Author: Jonny Blair

I'm Jonny Blair, a travelling Northern Irishman. Since leaving my homecity in 2003, I have managed to visit over 200 countries and over 1,500 towns or cities across all 7 continents. Along the way I have worked in countless jobs! Join my journey on Don't Stop Living - a lifestyle of travel as I provide you with tips and inspiration to live your travel dreams! Safe travels! Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

How to Get a Permit to Visit Gorno Badakhshan While Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Posted on by Jonny Blair

This article might actually need a quick introduction. Mainly because most people I have met have never heard of a “country” called Gorno Badakhshan. In fact, even some Kyrgyzs people I have met this week were unaware of the existence of this disputed state, an autonomous region that has been claimed by China, Russia and Read more about How to Get a Permit to Visit Gorno Badakhshan While Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

How to get a Tajikistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Posted on by Jonny Blair

So I arrived into “the Stans” in late December 2015 after a brief spell in southern Kazakhstan, where I toured Ile Alatau, Almaty and a few bars, then I crossed the border into Kyrgyzstan. I didn’t need a visa for Kazakhstan (15 days on arrival on a British passport) nor for Kyrgyzstan (60 days on arrival Read more about How to Get a Tajikistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

Staying at the Luxury 4 Star Hotel Evropa (Europa) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Posted on by Jonny Blair

At the end of December 2015, I crossed the border from the Kazakhstani town of Korday into the magical world of Kyrgyzstan. After initially touring some cool sights in the north of the country, like Ruh Ordo, Ala Archa National Park and the Petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata, it became obvious that I would use the Read more about Staying at the Luxury 4 Star Hotel Evropa (Europa) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

Superstar Blogging: The Expert Travel Blogging Guide from Nomadic Matt

Superstar Blogging: The Expert Travel Blogging Guide from Nomadic Matt

Posted on by Jonny Blair

If you have followed my travel blog the last few years, you will have seen that I follow Nomadic Matt AKA Matt Kepnes. Matt owns the number one travel blog on the internet, where he uses his expertise to help you travel Better Cheaper Longer. He knows how to plan trips, how to save you money Read more about Superstar Blogging: The Expert Travel Blogging Guide from Nomadic Matt[…]

Thirsty Thursdays: Top 5 Bars in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Posted on by Jonny Blair

Almaty is a massive city, spreading far and wide in its elevation beneath the mountains of southern Kazakhstan. At first, finding a bar seemed like a difficult task for the walking backpacker. So I used my maps and advice from the staff at the Almaty Backpackers hostel and soon I knew I was able to Read more about Thirsty Thursdays: Top 5 Bars in Almaty, Kazakhstan[…]

Backpacking in Italy: My Top 5 Memories

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I don’t write about Italy as much, despite having visited the country seven times on my travels. I’m planning to visit Italy again this year, in June on route to France for the Euro 2016 football tournament to watch Northern Ireland in. Italy is one of the best countries for food. I love pizza, any Read more about Backpacking in Italy: My Top 5 Memories[…]

World Travellers: Paul from A Luxury Travel Blog

Posted on by Jonny Blair

The latest in my World Travellers series is Paul from A Luxury Travel Blog. Paul is a highly experienced traveller and looks at a different niche from myself. While I search for the cheapest beer, the easiest city to get a visa in and the least attended hostel dorm, Paul is writing about the luxury side Read more about World Travellers: Paul from A Luxury Travel Blog[…]

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THE GREATEST CASINO DESTINATIONS OF 2015

Posted on by Jonny Blair

Casinos around the world are growing in popularity and there are many cities now enjoying the benefits of these hugely revenue generating venues. Thankfully where there are great casino-based venues there is also great entertainment as well as places to eat, drink and be merry. We take a look at just some of the top Read more about THE GREATEST CASINO DESTINATIONS OF 2015[…]

Tuesday's Travel Essentials: My New Rucksack - An Osprey Aether 70

Tuesday’s Travel Essentials: Introducing My New Rucksack – An Osprey Aether 70

Posted on by Jonny Blair

On my journeys down the years I have backpacked through more places than I can remember. While I keep an actual list of all those towns, cities and villages, I know there are those that I will forget until I check that list again. Some people start off as backpackers and then become suitcase travellers. With Read more about Tuesday’s Travel Essentials: Introducing My New Rucksack – An Osprey Aether 70[…]