DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know About Visiting Bodrum for a Day on the Turkish Riviera Posted on May 20, 2026October 22, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters We walked in and out of little shops along the long footpath near the water until we reached the inner part of the town. Glad to be shaded from the sun by a large undulated tarp of living plants above our heads. We found a little cafe and decided to have a snack which was delicious. The boys got henna tattoos and I bought a few pieces of jewelry. I bought a pendant with the Turkish eye to ward off against the evil eye. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 24 Hours in Istanbul: Exploring Markets, Mosques, and More Posted on October 2, 2024September 13, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters These are the Top 11 Istanbul Places to visit for the flavors, religion, sights and sounds. Straddling two continents, Istanbul, figuratively and literally, has roots in both Europe and Asia. Visit for its unique geographic distinction, heavy in Islamic influence. But fused with European culture, Istanbul is certainly unique because it’s truly where east meets west. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Island Hopping Greece to Turkey: The Best Day Trip Ever Posted on May 24, 2020October 9, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters One of the luxuries of visiting the Mediterranean is being able to island-hop between them. Cruise ships, private yachts, and ferries herd crowds of people from one ancient wonder to the next. But if you’re up for an adventure, ditch the Greek Isles for a day trip to Turkey on… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Best Shopping in Istanbul Turkey Posted on December 18, 2018September 13, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Shopping for Turkish souvenirs in Istanbul, Turkey can be fun, cheap, historic, and delicious. Street vendors, shopping malls and centuries-old markets sell treasures that will remind you of your travels. Whether it’s something fun, edible or just pretty, shopping in Istanbul is an adventure you won’t soon forget. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Traveling to Turkey? Don’t Miss These Powerful Local Essential Oils Posted on October 11, 2018December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters 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” Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Where to Find The Most Scenic Views in Istanbul Posted on October 9, 2018September 9, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines Posted on October 7, 2018September 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Fall in Love with Istanbul Posted on October 1, 2018September 7, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul Posted on September 29, 2018September 7, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Skip the long lines and famous landmarks for a few hours. These four unforgettable stops on Istanbuls European side blend incredible food, waterfront views, colorful markets, and a historic Turkish hammam into one perfect day. From Turkish pizza and Bosphorus sunsets to fragrant spices and centuries-old traditions, this itinerary captures the city at its best. Read more