FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Under $100: Istanbul

by Edward Mack

Oct 19, 2014

© Edward Mack

Under $100 / Europe

Istanbulites are water people and life in the city revolves around the Bosphorus. Its many attractions deserve more than one day to explore, but this itinerary will help you take advantage of its many free and inexpensive activities to get the most out of the city and your budget.

 

© Edward Mack

© Edward Mack

Start with a traditional breakfast at Café Mese. Less than $10 will get a full spread of cheese, meat, olives, vegetables, bread and tea.

 

Spend the morning exploring the Sultanahmet district. Visit the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar for free. Let yourself be talked into having tea with a carpet salesman. The Hagia Sofia, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern are all in the same district.

 

For lunch ,grab a çiğköfte wrap and a yogurt ayran drink ($5) and walk to the Galata Bridge, where you can eat overlooking the Golden Horn.

 

Catch a ferryboat ($2.50) from Eminönü to Ortaköy. Sit outside as you cruise past beautiful cityscapes. On the European shore, look for Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower and the Nusretiye Mosque. On the Asian side, Maiden’s Tower Beylerbeyi Palace is a highlight.

 

© Edward Mack

© Edward Mack

Enjoy strolling through quaint Ortaköy and have a Turkish coffee and baklava on the rooftop of Mado ($8).

 

Ask a local how to catch a shared bus to Taksim ($3). Find your way through the crowded heart of Istanbul to Zafiri. Enjoy dinner, belly-dancing and traditional music and join the locals on the dance floor for less than $35.

 

After eating, stroll down Istanbul’s main artery, Istiklal Avenue, where you can find bars, clubs and cafés for all tastes. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you finish the night with stuffed mussels from the street vendors that appear after dark ($3).

 

#TrazeeTravel

Insta Feed
Travel
Mar 17, 2023

Fleet Clubs

Don’t think a private plane is right for you, but know the concept comes with its perks? Then you might want to consider purchasing a Fleet Clubs membership.

Making the Best of an Airport Experience: Hamad International Airport

Whether you’re departing from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) or transferring, the airport offers a variety of experiences for passengers that will enrich any journey.

Destinations / North America
Mar 16, 2023

Best Small Hotels to Stay at on Florida’s Paradise Coast

Florida’s Paradise Coast (a.k.a. the area around Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City) welcomes travelers with its white-sand beaches, islands and charming downtowns. You’ll find equal charm at the destination’s boutique hotels, so be sure to consider booking a stay at one of these small hotels in the region for your next trip.

Products / Travel
Mar 16, 2023

3 Travel Essentials for Active Travel

Who doesn’t love a trip involving non-stop activities? While planning such a trip sounds fun, many find themselves wishing they had prepared better for the trip when the time actually comes to leave. Those embarking on a more active-focused trip this year should consider these three travel essentials to make life a bit easier.

United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates

As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.

Destinations / Europe
Mar 16, 2023

The Thinking Traveller’s Sicilian Culinary Retreat with Chef Michael Tusk

Sicilian villa Rocca delle Tre Contrade, available exclusively for booking through The Thinking Traveller, hosts a week-long, full-immersion experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Tusk this spring.