The Most Affordable Health Scan in America?
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Editor’s Note: This article is based on personal experience, independent research, and firsthand observations. Some experiences or products featured may be gifted or discounted for the purpose of review, but we select providers and experiences independently. We are not medical professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical advice. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you choose to book or purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our independent reporting.
I plan my vacations with one goal in mind: how do I get the maximum value out of this trip while spending the least amount of money?
When I go to Türkiye, I fill my days with affordable doctor visits, hair appointments, aesthetic treatments, and full-body health checkups, all for a fraction of what I’d pay back home.
Then I hop on a $50 flight to the Turkish Mediterranean coast and kick back.
My Approach: Stack Your Appointments, Then Vacation
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The name of the game is taking care of every appointment I’ve been putting off and planning my itinerary so strategically that I actually spend less on the entire trip than I would just booking those same appointments in the U.S.
You can see my entire Türkiye itinerary including prices here.
Türkiye is the perfect place for this kind of trip. Many providers can accommodate last-minute appointments, but you’ll always get more value, better options, and smoother logistics if you plan ahead.
I like to schedule the health and beauty portion of the trip first by stacking my appointments in the beginning. Once those are done, I can shift into full vacation mode and just relax.
Step 1: Establish Your Trip Goals
How many days do you need, and what do you want to accomplish?
If you’re trying to recreate my recent Türkiye health and beauty trip itinerary, I did over a dozen different treatments and experiences, so you’ll need at least two weeks for your trip. I usually split my time between Istanbul for appointments and sightseeing, and the Turkish coast for the relaxing part of my vacation.
If you’re traveling for something major like IVF, a hair transplant, or dental treatments, you’ll want to start by selecting your provider and doing consultations first. That way, you’ll know exactly how many days you need for the treatment and recovery.
If you’re like me and are looking for full-body checkups, hair extensions, aesthetic treatments, and similar services, you can usually book those last-minute. In that case, I recommend starting with your flights since most of these treatments are flexible and can be done within a few days.
Pro Tip: If your trip involves a larger treatment that requires planning, don’t lock in your appointment dates just yet. First, get in touch with your provider to figure out how many days you’ll need and get a general idea of their availability. From there, you can look for the best flight deals and identify one or two ideal date ranges.
Once you’ve found the best flight prices, double-check that the provider can fit you in, and then book both your ticket and your appointment.
Step 2: Flights
The key to affordable travel is simple: you don’t pick your flight dates, Google Flights does.
Okay, technically you do, but I always let the Google Flights Explore feature guide the way. If you don’t book flights strategically, it can blow your entire budget, so I always plan my trips around the cheapest dates to fly.
How to Find the Best Flight Deals
Type your departure airport and “Istanbul” into Google Flights, then click the Explore tab. This feature will show you the lowest fares over the next six months.
Make sure to:
- Select Flexible Dates
- Choose a specific month or search the entire six-month window for the very best prices
If you live near more than one airport, try a few different ones in your search. I always fly into Istanbul to start my Türkiye trips since it’s usually the cheapest and most convenient option.
If all you’re seeing are $2,000 flights, ask yourself: Are you trying to fly out of a tiny regional airport? Sometimes, taking a short bus ride to a larger international airport can save you hundreds of dollars.
Be Patient with Prices
If your best options are still over $1,000, don’t panic. Flight prices change constantly, so check back in a week or two. I never spend more than $1,000 on a flight to Türkiye, and most of the time I see round-trip tickets for $700 to $1,200. If you’re flying from the East Coast, I’ve even seen roundtrips as low as $500.
Watch Out for National Holidays
Before locking in your dates, check if there are any major holidays happening in Türkiye during that time. A multi-day holiday can shut down clinics and reduce how many appointments you can squeeze into your trip.
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Step 3: Lock In the Big Appointments
By now, you should have already confirmed any major treatments (if you’re doing any) like IVF, dental procedures, or a hair transplant, around the same time you booked your flights. That way, you know your provider’s availability and how many days you need to stay.
Now it’s time to figure out everything you want to do in Istanbul.
Start asking yourself: What do I already spend money on in my life right now that might be more affordable abroad?
Then start researching. Make a list of the appointments you want, things you want to buy, and experiences you want to have. This can be things like medications, glasses/contacts, inhalers, EpiPens, clothing, beauty treatments, doctor's appointments you’ve been putting off, etc.
And of course, sightseeing and restaurants are part of this too. My Istanbul trips are usually focused on appointments, but I still make time for fun and good food.
How I Organize It All
I like to drop pins in Google Maps for every clinic, salon, and store I want to visit. Then, I schedule appointments in clusters based on location. Istanbul is huge, and traffic can eat up your day, so grouping things by neighborhood will save you a ton of time and energy.
