Iran
Why you should go to Iran
Iran is probably the most misrepresented country in the Middle East. The media labeled it as one of the dark corners of the world. Not without reason, of course. Iran is criticized for lack of democracy and press freedom, human rights abuses, restrictions of daily life, executions for being homosexuals and adultery, often without a fair trial. It is all true, and living in Iran is difficult for locals. They have to endure the consequences of the international sanctions that the regime’s foreign policy provokes and adjust to the strict Islamic requirements.
What you can and cannot do in Iran
However, being a tourist in Iran is an entirely different thing. Iran is one of the best tourist destinations with its incredible landscape, snow-covered mountains, deserts, coastline, and rich cultural heritage. There is an ever-changing landscape and culture from the northern Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf in the South. Traveling through Iran, you can experience four seasons.
11 reasons why you should visit Iran
Isfahan, with its blue-tiled mosques around the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Shiraz with its colorful Persian gardens, Yazd with the desert architecture, Kashan with the merchant houses, the Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom are unique architectural gems.
My trip to Iran was the most life-changing experience. Here I learned not to judge a country based on its image in the media as it only reflects one aspect of the country.
Iranians are one of the most welcoming people on earth and often even invite foreigners to their homes. I experienced so much kindness as a solo female traveler in Iran than never before.
Traveling through Persia, you will encounter different ethnic groups. Persians only make up around 60% of the population. Azeri, Kurd, Lor, Baluch, Arab, Gilak, Mazani, Turkmen, Khorasani, and Tat ethnic groups are all part of Persia. They all have their language and dialect, costumes, and religion. Still, they are united in their homeland.
Traditional nomad tribes in Iran have lived as shepherds in the Zagros mountains for 10 000 years and migrate twice a year with their animals to complete the “Kooch”.
In villages, the locals still wear traditional clothes and speak the local language. Such cultural diversity is rare in a single country.
Iran is the leader in research and science despite international economic sanctions, and medical tourism is booming. Besides, Iranians are among the most educated people in the Middle East, with women being the majority among university students.
Language: The official language is Persian. The young educated people speak English, but there are still many who do not.
Currency: The local currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR). Its value changes daily, and the official rate published online is not used in daily life.
Everything you need to know about the Iranian currency before your trip
Safety: Iran is one of the safest places in the world! As a solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe, even traveling or walking alone at night.
Insurance: If you travel to Iran, you have to be careful as most foreign insurance companies exclude it from the coverage because of international restrictions. It is the same with World Nomads. I recommend arranging your travel and medical insurance through 1stQuest local company that supports you if anything happens in Iran.
Where to book your accommodation, flights, bus tickets, and local tours?
Booking.com and several other platforms are not available in Iran. Your best option to reserve accommodation, domestic flights, train, bus tickets, and local tours is through local agents. 1st Quest online agency has a great booking platform where you can find everything in one place. They can even help you with your visa application or any question you have about your trip to Iran.
What to visit?
For the first time in Iran, you can do a classic tour including Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz, Kashan, Kerman, the Kaloots.
The best 2-week itinerary in Iran
The best 2-week itinerary in north Iran
44 useful tips before traveling to Iran
What you can and cannot do in Iran
All you need to know about the Iranian currency
The best places to visit in Tehran (museums, palaces, religious sites)
The best things to do in Tehran
Travel guide to South Khorasan province
Travel guide to Garmeh, Varzaneh, Na’in
Recommended books about Iran
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YOUR COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO ISFAHAN
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