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. From Fethiye, I spent 11 days sailing a yacht around the southwest coast of the country, visiting Gcek, Gkkaya, Kekova Roads, Kalkan, Karakaren, Ka, Kayaky and Uagiz. Solo female travel in Turkey? I have travelled solo to Turkey five times. Go to Ephesus and the Celsus library. This is exactly why you shouldnt ever travel without insurance. Its so beautiful. Buying a Turkish SIM card is a good way to stay connected during your trip. Women stare too and I always smile back because it opens up the chance to interact. Taxi drivers have been known to trick tourists and so you should always ensure that the meter is used during your journey. t would be difficult to cover them all in one trip. Venturing through the souks and passageways of Izmir makes you feel transported back in time. Buses usually have assigned seating and women will generally be seated next to women, men next to men. The vast majority of Turkish people practice Islam. If youre new to diving, there are beginner lessons available. If you have an open mind and are kind to fellow travelers; you will fit in perfectly on these trips! Share away! 14 Days From 1364. Some of the bus stations in Istanbul (especially the main one in Istanbul) can be a little shady at night. It boasts countless colourful markets, ornate mosques, and historical ruins. Turkeys diverse landscapes are another breathtaking aspect of visiting. Solo travel is more dangerous for women. Its safe, charming, and has a splendid archaeological museum that you can visit when you need to take a break from eating everything. Turkey has a way of wiggling into your heart. Theres no need to make up crazy backstories while traveling just tell the truth and youll feel much more comfortable. Of course, in Islamic countries this can often be the case when I travel with a male friend. As a solo female traveler, I am wandering around the world to experience it through solo travel. Over that time period, I travelled with my boyfriend, travelled alone, and travelled with two of my friends, who were women. That was the year we had terror attacks from ISIS and others in Istanbul and throughout the country, with attacks on the since-shuttered Ataturk Airport and a nightclub and Sultanahmet Square. Hence, they take full responsibility for crimes targeted at tourists and punishments are taken very seriously. Even after seven (seven!!) Regardless, I have rarely encountered disrespectful men. Question. Turkey is a patriarchal culture and challenging every man who looks your way is unlikely to change anything. AND YET. This means that stories of terror, scandal, death, and destruction are the ones that we encounter more often. You can simply point at what you like. Keep an eye on the meter when taking a taxi. Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer, journalist, and photographer who specializes in the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Some popular choices are patlcan salatas (smoky eggplant puree), giritli ezme (a cheese spread with walnuts and herbs), haydari (thick yogurt with garlic and herbs), acl ezme (a spicy mash of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and sometimes pomegranate molasses), and hardal soslu levrek (sea bass in a mustard and peppercorn sauce). CANADA; MEXICO; USA; SOUTH AMERICA. Odds are, theyll invite you to dinner with them, present you with an exorbitant bill or drug you and rob you when you pass out. It feels like everyone here let out a tightly-held breath sometime about 2017, and weve all been more at ease since. Its probably something Ill never do again. Figure out where you need to go before you step outside so you can appear confident to anybody looking to scam an innocent tourist. I recommend many purses in this post. The fact that Turkey is in the middle of everything is actually one of the reasons its so wonderful. (The word for woman in Turkish is bayan.), What should you wear to a Turkish hamam? This blog takes you Off the Beaten Path through Ethnography, Travel Tips, Photography, Videos and a guide to all the Adventures Ive experienced, hoping it will inspire you to Travel the World. Its the cultural center of Turkey, with a vibrant art scene, trendy cafes, rollicking bars, ancient ruins, stunning Ottoman mosques, and relentless energy. Renting a car in Turkey is not as daunting as it may sound. Women-Only Meetup Tours We specialize in small group tours for women in all phases of life. Fortunately, I wasnt on board as I was day-tripping to a nearby village, but unfortunately, I now needed to find somewhere to stay for the night while they worked on getting back to shore. 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 . As its common anyone you meet within minutes to ask. People wont touch you in Turkey, generally. Pamukkale is a town close to Denizli in western Turkey. The absolute easiest and best places to visit in the country solo are Baghdad, Babylon, and Mosul. It should also be noted that the train network is nowhere near as comprehensive as the buses. That was also the year of the failed coup. In fact, it's been named the safest country in the world for over 11 years according to the Global Peace Index. Im going alone to Antalya from the 12th to the 22nd of November and I apprehend a little bit as its my first time travelling on my own. For instance, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, etc). Turkish buses also serve complimentary refreshments and snacks at several points throughout your trip. In 2009, 67 women in Canada were murdered by a current or former spouse or boyfriend. . Most major companies now offer a 2+1 seating configuration so ask to be seated in a single seat. The Couchsurfing Turkey community isnt just for free accommodation, its also for socializing. From Fethiye, I spent 11 days sailing a yacht around the southwest coast of the country, visiting Gcek, Gkkaya, Kekova