Turkey

Getting Lost, Getting Scammed & Getting Around

And definitive proof that travelling a lot doesn't necessarily make you smarter… Nor does practise make perfect.

Turkey gave me a pretty good reminder that despite how many times I’ve visited and how many things I’ve explored here, you can still get things spectacularly wrong. I don’t know what my luck has been but this year, both trips involved delayed transfers, confusing bus stations, getting lost, airport chaos and even being scammed (I never thought I’d see the day but here we are). That said, some of my favourite memories were also made here; meeting people, discovering new places and figuring things out as I went.

So, after a few weeks of buses, boats, airports, wrong turns and questionable decisions, here are a few things I’d keep in mind and suggest if you’re doing it too.

Region by Region: Istanbul

SAW: Give Yourself Time

If you're connecting through Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), it’s a faff so I’d recommend having at least 3 hours if you're changing from an international arrival to a domestic departure. You have to go through a massive security line, go through customs and must exit the terminal… only to go back through all the way to domestic departures. Once you finally reach it, more security and checks.

Have Data From the Moment You Land

This is one of those things you may not think about until you actually need it: I’m very guilty of it. But having Roamic made life much easier when landing, especially when trying to get your bearings, figure out where you're going, check transfers, use Maps or just message someone. And after a late and chaotic arrival in Turkey, I was very glad I didn't also have to hunt down Wi-Fi.

New Scams Disguised as Help

Well although I’ve travelled extensively, and largely on my own, apparently that doesn't make me immune to being an idiot. I had a situation in Istanbul where having data and being able to quickly check something would probably have saved me from getting myself into a rather stupid situation.

Quite the seasoned traveller, aren't I?

Region by Region: Cappadocia

I Promise You, 2 Days is NOT Enough

I've been to Cappadocia twice now, and if flying in a hot-air balloon is important to you, I'd give yourself at least four days. Flights can be cancelled because of the slightest bit of wind, and you don't want your entire Cappadocia experience to depend on one morning going perfectly.

Having extra days also means you can experience Cappadocia beyond the balloons, which, despite being spectacular, really aren't the only reason to go. There are valleys, viewpoints, underground cities, open-air museums, cave hotels, food and plenty of other things to fill your days.

Region by Region: Kaş

Take Your Time if You Can

As briefly talked about on my full guide, a couple of days will suffice if you want to speed through and do a few bits here and there. If you have more flexibility, I strongly recommend dedicating more time to Kaş: it’s pretty special.

Most of the activities naturally revolve around the water (ie swimming, boat trips, diving and beach clubs), but there are also archaeological sites, viewpoints, an abandoned hotel and even a little amphitheatre overlooking the sea.

I originally planned to stay for less time and ended up extending my trip by another day and a half. Then, even after eight days, I still didn't want to leave.

For the full breakdown of where I stayed, what I did, what things actually cost and how I managed to enjoy Kaş without cutting back, check out the full guide here.

Turkey Overall‍ ‍

  • Don’t Be Fooled: It’s a Big Country

This sounds obvious, but it's really easy to underestimate just how much ground you're covering. Distances can look perfectly reasonable on a map, when in fact you've spent half a day getting from one place to another.

  • Patience is a Virtue

I suppose it could be said for many places. Shared transfers take longer. Buses don't always leave from where you think they do, or on time. You may get lost, you may get held back for some reason or another.

Point is rather than trying to squeeze every destination into the smallest possible amount of time, I'd leave yourself some breathing room. Especially if you're travelling independently.

  • Don’t Blindly Trust Google Maps for Transport

As we’ve established earlier, Google Maps is useful and sometimes I’m a little too reliant on it. When you're travelling by long-distance bus, check the actual bus station/physical timetables rather than assuming the information on Google Maps is completely accurate and updated. Some bus stations are also further outside the centre than what’s listed so best to give yourself enough time to get there. And if you're confused, ask someone. Honestly, this saved me more than once.

  • Get Yourself Connected

I don't think I realised quite how much I'd use mobile data until this trip. Maps, booking confirmations, translating things, checking transport, finding accommodation and contacting drivers… internet is no doubt important when something goes wrong. Also, if like in my case, the WIFI where you’re staying goes completely MIA and you can’t easily work, or in general stay connected.

This trip, I’m glad I decided to switch to Roamic, as it was a life saver on multiple occasions and worked in even the most remote spots (or on board a boat).

  • Keep Cash on Hand

Cards are widely used, I rarely actually used cash but I still wouldn't rely on them exclusively, particularly if you need a taxi or buses (which are almost always cash only depending where you are).

  • Organised Tours are Your Friend

I'm usually more than not independent when I travel, but Turkey offers a lot of organised day trips, both brilliant and excellent value for money, ranging from boat tours, cooking classes, safaris, food tours, archaeological visits etc. The small-group boat trip from Kaş to Kekova, Demre and Myra was one of the best I’ve done yet, and there were only around 15–20 people on board.

Final Thoughts

It's easy to think that once you've travelled enough, you'll eventually become one of those annoyingly competent people who always knows where they're going and what they’re doing, rarely getting confused and definitely, definitely, does not fall for tourist scams.

I'm clearly not there yet. No where near (if anyone really is). But that’s one thing I really like most about travelling. How you need to figure things out, make mistakes, allow yourself to meet others, and yet almost every time, you eventually find your way; whether that was the intended one or not.

There's still plenty I haven't seen in Turkey, plenty I’m excited to revisit and, judging by this trip, probably plenty more opportunities for me to make rather questionable decisions.

Go for yourself and have the best fun!