Turkey is a popular country to travel to for many types of travelers. As a solo female, you might want additional security and assurance that hotels and accommodations are safe. The Boston Marathon bombing happened just after I left in 2013, years before terror came to Istanbul. Its probably something Ill never do again. However, in some rural parts of the country and on some services (certain forms of public transport and places of worship for example), the genders are still segregated. Of course anything can happen, but statistically, it is rare compared to the rest of the world. They unite here, under a fierce independence, and a shared passion for traveling solo. Yes! Many of our trips come with a photographer, are fully immersive and led by female local guides. Is the water safe to drink in Turkey? SOLO TRAVEL Archives - World of Wanderlust The first thing everyone asks: Is Turkey Safe to Travel for Females? Tell them that you are traveling with friends who are at your accommodation. Once theyve shined them up, theyll then ask for a ridiculous sum of money in exchange. Im hoping to travel to Turkey solo in the summer (eek its gonna be so hot!) Sometimes, I understand why; other times, the question seems so removed from real life here that I get frustrated. If you are coming into a city by bus at night, try to know ahead of time how you are getting from the bus station to your hotel or wherever you are going. Otherwise most mosques will have cloaks you can borrow. Solo Female Travel - Adventurous Kate World Nomads are great for adventures in Turkey. Ride a ferry from one continent to another in Istanbul. But Istanbul is so busy that most people don't actually notice that you're alone. Sep 10, 2019 7 min read. I have been to 60 countries, most of which I traveled alone and find Turkey one of the safest and most convenient country. The Truth About Solo Female Travel in Egypt - Explore With Lora Much of this has stemmed from the 2016 military coup, 2017 explosions, and some of the actions of the government in northeastern Syria. Sadly, we are living in an age of terror. A popular kind of restaurant to get homemade food quickly is a lokanta, sort of a cafeteria-style set-up that was designed to serve workers in need of quick and hearty lunches. Doing a food tour or going on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a great way to meet other people. The most difficult places to travel during Ramadan, for me, were the towns and villages around Lake znik, just south of Istanbul. Just say you cant remember. Solo female travel in Turkey? Crimes against tourists are taken very seriously so people know better than to mess with you. Turks love to give directions, even when they dont know the right way. Here are some suggestions of what to do and say (or not, as the case may be) to help you handle these situations: Be selective when you ask for directions. Even in my situation when they say Where are you REALLY from? after stating Im from the United States. Turkey is safe for female solo travelers. Check the reviews of accommodation you are considering before your stay. What it's really like visiting Turkey solo on a group tour Travel to Egypt as a Solo Female - Is It Safe? - Anna Everywhere If you carry a wallet without a purse, dont keep it in your back pocket. (Note from Kate: Ive traveled in Istanbul during Ramadan and found it to be a wonderful, festive experience. In fact, it will probably be one of the highlights of your trip. Izmir is a charming and underrated Turkish city. Of course anything can happen, but statistically, it is rare compared to the rest of the world. Since Turkey is so tourist friendly, you can literally go day by day with your plans. 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. That way you can get a feel for what the place is like and ought to avoid any sketchy experiences. Some you may want to consider are detailed below. A number of budget airlines offer affordable domestic flights within Turkey. I'm here to help you explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. As such, they are perfect for solo female travel in Turkey! Istanbul is very liberal and during the summer months, you will see local and ex-pat women wearing everything from full abayas to shorts and summer dresses. However, in Central Anatolia, you should dress more modestly and cover your shoulders and knees. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. At the central bus stations (otogars) of each city, you can purchase a ticket. Everything you hear and read online basically says: "You cannot travel to Egypt alone and you should always have a man with you.". One last note its absolutely vital to have travel insurance before traveling to Turkey. Solo Female Travel 101: Go Be Epic! (EXPERT GUIDE 2022) He just wants to put it on the bus for you. With millions of Syrians living in Turkey, there are now MANY Syrian restaurants, and Syrian food is DIVINE. I ignored it and stepped over the brush because apparently Im a bad person. Not only is my answer yes, I also believe that Turkey is a great destination for solo female travelers and a perfect introduction to the Middle East. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Take note of what Turkish women are wearing to get an idea of the local dress code. It was a mixed bag in Turkey in terms of peoples English abilities and it wholly depends on where you are going to be travelling. 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. Here's my guide on solo female travel safety tips for the basics. Istanbul is a wonderful city and is a great jump-off point for the rest of your Turkey itinerary. No matter where I visited on the coast, though, I found wearing a bikini on the beach to be fine. Unlike many people think, Turkey is a modern and secular country. The men were never abusive or intimidating in any way. Welcome to the Solo Female Travel Safety Tips and Advice page for Turkey! I have traveled in Turkey extensively during Ramadan, and your experience will really depend on where you are and what you are doing. Therefore, you can dress any way and be fine. By the end of the Best of Turkey tour I was broke and owned more Turkish towels than clothing, but I'd experienced a country so comforting to a solo female traveler that I . Which doesnt mean people wont try very hard to help you get around! This is obvious to thieves. That said, try to pack as light as possible. This is where you can go scuba diving in clear turquoise water by day, read a book in the sunshine on a quiet bay in the afternoon, and feast on meze all summer