Turkey is a beautiful country right at the coming together of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Balkans. It is a nation that has made a sterling reputation for itself as a peaceful and scenic destination that makes it onto the bucket list of every type of traveler. Be it history buffs with a penchant for ancient landmarks, or adrenaline junkies looking to get their fix off a mountain, Turkey has something for everyone. If you have your eyes set on conquering the treasures of the country, our guide today will give you the full scoop on everything you need to know before you travel to Turkey so you can enjoy the experience like a local.
Known as the “land of four seasons,” Turkey has a variety of distinct climates that earned it that sobriquet. If you’re wondering which window offers the most opportune time to visit, we highly recommend the months from April through October. Here’s why:
It’s summertime! Summer falls between June and September. So the weather is pleasantly warm to enjoy the country’s more than 7000 kms of sunny coastline
Besides great weather, you don’t have to deal with crowds, more so if you visit toward the latter months of this period
You can score great deals as you’ll be avoiding traveling during peak periods, the fever pitch of which is April
For even more affordable prices, consider prioritizing places to visit in Turkey during winter. This is the off-season when prices are at their lowest.
As with any other country, the cost of living varies depending on where you stay. Life is most expensive in the capital, and to live comfortability in Istanbul, you may have to part with $2000 each month. Living expenses dwindle as you move away from the country’s heartbeat and you could make do with $500 less in places such as Izmir or Ankara.
Turkey tour packages are essential to making your stay in Turkey a lot more convenient and affordable than booking hotels and flights separately. You can save in the region of hundreds to thousands of dollars when you rely on cost-effective travel sites such as Akshaya India. Call us today for the most competitive Turkey holiday packages.
Turkey has a well-established transport network. Here are our recommendations on the most convenient ways to get around Turkey:
Take the bus: Most locals get around this way. There are tons of luxurious buses connecting popular destinations across the country. It would be wise to check up on schedule information beforehand
Explore by taxi: Taxis are a more costly means of transportation than buses. But you can carpool with your travel party to beat time and bad weather
Rent a car: You may also choose to rent your own vehicle. It’s one of the best ways to explore the country on your own terms
For far-flung destinations, traveling by flight is the fastest and most ideal means of transportation
For a couple of years, Turkey has had Uber alongside local taxi services. It’s important to exercise caution either way. Generally, we’d recommend Uber over local taxis, the latter of whom have a habit of inflating costs with exaggerated bridge fees and other costs.
With Uber, the driver can process these payments directly from your Uber account, and you can follow up, later on, to see if the fees match up with actual tunnel or bridge levies. If not, you can easily file a claim and get a refund for any overpayments.
Now we’re talking! The sky is the limit- and sometimes even just the beginning with hot air balloon rides- if we’re talking about the possibilities of destinations. Some of the best places to visit in Turkey include:
Balat, Istanbul: Istanbul is a jaw-dropping marvel in its own right. Within the capital lies the scenic gem of Balat. Enjoy cobbled lanes, rainbow colors, and live music that accentuates the eccentric scenery
Ephesus: Rivaling the likes of Greece in terms of historical delight, the UNESCO-protected site of Ephesus is a paradise for lovers of Roman history
Patara: When in Turkey you simply have to soak in the sun at a gorgeous beach. And they don’t get any more idyllic than the fairytale-esque Patara Beach
We’re not done yet. Not by a long shot. Turkey has many other excellent destinations worth your attention including Bodrum, Oludeniz, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, just to name a few.
The locals speak the Turkish language for the most part, which is the country’s national language, favored by 90% of the locals. English isn’t that commonplace as just 17% of the local people speak it at a somewhat fluent level.
While you don’t need to learn Turkish to visit Turkey, doing so can help you make the most out of your trip in addition to expanding your skillset. We recommend using a language learning app such as Duolingo to get yourself up to speed with the basics of daily communication in Turkey.
Food is a big part of any travel experience. The great news is that Turkey has no shortage of delicacies, no matter if you are a beef lover, prefer white meat, or are a vegetarian.
So what are the best foods to eat in Turkey? Be sure to make some room for:
Manti- otherwise known as the Turkish Ravioli
Meze- a combination of seafood, spreads, salads, and beans
Kumpir- A delicious carb bomb put together from baked potato and toppings of your choosing
Doner kebab – This spicy meat and veggie sandwich is so good that it is Turkey’s national dish
Eating like a Turk is all about slow dinners and appreciating food in the company of others. The more, the merrier.
Let’s wrap it up- How to dress in Turkey
Last but not least, it’s important to also pay close attention to what you wear in Turkey. According to the Turkish government, 99% of its population is Muslim, which means the country’s culture is quite conservative. It’s important to be respectful of the locals' way of life, and as such you want to prioritize smart casual attire that doesn’t expose too much skin. If you’ll be visiting religious sites, there’s even more reason to dress modestly. Of course, some cities are more conservation than others and swimwear shouldn’t be a problem at the right places. If you’re planning a trip to the lovely nation of Turkey, let an experienced travel agency like Akshaya India handle the logistics for you.
All Blogs