Going to Turkey - ALONE!

[sr203]

I am a newly single 25 year old and I have just booked my first holiday abroad - alone. Boo. Boyfriend dumped me and I need and deserve a break. Is this kind of thing safe? Have any other women done this? Is anyone else going to the Dost Apts Gumbet on 18th June?!

[warpig3]

I have travelled to many places on my own and you will be fine as long as you use your common sense, just watch out for the turkish lads, they will approach you with phrases like 'hello lovely lady, you have beautiful eyes'. I must admit I found this rather amusing but my friend actually believed them and no amount of me explaining that they say this to all women would change her mind. That said, take it as a compliment and have a bl**dy great time.

warpig

[jno]

Muslim country, so dress modestly when you're away from the beach. You don't need a burqa, but covering your shoulders and upper legs is probably no bad idea. At night don't do anything you wouldn't do at home (getting smashed and collapsing in the gutter etc). I've always found Turks kind and courteous, but flirting with younger ones may give the wrong idea. Have a great time!

[Reverandfunk]

Get ready to be continually harrassed by sweaty Turkish men calling you "pretty lady".

[vehelpfulguy]

Bit late now, but there are lots of companies that cater for the single traveller.

Like here

http://www.travelone.co.uk/

http://www.solosholidays.co.uk/

A search in Google for "singles holidays" find loads more.

That way you travel as a single, but also as a party so it is safer.

[spaced]

althoug Turkey is beautiful and the people are wonderful, its not a place i would go to alone if I were female.

[sr203]

brilliant. all i want is to get a nice tan, read some trashy novels, listen to my i-pod and relax and think about my potential new boyfriend! i wish! i will take care and i doubt i will be out on the streets after dark, i am too much of a wimp for that anyway! SCARED NOW

[warpig3]

Sr don't be scared, just be street wise and smart, if you are in a situation that doesn't feel right, leave! Also don't get p*ssed in strange company, as I say use your common sense. Also the travels I have had on my own were the best holidays ever! You can please yourself, do what you want and there is no falling out with companions.

[sr203]

i dont drink really so i wont be getting drunk thats fo sho! all i want to do is sunbathe in peace, listen to music, read in peace and do some swimming and jogging on the beach! i am sure i will get lonely and shed some tears that my scabby ex was that bad that holidays alone are what i am resorting to, but hey - onwards and upwards!

[JK2]

sr203 you will have a great time. Turkish men are very charming but remember that they daren't touch their own single women so they are randy as hell. Having said that I have been going to Turkey for over 30 years - usually with a friend - and it's my favourite country (and I am well travelled all over the world).

Have also had my share of flirtations but these have usually been with more educated Turks rather than waiters etc. If you behave well you will be treated well.

I have never ever felt at risk anywhere in Turkey that I have been. I'm off there again on 24th June to Antalya for a week to get some sun & some nightlife & also to go to the Ballet & Opera festival . I go every year for at least a long weekend if I can't manage longer.

Off to China in November and I reckon that will be a lot more of a hassle of a different sort!.

[KARL]

In my opinion you are probably safer at your turkish holiday destination than you would be in the dodgy areas of each and every UK city. Think of the more overt male attention as a different version of wolf whistles, cat-calls, etc. It is definitely correct that the muslim strait jacket has unfortunate side effects, plus the reputation of western women in such countries tends to take on a fantasy glow where all of them are loose and gagging for it. As more or less everyone has said, be sensible and you will have a good time. It already sounds as if you are a very level headed individual so I wonder what motivated your ex boyfriend to part with you - did he feel inferior to you and wanted to get onto a more level playing field ?

[northboy]

went to gumbet 3 years ago-average,there a re better places in turkey though.
bodrum is a bus ride away,it is nice there.
just watch out for the turkish lads though

[jno]

warpig's right, no need to be scared, just sensible. Feel free to go out with the crowds in the evening - Turkish cuisine is wonderful - just don't wander round dark back alleys on your own any more than you would at home. And for my money holidays alone are much more refreshing than with someone else - no compromises to make, just do what you feel like.

If called pretty lady, just smile and shake your head politely, and don't be talked into buying any carpets you don't want..

[mightywease]

Kike most people have said don't be scared. I went to Istanbul on my own a few years ago and had no trouble.

Yes I was approached by people, mainly wanting to sell me carpets or jewellary or stuff and I did get stared out quite a lot being a woman on my own but I never felt in any danger. If someone stared I just looked away, if someone became too intent on persuading me to look at their shop I just said I was very sorry but I was on my way to meet friends. Like KARL said the attention can be a bit like a version of wolf-whistles in this country - just ignore it. If you do find it becoming a bit unwarrented (one guy did try to slide his hands on to my bum while selling me a bag) a loud shout of "Stop that!" works. Potential embarrasment is a good weapon.

As long as you remain friendly and polite, take the usual precautions you would take at home (don't go down dark alleys, don't 'advertise' your money/phone/camera) and be sensible you will be fine.

Turkish people are charming and friendly and I had wonderful conversations with them ranging from football to politics.

Have a great time and enjoy being free, single, able to do what you want and not have to put up with your scumbag ex anymore!

[Scylax]

Many years ago a solitary woman set off from
Britain, to travel via Moscow to Samarkand.

Samarkand was then a 'forbidden' city, closed
to all Europeans, ESPECIALLY women.

Nonetheless this brave lass made the journey
and returned safely, to write up her experience
called :'South to Samarkand'. Read it on the beach
in Turkey....it's good.

Be your own woman,SR, and you'll feel priceless.
Women are not as helpless as we menfolk like
to pretend. Enjoy your trip.

[rabbitdrop]

yes - agree with previous post. dont be in a rush to meet someone else. there are plenty of fish in the sea......

[joannie10]

you will have a great time - sounds like you are just looking for some relaxation time so you will be fine. I do always go on holiday with a group of friends but I bet you will get chatting to people that are in your hotel or have been on your flight if you want some company. Unfortunately not going to Turkey but for example we are a chatty bunch and would always find ourself chatting to other holiday makers.