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Original poster

Never travelled alone before - turkey?

171 replies

fabmaccawhackythumbsaloft · 06/09/2023 23:17

I've found an all inclusive for turkey for 10 nights for next year in sept so,hopefully not too many kids around (nothing against them just done my stint !)

It's a 5* hotel

I'm a bit of a wuss about holidaying alone as never done it but I'm assuming this is a safe bet and safe for a lone traveller , I mean it's a package 5* all inclusive, I'm not planning on backpacking through the Amazon or anything

I just want a relaxing break in the sun , nothing taxing , not bothered about even leaving the resort tbh this time , just something to get my confidence up to do more alone , so 10 days in a warm sunny climate with the safety of knowing everything is paid for

I'm in my 50s and this is a big deal for me and not had a holiday for 6 years

Nothing can go wrong can it ......I mean it's a safe bet

OP posts:
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7
HermioneWeasley · 07/09/2023 06:59

I know the area well and staying in the resort you’ll be fine. Enjoy - I’m jealous

Youonlygetonelife19 · 07/09/2023 07:00

You will have a lovely time. In an AI hotel you will be able to completely relax with no hassle whatsoever.
If you do go out dress modestly, and be firm but polite if approached. Just as you now need to be in the UK in many places.
Enjoy!

exclusion · 07/09/2023 07:00

Go to Greece

GCAcademic · 07/09/2023 07:02

I spent a week alone in Istanbul and had no hassle whatsoever.

Paris, on the other hand . . .

Original poster
fabmaccawhackythumbsaloft · 07/09/2023 07:07

I suppose I
Could also look at canaries

OP posts:
Clymene · 07/09/2023 07:10

People are being ridiculous - if you stay in the resort you won't get any hassle at all

BitOutOfPractice · 07/09/2023 07:14

If you stay in the resort you will 100% fine.

the horror stories people are telling are in the street, away from the big seaside tourist areas.

i have been to both. I wouldn’t do Istanbul alone. I absolutely do aN AI resort in turkey alone.

have a great time!

geoger · 07/09/2023 07:28

fabmaccawhackythumbsaloft · 07/09/2023 07:07

I suppose I
Could also look at canaries

Look at Cyprus - esp the south east coast for stunning beaches or the Greek Islands eg Kos and Ehodes

dressedforcomfort · 07/09/2023 07:35

I went to Marmaris with a female friend when I was in my 20's. Swore I'd never go back.

Had waiters trying to get us drunk in restaurants.
We were followed and harassed on a daily basis. My friend was a natural blonde and attracted a lot of unwanted attention - random men trying to touch her hair. We literally felt trapped in the hotel. By day 4 we were in tears pleading with the tour rep to get us on a flight home.

We were young and naive and just assumed if we were in a tourist resort, dressed sensibly and didn't get smashed the we would be fine. Not the case. The men were extremely predatory - like nothing I have ever experienced before.

Honestly OP, if you've only paid a small deposit so far, would seriously consider cancelling and going somewhere else. You'll get far less grief somewhere like Greece or Portugal.

dressedforcomfort · 07/09/2023 07:37

the horror stories people are telling are in the street, away from the big seaside tourist areas.

Not true. We were in a big tourist area and even the waiters in the hotel were leching on us.

Clymene · 07/09/2023 07:38

dressedforcomfort · 07/09/2023 07:35

I went to Marmaris with a female friend when I was in my 20's. Swore I'd never go back.

Had waiters trying to get us drunk in restaurants.
We were followed and harassed on a daily basis. My friend was a natural blonde and attracted a lot of unwanted attention - random men trying to touch her hair. We literally felt trapped in the hotel. By day 4 we were in tears pleading with the tour rep to get us on a flight home.

We were young and naive and just assumed if we were in a tourist resort, dressed sensibly and didn't get smashed the we would be fine. Not the case. The men were extremely predatory - like nothing I have ever experienced before.

Honestly OP, if you've only paid a small deposit so far, would seriously consider cancelling and going somewhere else. You'll get far less grief somewhere like Greece or Portugal.

So not staying in an all inclusive 5* resort and not leaving it then?

Original poster
fabmaccawhackythumbsaloft · 07/09/2023 07:41

We'll also just seen Cape Verde,

OP posts:
SoRainbowRhythms · 07/09/2023 07:43

People are making a 5 resort sound like a holiday in Cambodia during the reign of pol pot.

That's the MN specialty!

