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.
As the world becomes increasingly digitised, traditional systems such as banking, commerce, and even the way we travel, continue to evolve. One significant player in this digital revolution is the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin sitting at the forefront. As the most widespread and recognized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is breaking into mainstream use, even off the gridlock of Wall Street. Cashless transactions are not entirely new in the world of travel. Most globe trotters of today; travel with cards or use money transfer apps for convenience and safety. Still, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer an alternative that propose unique advantages and challenges for the modern traveler.
Traveling with Bitcoin: The Pros
Bitcoin transactions offer several advantages that may prove beneficial for travelers. The most appealing of these advantages is the potential to bypass exchange rates and bank fees. Swift and seamless transactions across borders make cryptocurrency an attractive option. In theory, Bitcoin promises better financial security. Since you’re not carrying physical cash or cards that can be lost or stolen, your money is safer. Cryptocurrency wallets cannot be pilfered or pick-pocketed. Travelers also value their freedom and independence. Bitcoin, being a decentralised currency not controlled by any government, offers this sense of liberation.
Traveling with Bitcoin: The Challenges
While the idea of using Bitcoin as your main currency while traveling sounds exciting, it does come with a few challenges. It’s essential to bear in mind that Bitcoin is a volatile currency and prices can swing unexpectedly. This could mean that the budget you carefully planned out in Bitcoin could suddenly be worth more or less than you anticipated. Moreover, despite the growing acceptance of Bitcoin, it’s still not universally recognized or accepted. So, if you’re planning to rely solely on Bitcoin, better do your research beforehand: find out if the places you’re visiting, the hotels you’re staying in, and the restaurants you’re eating at – all accept Bitcoin.
What an Expert from Bitcoingambling.org Had to Say…
As the discussion around the applicability and feasibility of Bitcoin in the travel industry grows, it becomes more important to diversify our understanding of cryptocurrency as a whole. Roberto D., a cryptocurrency analyst at Bitcoingambling.org, agrees. He told us, “The popularization of digital currencies like Bitcoin also rests on our ability to understand them.” Fashioning a working comprehension of how Bitcoin works and the best use cases can empower travelers to take full advantage of this currency. For curious readers or those looking to gain a more exhaustive knowledge of Bitcoin, BitcoinGambling.org contains a wealth of information.
Moving Forward
Cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, are still in somewhat of an infancy stage when it comes to their application in the real world. However, the potential for usage in the travel industry, and the opportunities that can arise from it, are both intriguing and promising. Indeed, as cryptocurrency becomes more prevalent in our everyday transactions, we can expect to see a future where Bitcoin and other digital currencies are a common feature of the travel experience. Until then, educating ourselves and building an understanding of how to effectively use and navigate cryptocurrency is the pathway to its successful integration. Remember, every revolution begins with a single step. It’s clear that the realm of travel is expanding beyond physical borders. And as we journey into the digital frontier, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin will undoubtedly play a significant role in defining the future of international travel.
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!
When planning a vacation with kids in Tepic, Nayarit, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions to enjoy. One must-visit spot is the La Loma Park, a beautiful park with playgrounds, green spaces, and walking trails perfect for outdoor fun.
For a cultural experience, head to the Amado Nervo Museum, where both kids and adults can learn about the life of the famous poet.
Another exciting place to visit is the Magical Village of Jala, known for its traditional charm and delicious local cuisine that the whole family will love.
Introduction
Tepic, Nayarit is a vibrant city located in Mexico, known for its rich culture and abundance of opportunities for family adventures. From exploring historical sites to immersing in local traditions, Tepic offers a range of experiences for visitors of all ages.
To ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip for the whole family, it is crucial to plan kid-friendly activities that cater to the interests of children. By considering the little ones in the planning process, families can create lasting memories and bond over fun-filled adventures in Tepic.
Outdoor Adventures
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tepic, Nayarit with a variety of outdoor activities perfect for kids. Explore the lush green landscapes by going on family-friendly hikes at Cerro de San Juan where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views.
Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of nearby rivers or try your hand at fishing with your little ones. For a more adventurous experience, consider going on a ziplining tour through the treetops or embark on a gentle rafting trip along the river.
There’s no shortage of fun and exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors with your children in Tepic!
