Travel the Fascinations of Turkey: Common Sense Applied Here

How can one country be filled with so many treasures? Turkey's wealth in history, activities for all seasons, and diversity in people can educate and entertain you for a lifetime. Traveling across the Bosphorus last night I thought many people come to Turkey in the off-season or begin planning their trips now for next summer.

Yesterday, I got an email from one such planner with a few questions about his itinerary, so you might benefit from some of the dialogue. Accommodations and transportation change from region to region and roaming the eastern border of Turkey, especially the southeast, can be quite different.

1. For individual trips especially, don't forget to check if you need a visa before you arrive in Turkey. Many tourists can buy their visa at the port of entry, good for 90 days. American visas cost $20 here, but if you get it in the states, you will pay around $100. Just ask my mom; she didn't listen to me.

2. Buy a recently published map of Turkey and know how far it is from one place to another to prevent failed plans. In Turkey, challenges are the norm, so build-in extra time to your schedule. Terrain in the east is not as easily navigable as what's found in the north or south. Depending on the weather and roads, your journey may take longer than you would expect.

3. All buses are not created equal. If you've traveled from Istanbul south, transport is considered "luxury" by the locals. Your trip may not be as comfortable if traveling east. In October, I went to Georgia by bus and learned a few more things. Not only that, but when traveling in some areas, the buses stop often to pick up passengers. Thus, longer trip times.

4. Remember that there has been a resurrection of a former PKK problem. If you are traveling in the southeast, ensure you know what dangers may exist and take proper precautions. Turkey is usually a very safe place to travel.

5. When renting a car, the major companies are expensive and the local ones less expensive. Some of the local rentals can be risky, so ask for a referral to a reputable one. All good rental agencies should offer support services for emergencies. Also, some do not allow leaving the car in another town, so be sure to ask ahead of time.

6. Do you want to live dangerously? Then, rent a car from an individual whom you'll also find around some towns. While not legal, you get a car for a much lower price, and no guarantee that the car is roadworthy or abides by the law.

7. Protect yourself as a foreigner with auto insurance easily accessed in Turkey and ensure your rental has the required accessories required by law.

If in doubt about transportation, car rentals or other traveling essentials, always ask a Turkey expert or a local tour agency about the areas you are expected to travel, the road conditions, and affects of the weather on those roads. It will save you a lot.

Turkey wants your holiday to be one of a lifetime, so as a little taste to seduce you and your friends to visit us here...a video for your tasting pleasure.

Happy Holidays!

Comments

[Hans]

Indeed, never rent a car.
But flight tickets within Turkey are pretty cheap.