Through a fluke of history (and international refugee law), Turkey does not officially recognize most of its refugees AS refugees. Why? Consider climbing up to the Lycian rock tombs, taking an excursion to the Tlos Ruins, or embarking on a hike one of the various trails of Butterfly Valley. Planning to solo travel in Italy?This guide covers all the details you need to know for traveling Italy alone.. Italy is the perfect place to explore solo especially if you love great food, history, beautiful architecture, and more!Italy has so much to offer. Despite this I am still worried about spending a day in Istanbul by myself. In particular, look out for the theatre, the gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates, and the magnificent Celsus library. I would do it again actually but Id make sure to stock up on a lot of travel sickness medication, and Id try to avoid mooring in the open sea. And roads and signage is incredibly straight forward. Blue eyes are frequently associated with women known locally as Natashas. Crimes against tourists are taken very seriously so people know better than to mess with you. (Just a tip: I always roll down the window in a Taxi, not only for fresh air during Covid time. Ive even heard of this happening to people who were wearing flip-flops at the time! (Fun fact, after I visited Antakya, I started ordering kilos of homemade tahini from a guy in the city, because Ive never tasted better tahini in my life. It is good practice to check your governments travel advice before travelling anywhere. Most hosts will be equip with many local travel tips and restaurant recommendations. My boyfriend and I arrived in Istanbul late afternoon, and within a few minutes I could tell that my time in Turkey would be nothing like Morocco. What was meant to be a 3-week trip turned into 7 months. The local Couchsurfers often put on events and meetups in a variety of destinations. Security measures across the country have increased in recent years to provide safety assurance and prevent a repeat of previous events. I flew from Vienna to Bali alone with Eva Air ( EVA AIR on Instagram ). Obviously, there are concerns when it comes to traveling as a woman anywhere in the world, but generally, Turkey is safe for solo female travelers. What to wear in Turkey depends a lot on where you are travelling and when. In Istanbul, life continues on fairly normally, and in my very liberal neighborhood you can barely tell it is Ramadan people still fill up the sidewalk seating at bars, drinking late-afternoon beers. My favorite simple dish at most lokanatas is nohut yemei (chickpeas cooked in oil and tomato paste) with pilav. I basically lived in my semi-thong bikini and beach wrap in all my days in Kas, Fethiye, Olympos, Bodrum, Kelebeklar Vadisi, Marmaris and Alanya. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is something to keep in mind depending on your Turkey itinerary schedule. Pre-book hotels using hotels.com and . Thank you for such an interesting and inspiring blog on your trip to Turkey. This city is the birthplace of Sufism and the whirling dervishes. My most recent trip through the country saw me traveling overland from Istanbul to Fethiye with stops in Cannakale, Troy, Seluk, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. If you only have one, I recommend you get a debit card fromTransferwise. I started plotting my return to Istanbul immediately. Younger men target foreign woman of all ages, romance them, tell them they are so beautiful and they pretend to fall in love. Spend extra money on staying safe. This allows you to follow the route you are traveling in a taxi on Google Maps, use Google Translate, and generally be more equipped to navigate the country. However, you should be mindful of your belongings around the Sultanahmet area. Solo Female Travel Guide Istanbul. Here are some of the best ways to meet people in Turkey: Check out Yabangee. The price differences between each Turkish bus company are marginal. If you feel comfortable hiking alone, take advantage of the waymarked Lycian Way along the southern coast; if you feel comfortable driving alone, head out on a road trip through the countrys varied landscape perhaps a trip along the Black Sea Coast. The safety concerns. Turkey is a destination that gets a lot of bad publicity, particularly for women on their own but if you have at least a little bit of travel experience, Turkey is a great destination for solo female travelers. This assumption breaks down, though, when refugees are not able to leave. There is one daily international train to Istanbul arriving from Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania. Ive spent six