Turkey is vast and varied. We’ve been 8 times and still want to explore more. Turkey has significant ruins of ancient empires (including the Hittites, Persians, Greeks, and Ottomans), a phenomenal coast, dramatic mountains and cosmopolitan cities. You could easily spend your whole gap year travelling round Turkey.
Here’s our gap year pros and cons:
Pros:
Turkey oozes history and culture. Home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ephesus, Troy and Pergamon – there’s lots to explore.
Turkey also has fascinating natural wonders: the petrified waterfalls of Pamukkale; the astonishing rock formations of Cappadocia and the eternal flames of Olympos.
You can enjoy some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches from vast swathes of sand to crystal clear coves.
Turkey has a low cost of living and fresh, healthy and delicious food.
The Turks are incredibly hospitable.
Cons:
Turkey has a high terrorist risk.
It’s a politically volatile country and demonstrations and violence can erupt in cities with short notice.
You need to be aware of no go zones on the border with Syria – however these areas are far away from the tourist sites.
Keep an eye on the FCO advice before and after your trip.
Women will get unwanted attention and sexual attacks can occur against tourists – however, on all our trips, we’ve never felt unsafe or threatened, but solo female travellers should take precautions.
There’s a high level of road traffic accidents outside of the main cities, especially at night.
Turkey has a high earthquake risk.