Safety Tips for Female Solo Travellers to Turkey
Travelling alone can be both exciting and liberating, and when deciding on your next destination it is important to choose an area that is both hospitable and safe. Turkey, often overlooked, is an ideal destination for single female travellers, as it offers a range of different activities and accommodations, stunning landscapes and a vibrant and diverse culture. However, safety should never be overlooked, and as with any new place, precautions must be taken. To ensure your trip is both fun and safe, while you are in Turkey, below are some expert tips on staying secure.
Stick to Main Roads and Areas
The most important safety tip for any traveller is to try to stay on the beaten path. Sticking to popular areas and roads is essential when in a new location; this both minimises the risk of attack and also means that, in the case of an emergency, you are far more likely to find help. Although Istanbul is often considered one of the safest cities in Turkey, there are certain neighbourhoods to avoid, the most dangerous of which are those around the Taksim Square in Beyoglu.
Be Vigilant and Use Common Sense
It is important to always remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Being too engrossed in photographs or maps has the consequence of hindering your awareness to your immediate surroundings, which can make you a target for unwanted attention. It is a good idea to avoid hauling around excessive baggage or expensive items, as these are likely to attract unwanted attention. It may also be wise to not walk alone at night, and even during the day it is sensible to have company.
Be Respectful of Cultural Appropriateness
As Turkey is a largely conservative country, it is recommended to research and fully understand the dress code of the areas that you are planning to visit. Beachwear should only be worn when at the beach, and shorts should never be shorter than knee length. It is also important to understand the mosque rules for female visitors, as dresses should be below the knee, arms and legs covered and the head must be covered.
Discourage Unwanted Attention
When wandering around alone a single female traveller can be noticed more easily from locals who may not have the best intentions. However, there are some effective methods to ward off unwanted attention; for instance, sometimes speaking with an authoritative tone can be enough to stop someone in their tracks. Acting knowledgeable of the local area can also be helpful, as well as not discussing personal matters with strangers.
Stay Connected
Another significant safety tip is to remain connected with those closest to you back home. Keeping them updated of your whereabouts and sending them detailed information of where you are and who you are with can make anyone feel secure in an unfamiliar location. This is especially useful for when unexpected tragedies occur such as a protest or an act of violence. Ensuring that you have your phone with you at all times and that it is fully charged can be a lifesaver.
Be Wary of Scams
Being aware of common tourist scams can be particularly useful when travelling alone. Generally, the most common scams in Turkey are those involving naive tourists, so it is important to always remain alert; for instance, be careful when dealing with professional beggars, as these often form part of a large syndicate. Unfortunately, there are some taxi drivers that take advantage of foreigners and charge them overly expensive fees; they will often also try to sell you overpriced items. As such, when taking a taxi it may be wise to always arrange one through a reliable company.
Be Aware of Your Belongings
Remaining security conscious when abroad generally means always being aware of where your belongings are and not inviting unwanted attention. For example, if you are going to be dividing time between beach activities and sightseeing, it is often important to find a secure place to store your belongings, such as a locker. Additionally, people-watching is not only a great way to observe local customs but also noticing anyone who is exhibiting suspicious behaviour and avoiding these places.
Familiarise Yourself with the Language
It is likely that the primary language spoken in Turkey will be different from your own, which makes being able to communicate all the more important. This is especially true in the case of being in an unforeseen situation. Regardless of the language spoken, there will of course be some commonly used words, so it is definitely recommended to familiarise yourself with these prior to travelling.
Know Where the Closest Medical Assistance is Located
In the unlikely case of illness or injury, it is essential to know exactly where the closest medical assistance or hospital is located. In Turkey, all hospitals have an emergency room and are available 24 hours a day. Additionally, many hotels will provide a doctor to their guests on request.
Prioritise Self-Care and Research Your Destination
Travel can be an immensely satisfying experience, however, it is not without obstacles. Prioritising self-care is essential when travelling alone, and it is wise to be aware that a wide range of food and beverages can be triggering. Researching your destination – looking into the language, culture, and customs – before you arrive will not only help alleviate any stress but will be particularly useful for safety reasons. Knowing where you should avoid and what is generally considered unacceptable in that particular location will make a huge difference, as will learning the local language.
Learn about Local Social Norms
Before departing, it is worth researching the various etiquette and social norms associated with the country you are visiting. Although Turkey is a modernising society and many of the locals speak English, there are still certain customs and protocols that they adhere too. For instance, Turks can often be found drinking delicate glasses of tea together – known as ‘Lokum’ – and these social gatherings are seen as a sign of hospitality and must be respected and appreciated.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
Most of all, it is important to always stay informed and to always prioritise safety over everything else. This does not mean that you should avoid or forgo the opportunity to explore, however, it does mean being mindful of the local area and keeping an eye on your possessions. Although there are certain areas to avoid in larger cities such as Istanbul, Turkey as a whole is an incredibly hospitable country where safety should not be a concern.
Carry Money Appropriately
When travelling solo, it is essential that your money is always kept secure. The safest way to carry money is to use a secure money belt, one which is positioned discreetly underneath your clothing. This is also recommended when travelling in a group, and it should always have a sufficient amount of money for emergency situations. Other options include carrying smaller amounts of money in your pocket, or a small purse with a money strap.
Inquire About Your Accommodations in Advance
Accommodations can often be the deciding factor when it comes to the safety of your travels. The best way to assess the safety of your lodgings is to research them thoroughly beforehand. This is especially true when travelling in a group, as it is important that your accommodation matches with all group members’ expectations and requirements. Additionally, it is wise to choose a hotel with secure amenities and an experienced staff.
Understand Cultural Customs
It is important to have an understanding of the culture of Turkey prior to travelling, as each culture has its own set of customs and norms which must be respected and followed. For example, it is often considered rude to point at people, locals are expected to dress modestly and the most polite way of greeting someone is by pressing the hand to the heart. It is also important to be aware of the fact that in Istanbul, personal space is highly valued and appreciated.
Understand the Laws
When travelling in a foreign country, it is important to ensure that you understand their laws and regulations; not only does this prevent unnecessary confusion, but it can also save the hassle of being arrested in the unlikely event of a misunderstanding. It is essential to make sure that your documentation is up to date and that you visit only authorised areas in order to avoid being questioned by the police.
