Motorhome Costs & Statistics for 3 Months in Turkey 70 Comments

This entry was posted in Money Matters Travel Turkey and tagged 2018 Motorhome Statistics Travel on

We arrived in Turkey on 7 August and left on 5 November with just 1 day left on our tourist visa.   During our time, we have covered a total of 6,581 kilometres or 4,089 miles over 89 days.  Travelling an average of 74 km per day with the longest journey being 243 km. We travelled through 12 regions, 27 military check points and peaked at 9,800ft driving over a mountain pass. Vin our motorhome consumed 869 litres of diesel from 12 fuel stations with an average of 21 mpg. We’ve filled our LPG bottles 5 times and used 74 litres of gas to heat our home, run the fridge and freezer, hot water, oven, grill, hob and last but not least our BBQ at an average cost of £0.42 per day. Our shopping bill cost the most £743 for 5 supermarket sweeps, 21 mini market mooches and endless ‘what’s that’ from road side vendors. Not forgetting 79 trips to the local bakers to consume over 150 loafs. Eating out cost £116 for 2 evenings of fine dining, 14 kebab meals, 3 pide lunches, 2 breakfasts and 18 nights of traditional open fire feasts. We have paid 0 tolls, 0 tunnels, 0 mountain passes and 1 ferry.  We’ve had 0 break in’s, 0 bumps, 1 blow out at the base of Mount Ararat, 1 dicky tap and 1 flat engine battery. Overnight, 11% paid parking, 13% camping areas and 76% wild camping amongst the amazing landscape. A total of 81 days with nothing but glorious sunshine, 5 overcast days, 2 rainy days and 1 thunder storm.

We have genuinely loved every second of our journey but Ancient Ani, Mount Ararat, Rize, Valley of Georgian Castles, Istanbul, Mount Nemrut, Lake Van and the Syrian border towns have created a lasting impression.  We won’t miss dust, stray dogs, no pork, lack of turnaround points and car horns. But we will miss Turkeys No1 experience and the one what really touched our hearts, the wonderful hospitality of the Turkish people.

So how much has it cost….£2,068 for everything.   A bargain at only £23.24 per day for 2 people and 2 dogs. Oh and we forgot to mention, nearly killed each other twice but as usual, spent the majority of our time loving each other to bits.

Our Bumble Route

Our Bumble Highlights (click to enlarge)

The costs above do not include expenses to get to and from Turkey. They also don’t include any apportionment of annual costs such as motorhome insurance, servicing etc.  Once we are home and back in the UK we will do a full cost for our 2018 trip, which will include other countries we travelled through like Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria.  We will also update Google maps to link back to blog posts, publish our videos and pdf of sleepy spots. 

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70 thoughts on “Motorhome Costs & Statistics for 3 Months in Turkey”

  • Reply ↓
    Chris Moss

    Very informative. Cheers for that. We’re looking to do something similar in a year or two. Would be interested in your views on roads etc and also how you got on in Croatia etc . Thanks again. Nice pics

  • Reply ↓
    Giles Newby

    Did you need any special permit or Carnet to enter Turkey with your motorhome? And what if any documentation did you need to show on entry?? Tanks in advance
    Giles

    • Reply ↓
      Bumble Crew Post author

      The motorhome requires a green card to enter Turkey, which we obtained from our insurer. However, you can also purchase the green card at the Turkish border/customs.

  • Reply ↓
    Kev & Val Rowan

    Many thanks for the wonderful information and cost analysis. We plan to go into Turkey mid April and are worried about the visa requirements and the military checkpoints. Any further information would be much appreciated. 👍

  • Reply ↓
    john jewson

    Thanks for a very informative article, we intend to do a similar trip in 2020. We are an Australian couple who live in Australia and have a campervan { a mercedes sprinter} in AUS and a Renault Motorhome in UK, we keep the UK motorhome near Chester UK and head off for a 3 months trip each year this is our 8th year. .Is 3 months enough time to get to Turkey , travel around and get back to UK , remembering that in Australia we will drive 200km plus to go to a party for the weekend ,or drive from Melbourne to Sydney for a Show, 850km each way
    I was also very impressed with the details of your expenses Cheers jj

  • Reply ↓
    Andy

    I have been following your excellent blog for a few years now. And really enjoyed your posts, pictures, advice and travel tales.
    But there has been a big change.
    You used to go places we all go in our camper vans, Motorhomes and campingcars. It was lovely.
    This last trip, however, you have stepped over a line.
    And become real travellers to worlds we can only dream of. Pushing boundaries. And not in some big 4 wheel drive specialist adventure vehicle. But in a regular Motorhome.
    Exemplary. Inspirational. Fascinating.

