Turkey or Egypt?
 

Hi everyone!

Am heading to London (where one of my best friends lives) this fall. Am going to visit Scotland & Greece as well. (Greece has been #1 on my to go list for years.) Would like to add one more location close to Greece since I don't know when I'll be able to go again. Was thinking about Turkey (Istanbul or Bodrum) or Cairo, Egypt. I'm more of a backpack/hostel traveller if that helps.

Has anyone been to either country or have any suggestions/advice? Anything is appreciated, thanks!

Oh, that's a tough choice, as I've been to both countries, and they are phenomenal places to visit. That said, if you're looking for a location close to Greece, visit Turkey. I was there a year ago (female/solo traveller), and had an amazing time. Friendly people, wonderful sites, excellent food...for me, it ticked all the boxes.

Now, I'm not a backbacker, but I'm sure you'll be able to find plenty of affordable accomodations there. If you do choose Turkey, I would recommended visiting Istanbul, Ephesus, and Cappadocia.

Happy Travels!

Tough and personal choice. I have been to both twice, the last time short visits on the same trip after visiting Greece. We had more fun in Turkey. Amazing place. But I am probably happier I have been to Egypt. We hear about Egypt as little kids. It's quite something to see it, while not "enjoying" every minute.

I would go to Turkey and not worry about the political situation in Egypt. It's closer, too. ZZ

Thank you everyone!! Sounds like Turkey may be the plan!

Like coldy I have been to both twice and if I could only return to one of those countries I would go back to Turkey. Istanbul is a fascinating city and Cappadocia is not to be missed. The Mediterranean towns are also great but if there is only time for one city I would choose Istanbul.

If you are American:

When you land in Istanbul don't forget to buy your Turkish visa before you go through passport control. When I went it cost $20 US but that was a few years ago and it might be different now. There is no need to get your visa in advance, it's quick and easy at the airport.

If you are not American please check the entry requirements for your country.

I'd pass on Greece and instead visit Turkey and Egypt.
Much more history in these two, Turkey especially more so than Greece. Besides with Turkey - no islands, transport on ferries and too many hills to navigate.
Again... personal.

Egypt is the magical place in the world you can't miss it

right now I would go to Turkey...too many things could interfere with a trip to Egypt and I would not pass on Greece. Also you mention the more backpack style of travel and I believe Turkey is better for that. Egypt is not a country to stay in anything less than good hotels for many reasons. I love both places but as someone mentioned if I had to pick one right now it would be Turkey. Istanbul is one of the most stunning cities in the world.

Just returned back from Egypt with my parents (65+) and 3 children (8-13). While we have not been to Turkey, we have been more than 25 countries, many of which are third-world like Egypt.
We didn't feel any threat or fear as we covered sites in Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor and Hurghada (mostly by private vehicle).
None of the places are overflowing with tourists, in one of the most well-developed tourist infrastructures in the world. Foreign currencies are 30% stronger than 3 years ago. The prices are quite cheap for hotels and resorts. Egyptians are very anxious in pleasing the tourist because so many of their lives have been turned upside down due to scare-mongering by mostly western media. There is always an agenda in news reporting. Most news organizations don't say anything that would offend their government's view of another government, in this case, dictatorship or Muslim Brotherhood.
I don't recall ever having been to any country, including those in the first world, where there is no sporadic violence. As long as you follow local advise, never lose track of common-sense, you will be safe against unruly elements, be it gun violence in the USA, racial tensions in France or Australia, drug violence in Colombia or Costa Rica, or political disturbance in Egypt.