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InternationalTravel.ai > Turkey

Turkey

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Historical sites, Unique landscapes, Cuisine

Train Access: Yes (tcdd taşımacılık, relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Metrobus, EGO, IETT, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Most travelers need an e-Visa to visit Turkey, which can be easily obtained online prior to arrival and is valid for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Turkey is a country that straddles two continents, offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Visitors can explore the historic wonders of Istanbul, such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. The fairy chimneys and cave hotels of Cappadocia provide a surreal landscape best viewed from a hot air balloon at sunrise. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts boast pristine beaches and ancient ruins, with destinations like Antalya and Bodrum offering both sun-soaked relaxation and historical excursions. Turkish cuisine is a highlight, with street food like kebabs and baklava, and traditional meals in lokantas (eateries). Outdoor activities are plentiful, from hiking in the Lycian Way to paragliding over Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon. Unique events such as the oil wrestling festival in Edirne and the camel wrestling in Selçuk showcase Turkey's diverse cultural heritage. The thermal pools of Pamukkale and the archaeological site of Ephesus are must-visit locations, while the bustling markets and tea gardens provide a taste of local life. Turkey's rich history is palpable in the ancient cities of Troy and Gallipoli, where travelers can step back in time. The country's hospitality is legendary, with locals often inviting visitors for a cup of tea or a game of backgammon, making for an immersive cultural experience.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Turkey

Weather: Turkey experiences a variety of climates due to its large geographical area and diverse topography. The coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The central Anatolian plateau experiences a continental climate with sharp contrasts between seasons, featuring hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The eastern part of the country has more severe climatic conditions, with long, harsh winters and short summers.

Festivals: The Istanbul International Film Festival celebrates global cinema, while the Mesir Macunu Festival in Manisa features the traditional distribution of a herbal paste believed to have healing properties.

Best Destinations for Kids: The theme parks and water parks of Antalya are perfect for families, while the Miniatürk in Istanbul delights children with miniature replicas of Turkey's famous landmarks.

Hidden Gem: The Black Sea region, with its lush landscapes, traditional villages, and unique cuisine, is an underrated destination for those looking to experience Turkey's natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Traveling in Turkey on a budget is quite feasible, with a range of affordable accommodations such as guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels. In cities like Istanbul and Izmir, travelers can find dorm beds or private rooms starting from $10-$20 per night. Street food provides a delicious and cheap dining option, with kebabs, gözleme, and simit available for just a few dollars. Public transportation is cost-effective, with Istanbul's metro and tram systems offering access to major attractions for less than $1 per ride. Long-distance buses connect cities and are a budget-friendly alternative to flights. Visiting attractions like the beaches of the Turkish Riviera or the historical sites in Anatolia requires minimal to no entrance fees. Markets such as the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul offer affordable souvenirs and local delicacies. Traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can also help reduce costs, as prices for accommodations and flights tend to drop.

Accessibility: Turkey's major cities like Istanbul and Ankara have made efforts to improve accessibility with public transport options and ramps, but navigating the historical sites and older districts may be challenging for older people due to uneven surfaces.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Turkey is generally safe and rewarding, with friendly locals and a well-established tourism infrastructure. Solo travelers can enjoy the vibrant street life of Istanbul, join group tours to historical sites, or relax in the coastal towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Hostels and guesthouses provide social environments to meet fellow travelers, and local simit vendors and tea shops offer inexpensive dining options. While Turkey is considered safe for solo travelers, it i

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Turkey could include exploring Istanbul's historical sites, a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, and a visit to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, with time to relax on the Aegean coast.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider a journey that includes Istanbul, the natural wonders of Cappadocia, the thermal pools of Pamukkale, the historical battlefields of Gallipoli, and a leisurely exploration of the Turkish Riviera's coastal towns.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Midnight Express, The World Is Not Enough, Skyfall, Taken 2, Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance

Popular Foods: Turkish cuisine is rich and varied, known for its kebabs, mezes, and sweets. Dishes like döner kebab, baklava, and lahmacun are widely popular. Turkish delight and various forms of kebabs are enjoyed across the country, while breakfast often includes a spread of cheeses, olives, honey, and bread.

Unusual Eats: Kokoreç is a dish made from seasoned and skewered sheep intestines, which is a delicacy in Turkey but may be off-putting to some visitors. Another unusual food is the sheep's head soup, known as "işkembe çorbası," which is believed to be a hangover cure.

Popular Sports: football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling

Popular Teams: Galatasaray S.K. (football), Fenerbahçe S.K. (football), Beşiktaş J.K. (football), Anadolu Efes S.K. (basketball)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: Pointing with your finger at someone is considered rude in Turkey, and it's also impolite to show the soles of your shoes or feet to others. When visiting a mosque, one should dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. It's also customary to accept offers of tea or coffee when visiting a Turkish home or business, as refusing can be seen as impolite.