8 Travel Tips from 8 Inspiring Women Travelers

For International Women’s Day on March 8, eight remarkable women travelers shared their travel recommendations exclusively for Flyista readers. Which one would you choose?

1- Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Gem of the Balkans

Şükran Meydan / @PustoDunya

Would you like to visit a country that will embrace you the moment you step foot in it? Then without hesitation, I say head to Bosnia. Its food and architecture will feel familiar, and the lively music you hear will make you want to dance. You’ll find yourself smiling when you catch Turkish words in conversations. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with Bosnia.

If you’re ready, I’m about to take you on a quick journey through the must-see spots of Sarajevo and Mostar. Let’s get started!

Don’t Leave Sarajevo Without Seeing These

The heart of the city, Baščaršija, is a typical Ottoman bazaar with its mosques, covered market, inns, and fountains. The symbol of the city, Sebilj, is the main meeting point for both tourists and locals. Trust me when I say, the best kebabs, pastries, coffees, and desserts are all around this area.

Walk along the street that starts at Baščaršija and ends at the Eternal Flame, which has been burning since World War I in memory of the fallen. From the midway point of this street onward, Western architecture begins to take over — mosques give way to churches and synagogues. That’s why Sarajevo is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe.”

During a walk along the riverbank, you’ll come across the Sarajevo Library and the Latin Bridge, where World War I began. Sadly, two of the most visited places in the city are the War Museum, which tells the story of the Bosnian War, and the Martyrs' Cemetery where Alija Izetbegović is also buried. While you’re up there, don’t miss climbing up to the viewpoint known as Tabya, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Sarajevo.

All these places are easily accessible on foot. If you want to venture a bit further, I highly recommend taking public transport or a taxi to visit Vrelo Bosne Park in the Ilidža area and the War Tunnel, which changed the course of the war. What you see may sadden you, but remembering the painful face of war is essential to ensuring that history doesn’t repeat itself.

And don’t worry — Sarajevo isn’t just about sorrow and history! At night, you’ll find plenty of vibrant entertainment venues, each with its own unique theme, where you can dance the night away to lively Balkan music.

Don’t Leave Mostar Without Seeing These

Now, let’s move on to Mostar and its breathtaking bridge. Cross the pedestrian-only Mostar Bridge and walk down to the banks of the Neretva River to admire its beauty from below. Dip your feet into the river and listen to the soothing sound of the water.
Another stunning view of the bridge awaits you from the minaret of a nearby mosque. You read that right — you’re allowed to climb the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for a spectacular view.

While you’re in Mostar, it’s definitely worth dedicating a day to visit the nearby Blagaj Tekke, the Turkish village of Počitelj, and the natural wonder of the Kravice Waterfalls. You won’t regret it!

In this article, I tried to give you a brief glimpse of the must-see places. I truly hope all of you get the chance to visit this beautiful country that has touched the hearts of everyone I know who’s been there — just as it touched mine.

2- A Slice of Paradise: Indonesia

Ruşen Junandar / @Junandar Ailesi

When I was around 18, I was constantly on the move. As a dancer representing Türkiye across Europe, I had more chances to travel. It was during those days that I first heard about Banda Aceh in Indonesia.

Banda Aceh is a city (Kotamadya) located at the northwestern tip of Sumatra and serves as the capital of Aceh, a special autonomous province (Daerah Istimewa). Throughout history, it was known as the "Gateway to Mecca" as it served as a stopover for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. It is also the only city in Indonesia where Turkish settlements can be found. Relations with the Ottoman Empire were strong in those days — and that hasn’t changed even today. Especially after the tsunami disaster, Türkiye’s assistance is something the people here have never forgotten.

Places to Visit in Indonesia

Before talking specifically about Banda Aceh, I want to tell you a little about Indonesia. Indonesia, one of the most populous countries in the world, has a population of over 250 million people, with Muslims making up 98% of it. Unlike Bali, where Hinduism is widely practiced, here in the city centers, not only temples but also mosques stand out. And these mosques have such beautiful architecture that it's impossible not to admire them. Some stand out with their simplicity, while others are massive structures where up to 300,000 people can pray at once.

If you ever find yourself in Indonesia, make sure to add these places to your travel list: Istiqlal Mosque, Yogyakarta, Bali, Bandung-Lembang, Lombok, the Gili Islands, Ubud, Borobudur Temple, and the capital city Jakarta.

Indonesian Cuisine

When it comes to what to eat in Indonesia, dishes made with local ingredients take the lead. Colorful salads and rice porridge are must-haves at every meal. Seafood-based salads are also among the most commonly consumed dishes.

