Exploring Turkey: A Solo Woman's Journey

Turkey is a large country that straddles two continents: Asia and Europe. It is a unique and culturally rich travel destination with a lot to offer every type of adventurer. From the ethereal landscapes of Cappadocia to the cerulean waters of Antalya and the Turkish Riviera, Turkey is a great place for solo female travel.

However, it is important to take the necessary precautions and plan your trip in advance. While Turkey is quite safe, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Here are some essential safety tips for women travelling alone in Turkey:

- Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees, especially in conservative regions like Central Anatolia.

- Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots like Sultanahmet in Istanbul.

- Avoid walking alone at night or in dark alleys.

- Take metered cabs or Ubers instead of walking alone at night.

- Be cautious of fake tour guides and only hire licensed guides from reputable companies.

- Learn some basic Turkish phrases and carry a translation app on your phone.

- Stay in well-lit and tourist-friendly areas, and choose accommodations with good reviews.

- Always keep your country's embassy information and emergency contacts handy.

- Be aware of cultural differences and dress accordingly to respect local customs.

- Get travel insurance and stay connected with a local SIM card.

- Be cautious when buying goods on the street, and remember to bargain.

- Avoid attracting too much attention and dress modestly, especially in conservative areas.

- Stay vigilant and trust your instincts.

Dressing modestly is respectful and helps avoid unwanted attention

Dressing modestly is a respectful way to avoid unwanted attention in Turkey. While Turkey is a relatively liberal Muslim-majority country, it's important to respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites and conservative areas.

• Cover your shoulders, knees, and cleavage: When visiting mosques and other religious sites, it's respectful to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and cleavage. Opt for long skirts or pants, and tops with sleeves. You can also carry a lightweight scarf or shawl to cover your head if needed.
• Avoid revealing clothing: While on the beach or at resorts, you can dress as you like. However, in other settings, it's best to avoid clothing that is too revealing. For women, this includes shorts, short skirts, or anything else that is low-cut or tight-fitting. Instead, choose long, loose-fitting garments that cover your arms and legs.
• Dress conservatively in conservative areas: While places like Istanbul and coastal regions are more liberal, other parts of Turkey, like Central Anatolia, are more conservative. In these areas, it's especially important to dress modestly and conservatively to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention.
• Wear a headscarf: While not required, wearing a headscarf or hijab in public is a sign of respect and is often worn by women in many places of worship.
• Dress appropriately for the weather: Turkey experiences a diverse range of climates. In the summer, opt for lightweight and breathable clothing. In the spring and autumn, layer your clothing to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. In the winter, pack warm clothing, especially for central and eastern Turkey.
• Respect cultural differences: Turkey has a unique style of clothing that blends traditional and modern influences. Understanding and respecting these cultural differences will help you feel more comfortable and ensure you don't unintentionally cause offence.

By dressing modestly and respecting local customs, you'll not only avoid unwanted attention but also show respect for Turkey's culture and traditions. This will enhance your overall travel experience and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the country's vibrant culture and heritage.

Turkish people are friendly and hospitable

Turkish people are incredibly warm, friendly, and hospitable. In some tourist areas, you may feel a little hassled to buy things in the bazaars. However, this is not the case in the majority of towns and cities. Just remember also: you are never under any obligation to buy anything! Just give a polite but firm "NO" if pestered!

Particularly when you travel to more "off the beaten path" parts of the country, you will find that people are delighted to welcome a visitor to their area. You will probably experience people stopping you for a chat and inviting you into their cafes and businesses for a tea or a hot cup of salep. Couchsurfing has an active community in Istanbul and is a good way to make friends.

It was a mixed bag in Turkey in terms of people’s English abilities and it wholly depends on where you are going to be travelling. Some people were fluent in English, whereas others could speak very little. It is worth carrying a Turkish phrasebook and learning a handful of words and phrases if you plan on travelling off the beaten path. Alternatively, downloading Google Translate and a free language app on your phone can be a lifesaver!

In restaurants where the staff didn’t speak English, the waiters took me to the kitchen to show me the food being prepared. When I looked lost in Istanbul, people materialised from nowhere to point me in the right direction. That’s Turkey. You can be assured that people will do what they can to help you.

In Turkey, hospitality is everything. Welcoming someone is a cornerstone of Turkish culture, with Turks believing that visitors should be treated as guests sent by God. Traditionally, hospitality has meant welcoming Turkish friends and family, but tourism has changed this. Mass tourism hasn't dimmed the Turkish desire to welcome people, and in the 21st century, Turks are keen to show off their home and their country to foreign visitors, learning about their cultures and ways, just as visitors learn about theirs.

