I sometimes wonder whether I should be banned from traveling because my sense of direction is so poor. I struggle with maps and get lost more often than I care to admit. At times that clumsiness works in my favor: I stumble across quiet corners and unexpected sights that don’t appear in guidebooks. Other times, … Read more

My absence from the blog over the past 12 days was not intentional, and I have no plans to abandon blogging. On March 2 I returned to the UK for a short visit after living abroad in Turkey for eight years. People had warned me I would notice changes, but I didn’t expect much — … Read more

Are you a travel lover looking for a new adventure? A road trip along Turkey’s Black Sea coastline should be near the top of your list. The Turkish Black Sea stretches roughly 1,300 kilometers (810 miles) and offers rugged coastline, scenic viewpoints, historic towns and a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. This itinerary highlights top stops in … Read more

When I married my Turkish Romeo, I had no idea I was being inducted—by marriage—into the unspoken Elite Club of Turkish Housewives. This is a network of women raised to be resourceful and multi-skilled from childhood. No problem seems unsolvable, no chore too large. Their tireless focus on family well-being guides households through difficult times … Read more

I was once asked to describe Turkish people and I answered without hesitation: Turks are deeply patriotic. The most visible expression of that patriotism is the Turkish flag — a striking red field with a white crescent moon and star. Young men preparing for compulsory military service often drape the flag over a car and … Read more

Located in southwest Turkey on the site of ancient Telmessos, Fethiye is a picturesque coastal city that blends modern comforts with a deep classical heritage. Popular with both domestic and international travelers, Fethiye is a hub for Blue Cruise yachting and a base for exploring a varied landscape of beaches, mountains, valleys and historical sites. … Read more

From the lavish banquets of the Ottoman imperial court to small neighbourhood eateries, Turkish cuisine is celebrated worldwide. Rich in flavour and diverse in style, it is an essential part of the travel experience in Turkey and offers something for every palate. Adventurous food lovers can explore bold, unfamiliar dishes, while newcomers or picky eaters … Read more

Every visitor to Turkey should make time to see the Lycian rock tombs. Carved into cliff faces and hillsides along the Mediterranean coast, these ancient tombs offer a striking glimpse into a past civilization and are visually impressive even to those with little interest in history. The people of ancient Lycia carved these tombs for … Read more

Istanbul has long been the beating heart of Turkey. With an official population exceeding 14 million, it is the rare global city that stretches across two continents: Europe and Asia. Many visitors and residents find the city irresistible, and I count myself among them — Istanbul has a unique energy and character that keeps me … Read more

My long-suffering husband jokes that I am every hotelier’s worst nightmare. I am not a constant complainer, but I do notice details — from décor and cleanliness to staff attitude. The moment I step into a hotel I start mentally asking, “What would I do if this were my business?” Perhaps this attitude comes from … Read more