to Chibayish (Marshes) – 5,000IQD (90km)
Nasiriya to Baghdad – 20,000IQD – 25,000IQD, depending on the seat (345km)
Baghdad to Mosul – 20,000IQD – 25,000IQD, depending on the seat (400km)
Iraq Travel tip – garage is the word used for referring to a bus or taxi station. If you wish to go to Nasiriya, just ask for the Nasiriya garage and Iraqis will point you in the right direction,
Hitchhiking in Iraq
I didn’t hitchhike but in Karbala, when asking for the Hilla garage, a random Iraqi told me: I am going in that direction, you can join me. Does that count as hitchhiking?
In any case, hitchhiking in Iraq should be easy.
Taxis to move around Baghdad
If you have a SIM Card, get your Careem App, which is the regional version of Uber.
Taxi rides within Baghdad cost anything between 3,000-7,000IQD.
Touring the Marshes by boat is one of the greatest experiences when traveling in Iraq
Checkpoints in Iraq
As mentioned, military checkpoints are the one challenge travelers need to face when backpacking in Iraq.
A few things about checkpoints in Iraq:
There are checkpoints to enter each and every city, and also on roads.
Checkpoints exist for security purposes.
The authorities tend to be very friendly, and even ask for photos.
Checkpoints can be operated by different armed groups. Most of them are run by the Iraqi police, but they can also be controlled by different local militias, mostly Shia but also Christian militias, like in Bakhdida.
Most checkpoints are pretty straightforward, you either get through or they just quickly check your passport.
One issue I encountered at many checkpoints was that, since the entry date of my visa was written in English, soldiers weren’t able to understand it. This meant waiting a bit extra, since they had to consult with a superior, but it never turned out to be an issue.
However, there are 2 checkpoints that can take a lot of time.
Based on my own experience, here’s an overview of each one of them:
Nasiriya checkpoint
Update 2024: A local contact/sponsor was required but this isn’t the case anymore
Nasiriya is a big city in southern Iraq and an unavoidable destination for anyone heading to Basra or the Marshes.
Its main peculiarity is that this is home to al-Hoot prison, an American-made high-security prison, today filled with ISIS fighters, and the reason why the Nasiriya checkpoint is a tricky one.
Basically, in order to enter Nasiriya, you are supposed to have a local to sponsor your visit. If you don’t have one, you will eventually make it through but there are reports from travelers who waited there for several hours.
In my case, I did have a friend in Nasiriya.
I gave his phone number to the authorities and after 45 minutes, they let me go. During those 45 minutes, all we did was have friendly chats, mainly about Spanish football. That’s it.
Samarra checkpoint
Update 2024: A local contact/sponsor was required but this isn’t the case anymore
Since then, the armed group and Shia militia Sarayat al Salam has taken control of Samarra, establishing checkpoints all over the city, closing all hotels, and making Samarra the worst city to live today in Iraq, according to local Iraqis.
Sarayat al Salam is a paranoid group which is suspicious of everyone, especially foreigners. If you come to Samarra by yourself, without a local Iraqi, chances are that you can be waiting at the checkpoint all day before they let you through.
I visited Samarra with two local Iraqis actually from Samarra and even with them, we had to wait 15-20 minutes at each checkpoint before they let us through.
At the Nasiriya checkpoint, on my way from Chibayish
🏨 Where to stay in Iraq: accommodation guide
There are no hostels in Iraq, but you can find all sorts of hotels.
In Baghdad, they can be expensive for what you get but, in the rest of the country, they are pretty affordable.
Here’s a list of all the hotels I stayed during my trip to Iraq:
Baghdad – Uruk Hotel – Around 70 USD a night. Very good location, comfortable and great Wi-Fi.
Karbala – Al Karama Hotel – 15,000IQD. Very basic, but OK for one night. It was close to the shrine.
Najaf – Qaem Hotel – 20,000IQD. Also basic but better than the one in Karbala. Amazing shower and good Wi-Fi.
Nasiriya – Hotel Tourist – 50,000IQD. Quite good, and comfortable.
Chibayish – I did a homestay, paying around $30 including dinner and breakfast.
Mosul –Alsfer Hotel – $15. Surprisingly good for the price.
Samarra – You are technically not allowed to stay in Samarra.
💃 Solo female travel in Iraq
According to female travelers I have been talking to, traveling in Iraq as a solo woman isn’t very different than in other Arab countries like Egypt or Jordan.
Occasional verbal harassment does happen, but it’s rare, and most Iraqis will be nothing but extra kind with any foreign women.
What to wear as a solo female traveler in Iraq
In cities like Baghdad, Mosul, or Nasiriya, you will see all sorts of women dressing in all different ways, some of them apparently quite liberal.
However, do always dress modestly in order to avoid unwanted attention, and bring a headscarf with you, since you may need it depending on the area you are visiting.
On the other hand, in Karbala and Najaf – two very holy cities – a full abaya covering your whole body is mandatory.
I hope you enjoyed this article, which I believe is the best travel guide to Iraq available on the internet. Any questions or concerns, kindly let me know in the comments section.
A Mount Rinjani trekking tour is not for novice hikers or casual travellers. But if you’re ready for an epic 3-day journey to the summit of the second highest volcano in Indonesia, here’s everything you need to know before you go in our guide.
At 3,726 metres above sea level, Mount Rinjani looms large over the entire island of Lombok in Indonesia.
Of the 130 volcanoes in the country, Rinjani is the second-highest (topped only by Mount Kerinci on Sumatra).
Rinjani’s ominous silhouette is a constant reminder of the powerful forces rumbling just beneath the surface of the earth.
That power is what draws hundreds of intrepid hikers to Rinjani every day.
You can see Rinjani from almost everywhere on Lombok.
Why Do a Rinjani Trek?
The tough hike to the crater rim is rewarded by absolutely magnificent views.
Rocky black soil at the summit drops off into a lush valley filled with purples so deep and greens so bright they don’t look like they should exist in nature.
Lake Segara Anak, nestled in the bottom of the gaping crater, is a deep turquoise, echoing the spectacular colour of Lombok’s seas.
On the edge of the lake sits an active volcano, Mount Barujari, which steadily spews threatening clouds of smoke into the air.
Mount Barujari, inside the Rinjani crater, is still active and can erupt at any time.
And at night, the sky is blanketed with stars so thick they look painted on.
While the views inspire awe, the most compelling reason to trek Mount Rinjani is to challenge your body and your mind, leap firmly out of your comfort zone, and be able to shout “Hell yes, I did it!”
If that sounds good to you, read on for everything you need about…
How to Plan Your Epic Mount Rinjani Trekking Adventure
Could You Handle a Rinjani Trek?
I’ll admit, we went into the Mount Rinjani trek with a bit of a cavalier attitude. Sure, we’d read the stories about how hard it was supposed to be, but we’re experienced trekkers with decades of challenging mountain hikes behind us.
How much harder could trekking Mount Rinjani possibly be?
As it turns out, trekking Rinjani is hard. Really freaking hard.
The Rinjani trek starts with a climb of 1500 m over 8 km. Most of that elevation change takes place during in the final 4 km, which take about 4 hours.
Yep, that’s just one measly kilometre an hour.
To make matters more difficult, there is next to no trail maintenance, so the route is sandy, slippery, and ridiculously steep.
Unless you’re a trail running hero or an actual superhero, be prepared to have your will and your body pushed to their limits on your way up Mount Rinjani.
And that’s just the first day.
The second day starts in the middle of the night, so hikers can summit for sunrise. To get the summit, there’s another 1000 m of elevation gain, along a narrow trail of slippery loose scree.
It’s cold up there, too. Even in August, the temperature hovers around freezing.
After all the climbing, the descent should be a relief. Instead, it seems to go on for days, requiring every ounce of hamstring strength you can muster, plus knees of steel, and an excellent sense of humour.
The descent from Mount Rinjani will put your whole body to the test.
If you come away without any scraped knees or sore muscles, you’re definitely part mountain goat!
So, could you handle trekking Rinjani?
If you’ve read all of this and you’re thinking “Hell, yeah! Bring it on!” then keep reading.
There are two main points of entry to Rinjani National Park.
You can ascend from the village of Sembalun or from Senaru. On three- and four-day hikes, you depart from one village and descend to the other.
We highly recommend starting in Sembalun because of the way the trails are configured.
The first day of ascent from Sembalun is steep and sandy. It looks like it would be absolutely brutal going in the opposite direction.
Likewise, the descent to the crater lake is so steep and rugged, that it would be a real leg-breaker going the other way.
If you want a more off-the-beaten track experience, book a private tour and ask about one of the less-used routes, like the trails from Aik Berik or Torean. We wish we had known about them before our trek!
How Many Nights on Rinjani?
Three Days, Two Nights
The most popular option (and the one we recommend) is the 3-day, 2-night trek. This gives you just enough time to climb to the summit and also visit the crater lake and hot springs.
If you’re in no rush, consider the 4-day, 3-night option, which goes to the same locations but provides a little more free time to relax and enjoy Mount Rinjani.
Two Days, One Night
The 2-day, 1-night tour from Sembalun includes the option to summit at sunrise. If you’re in amazing shape and love to punish your machine, go for it!
Otherwise, take pity on your poor body and give yourself more time on the mountain.
The 2-day, 1-night trek from Senbaru takes trekkers to the crater rim opposite the summit. This is the easiest (not to say that it’s easy) of the Mount Rinjani trekking options.
You don’t get near the summit or the lake but it does provide incredible views of the crater. If you think you can’t handle a longer trek but still want to experience Rinjani, this is probably the best option.
BONUS – Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code “NOMADS10” on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!
The view of the crater lake from the Sembalun side is worth the trek!
Be aware that “one night” or “two nights” refers to number of nights on the mountain. Most Rinjani trekking companies encourage you to spend a night in Senbaru before the tour to get an early start. This hotel is often included in the price, but be sure to check!
Private Tours and Hiking Rinjani Without A Guide
While it is technically possible to trek Mount Rinjani without a tour or a guide, it is actively discouraged both by the government and the community. Unless you are an extremely experienced hiker and have hiked in the tropics before, don’t even consider it. If you’re injured on the mountain without a guide or porters, you’ll be in some serious trouble.
