Backpacking in Iraq: Staying at the Bikhal Hotel in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

I’ve written up lots of stories from my 10 days backpacking in Iraq but I have yet to cover all of my hotel stays there so expect me to write about them all at some point. I recently wrote about the Parlaman Hotel which is the nearest thing Iraq has to a Backpacker’s Hostel at Read more about Backpacking in Iraq: Staying at the Bikhal Hotel in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan[…]

Touring a Toy Shop in Robia, Iraqi Kurdistan

When we backpacked in Iraqi Kurdistan there were a load of just random places we visited and memories to last a lifetime. Just small little things that seemed quite cool. First of all, Iraqi Kurdistan is a fairly safe place for travellers. It’s different to the rest of Iraq and if you’ve read my countless Read more about Touring a Toy Shop in Robia, Iraqi Kurdistan[…]

christian church iraq

Backpacking in Ainkawa: A Christian Suburb of Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq

When you travel in the Middle East you get used to Mosques. Islam is the main religion and there are Mosques everywhere. However, Christians, Jews and Buddhists also reside in these parts of course. But a Christian Quarter in Iraq? Yes – in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, often referred to as Iraqi Kurdistan. While Read more about Backpacking in Ainkawa: A Christian Suburb of Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq[…]

erbil iraqi kurdistan

Top 15 Things to See and Do in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq

These days, most backpackers that make the decision to visit Iraq will end up at some point in the city of Erbil. Erbil is the capital city of the Kurdistan region. It’s a thriving hub and this is where you get a real feel for Kurdish life and indeed the part of Iraq that you Read more about Top 15 Things to See and Do in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq[…]

kurdistan iraq erbil new year

New Year’s Eve in Iraq! Celebrating in Erbil, Kurdistan

When 2013 came into view I was sat on a beach in the Philippines having a beer watching the fireworks. Way back then, I had no idea that my crazy ride for 2013 would take me through places like Ethiopia, North Korea, Palestine, Iran and Nagorno Karabakh. But it did. And then we ended up Read more about New Year’s Eve in Iraq! Celebrating in Erbil, Kurdistan[…]

sport bar football iraq

Thirsty Thursdays: Top 4 Bars in Kurdistan, Iraq

While I certainly didn’t go backpacking in Iraq to get drunk, it was pleasing that I was able to relax and enjoy some ice cold beers in some really really good bars while touring the northern part of the country, Kurdistan. All bars are safe to drink in, all friendly and they serve alcohol – Read more about Thirsty Thursdays: Top 4 Bars in Kurdistan, Iraq[…]

erbil airport visa

How To Get an Iraqi Kurdistan Visa on Arrival at Erbil International Airport

Iraq is still a relatively new backpacking beast, and once you’ve read this you will realise how simple it is to travel to Iraq. While hoards of youngsters head to places like Thailand, Germany, USA and Cambodia on their adventures, not many are tempted by Iraq. And why not? (It must be the media…) Hopefully after Read more about How To Get an Iraqi Kurdistan Visa on Arrival at Erbil International Airport[…]