View my Istanbul appointment map here.
How Far in Advance to Book
If your trip is more than a few months away, don’t stress about locking in every small detail right away. In Türkiye, many things can be booked last minute. Still, I try to book hair appointments, full-body checkups, and aesthetic medicine at least a month out, especially if they’re high on my priority list. Most of these places can fit you in the same week, but planning ahead gives you better options and peace of mind.
We’re trying to get the most out of this trip, so having a solid itinerary is key.
For example, this summer I want to take my parents to Memorial to do the full-body checkup I did. I’ll schedule those appointments right after I book our flights, then plan everything else around that. Once it’s locked in, I don’t have to think about it again.
Step 4: Book Your Mediterranean Coast Flight
I like to schedule all of my appointments in Istanbul first, then spend the second half of my trip relaxing on the Mediterranean coast.
I usually spend one week in Istanbul, then fly to the coast for a more vacation-focused second week. These short domestic flights are super affordable. If you book in advance, I’ve seen round-trip tickets as low as $40, though prices typically range between $40 and $100.
Where to Go on the Coast
I’ve had amazing experiences in both Kaş and Antalya, but there are so many beautiful towns to choose from. People also love Ölüdeniz, Bodrum, and Marmaris, which are still on my personal list to explore.
If beaches and coastal towns aren’t your thing, another great option is to split your trip between Istanbul and Cappadocia. That region is famous for its cave hotels and hot air balloon rides, and makes for an unforgettable trip.
Step 5: Book Your Hotels
When I’m in Istanbul, my favorite area to stay is near Taksim Square, especially along İstiklal Street. Another popular option is Sultanahmet, which puts you close to major landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
Just like how we let the flight deals decide when we’re traveling, I let hotel deals decide where I’m staying. I always start by looking at the current prices and go from there.
What Kind of Hotel Should You Book?
In Türkiye, I personally don’t prioritize big, fancy hotels because I’d rather spend more of my budget on experiences, treatments, and food. That said, comfort is subjective. Book the level of hotel that feels right for you.
However, after six years of mostly full-time travel, I’ve learned that a higher price doesn’t always mean a better stay. I’ve stayed at a $40 hotel that was just as nice as a $200 one down the street. So don’t be afraid to search for good value.
Switching Up Your Hotel Stays
If I’m in Istanbul for a full week and not doing any overnight treatments at a hospital, I usually split my stay between two hotels. For example, I might do four nights in Taksim and three in Sultanahmet. This way, I get to experience different parts of the city and try out more than one place to stay.
Where I Book Hotels
I usually start my search on the Booking.com app because it often shows mobile-only discounts you won’t see on the website.
Pro Tip: Booking.com is blocked for Turkish citizens, so when you're physically in Türkiye, you may need to use a VPN to search for hotels. If you've already booked your stays, you should still be able to view your reservations. Turkish hotels can list themselves on Booking.com, but due to some legal restrictions, locals don't typically use it.
Once I find a hotel I like, I cross-reference the price and reviews on other platforms to make sure I’m getting the best deal.
I’ve also had a lot of success booking hotels last-minute, especially the night before. Some really nice hotels will lower their prices to fill rooms at the last second. Of course, that strategy isn’t for everyone.
A Note About Booking Multiple Hotels
If you’re staying in different parts of Istanbul like I often do, make sure your hotel choices align with your appointment schedule. You don’t want to accidentally book a hotel across town from a hair appointment you made near your previous hotel.
Step 6: Plan Your Activities
The Turkish coast has some of the best activity deals I’ve found, and I usually use Viator to book them.
Activities and tours in Istanbul tend to be more expensive, likely because it’s such a popular destination. That’s why I always check if similar experiences are available in my second destination, like Antalya or Kaş, before booking anything in Istanbul. You might be able to enjoy the same type of activity for a lower price somewhere else.
What About Tourist Passes?
I’ve looked into things like the Istanbul E-pass and the Istanbul Tourist Pass, which let you pay one price for unlimited or bundled attractions over a set number of days. While I haven’t tried these in Istanbul myself, I’ve used similar passes in places like France and Germany. They can be a great value if you’re into historical sightseeing and are prepared to pack a lot of activities into a few days. Just make sure you calculate whether the pass will actually save you money based on the specific things you want to do.
Booking Outdoor Activities on the Coast
When I’m on the coast, I usually include outdoor and water-based activities. Sometimes I wait until the week of the trip to book those, so I can plan around the weather and choose the sunniest days for outdoor adventures.
However, this approach does come with some risk because popular activities can sell out, especially in high season. So if you’re booking in advance, be sure to check the cancellation and rescheduling policies carefully. That way, you still have some flexibility if the weather changes or your plans shift.
