Top 10 problems faced by a first-time traveler to Turkey

1.           Dress Codes for women: Be conservative in a fashionable way: Turkey is known for the fusion of fashion between the west and the local culture. Yet, not all parts of the country are welcoming of the western aping dressing. So it is advised to not welcome unwanted attention in certain parts of the country where the dressing is more conservative. Make sure that you will pack a scarf in your baggage which you will need to use to cover your head before entering mosques. 

2.            Prepare clothing for both cold and hot climate on the same day (it’s really typical): you might wonder why it has turned so cold when it was just sweating hot a while ago. But that’s how it is there. Just be prepared. 

3.           Too many places to visit: So itinerary is a must. Be it a detailed lengthy one or a rough small plan, have a plan always before flying to Turkey so that you won’t feel lost amidst numerous destinations to cover. 

4.           Grand Bazaar will keep you hooked: Keep budget and loads of time ready for shopping. Having almost over 3 thousand shops, this bazaar will want you to come for more and more and this will make you spend more time and money. 

5.           Choose charter buses to save travel expenses: These buses are used by many as a package travel for tourist and picnic purposes within the country. So tagging along with the group would lower your expenses which would otherwise cost higher if you book exclusively for yourself.  

6.           Lots of walking will be done unconsciously: Get comfortable pair of shoes to go around as you would not want to end up home with leg cramps or an ankle twist with the kind of walking you would be doing knowingly or unknowingly. 

7.           You would need change for various things: Public Toilets especially would need you to put in few coins to let you use them. Being a tourist, you would need to use one in many places at various times. So this should rather be on top of this list actually. 

8.           Stock as much toilet paper as you can before leaving for Turkey: As it is not a western country. You will not find every toilet having a toilet paper handy. Even the super markets don’t seem to keep stock of this most essential thing for a western tourist, so carry as many packs as you can. 

9.           The visa approval: Turkey visa is the most sought after visa in the world in 2016. So due to the increasing demand, the procedures also are getting clumsier. To avoid any kind of rejection, re-application and delay in getting approvals, apply for Turkish e visa through a trusted website. 

10.        Airports arrival and departure: If you felt that after getting a Turkish visa your job is done, you are mistaken. Atatürk Airport is very busy and due to this, to pass through the security takes very long frustrating hours. So it is advised to reach few hours ahead of the departure time

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Tips for women solo traveling to Turkey

Traveling and adventure is fun and that ‘s what you would want to have when you venture out for a trip abroad if you are going solo. But going solo also means that you need to take care of yourselves and always remember that the new place is always different than your home.

So let us see what are the various factors that are needed to be taken into consideration if you are a woman who is traveling solo to Turkey.

Here’s the checklist:

Modest Clothing is recommended

Carry western wear for Istanbul but European wear for eastern Turkey. In the latter part, cover knees and shoulders and high necklines. Even form-hugging and see-through clothing is to be avoided.

Keep a head scarf handy

Your hair needs to be masked with a scarf while visiting the beautiful mosques. The famous grand bazaar could be a good destination to buy one.

Do not look or sound like an outsider

Your nature might be extrovert and very broad minded etc etc…., very good. But that was your home country. You know when and where to speak up and be mum. When you venture outside of your comfort zone, you are least aware about the pulse of that country or culture. So it is always better to keep it low and not attract any kind of attention towards you either in the way you dress or the tone you speak or the things you do. Be prepared to be tame and not wild.

Keep few local contacts ready before starting from home country

Although it is not practically possible to have a friend or a relative in the countries that you wish to visit, it is always safe to have someone to fall back on for some piece of advice or help in worst situations. Browse on the internet about groups that you belong to, or like to be a part of, for example- Trekking groups in Turkey or Americans in Turkey etc…,

Stuff you backpack with toilet paper: You won’t get it there

This country is not a big fan of toilet-paper culture. So if you are from one, please carry few packs with you.

Keep the hotel name and nearby landmarks written in cards

Hotel names where you have checked in might not be in English. And don’t be too confident that you can memorize the Turkish names and landmarks by yourself. So it is wise to have them written down in English as well as in Turkish to have it when you get lost on your way back to your room.

Basic Turkish words are a necessity

We tend to travel to various countries each year and it is more than impossible to learn every language before visiting that country. But, few basics are advised to not be conned or not get lost. By trying to speak in a foreign language and failing to sound right may also sound cute and you may get some genuine help too. We never know. Also, by speaking in Turkish, you will satiate the ego of the locals. Simple words like “Hi” “Hello” “Good Morning” “Bye” “Thank You” “Where” “When” “What” “How” will be enough.

Better to opt for women’s time in hammam baths

Hammam baths are quite famous in Turkey and you should not miss having one of these healthy and rejuvenating experiences. But these baths have their own specific timings catered to individual’s preferences. There is a different timing for Men, and women and unisexual baths. As it is a completely new world and you are alone there, it is advised not to be too adventurous and attract attention from the locals or tourists.

Be flexible

You should be flexible enough to adapt and adjust to the new environment. If something goes wrong, try some humour at yourself for being silly and childish. Travel with a positive feeling and that vide itself will attract you to other helpful tourists and locals.

Wishing you a happy and a safe trip to Turkey !!!

For travel visa to Turkey, visit :     http://www.turkish-visa.com/