Female Traveling Solo to Turkey
The following is a guest post * by Hannah from Alltherooms.com.
For a country so rich in culture, heritage, and history, Turkey has unfortunately seen a decline in travel and tourism over recent years. However, Turkey is not a country to be avoided. Brimming with natural beauty, abundant traditions, diversity, and a multitude of aromas, Turkey is a mysterious and intriguing place for solo female travel.
When traveling alone as a female, safety is always the number one priority. As with any kind of solo adventure, taking precaution and remaining vigilant in all situations is essential. Here are some tips specific when exploring Turkey by yourself:
- Dress modestly and respectfully. Wear loose-fitting clothing and be sure to keep shoulders and knees covered.
- Learn the emergency phone numbers and know where your embassy is located.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people speak English in major cities and are more than willing to assist.
- Only make eye contact, smile, or shake hands with a male if it is first initiated by him. Small gestures like this can be mistaken for flirting.
- Be confident. Hassling, cat-calling, and other unwanted attention can be avoided by exuding self-confidence.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are three great places to travel as a solo female traveler in Turkey!
1. Istanbul
Boasting both European and Asian influences, Istanbul is the perfect place to begin traveling in Turkey. The bustling metropolis is filled with fragrant markets, mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine, and ancient architectural marvels. Don’t miss the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, or the Blue Mosque. For the best street food, head to Istiklal Avenue, which is the busiest road in the city. Another must-see is the Grand Bazaar, boasting over 4,000 vendors and home to one of the oldest and largest markets in the world.
Where to Stay:
If you’re looking to stay in the historic epicenter of Istanbul, look no further than the Sultanahmet neighborhood. If you want a more trendy alternative, the Beyoglu neighborhood is your best bet. Need a little luxury? Head to the Taksim neighborhood for a variety opulent accommodation options.
2. Cappadocia
Widely known for its unique rock formations, underground cities, and caves, Cappadocia is also home to the popular hot air balloon flights you often see from photos of Turkey. The quiet city seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.
Hop on a tour of one of the 36 underground cities, originally built for protection from the elements. Later, they were used to hide Christians from Roman persecution. Another famous spot to check out, the Goreme Open-Air Museum consists of 30 churches carved from rock formations and is a magnificent sight to see and explore.
Where to Stay:
The best place to stay in Cappadocia is in Goreme. The small town is not too touristy but still offers plenty of accommodation choices, as well as restaurants for every budget. If you’re hoping to get further away to a quieter place, consider the much slower town of Uchisar.
3. Fethiye
Known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, this vibrant region demands to be visited, even if it’s just for a couple of days. The low-key, coastal city is surrounded by ancient ruins and 12 small islands.
For the adrenaline-junkies, Fethiye offers the opportunity to paraglide from Mt. Babadag. Thought to be one of the best places in the world to paraglide, the ride offers impressive views of the Mediterranean sea and the islands in the distance.
For another outdoor adventure, explore the historic rock tombs. Dating back to before Greek history, the inhabitants carved tombs into the soft limestone to honor the dead.
Only a short taxi boat ride away is Butterfly Valley. This large, picturesque canyon land is perfect for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, photography, or simply taking in the view. The locals live by the slogan of “living in harmony with nature”, and they certainly do just that.
Where to Stay:
The city of Fethiye has an array of accommodation options, as do the surrounding islands.
Author’s Bio:
Hannah is a freelance writer and blogger who has a deep passion for travel, mindful living and people. Originally from Upstate New York, she’s had the opportunity to live in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and most currently, Maryland. She recently crossed country number 16 off her bucket list and is always devising a plan to fulfill her perpetual wanderlust. When she’s not busy writing or traveling, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and puppy, exploring her local community or honing in on her photography skills.
