This list of the best tips for traveling to Turkey will help you prepare your trip to an incredible country, a connecting bridge between East and West, which we are sure will make you fall in love as soon as you set foot on it.
In addition to its great tourist attractions, such as the natural wonders of Cappadocia or Pamukkale, cities to lose yourself among its bazaars and mosques such as Istanbul, archaeological sites of the ancient Greek and Roman empires such as Ephesus or Pergamum, this country stands out for the great hospitality of its people and its excellent gastronomy.
Taking our trip to Turkey in 15 days as a reference, after which we wrote this selection of places to visit in Turkey and this Turkey guide, we have made a list of what we think are the 10 essential tips for traveling to Turkey.
The Magic of Istanbul: A City of Contrasts
Istanbul is Turkey’s largest and most famous city, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. From the ancient Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the bustling Grand Bazaar and the modern Istiklal Street, Istanbul is a city of contrasts where the old and the new blend seamlessly.
1. What is the best time to travel to Turkey?
The best time to travel to Turkey is spring and autumn, when the weather is more pleasant and you avoid the hottest and coldest months. Keep in mind that in July and August, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees, although if your trip includes the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, it can also be a good time.
In case you can only travel in summer, we suggest you concentrate all visits during the first hours of the day, when temperatures are still pleasant.
2. Security
After going through an unstable period with demonstrations, coup attempts and terrorist attacks, Turkey has once again achieved high tourism quotas and conveys a sense of security. It must be taken into account that tourism is one of the great sources of income for the country and the government dedicates a lot of resources and effort to preserve the safety of tourists.
Whenever we talk about security, we must bear in mind that zero risk when traveling to Turkey or any country in the world does not exist, and normally this feeling of insecurity is given by specific news from the media, which does not reflect the general situation of the country.
Common crime is not very common against tourists due to the high penalties it entails, although it is necessary to watch out for small scams, especially in taxis and backpacks, bags and belongings in the markets or busiest places.
In the end, we believe that using common sense and following a route through the most touristic places in the country, without logically entering dangerous areas such as the borders with Syria or Iraq, is the key to a safe trip to Turkey.
3. Turkey entry requirements
To enter the country you can use, indistinctly, the passport or the DNI, if you are Spanish. For other nationalities you should consult the page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country, to have all the information on entering Turkey.
Something important is to know that being Spanish and traveling less than 90 days to the country, exempts you from having to apply for a visa and that the identity document must be valid for at least 6 months. It is also important to check that once you have passed the controls, the date of entry has been indicated in your passport and if you have presented your DNI, that they provide you with a form that corroborates your entry into the country since you must carry it throughout the entire trip. trip and present it on the day of departure.
As an extra and although it is not mandatory, one of the best tips for traveling to Turkey is to always carry one or more copies of your passport on paper and another in the cloud.
4. Vaccines and travel insurance
There is no mandatory vaccination to travel to Turkey, although we always recommend making an appointment at an International Vaccination Center and taking the book with the vaccinations you have.
In the cities there are quality pharmacies, hospitals and private clinics, which have agreements with insurers, although to avoid the high cost of any operation or treatment in any of these centers, it is advisable to have the best possible travel insurance for Turkey. In addition to travel insurance, it is advisable to follow a series of precautions such as drinking bottled water, wearing sunscreen and always eating boiled vegetables.
Due to the current health situation, all Mondo insurances include medical assistance in case of contagion by coronavirus. In addition, the extra stay that you need in case of contagion due to quarantine is also included, and of course, the test in case it is necessary.
5. How to start the trip
Most trips to Turkey start at the arrival’s terminal of Istanbul Atatürk International Airport, which has direct flights from all major cities around the world. Another option is to take a flight with a stopover that takes you to Antalya, from where you have easy access to the southern beaches, or Kayseri, if you want to start your trip by visiting Cappadocia.
We recommend starting your trip to Turkey spending between 2 and 4 days in Istanbul to enjoy some of the best cities in the world and acclimatize to the country’s way of life.
Conclusion
Turkey is a country with a rich and diverse culture, a stunning natural beauty, and a fascinating history. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the natural wonders of Cappadocia, Turkey is a destination that is sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or relaxation, Turkey has something to offer for everyone. Mount Ararat is a snow-capped mountain located in eastern Turkey that is considered a symbol of Turkish culture. The mountain is also believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark, and its stunning views and rich history make it a must-see for any visitor to Turkey.