If you do decide to trek Rinjani independently, please sign in at the park office and pay the entrance fee. Though it’s questionable whether the fees are used to maintain Rinjani, signing in is for your own safety.
What’s The Food Like On A Rinjani Trek?
On our day-one lunch break, we were astonished to see full-on camp kitchens being set up by all the guides and porters on the mountain.
In Canada, you’re lucky to get a squashed peanut butter sandwich for lunch on a long hike.
On Rinjani, you get a heaping plate of fried vegetables, tofu and tempeh, a pile of freshly cooked rice crackers, all the rice you can eat, plus a massive fruit plate for dessert. And that’s just the vegetarian option!
Not bad for a camp meal!
This meal was not unusual. Everything we ate on Rinjani, and everything we saw being served to fellow trekkers, was freshly cooked and plentiful. There was so much food, we were rarely able to finish our meals.
Where Do You Sleep On Rinjani?
You’ll sleep snuggled in a tent at a campsite on the crater rim or by the lake.
Our tent was clean and modern, if a little bit short for our long bodies! The sleeping bags had been freshly laundered and the camp pillows were also clean.
You won’t find much solitude at your campsite though, since hundreds of other trekkers will be camping right alongside you.
What Does A Rinjani Trekking Tour Cost?
There’s a huge range of prices for trekking Rinjani, depending on which company you go with, where and when you book, and which tour option you choose. I saw prices quoted anywhere between $80 and $450 US for similar tours.
Avoid the cheapest companies, as many don’t provide essential services like an experienced guide, good sleeping bags, garbage pack-out, and a toilet tent.
You can save money by booking once you’re already on Lombok. Just make sure you know which Rinjani trekking company you’re going with so you can ask the essential questions and check their reviews.
If you don’t have time to wait around on Lombok looking for a tour with availability, it is best to book ahead. Check out some of the tours I’ve linked to on this page.
Porters carry around 40kg on bamboo poles. Please tip them!
Budget a little extra for tipping. After you see how hard your porters and guide work, you will be happy to supplement their incomes.
A minimum of 100,000 IDR (around $8 US) per guide/porter from each hiker is a good guideline.
Other Important Things To Know For Your Trek
All visitors are not allowed to bring any plastic that can potentially become waste. So visitors are advised to bring refillable drinking water bottles, food containers to carry food such as snacks, biscuits, bread, and the like.
There are only 400 trekking permits issued a day (240 permits for international hikers and 160 permits for domestic hikers). So make sure you reserve your place in advance!
How To Choose The Best Rinjani Trekking Service
Choose your Mount Rinjani trekking package carefully. Yes, you can pick up el cheapo tours after you arrive in Lombok but you tend to get what you pay for on Mount Rinjani.
I recommend ignoring the cheapest options and spending a little more to ensure you are comfortable and safe on the mountain.
Hajar Trekking took excellent care of us during our Mount Rinjani tour. We can enthusiastically recommend them.
Hajar grew up in Senbaru and he cares deeply about the mountain and the future of tourism there. Our guide, Adi, was funny, informative, and always put our safety first.
He has been up the mountain hundreds of times, knows every rock and tree root on the trail, and was patient with our endless stops for photos and videos.
If you mention the code “NOMAD TO RINJANI” when you contact them via WhatsApp or email they’ll offer you a special discount 🙂
Stephen and our guide, Adi, still smiling after three days with us!
The two porters who took care of us were just amazing, too, working their butts off to lug our camping gear and food up the mountain and to get our campsite set up and perfect before we arrived.
What’s Included On A Mount Rinjani Tour?
These are the things that should be included in your Rinjani trekking package. If they aren’t, look for another company.
Some companies provide a few nice-to-have extras. This is what we got:
A toilet tent allowed us to do our business in private and to bury our waste. Without a toilet tent, you take your chances in the bushes where privacy is very hard to come by.
A camping pillow which helped us get a better night’s sleep.
Two camping chairs that kept us out of the thick Rinjani dust at mealtimes.
Winter jackets to keep us warm at the top of the mountain. Even in August, the summit was around 5 degrees celsius! Brrrr.
Headlamps to make the ascent to the Rinjani summit possible. A headlamp leaves your hands free to carry trekking poles or help you scramble up the steepest sections.
Trekking poles to save your knees on the steep descents and give you extra ability to balance on the often treacherous trails.
Other Essential Questions To Ask About Your Rinjani Trekking Package
What do the porters carry? Usually, hikers carry all their personal items (clothes, toiletries etc) and the porters carry food, water and camping equipment.
What is the group size? We were on a private tour, but if you go with a group, be sure to ask about the group size. The larger groups on the trail tended to be noisy and experience more delays.
What do they do with garbage? You are going to go through a lot of food and water on the trail. Make sure your tour company pays their porters to carry your garbage out, instead of dumping it or burning it on the mountain. There is a lot of garbage on Rinjani – please don’t add to it!
Are there restrictions for what we can bring? To reduce waste on the mountain, visitors are not allowed to bring any plastic. Pack food and drinks accordingly!
Who runs the company? What is their story? We love to travel with private companies run by local people. They tend to care deeply about the environment and the longevity of their business and less about earning a quick buck.
Tips For Trekking Mount Rinjani
Request trekking poles. We had never trekked with poles before but they were indispensable for this trip. They’ll help keep you upright through the sandy, slippery slopes and will save your knees after hours of steep descents.
Be prepared. The trail will probably be harder than you think. Take your time, stopping every few steps to catch your breath if you need to. If you just keeping taking the next step and then the next, you will eventually make it to the top. Read up on our top hiking tips for beginners for more help.
Be OK with not summiting. Don’t be ashamed to say “no” to the sunrise summit trek. Plenty of people don’t go up! If the first day nearly killed you, stay in your tent and rest. There is plenty of exciting hiking to come without risking injury or exhaustion just to see the summit.
Don’t get too cocky on the descent. The trail down is steep and precarious. It’s easy to slip and fall and even easier to injure your knees. Just because the porters are running down the trail in flip-flops doesn’t mean you have to do it too!
Be respectful. Try to stay aware on the trail, even when you’re exhausted. Let faster hikers go by you and always move over for porters. Remember, they are working while you are there for fun!
Don’t add to the Rinjani litter problem. It’s no secret that there is a lot of garbage on Mount Rinjani. Bring a bag with you and please pack out your own toilet paper, baby wipes, cigarette butts and other personal garbage. If you want to do more, bring a garbage bag and pick up rubbish along the trail. You are not allowed to bring plastic!
Rinjani Trekking Packing List
Bring as little as possible. If you think you’ll survive without something, leave it behind! You’ll regret the extra weight when you’re on your 1200th metre of ascent for the day!
Hat, gloves & scarf (it’s very cold at the top)
Good hiking shoes (running shoes are not grippy enough)
Lip sunscreen (our lips got burned – not a good look)
Sunglasses
Socks & undies
Swim suit
Tiny towel
ID and cash for tipping
Optional items:
Base layer (it gets freaking cold at the summit)
Baby wipes (if you pack them in, pack them out)
Soap or hand sanitizer
Flip-flops
That’s everything you need to know before you book your Rinjani trekking tour. If we missed something or if you have questions, ask away in the comments section below!
Disclaimer: We were guests of Hajar Trekking for our Rinjani trip. But we would never recommend something we didn’t love ourselves and you know Jarryd and Alesha wouldn’t let us get away with it either!
Finding the best travel deals is a matter of timing.
A lot of people think travel is just expensive, but in reality, there are incredible deals happening all the time. They often don’t last too long, and you have to act quickly. That can sometimes be a problem when a deal requires jumping on a plane tomorrow (how many people can do that?).
Fortunately, most deals are for months in the future, giving you ample time to plan your schedule.
Often I will book a flight and then figure out my plans.
Since you can usually cancel a flight within 24 hours without incurring a fee, I lock in the deal and then figure out if I can make it work. Sometimes I can (like the $1,200 USD business-class flight from LA to Stockholm round-trip); sometimes I can’t (like the $400 USD New Zealand flights I had to cancel).
I am always looking out for deals.
Today, I want to tell you where I go for travel deals, tips, and expert advice. After all, these resources focus solely on this one aspect of travel, so why not use them? I can’t know everything, so I rely on specialists. If travel were a hospital, I would be your general practitioner.
Here’s a quick look at the top companies I use and suggest:
Quick Overview: Best Travel Deals
Best Cheap Flight Website
For a full breakdown of each company and what they are best for, click on the links below to jump to that section:
Where to Find the Best Flight Deals
When it comes to finding flight deals, I use these four websites for last-minute deals. There are always finding new (and tempting) last minute flights — often for a fraction of what you would pay otherwise.
My go-to website for cheap flight deals is Going.com. Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights, this is an awesome resource for finding flight deals from the US. They offer free flight alerts, and with a premium membership you get access to even more deals as soon as they find them. (New users can get 20% off Premium with the code NOMADICMATT20.)
Three other great websites to use are:
The Flight Deal – This is a great resource for finding cheap flights from the USA. If you’re based in the States, start your research here!
Secret Flying – This cheap flight website finds “error fares” (when airlines make pricing mistakes) to and from destinations all around the globe.
Holiday Pirates – No matter where you’re based this is a great cheap flight website so be sure to always check here for more deals.
If you’re simply looking to book a flight, check out the search engines below. It’s important to remember that there is no one best online booking website. All the search engine websites have blind spots so it’s important to search a few different places before you book your flight.
Generally, the BEST booking sites are the following:
Skyscanner – I always start my searches with Skyscanner. It’s a very intuitive platform that searches booking websites and airlines all around the world to ensure that no deal is missed. If you’re not 100% sure where you want to go (or when) then start your search with Skyscanner.
Google Flights – A good all-around flight search website to include in your cheap flight arsenal.