Turkey is safe for women, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts

Turkey is a safe destination for women travelling alone, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. While the country has a reputation for being unsafe, particularly for women, this is largely unfounded. By taking sensible precautions, you can enjoy a trouble-free trip to this fascinating country.

Dressing Sensibly

It is important to be aware of local customs and dress modestly, especially in more conservative areas. Covering your shoulders, chest, and legs will help you to avoid unwanted attention. Wearing a wedding ring is generally not an effective strategy, as it can be difficult to convincingly pretend to be married.

Using Your Common Sense

Use your common sense and trust your instincts. Avoid going out late at night, and stay away from dark alleyways, parks, and poorly lit areas. Be wary of anyone who is overly friendly, and don't give out too much personal information.

Staying Safe

Stay in well-lit, tourist areas, and choose accommodation in these parts of town. Be cautious when using public transport, and always sit next to another woman if possible. Be aware of your belongings, and keep them secure.

Dealing with Unwanted Attention

You may receive more attention from men when travelling alone, but this is rarely malicious. Most men will leave you alone if you politely but firmly ask them to. If you feel uncomfortable, be assertive and tell them to stop.

Transport

Buses and trains are a good way to get around, but be aware that men may offer to carry your luggage, which is normal in Turkey. Try to pack light, so you can manage your luggage yourself.

Scams

Be wary of anyone who approaches you out of the blue, as they may be trying to scam you. Be suspicious of anyone who tries to befriend you and then invites you out for drinks.

Medical Care

Make sure you have travel insurance, as medical care outside of Istanbul can be poor.

Overall Safety

Turkey is no more or less safe than other European countries. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take sensible precautions, but there is no need to be put off visiting this beautiful country.

English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning some basic Turkish phrases is helpful

English is widely spoken in tourist areas in Turkey, but learning some basic Turkish phrases can be helpful and is considered good manners. While many Turks speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots, making an effort to speak Turkish can be greatly appreciated by locals and shows respect for their culture. It can also make everyday situations, like ordering food, asking for directions, or bargaining at markets, much easier.

• Günaydın – Good morning
• İyi akşamlar – Good evening
• Hoş geldiniz – Welcome
• Nasılsınız? – How are you? (formal)
• Adım… – My name is…
• Teşekkürler – Thank you
• Anlamıyorum – I don't understand
• İngilizce konuşabilir misiniz? – Do you speak English?
• Affedersiniz – Excuse me
• Kayboldum – I'm lost
• Nerede…? – Where is…?
• Tuvalet nerede? – Where is the bathroom?
• Restoran nerede? – Where is the restaurant?
• Ne önerirsiniz? – What do you recommend?
• Vejetaryenim – I'm a vegetarian
• Fındık alerjim var – I have a nut allergy
• Kaç para? – How much is it?
• Hesap lütfen – The bill, please
• Peynir yemem – I don't eat cheese
• Iki, üç, dört kişilik bir masa – A table for two, three, four

Additionally, it's worth noting that Turkish is a phonetic language, so it's pronounced exactly as it's read. The alphabet has 29 letters, including some that are not present in English, such as ö, ç, ş, ı, ğ, and ü.

Turkey has a rich history and diverse landscapes, offering something for every type of adventurer

Turkey is a country that offers a unique experience to every type of adventurer. With its rich history and diverse landscapes, Turkey is a captivating destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Turkey's landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from the majestic mountains of the Northeast, shrouded in thick fog, to the stunning beaches and ancient ruins of the Mediterranean coast. The Anatolian side of Turkey is the largest portion of the country, bridging southeastern Europe and western Asia. This diverse geography means that Turkey has something to offer every type of traveller, from hiking trails that skirt the Mediterranean coast to the lush tea plantations of the Black Sea region.

Turkey has a long and fascinating history, having been influenced by some of the world's greatest civilisations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Ottoman Empire, at its peak, controlled much of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, and its influence can still be seen and tasted in Turkey's delicious and diverse cuisine. The country is also home to numerous world-famous ruins and monuments, such as the ancient port city of Ephesus and the sun-bleached ruins of Hierapolis at Pamukkale.

In addition to its historical and cultural offerings, Turkey also boasts stunning natural landscapes. From the ethereal fairy chimney rock formations in Cappadocia to the cerulean waters of Antalya and the Turkish Riviera, Turkey's natural beauty is sure to take your breath away. The country is also home to majestic mountains, such as Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, which offers stunning views and is a favourite destination for mountaineering enthusiasts.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique cultural experience, Turkey has something to offer every type of adventurer. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, Turkey is a destination that should not be missed.

Frequently asked questions