7 reasons to travel to Iran now

By Jason Rezaian On April 19, 2008 · 36 Comments

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You should travel to Iran in 2008 – here’s why.

A LOT OF PEOPLE laugh when I suggest they consider Iran as the destination for their next holiday. Many think I’m joking, or just plain crazy, but I tell them that I’m totally serious.

The few people who have made the journey to Iran don’t laugh – they rank it among their favorite countries in the world to visit.

After 10 trips to Iran during the past few years, there are clearly many things about this most misunderstood of countries that keep calling me back. If you are looking to get off the well-trodden trail, I say head for Iran.

Here’s why:

1. The People

photo by Horizon

Iranians have a centuries old reputation for being a very hospitable people, especially when it comes to foreign guests. This dates back to a time when nomadic people roamed the Middle East and Central Asia.

The hospitality tradition has only intensified in recent years, and with so few Western travelers coming to Iran these days, many who do go are overwhelmed by the warm welcome.

For citizens of the United States who are wary of our government’s relationship with Iran, I can say that Iranians have a more favorable view of Americans than ANY of the other twenty nations I’ve visited since 9/11.

2. Amazing History

The Persian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations on earth and there are reminders of that great history scattered all over the country.

Whether it’s archaic and abandoned ruins dotting the sides of highways, or the ubiquitous call to prayer, visitors will experience a very ancient land with a vibrant and vital society.

UNESCO has granted World Heritage status to several locales in Iran, including the city of Esfhan, which many refer to as a “Middle Eastern Florence,” and the ruins of Persepolis, where Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 334 BC.

3. Nature

photo by Horizon

Iran is a very large country and is home to some of the most varied landscapes in the world. For adventure travelers, all that separates you from skiing and scuba diving on the same weekend is an hour-long flight.

Iran boasts vast desert and forest areas. Several endangered animals roam Iran, including the Asiatic cheetah, and the country is one of the biggest fruit growers in the region.

4. Getting Around is Easy

With an airport in every decent sized city in Iran, and government subsidized airfare, getting around Iran is easy. Extensive railroad and bus routes are also available, making all parts of Iran truly accessible to travelers.

5. Iran is affordable

Inflation in Iran is soaring, but your dollar will still get you much further there than in most other top destinations. For the trip of a lifetime, it’s a bargain.

6. Untouched

photo by Horizon

There are so few tourists traveling to Iran that it could feel like a lonely place if not for the Iranians’ warmth and their inviting nature. This characteristic makes it possible to truly connect with the people of Iran and their history.

7. Breaking Stereotypes

By visiting Iran, you are making two statements: “I am my own person,” and “I will inform myself about the world.”

Iran has been demonized for decades, but nearly all people who travel there come home with their stereotypes shattered, replaced by fond memories of gracious hosts and unforgettable landscapes.

Community Connection!

The gorgeous photos that accompany this piece were taken by Horizon, a Matador member from Abadan Iran.

About The Author

Jason Rezaian

Jason Rezaian is an Iranian-American journalist whose work has appeared in numerous publications. He makes frequent trips to Iran, and has made a variety of reports for the San Francisco Chronicle across different media, blending articles, blogs, video reports and podcasts to offer a rounder picture of news from Iran. He is also the Narrator and Writer of the documentary film A World Between.

Julie

Jason- Beautiful piece. I especially like #7, which is the same reason I urge people to visit Cuba. I wouldn't have needed to be convinced to want to go to Iran, but you taught me a lot about the country in a brief space.

Horizon- Amazing photos. Thank you for sharing these with the Matador community.
Hal

Iran sounds amazing, and it's definitely near the top of my destinations list. Lately, I've read a lot of informative material, like this, that's made me all the more excited to go. My girlfriend, though, is less gung-ho. She's pointed out that most travel accounts are written by men. Do you know if Western women who visit Iran have the same positive experience?
Lola Akinmade

Loved this article!.Succinct yet packed with great information. And the pictures are stunning.
http://www.collazoprojects.com Julie

Jason- Beautiful piece. I especially like #7, which is the same reason I urge people to visit Cuba. I wouldn’t have needed to be convinced to want to go to Iran, but you taught me a lot about the country in a brief space.

