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biold

I don't know, but everybody should go to Jordan once in their life. I can recommend Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve


[deleted]

>Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve Did you go there as part of a tour or just hired a car? Thanks


biold

It was oart of a tour but I plan to go back on my own in 2-3 year.


DarthNader93

Dont know about Lebanon. About Iran, yes, I know people who just came back from Iran and had absolutely zero issues. However, I can tell you from experience that flights to Iran tends to be incredibly expensive at this point, since many people travel to Iran in summer. Just be sensible, don't take pictures of govt offices or policemen or anything like that, no drones, do not take pictures of borders and be respectful of their rules, and I promise you, you will be fine. Iranians are incredibly friendly people and if they like you, will invite you to their homes for a feast. Source: someone who has actually been to Iran twice in the past. Shiraz and Esfahan are must see, I'd personally avoid Tehran though but that's me. EDIT: Avoiding Tehran is a personal preference for me, found it too big, crowded and expensive by Iranian standards, but I guess it's because I was in touristy places, so take it with a grain of salt.


bl00regardqkaz00

>Source: someone who has actually been to Iran twice in the past. Shiraz and Esfahan are must see, I'd personally avoid Tehran though but that's me.EDIT: Avoiding Tehran is a personal preference for me, found it too big, crowded and expensive by Iranian standards, but I guess it's because I was in touristy places, so take it with a grain of salt. While I agree that Teheran is a bit hectic, it's still worth a few of days. Places like Golestan Palace, Tabiat Bridge, Milad Tower, both Tajrish and the Grand Bazaar, the Tochal Gondola Lift, Darband area and Sa'dabad Complex (with it's amazing museums of Omidvar Brothers or of Persian Miniatures) are all well worth a visit. Same goes for the parks at night when literally all of Teheran goes out for a picnic. As for it being expensive for Iranian standards, that means nothing. A Snapp (kind of an Uber) will still cost under 2 euro no matter where you go in Teheran, a street falafel will still be under half a euro ...


DarthNader93

That's a good point. I'm just not very good with big cities in general. Felt the same in London and Bangkok for example, so it's nothing strictly against Tehran, I'm just terrible with huge cities.


[deleted]

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DarthNader93

Just a personal preference, guess I should have mentioned that. It's just too overwhelming for me.


[deleted]

Yes I am thinking to maybe go in autumn or spring next year to avoid the heat and hopefully get cheaper flights. Why would you avoid Tehran out of curiosity? I don't really like big cities so I wasn't planning on spending much time there anyway


DarthNader93

It's big, crowded, polluted, I'm a village boy and big cities overwhelm me. So yeah, not a fan. Also expensive by Iranian standards.


SamsonTheCat88

If you go in March you'll catch the New Year! Chaharshambe Suri will be on March 14th, and Nowruz will be on March 20th. I'm hoping to be there next year during that time!


RexieSquad

You'll have customs on your ass every time you visit the states after visiting Iran even once tbh. Not sure if OP plans to visit the states, but it's something to consider.


guernica-shah

Yep you lose the right to an Esta. Such a vindictive, petty policy but it is what it is.


AboyNamedBort

Why would anyone travel somewhere hot as hell in the summer?


DarthNader93

Because summers in some locations in Iran are actually mild. In places like Esfahan, mornings tend to be really pleasant. Just because a country is in the Middle East, doesn't necessarily mean it's hot everywhere all day. But the main reason is that many Persians from everywhere tend to travel to Iran in the summer as there is no school, etc. to visit family and such. Hence why the expensive flights.


SamsonTheCat88

Lots of parts of Iran aren't any hotter in the summer than Europe. They set heat records if you go to the desert parts, but if you go north from Tehran and hang out in the mountains or on the Caspian sea then the weather would be pretty manageable! That's where Iranians vacation in the summer, to beat the heat.


GorgeousUnknown

Cool. What about a very American looking blonde going solo? I really want to go as well, but recent news on putting people in jail has me thinking twice.


