Turkey has a serious problem with its international image. Americans see the country as a breeding ground and facilitator of Islamic terrorism.
They also see it as a violent place where visitors have to be ready for a terrorist attack which is not true but this misconception refuses to go away.
There were 4 mass shootings in the US this week alone but somehow Americans are brainwashed to believe other destinations are unsafe which is so bizarre to me.
- Even though drinking alcohol is not popular among religious people, you can buy and drink alcohol. In some regions of Turkey, especially on the Mediterranean coast, there are some amazing wineries, and there’s even a Turkish brand of beer; Efes Pilsen.
If you are planning a Turkish gulet cruise getaway with your family or friends, but your most significant worry is safety. Let me put your fears to sleep because Turkey and especially Bodrum is one of the safest most luxurious destinations for Black Americans.
Some Americans have a fear of traveling to a Muslim country. I’m here to tell you, after visiting Bodrum that while Turkey is a Muslim majority country, its laws are mostly not based on religion.
I never felt unsafe in Turkey and I didn’t worry about carrying my backpack in the front, I never worried about my electronics being stolen if you visit small villages, people will just welcome you like a Queen or king. (No joking, remember Turkish hospitality)
Turkey is a very large country known for its hospitable people and Ottoman cuisine, and it is still an essential center of various cultures that blend into one.
Sailing Turkey on an SCIC-Sailing luxury yacht you can discover historical cities, beautiful coastline, sparkling sea, amazing food, and incredible nature.
There has been a spread of misinformation and fear among tourists. For this reason, it is no surprise you are asking “Is Turkey safe?” In this post, I will help you understand fact from fiction when traveling to Bodrum Turkey.
Perhaps you want to go on a gulet cruise in Turkey, but safety issues worry your mind. However, you should know that it is safe to travel to Turkey, especially when going on a gulet cruise since they take part in touristic regions far from problematic areas.
Unfortunately, tourism suffered in the last few years because of the political situation that was happening in some parts of the country.
To be exact, tourists are being advised to avoid the regions near the Syrian border, which can be uncertain. Contrary to depictions in some media outside Turkey, this country is generally safe, people are polite and helpful, regardless of other person’s nationality.
As a matter of fact, it is among the top 10 most popular destinations in the world.
New Updates:
- Turkish Ministry of Health announced on April 26, 2022, that masks are only required indoors in public and education transportation vehicles and health institutions.
- U.S. citizens planning to travel overseas or currently overseas and planning to return to the United States should contact their airline for specific information about testing requirements for travelers. Airlines may adopt and modify their own specific policies to implement the CDC’s testing rule.
Country-Specific Information:
- Turkey has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
- The Turkish Ministry of Health releases Turkey’s daily vaccination and COVID-19 numbers at https://covid19.saglik.gov.tr/.
- Tourists/Non-Citizens:
- Passengers, regardless of their nationality, over the age of 18 who have not been vaccinated or with no record of Covid-19 (recovery) are required to submit PCR tests with a negative result, performed at most 48 hours before their domestic flight, as of September 6, 2021. PCR tests are not required in domestic flights for those who are vaccinated and flight is at least 14 days after the second dose or for those who are in the immunity period after a Covid19 infection.
Is Turkey Safe: Fact vs. Fiction
Turkish people are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people you will ever meet!
Turkey is not only friendly, it is, in many ways, safer than Europe and North America, although no place is completely safe. Here are some travel danger statistics to put things in perspective.
US Department of State
The US Department of State has a travel warning on its website which includes this (as of September 2019) Level 2 warning:
“Exercise Increased Caution” is the statement for the whole of Turkey with only the below significant warnings mentioned:
“Do not travel to:
- Areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders due to terrorism. (Level 4)
Reconsider travel to:
- Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Van (Level 3)”
Read the entire Travel Advisory.
The Embassy of the United States in Ankara website also issues useful advice.
The Best Turkish Gulet Yacht Charter Company
SCICSailing Turkish Gulet Charter
Chartering a Turkish Gulet from SCIC- Sailing is a great chance to do all of these things, and more. Depending on which Turkish Gulet you charter with SCIC-Sailing you will have access to swimming, beaches, and even exploring Cleopatra’s Island.
For many people, Turkish cruise tours are an unparalleled vacation opportunity. There’s something to be said for taking in all that luxury while traveling; it’s different than any other vacation experience out there.
One thing is for sure: It’s one that can only be truly understood by experiencing it yourself! If you’re planning on visiting Bodrum, I highly recommend looking into booking a luxury cruise as part of your trip.
These cruises offer guests some of the best amenities around – from lounging on the deck to delicious gourmet food prepared daily– not to mention some breathtaking views.
Cruising is often viewed as an activity for older adults but I traveled with content creators of all ages with my husband and me being the oldest at 50.
I suggest you visit Bodrum, Turkey now as it is slowly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and each year the number of visitors is increasing.
Turkish authorities are doing a good job of providing safety, and security is high so you should feel safe as long as you keep out of borders with Syria.
There is no true reason to fear a Turkish gulet cruise here are a few additional reasons to visit Bodrum:
- Turkey has very hospitable welcoming people, especially African American tourists.
- Taste some of the greatest cuisines and desserts that will leave you wanting more.
- Visit historic towns like Bodrum, Gocek, Antalya, Marmaris, and Fethiye.
- Visit Turkish villages.
- Turkey’s coast also has some of the most stunning beaches in the world followed by resorts that are surrounded by the turquoise sea and it offers some of the best value for money vacation options!
Gulets originated from Turkey and this type of vacation can guarantee you the best possible luxury cruise experience in the privacy and comfort on board.
All gulets also come with a professional English-speaking crew who provide excellent service during the whole cruise. In Turkey, you can get the best value for your money than anywhere else!
