What You Need To Know When Traveling to Turkey From the USA

Going from the United States to any destination in the Middle East, regardless of the country, can be a major culture shock. When planning this type of trip, you will likely have a number of questions about what to expect and how to prepare. Luckily, The Traveling Twin has got you. I cover everything from where to go to what you need to eat in the blog below! 

1. Popular Destinations You Need to Visit 

When you research the top places to visit in Turkey, the first ones that are going to pop up are the biggest tourist destinations. This includes Cappadocia, a region known for its hot air balloons and historical valleys, and a number of southwestern beachy towns. Here is what to expect from each of the top destinations:

2. Safety

In recent years, one of the major tourist questions circulating when it comes to travel in Turkey is whether or not it’s safe. I’m here to tell you that as of 2022, Turkey is deemed a safe country to visit as an American as long as you stay in the proper areas. These areas are typically in the southwestern part of Turkey, away from the Syrian border. I also believe that when preparing for a trip to the Middle East as an American, it’s important to take a look at news coverage and current politics. Always do your research! 

3. Food

Street food is also a very popular type of food, especially in cities like Istanbul. To learn about specific Turkish street foods (and my favorites!) click here.

4. Transportation

From the metro and taxis to Uber, tourists can choose from a number of transportation options in Turkey's major cities.  In smaller areas, many people rely on either walking or taking buses to their next destination. You can also rent a vehicle, or pay a car service to take you from point A to point B. We mainly relied walking unless we were switching from one town to another or swapping hotels. In that case, we would have our hotel schedule car service for us, or we would get an Uber.

4. Clothing

When it comes to clothing, Turkey is a moderate Islamic country, which means that you will want to dress modestly. This typically means covering your shoulders and knees. In the hotter months, I would also recommend bringing a scarf or light shawl to cover your chest. You will see some women in more revealing clothing, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.



When I visited Turkey in August of 2021, I brought many different outfit options. I did my research beforehand and knew the majority of the country was Muslim and that Muslim women are always covered. For many, even their hair is covered. For this reason, I brought longer pants and skirts, shirts that covered my shoulders and did not dip low into my chest, and an opaque scarf in case I needed to cover my head and hair. Even though I tried to fit in and wear traditional garb, as a blonde American woman I was still stared at and pointed at everywhere I went. Therefore, if you are a woman traveling to Turkey, I highly recommend packing as many light but modest articles of clothing as possible, and to be prepared for possible glances no matter what you wear.

Final Thoughts

Turkey is an amazing country to go to. With the proper research and preparations, you can make the best out of your trip and have an experience of a lifetime. From the food, to the culture, to the history, Turkey has something for everyone to enjoy!