Turkey

The best time is April–June and September–November, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summers (July–August) are very hot, especially in the south, while winters (December–February) can be rainy and snowy in some areas.

Yes, Turkey is generally safe, but be cautious in crowded places due to pickpocketing. Some areas near the Syrian border are best avoided.

A 7–10 day trip covers Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean coast. A 2-week trip allows for more destinations like Pamukkale and Antalya.

Turkey offers visa-free entry or e-Visas for many nationalities, including the EU, UK, and US. Check official sources for requirements.

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Some places accept euros or dollars, but it’s best to use the local currency.

• Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar
• Cappadocia: Hot air balloons & cave hotels
• Pamukkale: White thermal pools
• Ephesus: Ancient Roman city
• Antalya: Beaches & old town charm
• Mount Nemrut: Giant stone heads at sunrise
• Troy & Gallipoli: Historic sites

Turkey is affordable compared to Western Europe.

• Budget: $40–70 USD per day
• Mid-range: $80–150 USD per day
• Luxury: $200+ USD per day

Easiest way to get to Turkey is by air, the main airports are:

• Istanbul Airport (IST) – The largest international hub
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – Budget airline hub
• Antalya Airport (AYT) – Best for Mediterranean coast

Domestic flights, buses, and trains connect major cities. Car rental is best for exploring coastal areas.

• Kebabs: Various grilled meats
• Meze: Small appetizers with dips & seafood
• Baklava: Sweet pastry with nuts & syrup
• Pide: Turkish-style pizza
• Lahmacun: Thin, crispy flatbread with minced meat

Tap water is safe in most cities, but bottled water is recommended for drinking.

Turkey uses Type F plugs.

Turkey has hot summers (25–40°C / 77–104°F) and cold winters (0–10°C / 32–50°F), with snow in some regions. Coastal areas have milder winters.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 5-10% is common in restaurants, and rounding up the bill for taxis and cafés is polite.