Inside a Solo Traveler’s 2-Week Turkey Journey: Highlights & Tips

12.08.2025 - 13:56

A user on Reddit's popular r/solotravel community, which has over 4 million members, shared details of their first solo travel experience in Turkey. The young traveller, who had not travelled abroad for many years, decided to break away from his routine life after the pandemic and embark on a new adventure alone. The 26-year-old traveller shared their two-week itinerary, which started in Istanbul and ended in Antalya along the Mediterranean coast, as well as their memories and lessons learned during the trip. So, let's see what a two-week solo trip in Turkey feels like!

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According to the user, who had not travelled abroad for four years after the pandemic, the user set out on his journey to escape the monotony of everyday life and seek a challenging experience. After purchasing his tickets, he informed his family and friends of his travel plans, but his decision was initially met with surprise and concern. Nevertheless, apart from some safety warnings before the trip, no one tried to prevent him from going ahead with his plans.

First Stop, Istanbul: History, Culture and Warm Social Atmosphere

The first stop on the two-week trip was Istanbul. The user spent six days here exploring the city's historical and cultural riches. Walks from Istiklal Avenue to Taksim Square, visits to mosques and palaces were important parts of the itinerary. Thanks to the hostel's central location and warm atmosphere, the user said they never felt lonely despite travelling alone. Meeting and chatting with travellers from different countries and participating in social activities together were among the most valuable moments of the trip. The user recalls his experiences with the public transportation systems in the city, and states that it is like nothing he has seen before. He also strongly advises other travellers to stick to buses or metros instead of taxis.

Izmir: A Short Stop at Historical Beauties

He has mixed feelings about Izmir, where he spent three days on his route. He was impressed by the grandeur of the ancient city of Ephesus, but said that the social atmosphere of the city did not quite meet his expectations. He said he would like to remove Izmir from his itinerary and spend this time in Kaş or Antalya instead.

Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: Bad Hostel, Great Paragliding Experience

The traveller who reached Fethiye after a long bus journey says that the hostel he stayed at was a big disappointment. He felt lonely in this place, which he found to be quite inadequate in terms of cleanliness and social environment. However, paragliding from Babadağ in Ölüdeniz made him forget all the negativity. During this experience, which he described as ‘one of the most beautiful moments of the year,’ he noticed the smile on the face of an English tourist he met and congratulated him, making it one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip.

Kaş: Four Days Full of Diving and Nature

A traveller who spent four days in Kaş remarks that it is one of the best diving spots in Turkey. They experienced the magical underwater world through a discovery scuba dive. They also visited Saklıkent Canyon, where they had the opportunity to go on a nature walk and walk in the cool waters. They mentioned that they would like to obtain a diving certification here in the future. Despite the hostel's quiet social atmosphere, they noted that the experiences offered by nature were satisfying.

Antalya: Relaxation Plan Turned into a Social Gathering

The user had planned to end their trip in Antalya, the final stop of their journey, by relaxing in a comfortable hotel. However, upon learning that a friend they had met in Istanbul was also there, they changed their plans. They met up with their friend and their friend's friends, explored the city, and enjoyed the nightlife. Spending their final night with the new friendships they had formed, creating unforgettable memories, capped off their Turkish experience.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations from Travel

The user emphasises that one of the most critical points in solo travel is choosing a hostel. They say that staying in a friendly environment that is open to social activities reduces feelings of loneliness and makes the trip more enjoyable. They add that spending more time in Kaş and Antalya instead of İzmir, especially obtaining a diving certificate, will make the trip more fulfilling.

They highlight that their greatest discovery was how friendly and helpful people are. They mention that simple conversations open the door to new cultures and friendships. They also emphasise that Turkey offers unique opportunities for solo travellers with its history, culture, nature, and gastronomy.