One of the things that many people are worried about is how safe Turkey is for solo travelers, and for the majority of visitors to the country, there is no doubt that it is a friendly and welcoming destination. Like many other countries, Turkey does have its issues, but if you respect the local culture, avoid political hotspots and disputed areas and take common sense precautions, it is possible to explore Turkey safely and successfully.


Those who do take the plunge and explore the region will find that it is a country with a long and varied history and a wealth of cultural and architectural sites, along with some beautiful natural areas too.

 

Top Destinations To Explore In Turkey

 

Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world, and as the city that straddles two continents it is appropriate that it has a wealth of historic attractions, such as the stunning Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz is one of the most photographed beaches in the country, but in reality there are so many wonderful beaches in the country that you could travel for a month and find a new beach to enjoy every day.

 

Mount Nemrut is a site that has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status because of its importance, and a visit to the peak will not only offer a stunning panorama of the surrounding area, but will also allow you to see some of the amazing statues depicting gods that are located around the foot of the mountain.

 

Transport In Turkey

 

The most common way to get around in Turkey for the solo traveler is by long-distance bus, and most cities will have regular buses running along routes connecting other cities throughout the day. One of the advantages for female travelers is that when they buy their seats, they are usually allocated to sit next to another woman, which helps to reduce the chance of over-friendly male passengers trying to get too close along the way. There are also a limited number of train services available in Turkey, and these are generally slower than traveling by coach, but can also be much cheaper on many routes.

 

Dressing Appropriately

 

Like tourists traveling to every country, trying to dress modestly and to avoid showing off flashy clothes or obvious signs of wealth is good advice for any traveler, as it can help to reduce the chances of being targeted by criminals. It is also worth noting that Turkey is a relatively conservative country in most places, so keep beachwear to the beach and dress appropriately as you explore. If you are visiting a mosque, remember that all women will have to cover their heads with a scarf, so it is best to buy one in advance, or to bring one with you if you intend to explore many different cultural sites in the country.

 

Safety Advice For Female Solo Travelers

 

Trying to keep a low profile is good advice wherever you are traveling in the world, especially in Istanbul, and if you are out at night it can be safer to take a taxi rather than walking back to your hotel. Try and return to your hostel or hotel before sunset if you are traveling in rural towns, as they often become very quiet quickly after the sun goes down.

 

Areas Of The Country To Avoid

 

While most parts of the country are very safe and welcoming for visitors, it is worth noting that the areas near the border with Syria, Iraq and Iran should be avoided, as they are areas which have a fluctuating security situation. There have also been some terrorist attacks in the country, and most governments will advise people to be aware of the situation around them and to be on their guard, although most such attacks have been aimed at government facilities as opposed to tourist areas.