Step 7: Transportation
When I land in Istanbul, I prefer to book a private airport transfer to pick me up. It’s easy, and such a relaxing way to start the trip. The cars are often very comfortable, and sometimes even feel luxurious.
I’ve gone back and forth between booking a transfer and just hopping in a regular taxi at the airport. After doing both several times, I can say this is one of the few places where I recommend a scheduled transfer.
Here’s why: in my experience, airport taxis in Türkiye are hit or miss. I’ve been scammed about 50% of the time. Even though I’ve been to Türkiye a lot and know what to watch out for, I still find myself in uncomfortable situations.
The most common issue is the toll bridge scam. If you fly into SAW airport and head to the European side of Istanbul (which is where most tourist attractions and appointments are), the driver has to cross a toll bridge. The toll is a legitimate fee, and the passenger is expected to cover it, but this is where things get shady. Some taxi drivers inflate the toll price dramatically because they know tourists aren’t familiar with the actual cost. And when all your luggage is locked in the trunk, it doesn’t feel like the best time to argue.
Even when the taxi ride goes smoothly and the price is fair, it often ends up being only about $20 less than a private transfer, and honestly, the comfort and peace of mind are worth the difference.
Taxis and Ride Apps
When I need a taxi in Istanbul, I usually use the BiTaksi app. Uber also works sometimes, but it’s not officially active in Türkiye. If you do try to order an Uber, a taxi might show up instead, and you may have to pay cash. We’ve had a few drivers not show up at all, so I tend to stick with BiTaksi.
One thing I like about BiTaksi is that it lets you offer a higher fare during busy times. If it’s rush hour and drivers aren’t picking up your request, you can bump up the offer by a few dollars to get a ride more quickly.
Tips for Avoiding Taxi Scams
Just like in New York or Paris, taxi scams can happen in Türkiye (I’ve been scammed in all three places). Here are the most common issues I’ve run into in Türkiye, and how I try to avoid them:
- Overcharging for toll roads
This is the most common scam I’ve personally experienced. Know that tolls exist, but ask about the cost ahead of time so you don’t get taken advantage of. - Turning off the meter
Before you get in, show the driver your destination on Google Maps and ask, “Meter?” Make sure they turn it on when you start the ride and keep an eye on it. If they turn it off mid-ride, just say, “Can you turn the meter back on please?” - Adding a random fee on top of the fare
If a driver tells you there will be an extra charge on top of the meter, say no and get out of the car before the ride starts. - Card machine “problems”
Some drivers will say they accept cards but then claim the machine is broken at the end of the ride. If this happens and you don’t have cash, tell them so. They’ll usually “try again” and magically the card works. Still, it’s best to keep some cash on hand just in case.
To be fair, I’ve also had plenty of great taxi experiences. Many drivers are kind, helpful, and honest. Taxis in Istanbul are easy to find, and the fares are usually very reasonable. I’ll continue taking taxis when I visit, you just need to stay aware.
Public Buses
I love using the bus system in both Istanbul and Antalya. I get a local transport card and use Google Maps to figure out routes. The buses are clean and comfortable, but just a heads-up, you sometimes have to wave them down when they approach your stop, or they might keep going.
If you’re in a rush or on a tight schedule, the bus might not always be the best choice. But if you have time, I think it’s a fun and affordable way to explore the city.
Should You Rent a Car?
In Istanbul, I don’t recommend renting a car. Traffic is intense, parking can be a nightmare, and the city’s public transport is more than enough.
Also, if you’re getting a larger treatment like dental work, a hair transplant, or treatment at Memorial Hospital, your provider might already include transportation in your package. Some even offer hotel or airport pickup, so it’s smart to ask what’s included before arranging anything on your own.
Restaurants and Food
Food prices in Türkiye have changed dramatically. Even though the lira continues to weaken against the U.S. dollar, restaurant prices have gone up, sometimes doubling over the last few years. So while your dollar technically goes further, it might not feel that way when dining out.
If you're a mid-budget traveler like me, eating out at the wrong places can quickly eat up your budget. If you just walk into the first restaurant you see, especially in touristy areas, expect to pay close to U.S. prices.
You can definitely still find affordable and delicious food, but it might take a little effort. I often walk through several streets, checking menus and prices, before choosing a place to eat.
I’ve found that food tends to be more affordable on the coast, and one of my favorite restaurants in Antalya, Luna Garden, still has amazing prices. You can check out their menu here.
When I want to save money or stay in, I’ll shop at Migros (a popular grocery store), rent an Airbnb with a kitchen, and cook at home. Fresh produce in Türkiye is super affordable, and local fruit stands are everywhere. Do yourself a favor and grab a watermelon, they’re amazing.