Where to Find the Best Points & Miles News
When it comes to finding the latest in airline and frequent flier news, I turn to these sites. They give me the latest on the changes in the industry and loyalty programs, and any points and miles news that might be important:
View from the Wing – This is where I go for airline and frequent flier news.
The Points Guy – A great resource for credit card and points & miles news and information.
One Mile at a Time – This is a great website for credit card, in-flight experiences, and frequent flier news.
As a very, very, very avid traveler (and while I have my own special tricks and tips), when you’re overseas a lot, it’s hard to stay up to date on your own so I use these three sites to keep me in the loop.
READ MORE:
Where to Find the Best Cruise Deals
In my mind, there is only one cruise deal website worth following: CruiseSheet. This site consistently has some of the lowest rates out there, and its interface is beautiful.
If I don’t find anything on CruiseSheet or want to double-check a price, I go to the second-best website, vacationstogo.com.
Where to Find the Best Transportation Deals
If you’re looking for budget transportation, these are the websites you’ll want to check. Cheap buses, trains, and rideshare apps can help keep your transportation costs low, giving you more time on the road. Here are my favorites:
FlixBus – A budget-friendly bus company routes all across Europe and parts of the USA.
Trainline – Offers a variety of discounted train passes for both individual countries as well as entire regions of Europe, including passes for the entire continent.
Rome2Rio – A helpful resource for finding and comparing budget transportation options.
BlaBlaCar – A rideshare app that pairs travelers with local drivers who are looking to pick up passengers for a small fee.
RVShare – A sharing economy platform for renting RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
Turo – A car rental app that enables you to rent cars for short periods of time from locals.
Japan Rail Pass – A budget-friendly train pass exclusively for Japan. Comes in 7, 14, and 21-day passes.
Discover Cars – A comprehensive rental car aggregator for destinations all around the globe. I always find the best car rental deals here.
READ MORE:
Where to Find the Best Accommodation Deals
From hotels to hostels to camping, there are tons of great websites out there to help you find deals and save money. Here are my suggestions to help you get started:
Booking.com – This is the best website for finding hotels no matter where you are in the world. I usually start my search for hotel rooms here.
Campspace – This app connects you with locals renting out plots of land, RVs, cabins, and camper vans ranging from rustic to glamping.
Trusted Housesitters – Helps travelers connect with locals looking for house and pet sitters. Great for slow travelers/long-term travelers.
HomeExchange – A network that facilitates swapping homes with another person or family. They have over 200,000 members with houses in 155 countries, making it an amazing platform for finding house swaps around the globe.
Hostelworld – They are hands-down the best resource for finding budget-friendly hostels around the world. I use them every time I travel and you should too!
HostelPass – This card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money and it’s constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use the code NOMADICMATT to get 25% off too!
READ MORE:
Where to Find the Best Tour Deals
For tours and excursions, I keep an eye on the following companies by subscribing to their emails:
The Nomadic Network (TNN) – I created this global community for travel lovers in 2019. While I no longer run it (they’re now run by Lisa, a long-time TNN community member), they’re great group tours for people who want to travel — not simply vacation!
Intrepid Travel – This is my favorite small-group tour company. They hire local guides and are great for both solo travelers and couples/groups.
Walks – Walks operates small group tours with local guides in some of the best cities around the world.
Devour Food Tours – My go-to food tour company, with tours all around Europe and the US.
EatWith – Allows you to eat home cooked meals with local cooks. Everyone sets their own price (so prices can vary wildly depending on the cook) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
Get Your Guide – A huge activity aggregator where you can find and book all kinds of activities, from cooking classes to walking tours to multi-day local excursions.
Worldpackers – Worldpackers organizes group tours centered around volunteer experiences. It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers while giving back to local communities.
READ MORE:
Where I Find the Best Travel Insurance Deals
I never travel anywhere without travel insurance. After dealing with injuries and emergencies abroad (and knowing plenty of other travelers who have been injured or robbed on the road) I always make sure I have comprehensive medical and travel insurance before I leave home. Here are my recommended companies for finding the best travel insurance:
SafetyWing – This is my go-to travel insurance company. They offer affordable monthly plans with a deductible. Great for digital nomads and frugal travelers!
Insure My Trip – If you’re over 70 and looking for insurance, this is the best place to find it!
Medjet – Medjet is a good option for people who are going to be far from home and want added evacuation coverage. It’s great for solo travelers and super affordable.
World Nomads – The first company I ever got travel insurance with, World Nomads is best for adventurous travelers. They cover a lot of adventure activities that other companies don’t, and now even offer annual travel insurance.
READ MORE:
***
While I think my site is amazing for your on-the-ground tips, tricks, and advice needs, for when you need travel deals to get you to where you want to go, use the companies above. They’re what I use, and they’ve never steered me wrong! They’ll save you the most money!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Located in the far north of Iraq, nestled between Iran and Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan is today a safe but turbulent region, home to some of the most breathtaking landscape in the Middle East, composed of green mountains with snow-capped peaks that, definitely, will break with all the stereotypes you have about Iraq.
Iraqi Kurdistan is no desert and, most importantly, it is not a war zone filled with ISIS terrorists but an autonomous region which, for the last couple of years, has done a tremendous job defending its borders.
It is in fact, one of the safest countries in the Middle East and the most ultimate destination for travelers looking for something unique, very off the beaten track, and who are willing to meet the Kurds, a very proud and brave nation, who turn out to also be some of the most hospitable people I have ever encountered, with similar experiences to Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan.
From visiting a Syrian refugee camp to remote Christian monasteries and millennial villages, discovering Sadam Hussein’s heritage and learning from the conflict against ISIS, Kurdistan may be the high point of all your backpacking travels.
I have visited the country three times, here you have all my travel tips for Iraqi Kurdistan.
In this Iraqi Kurdistan travel guide you will find:
our recommended travel insurance for Iraq
IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Iraq.
This is the town of Aqrah – Travel to Kurdistan
🪪 How to get a visa for Iraqi Kurdistan
Citizens of the following countries can get a visa on arrival in Kurdistan.
Since March 2025, it is recommended to get an e-visa for Kurdistan in advance through this portal for all nationalities
European Union, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Canada, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UK and USA
The visa is valid for 30 days, whether you enter by land or air.
How much does the visa for Kurdistan cost?
Iraqi Kurdistan visa had always been free but since April 2021, it costs 75 USD.
How to get a Kurdistan visa for the rest of the nationalities
Since 2024, it’s possible to get an e-visa through this portal.
Is the visa for Iraqi Kurdistan valid for Iraq proper
Update 2025:
Yes, since January 2025, the visa for traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan allows you to travel to Federal Iraq, including Mosul and Baghdad.
Spring is definitely the best time to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, from March to the end of April, when the whole region is fully blossoming, at its greenest, and the weather is pleasant.
Traveling to Kurdistan in summer
Summers can get hot, especially in the area around Erbil and Sulamaniyah, where the temperature may easily reach 45ºC.
In the mountains, or in cities like Duhok, the weather might be slightly cooler but still hot, the reason why summer is low season for visiting Kurdistan, from mid May to September.
Traveling to Kurdistan in autumn
Autumn is the second best time to visit Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdish mountains and meadows may not be green, but you get the beautiful autumn colors and the weather is pleasant.
Traveling to Kurdistan in winter
In winter, the temperature drops and most Iraqi Kurdistan gets covered in snow. I have never traveled in Kurdistan during its freezing winter but it must be beautiful, despite the cold weather.
Visiting Kurdistan in spring
🚑 Travel Insurance for Iraqi Kurdistan
Most travel insurance companies don’t cover for travel in Iraq, except for IATI.
I recommend it because:
Only travel insurance company that covers Iraq
They have different plans for all budgets
Covers senior citizens too
Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount.
🛫 How to go to Iraqi Kurdistan
How to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan by air
Kurdistan has two international airports: Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, Erbil being the most transited airport.
Istanbul (both Turkish and Pegasus) and Dubai (Fly Dubai) are the cheapest and most common routes.
How to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan by land
You can enter Kurdistan from either Iran or Turkey. The Iranian side is very easy and straightforward but on the Turkish side, the Turkish authorities may give you some trouble.
If you follow my blog, you will see that I always recommend their guides for all destinations, so Iraqwill be no different. They have, obviously, the only travel guide to the country, with a pretty long chapter focused on Kurdistan. Bradt has the most insightful guidebooks I have ever read.
The Rise of the Islamic State by Patrick Cockburn
This is my favorite journalism book ever and it is written by Patrick Cockburn, one of the world’s top experts on the Middle Eastern conflict. In this book, he gives an extremely perceptive introduction to the origins of ISIS, with many references to Iraqi Kurdistan and Iraq, of course. A really useful book to understand the complexity and origin of the conflict.
The bad things that happen in Iraq don’t happen in Kurdistan
Whatever you have been hearing in the news about Iraq for the last few years,happened in Arab Iraq, not in Kurdistan.
The last terrorist attack that occurred in Kurdistan was in Erbil back in 2014. This means that London and Paris have suffered more attacks than the whole of Kurdistan itself.
However, the region is very unstable
I never meant that traveling to Kurdistan will be as peaceful as your spiritual journey through Bhutan, not even close.
Despite being safe, the region is highly volatile and effective military operations are the only reason why it is safe. This means that things may change overnight, so being extra careful is more than wise.
A billboard indicating how to deactivate mines, in an area which used to be heavily mined
There are military controls everywhere
When you travel between towns and cities, you will find so many military checkpoints run by Kurdish Army guys named Peshmergas.
As a Western passport holder, they don’t give you any trouble but, once, I was traveling with an Iraqi from Baghdad and they held him for 15 minutes, at least. They don’t trust Arabs at all as any Arab could, potentially, be an ISIS spy.
A Peshmerga base located in Sadam Hussein’s Palace
Crime rates are ridiculously low
Kurdistan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. It is one of those places where you may forget your phone in a café, come back in a few hours and still recover it.
The old tanks from Sadam Hussein’s regime, in Sulaymaniyah – Kurdistan tourism travel guide
💃 Solo female travel in Iraqi Kurdistan
Iraqi Kurdistan is a very safe region of Iraq, regardless of your gender but women should of course, take extra care, like they would do in other conservative Muslim countries.
