SO many people in my life were telling me I shouldn't go to Turkey or specifically Istanbul because it's 'not safe' but once again, they were wrong. Not only did I feel safe in Turkey but it was one of my absolute favorite countries I've ever been to, and I was genuinely just so happy for the entire time I was there. Istanbul is full of lifechanging experiences and just the richest history as well as the BEST food and the sweetest people. I'm forever grateful that I went exactly when I did and for everything that I learned about myself and the world overall while I was there.