evening. Its easy to connect with travelers while doing organized activities, and locals are friendly, inquisitive, and love a good time. What you think of as normal interaction smiling frequently and thanking them profusely - can be seen as an invitation for more. The Cost of Travel in Turkey: A Detailed Budget Breakdown. Im wary of anybody whos overly-friendly towards me, whether its day or night. What could be better than having a steaming hot cup of kukuk cay bought to you whizz through the dramatic scenery of the Kakar Mountains? I recommend checking out their events page for the dates of your visit. And not once, a man who made me feel threatened or scared. Outside of Istanbul and touristic parts of Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera, it can be tricky to find people that speak English. In recent years, concerns about terrorism have seen the number of international visitors to Turkey drop significantly. Solo female travel in Turkey will leave a lasting impression, whatever you choose to see and do. However, if you are feeling unsafe, make your discomfort known to bystanders by loudly saying . Yes, yes it is. There are no dress codes at all females in Turkey. If you opt to stay in comfy, budget hotels, you are typically able to find a room for a maximum of around $20 per night. Antakya. Most are trying to reach a better life in Europe, but anti-refugee sentiment has kept the majority in Turkey. The Turkish government thrives off tourism from travelers around the world. Its a reminder to get travel insurance its for unexpected situations like these. In fact, there was very little attention directed my way. You might see snow in Cappadocia and the mountains. Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travelers? - Turkey Nomad I slid further away from him but he followed along and began rubbing his elbow up against my side in a sleazy manner. All of them are pretty good. In Morocco, it was very much harassment men would grab me, call me horrible names, shout at me. Drugs in Turkey can be cut with poisonous substances that can often lead to your death, and if youre caught by the police, youll be in life-changing trouble. But I would still advise you to be respectful of local customs and culture (dependent on region). Solo female travel in Turkey provides for a wonderful adventure. I obviously cant make a blanket statement that the healthcare in Turkey sucks after having one poor experience in a relatively small town Im certain hospitals would be far better in Istanbul. Many solo women . Hi, I am a female solo traveler from the US for a few months and I really want to visit Istanbul. Take time to explore the charming nearby town of Seluk as well as the old Greek village of irince, where the locals make their own fruit wine. Pamukkale and Ephesus are nearby and can be accessed on a day trip from Izmir. I have spent many evenings there with friends and it was fine. Turkey is a wonderful place. In Istanbul, you can easily get around via Metro, Marmaray and Tram. Apparently its similar to Malta, only without the mountains! I felt very safe. Pamukkale. Fascinated about ancient Georgian kingdoms? Traditional gender roles still apply in Turkey. While its usually fine for to wear shorts and skimpy tops in beach areas and coastal towns, elsewhere youll be more comfortable in longer pants or skirts and T-shirts that cover your upper arms. In my experience, the local men were friendly, helpful, and slightly flirtatious. No sugar coating., Thank you Mildred! We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel to meet the rest of the group. (Note from Kate: I made a lot of friends at Agora Guesthouse in Istanbul!). Men are very physically affectionate towards one another with no sexual meaning attached. Ive traveled to the beaches during Ramadan as well as to the more conservative Southeast region, and never had problems finding a meal. You should have two debit cards to two different bank accounts. Especially in holiday regions, it is possible to come across a large number of tourists who are on holiday alone. Writing about solo travel for women has been my sole job since 2010. Unfortunately, while I was in Turkey, I fell deeply unwell. TURKEY TRIP! Just as there were unfortunate, indiscriminate attacks in Turkey, there have also been attacks in France, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. Solo Female Travel in Turkey: Is it Safe? 2022 Guide You need to use your common sense when solo traveling in Turkey as you would anywhere else in the world. . Taxi drivers have been known to trick tourists and so you should always ensure that the meter is used during your journey. A Day in Kadikoy, Istanbuls Hippest Neighborhood, Freezing in a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia, Fethiye, Turkey: Come Here for Chilled Out Bliss. Dont be embarrassed to insist. It combines Mediterranean bliss with all the comforts of a city. Car rentals cost on average $25 a day (as low as $20 up to $45). Crossing from Turkey into northern Iraq is Iraqi Kurdistan, which has a different visa process to other parts of Iraq. Always check the small print as many outdoor activities like skiing and even hiking, are often not covered. There is one daily international train to Istanbul arriving from Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania. Share away! Alternatively, they would just latch onto me while I was walking and refuse to take no for an answer when I told them that I wasnt interested. Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Turkey? It would be difficult to cover them all in one trip. If you have to ask someone, ask three people and continue to check as you go along, otherwise you may find yourself going in the wrong direction. Traveling Turkey by rail is generally cheaper than buses. I started plotting my return to Istanbul immediately. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Anyone you ask will be happy to give you directions, even if they dont know where you are actually going. And I spent a week-long stay in the small village of Kadikalesi with friends. The city of all cities, Istanbul stretches from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and contains layers and layers of fallen empires. No:1). Istanbul, Turkey. There are so many fascinating places to go in Turkey. I have never experienced this myself, but just be aware. Istanbul is the perfect blend of East meets West. Enjoy the huge, cheap iftar meal specials and head to the Blue Mosque for post-sundown picnics!). 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