In Kurdistan, they use the Iraqi Dinar and, approximately:
1 USD = 1308.68 IQD
Exchanging money in Kurdistan
You can easily exchange €, USD and GBP in all the main cities.
Some exchange offices are just stalls in the middle of the street, with no surveillance, no security and no glass screen with lots of huge bundles of cash. The reason is that the crime rates here are very low.
Credit cards and ATMs
There are quite a few banks which accept foreign cards, so you can withdraw money easily but, except for some good hotels, most places in Kurdistan accept only cash.
How much does to cost to travel in Iraqi Kurdistan?
Compared to its neighbors, traveling in Kurdistan isn’t very cheap.
Budget Hotels: 20,000-25,000IQD
Beer in a liquor shop: 1,200-2,000IQD
Beer in a bar: 8,000-12,000IQD
Fast food (like a shawarma or falafel): 1,000-1,500IQD
Local eateries: 5,000 to 8,000IQD for a local meal, consisting of rice, beans and chicken, or a kebab
Fancy restaurants: Main courses starting at 14,000IQD
Taxi rides within cities: from 3,000ID to 5,000IQD
Transportation between cities: Local shared taxi from Suleymaniyah to Erbil costs 15,000IQD
Some money exchange stalls – No surveillance? – Traveling to Kurdistan
🕌 The country, its people and culture
From all Kurdistan regions, Kurdistan in Iraq enjoys the highest level of autonomy, to the extent that they control their borders, immigration, they have their own army and even Parliament.
Kurds are spread over 4 countries
There are 40 million Kurds spread over Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, making them the largest stateless nation in the world.
Many years ago, they used to be one single country but, at the end of the British Empire, the British themselves decided to draw the Middle Eastern map like that.
Kurds are not Arabs
Kurds are a different nation and ethnicity who are closer to Persians than Arabs. Never tell a Kurd that they are Arabs because they won’t like it, and it’s extremely important to know and make the distinction.
Kurdish is the main language
Kurdish – a language with many similarities to Farsi or Dari and Turkish – is the official language in Kurdistan.
Many young Kurds don’t even speak Arabic anymore
People who are less than 30-years old don’t really speak Arabic, or very little at least. They don’t teach it in schools anymore, a very drastic measure from the Kurdish Government after the Saddam Hussein invasion, when their national pride and differences versus the Arabs accentuated even more.
Speaking English in Iraqi Kurdistan
Young, well-educated people in Erbil and Sulamaniyah speak English but that’s it. With the rest of the population, you will have to talk using signs or Google Translate.
Many Kurds don’t like Arabs, at all
Educated Kurds are aware that their problems with the Arabs are more political but, during my journey, I met many closed-minded Kurds, especially in the villages, who told me that they really hate Arabs.
The Kurds, in Rawandiz – Travel Kurdistan Iraq
They are Sunni Muslims
Kurdistan is a Muslim country and most Kurds are Sunni Muslims.
However, they are moderate Sunnis
In Kurdistan, you may realize that Kurds are not as religious as Muslims from other Middle Eastern countries.
As I said, Kurds are the largest stateless nation, 40 million people spread over 4 different countries striving to get more recognition, more autonomy, so their national identity prevails over religion, the reason why Kurdistan is such a diverse nation composed of all types of Muslims, Christians, as well as other minorities.
This is the reason why the Kurds are moderate Muslims.
Yazidi people, in Lalish, the holiest place for Yazidis
In Erbil, there is a big Christian district named Anqawa and you actually find several Christian villages and Orthodox monasteries throughout the region.
Other minorities include Yazidis, Kakais and Shabaks.
Kurdish hospitality
Similarly to when you are traveling in Iran, house, lunch and chai invitations aren’t a rare thing to happen. Hospitality is in their blood, especially if you are an outsider.
Kurdistan is the most developed region in Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan, especially Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, have drastically developed in recent years. They hold some of the largest oil reserves in the country, control the main borders with Iran and Turkey and Erbil has become sort of a business hub, where many international companies have settled in.
Because of all the above, Kurds are craving for independence
More than 90% of the Kurds want to separate from Iraq. In fact, they already celebrated a referendum back in 2017 but due to international pressure and threats from Iraq and its neighbors, they didn’t move it forward.
The Kurdish flag and Amadiya in the background – Kurdistan travel guide
🍲 The food in Iraqi Kurdistan
A shawarma economy
During your trip to Kurdistan, you will get absolutely sick of shawarma, being the only option in most places. Eating a shawarma costs less than a dollar but it’s very unhealthy, even though many Kurds eat shawarma every single day.
Vegetarian falafel is widely available as well.
You may find kebabs
Sometimes, you may find some places serving good kebabs, of all types. A good kebab, however, isn’t cheap and you may end up paying up to 10USD for just a few of them.
If you are lucky, you may find local eateries
Local eateries typically serve red beans with rice, chicken and also kebabs. There aren’t many, however, and you will have to look for them. You need to look for them, however, or know where to go.
In a traditional restaurant, with the expedition group
The best Kurdish food is served at home
I have been invited in quite a few Kurdish houses and the main conclusion is that the best traditional Kurdish food can’t be found in restaurants but only in Kurdish homes.
Their cuisine is mostly rice and meat-based, quite fatty and with many stews. Red beans will always be the side dish of any meal and, when they have guests, they don’t care about making you eat chicken, lamb, and beef at the same time, along with fried rice with meat in it and a lot of flatbread.
I always left their houses completely rolling.
The amount of food they serve is insane
🍻 Drinking alcohol when you travel in Kurdistan
Good news: Alcohol is widely available in Kurdistan
Unlike the rest of Iraq, liquor stores are available everywhere. You can buy fresh, cold beer, wine and any type of liquor. In Erbil and Sulaymaniyah you can find plenty of bars, as well.
You can actually drink on the street
I didn’t really drink in the center of Erbil but I had some beers in a few parks in both Erbil and Suleymaniyah, as well as in villages throughout the country, and I never had any problems.
Well, this is not actually true because, in Suleymaniyah, I had a beer in the main square, basically because my Couchsurfing host told me it was OK to do so, but the police came to me quite annoyed, even though they just made me put it away. Apparently, it is legal to drink but some police don’t like it anyways.
In liquor shops, beer is cheap, not in bars
In the stores, a beer costs not much more than a dollar but, in bars, they charge 10 times more, unfortunately, so if you are on a budget, don’t get drunk in bars.
Chai and cafés
Like pretty much in all countries in the Middle East, chai is a big deal and it always comes with sugar by default. Hanging out in cafés is one of the highlights of any trip to Kurdistan, the best place to socialize with friendly locals.
Mam Khalil, one of the oldest tea houses in Erbil
🛺 How to travel around Iraqi Kurdistan: transportation
Moving around by bus or minivan
Buses are basically mini-vans but they don’t really run to many places, except between the main cities. They are much slower than shared taxis and not much cheaper.
Local shared taxis
The way to go. They go everywhere and are the most common way of transportation among locals. They aren’t cheap asin Iran and Central Asia but still quite affordable.
Hitchhiking in Kurdistan
Super safe and convenient. I hitchhiked all the way from Soran to Dohuk via Amedi, which is around 300km. Nobody never asked me for money and I had great experiences with many of the people, which a few times involved stopping for lunch or even making a detour, so they could drop me just at the place I wanted.
Crazy roads in Iraqi Kurdistan – Visit Iraqi Kurdistan
💻 Internet and SIM Card
Wi-Fi in Kurdistan
It is not the fastest Wi-Fi in the world, but it is pretty decent and you find good connection all across the country. Internet is not much of an issue when you travel in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Getting a SIM Card
You can easily buy a local SIM Card in many of the stalls located around the covered bazaar in Erbil. I got Korek Telecom and I remember paying around 12USD for a SIM Card and 3GB of data but as you know, data plans change every other day.
🏨 Where to stay in Iraqi Kurdistan: accommodation
Hotels in Iraqi Kurdistan
Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk are well-sorted of hotels.
Budget Hotels (pensions)
Like I said in the budget section, the cheapest hotels will cost you around 12-20USD but they can’t be booked online. You can check all the hotels I stayed at in my Kurdistan itinerary.
Couchsurfing
In Suleymaniyah and Erbil, there are so many active profiles. You may also find a few in Dohuk but outside of the main cities, I never got a couch.
❗ More information for visiting Iraqi Kurdistan
📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
Drones
I am telling you this based on my own experience. When I was traveling in Kurdistan, I got arrested for having a drone and I didn’t even fly it. They found it in my backpack and they took me to a military base, where they interrogated me for a few hours.
I really thought I would not get my drone back but, in the end, they believed my story. Basically, they are used by ISIS to spy, so if you do have one because you are overlanding, hide it and don’t fly it!
Tourists visiting refugee camps
It is possible to visit some Syrian refugee camps, but just some of them. They are outside the cities and you should go with a local. I visited Darashakran and you can read about my experience: Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq.
Travel insurance: It’s not the most exciting topic, is it?
I mean, who wants to think about hospitals and missed flights when you’re dreaming of sipping a mojito on a white sand beach or hiking through lush, green mountains? But here’s the thing: it’s also the one thing we always pack, right alongside our passports and toothbrushes.
That’s why we love plans like SafetyWing’s new Nomad Insurance Essential and Complete. They’re built for travelers like us – affordable, flexible, and ready for those “oh no” moments you hope never happen but somehow always do.
We learned the value of travel insurance the hard way. There was that time in Thailand when I (Micki) had to spend three days in the hospital with a nasty infection. Nothing says “romantic getaway” quite like IV antibiotics and a hospital bed.
Or the time in Greece when our son decided to turn a serene playground stop into a DIY episode of ER and ended up needing stitches in his ear.
And let’s not forget our adventure in Quito, Ecuador, when having the addresses of the nearest hospitals literally saved us hours of panicked Googling. Spoiler alert: public Wi-Fi isn’t always your friend in a medical emergency.
SafetyWing offers two tailored insurance plans for travelers and digital nomads: the Nomad Insurance Essential and Nomad Insurance Complete.