Go for it OP. A resort holiday with your only real dilemma being what to have from the buffet is perfect.

costadelay · 07/09/2023 07:45

I think you'd be absolutely fine, very safe and the type of resort you're staying at you wouldn't even need to leave. Sounds heavenly and I'm very jealous!

itsmyp4rty · 07/09/2023 07:47

When I was early 20's I travelled across France and Spain and had loads of men leching over me. In Blois I had a man in a car pull up and ask me to give him a blow job (in very clear English!), I had someone invite himself into my tent, I had an old Spanish man put his arm around me on a train, I was flashed as I walked up to the Alhambre. It wouldn't stop me travelling there alone again though.

I've been to Turkey and loved it, was with family but would happily go and travel around there again alone. Now Egypt I wouldn't go to alone, but Turkey I definitely would - I would be dressing conservatively though when I was travelling, no strappy vest tops or short skirts.

nottaotter · 07/09/2023 07:49

@fabmaccawhackythumbsaloft You will be absolutely fine in a resort, I have travelled on my own to many countries and you will love it.

All you have to worry about is what to pack!

Braindeads · 07/09/2023 07:53

Have a look at Sundia Liberty Fethiye in Calis (with Jet2). More adult oriented and very safe, the staff are fabulous and you won’t feel at all uncomfortable or on edge. There were a few single women travellers when we went who looked like they were having a great time relaxing and eating the fabulous food.

VinnieVanLowe · 07/09/2023 07:54

I think it sounds great. I would happily go to turkey on my own. I've been several times, last time it was just me and 2 children, and don't recall getting any hassle.

I would say don't just stay in the resort every day - get out and about, there is so much to see and do in Turkey. You can always book a couple of excursions if you don't want to travel about on your own.

RichardMarxisinnocent · 07/09/2023 07:55

RunningUpThatBuilding · 06/09/2023 23:43

I went to Turkey once and swore I'd never go again (which I fully intend to stick to).

I had various men offering to "buy me" from my male friend (they assumed he was my partner). I was also literally grabbed on the street in daylight by men attempting to drag me off.

The local rep for our hotel (female, Turkish) advised me not to go anywhere alone at any time, particularly saunas/massage places as, "You will get raped".

Horrendous terrifying experience.

Meanwhile I've been to Turkey 4 times, once alone to Istanbul for a sightseeing holiday, 3 times with a male relative for a more beachy holiday, but still with some sightseeing and never had anything like that happen. In Istanbul I went to a hammam alone, in the beachy place also spent time alone. The "worst" thing that happened was having people at every restaurant we passed in the evening calling for us to eat there, which annoyed my relative but I just ignored

Original poster
fabmaccawhackythumbsaloft · 07/09/2023 07:56

I'm back to turkey
Terrible reviews for Cape Verde

Canaries didn't look as good either hotel wise

OP posts:
OnTheRunWithMannyMontana · 07/09/2023 07:58

I would never visit Turkey again let alone by myself.

Lecherous men everywhere and I was actually sexually assaulted by one of the hotel cleaners in the toilets. Worst holiday of my life.

miniegg3 · 07/09/2023 08:06

Turkey is beautiful and the resort looks lovely.

However as others have said you will be pestered by men as a lone woman. I was sexually assaulted (on the street) twice when I travelled there as a young woman, although it was 20 years ago, times may have changed. Just stay in the hotel and stay safe is my advice if you do go

OhYetAnotherBrickInTheWall · 07/09/2023 08:09

I’ve been to Turkey on my own twice.

Small, chilled but beautiful hotel (no ‘animation’ or entertainment thank god), slightly out of main town. Spent most of my days as you plan to - chilling by the pool and some wandering down to the beach, market and a beach club (daytime). I even got a cab (organised by the hotel)!

Absolutely recommend!

Got brilliantly looked after, no hassle, found the men to be really respectful actually. They looked (I’m gorgeous, natch!) but no touching.

GO!

(I’ve also done Egypt on my own in a similar situation - no hassle apart from shop owners wanting me to buy things).

BOOK IT!

KrisKaz · 07/09/2023 08:11

I just registered with mumsnet to specifically answer your post. I live in a holiday resort in Turkey and have done for 25 years. Although I acknowledge that there are dodgy men everywhere, the general pictutre being painted of Turkey is completely wrong. It is a very respectful country where the people are the kindest and most helpful you could find. As for dress code, yes, if you went to inland or to the east of Turkey, the clothing is more reserved, but any holiday resort is like anywhere you would find in Spain etc. The Turkish people dress exactly the same as the tourists. I am on our boat at the moment and I could take a photo to prove this. Don't worry at all about coming here solo.

Braindeads · 07/09/2023 08:13

Seriously, you will be FINE staying here, have a look at their Facebook page, no issues for lone women traveller’s at all

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g298031-d23259525-Reviews-Sundia_Exclusive_By_Liberty_Fethiye-Fethiye_Mugla_Province_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html