Roads, Kalkan, Karakaren, Ka, Kayaky and Uagiz. You will witness a range of the most conservative Muslims to the most liberal young folks. At the top of Pamukkale is the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. The balloons are just the tip of the iceberg. Id struggled while. Once the day is over, ask someone if they feel like getting a drink or dinner. Its a reminder to get travel insurance its for unexpected situations like these. Unfortunately, tales of good deeds and chicken soup for the soul style stories are not. And thank you so much for your comment on the photos! There are plenty of things to do in Istanbul. Instead, I moved here. If youre visiting a major city, there will be signs on the highway directing you that way. On a few occasions, the men suddenly became aggressive at the surprise that I may possibly not be interested in their advances. The hangover from the Very Bad Year of 2016 lingers when people think of traveling to Turkey. The Lycian Way is a great hike for adventurous female travelers! If you enjoy trekking, or if youd like to go trekking and never have before, the Lycian Way is a stunning and easy option. :), I like Kadiklesi Never stayed overnight but that apartment looks tempting. Create your own . Take note of what Turkish women are wearing to get an idea of the local dress code. I've always been that kind of a weirdo that marches her own path. It has always been a travel destination that has some element of uncertainty around it when it comes to the ease of traveling around the country as a solo woman. These womxn dare to be different, have a warrior spirit, and epic stories between the pages of their passport. Its up to you how to react. Alternatively, downloading Google Translate and a free language app on your phone can be a lifesaver! 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. Turkey is overall very safe, but of course avoid dark alleys at night if traveling alone. Istanbul is a very cosmopolitan city with a large international population. I meet people from all over the world here from Iran and Nigeria and Iraq and France and Australia and Egypt and Israel and Mexico and Syria and Kyrgyzstan and beyond. Thank you for this amazing article, it has helped me a lot. Quite simply, you should be suspicious of any overly-friendly locals with excellent English who approach you for seemingly no reason at all. Any tips to help yourself feel better? He just wants to put it on the bus for you. Some you may want to consider are detailed below. The city of all cities, Istanbul stretches from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and contains layers and layers of fallen empires. I felt very safe. A favorite of mine is Kili Ali Paa Hamam, which is centrally located in a historical building in Karakoy. There is a wealth here. Women of color, anyone dressed dramatically differently from the norm and women with blue eyes can be the focus of intense scrutiny. Summer can be a wonderful time to hike in the mountains, too. Would you do it again, given the opportunity? Alternatively, you can bring areusable bottleand invest in aSteriPen water purifier(much better and faster than tablets). There is one daily international train to Istanbul arriving from Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania. Youre going to want to be wary of anyone who comes up to you and immediately tries to become your best friend. Some of the journey times are incredibly long. Thank you so much for recommending Gzide Cave Hotel in Cappadocia! I avoid going out super-late at night and steer clear of any dark alleyways, parks, or poorly-lit areas. Our guides will help you prepare for your first solo travel adventure! Congratulations to you for agreeing to step way out of your comfort zone for that boat ride. female solo travelers in sri lanka should reach out to the hotel they are staying at to organize intercity transfers and airport pick ups or drop offs, or use their recommended tuk tuk driver - all you'll need to do is organize a driver to collect you from the airport on arrival (especially important if you are arriving late at night or early in I am usually relatively polite when people approach me and respectfully decline. It is incredibly important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling alone, this goes for where you are staying too. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. This includes Turkey. Your email address will not be published. Im also a smart person, because this is a scam thats found all over Istanbul. Melissa Douglas is a British Travel Writer and Blogger based in Athens, Greece. Plus, couples and friends who travel together on Road Scholar programs are always warm and welcoming to single . The local Couchsurfers often put on events and meetups in a variety of destinations. 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. However, you will notice that there are several bus companies operating to the same destinations, each with different timetables. If you carry a wallet without a purse, dont keep it in your back pocket. Take your belongings with you. In some tourist. Its been great to read about someone from close to my home (Im from Essex), having such an amazing time following their dreams. They will grab it and run. So let's travel together with fun, like-minded travelers! At the central bus stations (otogars) of each city, you can purchase a ticket. If you only have one, I recommend you get a debit card fromTransferwise. Namely, those are Turkcell, Turk Telecom, and Vodafone. Some useful safety pointers for travelling Turkey alone as a woman are provided below. However, it is one of the most culturally important places in the country. Its not really a common sight to see a woman wandering around unaccompanied so a lone foreign woman is a perplexing concept for them. I loved reading your experiences in Turkey. Feel free to drop me a comment below. I always dressed