I want to give a complete treatment of travel in Turkey because it's dramatically underpriced relative to the quality of experience.

Istanbul: one of the world's great cities and currently a genuine budget destination. Accommodation in Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu runs $15-25/night for a private guesthouse room. The grand historic sites (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace) are either free or $10-20 entry. Street food (simit, köfte, midye dolma) is $1-3. Daily budget in Istanbul: $35-45.

Cappadocia: the hot air balloon rides ($150-250) are genuinely spectacular but not budget. The Göreme landscape itself is free to wander and extraordinary. Cave hotels are pricier than standard guesthouses — budget accommodation in Göreme runs $18-30/night. Rent a scooter ($15/day) and do the valley yourself without a guide.

Turkey's Aegean coast (Bodrum, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz): these beach towns have tiered pricing. The tourist infrastructure caters to Turkish vacationers as well as international tourists, which creates budget options that don't exist in purely international resort towns. Self-catering apartments are widely available. Budget: $40-55/day on the coast.

The current currency advantage: the Turkish lira has depreciated significantly against USD/EUR in recent years, which creates favorable exchange rates for foreign visitors. Check current rates — they affect the entire cost calculation.

Visa: most Western nationalities can get an e-visa online for $50, valid for multiple entries over 180 days.