For ladies seeking to immerse themselves in the rich and fascinating culture of Iran and all the beautiful tourist spots it has to offer, ignoring the call to visit this country can be pretty hard to do.
The good news is that Iran is now known to be a welcoming place, and has become more tourist-friendly over the past few years that even solo female travelers can safely explore this country by themselves.
If you find the call to be too difficult to resist and you are all set to visit this wonderful country on your own soon, below is an Iran travel guide that will help you plan and enjoy a great holiday here:
1. Your passport has to be valid for at least six months during your trip
All visitors to Iran have to obtain a visa from an Iranian diplomatic mission. However, if you are a national of one of the visa-exempt countries or countries eligible for a visa on arrival in Iran, you don’t have to apply for one before you travel.
But whether you have to apply for a visa before leaving for Iran or you will get one on your arrival, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months during your travel. If your passport will be expiring soon, renew it now. This is actually a basic requirement applied in many countries.
2. Note the time of the year before you set your travel date
Climate and seasonal changes shouldn’t be all you consider before you decide on the time of your trip. There are three major country-wide events that might significantly affect your experience in Iran.
The most important one is the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. But that’s not all there is to this month. Eating and drinking are prohibited in public until nightfall so you may want to avoid Ramadan if you are visiting Iran for its tasty dishes. Use http://www.when-is.com/ramadan-2019.asp to find out the time of Ramadan in the Roman Calendar since it changes every year.
The month of Muharram is another Islamic month in which all Shias mourn the death of Imam Hussein and his army. If you are a fan of the color black or want to witness massively organized religious events then you may not want to miss the first 10 days of Muharram in Iran. This is your guide for Muharram’s dates for each year.
Mourners marching in the street during Tasu’a
Last but not least is Nowruz or the Persian New Year. It starts on the first day of spring on March 21st and ends 13 days later on َApril 2nd. Nowruz is considered the peak season of all domestic travels and it may be hard to find a hotel room, but if you do snatch one, then the sight of nature and the exhilarated people will prove to be a rare gift. Stick to Tehran if you want to avoid the crowds as Tehran hits its lowest population during the thirteen days of Nowruz.
3. It is important to know Iranian women’s dress code
One of the important things you have to be mindful of when traveling solo to Iran is the local dress code. You need to know the acceptable and recommended outfits so that you will know what to pack for your journey.
While in Iran, you have to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. Choose airy fabrics like linen and cotton so that you won’t feel too hot whenever you are outdoors. You also need to cover your hair whenever you are outside. You can use a headscarf for this.
You can wear sandals or flip-flops — something that you will appreciate if you are coming here during the summer.
If you prefer to avoid standing out in the crowd, it is best to wear dark-colored clothes since the locals prefer them as well. You can wear both loose and tight dresses but make sure that they cover your upper body and thighs.
Lastly, keep in mind that to visit mosques and certain shrines, you will be required to wear a chador.
4. Local public transportation is female tourist-friendly
Even if you are a solo female traveler, you have no reason to be afraid of going around Tehran and other cities in Iran. You can take a bus or taxi without any worries.
Buses in the city feature separate seats for women and men. Additionally, most taxi drivers have a registration number on their window which you can always take note of.
There are also “women taxis” in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Yazd, and other big cities. These cabs are driven by women drivers and accommodate female riders exclusively.
Lastly, in bus and train platforms, women-only zones are clearly marked and the specific carriages for ladies are conveniently located at the front and back of the train.
Area designated for women in Tehran metro.
5. Prior research will help you prioritize which places to visit first
Iran has numerous interesting tourist spots to visit. Because of this, it can be easy to be confused as to which places you should visit first.
Before your flight, go online and read about the most highly recommended places you should visit in Iran.
Aside from Tehran, some of the most recommended cities you should head to are:
Shiraz
Yazd
Isfahan
Tabriz
Kish Island
Bandar Abbas
To have a safe, enjoyable and memorable solo holiday in Iran, make sure you remember these important tips as well:
Remember to bring enough cash for your trip as international debit cards do not work in Iran.
To have an easier time connecting to Cellular Internet via your smartphone, buy a local SIM card.
It is best to avoid talking about political issues.
Avoid the less crowded suburban areas, especially during nights. Try to stay within the city or go with a tour if you want to visit city suburbs and outskirts.
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