Asia

Turkey

Of all the countries we've traveled to, the people were the kindest and more hospitable in Turkey. The Middle East often gets a bad reputation in the American media, but I have found it to be such a wonderful place to visit. There is so much history and culture, not to mention adventure, and I felt so much safer in Turkey than I do at home in the USA!

Top Locations

Istanbul: A city split between two continents (Europe and Asia). Istanbul has so much history, from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. It's also home to the Grand Bazaar: one of the oldest covered markets around the world.

Cappadocia: One of the most unique landscapes on Earth, famous for its "fairy chimneys." Cappadocia has become Instagram famous over the past decade as a hotspot for hot air balloons (over 100 launch for sunrise almost every day of the year). It's also famous for its underground cities, including Derinkuyu.

Ephesus: One of the best preserved Roman cities on Earth.

Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz): Where Turkey meets the Mediterranean. If you're interested in paragliding, check out Ölüdeniz.

Pamukkale: A collection of bright white terraces and thermal pools.