Useful Turkey Travel Tips and Suggestions

Offering a wide variety of experiences for visitors, Turkey attracts waves of tourists with is cultural and historical attractions, stunning natural scenery, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. However, before you embark on your trip to this magical destination, you should equip yourself with some useful travel tips, which will make your journey as wonderful and pleasant as possible. In this article, we'll share some valuable travel tips to help you make the most of your tour to Turkey.

Plan Ahead

From the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey is a large and diverse country, so you may get a bit disoriented if you don't have a clear idea of where you want to visit. Additionally, considering Turkey's geographical vastness, the distance between different destinations can be longer than you expect, making it even more challenging to arrange your activities within a short period of time.

Therefore, it's wise to plan your trip ahead of time to make the most of your time there. By planning in advance, you can avoid any last-minute issues and ensure that you get to see and do everything you want. If you want to visit Turkey and don't have any plans now, feel free to contact us, and our travel expert can help you to customize an itinerary to your needs and budget.

Learn Some Basic Turkish

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and we also offer personal tour guide services if you travel with us, so language barrier isn't something that will bother you. Nevertheless, it can be helpful to learn some basic Turkish phrases, such as hello (merhaba), thank you (teşekkür ederim), please (lütfen), how much (kaç para), and you're welcome (rica ederim). You don't have to grasp difficult phrases or sentences, but even learning just a few basic phrases can help you communicate more effectively with locals and show that you respect their culture. The locals will appreciate your efforts and it can help you navigate the country more easily.

It's also worth noting that many Turks are very hospitable and warm-hearted to foreign visitors, even if you don't speak their language. With a friendly smile and attitude, you will still have a great time in this wonderful country.

Dress Appropriately

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, where many people hold traditional attitudes and tend to be socially conservative. Therefore, it's recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques. This means covering your shoulders, chest, and knees, and avoiding clothing that is too tight or revealing. You can often find dress requirements for both men and women in front of mosques and other religious sites in Turkey.

While it is not mandatory for men to cover their head and shoulders in mosques, it is usually necessary for women visitors to do so when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Some mosques provide shawls or scarves for women visitors to use before entering, but it's a good idea to bring your own just in case.

Respect Local Customs

Respecting local customs is an important part of being a responsible traveler, and it can help you have a more enjoyable experience and avoid causing offense or misunderstanding in Turkey. Apart from dressing modestly, there are some other customs and etiquette worth respecting. For instance, you are advised to accept and reciprocate the hospitality offered by locals, and it's customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.

It's worth keeping in mind that during the month of Ramadan, many Muslims will fast and don't eat or even drink during the day, and they will break their fast at sunset. It's important to be respectful of those who are fasting during the day.

Try Local Food and Beverage

Turkish cuisine is diverse and delicious, so be sure to try some of the local dishes during your trip. Some of the most popular choices include kebabs, mezze, and baklava. There is also a wide range of street food worth a try, such as simit (a type of bread) and doner kebab. In addition to great dishes, Turkey also has a great selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Raki, a traditional Turkish anise-flavored alcoholic drink, is a must-try if you want an authentic Turkish food experience. Also, Turkish coffee and tea are extremely popular, and drinking them has merged into many locals' daily routine.

It's a good idea to research the taste and ingredients beforehand, especially if you have some taste preferences, or in case the food might contain something you are allergic to.

Pack Appropriately

Depending on the time of year you're traveling, the weather in Turkey can be quite variable. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the season and bring comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing. As mentioned earlier, it's important to dress modestly in Turkey, especially when visiting religious sites. Therefore, pack clothing that can cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, instead of clothes that are too tight or revealing. For women visitors, you can bring a scarf or shawl to cover your head and shoulders in religious sites.

Of course, don't forget to pack your travel essentials, such as your cash and credit cards, phone charger, medications, camera, etc.

Find a Good Accommodation

Choosing accommodation is an important part of planning your Turkey trip. Depending on where you plan to visit, there are various options. If you plan to spend a few days in Istanbul, you can consider living in Sultanahmet, an area with Istanbul's famous attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Beyoğlu is also a great place to live in Istanbul, which is home to Istanbul's best restaurants, bars and cafes.

If you are looking for an accommodation in Cappadocia, you can choose a cave hotel in Göreme, a town located in the heart of the Cappadocia region and is known for its unique cave hotels and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Another popular area to stay in Cappadocia is Ürgüp, an area known for its luxury cave hotels and historic sites. The area is home to Göreme National Park and some ancient underground cities, including Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

When it comes to where to stay in Antalya, there are also several options. If you are into history and culture, you can stay in the historic town of Kaleiçi, where you can find Ottoman-era architecture and ruins of ancient Roman building. If you want to have a great beach vacation, Konyaalti is a great choice. Konyaalti is a popular beach area in Antalya, known for its long stretch of pebble beach and blue sea. If you like sand, you can stay in Lara Beach, another popular beach area in Antalya. This area is known for its long stretch of sandy beach and luxury resorts.

Regardless of where you plan to visit in Turkey, there will always be a good place to stay. However, the best accommodation may not always be available, especially during travel peak season. A word of advice: make sure to book in advance!

Prepare for Shopping Opportunities

There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Turkey for tourists, from traditional bazaars and markets to modern shopping malls and designer boutiques, so do keep some space for souvenirs and gifts! Turkey is known for its rich textile and handicraft traditions, and Turkish handwoven carpets are highly popular among visitors. You can find many exquisite carpets in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Turkish textiles are also known for their high quality and beautiful patterns, such as cotton, silk, and wool. If you are thinking about buying Turkish textile products, you will be amazed by the wide range of souvenirs in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar or in the town of Bursa.

Due to Turkey's long and diverse culinary history, the country also has a wealth of many spices and teas. You can find many delicious spices, teas, and other food items in traditional markets and spice shops in Istanbul's Spice Bazaar or in the town of Gaziantep.

Bring Some Cash

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). When traveling to Turkey, you are recommended to bring some cash, which is a necessity for travelers in Turkey. However, you don't need to carry large amounts of cash with you, as there are many ATMs and exchange offices throughout the country where you can withdraw or exchange money as needed.

Local markets, bazaars, and street vendors are common throughout Turkey, especially in smaller towns and villages. Many of these vendors do not accept credit cards, so you will need to use cash to make purchases. In addition, transport fares are usually paid in cash as well.

Another situation where cash can be useful is tipping. Tipping is a common practice in the service industry in Turkey, and it's typically done with cash. For instance, since many Turkish restaurants do not include a service charge in the bill, customers would often leave a tip of 5-10% of the total bill in cash. Tipping is by no means mandatory in Turkey, but it's considered polite and a way to show appreciation for good service.

Turkey is a fascinating blend of historic wonder and natural fairyland, and a captivating mixture of cultural heritage and modern vitality. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, basking in the sun on the beach, or indulging in a shopping spree, Turkey is a destination that will exceed your expectations. We hope the tips and suggestions listed above can help you have the most amazing time in Turkey. If you are interested in visiting Turkey or have questions about how to plan your trip, just contact us! You'll have a 1:1 travel expert customize your personalized Turkey vacation. We look forward to welcoming you soon.