Visit La Loma Park
La Loma Park is a beautiful recreational area that offers a variety of features for visitors to enjoy. The park boasts well-maintained playgrounds that cater to children of all ages, providing a safe and fun environment for them to play.
Surrounded by lush green spaces, La Loma Park is ideal for picnics and relaxation, making it a perfect spot for families to spend quality time together.
It features scenic walking trails that wind through the natural landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. The family-friendly atmosphere at La Loma Park ensures that visitors of all ages can have an enjoyable experience.
Explore Mexcaltitán Island
Visiting Mexcaltitán Island offers a unique experience rich in history, culture, and exciting boat tours. Steeped in heritage, this island is a hub of fascinating stories waiting to be discovered. For families with children, there are kid-friendly attractions such as museums showcasing the island’s past and local art.
When it comes to cuisine, visitors can indulge in delicious local dishes that reflect the authentic flavors of the region.
Mexcaltitán Island promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and a glimpse into Mexico’s vibrant traditions.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse your family in the rich culture of Tepic, Nayarit through these activities. Discover the vibrant local markets where you can taste authentic Mexican cuisine and shop for traditional handicrafts. Attend colorful traditional festivals that celebrate the region’s history and traditions. Visit museums and art galleries showcasing the artistic heritage of Tepic.
Engage in workshops to learn traditional dances or crafts from local artisans. Explore historical sites such as colonial buildings and ancient ruins that offer insight into the city’s past.
These experiences will truly deepen your understanding of Tepic’s cultural richness.
Visit the Regional Museum of Nayarit
When you step into the Regional Museum of Nayarit, you are greeted with a rich display of exhibits that narrate the captivating history and heritage of the region. The museum proudly showcases archaeological treasures, indigenous artworks, and historical artifacts that offer a glimpse into the past of Nayarit.
One of the highlights of the museum is its interactive displays designed specifically for children. These engaging exhibits not only educate the young visitors about the region’s history but also make learning a fun and immersive experience for them.
Attend a Traditional Dance Performance
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tepic, Nayarit by attending a traditional dance performance. These shows offer a captivating glimpse into the rich local traditions and heritage of the region.
From colorful costumes to rhythmic music, you will be enchanted by the energy and skill displayed by the talented dancers. Moreover, many of these performances are family-friendly, making it a perfect outing for visitors of all ages, including children.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the authentic essence of Tepic through these mesmerizing dance shows.
Family-Friendly Attractions
When visiting Tepic, Nayarit with your family and kids, there are several top attractions that are perfect for a fun-filled day out. One of the must-visit places is La Loma Park, a beautiful park with green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
The Magical Village of Jala is another great option, where you can explore the colorful streets and enjoy local crafts. Don’t miss the Amado Nervo Museum, a cultural spot that offers insights into the life of the famous poet.
These family-friendly attractions in Tepic are sure to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones.
Water Park El Salto
Water Park El Salto offers a wide range of exciting features for visitors of all ages.
From thrilling water slides that cater to adventure seekers to relaxing pools for those looking to unwind, this park has something for everyone. Children of all ages can enjoy specially designed water activities and play areas, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family.
In terms of safety, Water Park El Salto prioritizes the well-being of its guests by implementing strict safety measures, including trained lifeguards stationed throughout the park and clear signage indicating rules and guidelines.
Amenities such as changing rooms, lockers, and on-site dining options enhance the overall visitor experience.
Tepic Municipal Zoo
The Tepic Municipal Zoo is a fascinating destination that offers a wide range of animals, providing an enriching experience for kids. Visitors can explore diverse species from around the world, making it an educational and entertaining trip. The zoo features special exhibits showcasing rare and exotic animals, creating a sense of wonder and excitement among visitors.
Interactive opportunities such as feeding sessions and animal encounters allow children to learn more about wildlife in a fun and engaging way.
The Tepic Municipal Zoo is a perfect place for families to enjoy a memorable day while fostering a love for nature and conservation.
Shopping and Dining
There’s a wide array of family-friendly shopping and dining options in Tepic, Nayarit. From traditional markets offering local crafts and souvenirs to modern shopping centers with popular retailers, there is something for everyone.
Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at charming restaurants and eateries scattered throughout the city.
Whether you’re looking for a casual dining experience with delicious street food or a sit-down meal with traditional dishes, Tepic has it all. Enjoy the vibrant and diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.
