Life in Turkey

I am incredibly grateful for countless travel memories that I can look back on with fondness but one of my favourite is gulet cruising in Turkey. It was a four night, five-day sailing holiday along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Olympus. Choosing to partly detox from an Internet addiction, and relax at the same time, the experience was ten times better than any spa retreat offers. However, speaking to friends after the event, it seemed … [Read more...]

In the last few years, Turkey has embarked on a building spree of 5-star all-inclusive hotels, sold at budget prices, over the internet and through travel agents. Appealing mostly to British, Bulgarian, Georgian and Russian clientele, they are scattered all over the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Admittedly, they do offer value for money with unlimited food and drink, mostly available around the clock, therefore explaining the popularity. In … [Read more...]

Note: This is a guest post by Saskia from Alaturka Turkey. Turkey is a unique country, situated between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The influence of all three can be seen throughout country - in the history, the culture, the architecture, the fashion and the food. Muslim Mosques sit alongside Christian churches and Catholic cathedrals, while ancient ruins of Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Hittite, Lycian civilizations and more can are scattered … [Read more...]

Preparing to go on holiday can be stressful. No doubt about it.On top of important things like work deadlines and getting your pet cat sorted, there are super-important things like choosing which factor sun cream to buy or constructing a witty “out of office” email. One thing that often gets left to the last minute is exchanging your foreign currency. It’s one of those jobs that we don’t think much about, but it can actually make a big … [Read more...]

When making holiday arrangements, our top priority after getting to our chosen destination is often the hotel. Some people just want cleanliness while others look for perks and facilities. We can choose all inclusive, B&B or room only. Another aspect affecting our choice is the theme and décor. The travel industry of Turkey knows this, and in the last ten-year building spree of new hotels across the country, individuality is a top priority. … [Read more...]

As a nation of 80 million people, including many expat foreigners, 2016 has been a terrible year for the country of Turkey. Quoting Queen Elizabeth’s famous phrase, it has been our “Annus Horribilis.” This is Latin and means “horrible year” but this description is mild. We have endured a series of devastating attacks in the central cities and in our busiest airport. Babies washed up on our beaches, refugees died in our seas, a war reignited in … [Read more...]

One thing Turkey does well is entertaining foreign visitors. Its tourism board emphasises their hospitality throughout their campaigns and promises warm welcomes to any foreign nationalities spending time in the country. It isn’t hyped up false promises either because many previous tourists often comment on the friendly, kind attitude of Turkish people. Turkey also promises loads of themed travel ideas for everyone from families to a group of … [Read more...]

When Turkey proudly burst onto the mainstream travel scene at the turn of the century, travel agents lured many people to the country by highlighting the many miles of gorgeous beaches. This is no surprise because three broad stretches of coastline including the Aegean, Mediterranean, and the lesser-known Black-Sea Shores, surround Turkey. Beautiful beaches are not media hype either because Turkey is third in the world for its number of official … [Read more...]

One of the most common questions I get asked is what should women pack for a holiday in Turkey? What to take? What to leave? What do I need? What do the locals dress like? The task is even more daunting if you have not been to the country before, but three big tips will affect and help you decide when visiting Turkey. They are… The time of year you are travelling Whereabouts in the country you are going What activities you plan … [Read more...]

People visiting Turkey usually want to know about the money first. After all, it makes the world go round and whether or not, you have a budget, knowing about the currency, exchange rates, fees, and charges, means you will spend wisely. So let’s get started by discussing the relevant facts about using money in Turkey first. What is the Currency of Turkey? The currency is Turkish Lira, and this is recognized by the symbol,  although you may … [Read more...]

As part of the monthly posts about how to financially support yourself while travelling or moving to this country, one option that pops up, again and again, is to teach English in Turkey as a foreign language. Now this is something that I’ve never done, although many of my online friends have or are doing it because it is one of the most popular options for working legally in the country. At the same time, it presents an excellent opportunity to … [Read more...]

One question I am frequently asked is how I fund my life in Turkey. People enquiring are generally girls who have met someone while on holiday here, and they would like to stay in the country. Others are middle-aged couples who do not want to wait until pensionable age to experience the life in the sun that they dream of. To spend a summer in Turkey, they want to know what their viable financial choices are. Now, while some people think I’ve won … [Read more...]

For most people, a major concern when they come to Turkey is how to stay connected to the Internet. We are addicted to it and most of our daily lives require it, whether this is to chat with friends on Facebook, upload photos online, use maps, or gain access to mobile apps. Many people activate roaming on their mobiles, but this can be costly. Just last month, a woman was handed a £12,500 bill by her supplier! She was using the hotels Wi-Fi … [Read more...]

