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Home • Travel

Black Travel Vibes: Soar Above It All In Cappadocia

ESSENCE's exclusive guide on how to see, taste and experience the hottest destinations in Black travel.
Black Travel Vibes: Soar Above It All In Cappadocia
Photo Credit: @samia_jay
By Danielle Pointdujour · Updated December 6, 2020

Can we tell you a not so secret secret? Black women love Turkey, actually, to be more specific, we love Cappadocia! Jetsetters flock to the bi-continental country (Turkey sits in both Europe and Asia) year after year to check one very special experience off their travel bucket lists – hot air balloon rides.

Colorful images of Cappadocia’s magical hot air balloon adventures can be found all over social media, with guests to the are planning their visit and choosing the perfect accommodations months in advance. One traveler who recently visited the unique region is Samia Jay (@samia_jay). The Lisbon based e-commerce coach fell in love with the wonders of Cappadocia and has vowed to return again and again.

Samia’s gorgeous photos are sure to fill you with envy, that’s why we created an exclusive guide to this epic adventure that will have you ready to book a flight to magical Cappadocia tonight.

01
Welcome to Cappadocia
A semi-desert region known for its distinctive fairy chimneys and caves, Cappadocia is located a short flight from the Turkish capital of Istanbul and is best known in the social media travel space for breathtaking, colorful and wondrous images of its daily hot air balloon adventures. April to June and September and October are the best time to visit for great weather and low winds. 1 Turkish Lira equals 0.175210 USD, making Turkey a pretty affordable destination.
Black Travel Vibes: Soar Above It All In Cappadocia
Getty Images
02
Cave Hideaway
The best part about staying in Cappadocia has to be sleeping in one of the many unique cave accommodations available. But be warned, rooms like the ones at Sultan Cave Suites sell out months in advance as travelers from across the world make plans to take flight and do it up for the ‘gram.
Black Travel Vibes: Soar Above It All In Cappadocia
Photo Credit: Sultan Cave Suites
03
Traditional Meats
Meat lovers rejoice! Traditional Turkish cuisine relies heavily on popular meat dishes like beef and lamb kebap and Çig Köfte aka raw meatballs. Head to restaurants in Cappadocia like Lil’a and Setan for the best eats.
Black Travel Vibes: Soar Above It All In Cappadocia
Getty Images
04
Picture Perfect
Travelers from all over head to Cappadocia for a chance to capture the moment hot air balloons take flight. If you’re not up for heights, simply head to your room balcony or the hotel’s outdoor space early in the morning to get the picture-perfect shot.
Black Travel Vibes: Soar Above It All In Cappadocia
Photo Credit: @samia_jay
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