Solo Female Traveller to Turkey
 

I posted this in the wrong forum, so i'm moving it here!

First-time traveller here (outside of North America, that is) and I'm considering Turkey. I've read up on the general idea (keeping modestly dressed is a good idea, don't smile openly at strange men as they may take it as an advance) but I'd like to hear it from other women, or men who know women who have done it solo. Is there a pretty good travelling infrastructure there? Easy to meet other foreigners? Any horror stories/cautionary tales? What about language barriers?

Thanks!

I recently spent 3.5 weeks in Turkey as a solo female traveler, and I loved it!

The places I visited had very good infrastructure for travel - but that may reflect the choices I made about where to go. I think western Turkey in general, and many parts of eastern Turkey, have good tourist facilities and support. If there is a specific place in which you are interested, and you don't see info about hotels or restaurants in travel books or major on-line sites, post a question here. Fodor's has some very helpful Turkey experts who I am sure will chime in to help you out.

I did spend a few bits of time here and there (en route from one place to another by car) where solo Western females were apparently not a common sight (as suggested by discreet, but nonetheless obvious, curiosity); I was always treated with great courtesy and hospitality. No horror stories, no cautionary tales - quite in contrast, a treasure trove of wonderful memories.

I had learned a few words of Turkish before my trip, and people seemed extremely pleased that I had made that effort. Learning the basic pleasantries is, in my experience, always worth the effort. I don't think you would find the ability to speak Turkish necessary unless you step outside the areas where there is a tourist infrastructure. Even when I was furthest afield (i.e., when I was completely lost and miles from anywhere I could identify), people were very kind and helpful.

Turkey was not my first destination outside North America, and I'm sure I benefitted from the lessons I learned on many prior solo journeys. But I don't think you would find Turkey to be a substantially more difficult place to travel than what may be more traditional first journeys abroad, and if it's where you want to go, I would encourage you to continue your research. I found it a remarkably beautiful and interesting and welcoming destination.

In case it proves helpful, here is a link to the thread with my post-trip observation:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ern-turkey.cfm

Hope that helps!

I am also a female solo traveler, who will be taking my first trip to Turkey in early November. Like Kja, I’ve been to other countries, and I’ve always been treated with respect. Yes, I’ve been stared at, as I am African American (and in some of the countries I’ve visited, darker skin color was something not often seen), however, I found nothing offensive about those stares. Rather, in many cases, people would ask to take my photo, LOL!

Also, like Kja, I always learn a few phrases in the native language of the country I visit, and I have found that doing that goes a long way. I may butcher the language, but I do think that the effort is appreciated and I found people in other countries to be friendly and very helpful, especially when I was lost.

When traveling, I always take the same precautions as I do here in the States – I try to be aware of my surroundings, don’t flaunt jewelry, don’t walk in desolated areas at night, etc. I also study up on the customs, and where moderate dress is appropriate (no sleeves, no shorts), I make sure to follow the guidelines.

I’m really looking forward to my visit, and I hope you are, too. Everything I’ve read and seen points to Turkey as being a beautiful country to visit, and somehow I don’t think you (or I) will be disappointed!

I've been to Istanbul only and not solo. But I want to amplify the definition of modest dress. We visited the Blue Mosque. Women wearing knee-length pants were wrapped in a "sari" before they could go in. You have to take off your shoes. Also a scarf covering the hair was required for women there and at any other Muslim site.

I would have thought knee-length pants modest but I guess not.

We really enjoyed our visit to Istanbul, a very vibrant city. We hope to return soon to see more of Turkay.

I was in Turkey in April and loved it! While I wasn't solo (I was with my husband), I don't think traveling solo would be a problem, especially not in Istanbul. In fact, a month after I got back, my 65 year old mother went to Istanbul for a week by herself and had a great time. She wants me to go back with her on another trip.

We only went to Istanbul and Selcuk/Ephesus buy didn't really experience any language barriers (and we speak no Turkish).

I haven't started a trip report here, but I have started posting about my trip on my blog if you're interested.
www.wired2theworld.com

Kristina - great blog.. good information. great pics and tips. thank you for sharing. i'm wishing i could upgrade on Turkish Air to their Comfort Class, but i'm traveling on miles.. o well. loved the cat pics (even tho not a cat person).

Interesting thread. I visited Turkey back in the 60's when there wasn't all that much infrastructure, and I'd love to go back now.

The Turkish people with whom we interacted were very hospitable. We were getting something fixed on the car, and the mechanic sent us to visit his brother's jewelry store. Then his brother invited us to his home and fed us delicious fruit.

We (three young women) were definitely a hit in the little town where we stayed for three days.

I've travelled solo to western Turkey several times. All the way along the coast from Istanbul (one of my favourite cities ever),all the way down the Aegean coast to Alanya and back. It's one of the easiest places. Very easy to find reasonable accommodation as you go. Buses are wonderful. People are so helpful. Language is no problem. There is an almost unlimited number of spectacular sights to see. You can just walk into any travel agent there and organise yourself some sightseeing. And the beaches.... And the food... choose your own fresh fish in the market and have one of the next-door restaurants cook it for you and serve with bread salad and whatever. The best.