Turkey

A Backpackers Guide to Bodrum

by Gap Year Escape · 0 comments

Bodrum is a beautiful port city on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It’s simple enough to get your flights to Bodrum and there is enough culture there to keep you going. Here are some of the top things to do in Bodrum.

Image: DarkB4Dawn

Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

If you’re excited to learn about Bodrum’s history and become intimate with the place, start out by visiting the Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The museum is closed on Mondays so make sure that your schedule for a visit that doesn’t fall on this day. Visiting hours will be from 9 am until 7 pm and the estimated entrance fee is only 10 YTL.

Carian Princess

The Carian Princess should also be included in your itinerary. Visiting hours would be from 10 in the morning until 12 noon and will resume from 2 PM until 4 PM every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The fee to get in the Carian Princess exhibit is 5 YTL. The Carian Princess exhibits the relics of Halicarnassus, which is known to be Caria’s capital city and is also the site where Bodrum stands now.

Bodrum Amphitheatre

Another remarkable sight to see is the 4th Century B.C. Bodrum Amphitheatre. This is one of the most amazing historical tourist attractions to see when in Bodrum. Quite a number of concerts and shows have been held in this open-air amphitheatre so if you’re in Bodrum during a show, don’t fail to get yourself a ticket and experience what it feels like to be amongst the crowd standing in one of the oldest yet grandest amphitheatres in the world.

Turkish Cuisine

Figuring out where to satisfy your Turkish cravings is never a problem. Here are some great dine in places where you can taste the real goodness of Turkish cuisine at very affordable prices. Nazik Ana offers meals that are easy on the budget. If you’re not too picky and if you want good old fashioned authentic Turkish meals served on hot and sizzling plates then this place is for you. It can be found in a narrow alley in Eski Hükümet Sok. No:5 just at the heart of the city.

If you’re a sucker for pizza then don’t forget to check out Sunger Pizza, situated on the main street of Neyzen Tevfik just at the front of Bodrum Marina. You’ll go crazy with their astonishing selection of pizzas at an unbelievably low cost!

Finding good meals at low prices is easy when you’re in Bodrum. You can just hike around the post office near the Cevat Sakir Street and find fast-food chains that offer some of the best Turkish entrees at very reasonable prices.

Bodrum Nightlife

Of course let’s not forget the nightlife. Teens and young adults would rather tire their feet in high-heeled stilettos dancing in Turkish tunes rather than tucking themselves to bed at night. Make the most out of your vacation and maximize your stay in Bodrum. Instead of snoring your way to slumber, why don’t you take out that make-up kit and start prepping yourself up for an intense night of clubbing and bar hopping. Bar Street is one of the most popular bars in Bodrum. Just a few feet away and you can already hear the booming speakers and the cheers of the locals and tourists dancing and singing the night away.

Have you ever been to Bodrum? What did you think?

Irresistible Istanbul

by Gap Year Escape · 7 comments

Out of all of the places we visited for our gap year, Istanbul was the one place I had no idea what to expect. I felt like I was adventuring into the unknown – a part of Europe where just about anything could happen.

Would it be safe? Would the food be good? What about the people?

I can tell you with absolute certainty: Istanbul is the perfect destination for backpacking.

My friends and I spent two busy, busy days in Istanbul. The city has an over-abundance of history from the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace.

One thing that shocked me was the amount of mosques throughout the city. There are more mosques in Istanbul than there are churches in Rome! There are over 2,600 mosques that scatter the city skyline. Since it would take a lifetime to visit all of them (and it would probably get really boring after a while), check out the Blue Mosque and then walk across the street to the Hagia Sophia. One mistake we made was asking locals where the Blue Mosque is. It’s actually called Sultan Ahmed Mosque and tourists only know it as the Blue Mosque.

If you go anytime from June to September, one of the best ways to see the city is by ferry. Hop on a ferry to explore the Bosphorus, which is the Istanbul strait. We took some of the best pictures from the water…and with lots of places to get off and explore, you won’t be too far from something you want to see.

Even though I was really worried I can tell you with absolute certainty…Turkish food is to die for. Eating out in Istanbul is the best way to try all of the different types of food. We just asked the waiters what to order and they brought everything out!

Things to know before you go:

· Wear respectable clothing – This isn’t the time to show off that new belly button ring you got the trip before…especially while visiting mosques. Remove your shoes before entering and girls should cover their head with a scarf. Also, avoid visiting during prayer time.

· Bargaining – do it! When you visit the Grand Bazaar or even if you fancied buying some Turkish carpet for the folks at home, bargain to get the best price. Obviously there is no negotiation in taxis, restaurants and malls.

· Carry tissue paper – the toilets in Istanbul are pretty testing and finding toilet paper is a once in a lifetime miracle. But don’t use it all in one go because the plumbing throughout the city is ancient.

· Public transportation – like the rest of Europe, the public transportation is dirt cheap and extremely efficient. There are buses and trams that are easy to use.

Bare all this in mind and you will have a truly magical time in Istanbul….a truly beautiful city.

 

Author Bio: Renee White

Renee is an eager American traveler writer with a passion for understanding new cultures. She loves not taking the beaten path and sharing her experiences with others.

This is a sponsored post.

Turkey Holidays

by Gap Year Escape · 0 comments

Merhaba! (Hello – learn before you go!)

Turkey is best known for it’s capital Istanbul. There is a reason for this: Istanbul is a magical city. But saying that, it is definitely not all that Turkey has to offer! Turkey holidays can be anything you want them to be and include the history and the adventure that is all part of travel. Stunning beaches, mountains, lakes, mosques, bazaars… tempted? Me too…

At this time visiting Europe is crazy expensive, so it’s the perfect time to look at travelling to other countries, and Turkey will be a lot more budget friendly! With hostels starting from $5 a night you are left with more money to spend on other things!

To really experience the life that Turkey locals live and soak up the culture you will often find yourself learning more from a guided tour. Get off the beaten track with a Turkey cultural tour that is guided by a professional photographer so not only will you really see Turkey, you will come home with a set of snaps that match the memories!

Checking out the local drinks definitely counts as experiencing the culture so don’t forget to try some Raki (the Turkish national drink) whilst you’re out there! With a higher alcohol percentage than vodka I have to say be responsible… but ENJOY.

If you really want to have a holiday in Turkey and just relax why not stay somewhere quieter like in a fishing village where you can soak up the beautiful scenery, mouth-watering cuisine and warm waters on the coast. The only problem you might face is that little one of not wanting to leave! This is all child friendly.

But if it is a little excitement that really appeals, for activity holidays Turkey has it all. Whether you want to be on land or water you can keep busy! Why not scuba dive or go rafting in the crystal Aegean AND hike or mountain bike around the dramatic mountain backdrops.

For you British, American and Australian readers don’t forget to get your tourist permit or visa on arrival in Turkey! It’s a simple matter of paying at the border but be aware the the prices can change.

This is a sponsored post.

Image: mbelsack