English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
This week marks my 55th birthday and I’m finding it hard to comprehend how life has transformed for me over the last 12 months. This time last year, I was in Turkey, enjoying a couple of the weeks sampling some of the highlights of the country, having just signed up for another dating app (this time it was Hinge).
I wasn’t expecting anything. Just a bit of flirting, hoping for some fun banter and a few dates to get me out and about.
I actually didn’t even want a relationship. I was perfectly happy being single.
And yet here I am, one year on. Engaged and with a whole new intriguing life unfurling in front of me.
It has taken a lot of (over-whelmingly positive, occasionally challenging) adjustments but I am incredibly excited to see what the future brings. It just goes to show, you never know what is around the corner!
Looking back, I remember first “meeting” Larry, while I lay on a sunbed in Ölüdeniz.
But rather than bore you with my musings about how different my life has become, this week I decided to wax lyrical on what a great country Turkey is!
I originally went to meet my niece who was at the end of her big 3-month European odyssey. Turkey was her final stop, and I was able to treat her to a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia for her birthday. It gave us both a very special experience to share, while also fulfilling one of my big Life List ambitions.
But although I went for balloons over ethereal landscapes, it would be a shame to miss the wonders of Istanbul or the opportunity for a final bit of beach action before the end of the summer.
So, this is how I planned a two-week itinerary and why I chose these spots to stop:
Istanbul
Istanbul is a must-include destination on any Turkey itinerary because it serves as the heart of the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy.
When in Istanbul, some must-see sights include:
Hagia Sophia, a monumental building that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now museum, showcasing the city’s layered history.
Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and exquisite tile work, it’s another architectural marvel not to miss.
Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans once resided, to admire its intricate courtyards and my favourite section, the harem.
The Bosporus River by boat offers stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline. The Grand Bazaar will immerse you in the city’s vibrant market culture. And finally, don’t forget to indulge in a traditional hammam (or steam bath) to help you relax before the next leg of your journey.
Click any of the links above to see it for yourself or, HERE to get my advice on how to see all of this with just 48 hours in the city.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a must-include destination due to its otherworldly landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Known for its fairy chimneys, towering rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings, Cappadocia feels like stepping into a dream. The region’s unique geological features, shaped by volcanic eruptions and centuries of erosion, create an awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure and exploration. The area is steeped in history, with underground cities and cave churches that served as both refuges and places of worship for early Christians. Cappadocia offers a rare combination of natural beauty, history, and unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
When in Cappadocia, don’t miss these:
Hot air balloon ride at sunrise, which provides a breathtaking view of the surreal landscape bathed in the morning light. And if you can’t or don’t want to take to the skies, then watching this phenomenon from a roof-top terrace is just as mesmerising. Especially don’t miss the chance to stay in one of the towns unique cave hotels.
Göreme Open-Air Museum is another highlight, where you can wander through ancient cave churches adorned with well-preserved frescoes. I took the Red Tour which combined this with a whole host of other mind-blowing landscapes.
In addition, a sunset horse-riding tour finishes the day at a different kind of pace.
Again, click the links above for the details, or HERE for my highlights of Cappadocia video.
Fettiye
Fethiye offers stunning coastal beauty, ancient history, and adventurous activities. Nestled along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Fethiye showcases a perfect mix of picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green mountains. I was hoping to explore the coastline (hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages, inaccessible by land) on a traditional Turkish gulet (boat). Unfortunately, having not booked anything beforehand, I arrived to find that I had literally missed the boat (they had gone the day before, or were not due out again until a few days later, by which time I would need to be heading home). So, if you would like to experience this, take my advice and book ahead!
So, instead I chose to head to the beach at Ölüdeniz.
Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz is home to one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, known for its serene, turquoise waters and stunning natural surroundings. Tucked between towering mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Ölüdeniz offers a tranquil escape with its famous Blue Lagoon, a protected nature reserve. The calm, warm waters make it a perfect destination for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling, while its unspoiled beauty draws visitors from all over the world.
Or alternatively, you can choose to do what I did and see it from above. As a “birthday treat” for myself, I ran off the side of Babadağ Mountain on a paraglider! It was an exhilarating activity offering bird’s-eye views of the Blue Lagoon and the surrounding coastline. It’s considered one of the best paragliding spots in the world due to the ideal wind conditions and panoramic scenery, so would be rude not to indulge!
So, have you been to Turkey? If not, which one of these destinations or activities appeals to you most? Or if you have, where else would you recommend? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
If Turkey isn’t your thing and I haven’t been able to tempt you with everything so far, then how about Singapore? You may have noticed that my YouTube has been a bit quiet over the last month as I take stock and get cracking on my next tranche of new videos. But I’m pleased to say, I’m back!
This week marks my first NEW VIDEO for a few weeks, as well as a birthday spent two years ago sampling some of the delights of Singapore. A wander through Chinatown, tasting the original Singapore Sling cocktail at the place it was invented, the Long Bar in Raffles (OK, I admit it, maybe two!) and discovering the breathtaking views from the roof of iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Check it out for yourself HERE.
And if you are interested in my adventures on the Camino de Santiago, then stay tuned as I will start bringing those to you next week.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
PS Don’t forget to sign up if you are interested in my “almost ready for you” course, Find My Way – The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. It isn’t about solo travel. It isn’t about expensive, month-long adventures, it IS about instilling the confidence you need to take that first step on your own personal travel journey. However big or small, long or short, near or far. If you want to travel but have no idea where to start, then click HERE now and get your name on the list to be the first to know…and maybe pick up an offer or two as a result.
More of my Adventures…
Video – City break to Istanbul – MUST DO 48 hours in Turkey Itinerary
Video – What to do in Cappadocia – DO NOT MISS these activities!
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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