To make your life easier, I highly recommend having two apps on your phone: Google Translate and ChatGPT.
Google Translate is perfect for translating signs and menus. You can even use the camera feature to hover over a menu and have the words translated in real time. It’s not perfect, but it’s accurate enough to get the job done.
ChatGPT, on the other hand, is a game-changer for conversations. If you need to have a more in-depth or nuanced chat, like describing how you want your hair done or discussing treatment options, open a new chat and say you’re speaking with a Turkish speaker. Ask it to translate your conversation back and forth.
I’ve found ChatGPT to be much more accurate and context-aware than Google Translate, especially when it comes to subtle details or longer conversations. When you're trying to explain something specific to a provider, accuracy really matters.
Important Extras to Know Before Your Trip
Travel Insurance
I use SafetyWing for travel insurance. It’s affordable and covers the essentials, but keep in mind that travel insurance is not the same as health insurance. It won’t cover planned medical treatments abroad unless it's for unexpected sickness, injury, or an emergency.
Travel insurance is still a must, though. It helps with things like lost luggage, stolen items, trip interruptions, or travel delays.
Visa Requirements for Türkiye
Good news, U.S. citizens no longer need a visa to visit Türkiye. You can now stay for up to 90 without applying for anything in advance. That said, policies can change, so always double-check before you travel. For my last two trips, I didn’t need a visa at all.
Currency Fluctuations
Türkiye is currently experiencing high inflation, so the value of the Turkish lira changes often. This makes price transparency even more important. Always get a quote ahead of time before booking any service or appointment, and avoid walking in somewhere without doing your research first.
You’ll notice that a lot of restaurants or businesses post prices that quickly become outdated. You’ll find that even menus from just a few months ago are no longer accurate. Unless the menu was posted within the past month, expect that the actual price to be higher when you arrive.
Paying with Cash vs. Card
Cash is king in Türkiye. Many providers prefer cash, and some only accept it. Be sure to ask ahead of time how they accept payment.
Even places that do take cards often charge an extra fee if you don’t pay in cash. It’s usually a small percentage, but it can add up if you’re doing multiple treatments or purchases. I always try to keep cash on hand to avoid awkward situations or surprise fees.
WhatsApp for Appointments
One thing that surprises a lot of first-time travelers to Türkiye is that most businesses communicate through WhatsApp. This includes doctors, clinics, salons, and even tour guides. It might feel strange at first, especially if you're not used to texting your dentist or surgeon, but once you get the hang of it, it feels incredibly efficient.
Just make sure to download WhatsApp and set up your account while you’re still in the U.S., because you’ll need to confirm your U.S. phone number during setup. If you’re planning to reach out to providers or tour guides ahead of your trip, you’ll want to have it ready right away.
Sharing Passport Information
It’s completely normal for hotels and healthcare providers in Türkiye to ask for a photo of your passport or your passport number, especially when you’re confirming bookings or checking in.
The first time it happened, it definitely caught me off guard. But after researching and seeing the same thing in several countries I’ve traveled to, I realized it’s a common practice, particularly for international travelers. From everything I’ve learned, there’s not much someone can do with just your passport number alone. Still, if you're concerned, you can always ask who will be viewing it or how it will be stored.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about traveling to Türkiye is how flexible and spontaneous it can be. You could land in Istanbul today, find this article, and still manage to book a few last-minute appointments for beauty treatments, wellness services, or even sightseeing tours.
But if your goal is to get the most value out of your trip, it’s worth putting in the effort to plan ahead. Especially if you’re thinking about doctor visits, checkups, or aesthetic treatments, doing your homework is non-negotiable. Just like you wouldn’t walk into a random clinic or dentist’s office back home, the same rule applies here. Not every provider is created equal, and quality varies.
That said, Türkiye is full of incredible providers and experiences. You just have to know where to look. With the right planning, you can create a trip that combines affordable care, aesthetic upgrades, and a vacation you’ll never forget.
If research isn’t your thing, that’s totally okay. Stick to the fun, low-stress stuff like nail appointments, massages, spa days, shopping, and Viator activities. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this country.
I genuinely love Türkiye, and I hope your trip is just as meaningful, exciting, and value-packed as mine. Whether you're here for beauty, health, or just good food and sunshine, I think you’ll find something special.
Disclosure: This article is based on personal experience, independent research, and firsthand observations. We are not medical professionals, and this content is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnose conditions, or recommend specific treatments. Every person’s health situation is different, and outcomes can vary. If you are considering any medical or cosmetic procedure, whether at home or abroad, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider or specialist to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs. All information shared here is intended for general informational purposes only.