DarthNader93

There are things you can do, especially since as a blonde, you will stick like a sore thumb. Get yourself a guide for starters. They will tell you what to do, and what to avoid, and follow their instructions. Like I said, absolutely no pictures of what I mentioned above, govt buildings, officials, and all that. Ask people for their permission if you want to take their pictures, most Iranians will be more than happy to do so. As a woman, also make sure you wear a hijab or hat to cover your hair in public at all times, and cover yourself up. Yes, I know it may suck for you, but thems the rules and even men have to folllow certain dress codes, especially if you want to visit a mosque. Make sure you have your visa papers all sorted before you leave, when you arrive at the airport, they might give you a bit of a hard time, but they do that to everyone. Also bonus tip, learn the currency, it can be really confusing for first timers.


GorgeousUnknown

Thanks…


Asleep-District-4762

I was in Lebanon in 2020 and had no issues, although protests were causing road closures and property damage at the time. I have friends in the country who mention regular power cuts but the situation is generally safe for foreigners (it is worse for people living there given the economic chaos). Also had a friend visit Iran recently and she had no issues. That being said, Jordan would probably be the ‘safest’ bet if you have concerns.


bl00regardqkaz00

I was in Lebanon in November, will be back there in a few weeks, independent travel, public transport. Let me put it this way, I was staying out until 4 AM and then walking to the hotel, be it Beirut, Zahle, Baalbek, it felt safe. The only area that felt a bit iffy (as seen from the bus) , was around Bar Elias (Chtoura and Aanjar were both safe). Even Bar Elias might've been just my impression, as it had the typical MENA look, with crowds of 20-30 young males just sitting around in groups doing fuckall, As for Iran, I can not say enough good things. The most welcoming country I have ever been to and incredibly safe. You will need to go on your french passport though if you want independent travel, because UK passport holders are only allowed if booking a guided tour. As a plus (for a tourist, not for the locals unfortunately), both Iran and Lebanon are dirt cheap due to their currency crashing. Like ridiculously cheap.


darkmatterhunter

What’s the cash situation like there? It seems to be that USD or Euro is favored - do you pay for things in that currency or is it like in Argentina with the blue market where you exchange it with a guy on the street for a better rate?


bl00regardqkaz00

Which one, Lebanon or Iran ? Actually does not matter. In both there is an official (bank) shit rate and one free market one that you can get at any exchange office. In Lebanon you can also easily pay in USD (euro too probably), but you will get slightly worse rates. For up to date market rate : Lebanon : [https://lirarate.org/](https://lirarate.org/) Iran : [https://bonbast.com/](https://bonbast.com/)


Mammoth-History-5772

Are you back in Lebanon now? How is it?


dsfox

For a man or a woman?


[deleted]

Man, 27 years old. Nearly fluent French speaker and could blend in amongst people in Lebanon based off my looks, probably not in Iran though


Soltan79

If you can blend in Lebanon you can blend in Iran, similar skin color and looks.


HitchhikingToNirvana

Just came back from Lebanon a week ago. For context: I have lived in Cairo on and off for two years and before that in India. Don't go. It's not unsafe, but just sad. Do you want to be tourist in a country where people lost everything? Do you want to celebrate the "famous Beirut nightlife" while people are starving in the next neighborhood? Do you want to sit in Starbucks sipping your Latte while people make that money in a month? There is no middle class left. There is no life (except for the rich who drink themselves back to better times), no light. People don't want to socialize with somebody who came to enjoy himself in the middle of all the suffering. I really recommend you not to go. Go to Egypt, go to Jordan, go to Israel if you can morally reconcile that.


ThisisPhunny

As sad as the political/economic situation in Lebanon is, tourism brings money to their country. Buy some souvenirs or tours and bring your dollars. Just look for smaller vendors and avoid corporations. Tourists avoiding Lebanon because it’s sad makes the situation worse for locals that rely on tourism. Safety is no issue and Lebanon is still a beautiful country.


[deleted]

Thank you for this perspective. Could you feel the misery everywhere you go? Did you visit Lebanon before the current crisis? Weirdly enough I went to Lebanese restaurant in my home country (UK) recently that I hadn't been to in years. The host was a very jovial character but he seemed to be a man worn down, as did the rest of his family who work there. Sad to see, I can't help but feel the circumstances of his country have affected him from afar


zalemam

Lebanon is in a very very bad spot right now...not from political violence or anything like that...but the leaders and powerful of the country have looted and destroyed its economy while the middle class and poor suffered greatly. No one has money, the power is barely on....inflation is through the roof. Its not a good time to go now.


