Every year, Turkey’s tourists leave behind millions of dollars of VAT refunds. On the surface, the process seems simple. Bring your passport along on your shopping trip. Complete the necessary documents at the retailer. Track down the right folks at the airport when you leave. Go home with some extra…
Tag: ASIA
Explore Asia through rich traditions, dynamic cities, and peaceful retreats. Find travel guides, cultural experiences, and personal stories that help you navigate this vast region with confidence and curiosity.
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Traveling to Turkey? Don’t Miss These Powerful Local Essential Oils
There’s long standing history with aromatherapy and essential oils in Turkey– the practice of using extracted natural oils from the flowers, stems, leaves and roots of plants. Their ability to affect well-being can be both psychological and physical. Therefore, it makes perfect “scents”
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Where to Find The Best Scenic Views in Istanbul
The Best views of Istanbul include the iconic cityscape– mosques, palaces, minarets, and the boats skipping across the waves of the Bosphorus. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here, making it world-class for history lovers.
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Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines
We land at 4 pm— a half-hour past the free tour offered by Turkish Airlines. That sucks, I’ve taken one of those tours before, and they are pretty good. But we’re not out of luck. There is another night layover tour we’ll catch that’s not free. Watching Istanbul go from…
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Turkish Airlines Long Layover
Free City Tour of Istanbul I love long layovers if it allows me to explore a new city. And Turkish Airlines offers a great perk if you have a long layover Istanbul. They offer ticket holders a free Istanbul tour. It’s a great option if you have at least a…
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How to Fall in Love with Istanbul
It’s so easy to fall in love with Istanbul. The city is so beautiful– so romantic, it resembles the set of an epic love story. Romance in Istanbul is around every corner. You can smell it, hear, feel it with each step. And every street brings you face to face with a…
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Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul
I love Istanbul, Turkey. Apart from its architectural beauty, it’s also the only city in the world that straddles two continents– Europe and Asia. The Asian side does have its share of attractions– especially the food stalls and cafes in Kadiköy Market. However, the majority of the well-known tourist attractions…
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How to Experience Istanbul’s Asian Side Like a Local
Because they visit the more popular areas, most first-time visitors skip the Asian side of Istanbul. That’s a shame, since it’s one of the best places to enjoy authentic Turkish food and drink. While the European side has the big tourist attractions, the Asian side offers a calmer pace, welcoming…