We have come to Turkey four times already. What you need to know, how to behave and where better to go to fall in love with this wonderful country!
Where to go for the first time in Turkey
The resorts of Turkey are very similar in climate, so it will be warm and comfortable everywhere. They differ in status and prices, size, infrastructure and silence. For example, Cirali is sleepy and small, Kemer is quiet but developed, and Antalya is large and rather noisy. Belek and Bodrum are considered prestigious resorts, Alanya is the most inexpensive.
We lived in Kemer - there is an ideal balance of tranquility, resort development and beautiful nature. In general, if you want to fall in love with Turkey, I advise you to go to Istanbul for the first time - in terms of color it beats the resorts a lot!
What you need to know about hotels
If you like silence, choose small hotels for locals or rent a house / apartment. Such housing is usually located slightly outside the center. We lived in Kemer in a small hotel called Orange Garden - it was quiet and comfortable.
If you need acquaintances and company, music, animation and entertainment for a child, varied food - choose complexes for tourists with "all inclusive". In the evenings, music thunders there, lights sparkle, companies gather.
It's strange with cleaning in Turkish hotels - no one will come to you every day, like in Asia or Europe. You need to ask about it at the reception.
Book a hotel in Turkey in advance - not the best may stay in the high season. And also, being already in the country, without a VPN, you will not be able to book a hotel on Booking - it is blocked for some reason.
Do not be fooled by a beautiful picture and description - before booking, carefully read the reviews of tourists so that there are no surprises later.
Buy tours online at Travelate and Level.Travel, and book hotels at Hotellook and Booking. We ourselves use these sites to plan our holidays.
Safety
Those who travel to Turkey for the first time can relax - the country is very safe. The police are on guard everywhere. The locals are friendly to Russian tourists, and we have never met any aggression.
However, follow the standard security measures: watch out for pockets and bags in the crowd, do not leave valuables on the beach, do not go in the evenings in provocative clothes, check change.
In Istanbul, there are a couple of disadvantaged areas where tourists are not advised to visit even during the day - Tarlabaşı and Kasımpaşa. It seems that there are no dangerous neighborhoods in the resorts.
Health
The rules are trivial: use sunscreen, do not sunbathe in the middle of the day, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. Learn how to sunbathe properly.
Drink plenty of water and wash fruits and berries thoroughly.
Collect a tourist's first aid kit before traveling. If you are driving on your own, take out insurance online.
Rules of behavior
It's simple - behave yourself. Even if you have a drink and this is your only vacation of the year.
Be polite and smile! Relax and don't look gloomy around.
It is important - dress decently, do not go in a swimsuit around the city, in a cafe, in a store. Men with a naked torso are also not allowed.
The main thing to know if you are in Turkey for the first time is how to behave in a mosque. Although most Turks are not very religious, you still cannot offend believers. During prayer, tourists are not allowed to enter the mosque. In the building, talk in a whisper. Men need to be in trousers and women with their heads covered, shoulders and knees covered. You need to take off your shoes, put them in a bag and take them with you.
It is not yet necessary to photograph women in chador at close range, but this is a rule in general for eastern countries.
What you need to know about food in Turkey
Food in Turkey is far from sophisticated - mainly meat in various variations, a lot of bread, side dishes and vegetables. Heavy but tasty food. Unfortunately, this quickly becomes boring and promises a significant increase in pounds on the sides. In Turkish canteens - lokantasi - food is more varied and light.
For the first time in Turkey, I tried, probably, almost all local dishes - so I liked the cuisine. But that was Istanbul - in Kemer, for example, they cook not so tasty at all.
I advise you to try everything in Turkey, if you are not afraid to get better! I especially love dondurma ice cream and oriental sweets.
Once, near Cirala, we found a restaurant on the road with a panoramic view. And there they served a shepherd's breakfast for only 20 liras (220 rubles) - such a feast for the belly! We were forced to the whole table with all sorts of plates - and everything is fresh and natural: olives, butter, goat cheese, honey, vegetables, tahini, freshly baked flat cakes, etc. If you find something like that, be sure to try it.
If you are a little girl, do not order a lot at once - usually they bring a flat cake, vegetables, herbs to the dish. Sometimes in the heat I didn't feel like eating, and a small soup with a flatbread was enough for me.
Money and bargaining
Come to Turkey with dollars - the rate is normal, there are many exchangers. We carry little cash, we simply withdraw from the Tinkoff Black card at any ATM without commission.
Everyone writes that you have to bargain with the Turks and that you can drop the price up to 30%. Well, I don’t know, now it’s not at all like that. Some are categorically not bargaining at all - they encountered this at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Or they throw off quite a bit.
Language and communication with locals
At the resorts, many people know English, which is incredibly convenient. The Turks who work with tourists know Russian quite well too. For example, the man from whom we rented the bike was fluent in Russian. Even the orange juice seller on the street knew a few phrases because his wife is Russian!
Still, we do not advise you to rely on this and learn at least a few phrases in Turkish - the locals will be pleased.
Before the trip, I download useful mobile applications to my phone: a Russian-Turkish dictionary, a phrasebook and a google translator (do not forget to download the Turkish language for the translator to work offline).
In communication, the Turks are pleasant and courteous, they like to joke. The barkers in cafes and shops are a little annoying, but if you don't look at the menu and shop windows, you can avoid this. I just smile and walk by.
And Turks are also loving, all girls know this. If an unwanted Turk has nailed to you, show any ring on your finger without further ado - he immediately retreats. Works flawlessly, not only with Turks. :)
