Safety for woman is always a hot topic of discussion, no matter which country is referred to. For centuries, the Western world, portrayed women as the weaker sex and in many cultures araund the world, that stereotype still exists.
Hence, in a day and age where Western women are more independent than ever, safety when traveling alone is hotly debated by both sides, it is no surprise that safety when travelling solo is a debate with both sides feverishly arguing their point.
Some people believe that solo female travel in Turkey is stupid. It is safe for a woman to travel here alone, there are just safety rules that she should adhere to.
Should You Go On A Solo Trip To Turkey As A Female Traveler?
Turkey is totally safe for female solo travelers. A solo trip to Turkey is no more dangerous than visiting any other country by yourself. You simply need to use your common sense as you would anywhere else in the world. For sure, there are some spots where you may prefer to cover up a little more if you don’t want to attract unwanted attention, but that’s the extent of it.
If you’re keen to explore Turkey on your own or go backpacking through Turkey alone, you’ll find the locals very friendly and eager to help. However, it does depend on where you go to a degree.
Tips For Traveling To Turkey Solo As A Female
There are parts of Turkey that are more westernized than others. For instance, Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and the southern tourist resorts are all very westernized, and you’ll feel literally at home in those places. Yet, even if you head to a tourist resort, you’ll find small villages just a stone’s throw away.
These are the ideal spots to explore if you want to see a taste of the ‘real’ Turkey, with a safety net of being close to tourism. For instance, very close to Marmaris you’ll find small villages on the way to the airport.
As you head away from these more westernized areas, you’ll find a more authentic way of life. For instance, if you head to the southeast of Turkey, you’ll find that life is vastly different from how you experience life in Istanbul and towards the west.
These are the places you need to be a little more careful. Not because there is no inherent danger, but because you will stand out like a sore thumb in these parts of Turkey. That means you need to dress in a particular way and be more on your guard. That’s all.
Let’s check out some tips for traveling in Turkey as a solo female traveler. These are the main things to know before traveling to Turkey alone as a woman.
Safety Tips for Females When Visiting Turkey
- Enroll in a travel insurance program, should something happen to you.
- Have enough money saved in the bank account or a credit card
- Plan your trip and the places you will visit ahead
- Register with your country’s program for foreign travelers if there is any.
- Inform your loved ones about your destination and the places you will stay in.
- Avoid crowded gatherings during your travel. Nobody likes the crowds anyway
- Keep an eye on your belongings in all public places including airports
Get in touch with your embassy. If you are traveling through remote areas, let them know. They may be able to advise about possible security and safety issues.
Walking around Turkey
My most preferred way to travel is by foot. It’s the best way to get lost and discover new neighborhoods. Istanbul is super walkable. For farther distances, you can easily hop on the Public Transportations as mentioned above. Turkey is overall very safe, but of course avoid dark alleys at night if traveling alone. You can always ask your accommodation host about which areas to avoid.
Top Experiences for Solo Female Travel in Turkey
Turkish Hamam: Turkish Baths are one of the favorite pastimes for Turks and Travelers. Experiences range from local baths at $15 to luxurious ones including massages at over $100 at 5-star hotels. The Turkish Bathhouses are all separated between the female and male section. There, you can comfortably walk around in the nude or in a bikini. A light towel and slippers is provided to you at entrance. There, you will be splashed with water, rubbed with foam, then scrubbed down. There is also a relaxation area after where you can enjoy tea (and in some fancier spas, may sell booze). You’ll always leave refreshed and prepared for a good night’s sleep.
- Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia
- Walking Tour of Old City Istanbul
- All Day Boat Tour in any of the Beach Towns along the Aegean or Mediterranean Sea.
- Rent a Car from Izmir and drive 3 hours south along the coast to Bodrum. Then get lost in all the special beaches along the Peninsula of Marmaris.
- Take a one day Spiritual Journey to the city of Konya, where the famous Sufi Poet, Rumi, spent much of his life. Visit his Tomb, the Mevlana Museum and watch live performances of the Whirling Dervish.
- Hike and soak in the Thermal Springs of Pamukkale and get your Instagram Photo fix here.
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