The Women’s Travel Group in Iran
Women of a certain age remember when Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos were our enemies. We recall the years when travel to South Africa was non PC. We avoided London during the IRA bombings, and never considered going to Northern Ireland for the same reason.
Timing is everything. Since the 60’s Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos opened wide to cruises and land tours. Post apartheid South Africa is one of the most popular destinations for Americans. London especially, with the deflated Pound is hot, and Northern Ireland is high on the bucket list.
What are the destinations today that might change fast? Are they safe? Are they interesting? Are they worth arguing with your conservative friends about?
Cuba is a legal trip- GO NOW: The ‘news’ deterring Americans, is a mysterious disease. So far, only ‘unnamed people and one named former GOP operative have been mentioned as victims. This mystery goes back 2 years- it is not new news. Experts question the existence of this disease. European newspapers call it mass hysteria. Scientists cannot identify it. Diplomats deny anyone is suffering. Museums and cruises are increasing their Cuba trips and ignoring it. Go now before our government makes it even harder to visit a beautiful unusual country only an hour from Miami. Here are some interesting articles:
Iran: go now or possibly miss a fabulous experience. Our group went to Iran a year ago. We found friendly welcoming people. We felt safe even walking around Tehran by ourselves. We were in Iran on election day; Iranians scratched their heads with amazement. They said to us; your government is as strange as ours. Iran has some of the most important historical sites in the world. Sites are well maintained and easy to get to. The 2015 international treaty stands as written. Americans still get tourist visas. The State Dept. notice on Iran, warns about travel to the Afghani border where drug dealing is rampant. State adds we should avoid demonstrations, a good idea in any country at any time. Otherwise, business as usual for travel to Iran and Europeans are piling in.
The Women’s Travel Group in Namibia at the Tropic of Capricorn
Namibia is one of the hot spots for European travel. Europeans go today where we will go in 5 years. Why go now? There are very few lodges in this vast desert country; more tourism means sharply higher costs. Roads are empty and animals roam freely, even lions might stroll in front of you car. Namibia has everything a tourist craves: safety, excellent infrastructure,good food and flights, crafts. Plus you enjoy Germanic sanitary standards, unspoiled parks, dramatic dune landscapes. An opportunity to go before the crowds is now or in the next 2 years.
Northern Ireland was gritty and dangerous. The area is still part of the UK but expected to remain in the European Union after Brexit. Its new status- as yet undetermined new legal structure- and move to the the Euro can make it more expensive. We say this because when other countries moved on the Euro, costs increased. Per The Irish Times, its neighbor Republic of Ireland is already experiencing higher costs due to the perception it will replace London in some capacity post Brexit.
Real travelers look beyond the news and use their common sense when making travel decisions. We welcome you to add to our list above.
The Women’s Travel Group shares many travel tips and offers smart tours for women all year around. We can be found at www.thewomenstravelgroup.com and at www.facebook.com/toursforwomen/
To email us: Phyllis@thewomenstravelgroup.com or Call 646 309 5607