Planning an Istanbul airport layover can feel intimidating. Should you leave the airport? Do you have enough time? What can you realistically see between flights? This Istanbul stopover guide answers those questions. Follow a step-by-step plan to determine which airport you’re using, check visa requirements, estimate usable time, and pick the best parts of the … Read more

While searching for the tiny fishing village of Bogazici, I managed to get lost in Muğla province, Turkey. I had been given directions but ended up climbing narrow mountain roads that seemed to lead to nowhere. Eventually I rejoined the Bodrum–Muğla highway, where reckless drivers ignored speed limits and treated the road like a roulette … Read more

My curiosity about “French Street” in Istanbul began after reading a piece that described it as a French-influenced pocket of the city — the equivalent, some claimed, of a Chinatown in New York. I pictured a place where two cultures met, a short stroll that might feel like stepping into France while staying in Turkey. … Read more

Fatma Teyze is a well-known local woman from Beypazarı. When I first met her, her confidence stood out immediately. For anyone who assumes Turkish women are passive or suppressed, Fatma Teyze offers a clear and refreshing counterexample. She runs a successful café in town. Her smiling face appears on the sign above the shop, and … Read more

Turkey has changed a lot over the past decade. It’s no longer the bargain destination it once was, and budget travelers often notice the difference when comparing costs with other countries. Knowing where the main expenses occur makes it much easier to save. Below are practical tips based on my time in Turkey. If you … Read more

I love landscape photography, and Turkey is a country full of stunning scenery. Every view I encounter has its own charm, which keeps photography an exciting and rewarding hobby. Although I have hundreds of landscape images, I selected 23 of my favorites to share here. Each one captures a different side of Turkey’s natural and … Read more

Wondering where to stay near Istanbul cruise terminal? We’ve selected 11 of the best hotels close to Galataport cruise port, including luxury properties, mid-range picks, and small boutique hotels — all within easy walking distance of the terminal. Sailing into Istanbul? Whether you plan a pre-cruise night or need a place after disembarking, staying near … Read more

Sometimes I wander so far off the usual routes that a place doesn’t appear in guidebooks or on most maps. That was the case when I stumbled upon a remarkable landscape around Hamzalar Lake in Beypazarı. Despite limited information, the scene was unforgettable. From a hilltop viewpoint I surveyed a patchwork of green fields, a … Read more

I recently had the chance to take a full guided tour of a five-star luxury resort and spa. Given my curiosity, I accepted immediately. The property is the Venosa Beach Resort and Spa, which opened in May this year in the Yesilkent area on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor suggest that after an … Read more

One of my favourite travel memories in Turkey is sailing the southern coast. Part of the Turkish Riviera, the Blue Voyage cruise routes along this coastline are offered widely each year. While the word “Riviera” often implies luxury and private yachts, the Turkish version caters to all budgets, which is why it remains so popular. … Read more