SCICSailing INFORMATION
For further details, visit the ScicSailing website to download the ScicSailing Sailing Brochure which is full of photography and facts.
The ScicSailing sailing cruises are 1 or 2 weeks, from Saturday to Saturday.
Individual sailing cruise 1 week per person including breakfast/lunch/5 dinners/all snacks in-between and all drinks including alcohol is priced from $1071.00 to $1271.00
Request a ScicSailing Holiday Brochure here.
Website: scicsailing.eu/en/
Email: info@scicsailing.eu
Photo Credit: HDYTI
Terrorism in Bodrum
The chances of you being a victim of terrorism in Bodrum are extremely low. Bodrum is probably one of the safest destinations in Turkey and you don’t even have to worry about pickpocketing let alone terrorism.
Is Bodrum Safe for Solo Travelers?
It is very safe to travel to Bodrum alone as a Black woman. Because Bodrum is located off of the coast they are accustomed to seeing swimming suits, shorts, and tank tops.
The men in Turkey are very respectful and you will not be harassed or receive catcalls from men because you are sunbathing on the beach.
If you feel threatened and worried about your safety, you can ask people around you for help also.
Is Bodrum Safe for Families?
Bodrum is completely safe for families, solo travelers, friends, couples, and generational travel. Families of all kinds are welcomed to Bodrum and the hospitality of the Turkish people is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
It doesn’t matter if you are exploring a remote village, a local coffee shop, or the upscale mall that houses the Louis Vuitton store you will be made to feel as if you belong in Bodrum.
If this is your first time traveling to Bodrum you will see families of all ages because it is a very safe destination. There are playgrounds all around the marina and you will see children of all ages playing.
Important Phone Numbers for Emergency Situations
Below is a list of important phone numbers to learn before your visit to Bodrum, Turkey:
- 112: Emergency call center
- 155: Police
- 156: Gendarme
- 110: Fire department
Hospitals in Bodrum
I strongly suggest doing your research no matter the destination just in case something happens you will know where the local hospital is located and how you will pay for treatment if something unexpected happens.
Bodrum Public Hospital is the only public hospital in the region and if you are skeptical about Bodrum Public Hospital another option is Acıbadem Bodrum Hospital which is a relatively better option than Bodrum Public Hospital.
The best hospital to go to in Bodrum is Private Bodrum Hospital and below are some additional hospitals in Bodrum:
- 75. Yıl Milas Public Hospital
- Datça Public Hospital
- Marmaris Public Hospital
Consulates Near Bodrum
There are numerous consulates in Bodrum and Mugla province that you can go to if you have ever found yourself in a situation in which you need to contact your country’s embassy.
Keep in mind that you need an appointment before going to a consulate. Additionally, the opening and closing hours of different consulates might be different.
In Bodrum, you can find Austria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, India, and the United Kingdom consulates. And also, there is one consulate general in Bodrum.
Turkey Travel Warning
One of the most popular places along the Turkish coast, Bodrum brings in a million visitors each year. Such crowds can lead to unexpected dangers such as dangerous roads and drinking water that may not always be pure.
This ancient port means lots of beaches during the day and lots of dancing at night. However, you need to take special care in places like the airport and the roads as well as with the water.
The BJV Airport
The airport to Bodrum is very small so you will not be enjoying cocktails in a state-of-the-art lounge. With that being said keep in mind that eating and drinking options are limited. There are a few restaurants on-site but nothing lavish.
Water and Cocktails
Prior to chartering your yacht I suggest checking with SCIC-Sailing to find out if there are any warnings that have been issued by the local authorities.
Also, I was told to try Raki which is a popular local alcoholic beverage that is very strong. This Turkish national drink is made of twice-distilled grapes and aniseed.
Raki is serious business in Turkey. It’s the go-to spirit for celebrating a promotion or a birthday or for muting the pain of a job loss or the end of a relationship.
Buying Knock-off Handbags in Bodrum
Turkey is the third biggest exporter of counterfeit products to the EU after China and Hong Kong, according to data on the value of goods seized.
Falls in the value of the Turkish lira and the deterioration of the Turkish economy are further fuelling demand as such items become cheaper to traders buying in euros.
Foreigners can buy a high-quality replica Gucci, YSL Fendi, and other high-end luxury brands for pennies on the dollar. Turkey is very well known for its’ production of high-quality textiles and leather goods.
Although I’ve seen counterfeit items in NYC I never thought there would be so many fake designer bags in Turkey of all places.
The more hidden the knock-offs were the better the quality of the items. I can tell you that I was shocked! As someone who appreciates the real bags, I know most of the details which you need to pay attention to.
I have even bought pre-owned items in my past and always made sure these were authentic by purchasing them from a trusted seller such as trendlee or the real real.
My fear of buying a knock-off is always front and center but my bestie Rhonda is a luxury handbag connoisseur, thus we have discussed all the details one needs to pay attention to when buying a pre-owned bag.
This knowledge obviously helped me so I could spot the differences in the fake ones. I traveled to Turkey with both my authentic Gucci and Fendi bag and the day I walked around the City Centre I was wearing my Gucci crossbody and I couldn’t tell the difference between the bag I had on vs. the replica.
I was in shock by the quality of the bags and the price point. If you are going to purchase a knock-off while in Turkey I suggest doing your research and really understanding leather and what makes a good bag.
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ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
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Is Turkey Safe? Yes, especially Bodrum Turkey. Is Sailing around the Turkish Riviera with ScicSailing on your bucket list now? If you were aprehensive about experiencing the beauty of Turkey’s Aegean coast on a 7-day luxury cruise from Bodrum you should be!
Does visiting hidden bays and beaches, swimming, and snorkeling in the turquoise waters sound like heaven to you?
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