My experience on the southwest coast of turkey - as a twenty-three year old girl who has very little fears

The purpose of my writings is not to convince you to travel (if you do, however, share in the same zeal for exploration as I do and desire to travel, within reason, just know I fully support you on this). As a twenty-three-year-old who truly does not fear much, I can gladly handle not knowing everything. So, I am not here to convince you that I do. One simple thing that cannot be changed is what we have already experienced, so in this week’s entry I’m going to share what I have with you. 

I’ve run this topic through my head a thousand times, trying to find words to give this place the credit it’s due. In my short time between Asia and Europe (literally), I met several other travelers who had already taken their ‘proper’ trips to Turkey; exploring Istanbul and stopping in Cappadocia to ride the famous hot air balloons. Even though I did not experience the same (I do wish to at some point), I believe I had genuine exposure to people, food, travel, culture (which was still a good mix of locals and tourists),and more. What makes up a ‘proper’ trip to a new destination anyways? Probably one would allow a visitor to completely immerse themself in the local culture. There really is no single correct way to do it at all. I believe one of the beauties of travel is how it can fit into your life, to fit your goals, interests, and timelines (God-willing). After all, it is the world that you’re plotting to explore, and it’s hard to limit your imagination when it comes to that. 

Now, I've gathered some photos I feel truly represent and summarize the experiences I had in Turkey.

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The reason I landed here was because I was looking for a way to travel long-term. There was a sweet little gig that only required me to take photos of a campsite on the country’s Mediterranean coast (and jump into the sea once a day because it was hot!). If you’re looking to extend your travels, meet other travelers, do a little bit of work in an area you already have skills in, or just do a little bit of work, I recommend volunteering (google Workaway or Worldpackers). The security of having your housing and/or meals covered is definitely worth it while you’re globe-trotting:) 

(The bus ride to the town I was set to stay in) I was the only person that did not speak Turkish. The kid working on this bus, and the man sitting in front of me were kind enough to translate things to English for me. I became so much more thankful for the kindness of people I’ve never met throughout my entire trip. Before I could step foot outside my hotel the next day, a man (whom I think was the manager) stopped me, offered coffee, and we shared a hilarious conversation about our home countries. I also included a grainy picture of the Turkish coffee I got from a hotel on one of my last nights. They asked me if I wanted any, but with it being late at night, declined. Ten minutes later, I hear a knock, and someone hands me a coffee. I've learned to not decline, for the next time I find myself in Turkey, because I’ll end up with a coffee cup in my hand anyways.

​The place I stayed and volunteered at, Butterfly Valley in Fethiye, Turkey. My time here was entirely too short because it is so, so beautiful.

On the first night I woke up to these wonderful friends screaming and falling down the mountain. It isn’t really camping until the mountain goats show up.

After an unfortunate event (me falling out of a kayak with both my phone and camera), I had to make a short trip to another city, Antalya. Fortunately, there was a store that was able to help me. But, of course, I encountered the very first person after almost a week of being in Turkey, who spoke absolutely no English (I had learned some Turkish phrases, but they were of no use in this situation). Another volunteer had so kindly helped me find a last-second (literally) bus ticket to this new city, and we stayed the night there. While she continued her journey the next day, I stayed and explored the city until the camera was done. Now, I crave days when I am in a new city and have the freedom to wander at my own pace. ​

The second person I met where we had a language barrier, was a guy that approached me at the spot in the pictures above. I pulled out my phone to use a translator app, and he told me was also traveling solo. The rest of the conversation got lost in translation, but I could tell by this person’s body language that they were as equally excited and scared as I was to be traveling alone. Me, almost on the other side of the world, and him, still in his home country, but experiencing similar feelings. 


Not all travel looks the same, just as not all my travels over my lifetime will look the same (I’m not sure I could recreate this experience if I tried). Even though I’m not here to convince you to book a ticket or go beyond borders, I would be thrilled if this post leaves you thinking. If exploring is for you, I hope you find places just as wonderful and as captivating as I have, however you chose to do it.