I know fellow FTers can help with this.

Daughter just graduated college and is now planning to head to SEA for teaching stint in October. . However, we live in TPA area and no matter what connections she makes it will be a grueling journey.

I'm trying to find a routing that will allow her a good 18+ layover somewhere mid-route so she can get a hotel room and rest up before continuing on with the trip.

I'm thinking of flying TK midway to Istanbul; she lived in IST for a year of study abroad so there's some familiarity. But isn't that going the ""wrong way" or does it really matter considering where we are on the globe?
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Also, her budget is restricted. Thanks for any help.