The Essential plan provides fundamental coverage for short- to mid-term travelers, focusing on emergency medical situations and specific travel-related incidents.
In contrast, the Complete plan is designed for long-term travelers and remote workers, offering comprehensive health insurance that includes routine medical care, mental health support, and extended travel coverage. Both plans aim to provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected against unexpected events during your journeys.
So, why do we always shell out for travel insurance? Let’s break it down.
Medical Mishaps Happen (A Lot)
If you travel enough, odds are you’re going to run into a situation where you’ll need more than just a Band-Aid. From food poisoning to scooter accidents, life on the road isn’t all Instagram worthy sunsets and perfect gelato. And when you’re navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system in another language, having a good insurance plan is like having a cheat sheet for your worst travel moments.
When I landed in the Thai hospital, I didn’t have to stress about the bill. It was all covered. And trust me, I’ve never been more grateful to not worry about a four-figure charge on my credit card. If you’ve ever been sick or hurt while traveling, you know how much of a lifesaver this can be, both financially and emotionally.
My hospital room in Thailand
About SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance
SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance offers two distinct plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers and digital nomads: the Essential Plan and the Complete Plan.
Who Are These Plans Designed For?
Essential Plan: Ideal for travelers embarking on short to medium-term trips who seek essential coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies and specific travel-related incidents.
Complete Plan: Suited for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers desiring comprehensive health insurance that includes both emergency and routine medical care, as well as extensive travel coverage.
Charles and the kids in Pamukkale, Turkey
Nomad Insurance Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is designed for travelers seeking fundamental coverage during their journeys. It’s ideal for short- to mid-term trips and provides protection against unexpected medical emergencies and certain travel-related incidents. Key features include:
Medical Treatment and Hospitalization: Coverage up to $250,000 for hospital stays, nursing care, diagnostics like MRIs, emergency dental treatments (up to $1,000), and extended care post-hospitalization.
Emergency Evacuation: If you require transfer to a better-equipped medical facility, the plan covers up to $100,000 (lifetime) for evacuation.
Lost Checked Luggage: Reimbursement of up to $500 per item, with a maximum of $3,000 per policy, for lost checked baggage.
Injuries from Leisure Sports and Motor Accidents: Coverage up to $250,000 for injuries sustained during leisure activities and motor accidents, provided safety protocols are followed.
Trip Interruption and Travel Delay: Up to $5,000 for trip interruption due to family death and $100 per day for up to two days for unplanned overnight stays due to travel delays.
It’s important to note that the Essential Plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, maternity care, or cancer treatments. Additionally, coverage for visits to your home country is limited.
Travel insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. Missed flights, stolen backpacks, or even trip cancellations, a good plan can cover it all. Imagine this: You’re at the airport, ready to board your dream flight to Bali, and suddenly you’re told there’s a mechanical issue. Your flight’s delayed by 12 hours, and you’re stuck. With the right insurance, you’re not paying for that last-minute airport hotel out of pocket.
Or what about that time in Ecuador? We weren’t just relieved to have hospital addresses, we also had support to guide us on where to go, what to do, and how to handle it all. That kind of help is priceless when you’re far from home.
Nomad Insurance Complete Plan
The Complete Plan is tailored for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers who desire comprehensive health insurance combined with extended travel coverage. This plan offers more extensive benefits, including:
Medical Treatment and Hospitalization: Enhanced coverage up to $1,500,000, encompassing hospital stays, nursing care, diagnostics, emergency dental treatments (up to $1,000), and extended post-hospital care.
Emergency Evacuation: Similar to the Essential Plan, it provides up to $100,000 (lifetime maximum) for evacuation to better-equipped facilities.
Lost Checked Luggage and Stolen Belongings: Reimbursement of up to $500 per item for lost luggage and up to $5,000 for stolen personal belongings.
Injuries from Motor Accidents: Coverage up to $1,500,000, with adherence to safety guidelines.
Injuries from Leisure Sports: Coverage up to $250,000.
Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, and Cancellation: Benefits include up to $5,000 for trip interruption, $150 per day for up to three days for travel delays, and $300 per trip (up to $600 per year) for trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
Routine and Preventative Care: Coverage of up to $5,000 for doctor and specialist visits, $300 for routine check-ups and preventative care, and wellness therapies such as chiropractic sessions and acupuncture.
Cancer Treatments and Maternity Care: Comprehensive coverage for cancer treatments up to $1,500,000 and maternity care with a $2,500 limit after a 10-month waiting period.
The Complete Plan also excludes pre-existing conditions and requires applicants to be between the ages of 18 and 74.
Both plans offer financial protection and peace of mind during your travels. The Essential Plan ensures you’re covered for unexpected medical emergencies and certain travel mishaps, preventing potential financial burdens. The Complete Plan provides an all-encompassing safety net, covering both emergency situations and routine healthcare needs, making it a suitable replacement for traditional health insurance while you’re abroad.
By choosing the plan that aligns with your travel style and healthcare needs, you can focus on your adventures, knowing that SafetyWing has you covered.
Peace of Mind is Priceless
Let’s be real: Travel is unpredictable. That’s part of what makes it amazing, but it’s also why insurance matters. We love knowing that no matter where we are or what goes wrong, we have a safety net. And with plans like SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential or Complete, it’s easier (and cheaper) than ever to protect yourself.
So, do you really need travel insurance? Well, ask yourself this: Can you afford not to have it? After our adventures, I can tell you, it’s one investment we’ll never skip. And honestly, having that peace of mind makes our mojitos taste even better.
From city trains to scenic ferries, transportation in Australia offers a mix of convenience, sustainability, and stunning views.
Getting around a new destination can be tricky, especially if it’s a country as massive as Australia. But luckily, the public transport system here is efficient, extensive, and well-connected.
Whether you’re new to Australia or a repeat visitor, getting familiar with its transportation methods is essential to making the most of your holiday.
Public transport is the most practical and cost effective way to travel, particularly in sprawling cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.
And it’s environmentally friendly, too, as it helps reduce carbon footprint in these metropolitan areas.
There is also a convenient network of air travel in Australia. Car rentals are abundant as well for those looking to road trip or explore on a more flexible schedule.
So here is your complete guide to getting around Australia!
Plan your trip to Australia with ease using our transport guide!
Ultimate Guide To Transportation in Australia
In our guide to transportation in Australia, we’ll discuss flights, public transport, driving yourself, and general travel tips. Get ready for a whirlwind adventure Down Under!
Travelling to Australia
Getting into Australia is almost entirely by air. Major international airports in capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane welcome travellers from around the globe all year round.
While there are no international train routes, cruise ships periodically dock in Australian ports, such as the Sydney Harbour.
Australia’s major cities serve as key gateways for flights from destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates operate frequent routes.
Because Australia is an island continent, long-haul flights are the norm. Travellers often have layovers in major hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or Los Angeles.
Sydney Airport in New South Wales is the busiest, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast Airport.
To score the lowest fares, consider flying outside the peak periods (which vary around the country). You can usually find discounted prices during the shoulder seasons and off seasons..
Use search engines such as Google Flights or Skyscanner for departure dates with the lowest prices.
Entry Requirements
All travellers to Australia must obtain a visa to enter the country.
Australia doesn’t have a visa-on-arrival option, except for citizens of New Zealand. All other visitors must get a visa before leaving their home country.
The standard visa for tourism is the Visitor Visa, which is open to all countries.
You may apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor Visa if you’re a citizen of one of these eligible countries. Both are quicker to process than the regular Visitor Visa.
The cost of a Visitor Visa depends on the duration and purpose of the stay. The eVisa is free of charge, while the ETA has a service fee of 20 AUD.
Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your travel date.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
Getting Around Australia
The public transportation system in Australia has four main options. These are buses, trains, trams, and ferries.
Trains and trams are the most common way of getting around big cities, but different locations have different modes of transportation.
Also, ferries are limited to the coastal areas, as most cities inland don’t have access to a waterway.
There are several ways to travel across Australia to fit your schedule, budget, and preference. Keep in mind, distances can be massive!
Air Travel
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to cover great distances.
Most Australian cities are far apart from each other. A flight from Perth to Sydney lasts five hours, while Brisbane to Melbourne takes two hours.
While flying is not always the cheapest, it’s the best option for cross-country travels if you have a tight schedule. Consider flying with budget airlines like Jetstar for lower flight prices.
Views while flying over the famous Sydney Harbour.
Trains
Australia has long-distance rails that connect the metropolitan areas with the outer suburbs and nearby cities.
The downside is most long-haul passenger trains run on a state basis. For example, Queensland Rail only provides services within Queensland, while the NSW TrainLink focuses mainly on New South Wales, with limited trips to Victoria.
Trains are not the best option for interstate travel if you’re short on time.
But if you’re after the experience, not speed, you can enjoy a relaxing tour with Journey Beyond Rail. The company provides luxurious train journeys, including the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin).
Buses
Buses, like Greyhound Australia, are a reliable option for those who want to travel a fair distance without blowing their budget.
Buses take longer than most public transportation, but they cover locations not served by trains, providing access to rural areas.
Long-haul buses are clean and well-maintained, with comfortable seats and ample legroom. Most have charger points, WIFI, toilet, and entertainment on board.
Other bus companies in Australia include Integrity Coach Lines, which operates in Western Australia, Premier Motor Service in New South Wales, and V/Line in Victoria.
Ferries
While ferries are part of Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth’s commuter systems, only a few long-distance ferry services exist due to limited routes.
The most notable ferry service is the Spirit of Tasmania, which sails between Geelong, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania. Another is SeaLink, which connects mainland Australia to Kangaroo Island.
Vehicle Rentals
Australia is highly dependent on road transport due to its sheer size.
A road trip is a fantastic way to travel across Australia. The roads are not only safe and well-maintained. The scenery is also stunning.
You can find vehicle rentals in major airports and city centres, offering a range of options, from a private car to a 4WD to a campervan.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Urban Transportation
Thanks to Australia’s efficient public transportation, getting around the cities is easy. In addition to trains and buses, you can hire a taxi or rent a bike. Then, there’s walking–the most exciting way to explore the bustling city centres!
