From Istanbul’s historic mosques to the blue waters of the Aegean and the desert marvels of Abu Dhabi, here’s how we managed a 3-week adventure with a child — and loved every moment of it.
🧳 Why We Chose This Journey
Before the trip began, I was filled with anxiety. Backpacking for 3 weeks? With a six-year-old? While people admired the itinerary, their admiration quickly turned into concern once they realized I was bringing a child along…
📍 Final Travel Route
Route: Istanbul (2) → Cappadocia (4) → Antalya (3) → Kaş (4) → Pamukkale (1) → Çeşme (2) → Athens (3) → Abu Dhabi (2)
✈️ Flights & Transportation
- Domestic: Istanbul → Cappadocia (Turkish Airlines), Cappadocia → Antalya (SunExpress)
- Intercity: Bus
- Turkey → Greece: Ferry
🏨 Accommodation Strategy
Only Istanbul hotels were pre-booked. All other stays were either booked a day before or arranged on site. We used Agoda, Hotels.com, Airbnb, and Google Maps for research and live chat inquiries.
🧠 Family Backpacking Tips & Warnings
- Keep your itinerary flexible; schedule changes happen frequently.
- Domestic flights in Turkey can sell out—book early.
- Beware of scams in Istanbul (e.g., drugged money tricks, fake exchange rate claims).
- Hana VivaX debit card worked great for fee-free withdrawals and payments.
🌍 Must-Do Activities with GetYourGuide
💬 Family Backpacking Final Thoughts
Traveling with a child isn’t easy — but it’s worth every moment. The flexibility, wonder, and spontaneity made this journey unforgettable. See the world through a child’s eyes, and you just might rediscover it yourself.
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