After an unplanned multi-country adventure, I flew back from Dalaman to London reflecting on lessons learned, travel highs and the power of saying yes.
Woke up early and ready to go
Last few hours in Dalaman before I head back to London. I find that one of the best things at the end of the trip, straight after thinking of the memories you have created and the beautiful views you have captured, is the excitement to go home. I have never been so excited to go home from my day job.
I can’t wait to see Stitch and to give him belly rubs! I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. I am excited to see the photos and videos I made along the way.
I quickly prepared my backpack and… here is a trick, a secret I learnt while travelling. Usually, even low-budget airlines will let you on the plane with an extra bag if it’s either a duty-free bag or one of the reusable tote bags you carry on your shoulder. I have stuffed all the food I bought in Türkiye in my backpack and for ease put all liquids and electronics in the tote bag I have. This move makes security checks quicker and, hopefully, I can go on the plane with all the extra food I bought!
Too early at the airport without a ticket
The hotel ordered me a cab, but then I found it was possible to walk from the airport to the hotel – proper pavement all the way! Obviously, this was a no go in the heat with the tones of chocolate I have carrying in my backpack.
According to my WizzAir app, I had to print my ticket at the airport (first for me). I arrived very early to make sure I have everything sorted on time. However, no one seemed to know what to do. I spoke with the Information desk personnel, who sent me to the back offices of the airport where I was walking around the offices, with no one asking any questions (security risks discovered!). The office I was sent to was locked and empty anyways. I went back to the Information desk personnel, who in the end informed me that I had to wait for the luggage check-in to open and print my ticket.
After a long wait, the check-in desks opened and printed my ticket. I was delighted.
Why is everything priced and Euros and it’s all so expensive?
This airport was very different from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Everything was extortionately expensive and, for some weird reason, priced in Euros. There were not many food options and even Simit Saray was not offering anything of interest to me. I settled for a McDonalds. Sad story, I know, but I needed some food before my flight.
The duty-free bag trick
I would like to report that my trick with the tote bag worked and I am now smuggling 100 bags of Turkish tea to the UK. I am also carrying some of this expensive “Dubai” chocolate that costs like £4 in London’s supermarkets – I bought it for pennies from Dalaman.
The verdict is here
I am on the plane now, thinking about all the crazy things I have been through in the last 8 days… I went to Luton Airport with a one-way ticket to Romania and had no idea what was going to happen next. I had a breakdown and almost went back home. But I didn’t – I stayed and took this trip one day at a time. I saw the most beautiful church wall paintings in Bucharest. I had the most delicious Pljeskavica in Belgrade. I took a stroll down the Galata Bridge at sunset. I walked amongst huge palms in the gardens of Dalaman. I walked 10k in the scorching heat to see Dalaman Stream.
I learnt that whatever happens during my trips, I can deal with it. Even if my flight gets cancelled last minute. Even if the ATM freezes. Even when I am thousands of miles away from home and I don’t know what will happen the next day. This trip was great for my confidence. I have seen beautiful scenes, I have tried amazing food, I met warm people, and I am happy I embarked on this Unexpected Trip out of my comfort zone.