Trains
Major cities rely heavily on their light rail system and suburban rail networks for daily public transport within urban areas.
In big cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, public transportation are partially underground which helps reduce traffic congestion.
Sydney is the only city with a rapid transit system called the Sydney Metro. Like many typical rapid transit systems, the Sydney Metro is fully automated.
Trams and Buses
Trams are an integral part of the public transport system in Australian cities, particularly in Melbourne. The city has the most extensive tram network, covering 24 routes with 1,700 stops.
Buses are also essential in both big cities and smaller towns without access to trains.
Most major cities have dedicated bus lanes to speed up travel time. Additionally, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne have night bus services to help commuters get home safely after midnight when train stations close.
Trams are abundant in Melbourne.
Ferries
Ferries are a popular and relaxing mode of public transportation in cities with waterfronts like Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane.
Sydney Ferries sails around Sydney Harbour, connecting the city centre and suburbs nearby. CityCat provides ferry services across the Brisbane River.
The ferries not only serve commuters but also attract tourists looking for a unique way to explore the city.
Taxis and Rideshare services
Taxis and rideshare services provide the most direct mode of public transport in Australia and are widely available in most cities.
Taxis remain the usual option for quick rides and airport transfers, but they are more expensive compared to other public transportation, including rideshare.
Rideshare services have become popular, mainly because they are cheaper than taxis. Uber is the most prominent rideshare in Australia, but DiDi is a close competitor, followed by Shebah, a female-only option.
Now that you’re familiar with Australia’s public transportation system, here are some tips to help you travel smoothly.
Researching Your Route
Public transport is well-organized in Australian cities, but a little research before will save time. Use Google Maps, Moovit, Citymapper, and city-specific transit apps to plan your journey.
Compare flights, buses, and trains to find the most cost-effective and convenient option.
Consider renting a vehicle and hitting the highway on a road trip for long-haul travel and a more immersive cultural experience!
Use a Travel Pass or a Travel Card
If you plan to visit multiple destinations, consider getting a reloadable travel card. It’s an easy and convenient way to pay for public transport in Australia across different cities.
A travel pass might suit you better if you only visit attractions in a specific area (i.e. Melbourne). Most offer bundled discounts and pre-set packages for certain tourist spots or activities.
Some city-based travel cards include:
Perth has a great public transport system.
Peak Hours and Safety
Major cities can get crowded during peak travel times (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays). Avoid the crowds and get a cheaper fare by traveling outside peak times!
Check timetables in advance as services may be less frequent in the evenings. Not all cities have 24-hour bus or train service. You can always hire a taxi or a rideshare, but it will be more expensive.
Public transport in Australia is generally safe. Theft and pickpocketing targeting tourists are almost unheard of.
Still, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy stations and during rush hour.
Never underestimate the power of technology in enhancing your travel experience.
These apps, combined with your knowledge of transportation in Australia, guarantee straightforward and enjoyable navigation.
Navigation Apps
A reliable navigation tool is crucial for real-time navigation.
Google Maps is the most-used app for navigation. But you can also check out CityMapper to get around cities. For road trips, use Waze to help you find the best routes.
If you’re driving a campervan, use WikiCamps Australia to find caravan parks, petrol stations, and toilets. For a more budget-friendly option, check out CamperMate.
Transportation Apps
Rome2Rio helps you find the best public transportation modes–bus, train, taxi, and more. Don’t forget to download a ridesharing app like Uber or DiDi, in case you need it.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!
Wanna travel to Mauritania with Against the Compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Mauritania:
December 23rd to 30th, 2025
How to get a visa, budget & costs, cultural facts, moving around, how to find accommodation, top experiences and more.
This is the most comprehensive and epic guide for traveling to Mauritania available on the internet.
In this Mauritania travel guide you will find:
our recommended travel insurance for Mauritania
With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Mauritania.
🇲🇷 Introduction to traveling to Mauritania
If I had to say one reason to visit Mauritania, I would say that few countries in the world feel as raw.
Until the middle of the 20th century, when the French were ruling the country, up to 90% of all Mauritanians were still carrying out a nomadic, pastoralist lifestyle.
That wasn’t a long time ago.
Today, many from that generation are still alive, so their tribal system and traditional life are completely visible, not only in remote Sahara towns such as Tidjikja, but even the most cosmopolitan people of Nouakchott will wear traditional clothes and have a haima deep into the desert as their second residence.
Backpacking around Mauritania, traveling like the locals do, is the best way to witness the unspoiled Mauritanian lifestyle. If you are lucky, you will travel in a local pick-up loaded with camels, or goats in the worst-case scenario, and taking a break in a Bedouin camp where you will be offered some zrig (fermented yogurt) is almost guaranteed.
In Tidjikja, I once met a Mauritanian who had lived and worked in the USA for almost 10 years. He decided to return to his homeland and, with all the money he saved, he bought tens of camels.
Like in the old times, this is the best business – he said. He was one of the richest men in town now.
And then there is the desert. Mauritania is nearly twice the size of France, yet less than 5 million people live spread across those extensive arid plains, mostly composed of breathtaking desert landscapes, yet to be explored by the average traveler.
Mauritania was on the way to becoming a mass tourism destination (relatively-speaking) but unfortunate events related to the conflict with the Sahel put an end to the industry.
However, Mauritania is still there, awaiting to be discovered by the rawest adventurers.
Nouakchott and Nouadhibou have the most transited international airports, and I chose Nouakchott because flights were cheaper.
I flew to Nouakchott via Dakar (Senegal) with Air Senegal, but you can find some direct flights from Europe, especially from France and the Canary Islands (Spain).
Alternatively, the airport of Atar – capital of the Adrar region, where most touristic sites are – has direct flights from Paris and some other French cities.
Traveling to Mauritania overland
Mauritania shares a border with:
How to travel to Mauritania from Morocco (Western Sahara)
An easy border to cross, the entry point being the closest Moroccan city to Nouadhibou.
The Algeria-Mauritania border is currently closed to foreigners due to safety concerns.
How to travel to Mauritania from Mali
After my trip to Mauritania, I went to Mali but I flew there.
It should be open but do check the latest security update, since most embassies claim the border areas are not entirely safe, even though all travelers I met who crossed them said it was just fine.
Spread across some of the driest plains in the Sahara, Mauritania might easily be one of the hottest countries on Earth, along with Sudan and Saudi Arabia, with overwhelmingly killing summers.
Personally, I can’t stand the heat, so my advice is to definitely avoid coming in the summer months, the best season for backpacking in Mauritania being from November to March.
I was backpacking in Mauritania there in the month of February and, during the day, the sun was already pretty harsh, with temperatures averaging 30-35ºC.
Nights and early mornings were kind of chilly though (15ºC), so do bring some small clothes, especially if you are planning to ride the Iron Ore train.
Overlooking the oasis of Terjit. This was early in the morning and as you can see, I was wearing a pretty warm sweater
🚑 Travel insurance for Mauritania
Mauritania is an adventurous destination, so we recommend going there with proper travel insurance.
Their backpacker plan covers all types of adventure activities
Very competitive prices
Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount
🛖 Top Experiences in Mauritania
Riding the Iron Ore train
Every single day of the year, a 2.5km long train departs from the remote Sahara town of Zouerat and travels 700km across the Sahara desert to the coastal city of Nouadhibou, transporting hundreds of tonnes of iron ore.
As hardcore as it sounds, travelers can get on top of the train and travel along the 18-hour journey.
This is one of the top reasons to visit Mauritania, and one of the best traveling experiences I have ever had.
As I said in the introduction, Mauritania is a particularly raw country and visiting several villages deep in the Sahara feels like traveling back in time.
I strongly recommend Tidjikja.
Daily life in Tidjikja
Seeing the largest concentrations of camels ever
From Oman to Sudan, hanging out with camels has become a vital part of my travels across the Middle East, but I think the camel market that takes place in the city of Nouakchott has the largest concentration of camels I have ever witnessed.
Cameeeeels 😀
Exploring the vastest Sahara
Mauritania is a far-flung land home to jaw-dropping desert scenarios that only a small bunch of travelers have had the chance to discover.
The dunes near Chinguetti
📚 Useful books for planning your trip to in Mauritania
West Africa travel guide by Lonely Planet
A useful book for West Africa overlanders – with a chapter fully dedicated to Mauritania – but bear in mind that it contains travel guides to 18 different countries, so consider it a small introduction to the region.
The desert and the drum (Mbarfek Ould Beyrouk)
This is the first Mauritanian novel to ever be translated into English and I think it’s the only one so far, that’s why I bought it.
The story is about a Bedouin girl who falls in love with a stranger city guy and all the consequences after her tribe found out.
To be very honest, the book is a bit cheesy but what I liked that it gives you many insights into how tribal people live in Mauritania.
🕌 Facts about Mauritania, its culture, people and religion
Mauritania is where Maghreb meets Africa
Nestled between Morocco and Senegal, Mauritania is a chaotic mix of both Maghrebis and sub-Saharan Africans, visible not only in people’s facial features but also in their food and the daily life of many Mauritanians.
Generally speaking, Mauritanians classify their society into 3 main groups:
White Moors (Beidane) – The dominant ethnic group, which refers to those Maghrebi-looking people who have lighter skin, and mostly have Arab or Berber descent.
Black Moors (Haratin) – Descendants of black slaves who lived in the Maghreb.
Sub-Saharan ethnic groups – Mauritanians who belong to African ethnicities from different parts of West Africa.
Something you need to know about Mauritania is that there is a pretty tangible structural racism, visible in all aspects of life. Mauritanians have a particularly traditional society, many of them either have a tribal mindset or live under a tribal system, which is why black ethnic groups are often treated as second-class citizens, have lower salaries and pursue low-qualified jobs, from house servants to fishermen. ‘’You will never see a White Moor cleaning houses’’ – some locals told me, as if they always felt the need to acknowledge to me they are the dominant group. I didn’t like it.
