Turkey is a beautiful destination with the perfect blend of high mountains, sandy beaches, vast deserts, and fantastic flora and fauna.
From world-famous monuments to great food, luxurious hotels, great shopping destinations, places for adventure, Turkey has a lot to offer its visitors. So, are you tempted to plan a vacation to Turkey?
I am sure you are! But before you start your planning, there are a few useful tips that you should know to make your journey a hassle-free one. Also, are you wondering whether it is safe to visit Turkey for security reasons?I can assure you, it is.
If you’re looking for new luggage before you travel, check out our buying guides: best suitcase deals | best suitcases under £50 | ultra lightweight suitcases | checked luggage for international travel | aluminium suitcases | underseat suitcases with wheels | zipperless suitcases | extendable suitcases | suitcases for cruises | extra large suitcases | durable suitcases | Tripp suitcases. And for essential travel accessories, we recommend: compression suitcase packing cubes | GPS luggage tracker | passport covers | vanity cases
Here are a few useful Turkey travel tips for a hassle-free trip
1. Do your research before you decide
Ensure you research and decide the places that you want to visit in Turkey beforehand. Start making a checklist with the names of the places you wish to visit. Visiting Turkey without knowing much about it is not a great choice.
2. Learning some Turkish words can be helpful
Learning the basic words of the Turkish language can be so helpful to communicate with the local people. If you decide to visit the places on the exterior of the cities, you will face difficulty communicating, as many people might not know English. This is one of the most useful tips for traveling to Turkey, especially if this is your first time.
3. Select proper accommodation
Turkey has a lot of options for accommodation. If you have a limited budget, you should choose a hotel that fits your budget plan. Also, if you want to have a luxurious experience, go for expensive hotels or even apartments. You will quickly get lodging options depending on your convenience and budget. If you are visiting Turkey for the first time, you can consider booking apartments for a pleasant stay that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
4. Pack your bags with all the necessities
While traveling to Turkey, you might have to carry a few extra things like a hat, which is a must. Make sure to pack sunscreen to save yourself from sunburn. Additionally, personal hygiene and sanitary products are a must these days.
5. Do not forget to try Turkish dishes
Turkish food is a delight for your tongue. If you are on a diet, avoid visiting Turkey at that time as you will end up missing all the excellent food that comes your way. From great kebabs to different seafood, flavorful desserts, there is so much variety in food. It will be best if you tried all of them without any guilt.
6. Transportation
All the cities and areas of Turkey are well-connected. Thus, traveling is not an issue here. You can use public transport like train, bus, or metro for inter-city travel. You can also go for cabs if you don’t want to use public transport. Some bus services even provide Wi-Fi facility. These buses can be booked online. Pro tip: If you choose to travel by cab, check if the car at the taxi stand has a logo. This is very important as it will save you from being a victim to scams by the taxi drivers.
7. Keep Cash
Do not depend entirely on card payment. Make sure to carry cash with you wherever you go in Turkey. The main reason to do so is that you might face difficulty finding ATMs in rural areas. So to have a stress-free experience, it is better to carry some local currency along with you.
8. Avoid shopping in the malls
Turkey has many huge malls with luxurious and fancy brands, but this is something you can find in your country too. Hence, spending time in Turkey by shopping at stores that you might also find in your city is not advisable. Instead, try visiting the local bazaars like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or the Kemeraltı Bazaar in Izmir. Here, you will find unique handmade items with a lot of variety.
9. Be careful while packing your clothes
When it comes to clothes, carry dresses that can cover your head, shoulders, and legs as you have to cover them while visiting some holy places or conservative areas. You can even have a shawl or a scarf with you while getting out of your hotel. Remember, you should take off your shoes before you enter mosques or any other religious place.
Final words
Following these practical tips while visiting Turkey will allow you to enjoy a relaxing vacation without facing any unwelcoming situation. For more details, stay connected. If you’ve any doubts, do comment below.