Going Solo to Turkey – Chapter 1: Getting ready to travel

Single Silver Traveller Christine Reid travels to Ovacik in Turkey with Solos Holidays and writes a regular blog for Silver Travel Advisor about her experience.

Turkey the country of Turkish baths, clashing colours, white beaches, blue lagoons, boat rides and  hot mud pools where goddesses once bathed. Local shops with patterned carpets, sweet tea  in glass cups on silver trays, and charming people that enchant you to spend your money. Turkey, the exciting country where Europe slips into Asia and the bells of beautiful mosques call the faithful to prayer. Where Constantinople, the old name for Istanbul, leaves her legacy of walls and temples, domes and art to capture our imagination.

I am going to Turkey, how lucky am I? The decision is made, the excitement is building  and I fly on 27th May. In just a few weeks I am boarding a plane in Gatwick heading to Dalaman Airport which will take four hours. Then it is just 53 km to the hotel in Ovacik. Hotel Olu Deniz which looks tranquil and charming, and I am looking forward to my week’s stay there.

As a solo female traveller I was searching for somewhere that offered not only sun to the winter weary but also an exciting place to explore.  Somewhere to wander with a camera, sit under a sunshade sipping cool drinks while chatting with the locals. Hills to climb and crumbling temples that make time slip, sunsets to marvel at, somewhere to hear of gods who whisper their stories through the ages. The famous turquoise lagoon in a protected area surrounded by pine trees sounds divine and is close to Ovacik.

I wanted a hotel that offered a private room without single supplements in a place that was small enough to notice if I managed to lose myself in the mountains.  A place with reasonable transfer times and a pool, a few shops and interesting places to eat nearby. A beach with clear water and boats that offer day trips to pretty lagoons. The chance to visit Rhodes in Greece for the day, travelling by hydrofoil for less than an hour is tempting too.

This holiday can be booked through Solos Holidays. The price is reasonable and breakfast along with three evening meals is included.  Solos’ reputation for providing excellent holiday accommodation for single travellers is good. I am hoping this hotel, being new to the Solos Holidays list is great too.

Set at the base of the mountains three miles from the beach this looks a perfect place to stay. I shall let you know if Turkey is as fabulous as it looks.

See also

473 people found this helpful
17047

Share Article:

Christine Reid

Solo travel blogger

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.