Behind the Image of Iran

Iran is perhaps one of the top news makers of the past years, except that most of the media exposure was bad publicity for the country’s tourism industry. Land of the cruel, women-haters and backwards, terrorists; you name it, the country has already been branded with it.

The truth is, as many foreigners can attest, Iranians are actually one of the kindest and most hospitable people in the world. It’s just too bad that because of some instances and citizens, the country has to suffer the bias and the discrimination that comes with being regarded as a terrorist bloodline.

Iran is the bridge between Europe and Asia , and has most of the modern conveniences you can find in a booming country despite unbearable traffic and chaotic politics. One thing you must realize is that media can paint images, and you have to see for yourself what Iran is really about.

Where to go

Tourists are commonly warned by their respective countries to take great precautions before traveling to this country. No wonder tourism suffers. You, however, only have to choose which places are safe to visit. Here are some of the iconic places in Iran :

Esfahan- You can feast your eyes on the palaces, bridges, mosques, and gardens located in this former capital city of Persia (Persia is once a great empire, see Top Ten Empires of the ancient world) . It has been designated as a World Heritage Site and has a huge central square that is seven times larger than San Marco in Venice. One of its finest buildings is the Friday Mosque. You can also catch some great bazaars here.

Alborz mountain chain- This mountain resort offers cable car facilities and skiing slopes from the months of January to March. If you are around towns of Varamin, Rey, Shemshak or Qazvin, try visiting this wonderland.

What to do

It’s time for some water and winter sports! Work your body while water-skiing and swimming at different hotels and facilities like the Karadj Dam very near Tehran. Then, during the skiing season, which is from January to March, take your gear and hit the snow in the Alborz Mountains.

What to remember

Being in a foreign country can mean that your body will be subjected to foreign elements. This is why you will need to take extra precaution and prevention against various diseases such as yellow fever, cholera, malaria, and hepatitis. One of the medical requirements before entering the country is a yellow fever vaccination certification. You are also seriously advised to have immunization against typhoid.

There is actually nothing much to fear about Iran. Instead, there is much to love about it. Take your curiosity, love for adventure, and openness to culture with you and embark on a unique journey across the land. If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be delighted to learn how to travel safely.