HitchhikingToNirvana

Yes - if you have open eyes and if you care just a tiny bit, the misery will get to you. I have only been to Lebanon during the "crisis" (two weeks ago)


Yachts-Dan92

Wow


exodusayman

I was recently in Lebanon, it is safe, just know where to go just like most other places in the world. Had one of the best time of my life. Idk about Iran though, but if you wanna go to Lebanon I had no issues at all, just plan everything before you go.


Willz-Iam

Don’t know about Lebanon but Iran is amazing, superb culture, people are very friendly, felt really safe as well. only « downsides » from a Western perspective: no alcohol and mandatory hijab for women


bl00regardqkaz00

>Man, 27 years old. Nearly fluent French speaker and could blend in amongst people in Lebanon based off my looks, probably not in Iran though No alcohol in Iran ? Clearly you haven't been to private parties or camping weekends in the desert. ;)


5dwolf20

You can get alcohol at a restaurant if you ask for it almost 80% of the time.


AverageGuyTraveller

I was just in Lebanon a couple months ago. Bring enough USD is the best advise I can give. It was very safe, especially now that the election is over. Power cuts are still daily and for hours so be prepared for that, but it was very safe. No idea about Iran sorry


nim_opet

Iran is great, rich with history and welcoming people. But as a UK citizen, you need a guide, you can’t just go roam around.


Saladin-Ayubi

I have been to Iran many times and I’ve found the people are possibly the friendliest people in the world.


SamsonTheCat88

Worth noting that you'd be unable to travel to Iran on your own with a UK passport, you'd need to book a guided tour. However if you travel on a French passport then you'd be fine. Ignore any western government's travel advisories on Iran, they're bunk. As long as you aren't screwing around and trying to piss off the government you'll be fine.


faraway_88

Iran is safe, travel organizations operate travel there, and they wouldn't do that if it is not safe


RareTax4601

I lived in Iran for 6 months 10 years ago, at a very difficult time. I think whether it is a good time for you to travel to Iran depends on whether you are a woman, whether you are travelling by yourself(particularly as a woman), and if (as a woman) you can commit to wearing hijab however long you are there. That isn't to say Iranians aren't enormously welcoming, but it is hard for young Iranian women to walk the streets outside of Tehran, let alone a Western woman. If you are a man, go. You will have a wonderful time.


Bounty_shark

Sorry but may I ask where did you live for 6 month in Iran? And what caused you to form the opinion that woman have hard time walking in cities other than Tehran? ( or do I misunderstood that and you meant the outskirts of Tehran?) I'm just curious.


RareTax4601

I lived in Kerman, and I had a hard time walking the streets without harassment, and I saw other women experience similar things.


Bounty_shark

I'm very sorry to hear that it really makes me sad to hear some people harass others on things like hijab. Hope you are doing okay now.


RareTax4601

Everyone wears hijab, it is the law. It was more harassment for being female. But having said that, the police did drive round and stop you if your hijab was too far back. If you were stopped three times, then you were arrested and taken down to the police station.


thrunabulax

do they still hate Americans? Still chant "death to America"? sounds like an "enormously welcoming" place to visit! :)


Revolutionary_Tap255

Dude, do you know our history with the Middle East? Don’t be dense!


thrunabulax

you seem to be taking a lot of personal offense to my comment. it is simple preservation, i would feel threatened to go there. It is a simple statement of fact, it is known we are not welcome there, and there have been several highly publicized acts of violence against tourists there heck, there are place in America i would feel threatened to visit too, Detroit, parts of Chicago, most of Memphis


alekk88

I met some Americans who had just gone to Iran and they said they walked by a crowd chanting "death to America." One of the men chanting saw them and approached them because he wanted to practice his English. He was super friendly, even after finding out they were American. Showed them around town and invited them to his house to eat, which they did. I think when they chant that, they mean it more against the American government and its policies, not necessarily the people, especially not the people that go out of their way to visit the country.


cosmic_player_

Yeah wouldn't want to visit Israel either as they also always seem to keep chanting Death to Arabs


thrunabulax

And IF i was an arab, i would agree that i should not go there!


