5 Tips for Women Traveling in Turkey

[Dayna Stephens]

The people of Turkey are kind and inviting, and the country itself is intriguing to explore. A rich history, stunning landscape, and a plethora of things to do await travellers in this destination. If you travel to Turkey with the same caution and measures you would use at home, you should be OK. Understanding the country's culture will help you have a more rewarding vacation and build deeper relationships with the people you meet. When you book your Antalya hotel with HotelsScanner.com, you'll save up to 70%.

So, for female travellers to Turkey, here are some tips.

Show up in a more professional manner

There is a greater prevalence of Western or European attire among Turks living in Istanbul and the surrounding Mediterranean coast area. In cities, Eastern Americans dress more modestly and formally than Westerners. Avoid wearing anything excessively transparent or form-fitting when visiting the country. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, your neckline is high (no cleavage, please), and your clothing is fitted appropriately. When you show respect to others, they will show it to you. Unless they're visiting a mosque, tourists do not have to cover their hair.

Don't forget to dress comfortably by wearing baggy jeans, long skirts, knee-length capris, and loose yoga pants. It's also a great time to go shopping in a small town. Take a look at what the ladies in your neighborhood are wearing and pick up a couple items from well-known retailers. As a consequence, you'll feel more at home in Turkey and have fun shopping for unique gifts to bring home as a reminder of your adventure.

Wear a head scarf if you're heading to a mosque.

The inside of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is covered in blue, earning it the nickname "Blue Mosque."
When visiting a mosque, you must cover your hair, shoulders, and knees, as well as remove your shoes. Wearing shorts or loose-fitting capris that fall to the knees is another option. Also, as the rooms are carpeted, you won't have to wear shoes to cover your feet. If you're in Istanbul for a mosque visit, the Grand Bazaar is a great place to pick up a large scarf. If you'd prefer, you may also bring your own.

Have the self-assurance of a native while you're out and about.

In your personal life, you may be the extrovert who relishes social gatherings, making new acquaintances, and giving hugs to everyone who will receive them. If you plan on visiting Turkey, my advice is to keep your voice down and mind your manners. Avoid guys in public and only shake their hand if they initiate it. Don't make new friends with someone you don't know well. In Turkey, being overt is a sign of sexual desire and flirtation, therefore a hug or an innocent arm touch might be misconstrued as inappropriate. It's fine to be a more subdued version of yourself. I don't want you to cease being who you are. Stay out of trouble while demonstrating your gratitude to the community at the same time with this action.

Meeting new people: how to start a conversation with a local

It won't be long until you're sharing family stories over a cup of apple tea or black tea.
Getting in touch with local and expat groups you're already a part of before you go is a great way to meet people. If you have a passion for photography, search online for a local club or group. Take a culinary lesson or join a local cooking club if you enjoy it. These groups frequently provide regular monthly activities that you may fit into your calendar. But they can help by providing you with local information, recommendations, and contacts so that you may meet for coffee or dinner with people you've already researched and developed trust with before you go on your trip.

Talking about your loved ones back home and inquiring about theirs might help you establish a connection with the people you meet. A common thread runs across all cultures, and that is the value we place on our personal connections with those we care about. Pictures of your loved ones are essential, so keep them close by or in a secure location. Use it to strike up a conversation with the shopkeeper or student you run into at the local café. Use it.

Learn the language and become fluent in it.

A shisha is a special occasion in Istanbul.
You'll be greeted with a smile and an offer of coffee with just a few words in Turkish. Turks are very patriotic and possess a strong sense of national identity. When dealing with the locals and bargaining at the Grand Bazaar, knowing a few simple words like "hello," "goodbye," and "thank you" will come in handy. Every one of these words may be used as an icebreaker in Turkey.

Make sure you're equipped with a wide grin, a sense of humor, and an adventurous attitude.
Even just a short trip to Turkey may be an adventure in and of itself. You'll have a more enjoyable time if you can laugh, adjust, and use a grin on purpose. It is rare to come across someone who is unfriendly and unhelpful when visiting a new country. Expect to meet fascinating people and have a good time while traveling and you'll most likely be rewarded for your efforts.