Turkey Travel Tips

Turkey has made a mark for itself as a premier destination amongst travelers worldwide. QuickBooker.com has attempted to compile a few much required Turkey travel tips to facilitate better traveling and a hassle free experience.

Understanding the values, etiquette and protocol of a country comes in handy to make a favorable impression on your host and the same holds true for Turkey. It is necessary not to be unaware of etiquettes so that you do not cause offense. While having a meal know that conversations are animated and loud as meals are considered a social affair. Always remember to serve the head of the family or the honored guest first. If you request the most senior to be served first instead of you, you will be considered well mannered and leave a lasting impression. Asking for more food is considered a compliment. And if you have invited someone over to a restaurant be the one to pay.

Accommodation: Turkey’s beautiful coastlines offer an opportunity to rent a villa or a number of many other holiday apartments that are easily available. The holiday apartments are the ideal base to make a discovery of a country that is rich in history and culture. The apartments are also ideal for those on the look out of a sunshine relaxing holiday in stunning, peaceful surroundings.

There is a saying: ‘Go to Turkey for its history, but stay for the food’. The Turkish people have been hosting visitors in one form or the other for centuries. Moreover, Turkish food has also been regarded as one of the world’s great cuisines. You will find on your visit that despite an influence of western foods and the growth of fast food chains in the larger cities, Turkey is eager to zealously preserve her culinary heritage and showcase it to the world.

The act of bargaining is as much an activity in Turkey as it is in any other country. One will find here that bargaining encompasses many less valuable items such as unique handmade goods like carpets, crafts, artwork and antiques which are not to be found in standardized markets. Bargaining is a social as well as business practice in Turkey and goes by the name of ‘Pazarlik’. It is advisable to first check out the prices in a few shops before bargaining. Importantly do not show enthusiasm for the item you want. And, ask for the prices of multiple items whether you are interested in them or not.

Travelers traveling to Turkey with a comprehensive travel insurance covering overseas medical costs will be at an advantage. The standard of medical facilities varies across the country. At times the costs in private hospitals can be very expensive. Be extra careful if you are traveling between May to October especially in the south-eastern part of the country and in the Amikova and Cukurova Plain. In this region there are chances that malaria might break out. However there is no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the west and the south-west of the country. Carrying an insect repellent at all times is a good idea. It is advisable to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water. Also avoid ice cubes and raw and uncooked food and unpasteurized dairy products.

The travelers can purchase clothes here as they are inexpensive saving oneself the hassle of carrying them from home. It is advisable to wear flat shoes for walking. The male tourist needs to avoid wearing a short to the mosque. One can even carry ‘water shoes’ as some of the beaches are rocky.

One needs to exercise a little caution and along with good judgment it is advisable to keep a low profile. Turkey has been susceptible to terrorist bombings in the last few years with a high possibility existing even today. It is even more important for western travelers especially Americans to be in a high state of personal security awareness wherever they congregate.

On your tour to Turkey you can buy carpets which are quite famous worldwide. Leather does not come for the same price as it used to once before. Jackets and bags of a very high quality can be found if one moves around a bit.

Tipping is a way of life in Turkey and it is customary to give some small change for most services, or a small percent of the bill.