Every summer many holidaymakers fall in love with Turkey and develop a dream to return here but the only way they can sustain that vision is by finding work to support themselves financially. The article that I previously wrote about this subject received much attention because working in Turkey was a minefield to be negotiated with a lot of planning and patience, and unfortunately, many horror stories had emerged. Now, pitching up at the … [Read more...]

Every year, thousands of women rush to the beaches and swimming pools of Turkey. The first day is consumed with thoughts of getting a golden sun kissed tan. Towels are laid on sunbeds, the oil is rubbed into pearly white skin, then the bikini top comes off and they lie back to relax while the world passes them by. Sunbathing without a bikini top is rarely discussed in public. Women who do not agree with it keep their thoughts to themselves for … [Read more...]

Souvenir shopping in Turkey can be as cheap or expensive as you want but more importantly great fun because the Turks sell everything and anything. Famous things to buy vary depending on where you go. For example in Cappadocia, pottery from the town of Avanos is popular whereas, at Ephesus, statues of the Virgin Mary are widely sold because of the ancient city’s Biblical connection. However, before we start looking at souvenirs to buy country … [Read more...]

Most of us have read the horror stories of people who have incurred massive telephone bills while holidaying abroad. The culprit for bills that have sometimes run into five figures is data roaming charges, a tariff that automatically kicks in when you use your cell phone overseas. Even if you avoid telephone calls, receiving text messages or voice mails, still uses data roaming charges but the biggest culprits and where most charges clock up is … [Read more...]

Welcome to the Turkish Travel Blog and my huge list of things to do in Turkey. The good news is that you are spoilt for choice. Turkey’s rating as the sixth most popular country in the world for tourism proves that generally everyone finds something interesting to do whether their interests are history, culture, nightlife, or lifestyle. Combine these choices with appetizing food, hospitable locals, gorgeous weather, idyllic beaches, some … [Read more...]

There’s nothing quite like the open road! It’s tempting to just get in the car and hit the highway, but road-trips are a significant investment of time and energy, and certain amount of planning can ensure you recoup that investment. Adequate preparation can also help maintain a positive state of mind, so you can both soak in the experiences and roll with the punches. So whether it’s a four-day jaunt with some college buddies or a four-month, … [Read more...]

It’s hard to miss the bright lights and ample displays at the duty-free stores in most international airports, cruise ship ports, and border stations. Designer clothes and jewelry, bottles of high-end liquor, and tobacco products are all screaming to be picked up and taken home. After all, it’s a great deal and tax-free, right? Getting a bargain at a duty-free shop requires some research in advance. Items found in these shops are free of the … [Read more...]

For many folks, travel is a way to escape from the daily grind, relax, and gain some much-needed rejuvenation. But for the world’s more than 480 million business travelers, travel too often involves worrying about missed emails, dropped expense reports, or scheduling meetings or keeping a project on track from across different time zones. It can be tough to get work done far away from the office, but that’s where each of these apps comes in. … [Read more...]

Airline points are tempting for lovers of cheap travel, especially once you’ve heard their many success stories. Folks have enjoyed free first-class flights to exotic destinations for next to nothing after racking up miles — and sometimes after just signing up for a rewards-program credit card. But there are horror stories, or at the very least common complaints, about airline points programs as well. They sometimes get a bad rap thanks to … [Read more...]

Getting fit when there’s access to a gym, roads, and even the living room floor is one thing. But when you’re sitting for multiple hours on a plane, after sitting in the airport lounge with several hours of delay, that Channing Tatum 12-pack seems impossible. Fear not. There is a solution. Check for a gym! There’s a decent chance an airport actually has a gym for its passengers to use. In fact, airport gyms seem to be popping up all over the … [Read more...]

Since many hotels and resorts now offer complimentary Wi-Fi access to all guests which is great, but can also cause security concerns. If you are planning a trip and want to use Wi-Fi during your vacation, make sure you’re protected from hackers and identity thieves. Whether travelers are logging on to send emails, learn more about the area, or to update their social media accounts — MDG Advertising reports 74 percent of social media users check … [Read more...]

Airplane cabins aren’t always known for being roomy, comfy, or luxurious, but the newest crop of first class suites are stunning travelers with their size and opulence. New Yorkers who get by in tiny 100 square foot apartments and Londoners who would pay $145,000 for a shoe box next to Harrod’s may consider moving in when they see how gorgeous and extravagantly large the new cabins seem by comparison. Here’s a roundup of the best and biggest … [Read more...]

