The advantages of having a guide in IRAN

Hi there, my name is Moein and I’m a licensed tour guide in Iran. I’d like to talk about the important role that a local guide can play in your trip, and the advantages that a guide will bring you – benefits you won’t have by travelling alone!

As I am a guide in Iran, I will present examples from my country, but these would apply to any destination.

1. Helping with the Language Barrier
When visiting a place where the locals are extremely unlikely to speak English, or their English is poor, the language barrier can become a problem. Sometimes travelers can manage if they know a few simple words and phrases in the destination language, or they may use a similar language. For example, when a Spaniard goes to Italy, he or she can use Spanish for simple conversation because these languages are similar and mostly understood by Italians. Body language such as smiles and nods etc. are also ways of simple communication. Read more
But what happens if you are travelling to a very different country like Iran where the language (Farsi) is unrelated to any language you will have heard before? A guide will help you to avoid the language barrier with effective communication. I have seen some tourists and locals trying to make themselves understood, but both ended up speaking a confusing mix of languages which lead them nowhere. For example, I remember two travelers who were trying to ask a shopkeeper for specific characteristics of a piece of handicraft. Both were having a difficult time struggling to figure out what each other was saying. I translated for them and both parties were relieved to have their conversation understood Read less
language barrier
Tour guide Iran
2. Providing Trustworthy Knowledge and Current Information

Regardless of the type of travel you undertake, one of the benchmarks of success is to see how enriched you feel or simply how much you learned from the trip. Did you learn all the history behind a monument that amazed you? Do you now know the difference between architectural styles? Can you now explain the basic beliefs behind certain religious practices in the country you are visiting? Read more

If knowledge of the history, geography, customs and traditions, landmarks, wildlife and stories of the area matter to you, a tour guide is just what you need. This is especially important in destinations like Iran that are exceptionally rich in historical and cultural significance. Having the latest information updates, your guide can offer a depth of experience and knowledge that goes beyond outdated guidebook snippets or plaque-reading, for example explaining the stories behind the complex reliefs at Persepolis. If you have any questions or comments, your guide will be ready to respond to them with authority and enthusiasm. Read less
3. Ensuring Safety and Security

Your guide has an active role to play to ensure prevention of security risks right from the planning stage of your holiday. This could range from warnings about any area which may present a petty crime risk to taking extra care at tourist attractions like malls, theatres and exhibitions. Remember, your safety is always of paramount importance to your guide. Read more

As for Iran, contrary to negative mass media reporting, it is one of the safest countries on earth that you can travel to (see Is Iran safe?). However, the added security of knowing where you’re going (or at least looking like you do with a guide striding by your side), and having another person along with you when you explore means extra security. No one plans to get robbed or scammed, but it’s much less likely with a guide at your side. Read less

Tour guide Iran
private tour guide Iran
4. Taking Care of All Aspects of Your Trip

A guide can relieve you of the burden of your travel arrangements and concerns. This allows you more time to focus on the enjoyment of your trip, knowing that all the day to day problems such as bookings, schedules, visits and a myriad of other details are in capable hands. 
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An experienced guide will take care of your travel plans for you and will see to it that your trip is smooth and pleasurable. When unforeseen circumstances, for example bad weather or the unexpected closure of a site require an adjustment to your arrangements, you can rest assured that his experience and knowledge will ensure you won’t be left without something to do. Read less
5. Making the Trip More Engaging and Entertaining

A journey is always exciting, regardless of how you travel. However, there are moments when everyone can experience boredom, especially on a long-distance drive between destinations.

Everyone has different habits while on the road. You might like to take a nap during the journey, or, as children do, you may want to ask every 10 min ‘’Are we there yet?’’. This is an opportunity for interaction with your engaging and entertaining guide, so there is no way you will be bored during the trip. Read more

Interaction between the guide and travelers doesn’t always need to be about attractions and history; there are things in common to talk about such as personal interests, families and current social issues etc. I always spend a lot of time having open discussions with my clients, which not only keeps us engaged but helps us get to know each other. It provides an opportunity to learn and grow through the sharing of ideas and different points of view. Coupled with a sense of humor and some local songs, there is no opportunity for boredom! Read less
private tour guide Iran
freelance tour guides - Persian foods
6. Providing Cultural Insight