White Moors, Ouadane
Hassaniya is the local language
Hassaniya, which is a variety of Maghrebi Arabic, is the main language in Mauritania, and in the Western Sahara as well.
Nevertheless, languages such Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof are also recognized as national languages, and they are spoken by black African Mauritanians, depending on their ethnicity.
Fishermen are always from sub-Saharian Africa
It used to be a French colony, so French is the way to go, but English is not that useful
As a former French Colony (from the late 19th century to 1960), French is widely used in Mauritania, especially in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
Outside of these two cities, however, only highly educated people or people working in hospitality speak fluent French.
English, nevertheless, was hardly spoken by anyone – not even in touristic auberges – and that was a big downside for me, since my French is good enough to make myself understood but I can’t have deep conversations.
It’s a Muslim country
99.9% of the population in Mauritania are Sunni Muslims, most of them being highly devoted to Islam.
You also need to know that there is no freedom of religion and that atheism is punished with the death sentence.
Chinguetti Mosque, the most important mosque in Mauritania (13th century), whose minaret is said to be the second oldest in continuous use anywhere in the Islamic world
Most people wear traditional clothes
What I loved about Mauritania is that everybody wears traditional clothes, even young people from the capital.
Typically, men wear a wide blue dress named daraa and cover their head with a turban named shesh, which basically means scarf in Arabic.
I did buy the full set in a local market in Nouakchott and didn’t pay more than 6€, but I had to bargain.
Women dress in a traditional colorful dress named melhafa.
Rocking my ”daraa” somewhere in Ouadane, Mauritania
Leblouh is still a big deal in Mauritania
Leblouh refers to the tradition of force-feeding girls when they are very young, typically in those places where obesity is directly related to beauty, so they can get married earlier.
This old practice has been used in many African countries but in Mauritania, it’s still a very big thing. A few young local men talked to me about this particular topic, saying it’s a widely used habit. You will quickly notice that most Mauritanian women are curvy.
Slavery in Mauritania You probably heard of Mauritania being home to the last slavery stronghold in the world and, to some extent, it can be true. Slavery in Mauritania was only abolished in 1981, but it didn’t become an actual criminal offense until 2007. According to international media, however, slavery still exists. Slaves in Mauritania were always black Africans serving their White Moor masters. When you travel in the north of Mauritania, you are likely to see Bedouin families with black servants. Those servants were born and raised among those Bedouins but are treated as second-class family members, whose main goal in life is being their servants. Foreign media will tell you that those are actual slaves, while local Mauritanians claim those people are free to leave but they don’t because they are uneducated, that’s the only life they know and, basically, they are OK with it. Make your own judgment.
Looking for a ”daraa” in the local market of Nouakchott
🍲 Food in Mauritania
If I ever travel back to Mauritania, food won’t probably be the reason.
Mauritania is mostly composed of arid plains and it’s a traditionally nomadic society, so they never had either the ingredients or the motivation to have an elaborate cuisine.
Nonetheless, since Mauritania is sort of a cultural hub with people from Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa, you can find some food variety, but you need to look for it.
One thing that surprised me about backpacking in Mauritania is that it can be difficult to find food, cooked food I mean.
In many towns and villages, there weren’t any restaurants, and even in a relatively sized-town like Tidjikja, there was only one, and the day I went there, they said I had to order 3 to 4 hours in advance. On the next day, I did go there early in the morning, but it never opened.
Don’t panic, however. Usually, most auberges have a daily dish.
Things you are likely to eat in your trip to Mauritania:
Macaroni – Regular, greasy pasta with vegetables and meat. That’s what they fed me most days.
Maccaroni
Thieboudienne – That was my favorite. It’s a traditional Senegalese dish consisting of a brown, thin rice, fish and spices.
Thieboudienne is a Senegalese dish but in Mauritania it’s as traditional
Moroccan cous-cous – I say Moroccan because that’s what they call it. Just regular cous-cous but nothing comparable to the ones you find in Tunisia or Morocco.
Camel meat – Many of the above dishes will often come with camel meat.
Tea culture in Mauritania
Tea is an essential part of Mauritanian life, and a symbol of hospitality.
They have it in a similar way to neighbouring Morocco but the ritual takes longer and they serve it with a lot of foam, like in the Western Sahara.
Their tea is good, heavily concentrated but they take so much time preparing it, averaging 20-25 minutes, if doing it right.
During the first few days of your Mauritania trip, it’s a pretty cool process to observe but then, when you bump into random people who want to invite you for tea, expect to waste 40 or 45 minutes of your time. Because of this, once I missed the sunset and got very upset.
Alcohol in Mauritania Mauritania is a dry country and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden.
Mauritania belongs to the Sahel, a region that spreads across Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad – among others – and one of the most turbulent regions on Earth, today home to rebel groups like Al Qaeda Maghreb (AQIM) and many other similar organizations.
The truth is that Mauritania has actually suffered from unfortunate incidents that ended with the premature tourism industry, but it’s also true that, thanks to an outstanding level of security, the situation in Mauritania has remained stable for many years.
There are some areas near the border with Mali and Algeria where security can be an issue but that’s too remote to go anyways.
Mauritania travel tip: Bring 20-30 copies of your visa & passport When you are traveling around Mauritania, you will go through endless checkpoints in which all foreigners must register for their own security. In those checkpoints, the gendarmerie or military will ask you for a fiche, a document containing a copy of your passport and visa. If you don’t have one, they will make you get off the car and write down all your information, wasting you a lot of time. Therefore, do bring plenty of copies (30, at least). I recommend printing one single page with a copy of your visa and passport, along with your local phone number, if any.
Chinguetti is limited by a sea of dunes
💃 Solo female travel in Mauritania
Mauritania is a patriarchal, conservative, Muslim country, so a woman’s experience will differ greatly from a man’s.
However, I haven’t met yet a female traveler who has been backpacking in Mauritania by herself, so I can’t give very specific information about it. If you have visited Mauritania as a solo woman and would like to tell us about your experience, kindly let me know.
Based on female experiences in other countries, nonetheless, here are a few observations:
Do expect some occasional harassment, but no more than popular destinations, such as Egypt.
If you don’t have a lot of solo travel experience in Muslim countries, it is recommended to first travel to more touristic countries such as Jordan or Morocco
Traveling in Mauritania as a solo female should not be very different from traveling in Pakistan or Sudan
💻 Internet and connectivity in Mauritania
Generally, internet is pretty bad in Mauritania, both Wi-Fi and internet data, even in Nouakchott.
Outside of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou I never found Wi-Fi.
Internet data worked OK in Atar, Tidjikja and Zouerat.
In Ouadane and Terjit, it was nonexistent. Chinguetti was fine to send emails and simple browsing.
If you need to download anything, do it in your home country.
I bought a Mauritel SIM card and you can buy extra data and calls in any regular grocery store across the country.
Get a VPN for traveling in Mauritania
You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
Your connection will be much safer.
Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Mauritania.
I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.
In Mauritania, they use the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) and, approximately:
ATTENTION!
In 2018, Mauritania replaced their currency by introducing a new Ouguiya with the same value divided by 10.
The problem is that the vast majority of people still think in the old currency, and it’s so easy to get confused. Occasionally, it’s difficult to guess in which currency they are talking about, especially because sometimes it looks either too cheap or too expensive, but Mauritania is a very cheap country, so always go for the cheaper option 😉
Credit cards and ATMs
You will hardly find a place where you can pay by card. Do always have cash.
Société Generale is the most popular bank among foreigners for withdrawing money. I think it’s the only one that accepts international credit cards. You can find quite a few branches in both Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
Outside of these two main cities, ATMs are scarce, so remember to bring enough cash.
Exchanging money
There are several exchange offices in the city center (Capital area). Alternatively, I exchanged in many auberges at an acceptable rate.
How much does it cost to travel in Mauritania?
Prices of the most typical things:
Full meal in a local place: 150MRU
Full meal in fancier places: from 250-350MRU
Meals in auberges: 200-300MRU
Fast food (sandwich): 70MRU
Coffee in a local place: 40MRU
Coffee in a fancy café: 80MRU
Bottle of water (75cl): 10MRU
Local shared taxi within Nouakchott: 10MRU
Bus from Nouakchott to Tidjikja: 700MRU
Local car from Tidjikja to Atar: 700MRU
Local car from Atar to Chinguetti: 200MRU
Backpacking in Mauritania – Average daily budget
35€ a day
Mauritanian notes have camels in them
🏨 How to find accommodation in Mauritania
In Mauritania, there are many accommodation options but, outside of the main cities, they mostly consist of basic campsites and auberges. They also come with a large variety of nonsensical prices. Once I paid 20€ for a creepy hut and the next day I paid 4€ for a similar quality room.
In Nouakchott, if you are a budget traveler, I strongly recommend Le Village & Auberge Triskell, run by Sebastien, a French man who has been living in Mauritania for a long time.
Moreover, in Nouakchott, you can find hotels suitable for any wallet.
Outside of Nouakchott, you will rarely find anything on the internet.
Below is a list of some of the places I stayed at:
Tidjikja –Auberge Caravane du Desert – Very basic rooms with private bathroom. 1,000MRU for a double room
Terjit –Chez Jamel – A tended camp. It’s pretty basic but it’s well taken care of. 300MRU for a tent
Ouadane – Auberge Vasque – This is the best place I stayed in Mauritania. Clean, the only auberge with hot water and a comfortable mattress. 1,200MRU for a double room
Chinguetti – Auberge Zarga – Extremely basic and very dirty but the owner seems to be one of the few people in town who is used to dealing with travelers. 150MRU for a dorm-bed Zouerat – Tiris Hotel – Basic hotel and expensive but not many options in Zouerat. 1,500MRU for a double room
Nouadhibou –Hotel Esma – A proper, modern hotel. Perfect for those who arrive in Nouadhibou after riding the Iron Ore Train. 2,000MRU for a double room with breakfast
If I ever visit Mauritania again, I will rent a 4×4. Actually, one of the things I regret about visiting Mauritania is that I didn’t get deep into the desert. I mean, I did visit remote Sahara towns, but didn’t get far away from civilization and main roads.