modestly and was respectful but the attention I was getting on occasions was like flies around poop. Ka is a fantastic solo travel destination as it is a relaxed and welcoming beach town, but also has much more to see and do. The residents of Istanbul are generally accepting of this diversity and you will see women (and men) dress differently across all spectrum. Europcar, Avis, and other well-known providers operate in Turkey. If you carry a purse, hold it close to you. in Turkey. The water is safe to drink in some cities in Turkey, but it isnt safe in most of the country, and Turks dont drink tap water. Im wary of anybody whos overly-friendly towards me, whether its day or night. Istanbul is a wonderful city and is a great jump-off point for the rest of your. Build it up! If you are around Istanbul in the Hip Areas of Cihangir, Kadikoy, Karakoy, Begoglyu, Sultanamet, you can wear anything and walk around in the middle of night. I am sure that you will have a great trip. In those cities, you wont necessarily need to rent a car. Solo female travel in Turkey? Hi! However, I wasnt impressed with the care I received. Have you traveled solo in Turkey? In another instance a group of young men tried . It is good practice to check your governments travel advice before travelling anywhere. I went down to the beach in a panic, she said, and these two Turkish girls saw me looking around, and came up to me and asked if I was looking for a watch, they had found one on the beach.. Hi! Mothers and Grandmothers are the root and glue of the family and they are to be regarded with full respect. Pamukkale. There is a common scam in Istanbul where a taxi driver will insist you paid him with a smaller bill than you did, and short change you. When I looked lost in Istanbul, people materialised from nowhere to point me in the right direction. A bikini can be useful if you are planning on going to a hamam, as well. Many women from southeast region have blond hair and blue eyes too! This women's only tour kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have previously all called home. Ive traveled to the beaches during Ramadan as well as to the more conservative Southeast region, and never had problems finding a meal. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Any reaction is an encouragement for someone to keep talking to you. Istanbul has a dedicated Tourist Police team. This misconception has a lot of foreigners thinking Turkey as a potentially dangerous country to travel for women. The roads here are mostly well-built and maintained. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. I would love to do a solo trip and reading your blog has really inspired me to think about it more. Middle East. 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. Follow me on Instagram: @aoifecliffordxhttps://www.instagram.com/aoifecliffo. Our small group journeys in Turkey are fully escorted by an experienced local guide and an Odyssey guide to give this type of experience whether at one of the many . Most domestic flights will originate in Istanbul or Ankara. Problem solved. However, the pleasantness of the bus services makes this seemingly fly by. In Canada, on average, every six days a woman is killed by her intimate partner. I have spent many evenings there with friends and it was fine. I enjoyed riding horses during sunset so bring jeans for that experience. The Kakars. Get out of the touristy parts of destinations and it happens much less frequently. Turkey Uncovered. Tourism is one of Turkeys most dynamic and fastest-growing economic sectors. Public busses are also available but can be slightly more confusing to track. Isnt it ridiculous?! Be it for asserting their independence or to just enjoy traveling on their own terms, solo travel among women is catching up well and nice around the world. Even locals prefer to buy bottled water. Istanbul is full of great places (especially in Aksaray), and Gaziantep has the unofficial nickname little Aleppo because so many people hailing from that Syrian city (only 75 miles away) have relocated there, and brought their cuisine along with them. For some of them, they genuinely are trying to greet you (ignorantly assuming one is Japanese). Eager to help if you ask. Most of the time the attention doesnt run to more than staring and attempts at conversation. 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. Turkey is vast, and few travellers seem to realise the sheer size of it. Pick-pocketers are not common but watch out for your purse while in touristic or crowded areas (. If I had bent down and picked up his brush, the vendor would have thanked me profusely and offered to polish my shoes as a thanks. No sugar coating., Thank you Mildred! After spending a significant amount of time in Turkey, I want to share some of my top safety tips for solo women, in order to ensure you have a safe and trouble-free trip. Love the pic! Comfortable walking shoes are most important as youll be exploring by foot to all the sites with small hikes here and there. The washing and scrubbing is intense, and the perfect way to remove the dirt and grime of life that has probably made its way into your skin. However, arguably there is no place in Turkey that you should consider as being out of bounds just because of your gender. You should be careful in the far Eastern part of the country close to the Syrian border. Sometimes if you are travelling on buses across Turkey, you may find that Police Officers will come on board to check the IDs of passengers. At 18 years old, I left for my first solo trip across Serbia, Turkey, Tanzania, and Kenya. However theres no need to be specific about your travel plans or to give out the name of your hotel if you dont want to. Thanks again and have a nice day . You need to use your common sense when solo traveling in Turkey as you would anywhere else in the world.

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