One of the most important benefits of having a local tour guide is the chance it gives you to learn about the culture from someone on the inside. A guide will be able to explain all aspects of the local culture, and will be able to share their own knowledge, experience and personal anecdotes.   Read more

You won’t feel out of place, and this is particularly important for guests who are looking for an authentic experience. So, as you can see, a trip to Iran will definitely be more fulfilling and enriching in the company of a local tour guide! Read less

7. Helping Travelers Experience a Better Off-road/Adventure Trip

Many people are eager to explore the wonders of nature by themselves. When you’re on an adventure trip, unless you’re an expert at your chosen activity and the local region, having a guide could be a matter of life and death. I believe having a tour guide on an off-road trip is not a plus, it’s a must.

Travelers, especially adventurers, should give safety the utmost priority. Having a guide is the best way to avoid environmental hazards, such as hidden wetlands in the desert or dangerous insects. You will never get lost with a guide because they are familiar with their environment; they know where they’re going and if they are forced to take a detour, they can find an alternative route with a glance at a map or by looking for landmarks. Read more

Another advantage of having an off-road guide is the higher chance of seeing rare species. Animals tend to hide quite well when people come tramping through forest paths, and having a guide is key to spotting wildlife on nature focused trips. Nature guides ensure that the client sees as many animals as possible, and strives to turn your dreams into memories. He or she can accompany you for the entire trip and take you to the most amazing spots with the best panoramic views and photographic opportunities. Read less
Iran tour guide
Iran tour guide
8. Helping with Unexpected Incidents

When it comes to travel, we all like to focus on the positive and memorable aspects. People who are passionate about travel love telling stories about the places they’ve been and the experiences they’ve had. But what about those times when things go wrong on the road?  Read more

Lost luggage, canceled or missed flights, losing your camera, food poisoning, injuries, dealing with political unrest or natural disasters are just a few of the things that you might possibly encounter on any trip. While the chance of one or more of these happening is slim, it’s always a possibility. A guide can help you take care of any unexpected incidents which may cause stress and get you back on track and enjoying your travel. Read less
9. Providing Cultural and Legal Information/Protection

With regard to etiquette and customs, you may try to do as the locals do, which sounds easy but it may put you in a difficult or embarrassing situation.

Gestures that are very commonplace among westerners might be very inappropriate in Iran. For example, the thumbs-up gesture is considered rude and has the same connotation as raising one’s middle finger for the older generation of Iranians, although the younger generation knows what it means internationally. It’s not common to shake hands with people of the opposite gender unless he or she initiates the gesture. Read more

Being respectful of other cultures and customs is even more important when visiting off the beaten track places, or if English is not the first language spoken. You can simply ask your guide for insights in to all cultural aspects.   Any questions concerning the law can be answered by your guide. Laws regarding alcohol and drugs, as well as public dress, might be stricter in other countries than they are in yours. Ignorance of these laws and customs can promote a negative encounter with locals or even the country’s judicial system. Ignorance of the law is no defense in any country in the world. Not long ago two travel bloggers were detained in Iran for taking illegal photos with a drone. Although they were quickly released, I’m sure you wouldn’t want the same to happen to you! Read less
private tour guide Iran
private tour guide Iran
10. Shopping Tips and Other Money Saving Advice

When it comes to travel, we all like to focus on the positive and memorable aspects. People who are passionate about travel love telling stories about the places they’ve been and the experiences they’ve had. But what about those times when things go wrong on the road? Read more

Lost luggage, canceled or missed flights, losing your camera, food poisoning, injuries, dealing with political unrest or natural disasters are just a few of the things that you might possibly encounter on any trip. While the chance of one or more of these happening is slim, it’s always a possibility. A guide can help you take care of any unexpected incidents which may cause stress and get you back on track and enjoying your travel. Read less

I have listed 10 benefits of having a tour guide in a group tour. There are many more advantages which are only realized in private tours with a private guide. So, before you make a decision, please see my article/video Private Tours, where you will see the best option is to choose a private tour as the advantages outnumber the above list considerably.

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Hello!
My name is Moein and I am an experienced licensed tour manager and guide. I am familiar with all places and events in Iran and committed to ensuring your time with me is a well-balanced mix of wonder, education and fun.