weeks travelling across Turkey. Im hoping to travel to Turkey solo in the summer (eek its gonna be so hot!) This region may be touristic. The jagged landscapes, the steam-filled hamams, the warm hospitality, the blue Mediterranean, the endless tulip-shaped cups of tea. Search your Car Rental (and Flights) at Skyscanner.com. Is Turkey safe? is something I am asked over and over and over again. No sugar coating., Thank you Mildred! Get an extra debit card. The research result revealed that in terms of risk and safety, pre-travel Turkey was perceived as a dangerous or unsafe and uncertain destination by travellers. The evenings can get cold in this mountain village so a light sweater is also recommended. Dates: October 19 - 29, 2022 (11 days) Cost: $3500 (per person, excluding flights) Hookah, waterpipe, nargile, whatever you call it; its quite common here and there are cafes that are lovely tea gardens to sit and smoke in. The men don't always understand that a woman would want to travel on her own. What to wear Turkey is a place that you are going to want to dress conservatively, meaning cover yourself from shoulders to knees. Discover treasures at the Grand Bazaar, join an Aegean adventure aboard a traditional gulet, or join a group cultural tour and see rock tombs and the delights of Cappadocia. You don't need a fake wedding ring or to invent an elaborate story. remember also: you are never under any obligation to buy anything! Turkish men are, in general, chivalrous and well-mannered towards women. Required fields are marked *. For the next three hours I was crying, vomiting, and trying everything I could to stop the room from moving. Any reaction is an encouragement for someone to keep talking to you. The safest way to go about it though, is to have your hotel or a trusted local book it for you. Ensure that you have a plan that includes sufficient medical coverage. Keep an extra debit card and at least $100 hidden in obscure parts of your luggage. My boyfriend and I were taking a tram through Istanbul during rush hour and were sat on opposite sides of the tram car, making it appear as though I was alone. Turkey Uncovered. Question. Turkey Traveler Information; USA Traveler Information; Work with Us . In conclusion, it is very safe as a solo female traveler in Turkey. Antakya. Some people were fluent in English, whereas others could speak very little. Ephesus. Your welcome meeting with the guide starts at 6PM at your hotel. Much of this has stemmed from the 2016 military coup, 2017 explosions, and some of the actions of the government in northeastern Syria. Crossing from Turkey into northern Iraq is Iraqi Kurdistan, which has a different visa process to other parts of Iraq. Be selective when you ask for directions. Its a reminder to get travel insurance its for unexpected situations like these. In more conservative parts of the country, it will probably be more comfortable for you to dress slightly more conservatively I am a big fan of maxi dresses in general. Before I moved to Turkey in the beginning of 2013, I knew it would be a place I would always return to visit. Heres a story that illustrates this: I went on vacation with my cousin to a beach in the south of Turkey. Ive written about visiting Turkey during Ramadan here. I felt a little nervousabout being the lone woman in the hotel and had read that other travel bloggers often did this to ward off unwanted attention from men. Sometimes men are confused by a woman traveling on her own, and will continually question you about it. Read more here on taking Taxis in Istanbul as well as the Uber situation. If youre looking to meet people in Turkey while traveling solo, youre in luck. The city of all cities, Istanbul stretches from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and contains layers and layers of fallen empires. You simply need to use your common sense as you would anywhere else in the world. From the ethereal landscapes of Cappadocia to the cerulean waters of Antalya and the Turkish Riviera, Turkey boasts a little something for every type of adventurer. Isnt it ridiculous?! Any tips to help yourself feel better? As a solo female, you might want additional security and assurance that hotels and accommodations are safe. BOLIVIA; CHILE; PERU; OCEANIA. For some reason, there is not usually a centralised ticket office! Female solo travel: the best places to visit in Asia. Sadly, we are living in an age of terror. You can review the train timetables here. The only exception is the high-speed trains. Regardless of age, women traveling alone in Turkey may find themselves the focus of insistent male attention. 