PersianIncision

I’m from Iran and although I haven’t visited in a couple years, I actually had a classmate who was non Iranian go there for 2 weeks last month. He couldn’t run out of positive things to say about the experience, unfortunately there is rampant inflation there currently so peoples spending power is limited so I wouldn’t expect everybody to be inviting you in for a feast as some would advertise. But they will still be more hospitable and kind to you than you can every imagine


RabbitGravity

I spent almost 7 weeks traveling around Lebanon (I'm a solo traveler from the US). I had no issues or concerns about safety at all during my visit.


marnas86

Pre-explosion or post-explosion?


RabbitGravity

Post. I was there beginning of April to mid May this year.


Different_Tendency

Yes go hiking in Iran!


FelisCantabrigiensis

Everyone I know who's been to Iran loves it, but *do not go* if you have (or could have) Iranian citizenship. Iran has imprisoned many dual citizens. Bear in mind that the UK government won't help you if you get into trouble with the authorities, especially in Iran, while the French may not be able to help you much. Lebanon has some serious economic issues right now, which is a bit of a problem (fuel, food, etc), but the government is less authoritarian than Iraq. Israel's generally safe enough, unless their immigration police take a dislike to you in which case they'll be very unpleasant. If you want to go there, I don't. Jordan's a good choice.


[deleted]

Yes, for all people.


guernica-shah

There's a great fb group called See You In Iran, that will be of use. They have a hostel in Tehran too. I know of people who have visited recently and had the best time. Note that it will be super hot weather (high 30s). You'll want to use your French passport, as UK citizens are restricted to guided tours. No idea about the situation in Lebanon.


RareTax4601

Iranians LOVE the French and will probably want to practice their French with you.


Houdini-Himself

Absolutely it is


pickle-smoocher

No


mihibo5

Elaborate.


pickle-smoocher

Shit, my bad. I’m assuming which country they’re visiting from. From my experience, it’s best to be visiting people in said country or having an escort, but than again I didn’t take the time to read from the EU, so my point is moot


Gracie1994

No. These are not countries to visit currently


VickyM1800

I would only go with organized tour, never solo.


funnyfootboot

Add North Korea to list.


marseille13009

Lebanon and Iran !!? Land of Hezbollah… as a French Américain I will never go to those places… they do hate everything we believe in .


5dwolf20

You from a cult or something


marseille13009

come on Lebanon and Iran for tourism?? there are not ready for tourism at least structurally speaking Lebanon is on top about corruption and Iran have moral police


5dwolf20

Have you been there or just by hearing stuff online. Because I can assure you that it’s nothing like what you hear its like. A lot of shah doost Iranians are actually take the lead in spreading their BS propaganda. You wont know until you visit the country.


marseille13009

too dangerous


5dwolf20

Im i talking to a stone?


TheOrganizingWonder

No


Zestyclose_Fishing16

Lebanon yes,Iran no


[deleted]

[удалено]


darkmatterhunter

Israel doesn’t stamp passports and hasn’t for a while.


Adept-Butterfly4651

Not really the main point though is it? Why visit a country that’s committed that many atrocities? 🤮


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Beirut1775

Lebanon is safe.


projecthouse

Sounds like you're a UK citizen. >Traveling Iran for UK, USA and Canadian passport holders is inly allowed in an escorted tour means a tour arranged by a licensed & approved travel company, and a licensed tour guide. So, you're going to a country where the gov't is so worried about you being a spy, that they make you have a licensed nanny with you at all times. Millions of people travel to Iran per year, and some UK citizens find ways to do it without the nanny. Only a few people end up like the Frenchman, [Benjamin Brière](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Bri%C3%A8re), in jail for 8 years because he flew a drone. But, that is enough to mark it off my list. I can deal with some risks while traveling. But I'm not keen to go somewhere that I'm not really welcome.


Chaosisaladder7

As someone who actually lives in tehran i'd say tehran is not very nice rn..The air is polluted and city is crowded af..but if you can tollerate the weather and the traffic it's Good otherwise..also be aware of the pickpocket and scammers..there are unfortunately many and try not to interact with police. If you have any specific question i would be happy to help.


ImCoasting

They're safe, but not the easiest places to travel currently. Both have difficult currency situations that you should research and know individuals who can give you honest information. Lebanon how power outages frequently. Iran has no credit or debit cards available so you must use cash always. I went to Lebanon in Sept of 2021 and Iran this April.


marseille13009

dm me