While there have been a few threads here on Fodor's of those who visited Iran, don't believe any did so on a budget or backpacking... though you may want to "search" on this Forum for details of where they visited and comments.

Otherwise, and if you haven't done so, suggest you post this on Trip Advisor under Iran. There you might find others who have visited, whether on a budget/backpacking as you or higher priced lodging; as well transport, etc.

Advantage of Trip Advisor... if you find a poster who has done similar you can send them a PM - personal message - for details of how, where, costs, issues, etc.

Good luck!

Some students who entered in error are doing hard time

for backpacking there without permission so be very careful.

Might re-think my plan Turkeu is nice similar far friendlier

www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Iran/Travel

www.hospitalityclub.org good local hookups for me

free eat/stays have been years ago not recently...

travel.state.gov lots of warnings complex entry

Tripadvertizer many tout scammers never

wire money get trip insurance good luck hope u make it out.

www.goturkey.com lots neater stuff to see and way safer for me

qwovadis... please stop with this "never wire money"

As stated previously, this is how most East African outfitters handle payment. And, I can't recall (other than some who went with company called Neo Destinations out of Kenya, getting screwed), others are well received, have the safari they booked and return raving about their experience.

So enough with your nonsense.

I do agree though... Turkey is a great option, one of the most fascinating destinations and oh, the history and ruins.

OP has alot to consider for a trip to Iran... not impossible, but not easy either. And, for sure... stay away from any place that can be miles from a border whether posted or not!

thank you very much guys,
I must say you scared me a little!
well Turkey is also in my plans, but later, since it is much nearer to me (Greece). So I stick to far destinations for this period...
I understand that backpacking in Iran is definately not that extensively beaten path as elsewhere in asia for example.
I 'm trying although to see if it is possible to make it.
Maybe recent years, things are becoming easier? or not...?
if anybody has knowledge of more specific warnings, please do let me know, so be better prepared, or change arrangements ...
many thanks again
happy travels!
N.

Suggest you check what the Greek (also Canada, UK, France and other) government sites have to say about travel to Iran!

Hi Nikolas,

I didn't do Iran independently, but that was only because as an American, you can't, as you have to go through a tour company to get a visa. If you can travel independently, I would not hesitate to do so. People are so friendly, things are quite inexpensive, many people speak English, and I don't think public transportation - buses etc would be hard to figure out as folks are very eager to help tourists. Domestic flights are also inexpensive if you can fit a flight or two into your budget. If they would let Americans travel independently, I'd definitely go back without a guide.


I'm not sure what your budget is though (e.g., finding a room for 10 dollars a night might be difficult). You could also look on couchsurfing - there are a good number of couch surfers in Iran. Even if you didn't want to couchsurf, I bet they would be a wealth of information on budget accommodations so that you could get a better idea of costs. You can definitely eat for very little money too.

Iran was one of my favorite trips - I'd love to go back!

thanks maxwell for your encouragement!
although, I read reports with mixed feelings, from absolutely positive like yours, to negative, from people who had troubles for just taking pictures of common sights...
seems a little hard to say
thanks again, and I'll keep watching this thread for possible more info, if anybody else wants to contribute
happy travels to all!
Nikolas

Have you checked Lonely Planet's thorntree? You're more likely to find backpackers there.

Americans must travel with a guide in Iran but do so successfully. I would avoid TA as it is dominated by commercial interests. Lonely Planet is another good tool.

Goodness wish people would check dates... is a year-old thread... am sure OP went and saw or not.
As to thorntree... it's been down now a few days.

its been back up a few days

good point about the dates though

>>good point about the dates though<<

Yup, especially since you were the one who searched for the topic and topped it . . .

um no janis i didnt search for it, calm down a bit.

"um no janis i didnt search for it, calm down a bit."

Well, you located a thread w/ the last post on Sept 5, 2011 and topped it on Jan 11, 2013. So the thread was long buried. Had to be 'searched for' somehow . . .

janisj - if you click on Iran, this would have been the fifth thread. Not much action on Iran here.... Matter of definition whether that is a search.