14 Days From 1364. However, I wasnt impressed with the care I received. Some male bystanders catcall foreign women in Turkish. Scams Do Exist, So Keep Your Wits About You, Youll Receive Less Attention if You Cover Up, Dont Expect Fantastic Hospital Care Outside of Istanbul. You find yourself surrounded by fragrant olive groves and the vertiginous Mediterranean coastline. This is just like being on a plane and you can watch TV and listen to music during your journey. Most notably, the Ottoman Empire at one point controlled the majority of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Adventurous Kate uses andrecommendsWorld Nomads for trips to Turkey. With the male generation under the age of 45, youll see more of a mix of both genders hanging out. In Istanbul, you will see a contrast of modern meets conservative, modest meets hip, creative meets traditional. There is a deep respect within Turkish, Muslim, old Ottoman and neighboring Arab countries of family values. However, they are often overlooked in favour of more well-known treks and mountain climbs. They open businesses and rent apartments and fall in love and ride the ferries. That way, you wont attract unwanted attention, especially if you are going to be travelling alone. You will probably experience people stopping you for a chat and inviting you into their cafes and businesses for a tea or a hot cup of, Istanbul has a dedicated Tourist Police team. Tickets can be purchased online, yet the Turkish booking site can be a little temperamental and difficult to use and so it may be easier to simply buy your tickets in person at the station. The dress code at Turkish mosques requires that women cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, though how much leg below the knee you are allowed to show depends on the mosque. Its the cultural center of Turkey, with a vibrant art scene, trendy cafes, rollicking bars, ancient ruins, stunning Ottoman mosques, and relentless energy. Female Solo Travel in Turkey! Indeed, one of the highlights of my various solo trips to Turkey was the people that I met along the way. Thanks for the snidey comment though. Sep 10, 2019 7 min read. You can always ask your accommodation host about which areas to avoid. Is Turkey Good for First-Time Solo Female Travelers? This means that stories of terror, scandal, death, and destruction are the ones that we encounter more often. Turkey Tours for Solo / Single Travellers. Solo travel female in Southeast Trkiye is safe however pleaseuse common sense. #1 Embrace the cultural differences #2 Learn some basic Turkish language skills #3 Planned vs Spontaneous #4 Know the rules #5 Be confident but careful #6 Get the most of your solo female trip If youre visiting a major city, there will be signs on the highway directing you that way. Learn a few key words of the local language especially the word for no: yok hayr to dissuade anybody who views you as an easy target. Izmir is also arguably one of Turkeys prettiest cities. Turkey is overall very safe, but of course avoid dark alleys at night if traveling alone. Solo female travel in Turkey? Turkey hosts around 3.7 million refugees, the most in the world. Welcome to Turkey! Yes! Solo female travel in Turkey provides for a wonderful adventure. The most common country of origin of refugees in Turkey is of course Syria, but there are many refugees from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, various African countries, and more. While Ive done a lot of solo female travel in Turkey, Im not an expert thats my friend Katie Nadworny, who has been living in Istanbul since 2013 and has traveled Turkey more extensively than anyone Ive ever met. Our yacht ran out of fuel, thanks to a faulty gauge that told us we had plenty left, and it happened when there was a dearth of wind. East Turkey is generally known to be more religious and conservative. Intrepid Travel, a small group adventure travel company, receives bookings from about 75,000 solo travelers per year . Turkey is vast, and few travellers seem to realise the sheer size of it. I went to Turkey as a solo traveler, so lets see how it went. Turks are quite stylish. . When a Turkish man wont stop looking at you, curb your natural reaction to stare back because theyll take this as a come on. Turkish people often stare at tourists, particularly in less touristy areas. Istanbul is a wonderful city and is a great jump-off point for the rest of your. Do not accept any fixed fee. Need help planning your trip in Cappadocia?Contact my trusted, honest friend Efe of Hometown Agency in Greme: https://cappadociatravelagency.com.Message him on WhatsApp +90 535 6485167.You can contact him ahead of time, or simply show up at his office in the heart of town to plan