  • Reply ↓
    Jess Carpenter

    It’s been fantastic following you on your incredible journey through one of my favourite countries. Thank you for sharing so much from hints, tips, photos and write ups. We have all learnt so much & I really hope one day we can follow in your footsteps & enjoy it as much Bumble Crew

  • Reply ↓
    Olive Owen

    What software did you use to track your journey, I want to track our bumbles around Europe. We are setting off next year and would like to do something similar.

  • Reply ↓
    Ray Camperman

    Fantastic and how lovely with lots of information. Easy to breakdown the figures and costs. Can I ask could you get alcohol in Turkey and if so, how much was it?

  • Reply ↓
    Lorraine Cooper

    Wow , wish I had seen this sooner , we’ve just driven back from Didim in the motor home with our to dogs after spending 5 months in Turkey . If you do it again we could meet up we go we do it every year .

  • Reply ↓
    Maxine & Andy

    Fabulous guys just bloody fabukous. I’ve loved following your journey and I am going to miss the updates. Up until your trip we had not even considered Turkey but it’s now part of our next year travel plans – Thankyou 😊

  • Reply ↓
    Liz T

    What a timely article for me to receive as i am now looking a place for my husband and I to go to for January 2019. I can’t take another winter in Spain like we just had, need culture and sunshine and no more bingo halls and Brits abroad. Turkey seems also very low key and affordable. also, how was the weather in Jan. warm and sunny? I do not believe it rainy season on south coast. How about the bugs? mosquito? Lizards I can live with, they are awesome creatures.

    Your description of your time there is wonderful, just the kind of place we would enjoy for a few months, relaxing on the beach, plenty site seeing, great local food and some villages to venture off to. We might do Greece first then finish up in Turkey. Thank you again for sharing your trip!! & your help!!

  • Reply ↓
    Neena

    Thank you so much for compiling this article Joanne. I was wondering what you would classify as having enough but not too much money while travelling in Turkey for 2 months and what is the best way to exchange money (either while in Turkey or beforehand at a local bank). And what are your experiences with bank cards when travelling?

  • Reply ↓
    Lisa Penn

    Haha this is amazing!! In my eyes, everywhere is a new adventure. There’s no top countries until you put Turkey on the radar. But regardless, I totally agree that you should simply just get out and explore – push your boundries like you cool two (sorry four)

  • Reply ↓
    Ray Green

    After just coming back from a trip to Norway, I just wanted to let you know that I tried your style of travel instead of sticking to a list. Even though I only had a few weeks available to check out as much of the country as possible, I ended up just spending more time at some attractions that I didn’t expect I would and cut out other attractions altogether. Had I not done that, then I wouldn’t have accidentally stumbled upon the wonderful Community Fall Fair or the charity ball tournament near Oslo Park. That mix between scheduled travel with spontaneity fulfilled me a lot more than I had anticipated. Sure, there are a lot of activities or attractions that I missed out this time. But that’s the beauty about travel! There’s always a reason to go back. I may try this mix style of travel some more in the future.

  • Reply ↓
    Mad Max

    I want to go to Turkey so bad – I’m kind of jealous, but not so much as I know I’ll make my way there eventually.

    As for crazy itineraries… well I did Spain-Portugal-Italy>Belgium- Netherlands – > France – in three months… was too fast for me.

  • Reply ↓
    Malcolm Turner

    Was in Turkey 1978 on overland trip,great to hear its still that nice relaxed place and Istanbukl is simply one of my favourites towns in all of asia…

  • Reply ↓
    Michelle Davies

    Both of you are an inspiration to us all. I Have loved being part of your journey by reading your blogs…. thank you so much

  • Reply ↓
    Derek Tragar

    Just a note to thank you for this latest update from Sri Lanka as it’s on my to-see list. It really looks fascinating and magical.

