40 Best Turkish Souvenirs: Your Guide to What to Buy in Turkey

Wondering about the best Turkish souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Turkey? Then you’ve come to the right place! If you’re traveling to Turkey, you’re undoubtedly wondering what to buy. There are so many great Turkish souvenirs that things get a bit overwhelming. That’s how I felt during my time in Turkey. I…

white boats with blue eyes painted on the bows sitting in turquoise water.
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Is Malta Part of Italy? Everything You Need to Know!

Have you ever wondered: Is Malta part of Italy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Malta is a small independent country smack-dab in the middle of the Mediterranean. While Malta has been an important port of call for Mediterranean traders for centuries, many people today haven’t even heard of this small island nation. And to be…

view of medieval stone walled city along blue harbor
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Malta vs. Sicily: Which Should You Visit In 2024?

Trying to decide between Malta and Sicily for your next vacation? Then you’ve come to the right place! Sicily and Malta share many common features. Both these Mediterranean islands have deep and interesting histories, stunning beaches, and delicious food. However, despite these commonalities, Sicily and Malta provide vastly different travel experiences. I’ve traveled around both…

mosque in istanbul at sunset, viewed from the bosphorus river. birds circle the minarets of the mosque.
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Is Istanbul the Capital of Turkey? No, and Here’s Why

Have you ever wondered, “Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?” If so, you may be surprised to learn that it’s not! Although many people think that Istanbul is, the capital of Turkey is actually Ankara. But, as the largest city in Turkey and a major European capital of culture, why isn’t Istanbul the capital? This…

rooms cut into stone, illuminated with orange light, in the underground city of Kaymakli.
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Kaymakli Underground City: Complete Visitors Guide (2024)

Planning to visit Kaymakli Underground City in Cappadocia and wondering about the logistics and what to expect once you get there?  Then you’re in the right place! I was in your shoes not too long ago, planning a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Turkey and trying to figure out the best way to visit Cappadocia’s mysterious…

photo of hand holding turkish lira, the currency of Turkey and the right money to use when tipping in Turkey.
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Best Turkish Tip Calculator (2024)

As a traveler who has visited over 25 countries, I’ve experienced many rich cultures, informative museums, and heritage sights. Even for an experienced traveler, it can be a bit perplexing to navigate tipping etiquette in new places. Traveling through Turkey was no exception. Much of the guidance on tipping in Turkey offers conflicting information, such…

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Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City: Which Is Better to Visit in 2024?

The underground cities of Cappadocia are some of the most famous landmarks in Turkey. But which should you visit, Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground city? When I visited Cappadocia in December, I was fortunate to visit these remarkable underground cities. In this post, I compare Kaymamli vs Derinkuyu underground cities to help you decide which to…

the western wall and dome of the rock in Jerusalem, Israel
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Geography Matters: Is Israel in Europe or Asia? Everything You Need To Know!

Wondering whether Israel is in Europe or Asia? Then you’ve come to the right place. Israel, a small Middle Eastern country about the size of the state of New Jersey, is located on the continent of Asia. There are many incredible places to visit in Israel, and for a small country, it certainly packs a…