I am traveling to Turkey with a friend the last two weeks in November on a tour and we are planning to extend on our own for the first week of December. We will have visited Istanbul (only for one full day), Canakkale, Kusadassi/E[hesus, Pumukkale, Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara. Our tour ends in Istanbul and for the free week in December, we were thinking about heading south to the coast (we have an offer of a house in Dalyan), but wondered about the weather and safety for two single women. Or should we spend the week in Istanbul? Or is there someplace else that you all would recommend?
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
I totally agree with the prior post. If you're going to face less-than-optimal weather, you're better off taking in all the attractions of Instanbul (many of which are indoors) than being on the coast, which is likely to be dead at that time of year. I didn't have any safety issues as a single woman in Istanbul, but just be aware that touts are pretty persistent. If you dress modestly and try to not stand out, you shouldn't have any issues. I would stay in the Taksim/ Istiklal area or Kadikoy/ Moda on the Asia side. I love the touristy Old City, but you really stand out there.
Posted by
1 posts
My advice to you would be the southern regions. If you are interested, you can stay in Antalya, you can still swim there in 11-12 months. Yes, you may feel a little cold when you come out, but it is not disturbing, of course, you need to check before you come. There can be such disturbing situations in every touristic place in the world, but Turkish people are helpful and humane. In all circumstances, guests come first, and don't forget that.
I wish our a good trip.
Posted by
Seattle
399 posts
I found the Turks to be very friendly and helpful people.
Not once, but twice, while in Turkey I was in a bit of a hurry and left my change on the counter of a local store. Both times I was chased down on the street by the clerk to return my change to me. Once when lost I asked directions of some workers and before I knew it I had six men talking Turkish deciding the best way to get to my destination. Thankfully, one spoke a bit of English, pointed things out on my map and I got to my destination.
You gotta love the Turks.