  • Reply ↓
    Anton Ward

    Another amazing post. It was your blog that inspired me to lead the nomadic life, and I intend to be moved into a motorhome by year’s end. By the way, my trip to Iran last November, 2017 was absolutely amazing. Regardless of what the UK media is telling you, Iranian people are traditionally very kind and hospitable towards guests even Americans (surprisingly). I was surprised to find out that almost half the population is under 40 and are pro western. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if we see some big changes in the next few years.

  • Reply ↓
    Bernard

    Indeed, travelling now is not like it was when I first hit the road – back in the 70’s when I was in my prime. Full of energy and not a fearful bone in my body. I would travel and not give two hoots about risk but as you go older some how the road becomes a scary place and fear for our life creeps in. Why, I have no idea.

    In so many ways now it is easier and cheaper to travel! All I can advise to my friends and loved ones is to DO IT NOW. Don’t put it off another 10 or 20 years. Yes go everywhere you can. See the sights.. you must!! Sadly, my wife died way too young and didn’t get to see everything I had in store for her. She was my rock and I would do anything for her, my one true love. I so wish I could be with my Annie just bumbling around like you two love birds.

    But honestly, my #1 goal in travelling is not the sights, it is meeting the locals .. and the other world travellers. That is the best part of the journey. Probably cause I am a lonely old soul. Please take me with you on your next trip

  • Reply ↓
    Julie Space

    Brilliant summary of your journey through Turkey although a very different approach to our way of travel. I like slow travel. When I’m a ‘motorhome’ resident of a country, my tendency isn’t to run myself ragged getting in all the “must-dos” and “must-sees.” Instead, I try to settle in and live like a local. I go to the same grocery store, neighborhood cafe or bakery, so that I can get to know the place as if it’s my “real” neighborhood. This approach helps me to get comfortable and feel more at home in a place that’s different and new. I haven’t been to Turkey and wondered if our approach would be acceptable or is it more for the faster pace like you guys?

  • Reply ↓
    Sheena

    Absolutely amazing. Loved looking at all your pics on your travels. You captured everything and even down to the kilometre! My hubby will be facinated. So interesting every moment

  • Reply ↓
    Mark Roberts

    And we’ve really enjoyed reading about your experience, and seeing your wonderful photos. Thanks so much for sharing and keep on sharing until you get home, please

  • Reply ↓
    Georgie

    As a US citizen… do you need to purchase a travel visa to enter Turkey? Or are you eligible for a (free) visa-on-arrival? I would like to plan a trip to this country in the near future. Your post has inspired me to want to go there and the photos are amazing. I want to check out the Turkish for myself. Thanks!

  • Reply ↓
    Joanne Finn

    Fantastic…and great to see the cost breakdown so I can start to understand how much we need for our trip. Can’t help but wonder where next and can anything beat it?

  • Reply ↓
    Maureen

    I have so enjoyed following your journey, in every sense of the word… inspiring and brilliant of you to share… thank you. And now I know how much it costs we will be going there next year, no question.

  • Reply ↓
    Nick

    I have enjoyed your blogs and posts, fine writing accompanied with some fantastic photos. You are a true inspiration to all who would like to travel. I thank you for your journey. Safe travels friends.

  • Reply ↓
    Eamon Dawes

    I loved every minute of your blogs and could not wait for them to arrive in my inbox. Not only a sad day for you but for me too, no more blogs…or not many until you put your feet up for winter. I really cant beleive you did all that and it cost just over £2000, good on you.

  • Reply ↓
    Justine

    Enjoyed the trip and experience with you. I never thought Turkey was so full of wonders and amazing places of interest. Your photographs were fantastic and have probably done more for the tourist industry than they do themselves. I think they should’ve paid you to do it thank you.

  • Reply ↓
    Elizabeth

    Your blog and photo’s have been amazing and such an inspiration. Almost felt like I was there at times and can’t wait to follow in your footsteps. Safe travels

  • Reply ↓
    Patricia

    Thank you so much Joanne & Craig for sharing your journey. I have loved every post and learnt so much about Turkey. I never knew about the tea growing region and where hazelnuts and walnuts are grown. And a plus was it was so beautiful. Thanks again.

  • Reply ↓
    Will

    Thank you for posting all the info up 🙂
    I love to see other budgets and I feel I will follow in your footsteps next year and re-visit Turkey.
    Of course thank you for all those wonderful breathtaking pictures you have posted over the last couple of months

  • Reply ↓
    Cathryn

    Thank you for sharing this adventure … there will be a little stream of motor homers following in your wheel tracks! We loved our visit to Turkey and would love to see more … you have definately inspired us as well!