Visit Plaza Forum Tepic
Plaza Forum Tepic offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities for visitors. You can find stores specializing in children’s clothing, with a variety of fashionable and comfortable options for the little ones.
There are shops dedicated to toys, providing a wide selection of fun and educational toys for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for souvenirs to remember your visit, you’ll find unique options in the souvenir stores at the plaza.
Moreover, Plaza Forum Tepic is home to a selection of dining options suitable for families, where you can enjoy delicious meals together after a day of shopping and exploring.
Try Local Cuisine at Mercado Juan Escutia
Mercado Juan Escutia is a fantastic destination to explore traditional Mexican cuisine. Visitors can savor authentic local flavors through a variety of dishes such as savory tacos, flavorful tamales, spicy pozole, and refreshing aguas frescas.
This market offers a unique family-friendly dining experience where both adults and kids can enjoy a delicious meal together.
For the little ones, there are kid-friendly menu options available, including quesadillas, burritos, and tasty churros. With its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes, Mercado Juan Escutia is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culinary traditions.
And if you want to eat at a local restaurant offering great, local food in a nice environment, Emiliano Restaurant is a fantastic option.
Summary
If planning a family trip to Tepic, Nayarit, you’ll get a small but diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to families with kids. From exploring cultural sites like the Nayarit State Museum to enjoying nature at La Loma Park, there is something for everyone.
Families can also visit the charming Plaza Principal or experience the fun and educational exhibits at Amado Nervo House Museum. With its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly attractions, a day in Tepic is enough time to explore a less visited destination for a memorable and enriching family vacation.
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:
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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.
If you are planning a road trip to the Basque Country and wonder whether it’s worth including San Sebastián into your itinerary, this post is for you. We recently returned from a three-week to Spain, so in this article I’ll get into the pros and cons of visiting San Sebastián. Based on our experience, there are plenty of good reasons to visit this city, but there are also a few cons which may be a deterrent for you.
San Sebastián-Donostia
But First Things First: where is San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is one of the four main cities in the Basque Country, Spain, next to Bilbao, Santander and Vitoria-Gasteiz, the region’s administrative capital. Officially known by the bilingual name Donostia/San Sebastián (Basque: Donostia, Spanish: San Sebastián), the city lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, about 12 miles from the border of Spain and France.
The Pros of Visiting San Sebastián
San Sebastián was once a summer vacation spot for the European elites, and once you see it you’ll understand why.
It’s a Clean and Safe Place to Visit
San Sebastian is generally a very safe city to visit. The crime rate is low in comparison to other cities in Spain. We spent about 5 days in San Sebastián and never felt unsafe, whether it was day time or night time. That being said, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town, where pickpocketing can occasionally occur.
What impressed me most was how clean an well maintained the streets and the buildings are hare. In fact, San Sebastian is famous for its elegant Belle Époque buildings and charming old streets.I
Old Town in the morning
In the heart of San Sebastian is its Old Quarter (Parte Vieja), a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with pintxos bars and local shops. This area which buzzes with activity, especially in the evening when locals and tourists come out for a drink and a bite to eat.
People enjoying a drink in Plaza de la Constitucion
Beautiful Beaches and an Amazing Scenery
The city’s coastline location is a big draw for visitors. It has wide sandy beaches in either direction, while inland it abounds with green forests, high cliffs, and strange rock formations. When visiting San Sebastián you’ll be surprised how green, lush and diverse the landscape is. Even in the midst of summer, when the rest of Europe is baking in a heatwave, the city maintains its verdant color.
Scenic view of San Sebastián
Beach culture is a big thing in San Sebastián because the city is blessed with quite a few nice beaches. The most popular one is La Concha. The other two are Zurriola and Ondaretta.
La Concha Beach
Located in a small bay in the center of the city, La Concha Beach is by far the best in San Sebastián and truly worth visiting. The beach has calm waters, fine golden sand and abundant amenities like sun-beds, umbrellas, showers, lifeguards on duty. Its protected location from the wind make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and various water sports.
La Concha Beach
Zurriola Beach
Another beautiful beach is Zurriola, located on the other side of the river in the Gros neighborhood. This beach is very popular for surfing, but not so much for swimming because of its strong currents and big waves.
