Solo to Turkey?
Apr 3rd, 2005, 05:20 AM
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Solo to Turkey?
Hello all! I've been wanting to plan a trip to Turkey for a couple years now. Actually was booked for a trip the month after 9/11 so needless to say those plans fell through. Now I've got the travel itch but everyone I mention it too think I'm crazy for even contemplating Turkey much less by myself. (34 year old female.) I've been to Egypt twice and Belgium all with companions but I would love to hear any thoughts on tackling a trip to Turkey. It would be on a guided tour for the most part, from Antalya to Istanbul & I am contemplating a couple extra days in Istanbul at the conclusion.
Any suggestions welcome!
Anessa
Any suggestions welcome!
Anessa
Apr 3rd, 2005, 07:33 AM
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Turkey is fine for solo travel and as you are on an organised tour you will make lots of friends and shouldn't have a problem with safety.
When in Istanbul exercise the same caution you would in any other city and be aware of pickpockets. Also remember Turkey is a Muslim country and respect this by dresing modestly - no short shorts or bare shoulders when walking around and you should be fine. Have a good trip
When in Istanbul exercise the same caution you would in any other city and be aware of pickpockets. Also remember Turkey is a Muslim country and respect this by dresing modestly - no short shorts or bare shoulders when walking around and you should be fine. Have a good trip
Apr 3rd, 2005, 07:50 PM
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Hi Anessa – I stayed in Istanbul for couple of days alone. I got annoyed very badly by many people trying to sell things around tourist sites but did not feel unsafe. In less touristy areas I felt perfectly safe.
I have not been able to make up my mind about Istanbuls safety for solo females up to today since I did not stay there long enough. My guts told me I should not be out at night walking. I did not get a feel for their taxi services either. During the day when walking on the streets, I felt I should be careful with my belongings.
You want to dress modestly, no low cut blouses, bare arms, shorts or short skirts.
If you do not get more answers from this board, you might want to post on Europe board and get a feel for Istanbul’s general safety.
I have not been able to make up my mind about Istanbuls safety for solo females up to today since I did not stay there long enough. My guts told me I should not be out at night walking. I did not get a feel for their taxi services either. During the day when walking on the streets, I felt I should be careful with my belongings.
You want to dress modestly, no low cut blouses, bare arms, shorts or short skirts.
If you do not get more answers from this board, you might want to post on Europe board and get a feel for Istanbul’s general safety.
Apr 5th, 2005, 04:14 PM
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Hi Anessa,
I just posted about traveling to Turkey in Jan.2006 -solo. I am planning to book a tour thru Pacha Tours either their 14-day Turkey Delight or the 12-day Pacha Express.
I would like to celebrate my 4?th bday some place memorable and next on my list - unfortunately my husband has a very limited vacation so will travel alone. He doesn't know yet! Yes my relatives surely will say the same thing - nuts!!
when are you planning and for how long?
I just posted about traveling to Turkey in Jan.2006 -solo. I am planning to book a tour thru Pacha Tours either their 14-day Turkey Delight or the 12-day Pacha Express.
I would like to celebrate my 4?th bday some place memorable and next on my list - unfortunately my husband has a very limited vacation so will travel alone. He doesn't know yet! Yes my relatives surely will say the same thing - nuts!!
when are you planning and for how long?
Apr 6th, 2005, 09:32 AM
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Thank you all for the advice! I think I about have myself convinced I can do this after all. 
I'm a bit hard to blend in at 5'11 and red hair but I always dress modestly & try to respect other cultures. After haggling in the Khan el khalil in Cairo am accustomed to dealing with persistant merchants. (Hopefully much like the Egyptians they have a sense of humor which always seems to bridge whatever language gaps we had!)
To answer passion4travel, I am most interested in the Taste of Turkey trip with Pacha as it keeps me on the Western side of Turkey and ends in Istanbul which would be perfect to then extend a couple days additionally to revisit some of sites. Timeframe I'm looking at is the end of May as I think the weather would be neither too chilly nor to hot!
Now I just need to start figuring out what things cost over there so I can budget appropriately! (meals, taxi's, bottled water...) Thanks for the replies!
Anessa
I'm a bit hard to blend in at 5'11 and red hair but I always dress modestly & try to respect other cultures. After haggling in the Khan el khalil in Cairo am accustomed to dealing with persistant merchants. (Hopefully much like the Egyptians they have a sense of humor which always seems to bridge whatever language gaps we had!) To answer passion4travel, I am most interested in the Taste of Turkey trip with Pacha as it keeps me on the Western side of Turkey and ends in Istanbul which would be perfect to then extend a couple days additionally to revisit some of sites. Timeframe I'm looking at is the end of May as I think the weather would be neither too chilly nor to hot!
Now I just need to start figuring out what things cost over there so I can budget appropriately! (meals, taxi's, bottled water...) Thanks for the replies!
Anessa
Apr 11th, 2005, 08:03 AM
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Last summer I did a Pacha Tour to Turkey. They used a mini van. We started with six people--2 Americans and 4 Australians and finished with 9. I felt safe everyone. I wouldn't ask a woman in a burka to take my photo, otherwise it's like traveling anywhere.
Watch the soup. Bring something for the runs. Excellent trip and so was Pacha Tours.
Watch the soup. Bring something for the runs. Excellent trip and so was Pacha Tours.
Apr 15th, 2005, 10:28 AM
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Spent several days in Istanbul on my own in 2000 (I was 29). Felt very safe walking about during the day - just keep alert for pick pockets in crowded touristy areas.
I did find the men in Bodrum and Istanbul to be somewhat aggressive in trying to get my attention (cat calls, whistling, unwanted offers for drinks) maybe because I was a Westerner. Had nothing to do with wearing inappropriate clothing unless a bare calf in a pair of capris on a public street is considered suggestive - and that is the most skin I showed.
Be sure to visit a hammam - nothing like it anywhere. I would definitely visit Turkey again - solo or with a group!
I did find the men in Bodrum and Istanbul to be somewhat aggressive in trying to get my attention (cat calls, whistling, unwanted offers for drinks) maybe because I was a Westerner. Had nothing to do with wearing inappropriate clothing unless a bare calf in a pair of capris on a public street is considered suggestive - and that is the most skin I showed.
Be sure to visit a hammam - nothing like it anywhere. I would definitely visit Turkey again - solo or with a group!
Apr 17th, 2005, 05:52 AM
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Well I took the plunge & booked! I decided on a Pacha 11 day Antalya to Istanbul tour then extend 3 extra days in Istanbul on my own. Picked a hotel in the Sultanhamet so I'd be close to all the sights! Thank you all for the feedback, it's nice to hear from fellow travelers!
Anessa
Anessa