At breakfast, fruits are always present on the table. For lunch and dinner, the stars of the table are usually main dishes made with tofu, rice, and other ingredients. Soups are served with your choice of ingredients, so you basically prepare your own soup. Indonesia’s unique local cultures, which you encounter in various ways, caused me to experience a full-on culture shock — and I'm sure it will amaze you too.

Now, let’s talk about Banda Aceh…

I’m writing these lines from the garden of my private house in Banda Aceh, as a mother, an influencer, and a woman married to someone from Aceh. We spent two years living in a cute little house in the Lanbaro Forest, chasing away monkeys with slippers to protect our bananas and avocados. That’s actually how people in Türkiye got to know me — millions of women watched my videos and supported me.

Did you know that monkeys aren't afraid of women? That’s why they kept stealing our bananas, and all I could do was watch. Harris could only end this chase when he returned home from work.

Growing avocados, bananas, starfruit, mangoes, and pineapples in our garden was a unique experience for me. The days we spent in that village house were both wonderful and tragic. I say tragic because we weren’t the only ones living in that forest. One of our local neighbors, for instance, was swallowed by a python while picking vegetables from his garden.

The local people are so accustomed to such disasters that it didn’t affect them as deeply as it did us — they don’t call this region the “Ring of Fire” for nothing.

Although Indonesia is a slice of paradise, it is still a geologically young country. This means you could encounter volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or floods at any moment.I’m sure many of you remember the tsunami disaster here — maybe it was the first time you even heard the name Aceh. My husband Harris, who is a lecturer in Aceh, lost many family members and friends in the tsunami. Even today, a massive ship remains in the city center, stranded there after the waters receded. It still stands as a powerful reminder of the disaster, which is why it hasn’t been removed. Visitors often come to see it, along with the Tsunami Museum.

If you ever make it here, there will be so much for you to see, explore, and experience. As for me, as a wanderer living far from home, I’ll be here waiting for you — in the garden of my house.

3- A Charming Aegean Town: Foça

Merve Aygün / @Atlas.Guides

You know that dream many people have about living in a small seaside town along the Aegean coast? Well, Foça is the perfect place where that dream truly comes to life — a charming coastal town in every sense.

In ancient times, Foça was one of the important settlements of Ionia, and today, it is considered one of the most significant towns of the Aegean because it is home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seals. The town is divided into two areas, Old Foça and New Foça, and it captivates everyone with its untouched bays and beaches. During boat tours at sunset, getting a close view of the legendary Siren Rocks as well as Orak and Incir Islands — both famous in mythology — makes the experience even more magical.

Old Foça

Old Foça, with its harbor always bustling with fishing boats, offers a more nostalgic holiday experience thanks to its historic stone mansions and the Five Gates Castle (Beşkapılar Kalesi). Besides that, it’s the unforgettable local flavors of Aegean cuisine, the legendary mulberry and mastic ice cream of Nazmi Usta, and the coastal promenade where sunsets are watched like a grand ceremony that make Old Foça truly special.

New Foça

New Foça, on the other hand, is more modern, popular for its public beach in the town center. It’s much livelier and more crowded than Old Foça, but you can still spot charming stone mansions, especially in the streets behind the coastline. Kozbeyli Village, famous for its historic houses and delicious dibek coffee, is also located close to New Foça. Kozbeyli, one of the most touristic villages of Foça, is a favorite spot for strolling through its narrow streets and listening to the soothing sounds of nature.

Foça is a wonderful choice for enjoying a delicious meal, spending time with loved ones along colorful streets that lead to the sea, and swimming to your heart’s content. Although Foça transforms into a different kind of beauty in every season, it becomes even more delightful in the spring and summer months.

4- The Capital of Gastronomy: Gaziantep

Aslı Dumlu / @Aslının Yolları

As the plane begins to descend and the red earth greets you from below, you realize that you are about to visit a truly magical land. Welcome to Gaziantep — the city that carries the pride of an honorable struggle in its name, where the historic Silk Road once passed through, where the streets are filled with the scent of history, and where gastronomy reigns supreme.

It’s impossible to explore this city in a single day, but I’ll try to summarize it for you in a few lines. Its status as the capital of gastronomy makes it an essential destination for culinary tourism. If you choose to arrive early in the morning, you can start your day with liver kebab and then complete your breakfast with a katmer pastry at Zekeriya Usta. Be sure to have your morning coffee at Tahmis, as it’s one of the very few places in the country where you can find menengiç coffee.