Zuriolla beach in the evening
Exquisite Food
One of the reasons San Sebastian is worth visiting is its food. What makes the food here so special? It’s the ingredients, the fresh seafood, the local produce, and the artisan cheeses they use. The city’s rocky coastline bordered by rolling green hills and farmland, make this area great for fishing, farming, and gardening. The fresh seafood and produce are delivered almost immediately to the world-class restaurants.
Tamboril, one of the Michelin-star restaurants in San Sebastián
San Sebastián has a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants. You practically stumble upon them almost everywhere you go in this city. Some of the most renowned are Casa Unroll (3 Michelin stars), Kokotxa (3 Michelin star), Mirador de Ulia (3 Michelin star), Ikaitz (2 Michelin Stars), and Tamboril (1 Michelin stars).
Pintxos, small snacks characteristic to the Basque Country
But the city is especially famous for its pintxos (pronounced pin-chos), which are small snacks typically served in bars. These delicious bites are a huge part of Basque culture. You’ll find the best pintxo bars in the old town, especially the streets around the Basilica. And while strolling the old town, don’t miss the traditional Basque cheesecake, which is quite different from the one we have here, in the USA.
It’s Home to the Oldest European Culture
The Basques have one of Europe’s oldest and most unique cultures. Their language and traditions are very different from the rest of Spain, so there is a good reason why they consider themselves a distinct cultural group. They cherish their unique language, music and folklore and try to preserve them the best they can. Even their dances set them apart from the rest of Spain or Europe.
Locals dressed in folk Basque costumes performing a dance
If you want to experience the traditional Basque music and dances, San Sebastián is the place to go. Basque dances are performed on the old town streets, in plazas or public places at during all the festivities and celebrations in the Basque Country. In June, when we visited the city, they had traditional Basque dances every evening in Plaza de la Constitución.
Lots of Places to Walk or Hike
If you are looking to spend some time outdoors, San Sebastián has plenty of delightful places to stretch your legs.
Mount Urgull
Overlooking the Old Quarter, the summit of Monte Urgull and the 40 foot tall Christ statue at the top are visible from many points in the city. One of the nicest things to do in San Sebastián hike to the very top of the mountain. It’s really a nice walk that goes only in the shade, with breathtaking views. While the paths are nicely paved, there are some steep parts as well as stairs in some places.
The walls of Castelo de la Mota at the top of Mount Urgull
This is a great place to observe the city and the sea. The different paths around the area open up to many scenic lookout points that are hidden between leafy patches. At the very top of the mountain you’ll see upclose the Sagrado Corazon statue (the statue of Christ) as well as the fortifications and cannons of the Castelo de la Mota.
Christ Statue at the top of Mount Urgull
La Concha Promenade (Paseo de la Concha)
Next to La Concha Beach there is a long promenade that follows the bay, bordered by a wrought-iron balustrade. This is a great place for walking, cycling, or people-watching. The lively promenade offers great views of La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island. It also passes by opulent looking buildings, such as the emblematic Londres Hotel and Miramar Palace.
Paseo de la Concha
Don’t miss the famous Clocks scattered along the promenade, which the locals use as meeting points. Also located on the promenade is the famous thermal springs spa of La Perla. This is the only center of thalassotherapy in town, reminiscent of the time when San Sebastián was a spa city.
Mount Igueldo
Located on the western side of La Concha Beach is Monte Igueldo, a leafy mountain that features a funicular train, great views and even a roller coaster. As you ascend the mountain on the funicular, you will enjoy the stunning panoramic view of San Sebastián. Once at the top, you can go on a roller coaster and a few other amusement park rides that operate at the top of the mountain.
Spectacular view from the top of Mt. Igueldo
Having been up to both peaks in San Sebastián, I think visiting Mt. Igueldo is truly worth it for the views, which are absolutely amazing. Also, if you don’t want to spend money on the funicular (€2.80) you can also hike to the top.
The funicular at Mt. Igueldo
It Has Interesting Museums
If you have time for museums, you’ll find quite a few worth visiting in Donostia-San Sebastian. Like Eurika! Science Museum, San Telmo Museum, which is housed in an ancient convent in San Telmo, Museum of Sacred Art, or History House in the Castillo de la Mota at the top of Monte Urgull, where you can find out about the history of San Sebastián.
