Beautiful is a word commonly used when describing Turkey because of its spectacular and diverse landscape. The Middle Eastern country is a popular tourism destination for groups and solo travelers exploring its historical sites and vibrant culture. If you are looking for an exceptional vacation spot, add Turkey to your bucket list. Here are Turkey travel tips to know before booking your trip.
Confirm visa requirements
Turkey has opened its borders despite the pandemic restrictions in 2021, allowing travelers to visit various destinations within the country. Currently, they require visitors to have a valid passport and an e-visa before traveling.
The requirements for traveling change regularly, making it important to stay updated when booking a trip to Turkey. For the latest news on visa requirements, check the visa website managed by the tourism department in Turkey.
Find out the best time to visit
Although Turkey attracts tourists all year round, its summer and winter seasons are the most popular.
During summer (June to September), you can spend time on the country’s pristine beaches lounging on beach beds or taking part in watersports such as paragliding and parasailing.
If you prefer winter, you can book a room at gorgeous resorts and hotels filled with ski lovers. Skiers can explore nature and enjoy various features of the turkey during winter.
Have a “must-do or must-visit” list
To have the best time in Turkey, you need to have a list of places you want to visit and things you want to do.
Fortunately, the country has several attractive spots that can be part of your itinerary for either a short or long visit. Some of the “must visit” attractions include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), and Patara beach, which showcases the beauty of Turkey.
For adventure lovers, try out ballooning in Cappadocia or enjoy a yachting trip in Fethiye. Round up your trip by shopping at the Grand and Spice bazaars which are popular for spices, jewelry, and Turkish souvenirs, perfect for gifting loved ones back home.
Always have cash
If visiting major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, you can comfortably use credit cards to pay for various services. However, when exploring destinations outside the main cities, payment for goods or services is often cash.
Lira, the official currency in Turkey and is accepted across the country. If planning to use a taxi, carry change for fare, and you can also use the same to pay public bathrooms or tipping servers.
Be open-minded
Turkish people are friendly and affectionate to strangers, making them quite hospitable. Greetings can range from a handshake to kisses on both cheeks for all genders, which might turn into a hug. It is advisable to be friendly while in Turkey and indulge in the culture of the people as you interact. Be ready to try out new foods and places to get the most out of your trip.
Overall, you need to consider the Turkey travel tips listed above as a first step when preparing for a fabulous vacation to the Mediterranean country.
