Exploration is enjoyable when there is a guide. Learn from me on My 2025 Journey & Costs on How I Traveled to Turkey Without an Agent.
Traveling overseas seemed far away to me for a long time. I always assumed it took a lot of money, a lot of contacts, or paying a “travel agent” a lot of money. However, in 2025, I made the daring decision to put that belief to the test by going to Turkey entirely by myself, without the help of any middlemen or agents, using only research, perseverance, and bravery.
This is not a brag post. It’s to demonstrate that, even if you’re just a regular person like me, you can succeed. I’ll tell you the precise actions I took, the expenses I incurred, and the candid lessons I discovered during the process.
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My 2025 Journey & Costs on How I Traveled to Turkey Without an Agent
Why Turkey?
I was drawn to Turkey because:
- It has a rich history and culture.
- Nigerians don’t have to deal with a lot of visa concern because living expenses are reasonably low.
- Numerous Nigerians currently reside, attend school, or work there.
I had no intention of moving. All I wanted was to travel, see new places, and embrace different air. I decided to travel to Istanbul.
Step 1: Inquiry (My Significant Discovery)
I just conducted study for over two weeks. Don’t make jokes. I followed travel personalities on Instagram and Twitter, read blog entries, engaged travel Telegram groups, and viewed YouTube videos.
Important things I investigated:
- How to apply for a visa
- Where to find low-cost flights
- How to reserve lodging (without falling victim to fraud)
- How to exchange currencies and handle cash safely
- What to anticipate regarding lifestyle, culture, and weather
Later on, the research saved me a great deal of problems. You risk wasting money or being a victim of fraud if you neglect your research.
Step 2: Apply for a Turkish Visa
- Visa Type: Tourist Visa
- Time frame: 30 days (one entry)
How I applied is as follows:
I retrieved my documents, scheduled a meeting through their Lagos application center, then went to the official Turkey visa website:
- International passport (with a minimum 6-month validity period)
- Bank statement (my salary account was utilized)
- Photos from passports
- Reservation for a hotel (made using Booking.com and paid for on-site)
- Flight reservation (short-term reservation made through a travel website)
- Introduction letter
- Purchased online, travel insurance
- A cover letter outlining the purpose of my trip
$85 is the visa charge.
I waited after submitting my application and going to the authentication appointment in Lagos.
- 14 working days for processing
- Outcome: Accepted!
To be honest, I felt anxious. But I felt more confident after doing it myself.
Step 3: Make Travel Reservations
I compared costs using Skyscanner and Google Flights. Turkish Airlines far exceeded my spending limit. I therefore purchased a ticket on Ethiopian Airlines that would take me from Lagos to Istanbul via Addis Ababa.
$500 for round-trip airfare
To stay away from dubious third-party agents, I made my reservation directly on the airline’s website. I saved and spent in full instead of using “travel pay small small” or anything similar.
Step 4: Modifications
I chose not to stay at a fancy hotel because I was traveling alone. I used Booking.com to reserve a private room in a pleasant hostel near Taksim.
Price: 7 nights * $22 per night = $154
It has excellent reviews and was clean and safe. I didn’t have to worry about losing my cash online because I simply paid when I arrived.
Step 5: Purchasing Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is necessary in Turkey. I purchased one online from a reliable supplier. I paid about $12 for the whole time I was there. The policy covered things like flight cancellations and medical situations. Fortunately, I never had to use it.
Step 6: Budgeting and Spending Money
I had my debit card and cash on me. In Nigeria, I converted some naira to dollars, and in Istanbul, I converted the dollars to Turkish Lira.
Total Projected Budget:
- $85 is the visa fee. $500 for the flight
- Cost of lodging (7 nights): $154
- $12 for travel insurance
- Transportation & Food: $110
- Museums, tours, and sightseeing: $36
- Purchases & Other: $60
$957 in total.
For an overseas trip that I planned entirely on my own, I paid less than $957 in total.
Highlights of My Journey
- I went on a Bosphorus boat and saw the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
- I drank hot Turkish tea while eating delectable street cuisine like kebabs and simit.
- The vibrant old area of Balat, with its Instagram-worthy walls, is where I took my photos.
- I had the finest time ever using public transportation, the tram, and even getting lost once!
- In general, people were friendly and hospitable. Google Translate was helpful despite the language barrier.
What I Discovered
- Traveling doesn’t require an agent because all the knowledge you require is available online. You can do it yourself if you’re disciplined and patient.
- Always check documents three times. Even minor errors can cost you rejection or time.
- Don’t go broke: Even if you’re taking a low-budget trip, provide extra money for unforeseen circumstances.
- Make an effort to fit in. Dress modestly, show respect for their culture, and steer clear of unneeded attention.
- Do it despite your fear; the trip is worth every uncomfortable minute.
Would I Suggest It?
Absolutely. I hope this post clarifies things for you if you’ve ever wished to travel but thought that agents were your only option.
Is it simple?
No. Is it possible, though? Of course. I’m just someone who made the decision to attempt; I’m not unique. Therefore, begin making plans now if visiting Turkey is on the top of your bucket list.
Read widely, ask questions in the appropriate communities, and save regularly. There is no need for a travel agency. You must have a plan. Leave a comment or get in touch via my contact page if you have any questions regarding my trip or need assistance creating your own itinerary.
I will gladly offer my knowledge at no cost. To see the world, you don’t need to be wealthy. All you need to do is be prepared. A typical Nigerian who decided to take things one phase at a time and go global.