Museums in Donostia-San Sebastian
Cons of Visiting San Sebastián
After listing so many good reasons to visit San Sebastián, you may be wondering what could be the cons. Well, like I promised in my title, this will be an unbiased review of San Sebastián where I’ll give both the good and the bad and let you decide whether it’s worth visiting or not.
The Weather is Totally Unpredictable
If you decide to visit San Sebastián, be prepared for rain. You may like the lush, green vegetation and cooler temperatures during the summer, but there is a reason for this. San Sebastián receives more rainfall than almost anywhere else in Spain, with an average 59 inches of rain per year. The rainiest months are October to January, but it rains often and during every season. Even in summer.
Rainy day in June in San Sebastián
You can count that on one of the summer months will be a rainy mess, but the other two will usually be warm and sunny. The problem is you never know which month will be the rainy one. And when it rains, it rains! If you are lucky, it’s just a short shower. But sometimes it rains for a few hours and often it rains for days in a row.
It’s Expensive
Generally, San Sebastián is rated as a moderately expensive city, but that was not our experience. When compared to other European city, San Sebastián is among the top 15% most expensive cities in Europe.
They say that on average, a visitor can spend about $150 per day when visiting San Sebastian, while a couple would spend an average of $267 per day. Of course, prices will vary a lot based on the travel style and length of trip. But if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation, this is what you can expect to pay.
However, if you want to go to a couple of Michelin restaurants, stay in the center of the city where you can walk practically everywhere, or rent a car for day trips, the price per day will jump considerably.
It Has Big Crowds
San Sebastián is a popular beach town with a beautiful seashore and a charming old town. The problem is that it’s not very big, so if you plan to visit it during the summer time, when the weather is nice and your chances of getting rain are slimmer, you’ll be faced with big crowds. That’s especially a problem at La Concha Beach, or when you try to get a seat at one of the bars or restaurants in the Old Quarter.
Big crowds in Donostia-San Sebastián
Streets will also be very crowded and sometimes you’ll have to walk almost shoulder to shoulder with other people.
Unfriendly Locals
We travel extensively through Europe and by comparison I can safely say that locals in the Basque region aren’t exactly friendly, or willing to help. They seem rather impatient and uninterested in you, as a tourist. This is especially true for San Sebastián, which sees a lot of visitors every year.
We had quite a few experiences within the five days we’ve spent there and in almost all circumstances we received average or poor service. Waiters who wouldn’t show up to take the order, or were obviously annoyed by merely asking for another drink. Shopkeepers who wouldn’t acknowledge our presence and would continue their private conversation. Hotel receptionists who were very arrogant and patronizing, and so on.
Who is San Sebastian Best Suited For?
San Sebastián is a perfect blend of natural landscapes and city attractions. Home to the world’s finest food, wine, art, and so much more! Because of its luxurious appeal, the city has always been a retreat for royalty and European aristocracy, which is why I believe it’s perfect for travelers looking for relaxation, culture and gastronomy.
It is also a great city for couples looking for a romantic getaway or in search of a serene seaside retreat.
Visiting San Sebastián
In short, if you love the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, surfing, and water sports in San Sebastián. And if you like to discover new dishes and wines, you’ll be in Heaven here!
A Final Note
So, is San Sebastián worth visiting? After reading both the pros and cons, I’m pretty sure your answer will be yes! In San Sebastián you’ll experience some of the best food in Spain, enjoy gorgeous scenery, visit beautiful museums and learn a few things about the oldest culture in Europe.
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.
Summer is simply the perfect season to throw a pool party. What better way is there to beat the heat than to chill in the pool with your loved ones, with delicious food and ice-cold drinks waiting for you nearby?
If it’s your goal to host an epic summer pool party, however, the event should entail more than just jumping in the pool, swimming around for a bit, and then calling it a day. You’ll want to do a little planning to ensure that your pool party is fun and memorable for all guests involved.
Before you put on one of your favorite swimsuits and jump in the pool, here are some things you should do as a host for the kind of pool party people will talk about long after it’s over:
1) Open Your Pool for the Summer
The first step towards hosting the ultimate summer pool party is actually getting the pool ready. At least three weeks before the date, open your pool to ensure that it’s in tip-top condition.
