Season 6 · Episode 2

Iraq

The cradle of civilization, seen far beyond the headlines.

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The dart landed on Iraq. The cradle of civilization, seen far beyond the headlines.

I arrived without a plan — surrendering control is the whole point of Travel by Dart — and let Iraq set its own pace. Asia has a way of surprising me, and this journey was no exception: unfamiliar food, generous strangers, and the kind of moments you simply cannot script.

This is my short first take while I write the full story. Press play above to watch the adventure, and check back soon for the complete first-person account of everything the dart uncovered in Iraq.

Iraq: traveler questions

Is Iraq safe for travelers?

I filmed across Iraq using normal travel common sense and never felt I was taking a reckless risk. Like anywhere in Asia, I stay aware of my surroundings and lean on trusted local guidance. I'll add specific, on-the-ground safety notes here once the full Iraq story is written.

When is the best time to visit Iraq?

I'll share the ideal months in the full Iraq write-up. As a rule I prefer shoulder seasons for thinner crowds and better value, and I plan around the local weather and any festivals worth timing a trip around.

What makes Iraq worth the trip?

The cradle of civilization, seen far beyond the headlines. The best moments came from the unplanned turns the dart pushed me into. Watch the episode above for the highlights, and check back soon for my complete first-person guide to Iraq.