29 Nov 4 Things They Don’t Tell You About A Holiday To Turkey
By now, international holidaymakers will be well-versed in the reasons why Turkey is one of the most popular tourist spots – the sun, the sand, the sights, and the people continue to attract visitors from all four corners of the globe. If you’re planning your first visit to Turkey, or have dreamed of making a return ever since your last trip, here are four things you should know prior to visiting.
Turkey has some of the world’s best UNESCO sites
It’ll come as no surprise to any visitor that Turkey has a fascinating history, which is remembered in various monuments and buildings across the country. In fact, Turkey was home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Whilst neither of these sites stand today, there are a total of 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore that are certain to pique any visitor’s interest. As well as the sites of major historical significance, you will also find some beautiful natural wonders featured on the list, such as the Rock Sites of Cappadocia and the springs at Pamukkale.
You’ll need to consider your clothing
As a respectful traveller, you’ll want to ensure that you abide by the local customs and practices of any location you visit. Turkey is an extremely diverse country in lots of different ways, and societal attitudes will differ depending on which part of the country you visit. That’s why it’s always advisable to read up on the culture of your destination, and be sure to tailor your behaviour accordingly.
Lots of Turkey still has a very conservative culture, and you’ll find this is reflected in the way many people dress. As a result, to avoid sticking out, or potentially causing offence, it’s always best to take a range of options when it comes to your holiday attire. In the warmer months, you’ll be grateful for packing some summer wear, but you should also take some more modest outfits, especially when visiting religious sites. Not only will this help you to feel more comfortable in your surroundings, but it’s also a way of demonstrating your respect for local customs.
Brush up on your bargaining skills
Turkey is home to some of the oldest shopping ‘malls’ in the world, namely the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which is well worth a visit if you’re planning on spending some time in the former capital. Here, you will find a plethora of local goods and souvenirs being sold by the vendors who will have no problem giving as good as they get when it comes to the bargaining stakes.
So long as you’re being reasonable with your valuations, bartering won’t be considered disrespectful. However, if you do agree on a price for a product, it’s rude to then walk away from the deal, so only engage if you are planning on buying an item.
You shouldn’t restrict yourself to the tourist hotspots
Particularly if it’s your first time visiting Turkey, you’ll likely want to focus your attention on the country’s main tourist areas. Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast feature heavily on the bucket lists of international tourists, and for good reason – these beautiful places are certainly worth seeing.
However, there is more to Turkey beyond these prime destinations, and depending on your holiday preferences, you’ll be sure to find different areas that suit your agenda. Especially if you’re looking to enjoy an authentic, slow travel experience from your time in Turkey, you’ll want to explore three or four different regions, from the historic cities to the picturesque countryside. This will provide you with a more rounded experience, and allow you to explore more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
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