Iran Travel Tips 2025
Just Back from Persia and Wanna Share the Love!
I just got home from Iran, and wow—I’m still reeling. This trip reminded me why we travel: the people, the stories, and those "wait, is this real?!" moments that stick with you. If you’ve ever side-eyed Iran as a destination (I did too, once), let me tell you—it’s a goldmine for curious travelers.
Why Iran?
Imagine this: You’re sipping tea in a 500-year-old caravanserai courtyard, swapping jokes with a Persian rug seller who insists you call him “Uncle Ali.” Or wandering through Persepolis at sunset, tracing your fingers over carvings that Alexander the Great probably glared at. Iran’s not just “safe”—it’s alive, and it’s nothing like the headlines.
How I Planned It (Without Losing My Mind)
Shout-out to Destination Iran’s Articles—this site saved me. Their guides read like a friend’s advice, not a textbook. Example gems:
“Yes, you can wear jeans—just pair ’em with a manteau (long shirt).”
“No, you won’t starve: Here’s how to find veggie-friendly khoresht stews.”
“How to explain ‘taarof’ to your clueless self (spoiler: It’s like a politeness dance. You’ll learn!).”
Coolest Moments (That Made Me Text My Mom “OMG”):
Isfahan’s Bridges at Night: Locals picnic under the 17th-century Si-o-se-pol Bridge, strumming guitars and passing around saffron ice cream. My attempt at Farsi got me invited to share a blanket—cue 2 hours of charades and laughter.
Yazd’s Silent Desert: Slept in a mud-brick eco-lodge. Woke up at dawn to sand dunes that looked like caramel waves. Bonus: A Zoroastrian priest taught me to write my name in Avestan script.
Stuff I Wish I’d Known:
Cash is King: Bring euros. ATMs? Nope. But haggling in bazaars is weirdly fun.
VPNs Are Lifesavers: Download one before you land. Instagram addicts, brace yourselves.
Anyone Else Been?
What under-the-radar spots blew your mind?
How do you handle the “But isn’t Iran…?” questions from worried relatives?
If you’re on the fence about Iran, jump. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why we travel—raw, real, and ridiculously welcoming. And hey, if you want my full packing list or visa tips, just ask!
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Amin Jafari and writers in Wander and other communities.
The Unscripted Iran: Where Every Journey Becomes an Adventure
Beyond the golden domes, geometric gardens, and even poetry carved into ancient stones, lies an Iran you won’t find in documentaries or diplomatic briefings. This is the Iran of spontaneous invitations, where a question about directions leads to a family picnic in a Kashan rose garden, where the scent of saffron and Tahchin (baked rice cake) wafts from a kitchen door left open for a curious traveler. In 2025, as over 4.16 million international tourists discovered – a 24% surge from 2023 – Iran’s greatest wonder isn’t just its 28 UNESCO sites. It’s the transformative human encounters that rewrite Iran tour scripts into lifelong epics.
By Amin Jafari8 months ago in Wander
Seattle Nightlife Report: Pony
Mid-winter Friday night. Early but already so dark. The days are getting longer but 6 PM is still pitch black. “Firepit!” You declare things after just a few seconds of solemn thought – not a request or suggestion, not a demand. Last week you walked around saying, “Hot tub?” to anyone who would listen. Or one afternoon you pointed at two men holding hands as they crossed 12th Avenue, looked me in the eyes and said, “Boyfriends.”
By Joe Nasta | Seattle foodie poet13 days ago in Wander
Romantic Beachfront Bars in the Maldives for Couples & Honeymooners
The Maldives has a way of slowing time. Days melt into one another, worries feel far away, and every moment seems designed for connection. While overwater villas and crystal-clear lagoons often steal the spotlight, it’s the romantic beachfront bars that quietly become the heart of many love stories.
By Island Life Maldives6 days ago in Wander
Comments (1)
This article makes Iran sound amazing. I've been to some off-the-beaten-path places, and it seems Iran has that same allure. Can't wait to hear more about others' experiences there. I've had to deal with family's concerns about travel too. It's not always easy to convince them, but sometimes you just have to go and show them it's worth it.