You can easily rent a car in Nouakchott, or through your preferred guide/tour operator.
By the way, only experienced drivers should attempt exploring the depths of the Mauritanian Sahara.
Traveling around Mauritania by public transportation
Before traveling to Mauritania, I thought that moving between Sahara towns would be challenging but it turns out that all you need is a shit load of patience.
OMG, you can’t imagine how many hours I wasted waiting for a bus/car to leave.
Typically, local 4×4 pick-ups is the preferred way of transportation for moving between Sahara towns. They fit up to 8 people and leave once they are full, but when a town is too remote, it may take a few days to fill it up.
A local pick-up, or shared taxi, loaded with a camel
I actually wanted to go to Tichit from Tidjikja. Upon my arrival in Tidjikja, the first thing I did was try to arrange the local pick-up to take me there. The car wasn’t full yet, so I waited for one more day but nothing, they still didn’t have enough passengers:
Maybe tomorrow, or maybe not – they said.
In the hypothetical case I managed to get to Tichit, there could also be the possibility that I had to wait there for 3-4 extra days to come back to Tidjikja, which would imply spending more than a week in a very remote area with not much to do and where nobody spoke English, so I passed.
This is how I moved between towns:
Nouakchott to Tidjikja – Local buses leave early in the morning from Carrefour Madrid. It’s a 12-hour journey.
Tidjikja to Terjit – Local pick-ups leave almost daily, but you need to arrange it on the day before. It’s an epic ride over sand dunes. 10-hour journey.
Terjit to Atar – A local pick-up leaves early in the morning but I managed to hitch a ride after waiting for more than 2 hours.
Atar to Chinguetti – A few pick-ups run daily. Easy.
Chinguetti to Ouadane – First, you need to take a private taxi to the Ouadane intersection and wait there for a car to pass by. The intersection is literally in the middle of the desert, with no internet service and 30km from the nearest civilization. I waited for like 3 hours.
Ouadane to Zouerat – A very long ride. First, you must arrange a local pick-up that will take you to Atar, which typically leaves at 7am. Once in Atar, I had to wait for about 5 hours for a bus to depart to Zouérat.
More often than not, that sand has literally swallowed the road
❗ More information for traveling in Mauritania
📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
All guides and articles for traveling in Mauritania destination
Today is the day! My new book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, is out NOW! (Woo! Hoo!) This newly updated edition of my New York Times best-selling book will help you travel on a budget.
The last edition of the book came out in 2017 and, since then, a lot has changed. COVID changed the travel industry forever. A lot of companies/hotels/hostels closed during the pandemic, including ones that had been around for decades! Old methods of saving money (like RTW tickets) became obsolete and new methods (like certain apps and sharing economy websites) came into being.
Destinations changed. Prices have definitely changed.
If you’re looking to have those magical travel experiences you always hear about in books or on social media, my new book is going to help you. You’ll become an expert traveler and know how to always find deals and get off-the-beaten-path. It will lay out travel planning in a simple and easy to follow format and give you specific strategies that work no matter where you go in the world or for how long. (After all, it doesn’t matter how long you’re going away for, we all get on the same planes!)
This book has my twenty years of travel wisdom distilled into one place and has tips, tricks, and resources not found on this blog. So, if you’re looking to unlock the power to go anywhere without spending a fortune, get your copy today from one of the following retailers by clicking the image below:
Here’s some of the new stuff you’ll find in this edition:
A new section on collecting and redeeming points and miles.
A completely updated resource section filled with companies and accommodations I love.
More information on overtourism and how to be a responsible traveler.
Completely revised and updated and expanded destination sections that include new prices, ways to save, tips on where to eat, accommodation, transportation, and activities.
New trips and tricks on how to save money before you go.
New ways to save money on accommodation, including ways to get free accommodation.
New ways to save money on transportation (with new information on transportation passes).
Here’s a detailed chapter-by-chapter breakdown:
Chapter 1: Getting Over Your Fears
Chapter 2: Is Travel Really Too Expensive?
Chapter 3: How to Save for Your Trip
Chapter 4: Banking Overseas
Chapter 5: Credit Cards
Chapter 6: Airline Tickets
Chapter 7: Backpacks and Suitcases
Chapter 8: Travel Insurance
Chapter 9: What to Do with Your Stuff
Chapter 10: Tips for Saving Money on Accommodations
Chapter 11: Tips for Saving Money on Food and Beverages
Chapter 12: Tips for Saving Money on Transportation
Chapter 13: Tips for Saving Money on Activities
Plus, the book also covers the major destinations of the world, like Australia, Central America, China, Europe, New Zealand, South America, Southeast Asia, and a few others!
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Hey there snack lovers! Micki here. If you’re craving a taste of authentic Japanese treats, you’ve probably heard of the popular subscription boxes Sakuraco and Bokksu. Both deliver a selection of authentic Japanese goodies to your door each month, but how do they compare?
Our family of four took a closer look at Sakuraco and Bokksu to help you decide which one might be the better choice for you.
Curious to try one of these boxes for yourself? Keep reading to find out which one might be your perfect match!
Both the Sakuraco and Bokksu boxes landed on our doorstep in great condition and were the exact same size. The first thing we noticed? Sakuraco’s packaging was elegant and understated with gold accents on a light pink background, while Bokksu had a shinier orange box.
Sakuraco felt like a luxe gift, perfect for a tea party, whereas Bokksu was more like your everyday Japanese snack box.
Culture Guides & Booklets
Inside, both boxes came with über-informative booklets, diving deep into Japanese culture and the story behind each snack.
This is actually the third Sakuraco box we’ve tried, and I have to say, the attention to detail and cultural insights in their guides never disappoints. All three boxes have been consistently packed with high-quality treats and fascinating tidbits about Japan.
The Snacks
Sakuraco’s Seasons of Sakura Box
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Sakuraco’s Seasons of Sakura box was bursting with authentic Japanese treats, from delicate sakura mochi to crispy senbei crackers.
The traditional wagashi sweets, like the Sakura Daifuku and Sakura Manju, were melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
And can we talk about that adorable sakura sake glass? Totally Instagram-worthy.
I absolutely loved the fragrant, sweet sakura tea. I’ve never had cherry blossom tea before, so it was such a treat!
I loved the sakura daifuku, which are soft, sakura-infused mochi over a sweet white bean paste. So good!
The adorable little sakura konpeito candies were real winners in our family. So cute!
Overall, all of the treats in the Sakuraco box felt carefully chosen, and beautiful to look at, as well as tasty to eat.
Meanwhile, Bokksu’s Sakura Sunset Glow box boasted some tempting treats. The Almond Chocolate Sand Kokuto Caramel cookie, made with Okinawian kokuto sugar, was a caramelly dream, with an interesting burnt caramel taste that we were divided on. I liked it, but my two teens definitely didn’t.
The anno imo sweet potato financier was a definite thumbs down from all of us, we found the heavy dough a bit too cloying and not light or sweet enough for our taste.
However, the Japanese Valencia Orange Cake, studded with juicy orange peel? That was delicious with a cup of the White Peach Rooibos Tea.
Traditional vs Trendy Treats
Both boxes served up a satisfying mix of sweet and savory, but Sakuraco definitely leaned into the traditional with items like the Sakura Kohakuto candy and the light and crunchy Kabukiage crackers.
Bokksu, on the other hand, had some fun fusion snacks, like the Gluten-Free Sakura Matcha Gaufrettes.
Glassware
Sakuraco’s the clear winner here, with their gorgeous sakura sake glass. Crafted in collaboration between Sakuraco and Ishizuca glass artisans, the glass is decorated with a delicate golden sakura. It feels delicate, but sturdy.
Bokksu didn’t offer any sort of glass or bowl, making Sakuraco the hands down winner here.
Sakuraco vs Bokksu for Special Diets
Allergens & Vegetarian Options
If you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be happy to know that both Sakuraco and Bokksu clearly mark allergens and vegetarian-friendly snacks in their handy booklets.
In the Seasons of Sakura box, treats like the adorably packaged Sakura Konpeito candies and Ryokucha Usuyaki tea cookies got the veggie thumbs up. Over in camp Bokksu, the Soft Sakura Mochi and Lan-de-boule Caramel Sand Cookie were among the vegetarian options.
Sakura konpeito
While not every single item is suitable for those with allergies or plant-based diets, there’s still plenty to enjoy in both boxes. Just be sure to look at those info guides before diving in!
Pro tip: If you have severe allergies or follow a strict diet, reach out to the Sakuraco or Bokksu customer service teams before ordering. They’re always happy to help you determine which box is the safest snacking choice for you!
Ume Senbei
The Verdict: Sakuraco: Our winner!
So, which box takes the (rice) cake? Honestly, we lean pretty strongly toward Sakuraco.
To begin with, we loved the gorgeous sake glass included in our Sakuraco order, which made the entire box feel premium and elegant. Bokksu didn’t offer anything similar.
On top of that, if you’re keen on immersing yourself in traditional Japanese tea culture, Sakuraco’s elegant curation and bonus home goods give it an edge. The Ryokucha Usuyaki tea cookies were particularly charming touches.
Overall, our family just felt that the Sakuraco box felt more premium. The treats were also tied closely to the theme, even down to the color.
So, how did the taste compare? Well, that’s pretty subjective, but my personal favorites were all Sakuraco. I loved the sweet sakura tea. I’ve never had cherry blossom tea before, so it was a real treat!
I loved the sakura daifuku, which are soft, mochi over a sweet white bean paste. So good! The adorable little sakura konpeito candies were a huge hit as well!
sweet Sakura tea
Pricing & Shipping
Pricewise, Sakuraco starts at $37.50/month for a one month subscription, while Bokksu starts at $39.99/month for their one month subscription. Both offer pay-as-you-go options if you just want to dip a toe in.
Ume Okoshi
Bottom Line
The final verdict? We’re huge fans of Sakuraco for a sophisticated, immersive cherry blossom experience. Your taste buds are in for an adventure! Until next time, happy snacking!
