Turkey

Turkey is a huge country (about 15% larger than Texas) located on both the European and Asian continents. Geography-wise, it is beautiful. It has the Mediterranean Sea to the West, the Black Sea to the North, and mountains surrounding the south and east regions. In the middle, there is Ankara and Cappadocia, where all the hot air balloons meet for a sunrise salutation.

I spent a couple of months road-tripping the entire western region of Turkey, and I was both surprised and delighted. I loved the cats being treated like queens in Istanbul and the Turkish people’s hospitality and kindness.

I loved how affordable everything was because I was traveling on a budget, and I loved paragliding over the beautiful Turquoise Coast in Oludeniz. Turkish food is still one of my favorites in the world, and I’ll always be wary of their fire whiskey Raki – it burns all the way down!

What To Expect

  • Favorite Places: Istanbul, Oludeniz, Bodrum, Cappadocia, Izmir
  • Best Time To Visit: September, October, November
  • Language: Turkish, although most people will speak English in Istanbul
  • Capital: Ankara (no, it’s not Istanbul)
  • ATMs will accept foreign cards and are widely available in all cities and towns.
  • Credit Cards are accepted, but it’s best to have cash (Turkish Lira) on you.
  • Tipping is not expected but welcome. If you get good service, round up the bill.
  • Fun Fact: While most people know about Turkish coffee, drinking Turkish tea is way more popular with the locals. And Turkey loves cats!

Here are my favorite things to do in Turkey, as well as one of Turkey's hidden gem landscapes.

Best Things To Do In Turkey For First Timers

✔️ Unique and iconic things to do in Istanbul & Turkey
✔️ A few of my favorite hidden gem places to visit
✔️ Best time to visit & getting around Turkey
✔️ Interesting historical facts about each recommendation

Turkey is great for a summer or fall vacation.

10-Day Turkey Itinerary

✔️ 3 Days – Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
✔️ 2 Days – Izmir Beaches & Nightlife
✔️ 1 Day – Ephesus Ancient Ruins
✔️ 1 Day – Pammukale Hot Springs
✔️ 3 Days – Istanbul Bucketlist & Food
✔️ Getting around Turkey, Safety, & Travel Tips

Turkey landscapes to inspire a trip to this beautiful country.

Amazing Turkey Road Trip Ideas

✔️ Best Road Trip for History & Hot Air Balloons
✔️ Best Road Trip from Istanbul for Turkey Highlights
✔️ Best Road Trip for Food, Wine & A Side of History
✔️ Best Road Trip for Epic Sea Views
✔️ Best Road Trip for Exploring Turkish Culture
✔️ Best Road Trip for Lazy Seaside Villages

The hot springs of Pamukkale are iconic in Turkey.

Turkey Landscapes to Inspire A Trip

✔️ Which part of Turkey is most beautiful
✔️ 15 beautiful landscapes to visit in Turkey
✔️ Turkish climate in each location
✔️ Turkish cultural insights about each place

This is a traditional Turkish town on the Turquoise coast.

Best Spots For a Turkey Vacation

✔️ 5 Best Places to Go on a Turkey Vacation
✔️ Visa & Necessary Documentation
✔️ Things to consider when planning a trip to Turkey
✔️ Safety in Turkey for Americans
✔️ Must-Try Foods in Turkey


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