After your coffee, you can start visiting countless important spots on foot through the Old Bazaar area. Some of the must-see places include Tütün Han, Gümrük Han, Bakırcılar Bazaar, Kaleoğlu Cave, the Bath Museum, the Historic Naib Bath, the Atatürk Museum, Almacı Bazaar, the Gaziantep Game and Toy Museum, Gaziantep Castle, and Bey Mahallesi, which has been beautifully restored to its original charm. Within a full day, you can visit all these special locations on foot and, when you get hungry, savor the legendary flavors of Gaziantep’s cuisine at the famous İmam Çağdaş restaurant.

Before heading to the airport for your return flight, I highly recommend visiting the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. The stories behind the mosaics are just as mesmerizing as the mosaics themselves.

Known as the "Paris of the East," Gaziantep is one of the most developed cities in the region, thanks to its strong trade volume. With its rich history, vibrant culture, incredible cuisine, warm-hearted people, and stunning landscapes, it truly deserves this title.

Wishing that one day you’ll have the chance to meet this special city face to face...

Best regards,
Aslı

5- Türkiye’s Westernmost Point: Gökçeada

Nuray Çalışkan / @Seyahat Bir Edebiyat

The westernmost part of our country, this unique island where we watch the sunset, is a bit challenging to reach. If you are coming from the Çanakkale side, you first take a ferry to Eceabat, then drive to Kabatepe. If you are coming from the Gallipoli side, you can head directly to Kabatepe and from there take a ferry. After a 2-3 hour sea journey, you will arrive at Gökçeada.

Once you step ashore at Kuzu Harbor, you’ll find that this fertile land is home not so much to a bustling city center, but rather to a handful of charming villages. To name them: Bademli, Zeytinli, Tepeköy, Kaleköy, Dereköy, Şirinköy, Uğurlu, and Eşelek. Among these fascinating villages, the ones that stand out the most are Kaleköy, Zeytinli, and Tepeköy.

Zeytinli is a nostalgic, lush village with cobblestone streets and many charming cafes and businesses. I can honestly say I spent most of my time here. My favorite spot was Mina Café, with its wide range of homemade desserts — especially the panna cotta. Taking lots of photos in this beautifully decorated café is a must.

As for Tepeköy… This Greek village, set among vineyards with a stunning view, draws attention with its lively tavernas, old stone houses, and narrow streets. Thyme honey, olive oil, and mulberry syrup are among the most famous local products in this tourist-favorite village.

Kaleköy offers a completely different experience. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset. In the taverns built high on the cliffs at the farthest point of the island, you can raise a glass to the day’s end while enjoying live music and the breathtaking sunset view.

Gökçeada’s Beaches

Now, about the beaches: Kefalos (Aydıncık), Laz Bay, Uğurlu Beach, Hidden Harbor, and Yıldız Bay. The island’s largest and most famous beach is Kefalos, with its dazzling golden sands. It’s a favorite among surfers, as the open sea often brings strong waves.

Laz Bay is always calm like a milk sea. There’s only one establishment there, but it’s a much-loved spot.

Yıldız Bay is preferred by those who love rocky beaches. Since there’s no sand, it may not feel like a typical beach, but it’s fascinating to see the interesting patterns carved into the rocks by the waves.

My personal favorite is Hidden Harbor, just beyond Uğurlu Beach.

The facilities at this pebble beach are fantastic. Sunbathing and swimming at this still-undiscovered, secluded harbor are among the greatest pleasures. And swimming in its crystal-clear waters is simply indescribable! Because of the pine forest behind it, it’s also a favorite spot for campers.

Efibadem Cookies That Will Leave a Lasting Taste

In these charming lands, where transportation is quite easy, there’s also the famous Efibadem cookie, a true legend.
With its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and crunchy dough, it leaves an unforgettable flavor, while the whole almonds scattered throughout add an extra layer of deliciousness. In short, if I were to sum up my three-day Gökçeada trip, it would be like this cookie — leaving a lingering, delightful taste! Flavorful, fun, joyful, happiness-inducing... A brand-new experience.

6- The Land of Beautiful Horses: Cappadocia

Didem Türkmen / @Didemmturkmen

Cappadocia is the most stunning natural wonder that could have ever been created from the lava and ashes of volcanic mountains. It’s a land that not only people in Türkiye but also many around the world are now familiar with, and yet every time you see it, its extraordinary nature leaves you in awe. The name "Cappadocia" comes from its beautiful horses. Although it is often thought of as another name for the city of Nevşehir, since the famous fairy chimneys are mostly concentrated there, Cappadocia actually spans across four other beautiful cities as well: Kırşehir, Niğde, Aksaray, and Kayseri.

