Turkey – The World’s Best Kept Secret

The first time I stepped onto Turkish soil, I felt as though I had stumbled upon the world’s best kept secret. As an experienced traveler, I had been to countless foreign lands all over the world and each had its own seduction, some charm that lured me in. But none made me fall in love like Turkey.

My first experience was in Istanbul – the city that is a marriage between two continents and the birthplace of some of the most important chapters in the history of mankind. I can still remember my first Turkish breakfast experience – how plate after plate came from the kitchen until my table could hardly hold it all. I remember how the winding streets drew me in, filled with the tantalizing sights and smells of roasting meats and sweet temptations that I had never seen before in my life. I remember visiting the famous Hagia Sophia, Topkopi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the ever-surprising local Pazar. I was captivated.

But then I began to explore beyond Istanbul. I traveled to the wild and wonderful land of Cappadocia and felt transported to some planet beyond earth. I traveled along the Aegean Sea to Bodrum, Bozborun, Chesme, Fethiye, and Marmaris and found myself stunned by the beautiful coastlines, luxurious accommodations, white sand beaches, and majestic mountain views. I did yoga on the beach at beautiful wellness resorts. I hiked mountains, went paragliding, and glamped under the stars. I spent a night on a yacht and ate at every delicious restaurant I could find. The standards for service, hospitality, and dining in Turkey are unparalleled worldwide. If hospitality is the subject, trust me, the Turks are going to win every time. There’s simply no contest.

And yet even for all those weeks traveling in five-star extravagance, I found myself constantly surprised at how affordable everything was. With every passing day, the question that played in a loop inside my mind became louder and louder.

“Forget Greece, forget Italy, forget the Maldives…. Why isn’t everyone in the world planning a trip to Turkey?”

People travel for all different reasons. Some travel for leisure, some for romance, some for adventure, some to experience history up close. Turkey delivers on every single account. Looking for leisure? Lay comfortably in the arms of Turkish hospitality at a luxurious all-inclusive resort by the sea or near natural thermal hot springs. Looking for romance? Bathe in a private jacuzzi overlooking the Aegean Sea or dance at a nightclub on the Bosporus. Looking for adventure? Go Paragliding in Fethiye or white water rafting in Antalya. In just a matter of hours you can go from city to sea to mountain. You can walk amidst ancient sights and experience rich history. The rich diversity within such a compact area makes it a traveler’s dream.

Even still I’m surprised by the fact that every American, or every human for that matter, isn’t planning a vacation to experience Turkey. In my book, Turkey should be at the top of every bucket list. It should make every top list of honeymoon destinations and perfect family vacations for people around the world.

Somehow, still, it is the world’s best kept secret.

But don’t count on my silence to keep it that way.