Clean the pool itself, remove any debris, and balance the water’s chemical levels so that it’s 100 percent safe for swimming. If you have no experience opening a pool the right way, consider hiring a professional service to handle any maintenance or repairs that might be needed.
2) Send Out Invitations
With your pool ready for action, it’ll be time to invite your guests. But before you send out the invites, make sure that you’re inviting the right number of people. You’ll want everyone to have enough room to enjoy the water without overcrowding it.
As such, consider the size of your pool and the space you have available when creating your guest list. This way, you’ll be able to get a rough estimate of how many people you can fit into the party area.
After you’ve made the guest list, the next step is to create the invitations. There are two ways to go about this: digital invites or traditional paper invites. If you’re looking for convenience and quick responses, opt for digital invites. But if you’re itching to incorporate some creativity and a personal touch, go ahead and send themed paper invitations.
Whichever you choose, make sure to include all the essential details: the date and time of the party, your address, and any specific instructions like what to bring (e.g., swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, etc.). If your party has a specific theme, such as a tropical barbecue or a retro pool party, mention it in the invitation and suggest attire that fits the theme. This not only makes the event more fun but also gives guests an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. Remember, the more details you provide upfront, the smoother your party will go.
3) Decorate the Party Area
A festive atmosphere will complete the pool party experience, and your choice of a particular theme or color scheme that reflects the vibe you want will make the event even more memorable. Popular themes include tropical paradise, beach bash, or retro summer. Once you have a theme in mind, you can begin decorating accordingly.
Begin with the pool area itself. String up some colorful lights or lanterns around the pool and in nearby trees or bushes. Not only do these add a festive touch, but they also provide necessary lighting as the sun sets. Consider adding a few torches or LED candles for some extra oomph to your ambience.
Next, decorate the surrounding area with themed decorations like beach balls, pool floaties, and tropical flowers. A few strategically placed signs or banners can also enhance the theme. For seating, use bright and colorful cushions or towels on lounge chairs to keep the theme consistent. Don’t forget to set up shaded areas with umbrellas or canopies, and consider adding a few small tables for guests to place their drinks and snacks.
4) Prepare Summer-Themed Drinks, Snacks, and Meals
Food and drinks are central to any successful pool party. Keep things in line with your party’s summer vibe by offering a variety of summer-themed refreshments, snacks, and meals to keep your guests satisfied and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Provide an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to cater to all your guests, whether they’ll be drinking or not. You can’t go wrong with classic summer cocktails like lime, strawberry, or margaritas, piña coladas, and minty mojitos. For non-alcoholic options that can be served to kids and guests avoiding alcohol, you can prepare cool iced teas, lemonades, sodas, mocktails, and fruit-infused water. Serve these drinks in fun themed cups or mason jars, and don’t forget to provide plenty of ice.
When it comes to snacks and meals, light and refreshing options are best for a poolside setting. Offer a variety of finger foods and appetizers, like fresh fruit on a platter, veggie bites with dips, and a simple charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, chips, and nuts. Mini sandwiches, sliders, and skewers (both with meat and veggies) will prove convenient and easy to eat.
For the main course, consider a barbecue or a buffet-style setup. Grilled items like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and veggie kebabs are always crowd-pleasers at pool parties. For a more tropical vibe, you might want to include dishes like coconut shrimp, fish tacos, or a tropical salad with mango and avocado. Finally, for dessert, offer cool treats like popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, and fruit sorbets, all of which are perfect for a hot summer day. If you want to get even more creative, set up a DIY sundae or s’mores station.
5) Give Your Guests Party Favors
Lastly, why not send your guests home with a small token of appreciation? Your party favors don’t have to be extravagant or expensive; thoughtful themed items will leave a lasting impression, no matter how small or humble they are.
Look for practical and fun favors your guests can use during or after the party. Personalized items like custom sunglasses, flip-flops, or beach towels can be both useful and a nice memento of a particularly special event, like a birthday pool party or a poolside anniversary celebration. Small bottles of sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, or mini fans will also be appreciated by guests who intend to spend much of the day out in the sun.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to throwing a pool party that will be the highlight of the season. Plan thoughtfully and with love, and you’ll be able to spearhead an event that everyone would love to remember the summer by.
