Budget Travel Tips for Exploring Iraq

Iraq is an adventure-seeking travel tourism destination that is rapidly gaining recognition and becoming a preferred tourist destination site because of its rich culture, history, and spiritual heritage. Iraq has activities and offers to every kind of a traveler as you may wish to visit the ruins of ancient Mesopotamia or even pay a visit to the holy cities Najaf and Karbala. As far as UAE citizens are concerned, who are willing to take the trip without over-spending, proper planning and economical travelling choice can extend your wallet. Remember to Apply Iraq visa in Dubai before you go to ensure that your trip is successful and that it is also very affordable.

1. Off-peak Season Travel

Religious holidays visitor surge is one of the major issues facing Iraq with places such as Karbala and Najaf amongst others being most affected. One of the best advantages is travelling during off-peak seasons which is either in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) will not only experience lesser crowds but also low costs of accommodations and transport.

2. Local Transportation

In Iraq, the public transport is quite cheap. Shared-taxis, local buses, and minivans are the modes of transport that run between cities as well as in the larger towns. Although using the services of personal taxis and drivers that can be hired is convenient, at least to the tourists who are not well versed with the region, travelling with the local transportation will greatly reduce yours costs. Trains are also a viable and cost saving means of transport when the journey is long and a very convenient way to move around in the local spirit.

3. Budget Accommodations

Already available in Iraq and especially in the major cities such as Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf, and Karbala are an increasing range of guesthouses, budget hotels and hostels. Most of these accommodations have clean and safe rooms at a very lower price than the luxury hotels. Making a reservation beforehand or asking locals on arrival can assist you in landing the best deals in a certain place.

4. Eat With the Locals

In Iraq, there are some excellent meals that are sold at extremely affordable prices through street food and in local restaurants that are small. Other traditional Iraqi foods such as kebabs, dolma, samoon bread and masgouf (grilled fish) are not only delicious but also cheap. Do not visit restaurants marketed to tourist and follow the locals and eat at the place where the locals eat as it would be cheaper and a genuine experience.

5. Free or Low Cost Attractions 

Free or low-cost attractions are one of the reasons one should visit the city. There are always some free or low-cost attractions that one never misses.

A lot of the greatest cultural and religious places of Iraq do not cost anything to enter or have very low entry fees. They include ancient Babylon ruins, National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad, ancient Mosques, local markets and riverfronts which give an experience of a rich area at a very low cost. There is also walking tours in old city districts which give excellent opportunity to stay and learn without a lot of money.

6. Local Markets Bargain

Iraq is not as expensive to shop especially when bargaining is not a problem. One can find good souvenirs, carpets, spices, and handicrafts in traditional bazaars. Do not fear to haggle prices as it is a normal thing which is a part of the culture.

7. Tours and use of guides collectively and separately Group Tours Group Tours and Shared Guides

In case you want to see some more distant places or historical ruins, it is better to choose group tours rather than employing a hired specialist. Touring in a group saves money and many times will have transportation, entry fee and a local guide that will be familiar with the area.

8. Route Planning Efficiently

Reduce the number of cases of unnecessary travel with effective route planning Target certain areas or groups of urban centers on one trip. You may want to look at Najaf, Karbala, and Kufa, as examples, in the case of you being interested in religious sites. Historically speaking, one may opt to make a tour to Baghdad, Babylon, and, Samarra.

9. Smart Carry Cash and Exchange

Iraq is cash based economy in large. The use of credit cards has not been popular, especially not in the urban centers. Exchange your currency at trust-worthy exchange offices rather than airports, or hotels as they usually do not have good rates.

10. Be Cultural and socially aware and respectful

In Iraq, something as simple as being a good tourist may take you far. Be dressed modestly, respect people and their religion by asking their permission before taking pictures of religious people and places and know some basic Arabic. Most of the locals like to share their culture with people who care and they may also be very generous and blaze you a treat of tea or even dinner-and this can save you some bucks!

Conclusion

It is not impossible to get around Iraq on a budget, with proper planning and openness to new experiences as well as local ways of doing things. But you can travel to this enthralling country without necessarily pursuing your wallet by taking cheap lodgings, ordering local food, taking the bus wherever you are going in the country and also the time you visit the country.

In order to start your journey, you need to obtain your Iraq visa through UAE with the help of Go Kite Travel, one of the trustworthy Dubai-based travel agencies. We have simplified the visa process and help through convenient visa applications at a good rate that suits the residents in the UAE. Visit Iraq, let Go Kite Travel be your companion on the cheap, and experience a different culture, beauty and a fascinating history.