Horizon- Amazing photos. Thank you for sharing these with the Matador community.
http://wayworded.blogspot.com/ Hal

Iran sounds amazing, and it’s definitely near the top of my destinations list. Lately, I’ve read a lot of informative material, like this, that’s made me all the more excited to go. My girlfriend, though, is less gung-ho. She’s pointed out that most travel accounts are written by men. Do you know if Western women who visit Iran have the same positive experience?
http://www.lolaakinmade.com Lola Akinmade

Loved this article!.Succinct yet packed with great information. And the pictures are stunning.
rick

Jason
great article. we are so often misled by the western press about other countries and cultures…this was truly an eye-opener.
rick

Jason
great article. we are so often misled by the western press about other countries and cultures…this was truly an eye-opener.
Eva

Hey Hal – I have the same female-traveler reservations about Iran, and some other Middle Eastern countries as well. I do know a family friend, though, who lived in Tehran for 3 years with her young daughter – and greatly preferred it to other postings such as India. She said despite having to cover up outside her own home at all times, she found it very relaxing/freeing – no harassment, etc, as you would receive in neighbouring countries.

On the other hand, if you can find it, there's a great piece from the LA Times about a female travel writer in Saudi Arabia. She makes travel under a burqa sound like an unbelievably maddening experience for a western woman – great moment in the essay where she gets on the plane and basically rips/flings the abaya off herself. Tough stuff. Definitely love to see Iran someday though! (Perhaps not through an eye slit…)
http://www.matadortravel.com/travel-community/deva Eva

Hey Hal – I have the same female-traveler reservations about Iran, and some other Middle Eastern countries as well. I do know a family friend, though, who lived in Tehran for 3 years with her young daughter – and greatly preferred it to other postings such as India. She said despite having to cover up outside her own home at all times, she found it very relaxing/freeing – no harassment, etc, as you would receive in neighbouring countries.

On the other hand, if you can find it, there’s a great piece from the LA Times about a female travel writer in Saudi Arabia. She makes travel under a burqa sound like an unbelievably maddening experience for a western woman – great moment in the essay where she gets on the plane and basically rips/flings the abaya off herself. Tough stuff. Definitely love to see Iran someday though! (Perhaps not through an eye slit…)
Hal

Eva – Thanks for your insights. Especially interesting about the harassment aspect. I've been wondering about this issue ever since my better half astutely pointed out that all the positive travel reviews I was showing her in my attempt to bump Iran up on our list were written by men. It'd be nice to find more female perspectives, but perhaps the easiest way is just to go see for yourself. Still haven't won that argument, though…
Jason

Thanks for all the great comments. All the Western females I know, and they include women from the U.S., France, Spain, and Germany, have reported nothing but great experiences in Iran. Here's an example of one of them: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/…
I've also traveled to Saudi Arabia, and the treatment of women (and the dress code for that matter) are night and day. Saudi Arabia is a much more restrictive society than Iran has ever been.

Julie, to your point about Cuba. I totally agree. I've traveled there as well and it was what first got me started thinking about getting past the images and ideas of foreign societies that are constantly spoon fed to us.

Thanks again for reading!

Jason
Julie

Great article, it inspires me to return even more. I loved the time I spent in Iran and didn't want to leave. The history is very rich and the architecture was dreamy, but I think more than anything I was really impressed with the acceptance I received as an American. The hospitality was warm, gracious and unending. If provided the opportunity, I'd go back tomorrow and stay for a few months.
http://wayworded.blogspot.com/ Hal

Eva – Thanks for your insights. Especially interesting about the harassment aspect. I’ve been wondering about this issue ever since my better half astutely pointed out that all the positive travel reviews I was showing her in my attempt to bump Iran up on our list were written by men. It’d be nice to find more female perspectives, but perhaps the easiest way is just to go see for yourself. Still haven’t won that argument, though…
Jason

Thanks for all the great comments. All the Western females I know, and they include women from the U.S., France, Spain, and Germany, have reported nothing but great experiences in Iran. Here’s an example of one of them: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/13/TR44UD4H4.DTL

I’ve also traveled to Saudi Arabia, and the treatment of women (and the dress code for that matter) are night and day. Saudi Arabia is a much more restrictive society than Iran has ever been.

Julie, to your point about Cuba. I totally agree. I’ve traveled there as well and it was what first got me started thinking about getting past the images and ideas of foreign societies that are constantly spoon fed to us.

Thanks again for reading!