At sunrise in Cappadocia, the day begins with the sight of balloons soaring into the sky. As you continue your day with a trek through the Ihlara Valley, you'll find yourself deciding where to enjoy your coffee: will it be with the stunning view where Mount Hasan and Helvadere Lake meet, or atop Temenni Hill in Ürgüp, with the entire city spread out beneath your feet? It is highly recommended to end your day in the Red Valley, because the visual feast at sunset is something you’ll never forget.

In Cappadocia, it’s also possible to feel the spirit of multiple eras. You can visit the tomb of Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli, the great thinker of the 13th century whose teachings on love and tolerance are still deeply valued today. You can travel back thousands of years underground by exploring the ancient underground cities built during the Hittite period, where the first Christians fled from Roman persecution and found refuge. You can also visit the ceramic workshops in Avanos and watch artisans practice pottery, an art form as old as human civilization itself.

This region, which has hosted countless cultures and has so much history that even pages would not suffice to tell it all, has always been incredibly enchanting and precious to me. And if you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, make sure you try "testi kebabı" — a local pottery kebab — when you do!

7- A Magical and Enchanting World: Meteora

Filiz Saka / @The Memory Creator Family

When tourists travel from Türkiye to Greece, the most popular destinations are often the Greek islands such as Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Mykonos, and Crete, or the city of Thessaloniki. However, in a country like Greece, with a history believed to span millions of years, there is far more to discover beyond these well-known spots.

After an emotional visit to Thessaloniki, we set our course for Meteora, located about three hours away (approximately 230 kilometers). Meteora is a city in the Thessaly region, consisting of the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki.

You can reach Meteora by driving your own car, joining one of the daily bus tours departing from Thessaloniki, or taking the train. Since we arrived late at night, we didn’t get to see the city immediately, but our first mission the next morning was to visit the monasteries. As we approached them, we began to see the massive rock formations. It might just be the most fascinating, striking, and breathtaking natural wonder we have ever witnessed. A magical and utterly enchanting world. It wouldn’t be wrong to call it a fantasy-like place, just like in the movies — in fact, some scenes from the "Game of Thrones" series were filmed here.

The structures are built atop gigantic rocks that rise 300 to 500 meters high and cut sharply through the valley. That’s when we truly understood the meaning behind the name "Meteora," which means "suspended in the air" or "hovering in the heavens."

Geologists believe that this magnificent natural wonder dates back around 60 million years. However, it wasn’t until between the 9th and 14th centuries that monks began arriving here to seek solitude and build monasteries. During this period, more than 20 monasteries were constructed. Today, six of them are still standing and open to visitors. The most famous among them is the Great Meteoron Monastery — the oldest and largest monastery in the region, perched atop a towering rock at an altitude of 615 meters above sea level. To reach it, you need to climb 146 steps. It’s hard to believe, but these steps were only built in 1923; before that, access to the monasteries was possible only by using wooden ladders and ropes.

Other monasteries in the region that are open to visitors include:

• Holy Trinity Monastery
• Roussanou Monastery
• St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
• Varlaam Monastery
• St. Stephen’s Monastery

8- VIETNAM TRAVEL STORY

Kübra Kara / @Gezmeden Duramam

Without a doubt, Vietnam was one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. I was already deeply interested in this country before I went, but after exploring it, I fell even more in love with its nature, its people, its food, and its vibrant streets. As I visited historical sites that witnessed an incredible story of liberation and listened to the tales firsthand, my respect for the Vietnamese people grew even deeper.

The first thing that usually comes to mind about Vietnam is that getting a visa can be difficult. However, we easily obtained ours through a local agency, and just like that, we were off to explore Vietnam!

When it comes to food and drink, Vietnam is a country where you won't struggle at all. Their soups and noodles are especially delicious, but if you plan to try seafood, be prepared for a slightly different experience. It’s a good idea to be cautious when ordering. For lively dining and shopping, Bui Vien Street is a great option, and another must-visit is Ben Thanh Market and the night market right behind it. Here, you can enjoy your meal and also buy souvenirs, hats, magnets, coffee, and more. The shops on the side streets are definitely cheaper, and one thing you should absolutely never forget: bargain hard, everywhere and all the time! :)

The next day, we set off for the Mekong Delta. After about 1.5 to 2 hours, we transferred to a large boat, where we tasted candies made from coconut along the way. Soon, a heavy rainstorm began, and we transferred again to a small boat to reach another tiny island where we would have lunch. I strongly recommend carrying lightweight raincoats and wearing open sandals while traveling around Vietnam, because it’s famous for its sudden downpours. But don't worry — the weather is so warm that you never actually get cold. After lunch, we enjoyed a river trip on small rafts with four people each. Even though the rain had muddied the water, it was truly a wonderful experience. Later, we watched a local performance with traditional Vietnamese music and tasted some local fruits before heading back.

