Holiday in Turkey - "Go" or "No Go"

C_Mababejive

If you live in a major UK City such as London Birmingham or Manchester and have booked a holiday,i think it would be safer to go than to stay here!

Yolina

Kedi_Yavrusu wrote: »

Terror attacks can happen anywhere but the chances of being caught up in one are actually miniscule.

Absolutely, I'd go too
Far more likely to get injured or killed in a car crash anyway

duchy

I think the point perhaps is

If we think Turkey is too dangerous -where would we go instead that would be safer ?

If anything Turkey probably has fewer jihad candidates.....as surely they'd have crossed into Syria and joined up...than other countries have. Plus ISIS probably don't want to pee off the Turks and have the Syrian border closed so other countries are more likely to be targetted.

Personally I'd like to see all tourism to Turkey boycoted until the Turkish government stop their border crossings been used as the coridor for western people to cross into Syria with apparent ease -as is currently the case but that's another matter.

PompeyPete

We lived in the Greek south of Cyprus between 2003-2005.

Due to the Cyprus conflict with Turkey in 1974, and the 'Divided Island' ever since, it's drummed into Cypriots in the south that Turkey and the Turkish people aren't very nice. In fact I thought that all Turks had two heads!

I believed it, and Turkey was never on my travel radar.

Anyway, we returned to UK in early 2006, and never thought any more of it.

Then in 2009, I thought let's give Istanbul a go.

So I booked early November [out of season] flights to Sabiha Gokcen, the airport on the Asian side of Istanbul.

On the Havas bus into central Istanbul we were absolutely gob smacked at the sheer size of the place.

We stayed at the Hanedan Hotel in Sultanahmet. A lovely small family run B&B with sweeping roof terrace views...

http://hanedanhotel.com/

...and had an absolutely wonderful time. Istanbul is a city that everyone should have on their travel radar.

Here's my trip report [LancasterLad] from our first venture into Turkey, which is still attracting the odd comment...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293974-i368-k3233572-Our_week_on_a_shoe_string_in_Istanbul-Istanbul.html

That week completely changed my vision of Turkey, and we've returned regularly ever since, staying in Istanbul (several), Ankara (lovely non-touristy capital city), Cappadocia Region (wow!), Antalya (Lara), Side, Alanya, Marmaris (Icmeler), Bodrum Peninsular, and Fethiye (Calis).

Everywhere is different, and has it's own identity. The scenery is out of this world, the transport infrastructure as good as anywhere, the people are invariably warm, inviting and genuine, the food is great, Efes Beer is up there with the best, and it's simply an all-round great value for money country.

I hear the odd moan from people I hear talking about how they've been scammed or ripped-off. I smile, and know for a fact they've just spent a couple of weeks by a hotel pool and not ventured out of their little tourist enclave. Ask them where they went in Turkey, and they can't tell you!

Homework and planning are important before visiting anywhere, but not once have I felt threatened or afraid.

Turkey is wonderful, don't be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone, as you'll be well rewarded.

Pollycat

Whilst I would think very carefully before booking a holiday to Tunisia, I wouldn't hesitate to book one to Turkey.

tece

I think everyone should carry on with their holiday plans that have already been made otherwise the terrorists have won.
I am also in agreement that the UK is a higher risk target at the moment.

Pollycat

tece wrote: »

I think everyone should carry on with their holiday plans that have already been made otherwise the terrorists have won.
I am also in agreement that the UK is a higher risk target at the moment.

Higher than where?

Pollycat

tece wrote: »

I think everyone should carry on with their holiday plans that have already been made otherwise the terrorists have won.
I am also in agreement that the UK is a higher risk target at the moment.

Does that mean to any destination?

Even to Tunisia?

State of emergency declared:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-33394847

Advice from Foreign Office:

Further terrorist attacks are likely, including in tourist resorts, and by individuals unknown to the authorities, whose actions may be inspired by terrorist groups via social media. You should be especially vigilant at this time and follow the advice of Tunisian security authorities and your tour operator.

tece

I meant plans made to go to the mainstream med destinations including Turkey.

paulfarrugia

Go! Read this post I did on eastern Turkey:
http://globalhelpswap.com/mardin-turkey/

Turkey is a huge country and the people are amazing.