Tips for planning your next trip to Turkey
If you are planning to visit more of Turkey than just Istanbul you are going to need to leverage some mode(s) of inter-city travel. I like to fly between cities whenever possible – its the most efficient way of getting around a big country and most of the big cities have serviceable airports. Inter-city buses are…
One of the best things about traveling to Turkey is getting the opportunity to eat non-stop Turkish food. This post contains some general tips for navigating the Turkish culinary landscape.
Ahhh – souvenir shopping! One of my favorite activities while I’m on vacation. If you are a souvenir shopaholic like me, Turkey will not disappoint! There are plenty of goods both big and small, edible and inedible for you to bring home from Turkey with you. Just don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase…
Mastering a few basic Turkish phrases will make your stay in Turkey much easier. Although English is widely spoken in most tourist destinations (and taught in school to all students), the locals will appreciate your effort and any Turkish will help you with taxi drivers who rarely speak any English.
The Turkish ministry of tourism recently developed a series of museum passes which will grant you entry into most of the government-run museums for a fixed price over a set time period. The passes can potentially save you money, but perhaps their biggest benefit is that they allow you to skip the ticket lines! That…
The Aegean sea makes up Turkey’s western border and separates Turkey from Greece. Hundreds of miles of coastline are home to olive groves, fishing villages, Greek and Roman ruins, and whitewashed summer homes. Its a prime vacation destination, particularly if you are looking to spend some time at the beach during your visit to Turkey.
The Northern Aegean coast of Turkey is home to beautiful beaches, stunning vistas, and important historic sites. This post covers the key cities and points of interest from Çanakkale to Çeşme.
Bozcaada is one of the most charming spots in all of Turkey. It is one of only two inhabited islands in the Aegean Sea that belong to Turkey (Gökçeada, further north, is the other). The island is only 15 square miles but it has lots to offer including beautiful beaches, an adorable town, an imposing…
Ephesus, or Efes in Turkish, is the most famous ancient site in Turkey. Located in the town of Selçuk on the Aegean coast, Ephesus is about an hour’s drive south of Izmir and three hours north of Bodrum. Kuşadası, the closest seaside town and a major stop for Mediterranean cruises, is less than 30 minutes…
Cappadocia is a unique landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut homes, and underground cities that is a must-see destination in Turkey. This natural wonderland was made possible by the eruptions of three volcanoes millions of years ago. Tourists visit Cappadocia to explore this fascinating terrain and to soak in the culture that developed in the area.
There are plenty of sites to explore in the Cappadocia region and many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Because the Cappadocia sites are spread out over a wide area you will want to do some advanced planning to ensure you are visiting nearby sites on the same day. Consider purchasing the Cappadocia Museum Pass if you plan to visit…
Located just outside the city of Denizli, Pamukkale and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pamukkale is about a 4-hour drive from Bodrum and a 3-hour drive from Izmir.