Forget snakes on a plane. Worry about the germs. Research shows that air travelers are at a higher risk for infection than people going about their daily lives. Just how are illnesses spread on a plane? It comes down to two main factors: Airborne germs that are easily inhaled by people sitting in close quarters, or contact with germ-riddled surfaces on the plane. These factors are exacerbated by the dry conditions typical of airplanes, because … [Read more...]

Update - July 2106 - Dear readers - If you have arrived here looking for information following the failed military coup in Turkey on the 15th of July 2016 , you should follow the advice of your government's travel department. This is because holiday insurance policies can become invalid if your actions are in direct contrast to what your government is saying. As of the 18th July, the USA has updated their policy to say... "In light of the July … [Read more...]

The topic of expats in Turkey is a controversial discussion at the best of times. Scattered across the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts as well as in Istanbul and Ankara, we have firmly made our mark on the country. In certain areas like Didim, the British expat community has a notorious reputation with our insistence for Sunday roast dinners, English breakfasts and football leagues on the big screen in British bars. While further up north, the … [Read more...]

Most travelers can tell horror stories about passengers who defied common courtesy on a plane. Perhaps your neighbor whipped off their shoes and socks and clipped their toenails on the tray table beside you. Or maybe they yacked your ear off for the entirety of a 12+ hour flight to Sydney. Then there are the more nebulous interactions that leave you wondering who’s in the right (and who’s in the wrong): Should you share the armrest, or is it … [Read more...]

As travel gets easier and technology more portable, employees across industries are hitting the road for work. And whether it’s because they’re trying to squeeze in work and downtime or because they’re booked with countless meetings, productivity on the road is paramount. These battle-tested tips can help make sure you’re getting work done while on the move. 1. Prioritize. There are lots of travel hacks out there, but there’s no magic bullet … [Read more...]

As the luxury travel market continues to expand, the trend is influencing all facets of travel, from hotel rooms to airport lounges. Airlines are particularly interested in improving their amenities on offer in order to compete with each other and win the favor of passengers—and in the process, they’re leaving no stone unturned. In the quest to deliver the most pleasant airplane experience around, airlines are paying increased attention to all … [Read more...]

We’ve come a long way since the days of drawstring duffle bags. Today’s carry-on luggage options are hip, uber functional, and designed with the modern traveler in mind. As the year comes to a close, be sure to put one (or all) of these innovative options on your holiday wish list. Smart technology One of the most technologically advanced carry-on bags on the market, Bluesmart features a built-in battery that allows travelers to … [Read more...]

The lure of in-flight entertainment systems and bad magazines make it easy to drift into a lazy stupor on airplane trips. For fliers looking to boost their next trip’s productivity, here are the best strategies for tackling your to-do list. The Day Before Reserve a seat. At check-in, choose a seat option that will contribute to YOUR productivity. Everyone’s preference is different: Some travelers prefer an aisle seat so that they can get … [Read more...]

The stresses of holiday travel can bring out the worst in all of us. One survey found 44 percent of respondents admitted to losing their tempers during a trip, while one third have yelled at a stranger and almost 25 percent have ended up cancelling travel plans entirely simply to avoid the stress. Given that the holidays are supposed to be about relaxing and reconnecting with loved ones, it’s high time we all got better at keeping our cool. Want … [Read more...]

This list was originally my favourite top ten Turkey blogs, but since I published it in 2010, blogging has become bigger and more popular than ever before. So to drill down to only 10 blogs about Turkey, would be to ignore many other good writers and the useful advice they offer in terms of travel, culture, traditions, and living here in Turkey. All of the writers I follow that concentrate on the country of Turkey are diverse in their … [Read more...]

From the earliest days of venturing outside one’s homeland, to the digital age and spur-of-the-moment vacations, travelers have had the same question: What do I pack, and what do I pack it in? As early travelers crossed oceans in masted ships and walked unpaved roads over mountain ranges, they required sturdy, protective trunks of heavy wood, leather, and metal. In fact, the first wheeled luggage appeared around the 12th century, when … [Read more...]

There’s no better feeling than coming back to a freshly cleaned hotel room. After a long day attending a conference or sight-seeing in a new city, we take off our shoes, turn on the TV, hop up on the bed, and… catch something scurrying across the sheets. Wait a minute. A dreamy hotel can easily turn to a nightmare, and luxury accommodations are no exception. For the stout of heart, here’s a list of the grossest, creepiest, and oddest things … [Read more...]

