Solo Female Travel Tips to Iran
There are new lifestyles that have changed our already-settled expectations. Solo female travel is one of them that is worth addressing the causes and evaluating tips for its safety. Although there are some general rules, which must be considered and the present blog focuses on Solo female travel tips to Iran. Before looking at such precautions, it seems to be of particular interest to briefly review the motivations leading to such a phenomenon. The modern world generally has brought about a feeling of boredom and monotonous life that creates a strong desire for a kind of alteration that restores meaning to the barren modern life. The hassles of today’s world also press people to seek a lonely corner to take refuge in and feel better. Solo traveling would open a window to a peaceful experience.
In other words, solo traveling would give travelers a sort of self-protection against intruding factors from work, coping with life, or even different tastes of co-workers or friends. This way, one can focus on her interests and favorite lists. This is rather a relief than pride or self-centeredness. In one word, this is a kind of therapy for a busy, exhausted mind, this is indeed a kind of medication. Now that the motivations are clear and considered to be like medicine, it is vital to approach this fact from a safe viewpoint so that the sugar-coated pill of solo travel turns out to be all sweetness and happiness. Within this context, those females who want to step in and enter the adventurous world of solo travel need to seriously follow up on some tips especially while traveling to a country that has its specific rules and traditions like Iran to enjoy their enterprising experience.
Search completely and fully about your destination. Iran is a historical country with a rich cultural and traditional background. Knowing these customs is necessary for a solo woman who wants to travel to Iran. Search to find enough crucial information about public transportation, the right places to eat, the dominant beliefs and social viewpoints of the society like if the society is patriarchal or not, or the general perspective of the society about women or specifically about solo traveling of women. To search about it, it is far better to ask about travelers who have traveled to Iran before or search online travel agencies and read related blogs or reviews. Within this context, try to predict every possible danger or scenario and try to find solutions for them in advance.
It is better to inform one or some of your relatives about your travel plan since in solo travels it is reasonable to let another person know about the places you would like to visit or the hotels you would like to stay. Regarding the places you would like to visit in Iran, you need to see if that historical place is free to visit by a woman or not. More importantly, what would be the conditions you need to follow like having an appropriate dress based on the regulations of the country? Moreover, you need to know enough information about the hotels and see which places are socially safe and appropriate for single women travelers. Also better to double-check in advance to see if your target hotel accepts single women travelers. Fortunately, most of the hotels in Iran welcome women solo travelers.
Try to be in touch and communicate with the local people and other single women travelers who are staying in your hotel or you may even find them online. Iranian people are naturally very sociable, and amiable and mingle with tourists. So, it is a very good idea to ask local people like the shopkeepers, or those working in your hotels about the safe areas or the visiting spots and the specific features together with the possible limitations. This way, you would receive the information you want exactly from those who are in your target society and already know the culture, customs, and norms. By doing this, you can easily prevent probable dangers that can await every unfamiliar tourist, especially a single woman traveler whose gender might cause extra issues in some societies.
Make enough effort to remain invisible as much as possible. By using the term “ invisible” we mean not doing things or behaving in ways that easily attract the attention of the people ( passers-by stare). This is a very safe social behavior, especially for single women traveling to Iran where some cultural and ideological issues are considered to matter still, especially for some male figures. For example, wearing sharp flashy colors laughing loudly, or mingling too much with male figures might be misunderstood specifically when you are traveling by yourself without any companion. This is in a way respecting the culture of the society you are traveling to as well.
Be watchful and try to look simple without wearing jewelry as every kind of decoration makes you the target of thieves. Also, watch your wallet and don’t carry big money. Better to keep your precious things hidden. Do not trust strangers. Please also bear in mind that some actions of lifestyle might put you in trouble. For instance, riding a bike by women is not that popular in Iran but not forbidden. Yet, when you are traveling to Iran alone it is better to avoid it. Also better to choose the time for walking or other activities as night times might not be one hundred percent safe.
Traveling by yourself does not mean that you always need to stay alone. You can join other women, especially those you might meet in your hotels or even in public. You can also ask to join daily tours by referring to the famous travel agencies of the city you are in or even the one in your hotel. This is very safe and at the same time interesting to get familiar with other women while you are also enjoying your solo travel.
Most importantly, in case of trouble, do not try to solve the problem by yourself. Immediately refer to the nearest police station or the reception desk of your hotel and ask for help. This way, you won’t get hurt. If you try to adventurously get involved yourself, this means putting yourself at risk. Within this context, try to request travel insurance before your trip. To be more cautious, try to refer to mobile connection services at the airport or in the city you stay to introduce you to the best sim card choice so that you can stay in touch with your family and friends to keep them always updated about the places you visit or where you stay. It is of crucial importance to inform them via text messages or calls about the place you’re about to visit/stay or have recently stayed.
Enjoy your solo travel and stay safe by following the points this article tried to point out.