The following day, an incredible experience awaited us: visiting the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where a crucial victory was won during the Vietnam War. It took us about two and a half hours to get there. One important thing to note: there are two tunnel sites, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Duoc is the original 250-kilometer-long tunnel system, manually built, and we chose to visit this one. We toured the Ben Duoc tunnels with a Vietnamese guide. These tunnels, located about 10 meters underground, were designed as hidden living spaces. Various booby traps were set up in the forests, and people lived like ghosts in these tunnels for 21 years. Even the chimneys were built 700 meters away from the living areas to prevent the enemy from detecting smoke. During the war, they would wear their rubber shoes backward so that their tracks would mislead the enemy. The entrances to the tunnels were camouflaged with leaves, making them almost invisible from the outside. The sacrifices and ingenious engineering displayed by the Vietnamese people left a deep impression on me.

Visitors can also try shooting some of the weapons used during the war — I tried the AK47. In my opinion, this place should be on everyone's must-visit list in Vietnam. In addition to the tunnels, other important sites to visit in the city include the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon (very similar to the one in Paris), the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, which becomes lively especially at night. Another place that deeply moved me was the War Remnants Museum — originally called the "War Crimes Museum," but renamed for political reasons. This museum documents the actions of French and American soldiers during the war. As you walk through it, you may find yourself overwhelmed with emotion. Award-winning war photography is also part of the exhibit. In the garden, you can see warplanes, tanks, and other vehicles from that era.

The Capital: Hanoi

Later, we traveled to Hanoi, the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam. Our main goal was to see the famous Halong Bay. We planned to stay overnight in a private cabin on a boat, go squid fishing at night, and explore the natural beauty of the bay for two days. When we arrived at the port to board the boat, we were surprised to hear that a typhoon warning had been issued, and overnight stays at sea were prohibited. The weather was sunny and 34°C, so it was quite unexpected! We had lunch on the boat, gliding between massive limestone rocks scattered across the sea, and then we got into small rowboats to explore the surroundings. After visiting a large cave near the Chinese border, the weather suddenly changed. Torrential rain poured down, and boats began colliding with each other on the water. Wearing our life jackets, we prayed as we made our way back to shore. Although we were told to be prepared for anything, they also managed to organize fun activities — like a "Spring Roll" cooking class — to keep our spirits high. 😊

In Hanoi, we stayed in the historical area known as the "Old Quarter," located just north of Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a lively area in the evenings, with a street layout that reminded me of Nevizade in Istanbul. Food prices were quite affordable, and most places in the area were within walking distance. For spots a bit farther away, we used the Grab app — very convenient, reasonably priced, and you know the fare beforehand.

One of the most fascinating places was undoubtedly Train Street. Imagine a narrow street lined with cafés on both sides of the railway tracks. People sit, eat, and drink right by the tracks, but when the train approaches, everyone quickly clears the way; after the train passes, life resumes as if nothing happened. In fact, people specifically visit this street to witness the train pass at scheduled times during the day.

Vietnam’s national hero, Ho Chi Minh, whose birth name was Nguyen Sinh Cung, was a true admirer of Atatürk. His mausoleum, where his embalmed body rests, strongly resembles Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s mausoleum in Türkiye). Visitors are allowed inside in small groups and move through quickly to pay their respects. Ho Chi Minh once said, “We always admired Kemal. He won independence for Türkiye, and we had to fight our own battle. Ours was much longer and more arduous.” Following in Atatürk’s footsteps, the Vietnamese leader left a deep impression on us as we visited his resting place.

I also highly recommend visiting the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, which left a significant impact on me. Other places worth exploring include St. Joseph's Cathedral, Ngoc Son Temple, and several other museums scattered around the city. It's a good idea to spend a few days in Hanoi and visit the places that interest you. In the evenings, Hoan Kiem Lake becomes a vibrant hub, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

In the Old Quarter, you’ll find plenty of shops selling non-original outdoor brands, and don’t forget to try Vietnam’s famous egg coffee while you're there!

Wishing everyone happy, healthy, and travel-filled days, where we can explore the world freely...