D and some friends plan to travel to Turkey for a vacation, 1/2 in Istanbul and 1/2 on the shore of the Aegean Sea. She swears they will be nowhere near Iraq or Iran. Looks that way on a map.
W and I are more than a bit concerned.
Anyone with any experience care to chime in? Is Turkey safe for travel?
My kid and her buddies survived a week in Turkey in January just fine (winter break two years ago). We were pulling our hair out because even in Istanbul, cell service was very spotty (even Mr. B’s work phone would not pick up any antennas when we were flying through Istanbul airport). The kids did not go to the beach, but I heard that the more popular beaches can get very crowded. D said they liked it but would not be anxious to go back.
We leave on Friday for a trip there. Will let you know when and if we return! If you haven’t heard from me in three weeks, send the troops.
I have vacationed in Istanbul and the Aegean coast. I loved it, especially Istanbul. However, that was 4 years ago and before the current political tensions between Erdogan and the more moderate secular citizens. Even with all this, I would not hesitate to go back. We were treated with kindness and true hospitality.
There are also travel warnings for Mexico and that looks very close to Calif on a map but we are in no danger here.
Istanbul is wonderful if a bit hectic. I have not been for a long time. My daughter travelled there alone and used couchsurfing-- that was a bit worrisome but it worked out. The Aegean Sea area is so beautiful.
We vacationed in Instanbul in the 4Q 2012 and loved it. One of my friends has a D living there now. No problems. Instanbul even had something called tourist police, which are there to help tourists. They’re really nice and friendly. I felt safe everywhere we went.
FWIW My sister in law was born in Turkey. She and my BIL return every other summer to Istanbul to bring the children to catch up with her extended family. They opted out last summer, postponing the trip until this year, which they just opted out of again.
D studied abroad there and we went to visit. I would have no problems if she went again.
No firsthand experience but one of my son’s best friends (recent college grad) is a Fulbright fellow in Turkey this year and has posted fabulous pictures of his travels all around the country. I think if there was any general danger to Americans the State Department would let us know.
DD lived there for almost 5 years, and her spouse is Turkish. We loved visiting.
My dad is in Istanbul right now and seems to be having a great time. When I hear more from her, I will let you know. She is couch surfing as well.
You mean your D, Onward?
All I could find on my D’s blog about Istanbul were photos of stray cats!!!
I used to live there, was married there, and taught there. My husband is Turkish. Like @preironic he is heading back on Friday! Perhaps even taking the same plane! We visit regularly. My kids go all the time.
My son plans to study abroad in Istanbul when he gets to college. It is a wonderful place with very nice people. You should not worry. Let them have an adventure.
Where on the Aegean coast are they going?
western Turkey should be fine
she will have a blast.
Thanks for the input. You have collectively put our minds at ease.
I don’t know exactly where they are heading on the Aegean coast, but my D is a good travel planner.
My daughter has been living there for 3 years. My retired military DH isn’t worried at all about her.
My husband’s family has a villa along the Aegean coast. The beaches are beautiful and calm. She would also be safe heading down south to the mediterranean coast as well. There are plenty of European tourists.
We have returned safely. No problems at all. We started and ended in Istanbul and made a loop through central Turkey and then west up the coast. It was a great trip and I don’t think you should hesitate to let her go. I would suggest she always be with a companion at night and dress fairly modestly (cover shoulders and no low cleavage or short shorts) despite the fact that she’ll see others immodestly dressed in large numbers. Of course, the beach is the exception.
DD lived there for almost 5 years, and her spouse is Turkish. We loved visiting.
My daughter studied abroad in Turkey and I went to visit her last July/August. We had a wonderful time seeing the historical sights of Istanbul. We went to Kusadasi and Bodrum on the Aegean coast and spent a day at Ephesus. I would like to go back again someday and spend more time. It is a very Cosmoplitan City and you will see people from all over the world. English is spoken all over Istanbul and in the touristy towns. The food is delicious, and yes, there are a lot of cats everywhere. If you daughter dresses a bit more modestly (Turkish women generally have their shoulders and knees covered, a few had head scarves)and uses common sense as she would in any big city, she should have no troubles at all. It will be a great adventure.