Exploring Turkey
One Road at a Time.
Practical advice and personal stories from a local who knows every corner — from the olive groves of the Aegean to the highlands of the Black Sea.
Meet Bülent Durak
I'm Bülent — a lifelong Aegean, born and raised in Söke, Aydın, where the olive groves meet the turquoise coast and every village market tells a story older than the republic itself.
I started writing about Turkey because too many travellers were missing the real thing — the family-run pansiyons, the back-road ruins, the food that never makes it onto tourist menus — and I wanted to fix that, one honest story at a time.
Dispatches Worth Reading Twice
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AegeanThe Best Hidden Beaches Near Söke
Escape the crowds and discover untouched coves where turquoise Aegean water meets golden sand, just minutes from town.
CappadociaHow to Travel Cappadocia Without the Tourist Rush
Fairy chimneys, underground cities and valley walks — here's how to see the real Cappadocia before the crowds wake up.
IstanbulIstanbul in 48 Hours: A Local Checklist
Two days in the city that straddles continents — skip the queues, eat where locals eat, and cross the Bosphorus at dusk.
Turkey, From Coast to Highlands
Every corner of Turkey tells a different story. Pick a region and dive into firsthand guides, local tips, and hidden gems discovered on the road.
90+ in-depth articles across all regions of Turkey — and counting.
Browse All GuidesBefore You Pack
Your Bags
Five things I wish someone had told me before my first trip to Turkey — straight from the road, no fluff.
Visa Before You Fly
Most nationalities need an e-Visa — apply at evisa.gov.tr at least 48 hours before departure. It takes minutes and costs around $50 USD.
Get an Istanbulkart
The city's rechargeable transport card works on metro, tram, bus, and ferries. Buy one at any station kiosk for a small deposit — it saves you 40{85a227e99649d34fd7fda2ce5068edf4525b6fecf6d494c0888fe651bd3dc95a} per ride.
Grab a Local SIM Card
Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom all offer affordable tourist SIMs at airports and PTT post offices. Roaming bills can be brutal — don't skip this.
Ramadan Etiquette
If you visit during Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in public during daylight hours and dress modestly near mosques. Iftar (breaking fast) dinners are a wonderful cultural experience — join one if invited.
Tipping Customs
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 10{85a227e99649d34fd7fda2ce5068edf4525b6fecf6d494c0888fe651bd3dc95a} at restaurants is standard. Round up taxi fares, leave a small tip at hammams and hotels, and tip tour guides 50–100 TL per day.
More from bulent-durak
Full Turkey Travel Guides — Region by Region
From Cappadocia's fairy chimneys to the turquoise coasts of the Aegean — in-depth guides written from personal experience.
Tips updated for 2025 travel season · Written from personal experience across Turkey
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Real stories and practical tips from the heart of Turkey — written by someone who lives, breathes, and loves this land.
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