  • Reply ↓
    Lucy

    Very nice looking map – but I noticed that you haven’t covered much of the middle bit, is there any reason for that?.
    I totally agree that meeting locals, fellow travelers and going off the beaten path is what makes travelling so much fun.

  • Reply ↓
    Ryan Fogelberg

    Sweet review! You know why? After a few months in Spain back in 2017 I found myself saying the same thing. Th’other half went to Istanbul for a week during the trip. I hung out at the beach with a load of old farts and got bored out my tree. Whilst th’other half had a ball exploring. She kept saying go but I was a bit hesitant with all the terrorist shit. But now, it is now back on my travel list. Sucker for an awesome beach, culture and cheep camper trips., seems Turkey may well have it. Thanks dudes

  • Reply ↓
    Robbie Lane

    I am a motorhomer with a passion to run long distances wherever I go. You have just inspried me to keep a record of my daily runs, so I too can portray my stats!

    I find Running is a great way to see new places in “slow motion.” I tend to run off the typical tourist routes and see areas that are not frequently visited. No one wants to bother runners, they are too fast and don’t carry anything with them except maybe a GPS watch. It’s an awesome way to see the locals and they have respect for me because they can tell I have just ran a long distance because I am usually soaked wit sweat. I can’t always talk the language but a thumbs up to anyone usually gets a smile and a thumbs up back. Motorhome does tend to stink quite a bit though lol

  • Reply ↓
    Kelvin Collins

    Another beauty. Well done Joanne.
    Great to meet you both this weekend too.
    I think that if we managed to get our costs down that low we’d never stop wandering!
    Hope to see you next year somewhere.
    Cheers. Kevin and The Cornish Wanderer crew.

  • Reply ↓
    John Struss

    This is so useful! I’m thinking of going for 4 weeks and now I know how much money I should need! Thank you!

    I think £750GBP should be enough for a solo campervan, shouldn’t it?

    Thanks!

  • Reply ↓
    Joan McGuire

    You know I’m a big fan. Your attention to detail and wonderful storytelling have been the highlight of my day, every day for a while now 👏👏👏👏👏 I know you probably want to spend a bit of time at home but, I too, cannot wait for your next exciting adventure. Wishing you, Craig and the dudes a wonderful Christmas xxx

  • Reply ↓
    sharon

    Following your trip through your fabulous pictures and reading about your real life experiences, truly inspires me. Thank you for sharing giving valuable information and facts throughout. Safe and happy travels xxx

  • Reply ↓
    Jo Oliver

    I’ve loved following your blog and as others have said Turkey is now on our to do list. I had no idea that Turkey was so amazing, your pictures and tale have been a pleasure to follow. Roll on your next trip ❤️❤️

  • Reply ↓
    Gilda Baxter

    Wow I am impressed with your costs. So many incredible moments and truly unique experiences for not a lot of money. What an epic trip you had…your stunning pictures and narrative have kept me fascinated showcasing landscapes, local people and cultural heritage. Thank you and I will be looking forward to your next adventure 😄

  • Reply ↓
    Peter & Carola

    Cheaper than at home. The experiences and the beauty of the country can not be balanced out with money.
    Have a save trip.
    Peter & Carola

  • Reply ↓
    Lin.

    You’ve certainly had a fantastic trip. I’m envious. We have another 2 1/2 weeks in Benidorm before heading home. Hopefully get the motorhome sorted properly before. We have had a jerking on and off for weeks now. Took it into a service place in Germany but the computer didn’t come up with a problem. Since then Gordon noticed wires hanging down at the front but has no idea where they attach to. Booked in to have it checked here before we leave for the long trip north. Fingers crossed as it’s a bit of a worry. Safe trip home for you x

  • Reply ↓
    Stella Kelly

    It’s been so interesting following you through turkey I have enjoyed your expedition so much that it’s now on our bucket list to do a similar trip . Loved how detailed you have made everything & how wonderful every photo has been . It really has been a trip never to be forgotten & you are certainly showing us all how to live life 😎😎😎 . Thanks & look forward to the next country & chapter . Love to you both & Vin & the dogs xxxxx