Turkey has often been deemed unsafe for solo female travelers especially if you are a girl traveling alone being a predominant Muslim country. We will clear a lot of myths and misconceptions about Turkey & also tell you how to experience the best of Turkey as solo female traveler.
Official name of Turkey is Republic of Turkey located on both Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. If you are coming to Turkey so you can technically boast about a holiday to Europe which is an added benefit of visiting Turkey. YAY? Turkey is indeed a great destination for trips for solo women travelers.
You will most likely be landing at Istanbul New Airport located in Arnavutköy district which is technically in Europe unless off-course you are scheduled to arrive at Sabiha Gokcen airport (older and smaller airport). Istanbul is well connected by all leading carriers across the world along with the reliable Turkish Airlines
What to pack for your solo trip to Turkey:
Trust us, Turkey is very much like any other European country except there being many mosques. Turkish people are very broad minded unlike their Muslim counterparts in Saudi Arab or other middle eastern countries. That being said do carry longish skirts and a stole to be comfortable when you are outside Istanbul in places where people are relatively orthodox. Wearing a bikini on the beaches is very normal for both expats and local women, don't forget to pack one for Turkey boasts of some great beaches.
Visa
You would require a Visa to visit Turkey, it is advisable to apply for a Turkish visa at-least 20 working days prior to your travel date. For the list of documents required and other necessary details visit Gateway Management Logistics. They are the only official source for securing a Turkish Tourist Visa, if you have a valid US / Schengen Visa you can get an E-Visa too which is generally half the cost of the stamp visa. You can contact Wander Womaniya for assistance on Turkish visa also on wanderwomaniya@outlook.com.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: We would suggest you to book an onward flight with a time difference of a minimum of 3 hours to Capadoccia on the first day itself without actually visiting Istanbul. Cappadocia or Kapadokya is connected by two airports namely Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport & Kayseri Erkilet Airport.
(Reasons: Istanbul to Cappadocia is very far and not doable by bus, it is the best part of your Turkey trip and very unpredictable. You don't want to miss the Hot Air Balloon ride. So keep at-least 2 nights in Cappadocia, so that just in case your non-refundable balloon ride gets cancelled due to bad weather you can avail the free ride the next day. Last but not the least you will probably end of shopping a lot if you start with Istanbul so keep it for the last.)
Day 2: Cappadocia
Day 3: Cappadocia ( Take an overnight bus from Cappadocia to Antalya)
Embrace yourself for a long overnight journey. We would recommend you to book any of Pammukale, Kamil Koc or Metro. These are the most reliable and comfortable bus companies generally on time. Tickets are best booked online.
Day 4: Antalya - Do Visit Hadrian's gate & Konyalti beach along with Duden waterfall.
Day 5: Antalya to Denizli (3 - 4 hours journey by bus)
Stay overnight in Denizli and visit Pamukkale
Day 6: Denizli to Kusadasi / Ephesus
We recommend you spend two days here (Pro tip: do not miss the ancient Greek Town of Sirince Koyu) buy some local port wine here. This is a small town with roughly 600 inhabitants famous for homegrown Olive oil, Port wine and Pomegranate.
Day 8: Flight to Istanbul
You can find loads of blogs of what to do in Istanbul starting from visitng Topkapi Palace , Hagi Sofia, Blue Mosque, Shopping at Grand Bazar and Spice Bazar. It has so much to do and so much to shop that's what makes Istanbul one of the greatest cities spanning over two continents (Asia & Europe)
P.S. You would be required to wear the Hijab (full dress to visit Blue Mosque) which is available free of cost for all visitors.
Final Words: Turkey is a great destination for both Girls Travelling Solo and Women Travel Groups, We at Wander Womaniya also organize exclusive only girl trips.
Do let us know how did you like this blog and if you need more details about traveling to Turkey feel free to write to us on wanderwomaniya@outlook.com or leave us a comment here.
Planning to travel solo in India? Checkout our upcoming Trips for solo women within India & across the World: Check Women Travel Groups by Wander Womaniya
All other blogs: Women's special blogs