Turkey is a country of contrasts; its history a blend between those of the two continents it bridges, Europe and Asia. Over centuries the land that is today Turkey has passed in and out of the hands of numerous empires and been home to a variety of important cultures, creating a diverse heritage that can still be seen when visiting the country today. If you're considering a trip to Turkey, with Villa Plus or other sites, and are wondering what … [Read more...]

Flight attendant Taylor Tippett recently made headlines for making her passengers’ travels a little brighter. Her method of cheering people up? She leaves uplifting notes on airplane windows and in safety cards, and encourages others to do the same. To date, the practice has earned her more than 120,000 followers on Instagram and cheered up countless passengers. These small acts of kindness are particularly remarkable when you consider … [Read more...]

Airplanes can already be uncomfortable, but having an unruly passenger on board can take the experience from unpleasant to dangerous. On October 18th, for example, Aer Lingus Flight 485 from Lisbon to Dublin was diverted to Cork when a passenger began convulsing, biting another passenger on the hand. The 24 year old Brazilian passenger was attended by a doctor and two nurses on the flight, but was pronounced dead soon after landing. (A … [Read more...]

Figuring out how to exchange foreign currencies is always a hassle for international travelers, but several companies have made it their mission to make this process less daunting. Whether you’re fretting about tipping internationally or you’re just sick of returning from vacation with wads of foreign currency, here are four companies working to make your life easier. CurrencyFair This one’s for the traveler willing to wait around for … [Read more...]

When you put in the time, effort, and money to travel somewhere, it’s only natural to want to take better photos and document the experience in order to relive it down the road (and—let’s be honest—it’s fun to show off a little on Instagram). But not all photos are created equal. Here’s how to preserve memories in a high-quality way and make your photos stand out from the pack. Embrace the “rule of thirds” This classic photography maxim … [Read more...]

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on October 10th 2015 It’s an age-old traveler’s dilemma: How do you to keep clothes clean while traveling around the world? Clean clothes may be easy to maintain if you’re visiting popular U.S. tourist destinations like Disney World or Washington, D.C., but laundry can be considerably less accessible (or more expensive) in places like Budapest or Addis Ababa.  Here’s how to keep … [Read more...]

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on October 12th 2015 Last month, a 66-year-old Japanese tourist was taking a selfie at the Taj Mahal when he tripped down a flight of stairs and died from the resulting injuries. At least 12 people have died so far this year while attempting to take selfies. Of course, it’s not the picture itself that kills, but the dangerous behavior surrounding it. As “extreme selfies” become … [Read more...]

I first read about the “expat syndrome” in 2014 but couldn’t find any reference of it by psychology communities. It seemed many writers have also put their own take on the “label” but it did originate with an expat author called Tony Crossley who was living in Thailand. He wrote… Expat Syndrome is a condition whereby many expatriates see mostly either the best of their own nationality & the worst of the locals, or see the opposite. He … [Read more...]

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on September 29th 2015 In an age when much of human communication takes place in 140 characters or less, somehow the travel journal still persists. There are many wonderful reasons to catalogue a trip, from recording facts to sharing the experience with others, chronicling advice or travel tips from locals, quashing boredom in the airport or during solo meals, processing the wide … [Read more...]

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on September 29th 2015 Selfie sticks: Love ‘em or hate ‘em (and boy do some people hate them), they’re becoming a legitimate trend for world travelers and homebodies alike. At no point has this been more apparent than with the recent creation of the selfie spoon, which allows anyone aspiring to Instagram fame to simultaneously showcase their meal and their own face as they … [Read more...]

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on August 28th 2015 Traveling solo can elicit a mixed bag of emotions: Excitement, happiness, fear, boredom, stress… the whole gamut. Still, traveling alone is well worth it. Don’t let the fear of boredom or anxiety prevent you from reaping these benefits. Instead, follow our tips for coping with stress and getting the most out of your solo adventure. Nix Anxiety Create an … [Read more...]

This summer, data was compiled by an airline passenger compensation website of the worst countries for delayed or cancelled flights and Turkey came in at number 4 with a massive 33% of flights departing from the UK recorded as failing to arrive at the designated destination on time. According to a follow up article by the Telegraph, this included Istanbul Ataturk and Sabiha Gocken airports as registering with a staggering 64 per cent of inbound … [Read more...]

This post was posted by The Hipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on September 2nd 2015 Being in a foreign environment tends to provide travelers with a feeling of anonymity. It’s regarded as a space governed by different social rules, and while abroad people often engage in behavior that they would normally not allow. But we wanted to know just how naughty they would actually get—or at least, what they would cop up to. From stealing food to … [Read more...]