your trip. They say that journeys are best measured in friends rather than in miles. Swim in the Mediterranean or stroll the backstreets of ancient Byzantium or trek through Cappadocias fairy chimneys. It is very easy to get around Turkey as a solo female traveller. The Kakars. Men are very physically affectionate towards one another with no sexual meaning attached. Turkey is a very affordable travel destination. Always carry a scarf/wrap with you in case you do need to cover your hair in Mosques. I am usually relatively polite when people approach me and respectfully decline. Its so beautiful. Keep an eye on the meter when taking a taxi. Ka. Cars are not allowed on the islands, so take a ferry over and enjoy some rare nature and quiet. ), Around Istanbul, I take Taxis for my late returns. (She will ask you to take off your top at this point if you havent already.). Because of all this, the majority of refugees in Turkey (98%, according to Relief Web) live in local communities, not in refugee camps. Simply put, from my personal experience and that of others , I'm going to unequivocally say that YES, Turkey is a safe and fantastic place to visit, especially as . The vast majority of Turkish people practice Islam. Some of my favorites places to visit are Suleymaniye Mosque, Theodosius Cistern, and Topkap Palace. Adventurous Kate uses andrecommendsWorld Nomads for trips to Turkey. Tickets can be purchased online, yet the Turkish booking site can be a little temperamental and difficult to use and so it may be easier to simply buy your tickets in person at the station. (Note from Kate: I was incredibly relieved when a bus driver in Turkey took me to sit next to an older woman on my overnight bus from Gorme to Fethiye. Turkey is often bundled into the "Middle-Eastern Countries" though Turkish people do not consider their country as part of that category. Bus rides in Turkey include free cups of tea and Nescafe, snacks, frequent rest stops, and occasionally lunch stops as well (depending on how far you are traveling). Right outside of the city of Kars, perched on the edge of the Armenian border, is the ancient ruined city of Ani. Be especially cautious in party spots like Bodrum and Marmaris, but drink spiking can happen anywhere. Even after all this time, Turkey still takes my breath away. I use Turkcell; Vodafone and Turk Telekom are also options. The next? Some useful safety pointers for travelling Turkey alone as a woman are provided below. I enjoyed riding horses during sunset so bring jeans for that experience. Female solo travel in Turkey . The ethereal landscapes of this region look like something from a different universe entirely. Keep your valuables locked up in your accommodation and only take with you what you need that day. Remember that if it bleeds it leads. When I moved to Istanbul, I started traveling extensively around Turkey and once I started, I never wanted to stop. Road Scholar's travel groups are great for single women and solo travelers. But Istanbul is so busy that most people don't actually notice that you're alone. The natural scenery here is dramatic and varied. If youre new to diving, there are beginner lessons available. In Turkey, this doesnt mean covering up with a head-to-toe burqa, but walking with purpose and pretending youre a long-term expat rather than a local. This misconception has a lot of foreigners thinking Turkey as a potentially dangerous country to travel for women. Summer can be a wonderful time to hike in the mountains, too. From the sun-bleached ruins of Hierapolis at Pamukkale to the ancient port city of Ephesus. Many of our trips come with a photographer, are fully immersive and led by female local guides. Outside of cities, youre more likely to get attention simply by being a foreigner who doesnt speak Turkish, not because you are eating alone. . Nice! Traditional gender roles still apply in Turkey. This is true of travelling anywhere. Pamukkale means cotton castle, and the name makes sense when you see Pamukkales rippling white travertine pools. Romance scams are common in Antalya, Turkey. Stay in social hostels and guesthouses. Turkey is a patriarchal culture and challenging every man who looks your way is unlikely to change anything. At 18 years old, I left for my first solo trip across Serbia, Turkey, Tanzania, and Kenya. Istanbul, Turkey. Figure out where you need to go before you step outside so you can appear confident to anybody looking to scam an innocent tourist. You may get looks if you dress different but rarely threatening. The city spans both Europe and Asia, and a ferry ride between the two takes only 20 minutes.
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