Galata Tower in Turkiye, Istanbul. (Goturkiye)
People love to ask travel writers like me for places they recommend. That makes sense. In the past 18 months alone, I’ve landed on all seven continents in her life.But don’t ask me about it Turkiye If you are in a hurry. She was 25 years old and broke when she first visited 10 years ago, but she continues to sing the praises of her destination until her voice dies. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly fun or a five-star stay (which is what I’m all about these days), Turkiye has it all. Thanks to new nonstop flights from Detroit to Istanbul, it’s more accessible than ever. Ideally, you could take a month off and travel across the country. However, if you only have a week or two, start below.
istanbul
You can’t help but admire this seaside city that straddles two continents and was once the capital of three iconic empires. The locals are loyal and even the city cats seem to be on vacation. Plus, everything from drinking morning tea (served in clear glasses to enjoy the colors) to bathing in the underground Turkish hammam is a fascinating experience. I learned the art of bartering in the bustling Grand Bazaar, admired his 180-degree views of the Bosphorus from the Galata Tower, and just wanted to move there for two nights in the effortlessly fashionable neighborhood of Karakoy. I looked for a house. Despite being Catholic, I can’t deny that Hagia Sophia is one of the most amazing chapels I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Pro tip: wear socks; Shoes are not allowed inside the mosque.
Bodrum
In stark contrast is the coastal city of Bodrum, where the traditional wooden gulet I boarded on my eight-night San Juan You cruise moored next to a multi-million dollar fiberglass yacht. This port city boasts one of Europe’s finest marinas, the Yalikavak Marina, where you can shop at Dior and dine at Zuma. But here is also the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of his seven wonders of the ancient world. You can walk everywhere in the old town, but as you explore on foot, you’ll find remnants of Bodrum’s previous life as a sleepy fishing village. But at night, I drank and danced down a mile-long bar street dedicated to nightlife. And forget about FOMO. The laid-back Torkegian lifestyle allowed me to be completely present and made even the most mundane moments feel magical.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the Anatolian Show, where martial arts meets acrobatics at Halikarnas, the city’s oldest club.
Hot air balloon, aerial view of Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkiye. (Goturkiye)
cappadocia
Cappadocia is not the hot air balloon capital of the world. It’s rich in history (take a tour of the underground city of Derinkuyu, which dates back to the 7th century BC, or explore the mysterious cave churches of Göreme) and has plenty of geographical features. From whimsical 100-foot-tall fairy chimneys to a snow-covered 12,851-foot-tall inactive volcano, this part of central Turkiye is made for the ‘gram. Perspective is everything here, so hundreds of hot air balloon safaris are launched every day. Still, many people believe that this magical landscape is best enjoyed on horseback. And don’t forget to embrace your inner sommelier and sample some of the region’s fine wines. Cappadocia’s fertile soil produces the rare Emir grape among other famous varieties.
Pro tip: Make your own ceramic souvenirs at the Avanos pottery workshop or buy a hand-woven rug at Cappadocia’s colorful bazaars.
The iconic Sumela Monastery in Turkiye. (Goturkiye)
Trabzon
A former Silk Road hub on the Black Sea and surrounded by mountains, Trabzon appeals to my inner adrenaline junkie. On my bucket list: paragliding on Lake Uzungol, a popular alpine resort for adventurers, laying the first track at Zigana Ski Center, one of more than 40 ski resorts in the country; and includes a hike to Sumela Monastery, a marvel of Greek Orthodox engineering. 4th century AD. Built into a cliff, it offers breathtaking views of the ever-green Altinderre Valley National Park below on clear days. Of course, no trip to Trabzon is complete without refueling with Akçabat his koftesi (fried meatballs).
Pro tip: If you’re not claustrophobic, go caving at Cal Cave, the self-proclaimed second longest cave system in the world.
Aerial view of Porto Cenevis Bay, Antalya and Turkiye. (Goturkiye)
Antalya
The beating heart of the Turkish Riviera is blessed with 231 Blue Flag beaches. For comparison, there are only two in the United States. But there’s much more to this resort-filled region than world-class sandy beaches and surfing. Just 85 miles north of the city, Köprülü Gorge National Park has crystal-clear rivers meandering through it and is a natural playground for rafters, campers, and hikers. The dramatic Duden Falls, close to town, is a popular picnic spot. Lower Falls cascades over cliffs and into the ocean. With Roman, Ottoman, Seljuk and Byzantine influences, Antalya does not disappoint culturally. Built 2,000 years ago, Aspendos is the best-preserved theater of the ancient world and still hosts concerts, opera, and ballet. Antalya’s old town Kaleici is a living open-air museum.
Pro tip: Embrace your inner emperor and enter Kaleichi Pass by the triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate, built especially for the visit of Roman rulers in 130 AD.
Katie Jackson is a freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she’s chasing a Leonberger named Wilko.
