"Unanticipated Strain": Four factors causing a Turkish traveler to reach a disheartening revelation
A tourist recently shared a detailed account of his two-week holiday in Turkey on Reddit, shedding light on both the allures and the challenges of the popular travel destination.
According to the tourist, the German embassy had provided important advice before his trip, but he still encountered some unexpected issues. For instance, he found smoking allowed everywhere, public toilets cost money, and free Wi-Fi was hardly available, even at large airports.
The tourist's trip turned out to be more expensive than he had anticipated. Hotel and restaurant prices in Turkey increased by 34.16% in July 2025 compared to the previous year, leading to a total cost that exceeded his original budget.
Criticism of Turkey's tourism industry includes issues with rip-offs and fraud. The tourist was disturbed by the excursions to famous sights due to missing English translations and different entrance fees for foreigners and locals. He also experienced harassment by vendors and service providers.
One user stated that they have had more trouble with rip-offs and fraud in Italy than in Turkey. However, another Reddit user fell in love with Turkey in 2021 but was shocked on a later visit in 2023, finding prices five times higher and the people less friendly.
The economic situation in Turkey is indeed challenging. The current inflation rate stands at 33.5%, and the Association of Travel Agencies in Izmir cited this as the main cause of problems in the Turkish tourism sector. The Turkish Union of Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) in Izmir also highlighted the economic situation as a significant factor.
Despite these challenges, Turkey remains a popular destination. It is ranked fourth among the most visited countries by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that Turkey's effective promotion of historical heritage and cultural wealth, strong infrastructure, and tourism diversity contributed to its popularity.
The tourist concluded that his vacation in Turkey was great for sights and animals, but too expensive and stressful. He prefers Greece over Turkey due to the hustle. However, he emphasised that the country is worth visiting for its rich history and natural beauty, provided one is prepared for the costs and potential challenges.
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