Would you go to Turkey this summer?

[Lndnmummy]

Just that really, would you?

Those who do go to Turkey, I am interested in what you think about your money being used to support the government and regime there, with its attitude towards human and women's rights? Doesn't it bother you?

debbie whilst I completely agree with you about Turkey's (poor) human rights' record, there are major human rights violators across the world: do you also refuse to go to the US for human rights' reasons, for example? I absolutely applaud the principle, but I do think it must be applied equally across nations, which would rule out not only almost all of Africa but also the Middle East, the majority of South and Central America, Asia in its entirety, most of the Balkans, France for sure, the US, Russia - and arguably Australia, Germany and Denmark too.

Debbie, I do see where you are coming from. I'm interested in human rights and have had some professional involvement. If there was any evidence at all that tourists staying away led to an improvement in human rights, I'd be on board with that. I'm not aware of any, and the evidence for boycotts in general is poor. I can see why someone might make a moral decision not to go (although as a pp said, there aren't many destinations which are beyond reproach) but it's not a decision that carries a lot of political heft.

Debbie, the two times I've been to Turkey, my money has mostly gone to a small independent B and B run by two very politically left-wing, open-minded Turks who are appalled at their government and who fostered very interesting political debate around the dinner table which I'm sure was pretty eye opening for many of the international guests (it was for us). Most of the Turks we met there were appalled at the government's actions and worried about the future. I think for people living in those circumstances it can be argued that contact with the outside world that tourism brings with it can be very invigorating, even if some money does end up eventually with a despicable government.

"Those who do go to Turkey, I am interested in what you think about your money being used to support the government and regime there, with its attitude towards human and women's rights? Doesn't it bother you?"

I go to Istanbul regularly on business as well as many other places that have governments/poliicies/regimes I don't agree with and I couldn't care less as very little of my money goes to support the governments.

The vast majority of any money I spend is with people doing the normal stuff of life, earning a few quid, raising their families and getting on with their lives.

Am off to Israel tomorrow morning with work, I can't wait for the Felafel from Ben Nahuda St,

Going to Turkey

It's good value, great for the family and we love it.

Not going to be intimidated by terrorists or the politically correct zealots. Maybe I won't go to England since they imprisoned the Birmingham six.... FFS.

No, but only because we went last year and we don't have the budget for a holiday abroad every year.

On the 20th April on this thread, I said I wouldn't go to Turkey, or even change at Istanbul airport.

So sorry for all those who have lost their lives today in the bombings.

I went a few years ago. Would I go now? Maybe only to the tourist spots (Olu deniz where I've been before you can avoid Istanbul)

I've just come back from Israel. Somewhere where it's reportedly more dangerous/volatile. And everything was fine.

Was I scared to go? Yes. Did I have a great time? well it was mostly for work but yes. No drama. Security everywhere was tight. But it always has been. And I felt safe.

So many places are becoming off limits now. I'm so very grateful I was able to see the Pyramids and the medinas in Tunisia. I'm very sad I will never be able to visit Morocco or indeed places like Israel.

never say never.

Not on your nellie, even before last night. The same goes for any north Africa destination.
11 days booked on the Croatian coast for September.

Oh enjoy Croatia Janey, it's absolutely beautiful.

Very sad about the terrorism at Ataturk Airport. Turkey is such a beautiful country with lovely people.

I can't help thinking about Joanna from the Poppy's Style blog, who posts on mumsnet sometimes. Her most recent blog post was about preparing to leave for Turkey. I do hope she and her family are safe.