Jason
Julie

Great article, it inspires me to return even more. I loved the time I spent in Iran and didn’t want to leave. The history is very rich and the architecture was dreamy, but I think more than anything I was really impressed with the acceptance I received as an American. The hospitality was warm, gracious and unending. If provided the opportunity, I’d go back tomorrow and stay for a few months.
Pingback: 7 Reasons To Travel To Iran NOW « Pendulum Swung Weblog
VickiElizabeth

I see that you are Iranian-American – do you speak Farsi? And how tough do you think it would be to travel round Iran and indeed meet these fascinating people without a basic grasp of the language?
I know a few people who have traveled to Iran and have had pretty much the same response as you – but all have Iranian heritage.
I think this is probably one of the greatest obstacles to overcome in countries without a basic tourist infrastructure – the language barrier. It´s a real shame!
VickiElizabeth

I see that you are Iranian-American – do you speak Farsi? And how tough do you think it would be to travel round Iran and indeed meet these fascinating people without a basic grasp of the language?
I know a few people who have traveled to Iran and have had pretty much the same response as you – but all have Iranian heritage.
I think this is probably one of the greatest obstacles to overcome in countries without a basic tourist infrastructure – the language barrier. It´s a real shame!
Pingback: 6 Under-the-Radar Destinations In The Middle East
Jason

Great question Vicki. I know several non-Iranian Americans, who spoke no Farsi and still report having wonderful experiences there. In fast, some of them were inspired to learn it after there visits, in anticipation of returning. In the many urban areas of the country you will find plenty of folks who speak English, and due to the long (and relative recent) relationship with the US, there are people all over Iran who maintain a great fondness for our country. If you have the chance, you should go, Farsi or not.
http://www.iranmediaservice.com Jason

Great question Vicki. I know several non-Iranian Americans, who spoke no Farsi and still report having wonderful experiences there. In fast, some of them were inspired to learn it after there visits, in anticipation of returning. In the many urban areas of the country you will find plenty of folks who speak English, and due to the long (and relative recent) relationship with the US, there are people all over Iran who maintain a great fondness for our country. If you have the chance, you should go, Farsi or not.
bsabetti

sometimes…I actually love the fact that Iran is not yet filled with all these tourists like in Venice which was a disgusting case for me. I love the fact that any time I travel to Iran, I feel as if I am in west and east simultanously all at the same time. I am innocent and slut, I am independent , yet dependent, it is an amazing experience. I am traveling this time with my Austrailian BF…going to Ski and all that which is great and extremely cheap…and let me not start on the food and people which are the BEST u can get anywhere in the world all at the same time.
SAHAR

Hi..I`m iranian ,If u want to travel to Iran ,dont worry about the language u can get help from Youth people around here most of them speak English quite well And they like talking with u:) We like accepting foreigner to show our country to them:) Tnx JaSON
Pingback: » Are danger zones the last frontier? :: Vagablogging :: Rolf Potts Vagabonding Blog
www.RevealingPersia.

fantastic
Justruss

I've been considering an Iran trip for quite a while. It is not easy for Ameicans to obtain a tourist visas.
Jason

For Americans interested in traveling to Iran, contact me. I can help arrange visas and itineraries that are much more complete (and less expensive) that other tour operators based in the US.
Jodi

I am a Canadian woman who traveled to Iran in 2005. It was and is still by far my favourite country I've visited. While the experience is slightly different for men and somewhat frustrating at times (as a thoroughly independent westerner) if you learn to appreciate all that Iran has to offer (more than can be seen in 3 weeks) it can be an incredible experience. I would love to go back soon. I was with 2 male companions for awhile and then traveled by myself for 4 days. I felt safe and the hospitality was incredible. Beyond compare!
maria

Hi great info. I am an Iranian American who has lived in Shiraz Iran for the past 5 years. Let me know if any of you plan a trip here its such a fantastic city. So much history…and the people here are great to get know.
http://twitter.com/odiralmeida Odir

God bless Iran against the american imperialism. good vibes from brazil. we are together.
Rob

I enjoyed Jason’s perspective of Iran as his observations paralled mine. My friends thought I had lost it when I told them I was going there but I have been on a crusade to inform anyone I meet about the twisted perspective the world has of this incredible land. As I have said do not judge the heart and sole of a nation by its leadership. The people were beautiful and when I tell them that I was treated like a “Rock Star” they find it unbelievable to say the least. Go there ! Experience it, the world will be better off for your openess and curiousity and the love of our fellow humanity.
rob
Jeff

Good work! I would love to visit Iran.
man na to

i am iranian
i suggestion visit our biautiful country

if u travel to north of iran i can meet u

u can send email by
m.atfi@yahoo.com
Roza

I loved you article Jason, it really opened they eyes of those who have so many misunderstandings about Iran. I’m an Iranian and I live in Tehran, I’ve been to many cities around the world but I must say Iran is the only place I feel comfort mainly for being with my fellow country men, But anyway it is a superb place to visit, especially Isfahan and Shiraz where the culture and art of Persian history sparks, I’m welcoming all those who admire the long-lived history of Persia to visit my country, I’m sure you will not regret it.
Joe

yea you expect anyone from the western world to visit Iran
kind of a death wish anyone from the western world U.S or Canada
or England
will be shot on site

7 reasons to travel to Iran now

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