Things To Know Before Traveling to Turkey

Traveling to Turkey is a must. Turkey has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it is a favorite country that’s on the list of every solo female traveler. This place is one of the best parts of the hemisphere and has many amazing charms, from history, culture, sensational natural beauty, and food, and there is definitely no doubt that Turkey knows how to put on a good show!

Most women travel solo to give themselves appreciation and increase their adventure experience. However, traveling alone sometimes makes women feel worried about safety.

The safety factor is the main consideration for women when traveling solo.

Many may wonder whether Turkey is a safe and suitable place to travel as a solo woman. The answer is yes.

If you are considering escaping from work fatigue, and want to reward yourself with a solo trip to Turkey, here are some guidelines for planning a trip to Turkey. This is to ensure that you can still look stylish, and safe and feel confident heading to this country.

How to Dress in Turkey for Female Travellers

Please note that Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, but it is a secular country. In Turkey, there are no specific rules for dressing, but all local women wear modest clothing in most areas.

Although we can wear whatever we want as tourists, we should tailor our clothing to the following points; the places we will visit in that country, the time (season) when we visit, what landmarks we will visit, and whether there are any special cultural events when we go there.

Dressing Depends on the Area You Visit

It’s best to follow the unwritten rules of where you’re traveling. Maybe you are used to seeing in big cities that tourists and local residents wear casual clothes such as shorts when the weather is hot.

In Turkey, there are no strict rules regarding women’s clothing. However, a friend who is also a local guide in Istanbul advised tourists to wear long-sleeved tops, long skirts, and head coverings. Dresses and skirts are preferred there. My advice is to blend in well and it’s safer to wear more conservative clothing when visiting smaller communities.

• Tips for Dressing in Public Places in Metropolitan Cities

Women in Turkey dress with varying degrees of modesty in public. Head coverings are not expected of tourists, however, I suggest that if you are a solo female traveler, you will feel safer and more comfortable if you wear loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Locals appreciate tourists who dress modestly, you can immediately feel their acceptance and respect for you.

• Tips for Dressing When Visiting a Mosque

Appropriate dress codes for mosques include head coverings, long skirts, and long-sleeved tops. If you want to visit the Blue Mosque, make sure your clothes are conservative enough. You may not be allowed to enter if the greeter sees that your clothes are too revealing, at the shoulders, chest, arms, and knees.

You will be asked to wear a hijab, and although they also provide robes and head coverings for tourists, it is best if you bring your own. Remember this, always provide a light and wide scarf that can be used to cover your head to your chest.

• When going on holiday to rural areas, here are tips on how to dress

Some regions in Turkey are more religious than others. Wear simpler clothes, less glamorous and revealing. The style is more or less the same as when you visit a mosque, long sleeves combined with a long skirt and a headscarf.

• Tips for Dressing at Beach Resorts

You will have more freedom of clothing in Turkey while at a beach resort. Beach resorts do not have a strict dress code, so female tourists can still wear whatever swimwear they want.

The most important dressing tip, if you want to travel solo to Turkey, is to avoid wearing sleeveless tops and short skirts, especially tight shorts. It will be much easier for you when you want to visit landmarks and religious places because your general appearance will be appropriate.

Is it safe for women to travel alone in Turkey?

It is generally safe for women to travel alone in Turkey. Foreign tourists are usually welcomed in large cities such as Antalya and Cappadocia and in tourist spots such as Istanbul and Ankara. However, this requires a certain amount of vigilance, as it does in many places, especially at night. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times, set personal boundaries, and stay away from isolated places. While knowing a few important words in Turkish can be useful, most people in Turkish tourist destinations speak English.

Traveling to Turkey, Tips for Women

Whether you’re planning to explore the lively streets of Istanbul, Antalya’s serene beaches, or Cappadocia’s rock formations, Turkey has something for every traveler. 

Here are some tips and considerations for those of you who want to travel to Turkey.

Research and Plan

Before your trip, do thorough research about your destination in Turkey. Understand the culture, customs, and any special considerations for solo female travelers.

Safety Precautions

The next tip for traveling to Turkey is safety precautions. Although Turkey is generally safe for tourists, be careful, especially when traveling alone. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Accommodation

Choose reputable accommodations, such as hotels with good reviews from solo female travelers. Consider living in a well-lit, centrally located area.

Transportation

Choose a trusted transportation option, such as a reputable taxi or public transportation service. If you’re using a ride-sharing app, make sure the driver’s details match the information on the app.

Dress appropriately

In more conservative areas of Turkey, it is recommended to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention. You can read back to the top tips for dressing appropriately in Turkey.

Stay Connected

Charge your phone and stay connected with family or friends back home. Share your travel plans with someone you trust and check them regularly.

Follow Istanbul Ladies Only Tour Program 

As a female traveler, I understand that when women travel together, they feel more comfortable and can fully enjoy the trip.

You will be feeling less worried when you travel solo through Dubai Musts. Dubai Musts is an experienced travel agency in Dubai for ladies with numerous clients from all over the globe, such as from the US, Europe, the Middle East, etc.

Wherever in the world you come from, Dubai Musts can make your spectacular travel plans a reality, such as the Instanbul Ladies Only program, which will give you an authentic experience with other female solo travelers from all over the world.

Closing Remarks

Just like traveling to any new place, exploring Turkey is an adventure. Don’t forget to bring a sense of humor, a wide, open smile, flexibility, and a positive mindset full of tolerance. It’s a recipe that will help make your trip more enjoyable.